Papers from Butterscotch Kisses Paper Pack by me.
Paper shaper template from the Circle of Friends Mini by me.
Photos by me.
Font: Pea Jamie

Monday, June 22, 2009

Oy! If it's not one thing...

Busy, busy... just like everyone else this time of year. In any case I meant to update before this, but I've been kind of down. My 1TB drive died on the 8th.

I'm still waiting for a cord from the OEM as a final troubleshooting step before I attempt data recovery with someone. In the meantime I've lost all of my scrapbooking files except the 10 or so kits I was currently working on for my CTs and the CU files I've purchased from Royanna. I've also lost all of my full res LO files, my notepads for credits, and all photos from Mother's Day of last year to Dec 31. My 2009 photos were all duplicated on my laptop, and all photos prior to then were also on my 230GB EHD. It's the same old story you've heard before... I've been meaning to take the time to backup for about 2 months, but just never found the extra time. And really, the only way to backup for me is burning to DVD which is SOOOO tedious.

In any case, I'm looking into investing in 2 - 1TB EHDs each with 6 year warranties so 1 can be my everyday use, and the other my data backup. I mean, honestly, I download/create somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-5GB per week so anything smaller would be pointless. The drive that died had somewhere between 200 & 400 GB on it. I haven't given up that it is recoverable, but I can't hold high hopes either.

I have some LOs to share with linked credits. The thumbnails were all uploaded online prior to the EHD dying...

Title: mommy & me
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: out for a Sunday stroll
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Spring Fever
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: root of the heart
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: June 5, 2009
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Whatzzz Up?
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: NYS Fair 8.31.05
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Treasure
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: sad diva
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Credits can be seen here.

I have 2 others I finished yesterday, but I can't share them 'til Wednesday night because they are for a gorgeous new kit Jana's got coming into the store called Fresh Mango Summer. ;)

Micaila's only got 2.5 more days of school. It's a little hard to think she's made it all the way through her first year of school. She's excited to be done, but I know she'll be just as excited to return in the fall. :) Hope we can stay in touch with some of her friends over the summer...

Mike's in training for the new contract he'll be helping to manage. That will last for at least another 4 weeks, and he can't take any time off for the first 3-4 weeks on the floor either so the vacation in July to LI is going to have to be post-poned. Good thing I sent him for Memorial Day weekend...

Brenden's... well, Brenden. LOL On Saturday he'd spent the night at Aunt Nora's so she dropped him off to me at 2 just before I left. Once in the van he announces that HE wants to pick Micaila up from her birthday party 'cause he wants to see what/who is there. I responded with, "Of course you do... you have nose trouble." A few moments later I hear, "It's ok, mom. I brought tissues." I swear I didn't stop laughing for about 10 minutes. That kid can be such a trip - when he's not being a complete p.i.t.a.

We're gearing up senior season at work, and the sessions are more steady now. But, they are still sparse enough that I'm keeping up with the boss even with the additional stuff I'm creating for the proof books. We managed to upgrade the pcs so they process faster as well as updating the proof action for CS3 and the proofbook building program so the process is a little faster. Hoping this week goes a little faster 'cause the tension is giving me ehadaches through the day. We've been just the boss, my co-worker, and the boss's son, Derek since January when the boss's other son, Dalton went back to college.

Well, Dalton's back for the summer for an internship which he's supposedly working 40 hrs per week for - mind you he hasn't even hit 20 hrs for ANY week yet (and this past week included his lunch hour for at least one of the days in his hours). And, his attitude... it's like he's the boss, and we should all bow to him. He gets pissy if he's given grunt work. When he gets onto one of the 2 primary pcs we need to do work he'll start surfing the net, and then complain he hasn't finished the work when his dad tries to get him off so one of us can finish our work. I don't know what the deal is, but I've felt physically ill at least 3 days in the last 2 weeks before noon from the tension and had headaches at least 5 of those days.

And, with that being said, I'm running late! Thanks for stopping by and "listening" to me b*tch. LOL Have a great day!

:)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The reeeaaallllly long post...

