Happy Halloween!

Did ya' see?! Did ya' see?! Shabby Princess has a new freebie kit! Yeah!!! It's a super yummy fall one. Go grab it if you haven't yet!
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Several sites have Trick or Treating going on today where you can get freebies from their designers, but I can't remember who... If you know one - gimme a link! :)

I'm cutting out of work early today to take the kids trick or treating at the mall with Mike. After that we'll probably eat dinner quick, and then stop at a few houses here in Philly where I know the families. I never did manage to get a costume so I'm going to wear a royal blue sparkly evening gown I have, and be Mrs. Peacock... Not real original, but better than hanging a sign around my neck that reads, "I'm the Mommy." which was Micaila's suggestion! LOL

After Grandma spent the time and effort creating really adorable pirate costumes for them Brenden is insisting he wants to be "a turtle" (Raphael), and Micaila's decided she wants to be a butterfly fairy princess... So I've packed all options - just in case. We have the Raphael costume 'cause I bought them a bunch of costumes after Halloween last year clearance 75-90% off, and made a dress-up tote for them for Christmas. They love to play in their costumes all year, and I figured what the heck! I may have to switch out some this year as a couple are getting a little small! LOL
------------------------

Here's a sneak peek 'cause it isn't supposed to be posted 'til tomorrow:

Title: My Future

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Sasha Kit by Lauraskathi available at The Digi Chicks. (I have a 25% white layer over all but the top 3 layers to tone down colors so the photos stand out.)
Template 29 by Lindsay Jane Designs.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Hotel Coral Essex

This is my "Family" themed LO for SDD for Nov 1st using a kit from one of our Nov sponsors.
-----------------------------

Didn't get much else done as I vegged in front of the tv with the family last night. Off to work now!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

The "Catch Up" Post...

So let's see... The things I've been wanting to tell you, and not had the time...

Friday I cancelled my home phone service. I only had this service so I could connect to the internet and so Dad had a line out while watching the kids if there was an emergency. Dad got a cell phone in May and I got broadband internet about 2 weeks ago... hence no futher need. I was using IDT which has $39.95 all-inclusive continental US calling, of course after taxes and fees it ends up being closer to $64 per month. This was my second attempt to cancel btw. I tried calling 3 times on the 19th and spent over40 minutes on hold total -including over 5 minutes on dead silence while "waiting" to be transferred to the cancellation dept... So after a 20 minute phone call which included a rep asking if I'd stay with them if they gave a $5 discount for 3 months and answering an automated questionnaire I FINALLY got it cancelled. The questionnaire asked in at least 3 different ways if I understaood that there woud no signal to my phone - did I know I would not be able to call 911 from the phone - did I really understand this was cancelling ALL service to the line??? I really felt like answering in Spanish just to screw up the survey...

Can any of the bureaucrats explain to me why I can call 911 from any old cell phone with a charged battery - active service or not, but can't from my home line if I don't pay to keep service??? Bet that works really well for some of the poorer families in the country...

I also managed to finish putting the album for myMom's birthday together - 10 days late! LOL And, folded 3 loads of laundry while watching "The Holiday" with Carmen Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law & another woman I can't remember the name of right now. Great movie btw, and sorry, Dawne - I didn't watch "Half Light" in the end 'cause the write up sounded like something that would give me nightmares that late at night!
-----------------------------

Saturday after work, I cleaned all the cobwebs from the ceilings downstairs - well the real ones anyway! LOL Created 2 LOs and my Xmas card. Tried to put up a curtain rod in my bedroom, but found it was about a 1/2 foot too short to put across both windows. I hadn't thought to measure before hand of course! LOL And, moved more of my clothes into our bedroom. There were a few more odds-n-ends, but I can't remember what they were anymore!
-----------------------------

Sunday, I spent 1.5 hours just trying to find a blog template that I liked AND that worked - that was worse than interviewing for a job! I really need to teach myself HTML so I can build my own... There were several I really liked, but when I copied and pasted the code Blogger kept giving errors about the tags or the syntax. I settled with this, but really wanted something where the body was wider. (I hate all the "wasted" space on this page.)

Then I switched the kids email addresses over to Road Runner; hooked up their pc - which will not be internet connected - washed and dried 1 load of laundry before they got home, and tossed another in the washer after they got home; made Sausage with Peppers and Onions for dinner; ordered prints of the Xmas cards; and ran to SuperWalMart for the Xmas cards and to exchange the 1 big curtain rod for 2 smaller ones.
----------------------------

Now why did I run you through all of this??? 'Cause I spent last night after 7 catching up on my downloads from all my friends' blogs, and this morning catching up my LO uploading so I have no new LOs to share! :(

Oh well! I have finished up all of my temp CT duties so I need to get back to my full time ones tonight. :) Tomorrow... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

PS - Heather, I did get the email last night!

