Dear Laura...

Dear Laura,

I'm so sorry that I didn't start my last blog post this way, not sure where my mind went!?! :)

I have been teasing my loyal blog reader and friend Laura that I was going to start all my posts with "Dear Laura"....so unless there is proof of other readers I may do just that!

It's been a whirlwind of Christmas Projects the last few days preparing for Polkadotpotato's Christmas Open House on Saturday! I have a few last minute things to finish up on tomorrow and then I think I'll be ready on my end!! (I hope! :) ) Laura, will you be coming by?? :)

I've been working hard to stay on track with the Digi Biggest Loser comp. I have not been doing wonderful in terms of eating the past two days, BUT that being said I am doing much better than my "normal" eating habits! I am staying within my WW points...but my bonus points for the week are dwindling down! Today we had a challenge to do as many arm curls as you could in 30 minutes...really 3 sets of 10 minutes. I'm finding that my fingers are not cooperating so well, after effect or late night tiredness? hmmmm :) I did pretty well, all that weight lifting of a toddler throughout the day is really paying off in that area!

I know I still need to update with some pictures, but I'm sooooo tired that I'm not thinking straight. Really, I promise I'll do it soon!!

G'night!

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've blogged, and I was on such a roll too!! Things have been pretty busy around here...let's see if I can catch up...

First, I updated my header using Dani's cute Fall Crush paper and embellishment pack! It's so fun and the pink adds just a little something extra with the fall colors! The outside pics are both from the farm we visited and the center pic is Abigale's pumpkin art project! Pappaw and Grammy made one too - they are on display at the house! :)

We took a visit to "Country Critter Farm" the first week of Oct. Abigale had fun but it was HOT - in the 90's. I think it's also the only thing I've scrapped this month - so I'll be sure to share that layout!

School House Rock was playing at Casa Manana - lots of flashbacks....Conjunction Junction, what's your function?? Cheasy but upbeat and fun :)

We took a quick visit to Houston early this month. Abigale ended up with a cold and slight fever...we joke that we can't go to Houston without either Abigale or myself getting sick! It was a fun but short visit! We were able to sneak in a trip to the Ren. Fest!

I finally agreed to put some of my old products in the store over at Polkadotpotato. It's slow going, but I did upload a few things that will be in the store soon. I've also been working on a really fun calendar kit that should be finished soon time permitting!

I jumped in to the Digi Biggest Loser competition! GO YELLOW! :) ...and in that same regards I decided to give Weight Watchers another try, this time online. So far it's going well, I'm watching my points and I'm exercising in some form or fashion every day. I lost about a pound last week, but I also had a faulty scale for the first weigh in....so I'm hoping for better progress this week!

Michelle Pearson asked me to be part of her photography action team! They are fantastic and definately give your photo a little extra umph! Her new site should be opening soon, but until then you can check her out at SBB.

Last Friday we made a Star's hockey game. It was really fun even though they lost...4 to 3. They really tried to pull it out the last minute of the game. Abigale went with us and was very good. She enjoyed all the lights, not all the sounds, and made friends with the people sitting near us.

Last week I came down with a really bad cold...it was bad....hurt to swallow, breath, move....BUT I'm feeling much better now. I even took Abigale to Boo at the Zoo despite all the sniffling from me! Abigale was a very cute ladybug, which is what she'll be again today!

This upcoming Saturday is a Holiday Open House over at Polkadotpotato in Richardson. So this week is filled with projects I'm finishing to display on Sat! I think it'll be a fun day, full of holiday inspiration! So if you're in the DFW area you should swing by!!! There is also a crop running, but I'm not sure how much space is left!

I think that pretty much wraps up all our happenings. Seems were just going all the time around here! Speaking of that, it's time to run out again, I'll try to come back and update with some pics!

Wasting the day away on....lifetime movies...

So I feel like the TV is sucking away my day! I have NO idea why I'm watching these dramas, but the next one comes on and I don't turn the TV....and a little while later I'm hooked into watching it! Sad...very sad... :)

I've been soooo busy this past month that I have literally had something scheduled for myself or Abigale every day on the calendar, so the ability to sit like a vegtable for a while took over and now mos of the day has wasted away. :) I do have church tonight so at some point I will have to peel myself away!

Now I'm at a turning point....Abigale is napping and I can either (a) continue to watch lifetime movies (b) mindlessly surf the internet or (c) relax in a nice hot bubble bath before Abigale wakes up

off to make a decision! ;)

speaking of clutter....

it's still everywhere....or at least it feels that way.

We finally made it by Walmart today to buy some clear storage containers. I like it when I can actually see what's in it. So today's mission is to get things off the floor and into the containers.

Abigale just loves her little car. She is trying to put the walmart sack with the newly bought containers in it as we speak. Goofy girl, she is so frustrated that they won't fit that they are going in the car and out the other window. She loves to pack the car up just as if she's been shopping. (don't know where she gets that from! ;) )

She also has a recently new word added to our family vocabulary "mup". That's the lazy way of saying mama pick me up. She has been using it about a month now and I think it's hillarious. I always respond to her with someing like, "You want me to pick you up?" or "I'll pick you up" but I never correct...because I know this will pass in time, so I'm just enjoying it's cuteness.

