and not the Rock made a visit the night before last to our house. :)
Jimmy woke up Thursday morning with a little bubble on his tooth. He had a pulpotomy on the same tooth in September, but I was under the impression that once you do tooth work it's over (clearly I was mistaken). When I called the dentist to see how to care for his abscess, they told me to bring him right in.
Once there they decided to yank the tooth. Now Jimmy has yet to lose a tooth and this one wasn't loose in any shape or form so I was more than a little concerned. But they numbed him (twice) without him even suspecting they were giving him shots--which is a BIG deal!! And then they pulled the tooth. But now he's all swollen and sore.
The great part is that he got a visit from the tooth fairy. That hasn't happened for him before, and he was all smiles and giggles at the dentist when he realized he would be getting his first visit. He wrote a very darling note about wanting to keep his first tooth and requested a photo of the tooth fairy. That presented a logistical challenge, but google came through. ;)
Here's the HUGE tooth:
It's never a dull moment around here. I tell you.
I also got to help with Katelyn's sewing class yesterday. Nothing like a bunch of boys and girls learning to use a sewing machine. I was a little concerned when they asked me to help. Now if you need stitching on your scrapbook layouts, I'm your girl. Sewing on fabric, though, is a whole other ball of wax. But all the teacher really needed was us to make sure they were stitching correctly and pinning correctly. Whew! Crisis averted!
Before I go, I'm going to "encourage" you to submit to Scrapbook Trends. I have a clearly vested interested in seeing your best work in the magazine that I work for. But I also haven't forgotten what it's like to get the email requesting your work. It still thrills me when something I've created gets some kind of "approval." We all need a pat on our backs for our work, don't we? Here's your chance. There are several calls on the Scrapbook Trends submission page. I'd love to see you submit!! I'm creating some stuff for the Stamping Call. I have some new Hero Arts stamps that I'm dying to play with. Dying I tell you!! Maybe I'll give you a peek at one or two completed projects tomorrow. :)
Here are two of the Hero Arts Stamp Sets I used for this card:
* Essential Messages clear stamps by Hero Arts
* Speckled Ornaments clear stamp set by Hero Arts
* Flutter Clear Stamp Set by We R Memory Keepers
I'm having a rough time finishing up my class right now so I'd better go and focus on that. Plus my hubby is getting a night out with his favorite girl, which had better be ME--to celebrate his upcoming b-day on Monday!
So the dynamic Miss Ali Edwards challenged her blog readers to select a word to describe the year they'd like to have. I chose "fearless." As someone who suffers from social anxiety, I've let my anxiety hold me back and keep me from many things. It's a strange dichotomy. I LOVE people and hanging out with people and doing things with people, but I'm TERRIFIED of what people think or how I will appear, which then causes panic attacks. It's been frustrasting on good days and devastating on bad days.
So this year I'm going to be FEARLESS--able to accept changes, take risks, embrace my fears, and try things that have scared me in the past. Last year I was able to face one of them--flying. I haven't flown since 2000 or 2001 when I had a horrible panic attack on the airplane. After that I just couldn't justify a trip that would make me feel so sick. In fact it took quite a while to recover. But last year I went with my husband back to Savannah on a PLANE. And I survived! I would even say that I didn't do too horribly--I was quite calm and was able to both read and nap on the plane and not feel anxiety before or after the flight. That was a huge step for me, and it gave me hope of trying other things.
Combine that with my desire to do BIG things, and I'm trying new things.
So in my effort to meet one of my big ideas, I'm doing a little thing. I'm studying math again. I was always a good student. I like rules and measurements and try to meet and even exceed them. And most of the time I was able to quickly grasp concepts. But that changed in Sixth Grade when I started falling behind in math. Because I had always been the "smart one" I was afraid to ask anyone for help. And although I still did quite well, I wasn't grasping the subject matter as completely any more. So as I slowly moved through Junior High and High School, I was getting by. My grades really didn't reflect it. No one panics about a B+, but for someone that typically got it--I really wasn't getting it any more.
So I'm going back to Sixth Grade. Woohoo!!