Well, Brenden's had his school visitation day, and kindergarten round-up was Tuesday. Micaila's... well - Micaila. Mike's schedule has changed yet again - in that he technically doesn't have one and won't until the next training class starts. Mike and the kids went to LI for Memorial Day weekend. We're finishing up prom season at work, and starting senior season - busy, busy, busy...

My cholesterol has gone down from 220 in Feb to 161 last Tuesday, but my A1C has crept up to 6.1 'cause I haven't taken my Riomet since Feb. The weather's been ridiculous lately in that it feels more like March/April than June! We've been lucky to hit mid-60s during the day for the last few weeks. I really need to change out my blog again 'cause I am NOT digging the way it looks. Don't have much else to say, but there are a ton of LOs to catch up... I'm linking credits to make the post a little shorter.


Title: Blue-eyed Beauty
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: when I see you Smile
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Mr. Moody Pants
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: talkin 'bout my guy
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Play-ful you
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Mother's Day 2009
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: butterfly house
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: still
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: run Mom run
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: seek joy
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: enjoy this moment
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Apsen & Midnight
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Thousand Islands, NY
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: my little honey bee
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Family Outing
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: Purple Fun
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: I [heart] my guy
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Credits can be seen here.

Title: [heart] you
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Credits can be seen here.

So that catches things up for the moment. Gotta' get Micaila off to school and me to work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

pssst...

I've been a very bad blogger. I just haven't had much I've wanted to talk about lately, and I *think* at some point many get sick of posts filled with just layouts...

Anywho, I'll be by to update soon I promise.

--

Friday, May 1, 2009

{I}NSD is almost here!

So,... here we go!

Heather is BACK! 2 new open grab bags at $2 each, a new set of photo masks, and a new element pack... plus a FREEBIE! For full details see here.

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Kristine (and the rest of us) have 40% off at WenchdGrafix Shoppe for 24 hrs only on Saturday! And, there are tons of new product!

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Royanna has a stock up sale going on for Designers in her store...

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Laura has a flood of great new doodle packs, paper packs, and alphas in her store.
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At DSG we've got some goodness goin' on as well...
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Jana is getting ready to release her new grab bag for May. :)
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Connie has a bunch of new goodies that will be appearing the the next few days so keep an eye out for those...
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And, Inspiration Lane has a whole plethora (I've always wanted to use that word! LOL) of activities going on as well as new releases from Kiki!
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April release No. 5 a little while ago, and it's still on sale for only $2!! This is a huge kit so you don't want to miss the sale!
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Title: April Sunrise
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Credits:
Paper and elements from the Autumn Spring Kit by Ladybug Graphix.
Photos by me.
Fonts: Ghostwriter

Product Links:
http://www.digitalscrapgarden.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=919
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I think that covers it for now. If I have time, and can I'll share more tomorrow. :D Gotta' finish getting ready for work so I'm off! If you haven't been by in a while you may want to browse through the last 2 posts for some funny photos and a catch-up on my LOs! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

I can't think of a title...

So, my hair... It's never been this dark in my life, but I wanted something different, and my sister sworedarker made me look younger... DH said he likes it, but with that pained look on his face like he was afraid to say anything else. (Oh, and the sun was in my eyes when this was taken - hence the funny look on my face.)

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I also have these to show more...
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So, what do ya' think? Honestly?
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I didn't get my week 5 LO done for So You Think You Can Scrap so I can share my LO for that now...

Title: I'm Creative
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Credits:
be happy acrylic from the be bold, be true freebie by Edeline Designs.
"c" from the Superstar alpha by Bisontine.
Other alpha from Frunged Up Stamp Alpha by Royanna Fritschmann; Studio Ra.
Paper and other elements from the It's So Me Collab by Cinnamon Designs, Newlife Dreams, Holly Designs, and Kristen Rice.
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Title: Rescued Heritage
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Vintage Faire Mini Kit by Laura Deacetis included in Pickle Barrel #2.
"Photos" all scanned negatives rescued by fire from my paternal grandmother when her sister tried to burn them, and then by me from my grandparent's house after vandals trashed the house.
Fonts: Typewriter from hell; Type-Ra
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Title: Sunset
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the It's So Me Collab by Cinnamon Designs, Newlife Dreams, Holly Designs, and Kristen Rice. (Bird and acrylic border recolored.)
Photos by me.
Fonts: Bickham Script Pro; Huxtable; Attract more women
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Title: dance to the music
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Credits:
Transparent note "path" by Newlife Dreams from the It's So Me Collab.
Paper and other elements from the Sing Sing A Song Collab by Jofia Designs, Vera Lim, Laura Deaceits, and Amy Hutchinson.
Photos by me.
Fonts: CENA; Freestyle Script.
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Title: YOU make my heart sing (bonus LO)
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Credits:
Paper and elements from the Sing Sing A Song Collab by Jofia Designs, Vera Lim, Laura Deaceits, and Amy Hutchinson. (hue and saturation changed on 2 pieces)
Photo by my niece.
Fonts: FG Cheryl
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I also had 4 other LOs I hadn't shared yet, and 4 I finished at my all day crop this past Saturday...

