News From the 6 Pack

Its a shame really

2011-02-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have always credited myself as being a fairly decent writer. Especially when I just let things flow when I have a lot on my mind. Lately though I let those thoughts just marinate in my head instead of getting it out on some kind of "paper". I started this blog, many moons ago in hopes of having an outlet to write whats on my mind and true to form.. I have failed again to keep up with it. Its a little disappointing to me how I let "things" get in the way. I have just have face the fact that I suck at prioritizing my life.. Now lets be honest. Blogging while fun is probably where it should be, bottom of the list. But when I check in and read what I write.. I think, man I really should do this more often. So here I sit, kids screaming in the background while I try to write something clever..

So really and truly I am going to try and try hard to keep an updated journal of some sort. So while I am thinking about it.. I want to talk a little about friends. I have had some significant things happen in regards to friends lately which is good. My best friend from high school finally found me on Facebook. We were always "close" by each other and I am still amazed that we never ran into each other but I am thrilled to be in touch with her again. We have so much to catch up on.. so much and we were so close back in the day. I do miss those types of relationships. Sometimes I think I have nothing like now... but you know maybe I do. Not in the sense of sharing every last detail of my life, but friends that I know I can laugh with, have a good time with and basically see eye to eye with. Its great to have no drama friendships with these girls.

Then there's those friends with conditions, you know the ones that will only be friends with you when it suits them or they want something only you can provide... I have a few of those and that's ok but the hard pill to swallow is when you thought someone who was a good friend is actually a friend with conditions. I recently discovered that about a few people I know. And while disappointing to know that's the type of people they are I have decided its ok because I know who's true to me, who I am true to and I am not going to clutter my brain worrying about the rest.

So, I am off to update my other poorly managed blog stampintildawn@blogspot.com Its supposed to showcase my art. I have lots of projects since my last post.. but guess what, haven't shared them here. I do suck at blogging. Lets see if I can change that.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-05-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

Really today seemed like any other day.. and as the day comes to a close I reflect on how much time has changed everything. You would of been 61 today. I often wonder what you would of been like. I also wonder what my life would be like if you hadn't left your earthly bounds. Its odd really, how people were right when they said time would heal. I do feel a since of healing. I don't cry as much as I used to. I can talk about you most of the time without breaking down. But in a way I feel bad that there is healing. Almost as if I dont love you anymore. Though I know that's not true. This year will be 7 years since you passed on and its hard to believe its already been that long.

Mom, you know I love you.. we have had our share of obstacles and I have prayed on being able to forgive you for the mistakes you made. I know wasn't a perfect child and as a mother now I realize that being the "perfect" mother is impossible. I hope that you are truly happy now.. stress free. We know now how much weighed on your mind and I have a feeling it was only the surface. You tried so hard to make family important. I appreciate that and childhood is some of my best memories. I only hope that I can do the same for my children.

I love you always

Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's day

The Battle in my mind

2010-05-03T14:08:00.001-07:00

A battle is being waged in my life.. there is just so much fun to be had and there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do it all. Its a daily debate between.. household duties, scrapping, and now with the weather finally warming up being outside! I love the outdoors.. I love to scrapbook.. I dont like household duties but I do like a clean house so it has to rank up there. I look at other people with the same dilemmas and wonder how they manage to fit it all in. Its not just those things either.. its hanging with friends, game night with the family, a good movie a good book.. I could spend days just doing the things I love to do.

I often think about eliminating something and I have done some purging in my life of obligations and of stuff but I just don't think I have purged enough. I would like to think of myself and a spontaneous type.. but maybe I need a structured schedule. A schedule would allow me to make time for it all. Its exhausting just thinking about it.

In a few days I will have plenty of time to think about it.. we are hittin the road. Doing a little camping (Yet another thing I love to do) and maybe I will find time to reflect and figure out the chaos that is my life.

Happy Trails

Pretty sure I suck at Life

2010-04-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

I get a little busy and what happens... things fall by the way side. I either don't know how to manage my time well or I don't know how to say NO. I think its a little of both. I have been taking stock of all the things I do and deciding on what to let go and what I can keep. I did quit one of my part time jobs. Work was definitely taking up a lot of my time. And after June I will no longer be on the PTA board at school. Not that THAT tied up alot of time it just one less commitment I need to keep. Now I am faced with the prospect of giving up my long time love in CTMH. I love the products and I would scrap and create 24/7 if I could but I cant. My business has definitely suffered at the hands of "regular" income but I am not sure I could completely let it go. I figure the next few weeks without the second job I might have more time at home to work on my CTMH stuff and even keep up with other things, such as scrapping and bloggin. But time will tell for sure. Until next time

My Blogging stinks

2010-02-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Ok I admit it.. I am so not with the blogging program its sad. I always have good intentions.. but I just dont follow through. Which makes me think that I need to take a look at myself and my "good intentions" Looking in I know I try very hard to be a lot of things to a lot of people.. only to fail at most of it.