We're trying to break away from the paci a bit and just use it for nap/night time. I think she's caught on....in fact I KNOW she's caught on, because everytime I see her she has a paci in her mouth and is carrying one around like it's insurance. When I take it away she throws a fit, which she never really did before, so I think this will be a rough weaning.

Since the mess is only getting messier by the minute, I better get to work on it! :)

Another day...another quiz! :)

Okay, so here I go again, just suggest a quiz to me and I'm off to take it!



Laura - I expect you to take this and report the results to me! ;)

The birthday weekend bonanza went well. Thursday we went to the zoo with my gimpy toe. It was slow going, but the weather was nice and Abigale had a good time. That evening we had cake with my family - the cake was too cute - a ladybug! I'll have to post a pic.

Abigale's birthday present from us:


Birthday cake:




Family and several close friends met us at a park on Saturday to celebrate and I think the kids had a blast. I always forget how hectic it is to "host" a party. I felt like I was running with one eye on Abigale and one eye on all the guests trying to make sure that no one was neglected! I didn't really ever get a chance to sit down and visit....but then again with Abigale that doesn't typically happen anyways. She is one fast girl! She climbed on the big kid part of the park without hesitation!!

Cake from the park:


During the party she decided that she didn't really want to open gifts. She opened a couple, but that was more than enough for her. So, we take it all home, and try to convince here that she really did want to open them. We really should just give her one gift, because she would be more than happy just to open one present and play. At any rate, my living room looks like a toy store exploded! My brother decided to give her this inflatable ball pit - it's not huge, but it's not small either. My parents gave her a wagon, which is still in the living room, and the little tykes car we gave her is also there too - let's just say it's cozy. So the goal for today is to get some of this to her room, wagon and car to the garage, and get the clutter cleared up. Wish me luck on that!

Ballpit from Uncle Ryan:


***Just a note - I know these pics are HUGE and are causing my sidebar to go off to the bottom, but blogger isn't uploading and even though I resized in photobucket, it's acting weird!!! I'm too lazy to fix right now.....maybe later ;)***

Long Time No Blog!

You can always tell when I've submerged myself into a new project because the poor blog is the first thing to be neglected!

Last weekend was my first digital class over at the Polka Dot Potato! It went really well and the ladies (students) were just wonderful!! I spent the first week of September finishing up the curriculum and I've spent this week recooperating (haha just kidding!)

This week has been a bit of a frustration so far - so hopefully the end of the week will be better. I'll skip all the little things (like Abigale acting like a TWO year old) and get straight to the worst part. Yesterday evening the phone was ringing - and I was frantically trying to get across the house and to the phone before the third ring (when call notes answers) and what do I do??? I catch my little toe on the corner of the couch!! OUCH! It is bruised really bad, and although it hurts to move it, I think I have decided it's not actually broken. I have broken that toe once before, so at least that gave me something to compare it to. So.....today I have just been hobbling around the house, not getting anything done, and family will be in town TOMORROW for Abigale's birthday.

Speaking of that, my little girl will be an official TWO year old tomorrow! My how the time flies!!! I was planning to take her to the zoo - but I'm reconsiderig it due the the gimpy toe. We'll do something fun though - we just have to!!

I'm going through all the stages of disbelief that Abigale has actually reached two. No, she can't really be that old....have I miscalculated?...did we skip a month somewhere...hmmmm you're little, we'll just say your one and you can skip the terrible twos and we'll just catch up at three somewhere. Okay so really, I'm not in denial, but I am missing some of those baby stages - not enough to have another yet mind you, just missing some of it! ;)

I am really so very lucky to have such a sweet, happy, and amazing daughter! I feel like I'm always saying this...but I can't wait to see what she does next!! :)

Sharing some layouts :)

Just a quick post to share some layouts :)

I was give or take 12 in this picture with my best friend Laura :) We've been friends since 6th grade. :)



Journaling reads:
Were has the time gone? From days where we were the shortest and skinniest in our sixth grade classes and I was actually smaller than you! We both wore glasses that we look back at pictures and laugh at. From the awkward days of junior high, trying to dodge fights in the halls and being content not being noticed at all...to the days of high school giggling with all the other girls in our little group. Evenings spent at the local playground swinging and talking about our futures and pondering our latest dilemma. Hours of marching band practice and dancing in the stands. You were there when I learned to drive and suffered through many of those first horrible car rides, we always made it to our destination though! On through college, boyfriends, weddings, and now our largest journey, motherhood, we’ve been there…together. Laura, you have been such a dear friend to me, I think at times you know me better than I know myself. No one can make me laugh like you. I am so fortunate to call you friend. I love you!

Credits: Michelle Coleman Copacabana and alpha stamps and paint stroke brushes, fonts are susie's hand and fb blueberry, Katie's AMM August

This one is a scraplift of a really fun layout on the cover of Scrapbooks etc Design Secrets, created by Tracy Kyle.



Credits: Cabana Boy and little flowers by Dani Mogstad , Font is Arial Black

The next couple of layouts uses Dani's exclusive ACOT kit Cool School. :)

Robbie and Kevin playing disc golf in New Mexico.




Abigale swinging at a local park. :)

Kids do the silliest things!

Abigale did several things today that just made me smile. A friend of ours was able to find a couple of Wiggles DVDs at a local consignment sale and Abigale went nuts - immediately had to put one in. She was willing to start it herself...if only she knew how. :) She's getting close to figuring it out - one of her new fav pastimes is turning off the sound right at the most critical part of any TV show....sigh...that's a fun skill.