Title: Micaila's Bday Badge Album, pg 1
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Petal Pusher Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Template from the Badge Album Templates 1 by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Bickham Script Pro

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22357
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21679
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21678
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Title: Micaila's Bday Badge Album, pg 2
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Petal Pusher Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Template from the Badge Album Templates 1 by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Bickham Script Pro

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22357
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21679
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21678
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Title: Micaila's Bday Badge Album, pg3
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Petal Pusher Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Template from the Badge Album Templates 1 by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photos by me.
Fonts: Bickham Script Pro

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22357
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21679
http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=21678
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Title: My prince
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Credits:
Background and green papers from the Spring {Dotted} Paper Pack by Princess Lala Designs.
Doodle from Flourished 2 by Princess Lala Designs. (used as template to shape paper)
"prince" doodled word from the Funky Fairy Tales Pack by Princess Lala Designs.
Alpha from the Alpha Collection: Sunshine by Princess Lala Designs.
Brown paper from the Spring {Solids} Paper Pack by Princess Lala Designs.
Photo by my nephew.

Product Links:
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=9997
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=9427
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=10094
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=10093
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=9999
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Title: Morning, Sunshine!
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Springdipity Kit by Kiki Halbert Designs available at Inspiration Lane.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Fiolex Girls
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Title: I Wanna Be A Rock Star!
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Credits:
Reversed staple from the Some Basics Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Papers and other elements from the What A Day Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Interplanetary Crap; Mouthful of beer
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Title: break the bed
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the No. 5 Kit by April Staker of DigiApe Designs.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Note This
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Title: Happiness
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Credits:
Wordart from the Say It Love Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Papers and other elements from the What A Day Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Photo by me.
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Phew! Did you make it through that?!? LOL

Sorry, I just haven't had the time/energy to post lately... We're now officially into prom season, and all the guys are rushing in last minute for tuxedos. I swear their prom is on the calendar for at least 4 months prior to the date, and they STILL wait until they have less than a week to decide "Oh, yeah! I need a tux!" You know if they had to stay late or rush through assignments at school because they were given late they'd be pissed, but who cares if we have those problems at work because they want to procrastinate...

I have some NSD info, but I think I'll wait 'til tomorrow since this is all ready so long! :D Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

some pics...

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Sunrise this morning... I was awake at 5am which means I will be dead on my feet by the time I get home at 10/10:30 tonight! LOL

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"If you break the bed, Daddy will NOT be happy" mister man says...

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Look out Mick Jagger...

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Girls just wanna have fun...

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Arrrrrgggg, Matey!

And, from yesterday/last night...

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This guy's been going after that tree outside work for at least 4 days now...

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Don't you like our strawberry shortcake?!? LOL

Krysti dared me to post this...
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I'll post a pic of me soon, but Nora was going to have to go home and do laundry alone as Krys was staying with me and Mark and the boys went to the races. So instead, I talked her into coming to my house to dye my hair with highlights... It's much darker now. :)

Gotta' run for work!

:)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Just a quick note...

Been busy with the kids and the holiday and cleaning and... well, you get the idea. I've managed to get 6 MORE 45 gal bags of clothes/toys out of the house, and still am not done. LOL We also had 2-55 gal bags of trash at the curb yesterday morning, and at least 1/2 of one was just stuff form the bathroom I decided I'm not hanging onto anymore. Baby oil/bath/shampoo, lotion I haven't touched since it was given to me over 6 yrs ago, etc.

