Monday, November 30, 2009

Last Chance for FREE Stamps!

Today is the last day to take advantage of Stampaganza - Buy 2 stamp sets and get 1 FREE!  I will be placing an order tonight.  If you would like to take advantage of this great deal, contact me!


Sunday, November 29, 2009

Last Minute Christmas Card Class at the Scrapbook Shop on Dec. 3 just $15!


Just in time for the Holiday's ... Join me in making 12 - 6"x6" Christmas Cards with Cosmo Cricket papers and Chipboard die cuts.  Call the Scrapbook Shop at 651-698-7979 for more information or click here to go to their website.  Class will be held Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 pm.  Hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Be present at our table, Lord;
be here and everywhere adored;
these mercies bless and grant that we
may feast in paradise with thee.
Amen.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Jingle Workshop on the Go



The Jingle workshop features the cheerful My Acrylix Somethin’ Special B-size stamp set
available only through this workshop. The fanciful celebration images paired with the Jingle Level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories will make your holiday memories come alive!
The Jingle Basic Kit also includes the Twinkle Brads Jolly Assortment and a Workshop Guide all for just $29.95. Upgrade to the Best Option Add: Dimensional Elements On Target and the Designer Ribbon Rounds Cranberry Collection.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sam is all BOY!


I love how the Emporium papers are so versatile!  My darling little boy came home still dressed up planted himself in the sandbox and got filthy dirty!  He played in the dirt for hours, he is such a BOY!  I love him!

This layout was created using the exlusive layout only available with the Emporium Workshop On The Go.  When you purchase the workshop you receive a full color step by step instructional guide including a template to cut out the lovely floral shaped frame.  If you would like to create this layout, contact me for more details.

Recipe:
Emporium Papers and Stickease
Pewter Decorative Brads
Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Colonial White Collection
My Acrylix® Connections
Foundry™ Frames
Imagine™
My Acrylix® Boutique Alphabet
Cocoa Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks™ Pad
Rubber Brayer
Sanding Kit

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Cabin Daydreams


We are very fortunate to have a family cabin to play at.  We love heading up there to unplug and play outside.  We have a tire swing, lake, island, and trees galore to explore.  It is a great place to play with the kids.  I take pictures of the kids frequently when we are there.  It is just a great place for natural light photography.

These layouts were inspired by the Daydream Workshop On The Go.  I just love these papers, they are so much fun!  They can even make outdoor photos turn into fairy tales.  The recipe for these layouts can be found hereContact me if you would like to create these layouts.  They are a little time intensive, but well worth the work!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER By Maya Angelou

I received this in an e-mail from someone very dear to me.  It spoke to my heart, so I would like to share it with you.  I hope it speaks to yours!


BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

--Maya Angelou

Cousins or Best Friends?

My Sister, Kelly, and I are very close.  Because of that our children have become close as well.  Our kids are also very close in age, we took turns having them, Grace came first, then Sam came along 18 months later, Drake arrived 15 months later, and finally Lucy 12 months later.  They are so close in fact, that they do not understand how they are related to each other.

The Summer of 2008 the kids were playing in the yard together, so I took the opportunity to take some great pictures of them.  That week someone had asked Grace about her cousin Sam, she said "Sam is not my cousin, he's my best friend!"  Out of the mouths of babes.  I hope they stay best friends forever!




This layout was inspired by the Stardust Workshop On The Go.  The recipe can be found hereContact me if you would like to create this layout, I would love to show you how!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Puddle Jumping - Lee Family Style (2 of 2)


This is Lucy's layout of our fun afternoon jumping in the puddles in the street.  It was created with the retired My Reflections Best Friends Forever Level 1 Kit and Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Sorbet Collection

Level 1 kits make scrapbooking so fast and easy!  Pages are preprinted with the design so all you have to do is crop and place your pictures and title and embellish as you like with the coordinating stickease that come in the kit.  You can add matching embellishments as well to make the layout as detailed as you desire.  Click here for all of the Level 1 kits that are currently available.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Puddle Jumping - Lee Family Style (1 of 2)


In the Spring of 2008 there was a warm sunshower that left lovely puddles all over the street.  It was a quiet afternoon so we all went out to jump in the puddles.  The kids had a BLAST!  This is Sam's layout of the fun family time.  I will share Lucy's tomorrow.