I bought some math workbooks for the Sixth Grade level, and I'm doing a little bit every night to review. My kids think I'm weird. My thirteen year old gives me strange looks (personally I think she's afraid I'll show up to one of her Junior High math classes--wouldn't that be fun!). But I'm so excited to learn again, to see if I'm capable of grasping the concepts that once slipped through my fingers. I think I am. I think I CAN do this!
Getting older means not being afraid to confess things, like "I'm afraid" or "I don't get it." (And I am getting older.)
I'm trying new things. Like learning digital scrapbooking, which is the "WOW" part of my post. It amazes me how hard something is to learn when you first start. And digital scrapbooking scared the pants off me (again--the fear), but now that I take chances and play around and exhaust every free class and tutorial I can find I am learning it's not all the scary.
Today on the Scrapbook Trends Blog, I have a "Work It Out Wednesday" posted. It's on recoloring a digital item. I think this is one of the COOLEST things you can do with digital scrapbooking because it means purchasing one item and then having the capability to make it work with any color you want. So AWESOME!!
Here's the completed layout:
(Supplies: Kate Teague’s photo corner from the “Line Em’ Up the Extras” kit by www.twopeasinabucket.com; Carina Gardener’s single stitch from the “Elemen-tary Stitches 1″ kit by www. twopeasinabucket.com; Katie Pertiet “dream” overlay from the “All You Need Overlays” kit by www.designerdigitals.com; Ali Edwards’ “today you” brush from the “Everyday” kit by www.designerdigitals.com; The Queen of Quirks “Paper 9″ and “Paper 11″ and “Paper 6″ from the “Monkey Do” kit by www.twopeasinabucket.com; Taylormade Creative Outlet Number 1 “template” by www.paisleepress.com; Michelle Martin’s “Lolly 1″ and “Lolly 2″ and “Lolly 6″ from the “Lolly” kit by www.designerdigitals.com)
It really wasn't that hard at all.
Are you participating in Ali's challenge? What word would you select to describe your 2010?
Come join me TODAY only for a chance to win a prize from 2Peas. To participate in this challenge all you need to do is, color an image (stamped, digital, dingbat, handdrawn) and put it on a project--the project can be small like this little 4" card. Then simply upload it to the 2Peas gallery and MAKE SURE to check the appropriate challenge box. Then tomorrow morning I will randomly select a winner to receive a prize shipped from the 2Peas Warehouse. Fun and easy, right?!!
I love challenges. I'm very assignment driven, which probably comes from 12 years of working in this industry and being a bit of a studious sort before. I like having a driven commitment to keep me on track. So I am participating in the 2Peas Weekly Challenge to "Use Older Products." So much fun to pull out products I've had for a bit and just play. Here's my take on the challenge:
Supplies:
* Silhouette Machine
* Flower Punch
* Brown buttons
* Yellow Mini Brads
* "You're the Best" clear stamp
* White Magic Mesh
* 1.5" Circle Punch
* Corner Rounder Punch
* Brown stamping ink
* Black stamping ink
* 2Peas Tasklist font
* Craft Twine
* My Mind's Eye Abbey Road pattern paper
* Sassafrass Lass pattern paper
* Friend Cling Stamp
* Bella Blvd Fireside Camped Out pattern paper
* enjoy_stacked_C00031_23445 QK Digital Download
And I also completed one last LYB Valentine project for today. You can check out more photos here at 2Peas (including how the triangle box looks before and after assembling).
Supplies:
* Silhouette Machine
* Gray silk ribbon
* White Craft Twine
* Pearl stickers
* Jewel stickers
* Red Jingle Bells
* Sweet Love Dimensional Stickers
* Sweet Love Rub-ons
* Sweet Love Favorite Pieces Cardstock Stickers* Big Love/Heart Strings Sweet Love pattern paper
* Love Ribbons/Sweet Love pattern paper
* Love in Bloom/Red Petals Sweet Love pattern paper
* 4_sided_pyramid_box_C00462_19210
Don't forget to leave a comment on the Giveaway Post below for a chance to win the prize. And YES I will ship internationally. :)
I'm having a chat at 2Peas on the Winter CHA board at 10 CST (that's 9 a.m. my time). I'd love to hang out with you for an hour. :)
On another note . . .