I am SO not a girly-girl. LOL I used to put on my makeup on the LIRR on my way to work in Manhattan every morning what seems like a lifetime ago. I think I've put on makeup maybe 15 times in the past 6 yrs now. Hair HAS to be wash and go/brush and go. Can't stand wasting my time fixing it. My toenails get polished, and I keep that up all the time I wear sandals - and sometimes during the winter - but that's the most girly I get. In fact, I'm wearing sandals for the first time this year today! :)

I'm updating from work so I can't post any photos or LOs as those are on the laptop at home, but I've gotten 3 badge album pages done and 2-12x12 LOs done since Saturday - except one is missing a title. It's hard to create new and appropriate titles for Jaylin's pages as I haven't taken the photos so some come to me completely out of context. How many LOs can you title with smiley/giggles and grins/all smiles/etc. before it gets repeptitive?!? LOL I also have my week 4 LO for SUTUCS together except for adding photos. I may have to use some of the kids this week. :)

Gotta' run! Don't forget to check the last 2 posts for some CU goodies! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Friday, April 10, 2009

Now available...

Spring Watercolors from Designs by Kristine! Beautiful, spring-filled colors with soft tones It's perfect for all those layouts regarding spring as well as babies!
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And, for a short time get this gorgeous set of QPs designed by CT member, Leslie with the purchase of the kit!
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You can also snag a coordinating freebie on Kris's blog here.

I also have 2 new Commercial Use Overlay packs, 2 new Paper Packs, and 3 new mini kits available at Kristine's store. Previews are available in my albums on Facebook or in the store. :) I should have more up by next weekend, as well as some at Digital Scrap Garden!

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If you're looking for CU goodies Royanna has a new Grab Bag available - 14 new CU products for $6!!
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I've also gotten my Rainbow Color Challenge up at Digital Scrap Garden for April. This is the swatch we're using this month:
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Title: Reins?
http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h131/absolutartist1/Layouts/?action=view&Photobucket
Credits:
Paper and elements from the Autumn Spring Kit by Ladybug Graphix.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Horse Puke

Product Links:
http://www.digitalscrapgarden.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=919
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Title: Lucky
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Credits:
Paper and elements from the Lucky-O Kit by Royanna Fritschmann; Studio Ra.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Huxtable

Product Links:
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=10627
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And, for sticking with me through all of that I have another little goodie for you...

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You can grab it here.
password: nature
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I just spent over 2 hours trying to straighten up Micaila's room, and while it looks better now than it did when I started, I still have at least 2 more hours of sorting and cleaning to do before her room will be done. Then I need to work on Brenden's room. I had started with my room, and spent an hour there before moving to Micaila's... I'm sore, tired, and ready to take a nap. Meanwhile the kids are just finishing lunch, and getting ready to go out and play on the swingset. LOL

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Long time - no blog... LOL

Well, illness-wise things have seemed to settle down here. No stomach ailments since last Wednesday. My allergy/sinus issues have returned now though... along with the snow! BLECH! We had 50-60 degree weather most days for the past week, and in the last 3 have dropped below 40 again. We got about 3-4 inches here between yesterday and this morning. As Dad said - it wouldn't have mattered what day he decided to leave - that would be the day it snowed!

I left work at 2 yesterday to drive Dad down to the airport in Syracuse. His flight was supposed to leave for the first leg at 4:45, but there was a hold-up because the plane was late getting in. He got to JFK at about 6:30pm, and arrived in Salt Lake City at 12:40am - a half hour early! LOL

I'm off work for the next 3 days, and *hope* to get a lot accomplished. Micaila has half-days today and tomorrow though with Friday off so we'll see. Later today I'll be sending through info to Kristine to get 2 packs of overlays, 3 mini kits, and 3 paperpacks into her store. (Ready, Kris?? LOL)

I have a boat-load of layouts to share...

Title: Photographs & Memories
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Credits:
Papers and elements (including wordart) from the March 365 Kit by Karla Marano of Karla's Kaleidoscope Designs.
Photo by me.