So this year is the year to really take a hard look at my commitments and trim the fat so to speak. I have to admit to myself that I cant be all things to all people and that I have to learn to say NO. Yes.. NO.. NO NO.. ok enough of that.

So a few things that I am going to put down on "paper" so that hopefully it will be committed to my mind.

Number 1. This HAS to be the last year I am on a diet.. I am NOT on a diet anymore but a lifestyle change. Its pretty sad to look back at my High School Memory book to see that "in 10 years- I would be fit and healthy" ok so its more like 20 plus years later but I am no where close to that. So I joined a TKD class at the rec center, plus I am doing a Shred workout at home every day. My daughter is doing it with me so at least now I am committed to sticking
with it.

Number 2. Practicing what I teach.. Yep, I tell people how important it is to record their family histories and memories in scrapbooks..and well, its been easily 4 or more years since I have actually scrapbooked in my own.. officially that is. I have done a page or two for display and such but no quality scrapping. So I will be attending every free crop and a few paid crops I can to accomplish this.. I have a long list of albums I want to work on that I will now work on.. First one being my grandmas heritage album. I started it about oh 6 years or so ago and never finished and now she has passed on so my plan to record her voice, her memories.. are now gone with her. What an incredible opportunity I missed out on because I had "better things to do"

Number 3. Limit my commitments.. I commit to to many things, PTA, Jobies, CTMH stuff among other things. I am finding lately that I am always running around. I am really a homebody at heart and its hard to be that when I always have to be somewhere.

Number 4. (should probably first) Kingdom first. My relationship with God is sketchy at best. I go through phases and I really need to commit to putting my Lord first in everything. I bet I would be amazed at how much that would change my life.

So there you have it.. Big goals but ones that need to be done. Hopefully I will blog more on my progress.. Not sure if anyone is reading it but hey I like to write.. so I will continue.. even if it is for myself

Seriously.. yes its been way too long

2009-12-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

Its been an incredibly long time since my last post.. but I have to say things have just been crazy busy for me the last few months. Back in September I had this job kind of "fall" into my lap. I had posted a profile on narms.com Basically hoping to find a little something part time that I could do a few hours a week. I wasn't actively looking but after several months I got a call from Spar Marketing and was hired right there. Yea my merchandising and marketing background put right back work. My job entails being a rep for Sony Home Entertainment, checking on DVD displays, outs etc. Basically their eyes on retailers in the area. I was so good with doing it, I was brought in as a rep with Icon eyewear, Baush and Lomb and Phillips Norelco. My little 5 hour a week job turned into a about 15 hours a week.. Still not bad for part time.. but hey the extra money is great and keeps me busy. Not long after I picked up that job I was hired by Information Resources doing date collection. This is more of a top secret type job but the pay is excellent.. 24.00 an hour plus travel and mileage expenses. Of course the holidays I am a lot busier with all these companies doing holiday promotions so I expect things to slow down in the new year, and then my scrapbook business will pick up. Perfect!

So one of my many New Years Resolutions is to get back to doing the 365 project. I started off with a bang last summer but kind of fizzled.. now that I have a phone that takes semi great pictures, I am hoping it will be easier to keep up with my photo a day.. and hopefully a great scrapbook when its all said and done.

So that's the update for now.. Looking forward to a great Christmas and a stellar new year (and decade) Can you believe its another decade too?? wow!
Until next time

Sellin' our "baby"

2009-09-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

So we finally found the perfect "newer" used travel trailer. We are so excited to be moving up from our little 21 footer. Sunday we brought our old baby home to take all of our stuff out of it and give her the once over and suddenly all the memories came flooding back of all of our adventures in this trailer. Its amazing to me how we get attachments to material things. I know the day someone comes to drive it a way I will be sad.. but then I look forward to making memories in our new trailer.

Which brings me to my "gripe." Trying to sell a "high" ticket item is kind of a pain. We listed our Trailer on Craigslist figuring we would get the biggest response from that and boy to the weirdo's come out of the wood work... First of all you get those "low ballers" the ones that call and offer you a 1/3 rd of what you are asking... I think "are you kidding me??" I am not that desperate yet.. Not sure if I would be. Then you have those that guilt you with some sob story about someone who needs help.. and maybe there is someone that does need help but at least offer me a decent price instead of only a 1/4 of what I am asking for.