She's still teething, but seems to be feeling better today. She decided to give her pretzel snack over to the cats, she's so sweet. They were cuddled (probably thought it was "safer" to sleep that way) and along comes Abigale, dumping her entire bowl of pretzels right in front of them. She pointed and told them to eat them, I put them back in her bowl, and she proceeded to give them back to the cats one at a time. So what was I to do, but grab the camera! lol :) The cats have put in a future request for snacks of cheese :)

Later that day....it was time for nap, and of course not a paci was in sight. I searched the house over. Yesterday she had three, all at one time, but could I find any of them?? The only spot I hadn't checked was under her snack bowl on the floor. I jokingly told Abigale to look under her bowl, and she didn't, and I didn't, and I continued looking under every pillow, in her toys, etc. Finally I come back and it's as if the bowl is speaking to me...sure enough her paci was right there, hidden under the little plastic bowl. Good news, she did promptly go to sleep once paci resurfaced.



I've done a few more layouts, it's just really worked out that I've had time to do them the past few days. I am a little bummed though. It seems like I don't have many comments and the past couple of design teams I've applied for have not chosen me. I know let's all say it together....poor Amanda. :) I am so blessed to be on the teams I'm on - I have the privledge of working with some fantastic designers. I know that I do these layouts for myself and my family, not for others approval, and the CTs are just a perk. I just hate putting myself out there for possible rejection. :( I haven't submitted to any magazines for precisely that - I just don't want to hear someone say your work isn't what I'm looking for (because in my sad little head I hear my work isn't "good enough"). I think it might be the teacher in me, I just love (crave even) positive feedback. Give me a gold star or a sticker and I'm a happy girl all day long. So, I think it's just a case of the blahs hanging over from another day. (and this concludes my complaining for this post!)

Completely forgot....

about an update on Robbie's grandfather. :(

Things are not looking too good. On Monday morning he was put into ICU because his blood count was low - they did a transfusion but it wasn't helping. He is bleeding from somewhere and it's not from the surgery...so they are really not sure what is going on. He is way over medicated so he's very disoriented, isn't recognizing people, and forgets where he is. They are backing off of the pain medications so that hopefully some of that fog can go away and also so that he can tell them where he is feeling pain (so hopefully they can get the bleeding figured out).

Robbie's family (namely his grandmother) will not allow him to visit - although at this point it's because he's in ICU and can't have any visiters - but I know it's really distressing Robbie. Robbie said his other cousins and his sister have not been allowed visitation either.

Other than that we just know that his diagnosis isn't very good - so we'll just have to see what happens over the next few days. I'm not sure that it's at a life or death point, but I do know they are worried about his quality of life with the hip fracture :(

Beautiful Blah Day

So, I'm having one of those days...nothing is particularly wrong - just have a case of the blahs :) I'm sure it'll pass by tomorrow.

It was really beautiful around here. It was actually tolerable to be outside! YAY! So Abigale finally had a chance to play on her new (to us) playset. We were very very lucky to end up with this wooden playset hand me down. Here are a few pics of her playing today! :)









and this is my personal favorite of the evening.....Abigale making the funniest face when the neighbors dog started barking and startled her!



Abigale looks pretty happy in these pictures, but she was NOT a happy camper earlier. She's been teething...and just can't cut the teeth - so they swell and hurt and then give up for a week and the whole process repeats. Needless to say, she didn't sleep well last night and nor did I. She did take a long nap, although it was restless - lots of tossing and turning with an occasional cry. She does seem to feel a bit better tonight though - so I'm hoping for a good night's sleep!

And last but not least, some layouts! I've decided I'll share them all on the blog, and then post them as I can in the galleries - so be on the lookout because I love praise ;)

These two are both from today - they are using a new combo kit, Carpe Diem, by Dani Mogstad and Shawna Clingerman (what a great team!!) it'll be available on Sept 1st!





These two are using Maddy's Smile, one of the photo contest inspired layouts by Dani Mogstad! Also available on Sept 1st!





That's all I've got for now! :)

Just a quick note!

Katie's September Amazing Month of Memories is UP at A Cherry on Top AND it's on SALE! :) Katie is great about putting her already affordable packs on sale each month with the new release. You can get it for only $3 until August 27th - so don't miss out! They are great for looking at your pics in new ways, or maybe scrapping some moments you're having....but just never thought about scrapping!!!!


More information can be found on Katie's blog. :)

Robbie's grandfather broke his hip this morning, so I think we'll be taking a trip out to the hospital to visit. It broke in several spots, so it'll require surgery tomorrow morning. :(

That's all I've got today!

{Insert custom title here!}

Okay, sorry, nothing creative is coming to mind for the title!

We had a pretty fun day today. I did some early morning babysitting for my friend Crystal, so the downside was getting up while it was still dark, but the upside is the girls had a fun time playing! :) When she got back we took the girls over to Michael's for their tator tot craft. It was actually really good for their age! :) They each made a notebook with a feathery pencil attached. The notebook was covered in foam and they had lots of sticky foam shapes to choose from to decorate it.

