Do Good Things Come in Big or Small Packages?

Depends on what you're hoping for. Right?!! I love it when my 2Peas boxes arrive. I ordered items on Wednesday and it arrived today. Mail day is a good day when there's a scrapbooking package involved. Here are some hints as to what you may see from me soon: paint daubers, new Hero Arts stamps, a fun new album planned for December, a WHOLE NEW class for 2Peas next year. Oooh the fun just continues. (I filmed 2 videos just today and 2 more are coming this week.)

Want some more fun? The new 2Peas Events is called "Holiday Sharing." It's a perfect event to help you get ready for the holidays. Today I'm featured on the blog with some questions I answered. You can find that here.


Want to take a chunk out of your pocketbook and help Santa do a little shopping for yourself?!!! This is a sale that I NEVER miss. Think "stocking up" and you'll come close. This sale never disappoints. Be sure to schedule some time and do some shopping.

Today, I had a layout go up in the 2Peas Gallery. This is a really simple page, but it has all the elements that make me happy: stamping, stickers, texture, and a little surprise (check out the tulle placed with the felt sticker in my niece's hair). I love creating when things come together so well. You can find additional photos and the supply list here.

And now back to reality--mainly dirty dishes and piles of laundry. I think it may be time to fire the maid (namely . . . me). :)

Oh What Fun!

Having some fun with some projects today.

But first off . . . is anyone in the neighborhood missing this bunny? It's on my back patio.


Ok, I wanted to share an American Crafts "Dear Lizzy" Christmas ribbon project with you. Simply stretch the headband as you machine stitch the ribbon to it. Then cut off one rose for each glove and handstitch them in place. So EASY!! You can find the ribbon here and here on 2Peas.


This second project uses this American Crafts paper:


I created a chalkboard countdown project. You simply punch out the numbers, mount them on scallop punched vintage bookprint paper and then switch out the numbers for each day of the countdown. You can find the projects here on 2Peas.


I am also using Little Yellow Bicycle's "Savor" line today. These two projects can work together or separately. The first is a little corkboard frame. You can add little items to the center of the frame if you'd like. The products for creating this project can be found here.




For this second project, I wanted a little clipboard for either memo's or for my shopping list. You can find the products for completing the project here.

And now I'm off to try and find the owner of that cute bunny!

Thanksgiving Recap

Sometimes the holidays really do center around the right things, and I have to say that this weekend so far has been filled with happy memories.


Because we had some extra time to kill before Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Gallacher's, we went ahead and set up our front room Christmas tree. I bought this white tree on super discount after Christmas last year, and while putting it up I wasn't sure about it. But I cannot do the illumination it provides justice. It literally glows at night, and lights up our entire front room. Just gorgeous.


We then traveled to Grandma's house with two reluctant photographic subjects.


Lots of family, food, and fun were had for Thanksgiving Dinner. And yum, my mother-in-law is the queen of meals and hosting. Perfect day with the siblings.

And then yesterday after I braved a very little Black Friday shopping, my Mom and sister came over and we had some fun.

Today it's back to work and then a date with my handsome hubby. We will try NOT to see Harry Potter without the kids (or else they just might kill us). LOL!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We are spending the day eating our feast with family. We also set up one of the Christmas trees. Tomorrow we will set up the other. I even had a few wrapped gifts to place beneath the tree. They've already been shaken several times and several guesses have taken place. Some are close. Others are not. So fun!!


Be sure to check out the 2Peas Black Friday sale which started yesterday. Love the free shipping offer.


Have a safe and happy holiday!

Blizzards, Healing, and Markers

Last night we were supposed to get hit by a really massive blizzard. As I look out the window, it looks like we only got about 3-4" of snow. But I do know that parts of the state really got hammered. Hopefully everyone was safe and stayed off the roads. Our entire interstate corridor is under construction so it's already a dangerous situation. Let me just say how not thrilled I am to be driving in the Winter this year. I'm hoping the kids can play in the snow a little bit (even though it will be bitter cold) today as they don't have school for the rest of the week.

I had a better day yesterday. Not that I'm over it. Do you really ever get "over it?" I certainly haven't. But I have returned to the half-zombie state, which I don't is better than the completely falling apart state. Thankfully I have some happy days mixed in there or else I would be worried. Thank you for your kind comments. Funny that we as women do have to give ourselves "permission" to feel something. We're too used to nurturing other people and forget to nurture ourselves. I'm nurturing myself through reading and spending time with my kids. My kids always help me feel happy. They don't even have to try.