I will have faith that someone will come forward that will love and appreciate our trailer as much as we did.

Wow, that didnt last long

2009-09-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have to admit this project 365 was more overwhelming then I thought it would be.. well not really overwhelming..just out of mind. Which is really bad since I really want to do this.. for so many reasons.. day to day life journaling.. photography, scrapbook material.. etc. So then I thought I would start over on Sept 1st.. Well I missed that boat as well. Its not that I haven't been taking pictures.. its just life happens I guess.. and apparently I cant even pause a moment to talk about it.

So I still want to do my project 365. and I plan to make a concerted effort to post daily.. along with all the other things I need to do daily.. Maybe this attempt at this project will show me what I need to give up along the way.. cuz sometimes I think I have my eggs in too many baskets, if you know what I mean.

So today, I pledge yet again to try and post daily.... if for no one else by for myself.

So for today.. I will share the photos of the older kids on their first days of school. "D" is starting her first year in Junior High. Her first day was an emotional one for her. She cried for about an hour after she got home from school. She couldn't get her locker open and she went to the wrong class at the wrong period. I assured her she was probably not the only one and that as the days would go on she would adjust to junior high life. After two weeks she seems to be settling in a lot better. She is adjusting to the homework volume and I think once she is acclimated she will be a straight "A" student. "J" and "JR" started 4th and 3rd grade respectively.. Basically old "hack" for them. "J" continues in the GATE program again this year and JR got tested for GATE. So we should know in a few weeks if he too will be in Gate. "C" will hopefully be able to get into preschool soon. We were on vacation during enrollment so there is now a waiting list for the one we want her to go to. Last year she was in by December so hopefully it will work out the same for this year as well.

So, I will add my blog to my things to do each day.. I mean I check email everyday..how hard can it be right?? Until next time

I missed a picture!!

2009-08-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

I knew it would happen and darn if it I didnt have a photo opp last night and didnt have my camera. The one and only total bummer about my camera is it is big. So its not so easily "toted" around. I do have a smaller "cheaper" camera but I am not as amazed at the photo quality from it.. but for the purposes of this project I will have to start carrying it with me to catch those moments or awesomeness away from home. So following is a few more days to catch up and for yesterday I will just have to use a random photo possibly representing what I wished I would of photographed last night.

Aug 8th: Our final full day at the Lake resort. Today we have a visits from some good friends Brenda and Scotty along with Kyeley and Brian and thier kids. The day progressed like all the others. Fishing in the morning, pool in the afternoon and fishing at night. Tonight we also had a campfire and made smores with Reeses peanut butter cups.. Deeeelishhhh~ My picture for this day says a lot. Its of "J" and the fish she caught. She was obviously over the thrill of it once it was close to her. It was pretty funny to watch. At least she finally got to catch one. This place is normally an easy place to fish at. You can catch the bluegills like crazy but they stocked it with Bass to control the bluegill population and all that ended up happening was the Bass took control of the lake. So now you are lucky if you can see a Bluegill while the bass are allowed to take control. With that comes the difficulty to catch anything because bass are smart. And I am pretty sure they hold a nightly meeting to decide what bait they are biting on and what they will pass on by. It seemed as if each day the bait that worked the day before didnt work the next time you fished. Its a conspiracy!! LOL

Aug 9th: Today we head home. I was up before dawn this day and rather then lay in bed I took advantage of being able to have some peaceful time to myself. I decided to catch up some more on my reading and just reflect on all the beauty that surrounds me. I do love a sunrise. Its like a a present every day.. an opening of a new day. A chance to begin again. I like to start each day hoping I can make a difference some how be it with something I say, something I do or something I share.
So today we head home, I am excited actually because at this point I have not been in my own bed for 10 days. And while I enjoyed every moment of my time away from home, feeling especially refreshed and and renewed there is just something about coming home. Its welcoming and familiar. Its conforting to know that I have somewhere to come home to. What is home to you?? Think about it..it more then just a house. Its all the things that encompass that house, your family, friends, your God your life..

Project 365 part 2

2009-08-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

Updating a few more days so I can catch up.. the only bad part about vacation is the catching up.

Aug 5th: This is "Stubbs" He is a duck that we rescued last year while at the Lake Resort. While on the lake last year we noticed this duck huddling up in the rocks.. fishing line with hook in its mouth, wrapped around its beak and its body and the one of his legs all wrapped up and tied up. So my Dad took the duck.. we cut all the line off of him and let him go.. ( more like he flew) His poor leg was black and we had doubts it would be ok. Well it turns out we were right, at some point his leg either fell off or got eaten by the fish and now you have a one legged duck. He gets around pretty good. In fact he can even stand on one foot. I wondered that since I had mostly seen him in the water but one morning I woke up and he was standing on the doc. Its a catch 22 fishing in a lake.. you use hooks to catch fish but when the lines break the other animals get into them. Stubbs isnt too learned on avoiding hooks since my daughter "caught" him while fishing.. He went after the bait on her hook when she was reeling it in. He got off but not before losing a part of his gum. I hope Stubbs will make it another year.