Monday Morning Rush

Been feelin' a little lonely 'round the 'net on Sundays lately. Seems everyone is off doing something else... Mike and the kids got home about 4:30 yesterday, and the kids immediately started making sure I knew they were here! :D

I created 2 LOs last night just before bed and 1 LO this morning, and then re-did my blog header...
-----------------------

Title: Elfin Kiss

Credits:
Papers and Elements from the Winter Bliss Kit by Jeannie Papai.
Fonts: FG David
________________________

Title: Conversations With A Backseat Driver

Credits:
Template from the Get Shaped Collection by Jeannie Papai. (I moved the { layer.)
Ribbon and jeweled brads from the Winter Bliss Kit by Jeannie Papai.
Black papers from the Circle Circle Dot Dot Paper Pack by Jeannie Papai.
Other papers from the TrendySolids Paper Pack by Jeannie Papai.
Fonts: Calvin and Hobbes

Another Jaylin LO! :)
________________________

Title: Catherine Grace Reed

Credits:
Papers, flowers, ribbons, journal spot, and button from the Fall Into My Love Kit by She's Full Of Scrap.
Rusted brad by Pamela of Digitreats.
Fonts: Carolus

LO completes the Monday Mixer Oct Week 4 Challenge at DD.
--------------------------

Gotta' run for now! I may edit this later to add more...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Pubic Service Announcement...

Just FYI for those of you in the USA with cell phones:

REMINDER....10 days from today, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It block s your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. It takes about 20 seconds.

--------------------------------

Now that the PSA is over... I haven't managed to thank Diane and Dawne yet!!! Both these lovely ladies have nominated me for this award in the past week:





I'm still thinking about who to pay it forward to...

-------------------------------

I have 2 LOs and an Xmas card to share with you...

Title: Believe

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Christmas Traditions Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studios.
Fonts: FG Cathie's Hand
_________________________

Title: 2007 Xmas Card

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Christmas Traditions Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studios.
Fonts: FG Cathie's Hand

I have made this as a QP for Pamela to offer on her blog so watch for it if you like it!
_________________________

Title: Scenes from a North Country Autumn

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Autumn's Glow Kit by Julie Kelley Designs available soon at Scrapbook-Elements.
Fonts: GoodDog Plain

LO completes the Oct Numbers Challenge at DSO and Fall Challenge at GS.
-----------------------------------

I have many other things I wanted to tell you today, but honestly... I just spent 1.5 hours trying to find a new blog template I liked (and that WORKED)... Still not thrilled, but weary - very weary...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Saturday Freebie

So... this week I'm offering a paper pack -6 papers and a bonus frame. I made these after finding the destruction some jerks left behind when they ransacked & stole from my grandparent's house last winter. Dad owned the house, but we hadn't been living in it...



Please remember to send people here for thel ink - do not share it directly. And, if downloading please leave some love!

http://www.4shared.com/dir/4032389/b6b8303e/Destruction_Paper_Pack.html
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I was in such a hurry yesterday morning that I didn't get to share all of my good news! I all ready mentioned that I did a 1-time CT gig for Pamela Gibson which I finished yesterday by uploading my LOs. (If you haven't checked out her new kits hop over to Polka Dot Potato to do so!) But, I am also doing a 10-day CT gig for She's Full Of Scrap!! (1st 2 LOs below) AND, I've become a Garden Gal for Digital Scrap Garden! (see my last 3 LOs) AND, I've been asked to be a Guest CT for Connie Prince for November! AND, a Guest CT for Penny's Miscellany for December! I'm also waiting on the answer for one other Guest CT Spot which I hope to be able to share by the end of next week!

To quote The Mask (and Heather! LOL) "You people like me! You really like me!"
--------------------------

Here are 2 LOs I created last night for She's Full Of Scrap:

Title: Did You Say, Formula...

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Two Solitudes Kitby She's Full Of Scrap available Nov 1st at gottapixel.net.
Fonts: Boston Traffic; Bradley's Hand ITC

My niece, Jaylin.
________________________

Title: A Beautiful Bloom In The Garden Of Life

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Two Solitudes Kitby She's Full Of Scrap available Nov 1st at gottapixel.net.
"Stems" are hand cut from one of the kit papers using freehand selection tool & mouse by me.
Fonts: Cheri

My neice again!
-----------------------------

Need to go grab a shower, and get off to my 1/2 day of work... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Friday Question

So what's your scrapping style? Do you have one? Do you tend to favor a certain designer or line because you like the feel of their designs more than others?

I'm very eclectic. I love grungy, shabby chic kind of products, but my LOs tend to be fairly simple for the most part, and I can work with almost anything. :)
-------------------------------

So last night Dad & I watched Premonition while eating dinner. Very good, but not what I'd expected. The we cleaned out the dressers from my grandparent's house so I could get my clothes into them. After Dad left I got about 1/2 my clothes moved. I'll need to finish that tonight, and get the other pc hooked up for the kids & reformatted.