Product Link:
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=10327
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Title: the Perfect pinecone
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Credits:
Paper, alpha, and elements from the In My Pocket Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Poilet Taper

Product Link:
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=19628
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Title: Welcome to My World
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Credits:
Worn, dotted papers from the GGI Pretty Pastel Dotted Paper Pack by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Other papers and elements from the Tutti Frutti Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Template from the Keep It Simple Templates 1 by Connie Prince; Digidiva Designs.
Photo by my friend Sara. (Of her grandson, Anson.)
Fonts: Prime Minister of Canada

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22272
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22196
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=20271
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Title: April Showers
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Credits:
"April" circle from the Save the Date 1 Pack by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Papers and other elements from the Desperately Seeking Spring Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
JDL Template by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photo by me.
Fonts: bulkyRefuse Type

LO completes the Just a Start Challenge at Just Digi Layouts.

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22268
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=21799
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Title: a small glimpse...
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Star Bright Kit by ISKRAP Designs.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Freestyle Script

Product Link:
http://scrapbird.com/shop/index.php?...roducts_id=755
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Title: burning sunset
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Credits:
Background from the Jaded Paper Pack by Kiki Halbert Designs available at Inspiration Lane.
Peach paper from the Just Peachy Paper Pack by Kiki Halbert Designs available at Inspiration Lane.
Frame from the Crack Me Up Frame Pack by Kiki Halbert Designs. (hue altered)
Ribbon and string from the Flutterby Kit by Kiki Halbert Designs available at Scrapbook-Elements.
Photo by me.
Fonts: the King & Queen font

Product Links:
http://inspiration-lane.com/boutique/product.php?productid=17217
http://inspiration-lane.com/boutique/product.php?productid=17219
http://store.scrapbook-elements.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=16098
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Title: signs of Spring
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Credits:
Papers, alpha, and elements from the Spring Watercolors Kit by Designs by Kristine.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Waking the Witch
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Title: Companions
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Credits:
Frame cluster from the I've Been Framed 03 Kit by Royanna Fritschmann; Studio Ra.
Paper and other elements from the Spring Out Celebration Kit by Royanna Fritschmann; Studio Ra.
Photo by me.
Fonts: PIG; GG Herb Script

Journaling:
The two of you have been together since the beginning... Grampy was there when you were born, spent many days in the following weeks with us, and became your babysitter when I returned to work 4 weeks after you were born.

I always felt I had a close relationship with my Grampy, but it was no where near what the two of you have. I know Grampy will have more hours to fill in his day when you start kindergarten in the fall which will mean less time together for you, but I hope you have many more years to learn from him. Treasure the time you have, and hold it close to your heart.

Product Links:
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=10632
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=9421
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Title: Little Scientist
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Perfectly Natural Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Template from the Gotta Grab It March 2009 Templates by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photos by me.
Fonts: Hypewriter; FG Cheryl

Product Links:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22394
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22395
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=22195
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I am also competing in the So You Think You Can Scrap Contest so I have 2 LOs for that, but I can't share them here until the end of the contest. If you can guess what number I am I might just send you a little something from my shop! Be sure to leave your email or user name at DST in your comment if you guess so that I can get a hold of you!
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To celebrate my new products I have a freebie for you! (And, for making it all the way through thT POST! lol) It's CU ok as well!!

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Grab it here.
password: nature
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Gotta' run now 'cause I need to get over to the school with the Scalloped Pineapple I made for the teacher's luncheon (conference time), and watch Micaila play Little Bear in Goldilocks! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Just a quick note...

The stomach bug which had managed to successfully avoid our home finally landed. Brenden got violently ill Wednesday night, followed by Micaila Thursday night and Friday. We seemed ok on Saturday, and then Brenden woke us at 4am Sunday with another round... followed by Mike all day. I had a much less violent version, but spent most of Monday trying to lie as still as possible on the sofa. I haven't eaten much in the last 2 days, and am hoping it has passed for good this time, but you can see why I haven't been around much.

I got none of the purging done for the weekend as I'd hoped, only completed 3 layouts, and then spent my last Monday off for 9 months on the sofa... some weekend, huh?!? LOL

Oh well, hopefully I'll catch up next week. Dad leaves on Tuesday for UT to visit my brother, Blayne. That means I'm leaving work early on Tuesday to take him to the airport, and then have Wednesday, Thursday, Friday off - work Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and have Thursday, Friday, Saturday off. I was originally only going to take the week of spring break, but had issues with getting someone to watch the kids so my nephew is going to watch the kids for me for 3 days. :)

Gotta' run as I'm at work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The tale of the semi-absentee blogger...