Yesterday Abigale "graduated" from her Little Gym class - or from the Summer Session anyways. She'll still be a "Beast" next session. She was super cute accepting her diploma and has been proudly wearing her medal! (warning this are not fantastic photos....just what I could catch - she was super fast!)







Layouts - I have been really really really enjoying Dani's Sassy Pants kit - it's so girly and fun and just perfect for a spunky toddler (or any girl really). So I used it for a couple of layout I've already shared...and Abigale's birthday inviation....and a photo swap...and I'm sure I'm thinking it'll make a perfect mini album ....I *might* need an intervention soon! :) Seriously though, if you have a little girl, you need this kit!

Here is a peak at the web version of Abigale's invite. We're having it at a park with a monkey theme for our little monkey :)



Then, there is one of my recent fav layouts - I just haven't posted it on the blog! :) It uses Dani's Love Me Tender Kit from This Love CD. The Font is Jane Austin.

Proud Toddler Mama - this way!

So I had a moment tonight - Abigale went in the potty for the first time! :) I'll try to refrain from all the silly things we say as moms to get them to go, but I'm so proud that she did! :)

Let me also say that I am NOT pushing her to be potty trained. I'm not on a race against time, not competing with other moms out there, just waiting for when SHE knows the time is right.

We put the potty in the bathroom a couple of weeks ago - and we've been talking about the potty - but again no pushing. Tonight she wanted to sit on it (which she has done several times with no result) and actually went! Yay for her!! :) I understand this may be a isolated event, she may not want to even try again for a while - and that's ok! But it is a positive step in the right direction! :)

Although that is the highlight of my day lol - I actually was able to finish invitations for Abigale's birthday party and will be sending them out hopefully tomorrow. I still can't believe she'll be TWO next month...were did the time go?? :)

I also got a layout done, but I can't share yet! :)

I got some really great news from Ashley today! My first class over at Polka Dot Potato - "Beyond Basics" is sold out!!! There are still several classes available in September, but it's really encouraging to know I'll have a full audience for my first!!! :) So if you are a DFW scrapper and are interested in learning more about digital scrapbooking - come take a class!!! :)

That all being said, it's time for bed - I'm one tired Mama! :)

Play-doh

Abigale played with Play-doh for the first time today. No pictures - I was afraid if I didn't watch her that she might try to eat it! Luckily there was some sniffing and she did bring it up to her mouth - but NO play-doh was ingested!

We talked about colors (we used pink, then green, then orange - but NO mixing lol). We squished, rolled, poked, flattened, and squeezed...and giggled all the way! :)

Have you watched "So You Think You Can Dance?"? Okay, I admit, I fell in love with the show and watched almost every episode - I was soooo happy that Benji won - just LOVE his personality. He is really fun to watch and his dancing is great! The other runners up were really fantastic too - it could have easily gone to any of them! I'm seriously thinking of looking up when the top 10 are touring.... :)

No new layouts to post, so I think I'll leave it at that for tonight!!! :)

Some layouts to share!!

I got a few new pages done today, feels good! :)

I worked on a insert for my sports bottle from the Spud Club kit over at Polka Dot Potato. It turned out really cute, but I think I'll wait until I can get some better natural light before I take/upload a picture. You can also buy the sports bottles without the club kit - they are really neat! The bottom screws off so you can put money, keys, etc in it. Fun Fun!!:)

Anyway, on to the layouts! I'll be posting these in my normal galleries over the next few days.

This first layout has been waiting to go to gallery for a while...



Love that look over the shoulder trick! lol

Journaling reads: It’s “the look” the “Mama are you watching, here I go, there is no stopping me” look. I can see the wheels moving in your head as you think about exploring something new....or maybe even getting yourself into some trouble. Regardless, I always see the look first, the one that checks to see if you’re being watched and calculates if you can get away with whatever you have planned! All I can say is, Thanks for the Warning!!!

Credits: Everyday Romance by Dani Mogstad from her This Love CD. Font is Susie's Hand

I decided to just focus on the picture on this one, and not worry about all the extras, I'm happy with the result! :)



Credit: Font: TK Doodle

The next two layouts both use Dani's Sassy Pants kit - so cute for girls! It's available over at Design by Dani and A Cherry on Top.





So that's three new layouts, and one that needed to be posted...I call that a productive night! :)

Time for another post... :)

This weekend flew by!!

Saturday, I was able to go spend some time up at Polka Dot Potato and watch Ashley teach her second class of the day! It was great to spend some time with her and she did a fantastic job. She had some great ladies in the class, they caught on very quickly and their pages turned out GREAT! We all learned the value of saving our work too! :) Of course, now I'm just itching to start my classes - the teacher in me is ready to go!!!

Saturday evening I was able to visit with Laura for a little while (she's my best friend from high school). We were hoping she could meet up with Ashley and I for dinner, but that didn't work out so I came to her! :) I haven't laughed that hard in a long time...we started talking about some of our high school experiences...and it brought back a lot of really great memories. We were really lucky to have each other as well as our other friends. Life would have been much harder without her in my life...and that even goes for today too!

This morning one of the moms groups I'm in did a Cooking with Kids day. It ended up being just me and another mom, but I think our giggles made up for that - we had as much fun as the kids did! :)

We made...... dump cake! lol :) and that's how you make it too...just dump the ingredients in. So easy an almost 2 year old can do it!! (with just a little help from her Mama!)