Then I sat down to finish my 3rd DSG Garden Gal LO (I thought), and ended up chatting with my brother on MySpace IM and Diane on Hello... Needless to say I literally just finished the 3rd LO. It's been uploaded to DSG, but no where else yet... I've also had the same brother on MS IM again this morning while uploading the 2 LOs for Pamela Gibson, downloading my DDs from the 3 sites I go to everyday, downloading 2 new kits from Julie and 4 new kits for my Nov SDD duties, downloading emails with new pics of my sweet niece, working on this LO, and uploading all 3DSGs... I'm a little frazzled atm! LOL

And, now I'm 10 minutes late to get out the door!
-------------------------

Title: Evening Moon

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Dust In The Wind Kit by Ladybug Graphics of Digital Scrap Garden.
Fonts: Witched
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Gotta' run! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

YAAAAWWWWNNNN!

So I slept fairly well last night even though I'm really tired this morning. But, maybe that has more to do with a certain chat that kept me up past midnight??? Hmmm??? LOL Oh well! It was tons of fun anywho, and I managed to win Heather's Personal Use Grab Bag during the trivia! [happy dance]



I knew I needed to try to stay up for the chat so I actually managed to watch Criminal Minds and CSI NY at their normal times instead of off DVR! Of course, it aslo helps that the kids weren't here because I'm trying not to watch those shows with them awake anyway. They've started referring to police as people killers... I've explained that police only kill if they have NO other choice, but that doesn't seem to make an impression.
----------------------

Oh! Awhile ago I downloaded Hello at a CT designer's request. I realize many of you use it, and figured it would be fun to get it setup... But, I don't have your usernames to add.. Either leave me your Hello ID in your comment, or add me: absolutartist1. I know I have Traci, Dawne, and Nonita! :)

----------------------



A couple of you have laughingly mentioned you'd like me to post a little earlier in the morning... Well, here's the deal: After I get up I have daily downloads to do from 3 sites, dishes to do, kids to get breakfast for, and LOs to work on. This week it is also my turn to post the daily Scrapbooking Question Of The Day at SDD. (Stop over and chat!) Now, I could just post a quick hi with no LOs, but I really prefer to share at least 1 a day, and as I've not had much evening mojo lately that means the post has to wait until I've finished at least 1 LO! :P (The post is actually normally started by 7 or 7:15am...)



That being said... I need to go finish my LO! Back in a bit!

----------------------

Ok, here it is... The 1 LO I managed to finish this morning...

Title: Tuckered Out

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Country Sampler Kit by Flutterby Designs of Digital Scrap Garden.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Vintage Typewriter; VTKS 36
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And, now I have to dash off to work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Weary Wednesday...

So, you'd think with no kids to wake me up 3-6 times during the night I'd sleep better -woudn't ya'?!? Not so. I was awake at least 3 times last night, and twice it was the cat that woke me...

I didn't get anything from my to do list done last night. When I got home Dad was here, and we had pizza for dinner while watching Music & Lyrics (Drew Barrymore & Hugh Grant). If you haven't seen it yet - it's awesome! As Dad put it, "You know the writer had to have fashioned them after family members!" Honestly - the characters are just too quirky not be real people somewhere, and despite my misgivings about the pairing of Drew & Hugh - they worked VERY well together!

Afterwards, Dad went home, and I caught up my email/PMs, downloaded some kits for a CT application, started a LO, and then fell into bed.
---------------------------

Do you guys "sort" through your digi files? I'm a pack rat -born and bred. I probably download in the neighborhood of 1GB of zipped files per week. Now it hasn't always been that much 'cause believe me on dial-up you CAN'T unless you're on 24-7 doing nothing but downloading, but I've been working digi for a little over a year now. In that time my taste has changed, and I have a lot of kits I downloaded thinking "Awesome!", however when I look at them now the quality isn't what I'm used to at this point. I'm torn as to whether I should just delete them 'cause I PROBABLY won't be using them again, or just leave them. I have a 250GB EHD that all files are saved on, but it's down to 140GB left free... (It was at 190GB free in June when a guy at work tried to tell me I'd NEVER fill it! LOL)
---------------------------

Here's the LO I started last night, and finished this morning:

Title:Smile Like Ya' Mean It

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Smile Mini Kit by Purple Frog Pizzazz of Digital Scrap Garden.
Fonts: EscapeTypewriterSans

Gotta' catch a shower & get to work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Kaboodle Anyone?

A while ago Karla invited me to join Kaboodle. I did join, but never bothered to figure out how to add stuff. So that's what I've been doing this morning - adding stuff. I still can't figure out the finer details - like how to change a list name if you typo'd - or how to get the link for my siggy... Tips are welcome! :)

I also caught up my LO posting again... sigh! That wouldn't take so much time if I'd make fewer LOs! LOL
----------------------------

I officially resigned from Karla's CT this morning. I feel a little sad about that, but I'm just no where near religious, and the rest of the team is super-religious. I LOVE Karla's kits, but a lot of the pieces have religious quotes and/or word art which I found myself working around. I just don't feel it is fair to her or her kits to not show off everything possible.

