My Happy Place

Changing my blog address...

2011-10-30T19:25:00.001-05:00

From now on I will be posting at http://www.deannacheriese.blogspot.com. Stop by and see my antiquing finds and creations!

Meggie's New Rock-n-Roll Bedroom

2011-10-14T21:29:00.004-05:00

Well, we finally did it. We downsized from a 3500 sq ft house to a 2000 sq ft house. It feels GOOD! So cozy, like a little cottage! To help ease the move for both of our daughters, we let them pick out how they wanted their rooms decorated. Our youngest chose a rock-n-roll theme with zebra accents for her new room. We had a very limited budget, so I took an old brown wooden dresser that I had in the guest room (all of that furniture had to go, no guest room in the new house) and painted it black. To keep it from looking to goth in a little girls bedroom, I used zebra-patterened duct tape on the knobs and painted the insets on the side in chalkboard paint so that she can compose songs as they come to her mind!

I lined the drawers with zebra-patterned wrapping paper left over from her birthday. I didn't seal it yet, but will probably use some Mod-Podge to seal it up.

We bought the bed at Walmart for $258.00 including the mattress. This was a steal, because we found a very similar bed at Rooms To Go for almost $700 not including the mattress. We did put her old feather mattress cover on this bed to make it more comfy. The bedding was bought on sale at Target for $41 and included everything...even the sheet set! To make the bed a little more rock-n-roll, I added a sequin curtain held on to the bed with silver shower curtain hooks and black netting bows. This gave her a little studio/clubhouse under the bed (she needs all the space she can get - it's a really tiny room!)

In her clubhouse, she put her pink chair and the metal trashcan from my workroom. I also gave her my little black shelves and added zebra duct tape across the top to keep it again from looking to dark.

I found the little mirror guitar wall hanging at Hobby Lobby for $20 (it was originally $40, but was on sale. What perfect timing!).

And of course, a rock-n-roll room isn't complete without a star on the door. We still have to add her name, but I haven't found that box yet (we are still unpacking ~ LOL!)

I still have to make her wall hangings and add some posters of her favorite stars, but it is coming right along!

Photography Challenge: Day 12

2011-07-31T01:10:00.002-05:00

Day 12: Sunset. We had the most amazing sunset tonight. I am visiting my aunt and uncle in Oklahoma, and this is the view that I had from my hotel window. My camera didn't catch the exact color of dark hot pink, but stunning none the less.

Days 9, 10, and 11

2011-07-31T00:44:00.006-05:00

Day 9: Someone you love. Of course I have many friends and family that I love and adore, but I am chose my husband for this photo!

Day 10: A childhood memory. This is a picture of my very first rocking chair. My mom bought it for me when I was very small and have since always had it in my room. Now at 44, I still have it. I stays in our guest bedroom with my great-mimi's hand embroidered pillow resting on it. It is still in excellent shape seeing that it is almost 40 years old!

Day 11: Something blue. This is an incredible picture of Cinderella's Castle taken at night when the castle is lit up different colors. At this particular moment, the castle was blue!

Photo Challenge: Day 5, 6, 7 and 8

2011-07-25T03:51:00.005-05:00

I have been so busy with garage sale stuff, that I didn't have time to post my photo challenge pix. So real quick:

Day 5: From a high angle. This picture is of the entrance to a shop in San Antonio. The door is at the bottom of the stairs and to the left.

Day 6: From a low angle. This is a chandelier in the Menger hotel in San Antonio. This hotel is supposed to be haunted, but we never found any ghosts :(

Day 7: Fruit. My most favorite fruit in the world are apricots.

Day 8: A bad habit. This vanilla latte is required every day. I think my head would explode if I didn't put Starbuck's caffeine in my system daily!

Hope you have a wonderful day full of extreme happiness!!

Day 4: Something Green

2011-07-19T01:25:00.003-05:00

I couldn't decide which picture of green I liked better, so here are both. I love flowers of all kinds! These were taken in San Antonio - the cactus picture was taken at the Alamo, and the crepe myrtle picture was taken in the courtyard of the Menger Hotel. We took tons of pictures hoping to catch a ghost...no luck, maybe next time!