The ingredients are: 1 can fruit pie filling (any flavor), 1 can fruit cocktail or pinapple, 1 box cake mix (yellow, white, or spice), and a stick and a half of melted butter.

The best part is, you just put them in the baking dish in the exact order above. Just dump them in! No mixing, but we did do a little spreading out. Our combo was apple pie filling with fruit cocktail and a spice cake mix. The end result was really good - a mix between a fruit cobbler and fruit with a ginger bread cookie on top! lol :)

So other than me opening the cans/packages - she was able to do most of the dumping! :) Very fun :)

That was our big event of the day! :)

**Just a note, the first word "dump cake" has a link to a recipe - but there are tons of variations - so if you don't like that one, just google it for lots of options! :) **

Tommorrow I think I'm going to take Abigale to the library's story time. I'm not sure how well she'll sit through it, so I'm considering this a test run. If all goes well, we'll probably make it a weekly thing.....if not we'll try again in a few months! Wish us well!!!!

New Layouts

So I was all ready to post some layouts yesterday and blogger went down for maintance. That's what happens when you're prepared! lol

Today we went to the Amon Carter art museum in downtown Fort Worth. They have a nice exibit on Western Art, but we went to see the photography exibit. It was a fun (and free!) trip!

We also had lunch at one of my favorite "hole in the wall" diners that probably actually has a hole in the wall somewhere! They have several specials that rotate each day, then also some diner standards. So, on Friday's they have this dish that Robbie and I love called Chicken Poppicotti. It's a chicken breast stuffed with a cream cheese/spinach type mixture and topped with more cheese/cream cheese - YUM - I won't even think about the calories! Anyway, so we sit down, immediately decide what we want.....and they are OUT! :( I was really disappointed. It seems like things like this are always happening to ME! :) They also have really great chocolate pie - and when I want it....really really want it, they run out before I can order! oh well....I'm sure we'll be back again. I settled for a cheese burger btw...and ate every last bite of it....lol.

Alright, I need to get to bed, so without further rambling, here are my latest layouts!



This is what happens when you leave old lipstick where little fingers can find it! Thank goodness I hadn't yet dressed her!!!

Kit: Stolen Kisses by Dani Mogstad from This Love CD. Font is Susie's Hand



Loved Jacque's layout (a fellow Dani's Girl), so here is my scraplift of it!!

Foot theme inspired by Katie's Amazing Month of Memories for August.

Kit: Everyday Romance and Love Me Tender from Dani Mogstad's This Love CD.

Fonts are Geosanslight and SF Remember



Last summer Abigale happily crawled in the sand - this year she screamed and cried and told us noooooo! Hoping it's just a phase!!!

This layout was inspired by Katie's Month of Memories for August (available at ACOT)- sand castle day. We took Abigale out to build her first sand castle.....and unfortunately it didn't happen! Good excuse to document what really happened though!!

Credits: Shabby Shack by Gina Cabrera, Copacabana by Michelle Coleman, Alpha Stamps by Nancie Rowe Janitz, Sun Stamp by Shawna Clingerman, Notepad by Isabelle from Scrapartist Splash Kit, alpha office clips by Merkeley Designs (available at Digiscrappin), Sand letters by Monica McLain

Fonts are susie's hand, artistamp, and tall pall

LD Sale!!!

Okay, I admit it, I'm a font lover! I download and download and then overuse my favorites! lol :)

I just got an email from Lettering Delights that they are having a fantastic $1 sale on August 31!! Plus, if you spread the word (about Lettering Delights or the sale) you can earn a 50% off coupon!!! Can't beat that! I know regular scrapbookers use fonts, but for digital scrapbookers - a well stocked font folder is a happy folder! So - spread the word and shop till you drop on August 31!! :)

Blog Slacker!

I was doing so well, really, but this last week I just dropped the ball on the blog! I'll try to do better this week! :)

Some exciting news - I will officially be teaching some classes at Polka Dot Potato in Richardson in September!! :) I've been planning for it for a while now, but now that it's on the calendar it feels so official!!! :) So - if you're in the Dallas area - be sure to sign up and fast - classes are filling up!! :)

I'll be teaching a Beyond Basics class and an Album in an hour class. The album class will be a summer theme, but will change each month. For more info on signing up you can go to www.polkadotpotato.com and info should be posted soon!

If you're not in the area - a class kit with an album and the quickpages will be available on the website sometime after classes begin!!!

It's been such a great opportunity to work with Ashley, and I think this is a HUGE step for Digital Scrapbooking!!!

Here is a quick scrap I posted late last night - It uses the Cool Cool Summer Kit by Sara and Mari - available over at the Digichick!














I still have three other pages to post....should happen soon!!

Just checking in....

It's been a long weekend! Robbie's new shift is kicking in, so he had to work today :( He'll have Monday off, just for this week, and then he'll have Fri/Sat off until the next shift change.

I've taken the weekend "off" in terms of posting layouts - I still have several to share that are waiting, so expect to see them tomorrow or maybe even Tuesday.

I will share one I did today though!

Here is the info: Abigale's first carousel ride!

Between Katie's inspiration for scrapping a carousel ride and this fun sketch over at scrapartist, I have a page I love! :)

Journaling reads: Your very first carousel ride!! You were so fascinated by how the horse went up and down and up and down that you spent most of the ride looking down! I was a little nervous that you might slip off your horse, but you held on with all your might and didn't budge one bit!