Aug 6th: Still at the lake resort of course and running out of things that are different to photograph.. alas the challenge of the project 365. Today I brought the camera out right before dusk, my favorite time to take pictures. You have the golden hue of sunset making the lighting just perfect for pictures. This picture, which I realize now I needed a fill flash, is of two of the many things I love.. My daughter "D" and my country. The great thing about the lake resort is there is no TV and even though there is wireless I had no access to the computer so I get a lot of time to just sit quietly and reflect on those things that are most important to me.. My God, my family and my country. I also get to do a lot of reading. I am currently reading a book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It was part of a book study back in June that I unfortunately got side tracked on when my grandma passed.. but finally getting into it during the week I am enthralled by this book. Its a great read and a real testiment to what it means to be married. The sacrifices we make for our spouses as well as the love that runs so deep that the mere mention of their name or their touch makes you shudder. If you get a chance to read it I highly reccommend it.

And finally Aug 7th:There were a lot of great photos I could use for today as I was finally remembering to take them not only for our vacation scrapbook but for my new project. But this one is going to be my choice for this day. Its of my youngest "Chay" and words cant describe how much I LoVE this kid. I love all my kids of course but she is special. Maybe its because she is my baby, or because she was a total gift from God. What ever it is, she never ceases to amaze me with her personality and intellect. Like a typical mom I could bran about all the things she can do but I wont do that. I will say that I believe she is destined for great things. She is going to be something that I can only dream about. And seeing her sit there in such a reflective state, I wonder what she thinks about.

That's good for now. A extra tomorrow and I should be caught up.. now I just have to get creative with the pictures. =>

Project 365

2009-08-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

I returned this week from a very long and relaxing Vacation. I started first in Long Beach attending the Close To My Heart Leadership Convention.. Wow!! I mean WOW. I am so excited about what is new this fall and again thoroughly impressed by the vision of Jeanette! I wish I was even a 10th as talented and smart as she is. I have come back with a renewed sense of what I want from CTMH. As well as no longer having strategies but goals that make my heart race! I made my list of "big dreams" and plan to get them one by one. And with all the new programs being introduced.. I Basically got a "raise"! How cool is that??

Another thing I was introduced to is Project 365. My friend Susan introduced me to the concept. I am sure there is a website or something but honestly haven't looked for it.. but that is ok because I get the gist of it and it will be fun.. and challenging as I did make it all day yesterday and realized I didnt take a picture yet so I had to find something interesting quick.. LOL Anyhow, So I started on August 1st. Of course I am behind on my journalling but as soon as I upload my photos I will start posting here. I will double and even triple up until I get caught up. => And with that comes a new place for my artshare.. scraptildawn.blogspot.com My goal is to create and share daily or almost daily. I have plenty to share already, especially after leadership.

So, with out further ado.. here is some catch up from my project 365:

Aug 1st: I spent Saturday at the final day of leadership. What an awesome experience as always. We heard from a fabulous speaker, Mary Christenson, who gave me and many of us a new take on setting goals. She made me rethink about my goals and how to state them. Her message was a goal such as "I want to be a director" or "I want to earn the cruise" is simply a stradegy if the goal does not make your heart race. She asked us to dig deep into what makes our hearts flutter.. and gave us many examples which basically tugged on your emotions and made you dig deep to do what you need to do to get there. So when I got home, I made my list of my dreams, the things that I am emotional about and an action plan to get there. Its long, about 3 pages.. but I will knock them out one at a time.. and naturally as a bi product of those dreams being achieved I will reach my "goal" of being a director.. or earning the cruise or what have you. My objective in this business is to share my love for scrapping with others, immerse myself among people with the same passion as I have and not waste time on those things that dont matter to me. God willing.

Aug 2nd: On the road again...and practically all day. Today I set off on the road home. Thankfully and uneventful trek. I really truly do not care for driving in California but I have to say it wasnt too bad this time. I arrived at Long Beach and home without white knuckles. I have to say I was kind of sad to leave the weather of Long Beach behind! I was so nice and cool there compared to here in Vegas. It was a nice break. Upon arriving home we packed up the RV and headed to the Lake resort in Pahrump, Nv. One of my favorite spots to hang out that isnt too far from home but feels a world away from it .