Best of luck to the team though! They are a terrific bunch of ladies, and I know they'll find someone terrific and more aligned to their beliefs to replace me! :)
----------------------------
On a happy note - I got chosen to be a Guest CT Member for Connie Prince for November! Doin' a little happy dance about that! I put out several feelers on Saturday for CTs (mostly guest spots) as my CT duties have lightened recently, and I want to check out some other options before settling.
----------------------------

I have no new LOs this morning due to Kaboodling, posting, and being with the kids a little more. Mike & the kids leave for Long Island today while I'm at work, and I won't see them 'til Sunday...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

The Bad Ad...

So,... it's gotten to the point that Mcaila will run through the house on and off all day Sunday singing, "It's Sunday! Sunday! SUNDAY!" All I can think of is those bad car & electronics ads on tv! LOL She's so cute doing it I don't have the heart to tell her though!

We did end up trying to go to the spooky farm... It's been bought out,and it's not so spooky anymore. In fact, yesterday they had a small group of amusement rides and game booths in there so it was more like a fair... The kids had a great time, but Brenden was still insisting on trying to see the spooky animals over an hour after we left... To him spooky farm meant there should be animals with the spooky! LOL

Well, I finally finished the CJ that was supposed to be postal on the 10th so it's going out today.


I'm not thrilled with it, but I think it turned out pretty nice.
-------------------------

I also started working on a 2008 calendar using 2007 photos yesterday. I never work with 8.5x11, but decided it would work better for the calendar to give as gifts because I can then use the binder at work to put then together for almost nothing. I just need to buy a set of binder combs! One of the goodies I got with Meredith Fenwick's RAK was her 2008 Calendar Stamps. I figured I could use them for this project, and then to date some LOs next year by simply highlighting the day on the calendar!

Let me know what you think so far...










Credits:
January
Papers, alpha, and elements from the Party Pants Kit by Miss Mint of Peppermint Creative.
Calendar stamp by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
------------------------------
February
Papers and elements from the Dirt Don't Hurt- It's A Pink Thang Kit by Heather Manning Designs.
Calendar stamp by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Fonts: !PaulMaul
------------------------------
March
Papers and elements from the Fresh Florals Kit by Lauren Bavin of DigitalScrapbookPlace.com.
Calendar stamp by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Fonts: !PaulMaul
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April
Papers & button flower from the Whoops A Daisy Addon by Kori B of Stone Accents Studio.
Calendar stamp by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Fonts: !PaulMaul; Easter Bunny
------------------------------
September
Papers from the Out There Kit by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Calendar stamp by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Journaling stamp from the Get It Started Set by Meredith Fenwick of ScrapbookGraphics.com.
Fonts: !PaulMaul

I'm not thrilled with the way April has turned out. I think I might re-work that one... September was actually done first because I was playing with my goodies from Meredith! LOL The page just worked better with those photos.
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Not much else to report this morning so I'm off! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Sunday Musings

So, not completely sure what we're doing today... Dad & I were debating taking the kids to a pumpkin patch in Adams which could be fun, but I also have a boatload of stuff to get done (as usual) around here... I'm torn. If it were just the "normal" duties I wouldn't hesitate to go, but I have 2 CJs in my hands now 'cause I'm so late with the first one. UHG! I hate it when I have no inspiration for paper scrapping. The one HAS to go postal tomorrow -no excuses.

I finished 4 digital LOs yesterday, and 1 early this morning... I just can't find my paper mojo anymore.
----------------------------

Wanna see what I did with my goodie for guessing Diane's secret? (BTW - I got the whole Dirt Don't Hurt - It's A Pink Thang Kit!)

Title: Carefree

Credits:
Paper, alpha, and elements from the Dirt Don't Hurt - It's A Pink Thang Kit by Heather Manning Designs.
Fonts: Gungshu

Diane always gets to send RAKs for Heather, but seldom gets one in return. My CTs don't give me the ability to RAK (at least not yet! LOL) So anywho, Meredith Fenwick was holding a RAK thread at DST yesterday. She'd never RAKd anyone before, and decided she was in the mood to RAK $10 GCs! I posted to get one for Diane - figuring I'd probably never win anyway with everyone who'd posted, but it was worth a shot... Not only did I win, but when Meredith found out I was passing it to Diane for this very reason - she gave me permission to use the coupon myself as well! What a sweetie!! I hope Diane enjoys hers. I know I got 4 awesome products with mine!

----------------------------
If you haven't checked out Lifesong Kreations' newest kit, Joyful Thanks, yet you need to! Rich, fall colors blended with homey elements - yummy!

The packs can be found here:
http://www.digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=133&sort=20a&page=3

I have a couple of LOs created using it to share with you:

Title: 50 Years

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Joyful Thanks Kit by Karla Kellum of Lifesong Kreations.
Fonts: Freebooter Script
My paternal grandparents on their wedding day & 50th ASnniversary.
________________________

Title: Savoring Autumn Moments

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Joyful Thanks Kit by Karla Kellum of Lifesong Kreations.
Fonts: DSP Can You Hear Me Now
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I also completed 2 LOs forPamela Gibson as a 1-time CT gig to assist with the new kits she's releasing on Friday - 4 of them!!!! I got to work with the Christmas Whimsy Kit. Here's a sneak peek:

Title: Rockefeller Center

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Christmas Whimsy Kit by Pamela Gibson.
Fonts: Girls Are Weird
________________________

Title: Micaila's First Christmas

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Christmas Whimsy Kit by Pamela Gibson.
Fonts: GramophoneNF
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Well, I've all ready done dishes and gotten the kids breakfast, but I need to get going to work on the rest of my to do list. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Saturday Freebie

Today I've decided to offer up another piece of word art...