Credits: Topic inspiration from Katie's Month of Memories - July Issue (available at acherryontop), Sketch inpiration from Scrapartist, Kit is Emma's Sundress and Handstamped Alpha, both by Michelle Coleman, Fonts are: susie's hand, man's print, butterbrotpapier

Sun Sun go away, come again another day!

Okay, I know, that's not how the song goes...but it is so HOT! It's not as hot as last week, but just enought heat to totally exhaust you!

We went to playgroup today and did some water play outside - the poor girls didn't want to have anything to do with the pool or the sprinkler and wanted inside! Abigale wanted in so bad that she actually said inside - and she doesn't use her words unless she is really motivated! lol :)

Anyway, I think they had a good time, but I know I'm totally exhausted, and I really think it's just from the sun!

So, in the spirit of the heat...I'll share an icecream layout! :) These are the same pics from the storyboards I shared earlier this summer. I used Dani's Puppy Love kit from the This Love CD.



Journaling Reads: After a hot walk through the zoo, I knew the perfect treat! We stopped at the “old time” ice cream shoppe for some Blue Bell Icecream! The strawberry waffle come was light, refreshing....and melting really fast!!! You enjoyed it and begrudgingly shared a bite here and there with Mama. A perfect way to end a rainy steamy day at the zoo!

Have a great day!!

Quick Post

This is just a quick post to hopefully share another layout. My yahoo browser is having some problems, so everytime I click on a link that opens in a new window, the whole thing just shuts down! Hopefully restarting the computer will do the trick in fixing it!!!

I'm still working on transfering layouts and saving them to be printed. My main hang up is... I open up the file, then decide I need to change a drop shadow, and mess with the layout a little, then I check the spelling....and it's just taking a long time. Then there are about 5-10 layouts that I did about a year ago that I'm just not happy with - I'm chalking it up to learning new stuff over the past year - so they are going into a redo folder. BUT only if I just really don't like the total layout - if I can tolerate it, it's ok - I don't want to redo every layout!!!

Okay, so enough about the computer - here is another layout using Dani's CD! This one is using the kit "Bold Moves" and also uses Dani's circle stitching which can be found in the Ala Cart part of the store. The picture was from earlier this summer - I have so many pool pictures, it seems like that's all we've done all summer!!! :)

A little furry around the torso, alot like humans, even more so...

I was so disgruntled by my fil comment yesterday I forgot about our big trip yesterday. We had the opportunity to go to an author discussion/book signing of Mike Berenstain - of the Berenstain Bears!!! He is the son of Stan and Jan Berenstain and is carrying on the book writing tradition!

He did a reading of his newest book, written with Jan Berenstain, where they come to Texas to visit uncle Tex! He was really great with the kids. Then he did a demo and showed to draw a "real" bear and how the Berenstain bears are a little different and the human characteristics they take on. He also did some facial drawings showing happy, sad, sleepy, etc. It was great!!!

It was held in a tiny family owned bookstore - so very very packed. We were number 81 through the door in terms of the signing - so we held out for a while and after about 45 min had passed and they were still in the teens... we finally opted to leave our books for him to sign and pick them up later. I hated to do that, but it was really hot, Abigale was sweating buckets and couldn't even hold her head up. So we took my tired girl home.

Robbie managed to snap a few pictures over the crowd (he ended up in the back), we luckily were able to squeeze in and a really nice man gave me his seat so I wouldn't have to stand with Abigale - what a gentleman!!

After I download pics, I'll try to come back and update. ;) :)

As I said yesterday, it's time to post all my layouts using Dani's New CD, This Love! Here is the first!



Always always always working on back pictures! This is a picture from Abigale's dedication - just love it!

Journaling Reads: For this child we prayed...On this day we dedicated you to the Lord. We promised to raise you with a knowledge and love for Jesus. We pledged to love and cherish you for all the days of our lives!

how she's grown!!!! I'll post more soon, my plan is one new layout a day!

Monday Monday Monday....

Gotta love Mondays!

We went out to dinner for a belated birthday dinner with Robbie's family. It was nice, except for the fact that his dad feels that my scrapbooking isn't "real" scrapbooking. My feeling are a little hurt over that, but I don't know if that was his intention. I think he thinks it's graphic art and not "scrapbooking" because as he said I'm not piecing things together that you can "feel". So, I sweetly offered to take back his father's day album and he said I would have to pry it from his hands - so I guess he doesn't hate it - just wants to pick a fight...grrrr either way!

I was on DigiShopTalk and there was a forum post about googling your user name. So...I thought maybe I should do that and see what happened. Surprisingly, most of the links were acutally mine and related to either the blog or digiscrapping. There was another Amanda Gale who is ironically plays the flute in Australia (professionally though) and then there was one that I was afraid to click on...lol...but all the rest were mine.

And - during that search, guess what I found - lol. On July 1st my layout was chosen as DigiChick layout pick of the day! That just cracks me up! I'm honored, but you would have thought they would have sent me a pm or email or something! :) Of course, I could be a better blog reader as well! :)

Here is the blog thread.

