Technical Difficulties

Sorry folks, for some reason Blogger has decided to go to a huge format even when I load my pictures as small.
I hope to get this taken care of soon. If you have some suggestions please let me know.
Thanks
J

So what do you do when you have lost some weight and can't fit into your old jeans anymore? Well if you are me, you make a cover for your new mini album, LOL. The seam of my jeans runs down the spine of the book. I used a BoBunny Naked Album as my base.

I used a Pink Paislee Topsider, some Ali Edwards stamps from Technique Tuesday. A Heidi Swapp letter covered in Silver Paint Dabber and some Martha Stewart glitter. My sweet little butterfly is actually a Shrinky Dink. I used a die and ran it through my Big Shot and then Reed had a blast shrinking it. He loves that machine.

My LOVE banner, is created with an acrylic album, LOTS of the new Basic Grey Bittersweet. Letters from Pressed Petals, flowers from Heidi Swapp and Prima, Felt from Fancy Pants, crystals from Prima, Jeweled Brad from Heidi Swapp. Various ribbons and little trinkets from my stash.

I love this cute banner. It will be hanging in my room. I was thinking about adding some clips and hanging my favorite pictures of my guys from it.

Thanks for looking.

Something new

So we have been busy with Secret Santa at work and I wanted to share something I made for my secret santa. She doesn't know I have a blog, so I can share. LOL.

The paper is Doodlebug, the ribbon is by Making Memories, white flower and leaves are Prima and pink flower and gem brad by Heidi Swapp, charm is a Tim Holtz fragment with Doodlebug rub ons

Some new things

Wow, the holidays are here. It seems like just the other day it was Halloween. We had Thanksgiving at our house this year, since most of my family went up to Chicago. So we had Art's mom, sister and her boyfriend over. In honor of the holiday I had fun with some Pink Paislee Vintage Moon and made these cute pumpkins from Carolee's that have been sitting in my scraproom for a while just waiting for the right paper. I am hoping to finish my Grateful BPS class project this weekend too, I just have to add pictures and some last minute touches. It has been a great experience. If you haven't taken any Big Picture Scrapbooking classes you should check them out.

Then on Tuesday, my order from Scrappy Gourmet came with my new Tinsel Town from Pink Paislee. So today I did this adorable little house from Doodlebug. It was a great feeling to just be able to hide out in my room and play.

Now there is talk of going out into the Black Friday chaos, so I guess I better go get ready. Have a great day!!

Projects

As I was posting these, I noticed that they were all Pink Paislee, LOL. I just can't get enough of it.
For this card, I used 2 papers from the Pop Fashion line and the Bazzill In Stitchez.
This half page was done using one of Becky Fleck's half maps. Paper, letter stickers, chipboard & topper and stamps are all Pink Paislee. There are some small Doodlebug rub ons.
I LOVE this Maya Road Halloween Town. I used mostly Pink Paislee, with some Making Memories, Around the Block, Cloud 9, Inkadinkado, Hero Arts and my Cricut.

A while back Linda Albrecht shared her cupcake "recipe" so I had to make one of my own. lol. Pink Paislee, of course, Fancy Pants felt flower, Autumn Leaves button and a Stampendous stamp
I have been working on my soldering since CHA-Summer 2 years ago when Kathy and I met the lovely ladies from Simply Swank. So here are my little bottlecap pendants. I used Pink Paislee papers and rub ons.
I bought this paper mache pumpkin last year after making a foam pumpkin like this one. So once my Pink Paislee Fall papers arrived, I had to make a pumpkin out of them.
This is one of my favorite cards to make for birthdays. It is easy and totally adorable.
So that is it for now. How was that for an update? I will talk to you in a week, unless something fabulous comes up.

OH YEAH!!! I am hostessing my first Scrap Mania at the store, come and crop with me. Also the Recipe for Giving Class starts this weekend, and I will be teaching it on Saturday morning, come join me.