It can be found here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/25753695/239289fd/NatureWord_Art.html

Please, no hotlinking - send people here to grab it. And, don't forget to leave some love here or at 4shared! :)
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I'm going to go try to get another couple of hours sleep... I haven't slept well all night, and quite frankly feel like doo-doo right now. Have to work my half-day as usual later on so I may be back to post a bit more later.

Thanks for stopping by,and have a great day!

Friday's Question of the Week...

How many different sites do you upload your layouts to? I'm up to 13. Athough, I don't upload every layout to all galleries, and 2 I'm barely posting to anymore... I actually have Notepad documents for each kit by each designer I do CT work for to keep track of where to upload to and when the LO is completely uploaded...

How 'bout you?
-----------------------

I guessed Diane's secret!!! Can you? Hop over to her blog to pick up the clues from the last week or so, and email her your guess. If you guess the secret you get goodies!

Carjazi Scraps
----------------------

To answer some questions from yesterday:
1. Yes, the dog was caught. He finally laid down in the middle of the yard to let my dad pet him...

2. The pumpkin was carved by my dad from a pattern. Every year he carves 1 for my kids and one for my sister's kids. This year there are actually 3 because when he went to carve the two he found the one for Nora's kids was seriously icky on the bottom - to the point that he doesn't want to try to transport it to her house. So, Micaila and Brenden actually got 2 this year! LOL I'll be making LOs with the others soon. I have plenty of Halloween kits to go around! :D
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I had a really terrible headache by the time I got home last night so I didn't do much on the pc like normal. Instead I vegged in front of the tv eating leftovers for dinner. I also trimmed Micaila's bangs as they were in her eyes again - for which I got a LOT of attitude. And, I trimmed up Brenden's hair. (It's a little shorter on one side than the other now... LOL)

When I finally did start to feel better I had to catch up loading my layouts to the Digitreats CT blog. After some minor modifications overnight I've finished uploading all of my completed CT LOs there... I've also managed this morning to finish uploading yesterday's LOs to all the required galleries, and uploaded my last two for Julie to all of those required galleries. So atm I think I'm up to date with all my CT work! LOL I do have a new kit from Karla I should get LOs done with this weekend. ;)
----------------------

For all the aforementioned reasons I don't have a new LO for you this morning, but I do have a creepy photo!


I'm the low man on the totem pole at work so I get to change our message sign out front. This fella (lady?) was waiting out there for me yesterday when I went to change the sign. You are seeing the spider approximatey full size btw... It was larger than a quarter! YUCK!
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I've rambled ridiculously, dried a load of laundry, done dishes, made the kids feed the cat, gotten the kids breakfast, and now need to grab a shower & get to work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Oh! And, don't forget tomorrow there will be a new freebie! :D

Running really late...

I ended up helping some stranger run around my yard for about 10 minutes this morning chasing his dog which had gotten loose... Needless to say those were 10 minutes I had planned to do something else - like blog! LOL So, this will be quick and to the point 'cause I'm at work...

I finished 2 quick LOs this morning.
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Title: Dewed Webs

Credits:
Paper, stitched web, spider charm, and bow from the Halloween Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studio.
October word art from the October Word Art Addon by Pamela of Digitreats available on her blog.
Fonts: DSP Cybergram
_________________________

Title: 2007 Jack-o-lantern

Credits:
Papers, eyes, and ribbon from the Halloween Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studio.
Halloween coaster from the Halloween Coasters Addon by Pamela of Digitreats available on her blog.
Fonts: Girls Are Wierd
----------------------

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Humpday Honeys

Be sure to check out the DSO gals' blogs today for their freebies!

I don't have much to add this morning. I spent last night printing out the 30 digi-LOs the kids chose for Grandma's birthday album. Now to get them cut out and into the album... So - no new LOs today, but I'm sure to have some tomorrow.

I'm currently checking out a website Kristine posted she'd gotten her new blog template at. I'm kind of bored with mine... There are some pretty cool templates there for free, but I don't think I want to mess with it right this second as I still need to get dressed and head out to work. Technical difficulties are not something I have time for right now! LOL

I also need to figure out if I'll be able to change just the header on these as I'd prefer to keep a header with some of my work.

Oh! And, can someone explain to this apparently thick-skulled woman how to make my links in Blogger LOOK like links instead of URLs? Even when I try to use the link icon at the top of the post screen they come out as URLs. What am I missing?

Since I have no LOs I'll share a couple more nature photo from 9.29 since you guys seem to love them so much... :D




And, this which I thought was a tad bit funny...


Anywho - I'm off to work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

The fog...