Aug 3rd: Waking up to a beautiful sunrise on peaceful morning is so rejuvenating. It was so relaxing to not have to hurry and get kids ready for school, or *gasp* not be tied up on the computer or phone all day long!! We basically spent the day fishing and swimming. The kids just love it here. The fishing was not as good as it usually is but they had fun trying non the less. When it go to hot to fish we headed over to the pool and spend the day. This is our basic routine just about every day and let me tell you it was so nice!!

Aug 4th: Another glorious day doing basically nothing.. Not sure if this is the right start for my project 365 but that is ok. Its off to a relaxing start and nothing makes me feel at peace more then a day of relaxation. Though I have to say deep in my mind I am thinking of other things after reflecting on Leadership. I have big plans.. HUGE plans and at this point I am dying to get home to get it on paper and start working on my plans. With a fresh mind and a new perspective I am ready to hit the ground running. Totally off topic.. don't you just love "back shots" I am such a huge fan! Your subject is totally unaware making the shot all the more genuine and its like the "big picture" in a way. I have a new camera and of course have not read any of the directions so I just played with all the functions all week. The potential for some awesome photos is huge. Its a new HD camera and it screen its like watching one of those plasma tvs. Its very awesome I have to say. Which just adds to my excitement of this project 365.

Well, I could go on but I am sure this is getting long beyond get out.. so I will stop here and add more tomorrow. I hope you will consider doing your own project 365. Its a great glimpse into your life and I am feeling a scrapbook coming on for sure.. What a fun way to look back and see a day in the life of me.. 10 20 or Go Willing 30 or more years from now.

So until tomorrow. Have a blessed day!

Scrapbook in a Purse

2009-07-17T02:33:00.001-07:00

This is another version of a Scrapbook in a purse. I did one a while back that I actually found frustrating and I don't think I even finished it. One of the drawbacks of being me is I am an instant gratification person.. and if something takes too long or is too complicated then I probably wont do it or finish it. Which actually ends up being a good thing because my croppers probably wont want to do it either.

Anyway this is part of my continuing attempt to complete old classes, make n takes and stamp camp projects. This was a stamp camp project designed by fellow consultant Anjanette Davis. I have to give her Kudo's for very explicit directions. Very easy to follow. Anyhow, I found this project to be quite easy really and after a first run through there will be tweaks I will make before I offer it up as a workshop.

Here is a close up of the front cover, sorry the flash washed it out a bit.. new camera that I am still getting used to.. Anyway, the waxy has a clear charm on the end of it. The handle is heavy Gauge wire wrapped in Ribbon. The next photos are of the pages inside the book

So there you have it, a scrapbook in a purse. Now I just have to find or take the perfect pictures for it. One thing about mini albums.. they are so fetchin' cute and make the perfect gifts for the aunts and and grandma's in your life.

Off to the next project. Hopefully I am on a role now.

Class of 2016!

2009-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

So its official, my oldest daughter is now a JR High School Student.. Class of 2016. I shutter at the though of how old I will be when that happens.. Its a bitter sweet moment for me really. I love to see her get older but at the same time I want to keep her as the cute sweet and innocent thing she was before school. Its amazing to me how much a child changes over the course of a year. And I know I will be in for some big changes in the year to come as she transitions from a young girl to a pre-teen. My battles will have to be picked carefully as I do believe, as a former "rebel" teen that you should be allowed to show your personality to some extent. Besides the more you forbid them to do the more they want to do it right?? All the while I have to protect her from as much "evil" as I can.. The peer pressure, the drugs etc. Its going to be a challenge.. One I hope I can rise up to especially since her little sister is right behind her. So to my "D" Congrats on the first of many mile stones ahead. I am so very proud of how intelligent and bright you are and I know you will do great things.

I'm Back

2009-06-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

I have been back from Tucson since Saturday and have been trying real hard to get back to "normal life" Its amazing to me how much a death in the family upsets the "swing of things." Between being gone for a week away from home and no longer needing to care from my grandma my routine is messed up a bit.

The funeral was smooth. It was nice to see family members that I have not seen in a real long time, some since I was a kid myself! The reality hit me when they closed the casket for burial. Even though Grandma was lying there at peace, something about closing the casket made it all the more real to me. At least when I could see her it was if she was still there in some way. I pray that she is at peace now and grateful that her suffering is over.

That's it for now. I just wanted to check in since it had been awhile. I will have photos and art to share soon. Until next blog...

Goodbye Grandma

2009-06-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

June 14th 2009 sometime between 4am and 6am My grandma, Doris went peacefully home. She had been stricken with dementia and Alzheimer and more recently with Parkinsons. I am so thankful that her struggle is over. And extremely thankful that she went peacefully and in no pain.

