Cute Love

This is my second layout featuring Faith Sisters Designs - from Willro&Co Designs and Dahlia Co Designs. I just loves these reds combined with the craft paper . . . so Valentiney without being too Valentiney, you know?

This is my little man, Daniel. He fell asleep during my mom's 60th birthday celebration last Saturday. It was LOUD, and he just slept right through everything on the wicker couch on my mom's back porch. Such cute love!!!!

CREDITS:Papers, label, envelope from Bold & Beautiful by Willro&Co DesignsPlain twill from Yesteryear by Willro&Co DesignsStitching and red ribbon from Haberdashery by Willro&Co Designs"Love" Heart and chipboard frame from Gift of Love by Dahlia Co DesignsFont: Aurora Cn BT

I'm on the Digital Creative Team at Faith Sisters!

So I've been hanging at Faith Sisters since November, and I am now so excited to be a part of the Digital Creative Team for the site. There are some very talented designers in the shop and I'm thrilled to be able to work with their designs.

The first layout I created was with Willro&co Designs and Drehi Designs and I used for the Faith Discovery Challenge #2, Time for Change.

CREDITS: Background paper, decorative border strip, old slide frame, and vintage card from Yesteryear by Willro&co Designs; cotton reel bottom & pressed stud from Haberdashery by Willro&co Designs; Swirly Alpha by Willro&co Designs; hinge from A Reason To Shed Blood by Drehi; paint smear and stitching from Absolut! by Drehi; Font: Evanescent

Welcome Little Jackson Alan!

WELCOME LITTLE JACKSON TO OUR FAMILY!

CREDITS: All papers and elements from Clippity Snippets Collection by Studio Lorie; font: Brandywine

I'm in the SPOTLIGHT!

I'm in the Member Spotlight over at scrapbookgraphics.com!

Check it out: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Crown of Love and Compassion - Faith Sisters Inspiration Challenge

Another year older . . . and what have I learned? Sometimes I feel that I am on a merry-go-round and I'll never get off, never see anything new happen in my life. Recently, though, I've started to develop a confidence in the love of my Savior. It still amazes me that He can love and accept just as I am now . . . not when I've improved myself enough . . . but RIGHT NOW. So my goal in the coming months is to learn to wear His crown of love and compassion with dignity and grace, and that I'll be able to share His love of me with others.

Credits: All papers and elements from the Cool Cat Collection by Raspberry Road Designs; font: You Are Loved

New Day - Faith Discovery Challenge #1

CREDITS: All papers and elements from the Twitterpated Collection by Studio Lorie with the exception of the lock and key with twine from the Prairie Gal Collection by Studio Lorie. Font is Brandywine.

Our Love - Twitterpated Collection by Studio Lorie

This is me and Jay at my mom's birthday party last night. I used Lorie's newest designs from her Twitterpated Collection that will be released at scrapbookgraphics.com very soon! As you can see, the collection is full of romantic papers and elements . . . lots of textures and colors . . . just absolutely gorgeous! I'm twitterpated!
All papers and elements from the Twitterpated Collection by Studio Lorie coming soon to SBG!; Font: Bodoni Bk BT; Photo Action: Creamy Tone by Natasha Whiteley

Princess Abi of the Butterflies

This is my lovely niece Abi who is just so full of life and happiness. She just became a big sister to little Jackson (who was born prematurely) . . . and I created this LO just so she could put it in her room. I used the Butterfly Breeze collection by Angelfaye Designs that is just full of lovely papers and elements that are so soft and feminine! I overlaid a butterfly paper on top of another darker paper by ONDesigns as well as running a Lomo photo action by PSEFrank on the entire page. To make the hair, I used some swirls by Rhonna Farrer made all sparkly and shiny with a glitter style by Flergs.
Credits: Butterfly paper, flowers and leaves: Butterfly Breeze/Angelfaye Designs; Swirls (for hair): Swirls Vol. 4/Rhonna Farrer; Glitter Styles (purple and gold): Flergs; Lomo Photo Action: PSEFrank; Leaf and Patterned Paper: Kit No. 13/ONDesigns; Butterfly Brushes downloaded from Internet