We've got it again... The fog so bad you think you should be able to touch it! YUCK! It'll probably start burning off about 5 minutes after I leave home. I normally get just outside of town and wish I had my sunglasses! LOL

I spent about 40 minutes snuggling with little man this morning. He woke up earlier than usual and wanted me to stay with him. I had him crawl into my lap, and covered us up with my quilt. While he was attempting to go back to sleep (It didn't happen...) I watched CSI Vegas from last week. What is up with the bees???? At the beginning of the episode I assumed it was going to be a gas death due to the bee and the old man. Speaking of which - it just hit me - did they ever state what killed the old man...?

Anyway, kids have breakfast, dishes are done, cat is fed, livingroom is straightened up AND Febreezed. (Love the kids, but WAY too many nap time accidents in that room!) Now I need to finish this post, select paper products for the CJ I should have mailed off last week (bad me), take a shower, and head off to work. I just have not had any inspiration with this CJ LO...

I finished 3 LOs last night - all for DSG Challenges and 2 completed other challenges as well! I have 1 left to finish at DSG and 8 at DSO - not to mention 2 more weeks of Monday Mixer at DD, and random ones at GS. How are your challenges for the month coming?
--------------------------

Title: Hunting Buses

Credits:
Papers & elements from the Tina Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studios.
Staple and glass } from the Essentials Kit by Pamela of Digitreats.
Template from the Mix-It-Up Challenge at SAS by Pamela of Digitreats.
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: Catnip; Carolous
Journaling:
Grampy got the kids this puzzle/games where the bus ran a track in the puzzle after the pieces were put together. Miss Kitty had more fun chasing down the bus though!

LO completes the Photo Challenge at DSG and the Mix-It-Up Template Challenge at SAS. (For some reason PS 7 exaggerates my drop shadows when it saves the file. My printed version looks much better...)
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Title: Quiet Splendor

Credits:
Papers, photo turn, name tag w/ribbon, and flower from the Rainwashed Vacation Kit by Susan Wood.
Tag by Ladybug Graphix.
Fonts: FG Cheryl
Journaling:
I love how the river is so calm here that the sky reflects from it... The photo almost looks like it is upside down...
When I was younger I used to love to sit down by the river, and just watch the water flow by...
It always seemed so peaceful.

LO completes the Elementals Challenge at DSG.
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Title: What A Grand Thing...

Credits:
Papers and stamp from the Vintage Retro Kit by Little Dreamer Designs.
Fonts: DSP Cybergram

LO completes the Quote Challenge at DSG and the Bare & Simple Challenge at GS.
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Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

And, we're off!

Another Monday morning... The beginning of another busy week. Our senior season is (finally) beginning to wind down. We had 3 schools with fairly late yearbook deadlines this year so it lasted longer than normal.
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I've been a little slower on LOs lately because I've been taking care of some odds'n'ends. Yesterday I went through photos to find some I wanted to scan; spent about 1.5 hours going through old receipts and mail to figure out what could be burned; vaccuumed the entire downstairs; did the dishes; got the garbage together & outdoors; ran to Super WalMart; spent about 2 hours scanning and 1 hour uploading the high school photos to MySpace; and then managed to complete 1 LO before falling into bed. I also got an email yesterday letting me know I'd won Purple Frog Pizzazz's blog comment drawing. Just for leaving a comment on her blog I got her entire new kit Blue Bird Bliss for FREE!

While at WalMart had to pick up plastic sheeting to put over the windows for the winter as the landlord hasn't managed to insulate & reside the other two sides of the house YET. He told us when we moved in here a year ago July that he planned to do it LAST fall... So there's my project for next Sunday.

I also finished 1 LO this morning, and both are for challenges over at Digital Scrap Garden...
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Title: All In A Day's Play

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Blue Bird Bliss Kit by Purple Frog Pizzazz of Digital Scrap Garden.
Fonts: 2Peas scrapbook; 2Peas Grandpa; Vintage Typewriter; C39HrP48DhTt

The kids playing at the Primary School playground here in town. LO completes the 3F Challenge at DSG.
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Title: A Moment In Time

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Harvest Mega Kit by Cyndi Wetmiller, Sharia Braxton, and Amanda Coudriet.
"A" by Flutterby Designs.
Fonts: Freebooter Script; Vintage Typewriter

LO completes the Gimme A Letter Challenge at DSG.
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That's all for this morning, folks! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

The Sunday Rush...

It's that day again... The one I wait all week for - only to watch it rush by on fast forward... Today should be worse than normal because instead of being up at 6 or 7am I laid in bed 'til 9:30am. I just did not want to move. I think the lack of sleep (I'm normally awake 3-6 times per night) is catching up to me again. I only got 2 LOs done yesterday after work. I was hoping to do much more, but I felt like someone had put me on slow-motion... by 7:30pm my eyes were trying to shut. Really weird...
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I stopped by Scrapstreet.com last night for the first time in months, and they had a whole new batch of free kits in their store! I am so happy I have braodband now 'cause it only took me about 20 minutes to download all the new kits. On my dial-up it would have taken 20 minutes to download the smallest of them! :)
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Not much else to report this morning, and I need to go get started on my to do list so I'll leave you with the 2 LOs from last night:

Title: What's In There?