This layout was inspired by the Animal Cookies Workshop On The Go.  I just love these papers, they are so cheerful and versatile!  The recipe can be found here.  If you would like to create this layout contact me.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Lucy's Last Day of ECFE 2008



The Emporium Workshop On The Go worked perfectly for my pictures of Lucy's last day of ECFE last year.  This workshop was so much fun to put together.  If you have the perfect pictures for this layout, I would love to show you how to create it!  The recipe can be found hereContact me for more information.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Memorial Weekend 2008: Back Country




We went up to open the cabin Memorial Weekend 2008.  The kids just couldn't wait for it to warm up, so they both worked their way into the water.  It's pretty tough to have a big lake to splash in while Mommy and Daddy are trying to convince you that it is too cold to swim. 

The CTMH Back Country papers were perfect to showcase that weekend's memories.  The first layout of Sam is the exclusive layout for the Back Country Workshop On The Go.  Lucy's is another layout from Imagine.

Recipe:

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sam's Last Day of Preschool 2008



These layouts are from the Stardust Workshop On The Go which is still available.  If you have the perfect pictures for these layouts, let me know.  They are very fun to create!  The first layout is an exclusive with this workshop.  It comes with a full color step by step instructional guide, as do all of the Workshops On The Go.

Recipe:
Stardust Papers & Stickease
Stardust Flexi Labels
My Acrylix® Wishing Star
My Acrylix® Extreme Caps Alphabet
Sassy Strands - Summer Carnival
Bitty Brads
Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Chocolate Collection
Summer Soft Chalks
Bamboo, Honey, Moonstruck, Topiary
Imagine™

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Grace Workshop on the Go


The Grace workshop features the elegant My Acrilyx Beautiful Flourish B-size stamp set available only through this workshop. The stylish images paired with the Grace Level 2 paper packet and coordinating accessories are perfect for spotlighting any person or event that is close to your heart! The Grace Basic Kit also includes the Rustic Edge Anchors and a Workshop Guide all for just $29.95. Upgrade to the Best Option Add: Basic Craft Buttons and Crystal Blue Waxy Flax.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Grace's Dance Competition


Lucy and I went to see Grace perform in her dance competition in the Spring of 2008.  Lucy thought it was so much fun seeing all of the other kids dressed up in costumes dancing on the stage.  She even did some dancing in the aisles!

Recipe:
Notebook Papers & Stickease
Chocolate Alphabet Large
Whooo Loves You
Classmate Alphabet
Adorning Corners
Versamark Stamp Pad
White Embossing Powder
Black Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Desert Sand Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Hollyhock Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sam's T-Ball Pictures from Spring 2008



Sam played T-ball in the spring of 2008. Darrin was the Assistant Coach. We played rotating ISD-15 fields Monday and Wednesday evenings for 6 weeks. We did not keep score. Most of Sam's time was spent making designs in the sand in the outfield. When he actually tried to hit the ball, he generally made contact, and sent the ball all the way into the outfield. Which was a feat, since most of his teammates barely hit the ball to the pitcher’s mound.

The night we went to take team pictures, all of the ISD-15 teams gathered at the Elementary School playground and took turns taking individual and team pictures. There were several hundred people there; including parents, grandparents, and kids. After pictures, Sam and Lucy played on the playground for a while. All of a sudden, Sam walked over the edge of the park, dropped his pants to his ankles, and peed into the grass. We all got quite a chuckle out of that.

Needless to say, this wasn't Sam's sport.  Maybe we'll try again in first grade, if he wants to.  Sam is just not really a sports kid, but if Lego was a sport, he would definitely score in the big leagues!



The left page is a 12 x 12 print of the action on the field.  Sam was playing pitcher while Darrin was trying to keep the infielders in line.  If you want to learn patience, coaching little league T-ball is a great place to start!