Day 3: Clouds

2011-07-17T22:18:00.003-05:00

Day 2: What you wore today

2011-07-16T01:32:00.003-05:00

Today all I wore were jeans and a t-shirt. There is probably some artsy way to photograph these things, but I had a really busy day. We went antique shopping where I bought a little china dish. It was sitting on the table next to me, and I had thrown my hair clip in it. I decided that it looked really pretty and sparkly - perfect as a representation for what I wore today...my hair clip that I wore while antique shopping!

Day 1: A self-portrait

2011-07-15T22:27:00.006-05:00

I hate taking pictures, and let me tell you, it took forever for me to work up the courage to actually snap pictures of myself. However, I did do it and OMGosh my hair style hasn't changed in over 4 years!!

2011-07-14T13:30:00.002-05:00

I so want to take a photography class, but it's going to have to wait for a while. However, when I found this wonderful idea on Pinterest, I thought what a fun idea - even better, something that my daughter and I could work on this summer together. She is 17 1/2 years old, and I am always looking for things that interest the both of us. We both love, love, love to take pictures! Of course hers are way more artsy than mine, but it's all in fun! So here is the challenge that I found:

So busy!

2011-07-02T21:24:00.012-05:00

I have been so busy this last week, and I am so blessed and grateful that I have been able to take it all in stride! The doctor diagnosed me with diabetes about 3 weeks ago and gave me medicine. Since I started taking the medicine and adjusted my diet, I have all of my energy back. I think I have had diabetes for a while, because I have just been a lump on log for the past year with absolutely no energy at all. I used to be able to clean the whole house, paint a room in the house, go shopping and more all in one day - then it just went away. Anyway, I am now able to work on all of the things that I used to look at and say "that would be nice to do."

This little project is a haunted house that my sister is going to use for her Halloween wedding. I think it is turning out pretty cute. Of course, I still have a lot to do to it, but I have until October to finish it :)

The bricks are made using a stencil and craft structure paste. I couldn't find bricks, so I used a blank stencil sheet, drew a brick pattern and cut it out with a craft knife. The vine is a Prima jeweled sticker from Hobby Lobby.

The trim on the windows is Distressed Stickles in Bronze. I applied the first layer, let it dry and then applied a second layer. The second layer helped give it a little more dimension. There is probably a better way to do this, but I am just working with the supplies that I had on hand.

This is the inside of the house. I used coordinating scrapbook paper as the wallpaper and rug.

A paper punch was used to make the trim on the roof. I am working on distressing brown paper shingles to add to the roof.

Thanks for dropping by! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Have time for tea?

2011-06-25T10:00:00.041-05:00

Come in, come in! We are so excited that you dropped by! The flowers have been talking up a storm, gossiping amongst themselves about what a mad fun time they are having watching the festivities! Of course we provided them with extra sparkly water just for the occasion!

The bubbles in the water make them smile and giggle a whole lot!

What is this crazy madness? Just take a peek through the keyhole, and you will see...

So many wonderful visitors have joined us, just look at everyone! Megan Sunflower, Alice, Pennelope the White Rabbit, and Riley the Mad Hatter! Everyone is very glad that we moved the party inside, since we are having wonderful rain storms today!

Please take a cup of tea and I will introduce you to everyone.

and of course, Alice!

I think I saw the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit eyeing the goodie table.

So head over and take a bite before they dig in (literally)!

There are all kinds of yummy treats for you to taste!

Megan decided the treats would be best if served with Starbuck's coffee in addition to tea. I have to agree, seeing that I have a terrible addiction to their vanilla lattes!

Oh my! Look who graced us with his royal presence...why it is Pee Wee (could be the Cheshire Cat in disguise)! He looks completely ecstatic about being at the party! Just a side note Pee Wee - That's what happens when you show up at a Mad Tea Party, you come to the party - you get a hat!

These little white cakes are Alice's favorite.

She picked them out especially for you!

Looks like the guests are ready for their lazy afternoon.

Thank you so much for stopping by! We hope you enjoyed your visit!

Now we are off to visit all of the other amazing tea parties.

If you would like to join us,

the full list of tea parties is on Vanessa's blog - A Fanciful Twist.

Click HERE to view last year's Mad Tea Party at the Middleton's.

RAIN!

2011-06-22T12:28:00.002-05:00

Oh joyous day!! It has been raining all morning and doesn't look like it is going to stop :)

Way too much fun!