Siblings

CREDITS: From SBG Welcome Home Collab: Lined background paper and paint smear: Berna Datema; Stitched ribbon and stitched overlay: Brownie Ann; License plate, bolts & vintage alpha: Maya; torn & stitched graph paper: Plum Tuckered; connector and flowers: Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie; dried leaf, tie, pearl & glass word box: Archive Collection by Studio Lorie; font: problem secretary

The Cabinet

This cabinet belonged to my husband's grandmother, who died when my daughter was just a baby. The cabinet was in our home for a long time, but spent some time at my mother-in-law's. Just a few days ago, we got the cabinet back. While it was empty and in the middle of the den, Daniel decided it would be a great place to hide. He spent several minutes (a feat for a toddler with a short attention span) playing peek-a-boo. My husband's grandmother delighted in my daughter, and I think she would have been greatly amused watching Daniel play his little game.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from the Annabelle Collection by angelfaye designs (ribbon and flowers recolored); stamp journal block from Antique Treasures by Alabaster Box; font: bulky refuse type; alpha: origin unknown

Be My Valentine!

I kept seeing this little stamped image of a ladybug and I thought it was so cute, so I decided to make a digi one! I used a heart from Krystal Hartley's Sweetest Thing to make the ladybug wings. This will be printed out and used as Olivia's Valentines to pass out to her classmates.

Credits:
Papers and glitter heart: Sweetest Thing/Krystal Hartley; Label, frame, safety pin, frame, brads: New Beginnings Freebie Kit/Raspberry Road Designs; Ribbon & Sweet Label: Annie's Room Freebie, Raspberry Road Designs; heart brush for the trail: easyelements.com; Font: kissmekissmekissme; Scalloped paper mask: Rhonna Farrer/2Peas

In The Sea - Under the Sea Quick Page Freebie

This is one of my cousins who came to visit for a few weeks last summer. He is SUPER cute and sweet, too!
CREDITS: All papers and elements from the Under the Sea Collection by Scrap N Tag; font: bulky refuse type

I have created a little quick page freebie for you based on my LO . . . please leave a comment or say hello if you decide to download the page! Carolyn at Scrap N Tag is generously allowing her Creative Team to offer these Quick Pages on our blogs, so you'll want to check back in the near future for additional Quick Pages from her other collections!

DOWNLOAD HERE: *****LINK EXPIRED*****

Angels Watch Over You - Secret Scraplift Challenge - The Shaker Box Online Crop

I scraplifted my LO Rikki's "Yes, You" (TO SEE IT - CLICK HERE)


This is my son and daughter hanging out on his bed when we finally converted it from crib to daybed/toddler bed. No, I don't need any lectures. Yes, I know that he is 2 1/2. BUT he wasn't crawling out of the crib and we were getting full nights of rest. Now that he can get out, we've been having a little visitor come to our bed almost every night (or at least very early morning). He is so happy with his "big boy bed." When we put it up, he had Olivia get with him on the bed and read books with him. This shot of them was snapped along with about a hundred others. I just love their expressions and how they are looking up.

Credits: Background paper: Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie; tape strips: Clippity Snippets by Studio Lorie; font: youareloved; stamped alpha brush: Mindy; Parisian alpha: Rhonna Farrer; angels watch over you WA: Batina; date stamp: Yin; wing brush: Shirl

A is for Artist - Alphabet Shoot Challenge at SBG

I created this LO from my favorite collection of the moment, Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie at scrapbookgraphics.com. I keep returning to it over and over again. I know, I know, it's unhealthy BUT I just can't seem to help myself. When I was creating my LO about being an artist, this collection just kept popping back into my head, so I went with it. I hope that you will love the collection just as much as I do (cause you'll be seeing a lot more of it - hee, hee)!

Credits:
All papers and elements from Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie with the exception of the twirly twig from the Archive Collection by Studio Lorie and the playing card alpha by Carolyn Bender; font: Brandywine

Embrace The Gray - Challenge at The Shaker Box Online Crop!