I believe I promised my blog readers a giveaway. So let's do this!!
Above I've posted a photo of the goodies I'm going to send to one lucky blog reader. You must post a comment in the comments section of this post by January 31st midnight MST in order to be included in the random drawing. I will select a winner and post the winner on February 1st. You will have until midnight MST February 7th to reply to me via e-mail with your address or I will select a new winner. (Apparently according to my kids I'm mean like that. LOL!)
Keeping my fingers crossed that you win.
Check back tomorrow with a 2Peas Community Contest posted on the 2Peas blog in which you have 1 day to compete for another chance at a prize from 2Peas. This is a VERY easy way to win a prize so I hope you'll play along!!
Good mommy moment. I was determined that no matter what we WERE going sledding this weekend. Whether there was snow, whether or not we could find the sleds (which do seem rather important), and no matter what the general consenses was we WERE going. And going we did!
Luckily there is a great set of hills at the local golf course in town so we didn't have to drive far because having to drive any distance may have worn down my resolve. We drove up, parked, and began the sledding. Nothing could have been easier. (Note the grass peeking through the snow--determined to go NO MATTER what!)
The descent . . .
Not content just to slide, Dad began dragging them back a good six feet and then hurtling them over the edge. Clearly they are enjoying themselves:
Which led to this (to which Jimmy exclaimed as she flew by, "Katelyn's living the dream!):
And this . . .
And finally this . . .
After a few times of doing this . . .
From clear out there . . .
We all felt a little like this . . .
So we packed it up and went home . . .
Sledding conquered! Apparently I AM a good mommy!
Supplies:
* Treat bags
* M&M's
* Staples
* Scallop Sentiment Border Punch
* Sweet Love Clear Cut Shapes
* Sweet Love Epoxy Stickers
* Sweet Love Fresh Verse Cardstock Stickers
* Big Love/Heart Strings pattern paper
* Songbirds/Pink Petals pattern paper
* Sweet Love Favorite Pieces Cardstock Stickers
And then here is a card set:
Valentine Bird Card supplies:
* Sweet Love Rub-ons
* Sweet Love Journal Tablet
* Sweet Love Clear Cut Shapes
* Sweet Love Epoxy Stickers
* Song Birds/Pink Petals pattern paper
* Apron Lace Border Punch
* Embossing folder
You & Me Card supplies:
* Gray ribbon
* Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
* Small scallop scissors
* Scallop Sentiment Border Punch
* Sweet Love Epoxy Stickers
* Sweet Love Clear Cut Frames
* Big Love/Heart Strings pattern paper
* Love Birds/Pink Gingham pattern paper
* 1/2" Corner Punch
You can see more photos of each card here.
Today I going to Ikea with my Dad. I love places like Ikea, Target, and scrapbook stores because they are visually stimulating and I always leave feeling creative. So fun!! Then I'm hoping to work on my Scrapbook Trends article. (Make sure you're submitting every month--I'd love to see you published!) And then I'll work on some items for Karen Foster and one more item for Little Yellow Bicycle. Should be a nice way to end the week. I'm trying to work ahead so that I can next week off (as much as possible).
Have a great Friday!!
Every Wednesday I write up a tutorial for the Scrapbook Trends blog in an effort to help share tips and techniques I've learned (or am learning). This week I've gone back to my roots--ok, well my roots are really probably sticker sneeze and paper dolls; but beyond that dark moment in history I've always had a thing for buttons.
So for this week's "Work It Out Wednesday" I did a write-up on some of the techniques that I use for adding buttons to my page. I will confess to my personal blog readers and state that I RARELY if ever stitch buttons onto my layouts. I'm too lazy. Hey this is coming from someone who uses their sewing machine ONLY for scrapbooking. You really shouldn't be all that surprised. :)
Here's the finished layout for WOW #28: Buttons (some options). Can you spot the four button techniques I've used on this page (without first cheating and following the links to the ST blog)?