Today on the Create Blog, I have a "Work It Out Wednesday" on recoloring ribbon. This was something Marianne shared with us in our Copic class. I tell ya these markers are simply amazing. I thought a winter layout would be appropriate for today. You can find the instructions, additional photos, and a complete supply list here.





And now I am off to get some things done before the hooligans awake. I think I might actually let my teenager sleep in until 9:30 a.m. That's a big deal at our house. ;)

Rough Night and Some Happier Thoughts

I should have known. I've been feeling relatively at peace lately. But that was not the case last night. Hit me like a ton of bricks. All the feelings, all the worry, all the grief. I keep a personal journal in addition to my blog and my scrapbooking. In it I record more of my deeper feelings. I'm trying to write my way through my feelings. It helps a little. It was shocking, however, to go back and read through my brother's deterioration and realize what had been happening all along. I still can't wrap my mind around it. My throat is sore this morning from the crying. I'm glad we have a long holiday weekend. I want to spend it with the kids doing holiday things and just resting. I have work today and some tomorrow and then I'm going to step back for just a bit. Last night totally caught me off guard.

In the spirt of work and trying so hard to push forward, I wanted to share a layout and a card with Crystal Wilkerson's beautiful Echo Park line "Little Boy." Crystal knows just the right color combination. I love the patterns and colors in this line. And I truly enjoyed using her beautiful products. Thank you, Crystal!


You can find the line to purchase here at 2Peas:

And here is the card. I paper pieced (remember how to do that?) a little boat to make this card:

And now I am off to try and work through the day. I really want and need the distraction!

December Mini Album a Month Class!!

Please join me for a holiday advent this month as I host a Mini Album class at 2Peas. This month I've provided 25 printable cards with a variety of activities you can complete with your family. Simply print them out on cardstock and then create pages with your completed activities. You can find a helpful video, the pdf, and additional photos here. If you have questions, you're welcome to post them in the Eduation Forum here.

Since it snowed, I'm ready to wrap up some presents (I'm done with Christmas shopping for the kids) and put up the tree. Most likely that will happen on Friday according to our tradition. But I can't help it if some Christmas music starts playing on the radio today. ;)





Wishing you a safe winter morning!

Copic Certification

I feel so renewed! What is it about being with a bunch of creative people that get it that's so refreshing? Sometimes I forget how fun learning can be. And this Copic Certification was so awesome!


Provo Craft invited several designers to come and participate in their company certification. And boy, does Provo Craft know how to spoil guests. Shannon Lerner and Jana Eubank extended the invitation, and you already know how excited I was to participate. When I arrived at Provo Craft, I was greeted with a fabulous bag of goodies from Provo Craft, including a Cricut cartridge and some delicious embossing folders. Lori Allred from Imaginisce also passed out a little bag of their darling "Snag 'Em" stamps. I was already in heaven and the class hadn't even started yet.


We were honored to be taught by the amazing Marianne Walker who actually wrote the Copic Marker certification manual. She was so patient with us as we gabbed and ooohed and aaahed over the program.





This beginner's course covered the types of markers, the types of paper, and the types of ink to make Copic Markers really shine. And let me tell you that after taking this course I realize why the markers retail for about $7 each. These markers do it ALL!! We played with fabric and paper and learned to blend several different ways. Marianne also showed us how to create texture. And we even got to play with the Air Compressor system--go graffitti.

We had a fun group of girls in this class. You might recognize several friendly faces. :) What a fun way to spend the day! Thank YOU, Provo Craft!!






I really can't convey how much I loved this class. So informative and fun! And definitely, I will be adding a few more markers to my collection. But I'm realizing that I can go big or small in my collection and still be quite happy. Just so many options to using these markers.

What a great day!







If you have the opportunity to take this class, I highly recommend it. I love a class that teaches me about a new tool, and this was one of my favorites!

Have I Shared This One Before?

I can't remember so please excuse me if I have, but it's one of my favorites as it features my lovely niece, Zadie. Man, my sisters make cute babies. Now if only they would let me keep one or two. I got to hold my friend's baby last night, and a little baby envy snuck into my heart. Something about their sugary softness that makes me want one or two more. Sigh. This layout was featured in the "Stories to Tell Article" in September 2010's issue which you can download here.

What are you up in your neck of the woods? I am heading off today to do some Copic Certification. This thrills me to no end, and I appreciate the invitation to attend with some of my favorite designers. I also welcome an entire day of distraction.