I'm having hard drive space issues. My poor hard drive is overloading and I'm getting an out of space message frequently. So I've been working on deleting images - like the pictures that end up blurry - but somehow stay sitting in the folder for months anyways. I'm also going through all the psd files - making sure they are on the EHD - putting them in a printable format - and deleting from this hard drive. I think ultimately that will be a huge space saver. So - in the process I'm hoping to get caught up on printing and also determine where the gaps are in Abigale's 0 to 1 and 1 to 2 scrapbooks...whew, I'm tired just thinking about it!!!

I've also been working hard on layouts using Dani's fantastic new CD that I mentioned the other day. I'll share them on the blog and in the galleries soon - I've had so much fun working with her stuff!!!

Before I go on a spree with my Dani layouts - here is one I did about a week ago, but haven't gotten around to posting! This layout was inspired by the June issue of Katie's Amazing Month of Memories - showing your best smile! I just love this picture of Abigale - so when I saw the prompt I knew exactly what photo I wanted to use!!!! I also really like this shabby shack kit by Gina Cabrera - really fun and unique kit!!



Hope everyone is having a good Monday - and an even better rest of the week!

Trying to get back into the groove...

of everyday life!

We're back home - but still really exhausted. I think the problem is we really haven't stopped moving since last week! Something going on each day!! I took a little bit of a nap with Abigale this afternoon, but still tired!

Thanks for all the notes of condolences. The funeral was nice and Abigale slept through it (thank goodness!) The graveside service is another story altogether.... It started sprinkling on the drive over, which wasn't a good sign. We all huddled around as close as we could to the tent, it started with a small sprinkle and ended in a complete DOWNPOUR! My dad took off with Abigale before it all came down, thank goodness - so she was dry. My grandmother insisted that I stand under the tent with her, so I slipped under just in time BUT I had to get to the truck without an umbrella - so I was SOAKED. Fun Fun. We then went over to Aunt Becky's for dinner and about the time I finally started to dry, it was time to head home. It was really nice to see my family though, dispite the circumstances.

Nana stayed over at my parents house for a few days, so she was able to spend lots of time with Abigale. I think she really enjoyed that. :) She of course had to take a nap when Abigale did - I think Abigale really wore her out!!

The drive home seemed soooo LONG. Abigale fell alseep about 30 min into the ride so I decided I would wait and stop when she woke up. She slept all the way to Arlington!! (Probably about 3 hours!!!) So no stops made for a long drive for me - but no fussing, so I'll take that!

Like I said, since we've been home I still feel like we've been running! I've been trying to catch up on my posting of layouts I've finished and have had little time to create new layouts - but I'm planning to go scrapbooking with Crystal on Friday - so I hope to get lots done!!! :)

I also wanted to share something BIG that fabulous Dani has been working on! Her very first CD collection and it is WONDERFUL!!! Packed with rich papers and fantastic elements - my pages almost create themselves! ;) It's on preorder now - so run and buy it - you won't regret it!! Click on the image to see previews and sample layouts!!




I also wanted to share a few pictures I took on the way down to Houston. We stopped at a Sonic that had a great playground in Fairfield, Texas. The only downside was that some employees were sitting at a nearby picnic bench cursing (and by that I mean every other word they spoke should have been *** out!!) about some woman with too many kids - so at that point we just left instead of ordering food. It was a great place for Abigale to stretch her legs though!









You know what else I love - that Abigale has NO IDEA that those little boats and horses and such require money to make them move - she is totally happy just sitting there and climbing around!! lol - I guess I have to enjoy THAT while it lasts! :)

Here is a really cute page that Jacque did for me of Abigale at the park!! I had so much fun with our photoswap and LOVE this page!!! :) You can see all of the other swap pages over at the Girl Talk blog! :)




I have more layouts to share, but I'm fighting a horrible headache, so this is all for now!!!

When it rains....it pours

I feel like I've been down on my luck the past couple of days - lots of little things going wrong, and then some bad news... :(

First, I woke up yesterday and they were tearing down the play ground across the street. They put up a sign the night before and just got right to it - I feel like we didn't have time to say good bye - lol! We KNEW eventually they were going to do it, but now I'm just finding it rather sad. They will be putting a brand spanking new play ground in it's place....but according to the sign November is the estimated completion date - let's hope they work fast!

Then I found this mysterious cut on the bottom of the joint of one of my toes - don't ask me how it got there - but OUCH! does it hurt.

Then I get an email from a close friend of ours, he is announcing that he and his wife are seeking divorce - I'm totally in tears and shocked by this. :(

Then later that evening my mom calls to tell me that my Great Uncle has passed away. It was expected as he has been suffering from a relapse of cancer, but none the less, very sad. I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning to head to Houston and will spend some time with my parents and family. The funeral is on Sunday and I'm sure we'll spend the afternoon with extended family.

This will also be my first drive down to Houston, just me and Abigale - usually there is someone else in the car. So for instance, Robbie drives, and I am free to bend over backwards into the backseat to please Abigale. I get the cup she threw for the 100 time, or give her a snack, or just make funny faces...etc etc...so I see lots of stops in my future.

So I know, this is a rather "bad" news blog, but unfortunately life isn't always sunshine. Hopefully it will at least be in a happier state next week - because at this point I could still list off a million other things that are bothering me (most relatively unimportant to anyone reading) but I will spare you the whining.

Have a wonderful weekend, I'll return hopefully soon without the chip on my shoulder!

Happy 4th!!!