Credits:
Papers from the Basically Orange Paper Pack by Traci Murphy Designs available at Funky Playground Designs.
Frame from Painted Frames by Traci Murphy available at Funky Playground Designs.
Ribbon and maple leaf from the Summer's End Kit by Julie Kelley Designs available at Scrapbook-Elements.com.
Photos by my dad.Fonts: Avant que...
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Title: Total Diva

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Foxy Lady Kit By Miss Mint of Peppermint Creative.
Sketch by Molly Peckham of SDD.
Fonts: Vintage Typewriter

I desaturated the color on this photo, and then used cut & paste to put the full color eyes back in. I just love the look on her face here...
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We've got a nasty black cloud settling over us right now (And, it looks like a snow cloud! I wanna cry!)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Saturday Freebie!

Mornin', all! It's Saturday which means I have another offering for you... I decided on a piece of word art today. Here's a peek:



I used it on a quote challenge LO a while ago, and loved the results. You can grab it here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/25753685/3a89b8bc/Education_Word_Art.html

Please - no hot linking. Send folks here to grab it, and don't forget to leave some love here or at 4shared! :)
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We watched Wild Hogs last night. DEFINITELY a good movie! There was about a 10 minute period during the movie where I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe (or hear the tv)!

This morning I made 2 LOs...

Title: The World Through Micaila's Eyes

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Very Vintage Kit by Julie Kelley Designs available at Scrapbook-Elements.
Photos (mostly) by Micaila.
Fonts: OldgateLaneOutline; 2Peas scrapbook

These are some of the 233 semi-usable photos my daughter has taken since getting her digital camera for Xmas last year. They are uncropped and unretouched...
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Title: Good Times

Credits:
Papers and elements from the Everday Elegance Kit by Julie Kelley Designs available at Scrapbook-Elements.
Film strips by Cora of MzPimptress.
Fonts: Broken Ghost; Avant que...
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I need to grab a shower, and get out the door to work... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Friday Question of the Week...

What is your very favorite embellishment? The one you just can't live without... the one you would keep stocked even if you wouldn't be able to buy others?

In the paper world it's brads for me - specifically MM antiqued round mini brads. If there is nothing else that suits my mood for a page those do! :)

In the digi world I'd have to say it's probably staples. Although the one I haven't gotten my hands on yet are any of those backwards staples! Those are so cool!
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October's a busy month for us. Today's my mom's 60th birthday, AND the day she has to go back to work! LOL She had the last four days off because she had to use up the last of her vacation days before her hire date anniversary... which is today! Yesterday was my brother, Blayne's 4th wedding anniversary. (As well as, Kristine of WenchdGrafix and Cora of MzPimptress's birthdays!) Next week we've got Mike's grandmother's 80th birthday, my nephew, Trever's 9th birthday, and Mike's Uncle John's birthday. And, the week after that my brother,Blayne's 30th birthday and Mike's grandparents' 60th anniversary.
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So on to my nominations for Thoughtful Blogger Awards. I only have 2 this morning, but I plan to give a few more in the next week or so...



1. Cora - aka MzPimptress - for offering up her creations (which are awesome) on her blog. Her work tends to have a rock-grunge feel to most of it which is so fun to play with! This month because of her birthday she's offering 1 small treat each day! Even when life gets in the way she'll be sure to post the late offerings! Be sure to stop by her blog to grab some yummy treats, and leave her some love!

2. Traci King - aka Florescent Jellybeans - again for her VERY generous blog offerings. If not every day, then ALMOST every day Traci posts 1-2 FREE offerings which range from terrific embellishment sets to full mini kits to coordinating alphas. Most of her work is bright and funky and slightly off-beat! If you're looking for embellishments that are a little different from the norm I highly reccomend checking hers out!
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I spent all of my time last night after getting home trying to getRoad Runner activated... Needless to say over 3 hrs of trying didn't make me extremely happy, but I've got it now! I did support for Comcast broadband internet for almost a year so it's not like I'm completely clueless when it comes to this stuff... But, 4 years later if you haven't used it you tend to lose it! LOL Thank heavens for Dennis - the last rep I got on the tech support line. He was very patient as he ran me through a few things I'd forgotten.

With all the uploading and getting connected I haven't had much time to scrap in the last two days, but I just finished this LO:

Title: Live Laugh Love

Credits:
Papers and elements from the A Kid's Life Mega Kit by Royanna Fritschman, Dede Smith, and Wolf Randolph.
Fonts: Note This
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My only plans for this weekend include a LOT of scrapping and cleaning! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

P.S. - Don't f orget there will be a new freebie tomorrow! :)

It seems like almost every gallery I deal with has been down at some point during the last few weeks so I'd just stockpiled my LOs instead of trying to figure out what could be uploaded where. Because of that I've spent all of my pc time last night and this morning trying to catch up on my uploading... So no new LOs this morning.
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Awesome news though...