We had a little drama on the basketball court last night. Jimmy was messing around with his friend, and they slightly bumped heads (and I mean slightly). Suddenly Jimmy was crying, and when he turned around I saw that he was bleeding from his mouth and cupping his hand around something. His tooth!! Yep. Finally. His second front tooth, which was hanging on by a thread was finally knocked out last night. Of course it was accompanied by lots of dramatic screaming and a fairly heavy blood flow, but I was thrilled to see it come out. Did I have my camera with me, though? Nope! The lighting in an indoor gym at 6:30 p.m. at night is not a happy light so I didn't even think to take my camera with me. I'll have to catch a photo later today or tomorrow of his cute face. Why is it that my kids require some dramatic event to lose their teeth? Could it be that their mother is completely grossed out by all things dental? YUCK!! Normal trauma I can handle, but teeth pulling just makes me shiver.

Project Team Ewan

I am involved in helping with this great cause, and I wanted to point it out to my blog readers. Anything we can do to help someone in needs, is a great cause! Be sure to check out the details here.

Letraset Markers

I was thrilled when Letraset contacted me and asked me if I wanted to use some of their markers on an upcoming project. I received both the Hobby and Craft set and the Rubber Stamping 1 set to try. These markers have a dual tip: a large tip for coloring and a thin tip for journaling and details. In addition, a thin tip black marker is included in each box so you're really getting a great set.


I used the Rubber Stamping 1 set on the Create blog today. I colored in a stamped image, but these markers could also easily be used to color the marker before stamping, to journal, to add color to any item, and the ideas go on and on. You can find instructions, additional photos, and the complete supply list for completing this layout here.






This company is located in the United Kingdom so is great for shipping for my international friends. I was pleased especially with the blending capabilities of these markers. Colors smooth and blend together easily. Be sure to check them out!

Taking It In

Funny how I'll be doing something and think, "Oh, I need to ask Mark about that." And then I remember. It still happens with Joey. There are movies and video games and toys that I keep thinking, "Oh, Joey would like that." Parenting doesn't stop. Ever. I'm assuming, since none of my children are grown, that those feelings are similar for children who leave the nest. (And can I just confess here that I wish that never had to happen.) People we love are always with us in some form or another. And I keep thinking about Joey and Mark doing things together in heaven, and for just a minute, it makes me smile.


On the work front, I had a layout go up in the 2Peas gallery yesterday. I wanted to document my son's little "Lollipop Race." It's one of those moments that when captured on film actually brings tears to my eyes because it was so sweet. He was so excited as a preschooler when he heard that he was going to run a race at his big sister's track meet. He lined up and took off like a shot when the gun went off, but halfway through the race when other children crossed the finish line he came running back to his Dad. It took his Dad and I a minute to realize that he thought only one person could win and everyone else had to stop. So Brett walked him down to the finish line where he was presented with his very own sucker for finishing. (Of course, five minutes later he dropped it in the dirt--but it was still adorable.) You can find the layout and the supplies here.






And now I may take a nap. I have a sore throat this morning. I hope I'm not getting Katelyn's cold. :(

Back to Work to Find Some Peace

Working distracts me. It brings me joy. I feel creative. I feel, for a moment, lost in the creativity. I'm very grateful for having an outlet that allows me to share my memories and feelings. I feel quite lucky about that.

I am easing back into the grind. A small little tender mercy that I have to share with you. The first week of November I was able to work through some work projects faster than I ever have. I thought it was simply so that I could go and stay several days with my brother while my Mom worked. Now I know it was the Lord allowing me to have an open week to mourn and celebrate my brother. I am so grateful for that time!


I have a few things I wanted to share with you. One is a "Work It Out Wednesday" project on the Create blog. Tricia sent me some of her Epiphany Crafts Button and Epoxy makers, which are the coolest things! You know how I love my buttons! Here is the layout. Be sure to visit the post here for additional photos, instructions and a complete supply list:





Secondly, 2Peas is hosting "Holiday Cardmaking Weekends" with some of the Garden Girls and fabulous designers from the gallery. Be sure to check out my weekend on "shine" which started Friday. You can find the supplies, the videos, and the downloadable pdfs here.





Do you want to be a part of an upcoming 2Peas event? Be sure to check this out:


Thank you again for your love and support with my brother, Mark!

Thank You!

Thank you for helping me get through an extremely difficult week.

Mark was my baby brother and born 15 years after me. He was born with severe health issues but never complained. He embraced life and lived large. I appreciate the way he allowed me to be even a small part of his life. I'm grateful for the belief that he is now in heaven with Joey, and that for the first time in his life he can walk and be healthy. He deserves that! He also deserves the rest and joy he will experience there.