The Shaker Box is having an online crop starting tomorrow, Friday, January 18, 2008. There will be challenges, chats, games and prizes. One of the challenges is going to be posted by me. You're getting a sneak preview here on my blog.

It's called "Embrace the Gray." With winter here in full force, and sunshine in limited supply, I say we go along with it and embrace the gray! You know I'm talking about layouts here, right? So here's what you do: get your layout going using shades of gray . . . from silver to the darkest of grays . . . in your background paper, in your photo, in your largest elements. After you've embraced it, that's the time to give the gray a chance to shine. Choose a vibrant color and accent that gray. Not too difficult. And it's amazing that what starts out as relatively drab and plain becomes something altogether fabulous! My example layout uses gray in the background, photo and frame, and then I dressed up the gray with some punches of blues. Let's see what you come up with! Join this challenge and others by heading on over to The Shaker Box! I hope to see you there! Oh, and for those who participate, I'll be having a random drawing for a Provo Craft 12x12 fabric album (see below for picture).

CREDITS: Paper (color removed) and Elements: Dream Kit in Turquoise by Bridget; Gray Distressed Frame: Annabelle by angelfaye designs"Lovely" Flourish: Fashion Patisserie brushes by Rhonna Farrer/2PeasParisian Alpha: Rhonna Farrer/2PeasBrass Calendar Brads (hue adjusted): M. Patry

Scripture Challenge Week 1 - Faith

These are my first cards for the scripture challenge going on over at Faith Sisters. They are designed so that when they are printed, they can be affixed to jumbo size plastic coated playing cards and then can be kept at hand for memorization and encouragement. If you haven't heard about this challenge, head over to Faith Sisters for details. You can join at any time during the year, and there are no deadlines . . . just finish the cards after you research the scriptures.

CREDITS: All papers and elements from the Sweetest Thing Collection by Krystal Hartley; Template: Nikki Painter; Font: problem secretary; Vibe white grunge alpha: Erica Hernandez/2Peas

My BFF Mini Kit - Krystal Hartley at polkadotpotato.com

Isn't this the cutest little mini kit? And it is absolutely perfect for highlighting those sweet best friend forever photos. This is my daughter and her bosom buddy.

CREDITS: All papers and elements from My BFF Mini Kit by Krystal Hartley; Sweet Pea Bonus Brushes by Rhonna Farrer/2Peas; Fonts: dearjoefour and DellaRobbiaBT

GLAD - Faith Sisters Inspirational Challenge #2

Another picture from my stepmom's and sister Emily's travels to Italy last fall. I used elements from Raspberry Road's Hemingway's Travels Collection and Nappa Valley Collection to create a warm layout that not only makes me feel like I'm standing in the sun in a vineyard, but works perfectly with the scripture that I chose for the challenge.

CREDITS: Background paper, journaling stamp, gauge, frame, butterfly, bow, tag, leather strap border from Hemingway's Travels Collection; wine and vineyard word strips, antique grapes sign and glitter vine from Nappa Valley Collection; old western alpha by Monica Larsen

Under the Tuscan Sun

Back in 2001, I missed a chance to go to Italy with a friend of mine. Since then, I've really wanted to go . . . she has been back again and again, taunting me each time with her photos. She just went last year. Then my step-mom won a trip to Italy last fall and took her daughter along with her. These are some of the photos from their trip. Whenever I look at them, I can't help but think of "Under the Tuscan Sun." I love that book and movie and I just really feel like I would fit right in, lounging about, enjoying good food, lovely scenery, local personalities . . . ahhh, in my dreams, it's just perfect.

Credits:
All papers and elements from Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie/Lorie Davison; Font: Facelift

My Mother-In-Law

This is my mother-in-law, a special woman who treats me as her own and is a good friend, too.

All papers and elements from Adelina's The Fountain of Joy/Do It Digi; Gold Button Alpha: Designs by Lauren/digitalscrapbookplace

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CREDITS:
All papers and elements from Bloomin' Springy by Studio Lorie except for antiqued frame from Prairie Gal by Studio Lorie and flowers from Spunki Charms by Studio Lorie; font is uncletypewriter

When I say I am a Christian . . .