She was born in 1927 on a farm in Nebraska. She worked hard most of her life, first as a waitress in her families restaurant and then as a health care administrator for the Tucson Unified School District. She married a military man, Howard and they had two sons, Robert and Richard. They moved to Utah where Howard worked on the Enola Gay Mission during World War 2. Sadly Howard was killed in a motorcycle accident after getting an honorable discharge from the military.

My Grandma moved to Tucson where she met and married "Norm". He was the only grandpa I even knew.

My memories of grandma are of Sundays at her house. She would cook dinner and we would watch Wild Kingdom and the Lawrence Welk Show. She was a very out spoken and intelligent woman and not one to be messed with. She had a fire and passion about all that she believe in.

We moved her to Las Vegas a few years after "Norm" passed a way because it was becoming clearer that she had dementia. In those early years she still had that fire about her and would get so frustrated with not being able to say the words she wanted. I remember she would call me a couple of times a day to let me know she just moved here and would appreciate a visit. Not remembering that I was just there. Anytime I would ask her how she was doing she would say "Cant Complain nobody will listen" but would also be just thrilled that she didn't have to cook or clean anymore. It was hard to watch such a strong, independent and passionate women become so dependent and frustrated. As the years went by it became more and more evident that the women I knew as my grandma had "passed away".

In the last months before her death, she had good days and bad days. When I would go see her, her face would brighten up as she knew she "knew" me but could never remember my name. I would always tell her it was ok.. as long as I knew who I was.. it didnt matter if she did. Amazingly she still had many memories of her days gone by it was just the present she couldn't keep track of.

For me, I am glad her frustration is over. Alzheimer's is an awful disease. It robs you of your loved one right before your eyes. Like a slow death with no pain. I will definitely miss my weekly visits to her. I will miss Her soft hands in mine and quirky sentences that at times made no sense at all. It was a lot of work taking care of her.. managing her doctor appts and making sure she was getting the care that I could never give her but so worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It allowed me to grow close to her and get to know her and her past.

Goodbye Grandma. Heaven doesn't know what its in for now that you are there. I Love you and will miss you very much. And I will make more of an effort to get "in the picture" as I wish now I had a more recent picture with you and me together.

I actually scrapped today

2009-06-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well sort of. I created a whole 4 pages ( two 2 page spreads) I find that I am easily distracted and I really need to have some one come over and create with me to keep me focused. Between the Laundry, the youngest child and the computer I do not get a lot done..

Anywhoo, I have this crate of "stuff" older CTMH paper kits, misc papers and other items that I get at crops and I have been meaning to go through it and do something with it. I want to get through it since we redid my scrap room I had to downsize somethings and all this extra paper, page kits, stamp camp stuff, make n takes etc are in crates and bins waiting for me to do something with them. Can you tell the hubby "designed" the room? Gave me less storage and minimal workspace. He obviously doesn't understand the mind of a scrapper or my "job". So now I am in search of something a little bigger then the kitchen island I currently work on. In my previous space I had that plus additional work space. I have convinced him at least to put a table top on the pool table so I can use it for work space when we aren't playing pool. So I guess you can say this my before "after" photo since I still have some tweaking to do.

So here is my art share for today.. the cardstock is Bazzill and Close To My Heart, The deco elements are from My Mind's Eye, and the pattern paper is some old school Close To My Heart paper. Yes, I know its a Valentines layout.. totally off season but it was the first thing I grabbed out of my crate of "stuff" I was just feeling it.. know what I mean. So I am off to do a little cleaning before the DH and I head out for date night tonight. ;)

Acrylic Album

2009-06-10T08:20:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of fun putting this together. I kept it simple but I am looking forward to getting more of these and challenging myself to create a more interactive album. All supplies are Close To My Heart

Sunsets in Vegas

2009-06-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

One thing you cannot deny.. Vegas is a beautiful city. Sometimes I may not always like it here but at night it sure is pretty with all the lights just twinkling a way. It looks so peaceful from the distance..which is where I would rather be. We have been enjoying unseasonably cool temps for June and I am loving it! Mornings are just so awesome and I am really enjoying taking in the cool air with a good book..even if it is just for a moment. Tonight as I stepped out to enjoy the brisk breeze I captured this Sunset. Not one of the most spectacular I have seen here but worth the camera shot none the less.