Worked on Cards for Kids today and yesterday. Strange how having been through terrible illness with Joey and even losing him I still don't have words powerful enough to ease someone else's burden. That bothers me. I feel as if I should have something to say--some offering of peace. I have to remember, though, that I was uplifted by others just remembering our pain and sorrow. It was allowing me to grieve and to recognize my pain that helped me. But I still wish that I could spare other families the mentally and physically exhausting suffering of your child being sick. I often say it's a parent's worst nightmare--and I don't mean that lightly in any shape or form. To watch as your child suffers is excruciating, but you have to stand strong because it ISN'T about you--it's about your child and they need you to be strong so you can support them. What a terribly difficult place for families. My thoughts, prayers and heart go out to all families who deal with loss through divorce, illness, death, or any negative life-changing events. In my book, loss is loss and we can't compare our experiences fully with another human being because when you're in the middle of loss it's all consuming.
So a card may not seem like much, but it's a gesture of bigger things I have within my heart that I'm not humanly capable of giving. I suppose I'm a little surprised at how difficult it is to address these cards to the mom and dad of a sick little boy or girl or to the big or little brother or sister who feels displaced, confused, and scared. It's so hard sometimes to know how to help.
If you're stuck at home like I am rather than enjoying nicer temps, perhaps my new class for 2Peas will cheer you up! Welcome to "A Mini Album a Month!"
I'm really excited about this class. Each month I'll focus on one style of album (acrylic, chipboard, fabric) and one theme (school, favorite photos, etc.).
January's class is "Fabric and Favorite Photos." I have to confess that I'm not much of a sewer (is that even a word), but I had so much fun with this project. I'll post a photo here, but you'll have to check out the class here to see all the photos. Each class has a downloadable PDF so you can create one all on your own and at your own pace. I'll be available all month to answer questions through the Education Forum, and one lucky participant will be selected for a fabulous prize!
And since I love a prize as much as the next person, why don't you check out the Scrapbook Trends blog for our latest giveaway. While you're there, you can check out the magazine's fabulous redesign. Can you spot the difference here?
Hmmm. Something's different new. Can you guess? So fun!! I feel VERY blessed to have the jobs that I have and the opportunity to work with awesome people and to meet new people like YOU!! (Make sure to leave a comment on the blog post for a chance to win a current issue--who doesn't want a magazine FULL of fabulous ideas?)
Supplies
* Bouquet Cottage Collection paper
* Pear Tart Nook & Pantry paper (backside of paper)
* Flamingo Bo Bunny Dot paper (I use TONS of this line)
* Daisy Rainboots Puffy letter stickers
* Classic Butterfly Craft Punch
* Other supplies: Fancy Pants Pins, Craft Twine, Pink Buttons, Corner Rounder Punch, Scallop Scissors.
Here's my last take on the 2-pager. You can see more photos of it here:
* Houndstooth Wood Mounted Stamp
* Blue Skies Glee Large Clear Stamp set
* Just the Girls "Illuminate" paper
* Other supplies: Clear embossing powder, Heat Gun, Craft Twine, Corner Rounder Punch, Sewing Machine, Scallop Border, 2" Scallop Circle Punch, 1.5" Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1.5" Circle Punch, Red photo Corner)
Die Cuts:
* joy_C00002_23445
And here's some other wonderful projects from the Garden Girls:
* "Remember 2010" by Mary MacAskill
* "New Year" by Stephanie Dagan
* "2010 Resolutions" by Nichol Magourik
(Yeah, I had to look up the spelling on that one.)
I believe I was destined for great things. Frankly, I believe we were all born to do great things. I know that's one of the reasons we're all here on earth.
But I am a FRAIDY CAT!! Big time.
I worry constantly if I'm doing the right thing. I worry about what people think. I wonder if I'm good enough or the right person for the task.
But lately I've had this gnawing feeling that it's time to do something big--B . . .I . . .G big.
But I have NO IDEA what it is.
I have a black and white personality type, and with my worryingness I LOVE having people tell me what to do.
"Jump through this hoop at this height at this time and you will be a good person." Suh-weet. Perfect. I'll let you know as soon as I jump through that hoop and thanks for letting me know that what makes me a good person. Yep that's me all right.
But it doesn't work like that.
There's Path A and Path B and so on and a LOT of them are good paths.
So how the heck do you choose? (Remember you're dealing with a worrier here.)