Sorry. I haven't been very regular lately. We're adjusting to yet another change in schedules and duties at home... Mike is now working 11am-9pm M-F which means I'm dealing with the home "stuff" after work. Dad made dinner last night, and is planning to tonight so that helps 'cause to be honest I have NEVER been a homebody - dishes, cleaning, cooking - NOT my fortes. Now that's not to say I can't handle them, and in some cases handle them well - I just HATE them with a passion! LOL If I have a choice between spending an hour on my pc/laptop creating or an hour cleaning the house the creating will normally win.

I have managed to get 11 - 45 gal trash bags of clothing out of the house and donated to the local mission in the last month. I have another 1/2 a bag currently sorted and am hoping to get at least 5 done more this weekend. I'm kind of on a purging binge. Hello, my name is Cate, and I'm a packrat. Yes, truly. My grandparents kept many things, my parents kept many more things, and I have a difficult time getting rid of stuff myself. I look at those homes in magazines, and laugh - nice, but no kids there! There are things I keep in the hopes that I will one day fit into them again because I loved the way they looked when I could wear them... There are things I keep because the kid(s) looked so darn cute and I hate the thought of never seeing them in it again... There are things I keep because it is perfectly usable so why should I throw it out?... There are things I keep because I know they are worth money if I could find the right place to try to sell them... And, that's not including the collections... movies, books by certain authors, my seriously diminished salt & pepper collection (most of it was stolen), my paper scrapping supplies (which I use about 3 times a year), etc... Do you get the picture??

I also need to sort through the kids books and toys - again... Please tell me other people have the seemingly never ending cycle of purge and get more in that department. We gave their Little People sets to their Aunt Cindy for when she has kid(s), and donated their mega blocks to Micaila's classroom because they decided they were too old for mega blocks and wanted Legos. I think we have enough stuffed animals to populate an entire zoo. But, in that area I hate to think of giving up any of their Care Bears or Popples - yes, I said Popples. Grampy got a bunch for Micaila's 1st birthday or 2nd Xmas off eBay 'cause at the time she was enthralled with them, and we're talking original 1980's not newer ones.

Anyway, between the change in schedule, the purging, the end-of-the-month CT and designer duties, and the fact that my co-worker is ooto for this week and next I'm a little tired, and haven't really had the energy to try to post before leaving home in the morning. I'm so tired I completely forgot my sister's anniversary last week...

I did manage to remember my baby brother's birthday yesterday, and have Micaila call before she left for school which completely made his day 'cause she actually TALKED to him! LOL She normally gets on the phone, and then refuses to say more than a word or two. He'd gotten some bs news from his boos a few days earlier, and was understandably upset so I'm glad something brightened his day. He works in an office much like mine - boss, receptionist, and him - that's it. He's been salaried both times he's worked for this guy, and STILL puts in 60-80 hrs most weeks. He was just informed that very shortly he will be on wages AND cut to no more than 30 hrs per week. His roommate (and our cousin) Tam was let go a few weeks ago so things are getting pretty tight. They're looking at moving out west - UT, AZ, or TX maybe...

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On to scrapping items... I have 5 LOs to share. I also created 2 more QPs for Connie, and finished my part of the collab for WenchdGrafix since my last post so it's not like I'm not doing anything - just nothing I feel like blogging about without other context! LOL

Title: Bowl Like There's No Tomorrow

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Credits:
Paper and elements from the Extraordinary Day Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Photos by me & Micaila.
Fonts: Typewriter from hell; Note This
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Title: What a pretty Spring blossom

