ahhh...much better

So, I tried my hand at digital scrapbooking. I basically stink at it and was super unhappy with the outcome. I mean, the photos and the products are super cute but it just wasn't me. I just had to do a redo and I'm so glad I did. I used the same digital products but just printed them and cut them out for a hybrid layout. I think I'll wait a looong while before attempting the digital thing again!

BEFORE (digital layout)























AFTER (paper aka hybrid layout)

the outcome of recent crafty times

I had a recent bout of crafty-ness and wanted to share some of my most recent layouts. Hopefully I can continue this level of productivity. Don't worry, I will keep some of the photos up my sleeve to share during the slow season.

putting a dent in my stash

I've been desperately wanting to use up my stash of scrapping supplies (mostly so I don't feel bad when I have to buy the latest and greatest stuff) and I'm not alone my longing. Adrienne felt the same way and our newest challenge was born. We challenged each other to create a layout and card using only products we had in our stash. Not the most creative challenge, we know, but it got rid of some of those older products we've been holding on to. Now if I can find a way to use the other 500 items I've been hording, I can go buy all new stuff!

here's what i made






















materials: Decorative Edge Paper by Creative Imaginations (I've had this forever it seems), Patterned Paper and Stickers by American Crafts, Chipboard by Basic Grey (also had forever, bling by kaiser crafts





















materials: Decorative Edge Paper by Making Memories, Patterned Paper by American Crafts and K&Company, Stickers by American Crafts, Flower by Heidi Swapp, Brads are unknown but came in a kit a looooong time ago

Thank you Baby!

(well, first thank you James Taylor for the perfect words) You brighten up for me all of my days...

This baby girl is so funny, wild, crazy, loving and sweet. She fills each day with fun, laughter, sighs, spills, hugs, kisses, messes, frusteration and joy. I will gladly take the fleeting tough moments for the priceless precious moments that fill most of my day.

And...let's be honest, being able to dress her in outfits like these also makes life a little brighter!

Right Now

This is Ella right now...

loves farm animals

says "wtsda" for What's that? - points and says it to everything

has to have a binky in her mouth and hold a binky before she can go to sleep

has to have the music on before she can go to sleep

loves dogs and tries to feed them even if we are at a restaurant where there is no dog!

wants to go outside all the time

likes to be pulled around in a basket at nana & papa's

is a climber - stairs, into baskets, boxes, etc.

loves her family - especially her cousin charley

dances and sways from side to side whenever she hears music

plays on her princess ride-on toy

sits on her green chair in her room

loves to take things out and put them back in...especially daddy's socks

says "ba" when we ask her to say please...it's so funny

considers cheese, animal crackers and yogurt her favorite foods

is really into books

can't wait for bath time

goes straight to her toys as soon as we walk into grammy and grandpa's house

wants to sit in my lap and watch blues clues when she wakes up

knows when she is tired and points to her crib

is a daddy's girl big time

still doesn't like to be left in the nursery at church but is getting better

has 2 teeth and one more almost in

says "weeee" when she is in a swing or when we hold her hands and swing her

loves her "big girl" carseat

is a sweetheart and such a love (but can be stubborn and naughty sometimes!)

Always Believe In Impossible Things

I decided to finally post one of my layouts from this past year's Memory Maker's Masters Contest. I had to send the original layout in but I luckily made a copy. The layout had to incorporate the word "believe", so I centered it around one of my favorite quotes:

“There is no use trying, said Alice; one can't believe impossible things. I dare say you haven't had much practice, said the Queen. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” -Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Brothers don't shake hands...

Brothers gotta hug! Ok...so I still love a good line from Tommy Boy every now and again! It just fit so well with this "Brothers" mini that I couldn't resist! I made this album for the little boys I babysit for. I used mostly My Mind's Eye products-the album is Maya Road.