2011-06-20T21:55:00.017-05:00

My daughter and I had so much fun at Donna Downey's scrapbooking class. She is such an amazingly nice person and very talented! Of course, I didn't finish. However, I brought it home and did my own thing to it without the time constraints! Now I just have to find some great photos of my family to put in this cute little book!

Rain?

2011-06-20T00:37:00.009-05:00

I have heard an amazing rumor! It is supposed to rain, rain, rain this week!! We have been in such a severe drought that my flowers, shrubs and grass are dying. I miss my pretty flowers...pray for lots of rain this week!

2011-06-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

Just got home from antique shopping with my girls. A vanity seat for Brittany's dressing room, bright colored doilies, an old quilt and vintage thread spools...Way to much fun!!

It's almost time!

2011-06-14T23:19:00.005-05:00

The time is getting closer, and we are madly preparing for one of the funnest family and friends event of the summer...our annual Mad Tea Party is on the way! Hope to see you back here on June 25 for a visit!

2011-05-30T22:07:00.002-05:00

It's almost that time of year again!! We are madly preparing for the 2011 Annual Mad Tea Party as I type. Click here to see last years tea party. Please visit Vanessa's lovely blog also. She is the most fabulous party hostess! Here is a link to her blog, A Fanciful Twist.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:10:00.000-06:00

I decided to make Valentine cards from scratch this year. So I got out my mess of supplies and started playing! Of course, the little book page hearts are from my favorite book - Twilight :)

2011-02-02T23:57:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time since I scrapbooked. Since there just isn't enough time right now to do individual pages for all of the memories and fun things we did in 2010, I decided to make a 2-page layout with pictures of everything - Family parties, San Marcus outlet shopping, ghost hunting at the Menger, my life skills adventures, Donna Downey workshop...so much FUN!

2010-12-13T23:22:00.004-06:00

My babies will never have to ask me, "How could you?"

How Could You?
By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you? -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.

At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The Menger Trip

2010-11-07T19:57:00.000-06:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

2010-10-15T00:34:00.008-05:00

This time I went virtual shopping for Hello Kitty! I found some really neat and unique things, but these were my faves :)

Etsy Virtual Shopping Spree Number 2

2010-08-20T23:06:00.005-05:00

I am addicted to Etsy! I wish I could buy everything, but for now virtual is going to have to be the way to go :)

Shopping on Etsy

2010-08-11T04:12:00.002-05:00

OMGosh, I had so much fun virtual shopping on Etsy! Here is everything I "bought" :)

The French Quarter

2010-08-06T22:22:00.013-05:00

The French Quarter was definitely an experience for me. I think that it was a one time visit, but I sure enjoyed my time alone with my hubby :) Here are some of the pictures that we took.

If you look on the pillar, you can see where the water line was when New Orleans flooded.

These t-shirts were priceless!

Of course we had to hit the shops on Bourbon Street.

We ate dinner at Bourbon House Seafood...the food was absolutely FABULOUS,

and the old buildings and architechure were so neat!!

To end the trip, we drove by David house that he lived in while his family stayed in Louisiana.

He told me about how they used to play in the woods right down the street.

The woods are still there. He also told me that this is the house where they had to replace the second story ~ LOL!

We had so so much FUN!

Louisiana Plantation ~ Houmas House

2010-08-06T21:24:00.015-05:00

What a beautiful house we visited on our way home from our first trip sans children. Such amazing grounds and stories! We were even allowed to touch things and sit on the furniture!!

Here are some photos from our trip...

This chair has the original leather covering from the 1800's when it was made.

Too bad they don't have quality items like this anymore!

This is one of two sculptures of Abraham Lincoln done in pure silver.

Three others were crafted in copper for a total of five.

The artist is the same person who created Mount Rushmore.

When the owner purchased this piece at auction, it was thought to be one of the copper pieces.

After returning home and cleaning it, he was surprised to find that it was actually silver.

What a lucky find, he paid a quarter of what it was worth!

They let David hold the gun that was used by the original owners of the house.

Doesn't he look fierce?

This bedroom was featured in the movie Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, starring Bette Davis.

This room used to be a nursery, now it holds this voodoo artifact display,

as well as a vampire killing kit...just in case ~ LOL!

The stage coach drive

These two photos are of the original kitchen.

It's time, it's time, it's time!! Come on in!!