Hope everyone is having a fun and safe 4th! We've had a pretty busy weekend and actually celebrated on Saturday! Our friends the Thompson's threw a fantastic BBQ followed by a fireworks show their neighborhood association hosts! It was great - not too long, not too short. Abigale was a little bothered by the noise, she didn't cry, but she did eventually crawl out of my lap - up the stroller - and then planted herself in the seat....I can take a hint, lol! We made her wait it out though and I *think* she ultimately enjoyed it!

Yesterday, we went out to lunch and then caught a movie, The Devil Loves Prada. It was pretty good, Abigale was a little fussy, then gave up about halfway through and slept. All in all though - I would probably say rent it.

Today it's been raining off and on, so it's good that we caught the fireworks early!

Speaking of fireworks - several designers have some fun free firework freebies (say that three times fast) on their blogs! Check them out!

Dani has glitter fireworks and some really cute "blooms"!!
Michelle Coleman fun USA fireworks
Laura Alpuche glitter fireworks
Holly McCaig has an add on to her Glory Days Kit - cute tickets and elements (Scan down the page a bit to find it)
Kimberly Giarrusso cute mini kit

So that's FOUR fantastic freebies!!! What a find! :) (and the funny thing is I wasn't even looking, just browsing through blogs I like to read!)

Here's a layout I created using Dani and Kristen's Yankee Doodle Candy Kit and a few of Dani's cute fireworks! (Pictures taken last May after Abigale's First Ranger's Game!)



In other news, my child ate ketchup for dinner. That's it, that's all. Okay - maybe a fry or two made it in - but no chicken. It wasn't the healthiest of dinners - but Robbie and I gave in to Whataburger - unfortunately Abigale did not! Crazy child!

Well, a bit of happy sad news. First, the good news, Michelle sold the website (Digiscrappin.biz). Lori, the new owner, is really motivated and excitied - I know she's going to do a great job and bring some new ideas to the website! However, here is the sad news...I have decided that it's time for me to also make my exit. With a new owner coming in, my admin role is over, and even beyond that, it's time for me to rediscover my designs (or not). As much as I love Digiscrappin, especially the team!!!, I have really neglected myself. So I'm going to take a much needed breather - and make some decisions - do I continue to design here and there - or is it time to let that go?? If I'm going to design, I want to be unique, not just the same old same old - do I have that in me?? I just don't know! :) So, I'm going to take some time - without pressure, and figure it out!

I also have a really exciting project (really several) that are in the works - so I'll share them soon - just waiting for the timing to be right!

That's all I have to share for now! Can't believe it's Tuesday - with Robbie being off, it seems like it should be much earlier in the week!!! Anyway, have a happy 4th!!!

More quirks...

I've been thinking more about the silly little things that just make Abigale Abigale. :) One of the sweet things she does each morning, given opportunity, is grab my glasses, open up the ear pieces, and hand them to me with a smile. Funny how these little one's pick up on our routines! So I always thank her and put them on, finger smudged and all. :)

She has also taken to hugging my legs. She'll give me a little leg hug and sometimes a nice smacking kiss - and then runs off to whatever is next in her little agenda.

...and then there is Robbie's hat. She loves it when he comes home from work- she claps, smiles, waves, and runs up to him! (Much nice than my greeting when he gets home ;) ) Then taking his hat and putting it on is just icing on the cake!

The teething monster has hit once again around here. She's working on FOUR teeth and she's not happy about it. She's been waking up from naps and sometimes in the morning crying - I think she's just super sore. I know this will pass - but if it could pass quickly I'd be very grateful! :)

And before I end this post....a layout! :)













Journaling Reads: Abigale, you are a classic “All American” Girl! You are so sweet and thoughtful with a spirit that can’t be beat! You can be serious and silly all within the same moment. You are growing into such a delightful child and everyone loves to be around you! Abigale 20 months old, Quintana Beach, Texas

Credits: Yankee Doodle Candy by Dani Mogstad and Kimberly Guiarruso (coming July 1st to Design by Dani), Brush by Michelle Coleman, Fonts: Susie's Hand and Will&Grace

Time to get the little one ready for Little Gym!

Can you see it....

...the big blinking neon sign that reads DINNER and points to me? Because all the mesquitos in a 5 mile radus can! I have sooo many mesquito bites this summer! It all kicked off when we were camping out in Quintana....maybe they followed me home...or maybe now that I have a very active toddler I'm just more "available" to them, either way I think I'm going to have to start wearing Off on a daily basis! :(

This weekend Abigale was invited to her very first child birthday party. We've celebrated other birthdays both children and adults, but this was her first full active toddler birthday party. A friend from playgroup/MOM's club turned 2! It was very cute, her mom made some fantastic Elmo cookies (they were amazing) and pin the noise on Elmo!

In other news, we took a trip to the zoo today! They had membership appreciation and opened an hour early, gave out free bird seed sticks, and we had a free carousel ride. Very fun, but as always the zoo really exhausts me!









Last bit of news for tonight - Katie has just released her July Amazing Month of Memories and Quote Pack - so you can get it 50% off today and tomorrow!!! Click on sign below!








And a quick layout share "Journey" - this is using one of Dani's new kits "Hopscotch" that will be released on July 1st! I'll be posting it and some others in my typical galleries throughout the week - so be on the lookout! :)