Tennessee

A brief trip to Tennessee in pictures, lol. I still have to get Wanda's, these are just my digital images. I also have a bunch in 35mm (YES, I still use 35mm, I LOVE my 35mm)

This picture was taken at Kellogg's Southern Restaurant. We stopped here for lunch, in true Southern style, they had fried green tomatoes, gator tails and frog legs on the menu. Reed played Hot Wheels as we waited.

Reed and dad goofing off in the backseat.

The beautiful view from the balcony of the condo we were staying at in Sevierville, Tennessee.

On Monday, we went to Ripley's Believe it or Not Aquarium in Gatlinburg. The shark tunnel was the big hit. I wanted to go back thru again, it was so neat to be near these fabulous animals.

Once we pulled ourselves out of the shark area, we came upon where you could touch Horseshoe Crabs. Reed was leary at first, but once he finally touched it and realized that dad was right it did feel kind of like a turtle shell and it wouldn't pinch him like the crabs in our tank, we couldn't get him out of it.

We then drove through Smokey Mountain National Park, or atleast a small part of it. There was a small log cabin and this barn, that were part of the scenic stops along the motor trail. Another scenic stop, I wish there would have been more of these on the trail we were on. There were a lot of hiking trails, but no one was interested in that, lol.Tuesday, we went to a stables and petting zoo. Wanda and I rode the trails on Squirrel and LJ, while Reed and Art went down to the petting zoo and saw camels, zebras, kangaroos, deer, elk, goats, etc.

While we were killing time to head over to the Dixie Stampede, we stopped at this souvenir shop. Yes that is their entrance. It was called Jaws, I know, shocking.

The Dixie Stampede, where soda is served in a boot, while you are waiting to get into the arena. Reed loved everything but the food, LOL. Luckily I had brought some snacks with me in anticipation.

Wednesday Morning, brought us into Pigeon Forge. The boys decided to hop on the go-karts. Reed had a nonstop smile across his face. So did Art. It was great! We met up with Wanda at Happy Day's Diner for lunch. I loved the tables.
As we were getting burnt out on tourist attractions, we decided to hit the Jurassic Boat Ride since Reed was wanting to see dinosaurs. I don't think this was what he was wanting. It was ok, he was scared and attached to me. The robotics were fabulous.
We did other things, like swimming and mini golf at the condos. Ate at some interesting places, but had a lot of fun together. It was nice to get away for a while.

Ok, the project photos are loaded, so they are up next.

Only 10 more days

UNTIL HALLOWEEN!!!!


I can't believe it. Since we got back from Tennessee (pictures to come, transfering them from the laptop now) Halloween has thrown up all over my house, LOL. I have atleast 5 large tubs of All Hallow's Eve goodies and they are strung all over my house waiting for their turn in line to get put up. I LOVE Halloween.

So I had promised to post some projects, I will make sure that they are up today. Right before my interviews at Archivers, I had some great scrappy mojo going on. I was completing projects in record time, it was so refreshing. I still need to take a couple pictures of others.

This is one of the houses that I found in the Michael's Halloween bins. I thought it had some potential. Add some Pink Paislee Paper and stamps, a Martha Stewart border punch and a Sizzix die and you get this fabulous little house.

This is the cover of our vacation album. It was an SEI album in a box set, but I am not a total SEI type person, so I added some Magistical Memories chipboard, Ranger paint dabber, Bo Bunny chipboard and you spice up the front cover a bit. This is the inside page. I covered the inside of my chipboard from the cover, used an Ali Edwards stamp, some Pink Paislee letters, Bazzill chipboard flowers. I'll show you more of the book as I get it finished, I am currently waiting for a shipment of pictures from Shutterfly. I did do some digital pages for this book that I will post later. I am going to go upload more pictures to Photobucket, so that I can get them on here. Be back soon!!

Coupon

I have a coupon for 1/2 off a scrap mania at Archivers. It is good until Oct. 31st. If you want it let me know!!!

Did I Say Wednesday??

LOL. Here is what has been going on this week

*Started training for my new job

*Took my Geography Exam, YAY!!