2010-06-26T10:00:00.009-05:00

Everybody is here, even our little friends from the garden!

So many treats to choose from...which one to pick?

What a lovely chocolate tea cup...
yes you can eat it Meggie!

They couldn't stay away for long when
they saw all of the goodies!

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
(i.e., Meggie and Daddy)
graced us with their presence as well!
Aren't they a silly pair!

Even Ryan stopped by...
He wanted to celebrate his
"un-birthday" with us,
since we were already having
a party!

By the time our party was over,
a good time was had by all!

Thank you for joining us, and thank you Vanessa! Our family had so much fun putting this together! It's always fun when we do things together :)

This Party is Going to Be Mad Fun!

2010-06-24T18:29:00.008-05:00

It's almost here! Check back on Saturday for pictures from Mad Tea Party!

2010-06-08T21:09:00.004-05:00

It is that time of year again!

2009-10-12T00:08:00.003-05:00

OMGosh, was it really 2 months ago that I last posted. Well, it's been a crazy two months! I finally obtained a teaching position - who knew I would be this busy! I am just wondering...WHEN DO TEACHERS SLEEP?! Hopefully I will be able to join the living here again soon. It feels like I am able to finally breathe - of course TAKS is just around the corner...

Here are some pictures of my new classroom - LOVE IT & LOVE MY JOB!!

DT Project

2009-08-10T15:35:00.004-05:00

These little cards were so much fun to make! I used paper and ribbon scraps and tons of stamps. The pictures are supposed to tell the story of me - of course what is more me than my girls!

These two pictures (above & below) are the fronts of the cards.

The photo below shows the backs of the cards.

Finally, this photo show the little tags that go inside the envelope cards.

Of course I am the slowest scrapper in the world, but I think they turned out really, really cute!

Christmas in July

2009-08-07T14:47:00.004-05:00

Yay for the holidays!! Beth gave me the cutest paper this month for my design team layouts - Christmas and Halloween. Two of my favorites holidays! Check out what I did with this new paper, which will be in at The Scrapbook Junkie soon if it isn't already there :)

Lil Sweetie

2009-07-28T22:50:00.004-05:00

Here is my new set of pages that I just finished using the ADORABLE new Doodlebug paper. They are just my absolute favorite when it comes to scrapbooking :)

P.S. If you are interested, search Lil Sweetie on Ebay :)

New pictures of William :)

2009-07-23T20:48:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from our last visit with William. He is soo cute when he is happy! It makes me sad that at 5 years old he has such uncontrollable anger issues which may prevent us from adopting him :(

My baby girl and baby boy...

He plays so sweetly and quietly by himself for the most part. Here I snapped a picture of him playing kitchen (one of his favorite things to do). He was boiling fake eggs and using the oven mit to fan the pot. What an imagination!!

This cute little picture came after a 30 minute tantrum over not getting a real cell phone. He finally compromised and took the non-working one. Then he went out side and pretended he was calling everyone on "his phone." Too cute (once the tantrum was over)!

The Perfect Picture

2009-07-21T09:56:00.002-05:00

I found the perfect picture for my layout. We celebrated Megan's birthday at Disney World in 2007 and she had her face painted. I printed it out in black & white and added glitter to some of the swirls. This is one of my absolute FAVORITE layouts!

June DT Layouts are Finally Done!

2009-07-05T12:27:00.007-05:00

It has been a crazy and hectic month! I am finally finished with my class and taken/passed both of my certification tests. William has gone back to his foster home for now, and Brittany is finished with her first summer school session. So yesterday I sat down with my mom and sisters and started scrapping. I think the projects turned out really nice.

The first one is a Birthday layout that resembles some of the artwork in my favorite magazine, Somerset Studio. I am still working on their techniques, but it is so much fun roughing everything up and not worrying if I accidently get ink on the wrong piece of paper.

The second project is 2 pages from Prima's new fabric album. I just love the surfing beach theme, and the colors are amazing!

Hope you guys like them. July's projects won't be this late - LOL!

I still need to get the picture on here, but I am searching for the perfect one!

The tag on this page slips in behind the strip. I didn't have much paper left to make these two pages, so I had to piece them together. It turned out pretty cute though with the stitching, kinda like a madras blanket to go with the surfing/beach theme.