3S Scrapstyle is now available!!! It was published yesterday, and I'm on page 41! [insert happy dance smilie]

Hop over to 3Scrapateers to grab your own copy! They have it on sale for $3.50 right now. (I believe it returns to the normal price of $5 after 1 week.) And, there are over 300Mb of free downloads included!!!
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That's all for now... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Humpday...

It's that day again... There should be freebies everywhere today!

I spent most of the evening last night watching tv with the kids again. Has anyone else watched the Halloweentown movies? I think they're pretty cool, and the kids love them. They're on Disney Channel. Last year I found Halloweentown and Halloweentown II. Last night I found out they also have a Halloweentown High! If you haven't seen them and have kids (or really like Halloween!) I highly reccomend them! I'm hoping to find them on a bundled DVD this year...
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Diane gave me another blogging award over the weekend:



I'll have to think about who to send this out to...
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I finished 2 LOs this morning - 1 for a challenge at GS and 1 inspired by the challenge at GS!

Title: What's In A Name?

Credits:
Papers & elements from the Summer's End kit by Julie Kelley Designs available at Scrapbook-Elements.
http://store.scrapbook-elements.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=119&products_id=12154
Fonts: Marker Monkey; Marcelle Script; Times New Roman

LO for a challenge at GS regarding the story behind a name.
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Title: What's In A Screenname?

Credits:
Paper from the Back In Black Mini Kit by MzPimptress.
Notepaper shapes, cardboard wings, bread tag, and staple by MzPimptress.
Overlay from Gettin' Edgy 04 by Royanna Fritschmann of Divine Digital.
Fonts: Vintage Typewriter; Marker Monkey; Note This

Part 2 of a LO challenge from GS for the story behind a name.
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Not much else to say today so I'll be off! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Mornin'!

This is going to be VERY short this morning. We picked up Barbie Island Princess yesterday at WalMart as it was only $13.72, and Micaila begged so prettily... It was actually pretty good. Now, by pretty good I mean it actually kept Brenden entertained as well! LOL With most Barbie movies he'll watch about 10 minutes before he's off and into trouble again. He watched (almost) the entire movie this time!
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I created 1 LO this morning, and need to go shower & run out the door. (As usual! LOL)

Title: Santa's Workshop

Credits:
Papers from the Basically Orange Paper Pack by Traci Murphy Designs available at Funky Playground Designs.
Frame, heart pendant,and ribbon from the Frame-it 4 Freebie by Kim B Designs.
Fancy brad & staple from the Shabby Classic Freebie by Kim B Fesigns.
Journal paper from the Just Bag It Freebie by Heather Manning Designs.
Fonts: SVD_WilderThings

These are some old pictures which had turned orangish to the point that PSP had difficulty bringing them back to correct color... I was goingfor an old-drawer-just-opened kind of feel for this page which I don't think I actually caught, but I like it anyway! :)
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Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Monday morning blues...

Well, I don't have work today as they are paving the driveway so the office is closed, but it is an icky looking day out... We've had two brief showers since 6am.

In a little while Dad & I are heading out with the kids to run some errands. We need to pickup a few birthday gifts and some groceries. And, I need to fill the van's gas tank and pick up some kero as we were lower on fuel than I realised. So, I've also arranged for a delivery of fuel oil tomorrow, and setup Road Runner installation for Thursday. (Yes! Broadband - finally!)
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The LO War at GotSwaps ended last night. I only managed to complete 11 pages Sat/Sun, but I figure that isn't too bad considering I didn't get anything put into kits prior... (For digital "kits" I grab photos and kits, and copy them into 1 folder per LO normally.) I also completed 1 LO this morning.

Title: Fall Daydreams

Credits:
Papers, wrapped frame, bow, & brad from the DSO Sept Color Challenge Posting Bonus by Kim B Designs.
Heart & key charms from the Gold Plated kit by Raspberry Road Designs.
Fonts: Kaileen; Vintage Typewriter
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Title: I Love You

Credits:
Paper, tags, & word art from the August 07 Free Pea Kit by Rhonna Farrer.
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Title: Seize The Moment

Credits:
Papers and elements (including word art) from the Express Yourself Kit by Ronna Penner.
Fonts: Vintage Typewriter; Ticket Capitals
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Title: Fall Activities

Credits:
Papers from Color Me Solid by Michelle Coleman of Little Dreamer Designs.
Journal and checks stamps by Jackie Eckles of Little Dreamer Designs.
Designer Block from the August Newsletter by designers at Little Dreamer Designs.
Doodle frame from August Newsletter by Michelle Coleman of Little Dreamer Designs.
Painted acrylic heart by Michelle Coleman of Little Dreamer Designs.
Fonts: Ugly Face; SVD_WilderThings

LO completes the Oct Ad Challenge at DSO.
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Title: My Brenden Boy

Credits:
Papers, alpha, & elements from the Darling Kit by Pamela of Digitreats available at Stone Accents Studios.

Brenden on the swingset 10.7.07.
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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!