*Sat at the Social Security Office for 2 hours to get a new card

*Enjoying the cool Fall weather around here

*Impatiently waiting to hear word on the grant I applied for. Found out today that we didn't get it. :(

*I just downloaded the new David Cook single

*Got new clothes for my new job

And I got these funny pumpkin photos in my email box, that I thought I would share. Getting ready for our first family vacation EVER! We are heading the Tennessee in a couple weeks and I CAN'T WAIT!!!

YAY!! I Got It!!

So I am now a part-time instructor at Archivers in Fairview Heights. I got the word yesterday and I am super excited to get back into the teaching saddle. It was a busy week this week, we had TLC's 20th Birthday Bash with a big Science Night. Needless to say it was a great success. We had a lot of people come through and get involved in the activities. Lots of fun. Then yesterday we went apple picking at Eckert's in Millstadt. We had the best parent turn out ever!!
I don't have any new pictures to post, I know I promised to post some new stuff. I will try to get that done by Wednesday. Which is going to try to be my new posting day.
Now I got to get studying, I have a big Geography Exam on Monday,
Have a great weekend.

Balloon Glow

What a night at the Balloon Glow in Forest Park. Here is a picture of one of the ladies from KMOV Channel 4 interviewing Reed and another little boy he was playing with. It is up on their website. www.kmov.com

This one is ALWAYS my favorite. I think it is just how the colors light up.
The Energizer Bunny coming to life.
So those are all the decent digital pictures that I have. There is a whole roll of 35mm (yes I still LOVE my 35mm) that needs to be developed. Had a blast! I have decided that I need to pick one day of the week to update this blog and maybe I can stay with that.
To give you an update of all that is going on around here. Reed started Pre-K at "the big school" Illini Elementary. He has finally adjusted to the drop off and the new people. Now to get him to be a better listener, LOL. The story of my life.
So with Reed going to half day Pre-K, I am now working the morning shift at the preschool. We are celebrating 20 years of being in the business this month. LOTS of things going on, I sometimes wonder what Tara and I have gotten ourselves into, lol.
Art starts a new job next Monday, he is going to Bommarito VW in St. Peters. I hope he is happier there. Things have been a bit tense where he is now.
I have a second interview for a part time job teaching scrapbooking, I am pretty excited about getting back into that. I miss it a lot.
So that is about it from here.

Checkin In

I know there are a few of you popping in once and a while to see if I am still kickin. I am. Trying to finish up Summer Classes and put together a yard sale and getting ready to go to the "big school" and getting Reed ready to go to "big boy school" I have lots of pictures that I can't wait to share.
I took a weeks vacation the week of CHA, so I did get some creating done. There is even a half done project that is impatiently waiting for some Pink Paislee Vintage Moon. I think it is going to ROCK.
I'll try to make it back later to upload my pics to the blog, I need to go get them off the camera.
Be back soon

I did IT!!!

So I am sure there are a few of you out there that have been wondering where I have dropped off the face of the Earth to.

*Well, here is one of them. I graduated May 15th with honors. Eventhough it took forever, I am continuing forward for my Bachelors. So classes for that start Monday.

*I also have to take my Basic Skills Test on Saturday, which will decide where I will rank to get into the program.

*The Race for the Cure is coming up soon, the 21st

*I'm sad to say that the design team at FKS is no more. So now I don't have anything making me scrap and man am I missing it!!

*Reed just got excepted into the preschool program at Illini.

*I'm still working crazy hours at the center, can't wait until Tara comes back from maternity leave.

*I was surfing the net and I stumbled across this really cool site that shows you how to adapt 35mm film to a Holga camera (120mm) so I am anxious to play with that this weekend when we are down on the riverfront doing family pictures.

I think that is enough, I gotta get studying if I am gonna pass this exam.