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T22:30:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful day I had today with my whole family! Lots of yummy goodies, swimming for the kids, and scrapping/chatting for the adults. I couldn't ask for a better day!

This was the best watermelon salad I have ever eaten!

Flag Tattoos!!

Yummy Goodies...

Mad Hatter Tea Party

2009-06-28T08:32:00.002-05:00

I am so sad to have missed the Mad Hatter Tea Party, but we missed for a good reason. We had to take William, our new son, to meet his new grammy, aunts and cousins. We had such fun! He is such a sweet blessing!

GOOD NEWS!

2009-06-25T22:23:00.002-05:00

We have wonderful news! We will be picking up our new son tomorrow at 2:00 for his very first overnight visit. He gets to stay with us until Monday morning and possibly next Friday - who knows, maybe this is it and he will get to stay forever! In case you are wondering, the case worker is concerned that he may be a little more than we bargained for. That's why his first visit was scheduled to be short. However, each time we talk to someone it gets a little longer :)

We are soooo excited!

P.S. - I will be posting my June Design Team layouts this weekend, so keep an eye out!

The Two Best Dads in the World!

2009-06-21T10:38:00.005-05:00

My dad passed away in December of 1993, just 3 weeks after his first grand-daughter was born. He never really got to know our little family, but hopefully from heaven he can see what fantabulous (as Brittany would say) kids his grandchildren are!

My father-in-law quickly took a place in my heart as my second father - of course he had that special place in my heart since David and I started dating. He is one of the kindest and most loving men I have ever known, and my girls absolutely adore him! I can see clearly where David got his wonderful demeanor from.

My David - one of the best daddy's around! He plays games, reads books, swims, is silly and supportive and best of all - loves all of us so much!

So HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my two favorite dads!

Just Beautiful!

2009-06-10T00:02:00.006-05:00

I love flowers, not the kind you buy at the store (although those are pretty too), but the ones that grow in the garden. No matter if the garden is messy or pristine perfect - I love all flowers, even the little buttercup and dandelion weed flowers that grow in the grass. I wish I had more flowers in my yard, but we are still working on that one. So anyway, I thought I would share some pretty flower pix that I took during Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival last year - I didn't get to go this year so I am reminiscing...

These adorable little fairy houses were scattered throughout Tinkerbell's Garden.

Gosh I miss Disney World! It's where the real world just disappears and we don't think about anything but enjoying our family time together - no schedules, no phones, no computers...just old fashioned fun!

Cinderella's rose garden is just incredible! I am so lucky to have 2 Disney Land rose breeds in my backyard. They are a beautiful bright orange and pink rose when they bloom.

This water lily is from the water gardens in China section of the International Village at Epcot.

Phoebe in Wonderland

2009-06-09T23:16:00.008-05:00

OMGosh! I was just looking at Vanessa's website A Fanciful Twist, and she has a link to the most amazing movie ever - I have to see this!

I LOVE SCHOOL!

2009-06-09T22:40:00.003-05:00

I am having sooo much fun and summer just started! I am in school right now getting certified to be a Special Education teacher. I just love my class, I only have 8 classmates and my teacher is great! When I finish school in the next 3 weeks, I will be certified to teach Special Education children in Preschool - 4th grade. I take my tests next week - hopefully I pass! I so want to teach PPCD in the Fall - that is Preschool for learning disabled kids ages 3-5. Next will be to get certified in Science so I can be a Science resource teacher as a backup in case I can't find a PPCD job. Did I say how much I love this stuff?!

Made from the scraps

2009-06-03T23:30:00.004-05:00

With so many things going on right now, I decided that I needed to take a break and pretend like I didn't have 100 other obligations. So I made this little page from the scraps that were left over from making the album. I drew the letters and cut them out. The most fun though was making the little bubbles. My mom got watercolor pencils for my birthday and let me tell you - they are soooo much fun!

Happy Sunday everyone!

2009-05-31T19:47:00.015-05:00

My little project, a baby boy book. I wish I would have had one of these when I had my girls...just for the first pictures to look back on. I am not keeping this one, but maybe I will have to go back and make them for my girls with that adorable new Doodlebug paper they sell at the Junkie!

P.S. If you are interested in this little 8x8 scrapbook, please take a peek at my listing.

Where did the time go?