The funeral was yesterday and was beautiful. My siblings were able to gather once again to pay our respects. My brother, Jeremy, gave a beautiful life sketch that would have made Mark chuckle. My sister played an arrangement of Star Wars songs, which he would have appreciated. And many people came to honor him. It was a beautiful (albeit cold) fall day.

I am grateful for the outpouring of love, meals, flowers, cards, and notes of support. I am so blessed to have such a loving support system.

My hope is that Mark is happy (and I believe that he is), and I continue to pray for my parents. We will miss Mark every single day. And I cannot wait to embrace he and Joey once again. I love you, Mark!

My Brother Mark

My baby brother Mark passed away last night. I had spent the day with him, but there had been no indication that he was going to go. I'm grateful for one last day with. I am devastated and in shock. But I wanted to update my faithful friends and thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

An Update

I was finally able to visit my brother on Saturday. It was good to see with my own eyes how he is doing. And after some of the scary procedures they discussed, I was glad to see him. He is still not doing great. And I continue to worry about him. I will be hanging out with him this week and taking care of him while my Mom is at work. I'm grateful for the time with him. So frightening to see people you love suffer and hurt. :(

Since I won't be working much today at my Mom's house, I thought I would post here some of the fun things that I have either added to my scrapbooking stash or plan on adding. Just when I think I couldn't possibly need one more item, I find something cool I really "need." I will say that I'm quite careful about my purchases. I only buy things I KNOW I will use. There's no sense in items just collecting dust.


Here are some of the items I've purchaed recently. I love adding twine to my projects, and so I purchased this darling packet of Baker's Twine from Martha Stewart. Love the red, green, and brown colors:





I could NOT resist these cloud punches from Fiskars. The Large and the X-Large will be getting some serious use around here:





In addition to two new shape punches, I added a border punch to my collection. This Postage Stamp border punch is delicious:






If you're looking to add a great small size paper pack to your patterned paper, then this Fine and Dandy tablet is just too cute to pass up:






And here are the chipboard pieces, which I did purchase because I love those bird and buttons:

Do you already own an I-Top from Imaginisce? Wait until you see the rings, headbands, hair clips, and bobby pins they offer? Ummm, so cute!! Here are the hair clips:

You can see why I've been having so much fun! I just love clever new products. What have you seen lately that you love?

Thank You!

I'm awaiting an update on my brother this morning. There is some talk of him going home. He will have MANY more tests and lots of equipment for his breathing, but compared with some of the other options that were discussed this is a good thing. I will be (hopefully) staying with him during the days as often as possible so Mom and Dad can go into work. I love hanging out with my brother. Time is precious, and I want every minute I can with him. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

I am hoping to go over today and check on him (and my Mom). I can't wait to see them both!


On another note, 2Peas uploaded a new Weekly Challenge this week and it's mine. :) I scraplifted a fabulous digital designer. To be included in this weeklong challenge, you need simply to scraplift any layout on 2Peas. Be sure to give the designer credit as it is their work you are copying.



Also, be sure to submit for our Northridge Publishing Cricut Idea Book call here! I'd love to see some of your lovely work in print. Here is the call:
Cricut Magazine April/May 2011 Call

We are currently accepting submissions for the April/May 2011 issue of Cricut Magazine. We'd love to see your latest Cricut creations with the following themes - we are looking for layouts, cards, tags, mini albums, home décor, and all types of craft projects for each theme - inspire us!

Baby
Banners
Birds & Butterflies
Flowers
Graduation Cards
Mother's Day
Springtime
Woodland Animals

***PLEASE SEND A SEPARATE EMAIL FOR EACH SUBMISSION YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.***

Deadline: 11:59pm (Mountain Time) on Tuesday November 16th, 2010.

Please send submissions to submit@northridgepublishing.com

A Little Request

My youngest brother was admitted to the ICU yesterday afternoon. He has struggled with health issues his entire life, and we are concerned for his well-being. We will hopefully know more today, but his breathing has become an issue. Will you keep him in your thoughts and prayers? My parents are exhausted from care and will not be up for visitors (for family and friends that live nearby), but I did want to ask for some spiritual help today. I'm so worried about he and my parents. Life is so very fragile, and it makes me think often about my own little boy.


Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep busy. That's my coping mechanism. Plus I want to be on top of things in case I get the opportunity to spell my mother at the hospital.


I have one share for you today. A Halloween layout from a 2Peas assignment. This fang faced little man is my nephew. Is it possible to love your nieces and nephews like your own children? I certainly do. I only wish I could adopt them all and have them here every day! You can see the layout's supplies and additional photos here.