I also did get a little creating done today. I have this box of "things" old kits, make n takes, stamp camp projects and the like that I have been trying to get through and finish. Today I finished up this card. I ended up changing the front since I didn't have the stamp set to complete it as originally designed. Still came out pretty cute though I have to say. The stars on the bottom were sanded into the cardstock. One thing I LOVE about Close To My Heart Cardstock is the white core. It allows you to create some great distressing effects. I also worked with the Moon Doggie paper kit tonight and WOW I think that will be moved to the top of my list of favortie papers. I will post here once I get some pictures on it. So anyway, that is it for now. I have got a littel energy so I might try and get another page or two done before I go to bed. So until next time.

It only took two days....

2009-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so it only took me two days to finish this layout but at least its done now. I swear between, cleaning house, keeping up with laundry and the kids I hardly have 5 minutes to spend in my new studio. So I havent been able to give it the appropriate test run. After this weekend though I know I need just a tad more work space. So I will have to see what I can come up with for that. Possibly a slightly bigger kitchen island?? Who knows. Anyway this layout uses CTMH's Blue Ribbon paper pack and the "sketch" is from the "Notebook" Workshop on the go. Its in response to an older challenge on the CTMH BB's I would like to think I can do a challenge or two a week.. more if possible. At least after this week since this week I have to finish getting my stuff together for my get a way this weekend.

The photo's are of the kids enjoying sparklers on 4th of July last year. We spent the day at the Falline's house swimming and BBQing and then came home long enough for the kids to enjoy some fireworks before they had to go to bed since it was a school night. (This is one time I do not like year round school)

Anyway, I am going to offer this as a scrapbook class so be sure to check my website for details.

A quickie Share

2009-06-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am not doing so good on the sharing of the art daily thing.. its just been a real busy week, as most of my weeks are. I do not work this weekend so my plan is to hopefully get some crafting done. I do have to get ready for my get a way in Primm next weekend but that will involve some creating so that is a good thing. So hopefully come Monday, I will have some art to share. In the mean time I thought I would share with you a little bit of my shopping savings today.. it was huge!

Its no secret I live, breath and swear by grocerysmarts.com. It IS the best thing since sliced bread... really. For those of you no familiar its a free service that pairs up sales ads from the local grocery stores to the coupons currently valid. The idea is to buy items with coupons when the item is on sale thus maximizing your savings. You also want to stock up when you do this as you will find some weeks you are buying cereal, other weeks it might be frozen pizza. It just depends on what's on sale. I have been doing this since Feb. and I can tell you the difference in my grocery bill is HUGE! Not only that I am so stocked up on items that I can now actually skip weeks (other then perishables, milk etc)

And just so I can actually "see" what I am saving I started taking my coupons savings and transferring that money into a checking account. Hopefully down the road I can use the money to take the family on a vacation or pay off the Van or something..

So today in between the running between the house and the school for our market place I stopped at Walgreens. I only picked up a couple of things.. but wait until you see..

The list was small but I bought 6 packages of Ecotrin Aspirin and 6 packages of the Chinet Dinner plates: Total Value of items purchased-21.00
Total out of pocket for items purchased 3.00
Total Savings 18.00

Yep I paid 3.00 bucks for it all. In addition I got 3.00 in "bounce backs", coupons you can use on your next purchase, so technically it was all FREE. Normally I would use them right a way but since I didn't need anything else I will just save them for next time. That has probably been my biggest savings yet.. well maybe not but I was impressed.. The cashier was impressed, everyone in line was very impressed that I had to share the website and the pass code with everyone that was interested. Kind of made my day. Now granted I don't know if I will go through 6 boxes of Aspirin before they will expire.. but when they are FREE you might as well get them. You never know when they could come in handy for care boxes, a supply in our RV, upstairs, downstairs.. whatever.

Hopefully I will remember to share more of my shopping excursions, tips I have learned etc. Its the least I can do to help all of us save big money on our grocerys.

Getting Burned

2009-06-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have to ask myself sometimes why I am so nice to some people?? I wont divulge details here because the situation is messy enough and I want to respect the parties involved but it always seems like when I go out of my way to help someone it always bites me in the butt in the end. These people who I have gone out of my way to help turn around and blame me when certain things don't go there way. I almost feel taken advantage of in a way. It really sours me to being helpful but it never fails down the road after time passes I help someone in need again.

On a lighter note, Close To My Heart is offering a Deal a Day in June! ( should of been May since it rhymes..LOL) Anyway, if you click on my website, link is on the right, you can see what the deal is for the day. And its only good for the day so if you love it you will want to buy it! And not only are you getting great deals you are getting savings on shipping as well!! And its HUGE!! I already checked it out.

And get this, I am going to attempt to post a piece of artwork every day. Yep, crazy I know as I don't always get a chance to do any creating some days but I am going to try anyway. And of course there will be a couple of days at the end of the month that there wont be any art since we are going camping again so maybe I will try to do make ups. => So I better get busy since this day is just about over and I haven't made anything yet.