2009-05-28T22:19:00.003-05:00

Just look at my beautiful girl with her boyfriend all dressed up like Romeo and Juliet for their Theatre banquet! What did I just say....BOYFRIEND! OMG, I could have sworn she was 3 years old just yesterday! How in the world did she grow up so fast - all of a sudden she is 15 and has an adorably sweet boyfriend?! Where did the time go?

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS!

2009-05-25T10:54:00.011-05:00

This is a picture of my Uncle Dean. I wanted to post it with his story in honor of Memorial Day. He was in the 504th Military Police batallion during Vietnam. With all of the stories going around about our wonderful soldiers coming home crazy, I wanted to share his story. He went to Vietnam at 19, a very shy and withdrawn person. While he was in Vietnam, he saw terrible things happen to his friends and had a very dangerous job. However, despite everything that happened over there, he made it back a more outgoing and happy person. His tour of duty completely changed him for the better. He has made life-long friends from this experience. Thank goodness he came back alive, because he is a most exceptional person!

Here is a link to his 504th MP Batallion website - the pictures are great, and I had to chuckle when I saw the picture of the "business girls" on the street!

I want to make sure that everyone who has or has had someone they love serve in our country's exceptional military...make absolute sure that they know how much we APPRECIATE them and how safe I feel knowing they are looking out for me and my family!

May DT Layout No.2 - NEW Doodlebug!

2009-05-24T23:43:00.004-05:00

The new Doodlebug papers are just adorable!! Of course pink and green are my favorite colors, so I was really happy to get this kit this month. I absolutely LOVE the little cherries and sparkly stickers! All of these items can be purchased at the Scrapbook Junkie, except the BLINKED letters. I made those myself with chipboard and the floral Doodlebug paper.

One More Step Ahead!

2009-05-22T19:59:00.002-05:00

We received a phone call yesterday from the home study people responsible for our little guy's adoption - it is all FINISHED and has been submitted to CPS for final review and acceptance!! We only have one little hitch - I have to get a note from my doctor regarding a medication that I take. However, she said it really isn't a big deal...I just need the note for their files. Soooo, he should be here in June to start life with his new "For Keeps" family!

May DT Layout Challenge No. 1

2009-05-17T21:08:00.006-05:00

This month I was given some of the new Little Yellow Bicycle papers with 2 sheets of cardstock (mustard yellow and light purple). The cute little felt flowers helped pull it all together - I think it turned out pretty cute when it was all said and done. Let me know what you think!

Look Out American Idol...

2009-05-14T23:07:00.001-05:00

Here comes Megan! Today was her talent show - she did such a great job! I would have never been able to get up in front of the whole second grade and sing like she did.

We made it!

2009-05-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo! We finally finished the home study tonight. She was very, very nice, and it only took 2 hours (we had heard about 6 hour home studies - YIKES). Anyway, excellent news --- she is going to recommend us as the adoptive family for our little boy!! Unofficially of course, because it still has to go through the Supervisor at CPS. Unexpected news though, it will probably be June or July before he actually comes to live with us. So we have another 6-8 weeks to wait for him :(

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T17:25:00.001-05:00

Thank you guys to everyone that came out to my very first make and take. I had so much fun, and those cards and bookmarks were sooo cute, weren't they?! I had such a nice time visiting with everyone too! Well I hope everyone had a wonderful mother's day. I know I did, but now it's time for me to hit the mop and bucket...have a lot to get ready for on Tuesday evening :)

It's Finally Scheduled!!

2009-05-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

They finally called today and scheduled our home visit for the adoption! After that, we just have to wait for them to review the results which could be up to 2 weeks...but at least we are making progress!

Make & Take on Saturday at the Junkie!

2009-05-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

Everybody come on out and join me for a great Make & Take this Saturday, May 9 from 1:00-3:00 at the Scrapbook Junkie! We are going to make a really cute Mother's Day card and Bookmark. Be sure and come early...it's first come, first serve!

Update

2009-04-25T22:54:00.001-05:00

We had the phone interview on Monday, just like the case worker promised. She is the first person at CPS to actually help us and follow through on her word. He is a very lucky little boy to have her assigned to him.

So anyway, she took mine and David's socials and Brittany's too (everyone 14 and older) to run background checks on us. She submitted them on Tuesday, and we heard back from her on Friday...everything is a go now for our home study. All of the paperwork has been submitted. We are just waiting for the home study people to call and schedule an appointment.