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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Hippity Hoppity Kit by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photo mask from Photo Masks 1 by Connie Prince; DigiDiva Designs.
Photo by my sil, Marcy.
Fonts: Hypewriter
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Title: as tall as a...
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Jungle Fever Collab by JanaM Designs and Dawn Inskip available at The DigiChick.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Heavy Heap
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Title: Peacocks at Hogle Zoo
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Jungle Fever Collab by JanaM Designs and Dawn Inskip available at The DigiChick.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Good Foot
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Title: Evening Magic
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Credits:
Papers, mask, and elements from the Extraordinary Day Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Template #57 by me.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Pea Jamie*B*
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That's a lot of Jana's stuff - like I said wrapping up CT work. I've been lucky enough to Guest for her for two months. :) Today just happens to be her birthday as well, and if you like her stuff don't miss stopping by her store at TDC 'cause she's got a little something for you! :D

Gotta' run 'cause I'm at work which is why it's been 2 hrs since I started this post... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Friday, March 20, 2009

:D

I've got good news... and VERY good news!

First off there are yet more QPs available for you! I've created more for Connie, and you can grab the newest one here. And, be sure not to miss the ones posted for her birthday as they may disappear soon! They can be found here, here, and here. :) There will be a few more soon as well! Here's today's:
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Connie's got a HUGE template grab bag available right now for only $2.50!! Don't miss out. :)
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So, on to the other item...

I've been chosen as one of Wendyzine's newest template lifts!! My LO "My toes" was selected as one of her template "lifts", and I've been included in Lift It 7 - part of her Lift It Collection 2!!

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I'm honored, thrilled, happy, and all those other things!! Thank you, Wendy!!

Got to go finished getting ready for work, but I wanted to share quick! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Wanna quick sneak peek?

I can show you my part of the April 2009 collab for Digital Scrap Garden...

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There are two full templates in there in both PSD and PSP formats -
AND they're 8.5x11! I've had a few requests to make some so I thought I'd try my hand here. :)

Gotta' run! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Not much going on here. I can remember when I was little my parents used to bake these "lephrachaun" cakes using the doll skirt pans for bridesmaid cakes. They'd hide four of them in various places in the house for us to find.Iff I'd thought of it far enough in advance I'd have tried to do it this year for Micaila and Brenden, but I just remembered it 2 days ago, and it will take longer than that to find the pans at my parents' house...

I do have Micaila all decked out in green and snapped a few shots of my little green girl, but I don't have time right now to upload and post them so it'll have to wait. Gotta' be ready to run out the door in about 30 minutes.

Micaila's Science Fair is tonight so I'm thinking about leaving work a few minutes early to get home for it. Mike will have to meet us there as it starts at 6 and he doesn't get off work 'til then. Starting next Monday his hours have switched again, and he'll be working 11am-9pm for at least 3 weeks. That should be fun as the kids all ready fight about going to bed at 8 when both of us are here...

I have 4 LOs from the last two days. No where near as productive as I'd hoped, but I did finish up my part of the April collab for DSG. Now to get it uploaded...

Title: Love without boundaries
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Credits:
Reversed staple, tape, and tags from Some Basics Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Papers and all other elements from the In My Pocket Kit by JanaM Designs available at The DigiChick.
Wordart from Our Story Wordart by Kelley Mickus.
Photo by my dad.
Fonts: DJB CT'S ROCK

LO completes Digi Dare #124.
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Title: Jaylin - laughter
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the No. 4 Kit by April Staker of DigiApe Designs.
Photos by my sil, Marcy.
Fonts: DJ Finch Ditto
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Title: Project365 - Week 10
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Credits:
Background, doodles rectangles, day arrows, file tabs, and smile stickers from the Life 365 Hodge Podge 5 by Gina Marie Huff of Weeds & Wildflowers.
Photos by me.
Fonts: FG Cheryl; FiveOhOne
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Title: Project365 - Week 11
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Credits:
Background from the Shabby Cottage Kit by Patricia Christensen of Weeds & Wildflowers.
Doodled border from the Life 365 Hodge Podge 5 by Gina Marie Huff of Weeds & Wildflowers.
Bracket and fun sticker from the Life 365 Hodge Podge 3 by Gina Marie Huff of Weeds & Wildflowers.
Just me sticker from the Life 365 Hodge Podge 4 by Gina Marie Huff of Weeds & Wildflowers.
Photos by me.
Fonts: VTKS Refused; FG Cheryl
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I've got to run! Still got to get dressed, eat breakfast, and take meds before getting the girl off to school and me to work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

:)