Exhausted... in a good way

2009-05-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to get out of town this past weekend and enjoy some family time with some friends of ours so we took a quick jaunt down to the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation and camped at the KOA at the AVI. Our friends brought their jet skis and we spent the days laying on the beach and riding jet skis on the river. WHAT A BLAST!! But I have to say, I am completely exhausted from all that exposure to the sun. Its amazing to me how much the sun will zap your energy. But it was worth it.

The one thing I do feel bad about is I took my Camera.. but didnt take it with me to the river to take pictures.. The first time we headed over I just plain forgot to grab it. When we came back for lunch I thought about bringing it but the sand on the beach is just so fine I was a little nervous. I have lost a camera to the dust before so rightfully so.. but I feel bad that I didn't get any pics of our weekend. I think its two fold with the fact that I find so little time to scrapbook my own personal photos that I sub consiously dont take more to add to the growing stack I already have to work on. I am hoping to attend more free crops through the Vegas Valley Scrapbook Club and actually work on my own personal photos instead of work and I can start catching up.

Anyone want to scrapbook??

Got that card finished and other things

2009-05-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, I seriously need a new computer.. For the most part it works great but my front end memory is so not up to par for "today's" applications that I get frustrated with how long it takes to update my website.

Anyway, here is a card I made digging in my scraps. I started it yesterday because I needed a card for a Bridal shower but ran out of time due to other personal issues. So anyway, it evolved into just a generic Hello! Card. Supplies I used where That's Amore paper pack, Simple Blossoms stamp set and Say it in style stamp set. All from Close to My Heart

Trying to get the Hang of this

2009-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I have added a few more little tidbits just trying to figure out this whole blogging thing. Hopefully pictures will follow soon. Right now its just trying to find time to do all the things I would like to/need to do in a day. So for now, I am off to do some creating. I need to get ahead for the Primm Crop get a way coming in June! So hopefully I will post more later, if not next week sometime... as we are fixing to have some good solid family time this weekend which means no computer for me. ;) Until next time....

They are driving me crazy and I am supposed to like it

2009-05-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Its been a day of different emotions that is for sure. I found out a friend from High School passed away over the weekend. And while I havent seen her since high school it still makes me sad since she was so young and just had a baby. So my thoughts are for sure with her family as they cope with this sad time. It really puts into perspective how precious life is and how short it really is. Its times like these I really want to appreciate my kids, hug them and love them to death.... but then they show up, arguing, refusing to do what I ask them, fighting etc. THAT makes it really hard.. I do love them I just wish they were more cooperative when it comes to doing their chores and what not.

On the creative front I started a card. I never seem to have the time to do any creating lately with trying to keep up with day to day cleaning and errands. I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day. I just had to much running around to do today. Ideally if I can get where I am creating something every day I will be happy. Well off to do some finishing up before I have to go bowling tonight. Until next time

Just practicing

2009-05-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

I really need to get used to this whole blogging thing. I can totally see how much fun this could be if I could get into the habit of using it on a regular basis. I would love to talk about how my couponing is going. Give and get tips and just basically talk about the great deals out there. Then there is my business. I am hoping that now my scraproom is brand new again. I can start working on posting artwork on a regular basis on here and on my website www.michellefalline.myctmh.com

So a quick synopsis of whats been going on for the last few months.. "D" is now registered for Junior High. I am not sure how I am supposed to feel about that. Seems like just yesterday I gave birth to her. She is growing quickly as are all my children and I am finding its more important now more then ever to savor every moment as it will be gone in a blink of an eye. It also pounds home the importance of getting back to my scrapbooks again.. I do scrapbook, but its always on a work level.. rarely if ever on a personal level and I need to get back to that. I miss the days of scrapping every week.. years ago.

I started this whole coupon thing with Grocerysmarts.com. LOVE IT!!! Love it!! again I LOVE IT!! I have been saving so much money its now as much of a game as it is a neccessity. Hopefully I can start posting some of that here for you to check out. I am finding though that some stores/cashiers love to see the savings I am able to do while others seem to what to stop me from using all my coupons or give me a hard time for doing so. Its not like I am taking money out their pockets.. though some cashiers sure act like I am. Overall though its been a great experience and it feels good to think that at this point, I can go weeks without grocery shopping (except perishables of course)

Well I think that is it for now.. though I promise more to come.

Its Time!

2008-12-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

Ok so in this world of the internet and family being so spread out its finally time for us to make the move to blogging. A perfect way to keep our family and friends up to date on our comings and goings. So Book mark our site and check back often!