Unfortunately, this could take up to two weeks...another flaw in the system. Then, after the home study is complete, it could be up to another two weeks for them to process the paperwork.

But GOOD news, he will be brought to us immediately upon successful processing of the paperwork - i.e., our house and family pass all of their requirements for adoption. We are so excited about our new addition. I just hope they like our family and home.

Such GOOD News!!!

2009-04-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

I have a request for everyone - I need a prayer :)

We are trying to adopt a little boy that is in the foster system right now. He was in the preschool class that I taught this year. He has since been moved to his 12th foster home. He is such a loving little 5-year old, that I couldn't bear to see him moved again. We have also been talking about having another baby to see if we could have a boy this time (the odds aren't good though, we have 2 girls LOL). So he is actually an answer to our prayers. We have spoken with the case worker, and have been scheduled for a phone interview on Monday and a home study later in the week. It is possible that he could be with us by next weekend if all goes well. So that's where you guys come in - we need big prayers that God just be with us through all of this, no matter which way it goes.

I really appreciate it! And I will post an update next week.

Thank you!

March Design Team Layouts

2009-03-28T23:56:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my layouts for March. The Glitz girls layout was very intimidating for me, because it will be hanging in the store when they visit next weekend - YIKES. I hope they like it! Anywho, I had a lot of fun making them again this month!

March Design Team Meeting

2009-03-13T19:34:00.000-05:00

This was the best meeting so far I think! Yummy pasta dinner and tons of beautiful desserts to eat!! It was almost a shame to eat them they were so pretty! We also got our projects for the month. I have already finished one of them, just waiting on Walgreens to print out my picture and then I will post it. The second layout is a little more challenging for me...but I will get it posted ASAP :)

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

2009-03-05T22:32:00.000-06:00

I LOVE the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist!! I went to Lisa's class at the Junkie to learn how to use the glimmer mist product a couple of weeks ago, and then decided to use it on the little needlework peacock (which started out white). I just love how the colors blended! I used Sandy Beach, Blue Skies, and Iridescent Gold. The jewels are Swarovski crystals that always keep on hand (they are my ultimate fave in sparkle!)

P.S. I will post my book from Lisa's class if I ever finish embellishing it - LOL!

For Lizzie :)

2009-02-25T21:42:00.000-06:00

Gotta love Alice and Jasper too!

Spring Training is Coming...

2009-02-25T14:44:00.000-06:00

My husband told me that Spring Training was about to begin for this year's baseball season. He was sooo excited - Well, I was a little less enthusiastic so I decided that in honor of this "wonderful" event that he is sooo looking forward to, I decided that I would post my own baseball fave to help boost my enthusiasm - LOL! I think it might be working :)

New Layouts!

2009-02-22T19:33:00.000-06:00

I just finished this month's layouts for the Scrapbook Junkie. I had sooo much fun making them! Everything I used on them can be purchased at the store, except the little castle pixie dust confetti on the Once Upon A Time" breakfast layout (that came from Tinkerbell herself at Cinderella Castle) and the Mickey Mouse pixie dust confetti on the "Chef of the Day" layout.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T00:24:00.001-06:00

Don't ya just love warm fuzzies?! I just love Valentine's Day! We made cupcakes for everyone last night and homemade Valentine's tonight. Well, I am off to bed - we have an early morning of heart-shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, my girls ultimate fave :)

Canvas Project

2009-02-03T18:34:00.000-06:00

Beth wanted us to do a canvas project about ourselves to put in the store....so here is what I came up with. Told you I was a Twerd - notice the page that I ripped out of our spare book to use on my canvas :) It tells the part of the story where Bella meets Edward's family and Alice says, "Oh, you do smell nice." LOL, and yes, we have 2 Twilight books...the first one was read so many times it started falling apart!

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-01T17:53:00.000-06:00

What better time to play with my scrapbook stuff and catch up on my house cleaning! I really don't like football, so this is my time :) When I dropped off my pages at Scrapbook Junkie last week, I picked up this really cute Mini Album page made by Little Yellow Bicycle. It was so easy to put together and decorate! Most of the embellishments were included on the punch out sheet...I just added the ribbon, swarovski crystals, marker and distressing ink. Way too much to play with! Here are some pix of my finished project.