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting ''I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say "I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou.
I was just a sinner who received God's good grace by faith! [author unknown]

This is a shout-out to my Faith Sister, Jackie Ann, who shared this today over in the forum with all of us and I just love it. Jackie Ann has a great sense of humor and is compassionate and caring . . . and she prays with and for me! In fact, I've got a spiritual family growing 400 strong now . . . it's amazing to me that God has blessed me with so many Christian friends! A big thank you and much love going out to ALL my sisters.

Say A Prayer

My younger sister Jessy is having a c-section this afternoon. She is almost 29 weeks. If you stop by and happen to read this, please say a prayer for her and the baby, and the rest of the family, too. Thanks.

Wonder - The Shaker Box - Do It Digi Wednesday - Doodlerific! Challenge

How precious is this? Sometimes when I look at him I am so amazed that God placed this unique creature in my care. We've had such a rough time with his health these first two years, yet his personality is so fun and he is SO loving and affectionate. While I partly named this LO "Wonder" because of his expression, the other part of me named it that way because of the way I feel when I look at it. Wonder. Amazement. Thank you, Lord.

Credits:
All papers and doodles from Flittery Sparkles and Lolly Polk-A-Dot Collections by Studio Lorie; font: Windsong

Pink and Happy Yummy Flowery Goodness

I created these two LOs for part of my creative team contribution over at The Shaker Box . . . and one of the LOs (Beautiful) fits right in with a numbered challenge over at DID. This collection, called Tickle, was designed by Andrea Boyer of Boyerville Scraps. You can visit Andrea's blog here: Boyerville Scraps.

This LO is called Beautiful and contains pictures of flowers from my Grandma's garden that my mother arranged in this cool vase, and they are resting on a crocheted doily made for my birthday by my Grandma.

CREDITS:Background paper, transparent pink tag, ring frame, pink plaid looped ribbon, polaroid frames, pink & orange zinnias from Tickle by Andrea Boyer/Boyerville Scraps (January Digital Sponsor at The Shaker Box).Journal label & flower on stem from Prairie Gal and word art/doodle & stitched ribbon border from Clippity Snippets, both by Studio Lorie.Font: Brandywine

This LO is called Olivia's Room . . . appropriately enough . . . because I am documenting what her room looks like now. I anticipate us making some changes in the room soon. She's almost eleven, and wants something more mature.

CREDITS:Papers, paper frame, cardboard frame, ribbon & flowers from Tickle by Andrea Boyer/Boyerville Scraps (January Digital Sponsor at The Shaker Box)Diamonds from Trish's Collection by ScrapNTag; Scatterelle Brush by CC; Glitter Style by Flergs; Stamped Alpha by Scrappin Freestyle; Fonts: Scriptina and Nueva STD

Household Chores

So I'm a domestic goddess, huh? Well, I do rule over my house.

There was a time when I completely let this inanimate thing have total control over me. Sometimes it has partial control. But most of the time I am on top of things.

It's simple, really. Just have to do the thing(s) you don't want to do. Just get up and do it. Lately, I've been making a little internal deal with myself: can't scrapbook, work on blog, or go to forums until I've completed x, y, z. It's been working. I still have loads of time for family, scrapbooking, Bible study. It's amazing, honestly.

So just try it. Do the thing you really don't want to do and then reward yourself. When you are done with the reward, do another thing you don't want to do. Before long, you will find that you have a lot more free time that is really FREE because there is no guilt of "not having things done."

TRY - Color Selection 2Peas/2sday Challenge

Awww, my sweet little boy in October when I got brave enough to let him eat an apple without cutting off the peel and chopping it into tiny pieces. He loved chomping down, but did spit out the peel (gross) hither and yon . . . I felt like I was picking up apple from everywhere. He now prefers to eat his apple peeled and sliced into "fries." Works for me. I had to take pictures of him though. He was REALLY chowing down! The color selection on the photo took a little time, but otherwise, the LO really created itself. I open up Lorie's kits and my imagination just runs wild! Can I add this? What will this look like? And her collections are jam packed with the loveliest elements and papers. You can use them over and over again and they are versatile enough to be used in conjunction with other collections. Okay, I'm done with my cheerleading for tonight. Enjoy the eye candy!