Hello Again

I know it has been forever since I last posted, but I am still around. I have a lot of things going on. Like Finals are today and tomorrow. Then graduation is on Thursday. I have to take my Basic Skills Test from the IL Board of Education on the 7th.
Tara had her cute little girl on May 5th. Guenevere is so stinkin cute it isn't even funny. Reed and Art went fishing with Uncle Bob and caught probably close to 40-50 fish. Thank goodness they didn't come home with them.
The baby chicks in my classroom are due to start hatching tomorrow. That has been the talk at work for some time now, I'm kind of glad that we are close to the end.
I joined Sue's team for the Race for the Cure again. I have a pledge page if you are unable to attend, please email me ( RaceGoddss@aol.com ) and I will send you the link. I don't have it right now. The race/walk is on June 21st.
Ummm, I know I am missing something. Besides pictures. I don't have them loaded to the laptop. Sorry.
Wanted those few that still read this blog to know that I was alive, just so busy I can't see straight sometimes. LOL
As Kathy would say, I love my life!!

Heart In Hand is Closing

Wanted to get the word out, so if you wanted to pick up a class or two you do it soon. If you haven't been over there yet, RUN and be appart of some fabulous classes.
Here is the official word from Tammy:

After much thought and deep soul searching, I have decided to close Heart In Hand Scraps. There are so many factors that are part of this decision. I truly believe in the product offered. I believe it can be a great thing for many scrappers out there. Unfortunately, we just have not caught the attention of the audience we needed to to stay afloat. While there have been many good periouds of sales with some instructors doing very well, my bottom line in both time and expense has been in the red.

I don't know if there is ever a good time to have to make this decision. I can not apologize enough to all of you. I have so appreciated you willingness to be a part of HHS and for your understanding and patience with me as I tinkered with the formula, trying to find the right combination to hopefully make it all work. I can never thank you all enough for your support.

The plan now is to do the final release of classes April 15th. None will go up today as I did not recieve any before the cut off date. The site will stay open and online through the end of May. The message board will stay live a bit longer than that should any of the last minute customers need assistance.

I wish there was a better way to show the main page of PP! So the top picture is what I already posted Rebecca picked me as the Pretty in Pink Member.

And here is the second one, Holly picked my layout about Kathy for her Pick of the Week.

Thanks ladies!!! You made my week, for sure.

There is more and CKC St Louis

Ok, so after I posted about tomorrow's exciting (well atleast for me) news, I got a message on the Live Pink board congratulating me on being Pretty in Pink for the week. I didn't even know that I was the spotlight designer this week. Wow, 2 cool PP things in a row. That is totally cool.

Also CKCers Speak Up!
Here are my classes so far, I might have to add to them, but doubt it. I'm shopping Friday morning and then unfortunately probably have to go to work. But Saturday!! 8:30 Family Board Book Album 12:30 Stamp Happy and 3:10 Scheming Around.
So if you are heading to CKC even just to shop let me know!!!!

Pink Paislee Surprise!!

I just got the email, keep an eye on Pink Paislee's blog and front page Friday. Exciting news!! Not sure if I can tell yet, so I'll leave it at this.

Pink Paislee EVERYWHERE!!!

And I'm loving EVERY minute of it!!!!!
The first project you are looking at is Roree's Sister Photo Cube. I turned mine into a calendar, so I can take it to work when Tara goes on maternity leave and I have a cute calendar right there on the desk. Of course I used Pink Paislee, Heidi Swapp calendar stamps, Prima flowers and buttons from Autumn Leaves.
This is Linda Albrecht's Christmas Pocket Tag Book. I turned it into a birthday calendar book. The inside isn't much right now, just Heidi Swapp calendar stamps on them. I'll show more as I get it done. Bazzill cardstock.

Here is a quick layout I did today, Papers are Fancy Pants and Pink Paislee. Stamps are from Stampin Up. I got this layout and the 2 projects above done today while the hubby was off playing 4 wheeler. Quite proud of myself.
Our Family Tree. I hope to finish this tomorrow by getting the missing pictures I need at grandma's house for Easter. That is the only thing it is missing. Book is from Maya Road, Papers are Pink Paislee and KI Memories, with a little Making Memories paint. Alphabet stickers are Pink Paislee.
Thanks for stopping by!!
~J~

OH!! If you are going to be at CKC St Louis let me know!!