BTW - Beth sells these at the store. They are right up on the stand near the register with the other valentine stuff :)

Basic Grey Card

2009-02-01T17:47:00.001-06:00

I have been sooo sick the past 10 days that I forgot to post a picture of my card for this month. I wanted to be sure and put it out here, because I LOVE the Glitz girls roller stamp. I used silver ink with the stamp and rolled it all over the ribbon...I think it turned out really cute and it looks great with the Basic Grey paper!

Megan's Butterfly

2009-01-25T21:05:00.000-06:00

The second page is all Doodlebug, my most favorite scrapbook stuff! Doodlebug paper, Doodlebug glitter, Doodlebug stickers, etc. etc. I LOVE Doodlebug! For this layout I used pictures of my youngest daughter releasing her butterfly at the park. Her Kindergarten class raised butterflies as a project. I got updates every day after school while it was growing, so this was very special to her - of course she wouldn't hold it after it was released, so I had to settle for a picture of it on the tree - LOL!

Every Day I Love You More!

2009-01-25T20:52:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this month we got the most incredible supplies...everything was GORGEOUS. I had so much fun with it all. When I made the Valentine page I realized that I didn't have any pictures (good ones that is) of my husband and me! So I used him alone, and now we are planning to have pictures made of just us :) I made this one more of a calandar page, because I have always wanted a scrapbook calendar - Hope you like it!

I'm sorry for not updating...

2009-01-24T17:21:00.001-06:00

Sorry for not posting anything sooner, but we have had an extremely busy and sick month. At least one person in my house has had the flu every week since Christmas...FUN. Anyway, check back tomorrow night and I will have my new Design Team Layouts posted! They are turning out really cute!

Handmade Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-22T19:23:00.000-06:00

These are the prettiest ornaments! We used clear glass ornaments and swirled different acrylic paints to coat the inside. As they dried, the colors swirled together. Perfect presents from my girls!

Twilight Ornament

2008-12-19T11:48:00.001-06:00

Just look at what my talented daughter painted! A Twilight ornament for our Christmas tree. When I saw her starting on it, I was amazed at how pretty she paints. She painted each of the Cullen family members and Bella in her own style. Here are some pix of her creation...

An Afternoon of Scrapbooking :)

2008-12-13T22:03:00.001-06:00

My mom and sister came out to visit me today - always one of my most favorite things. Even better - WE SCRAPPED ALL AFTERNOON! We finished gifts for all of the kids teachers. We made a little magnetic wooden initial note holder and post-it note holder for each teacher. They really turned out pretty cute! Thank you Lisa for the great ideas! Megan's teacher gift is the little owl set at the bottom of the picture.

OMG It's SNOWING in League City!

2008-12-10T21:10:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it, but it is snowing in League City, the second Christmas in 4 years! We couldn't ask for a better Christmas present! I am so sad that Brittany wasn't here for our snowball fight, but maybe we will have another snow next week and can play again :) Here are some fun photos of our wonderful miracle!

November Design Team Challenge

2008-12-01T18:42:00.000-06:00

In addition to making beautiful ornaments at the first meeting, we were given our first challenge - and boy, what a challenge it was! Two 1-page scrapbook layouts and a card were to be made and finished in one week! I have never had to create pages from papers and embellishments chosen by someone else. So this in combination with the short time frame made for a very difficult challenge. However, I think the pages turned out pretty cute when they were finished :)

November Design Team Meeting

2008-12-01T18:39:00.000-06:00

At our first meeting we were so lucky to be able to make ornaments for the Scrapbook Junkie Christmas Tree! I didn't take a lot of photos, but here is one of the ornaments that I made.

Scrapbook Junkie Design Team Contest

2008-12-01T18:26:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of my submission for the Scrapbook Junkie Design Team. Better late than never, right?

This Is Megan

2008-11-23T21:46:00.001-06:00

This is a page that I did for my daughter's Scrapbook Album. The floral is perfect for Megan because she loves pretty girly things -- of course her picture is crazy silly, just like her personality.

Disney's Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

2008-11-23T21:41:00.001-06:00

I finally found a way to squeeze a ton of pictures onto a layout without overcrowding the page - shrink the photos! (Inspiration from a layout in Scrapbooks Etc. magazine.)