CREDITS:
All papers and elements from Prairie Gal Collection by Studio Lorie/Lorie Davison (coming soon to scrapbookgraphics.com) with the exception of the red edged journal frame from Clippity Snippets Collection by Studio Lorie/Lorie Davison; stamped alpha brush by Mindy; flourish stamp from Free New Years Brushes by Rhonna Farrer/2Ps

DID Template Challenge #3

I did a LO very recently about my blessing of a cousin, Tracy. This little cutie pie is her youngest . . .

CREDITS:
Solid and patterned papers, overlay, grunged frame, flowers and lacing: Annabelle/angelfaye; arrow, glitter, pipe cleaner, polaroid frame & label: Child's Play/Traci Sims; red alpha: Scarlett Heels; date stamp: Rhonna Farrer; template: Templates N More

Resolve

Journaling reads: I am determined, fully resolved, to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ. I am here in my weaknesses and fears and with much trembling -- I am here so that the evidence of Christ working in my imperfect and weak life will increase your faith. (my prayer and resolve from 2 Corinthians 2:1-5) 2008

CREDITS:
Background Paper & Alpha:New Beginnings DST Gold Member Kit/Meredith Fenwick; Frames, Lace Accents, Flowers & Cameo:Dazzing Evening/New Life; Old Journaling Paper and Jewels:Grungy Kind of Love/Scrap N Tag; Font:Ellianarelle's Path

Olivia on Christmas Eve - DID Color Challenge #3

My lovely daughter on Christmas Eve. Such a wistful look on her face! She is growing up TOO fast.

CREDITS:
Paper, Frame, Flowers from Harmony's Dress by KimB's Designs; Ribbon Frame and Alpha from Emma by Amy W. Designs; Font: Baron Kuffner

Italy 2007 - Frameworthy Challenge Pointillism

Used a pic from my little sister Emily's trip to Italy for this challenge focusing on Seurat and pointillism. One day I will go to Europe, one day I will go to Europe, one day I will go to Europe - oh, I'm sorry, was I chanting? Excuse me. Seriously. I will go.

Credits:
Papers, frame, document border, dried flowers, bead border and label from Archive Collection by Studio Lorie; tape piece and rosehips from Clippity Snippets Collection by Studio Lorie; Fonts: Brandywine and Aquiline Two

Families Stitched Together - DID Quote Challenge #6

Credits: All papers and elements from A Grungy Kind of Love by Scrap N Tag. Font is You Are Loved. Scatterelle brush by CC with glitter style by Flergs.

Our Garden - Template Challenge at SBG

Our back yard . . . pic from October 2007

Credits: Papers from For The Love of Rose by Scrap N Tag, flowers and leaf doodles from Cheryl's Collection by Scrap N Tag, yellow flower border from Special Gift by New Life, butterflies and mushrooms from The Leaf Collection by NBK, template by Carena's Designs

'Twas The Month After Christmas

‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The punch and the candy, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d not said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed my self in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”
So—away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
“Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie—not even a lick,
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry,
I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn’t that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

This super cute poem was shared by a Faith Sister. I'm not sure who the author is, but thank you for the smile!

She's So Beautiful - SBG Studio Starts Challenge

Created for Studio Starts #74, Scraplift of Nicole of ON Designs

This is my daughter at Pensacola Beach in October 2007. She astonishes me with her stunning outer beauty, but my real amazement comes at how innately kind and loving she is.

CREDITS:Background paper from New Beginnings, ric rac and green bow from Festive, black yarn from From This Moment and patterned paper from Kayla Bugs , all by Raspberry Road Designs; template Shape by JillDZines; rubber band by Scrappy Cats Designs; glass bead alpha by Dirty Feet Designs; black rhinestone alpha by Monika69; all other elements taken from Flittery Sparkles and Lolly Polk-A-Dots by Studio Lorie.