Things going through my mind right now:
* going back to school and getting my business degree (forget my former Statistics major)
* write a book (yep, I've ALWAYS wanted to do this)
* have another baby (or two)
* Try something so crazy and so new even I don't know what it is
I tell you it's bugging me knowing that I'm supposed to be doing something and I can't figure out the "RIGHT" thing.
So meanwhile, I feel like I'm all over the place doing a little of this, jumping over to do a little of that. And I just feel unsettled, worried, and sometimes a little depressed and it's driving me CRAZY!!
(Sorry. Lots of shouting in this post--but as a hopeful future writer I feel best when I write it out. Thanks for listening.)
Help me take my mind off things. What are you destined to do with your life?
Bless my very sweet friends who put up with me during dinner and dessert last night. I love my bookclub group--all very different and amazing women! They support me, they teach me, and I know they love me. I always feel happy after spending time with them. We missed a few girls last night--you'd better come next month!!
I slept last night. REALLY slept. So soundly in fact that I woke up mid-night and realized my hand had fallen asleep. I must have layed on it in one position all night. But I'm feeling SO much better. I am a terrible patient and hate being sick. I hope I can get laundry done, finish up some projects, and spend some time with my family today.
Have you seen the new gallery format at 2Peas? You can "like," "comment," and do all the other things you've done before. Plus you can see how many people have opened up your project and looked at it. Who doesn't like stats like that?
Are you submitting to Scrapbook Trends? July is coming up and so is a call for a new Stamping idea book. I hope you send us your best goodies!! I always love seeing what people submit to my article. I feel so inspired!!
Are you following our Scrapbook Trends blog? We are doing Friday giveaways this month. Sometimes I wish I could win! Hee, hee. :)
Do you watch online tutorials? I hope you caught Nichol's awesome Silhouette tutorial for 2Peas this month! She can explains things in plain English and helps even me understand things. And I love that she does videos!!
Are you excited for CHA? I'm excited to see what new goodies I will be buying this year. ;)
What are you doing this weekend? Me? Laundry--oooh exciting. Some random projects for a variety of people. Hoping to sneak away with the kids and Brett (or even just Brett). And then play with niece and nephew on Monday--gotta love a 4 day weekend (we had Friday off as well).
Imagine canvas textured yumminess!! Seriously feels like canvas. :)
Here are some cozy hideaways for two little love birds made from the Clothesline release:
Have a little man in your life? You'll love Snugglebug! It comes in "boy" and "girl." I got to play with the boy line:
Make sure to ask your favorite retailer to check out the LYB booth while they're at CHA. I promise it will be worth it!!
Yep. I'd had it. And I ran away last night.
Of course when I run away I have to make all these elaborate arrangements to go--"make sure the house is clean by the time I get back, I want your homework finished up--here's what you need to do, etc."
Oh and then there's the perfect "I've had it" statement . . . "They're all YOURS!!" I say to my husband as I storm out of the house. Well maybe not storm but rather guiltily sneak out.
I feel stretched thin and tired and stressed out and worried--and I couldn't handle one more "throw myself to the ground and moan about all things wrong in my world" or one more "I can't find it" and an instant flood of tears.
Nope. I'd had it.
So I ran away to my Dad's house and we went to a bookstore--a fairly good place to runaway to don't you think?
And I'm very happy to say that the house was spotless when I got home (including my pantry--Katelyn you ROCK) and one little boy learned to apologize for the constant whining. (Of course my husband is now irritated--but hey it's the price we pay, right?!) Actually I do feel bad about that--but I think that's one of the reasons why marriage is so great--we can tag team! I think I owe him BIG time now, though. :)
I'm feeling a little better this morning--still irritable but I think I can function. But I do feel very lucky to have a great family who understands when I need some alone time.
Speaking of Lucky . . . how about some card sneak peeks using the new LYB Lucky Line:
And this one is going to a neighbor rather than the CHA booth--but this line is so much fun to work with:
So hey, if you see me today, please forgive me if I hide beneath my baseball cap and sunglasses. I'm feeling ornery. ;)
And here is a card set using the same line:
I don't know what it is, but I love me some grungy boy products. I think it's because I'm drawn to those colors myself more than pastels.
But THIS line I LOVE the pastels. Here is an altered mail box thing using the Clothesline release:
And here are cards using the same line:
I need to do a giveaway. I need to organize myself so I can post a photo of what I have to give. Give me a week or two to finish up these CHA assignments. Still working away. (And yes, Renee, I know you're kicking my butt on the amount of work you do. Hee, hee.)
The Sneak Attack: Hearing that your children are playing instead of completing their chores you quietly sneak up behind them and ask, "How's it going?"
The LOOK: Without saying a word your eyes drip with disappointment and tears ensue.
The Imminent Threat: If you don't . . ., I'm going to have to . . .
The Shock and Awe: After general and prolonged warfare, you descend upon their bedroom only to scoop up their favorite items to be held in ransom until the behavior improves.
The Peace Treaty: The talk after the punishment that's full of love, kind words, and hugs.
Negotiations: "I know you want to . . . but in order to earn that you're going to have to . . ."
We're having some behavior problems, and I'm realizing I'm going to have to change some of my own behaviors in order to help them change theirs. :)
One week. 15 cards. 12 Layouts. 1 altered clock. And 2 work blog posts.
CHA Crunch Time.
All over the world, scrapbookers lose sleep, lose their sanity, and create shoulder-high messes to create the lovely eye candy that you see displayed at each CHA booth.
And what do I have to show for it (besides all that work)? I have a blemish centered in the middle of my forehead that could be confused as a unicorn horn which my side bangs refuse to cover. I have a path carved out of my office so I don't step on the PILES and PILES of scrapbooking junk. I have 5-7 loads of laundry waiting to be folded (please don't be disgusted by my lack of domesticity). And last night I had a caffeine headache so big that I couldn't sleep--chocolate being my caffeine drug of choice.
But it's worth it. So worth it.
Why?
Because when I run my fingers across the latest Little Yellow Bicycle paper which has a linen finish I sigh in contentment. Because the new Easter line from Karen Foser Design is so delicious I only wish I had more Easter photos to use. Because LYB gets that I have a boy with style but who is still a kid. That KF knows I have storage issues and is addressing them.
It's all so much fun that despite the bloodshot eyes--I'm so happy.
Of course I couldn't figure out why when I dropped my KF package off at the Post Office there wasn't any fanfare to greet me. There really should be a Publisher's Clearinghouse type welcome when after hours and hours of work you release it into the wild. (I'm still waiting on my car-sized check and balloon bunch, but I'll settle for a clean office.)
Because I love you I have a few peeks for you so you can share in my happiness.
Clothesline from Little Yellow Bicycle is one of the most beautiful releases I've ever seen. Here's a shot of their cardstock stickers:
This line has paper flowers, pins, ribbon, linen finishes, gorgeously feminine papers, etc. etc etc. I could play with this line all day--I promise you it has everything you could possibly dream of. :)
Gen Z is going to be your favorite teenage boy line this year. Foil accents and grungy finishes. (Imagine Guitar Hero!) Check out this sticker sheet:
Lucky Me is LYB's answer to St. Patrick's Day but would look great on any project! Check out these cool clear pieces:
But they didn't stop there--there's more to come at least three more themes which are equally gorgeous and delicious and will be added to your "need" list, and I love each and every one of them!!
I told you that Karen Foster's Easter collection is drool worthy. Check out this sticker sheet and those gorgeous vintage stickers (SIGH):
Besides their latest thematic releases, they released some other fun embellishments. I will be stocking up on these clear stickers, which come in three different color sets:
Yes. You can see why I'd be willing to spend hours holed up in my office, with glue dots stuck to my socks, with bandages on my paper cut fingers, and with inky elbows from bumping my ink pads. It's all for a good cause--YOU! So I'm wishing you a fabulous weekend full of things you love to do!! As for me? I'm cleaning my way out of my office so I can start the process all over again because deadlines never end. (Excuse me while I grab my scrapbooking super hero cape!) :)
{Insert clever super hero comment like "to the rescue" here!}
(One last note! Be sure to enter the Hero Arts Giveaway on the Scrapbook Trends Blog. We'll be doing a new giveaway every Friday so be sure to check back often!)