These layouts utilize minimal papers.  Just CTMH black cardstock, vellum, and two sheets of double sided T-Ball themed paper that I found at the Mora scrapbooking store.  The2008 ribbon was cut off of his medal.  We got the trading cards and button with his picture package.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Darrin's Robot Knees 6.1



Day 5 after surgery and Darrin is continuing to amaze everyone!  Tonight Sam and I went to visit him, Lucy still has a cold.  Darrin got up from the bed without pushing with his arms at all.  He just slid over to the side and stood up!  He was able to stand there unassisted while I brought the walker over to him.  We walked over to the family room together, and I actually had to speed up to catch up with him!  I can't remember the last time that has ever happened!


They have officially listed Darrin as INDEPENDENT!!!  The main Doctor who can release him will not be in until Monday, but according to the Physical Therapists, he could come home today.  So we will most likely be bringing him home Monday.

Here are a few pictures from our visit tonight:








Friday, November 6, 2009

Darrin's Robot Knees 5.1

Sorry it has been a while since I have updated you.  I did not go down to see Darrin today.  Lucy has been sick with a cold and fever this week, and I am feeling a little under the weather today, so I didn't want to risk it.



Yesterday afternoon we moved to Darrin's knew room, an assisted care facility where he will receive a minimum of 3 hours of physical therapy each day.  Actually, today they have him scheduled for 5 hours of therapy!  He called me this afternoon and he had done stairs, practiced getting in and out of a vehicle, up and down from a real toilet, and he got to have a real shower - he said that felt fantastic! 

I brought Grandma down to visit with Darrin yesterday evening.  Then we left him to try to get some sleep.  They take great care of you at the hospital, but they don't leave you alone enough to sleep.

Lucy: I'm Washing My Hair


I am a big fan of scrapbooking the little moments that make life fun!  This is another layout from 2008.  Darrin and I had been battling it out in a video game, and Lucy was playing quietly between us.  Somewhere in there, she disappeared.  I went out to check on her and found her in the bathroom applying lotion to her hair!  It took about 6 weeks for her hair to return to normal, this always makes me smile when I see it.

Recipe:
Boom di Ada paper pack
Love Letters Rub-Ons
Letters cut with Cricut ZooBalloo Cartridge out of White Daisy Cardstock
My Acrylix® Stamp Set Free Spirit
Just Blooms™ White Daisy Variety Pack
Designer Ribbon Rounds™ Hollyhock Collection
Mini-Medley Accents Autumn Garden Collection

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Come to The Scrapbook Shop for my Christmas Waterfall Layout Class!

Thursday, December 10, at 6:30 I will be teaching a new waterfall layout featuring Christmas papers! Have too many holiday photos and don’t know how to fit them all into one layout? This class is your answer! We will create a 2-page layout that will showcase 10-15 of your favorite photos, using the waterfall technique. This is an interactive layout; pull the tab and watch the album flip open to reveal page after page of your wonderful photos. Papers will be pre-cut. Bring your basic class kit with paper trimmer, scoring tool, bone folder, scissors, glue dots or permanent liquid adhesive, tape runner, and a black pen. Come with or without photos, your choice.


Contact the Scrapbook Shop at 651-698-7979 to sign up for the class, cost is $15. Space is limited, so please contact them today to reserve your spot!

 













































Darrin's Robot Knees 4.2

WooHoo!  We didn't even need extra help with it.  Darrin was excepted to the assited facility!  I'm going to get us packed up while he eats lunch.  They are going to run him down for a quick chest x-ray because of his oxygen levels, no real worry, just better safe than sorry.  I'll let you know later when we get moved in!

Darrin's Robot Knees 4.1

Today we are not doing as well as yesterday.  Still doing great, all things considered.  He's pretty dopey this morning, between the nursing shift changes, he went back up to his full dose of pain killers, and yesterday they had been starting to ween him off of them.  Over the night they did remove the OnQ pumps, which were delivering pain killers directly into the veins in his legs.  So we think that is why they bumped the pill pain killers back up.  But we have that resolved now and he is trying to rest to wait out what he took this morning.  As a result physical therapy was a little more difficult. 


He did end up doing better for his bending and straightening measurements though!

Right leg bent to 92 degrees.


Left leg bent to 90 degrees.


Right leg straightened to 0 degrees.


Left leg straighted to 2 degrees.  We're almost there!


We were going to try stairs and mock getting in and out of a vehicle, but we decided to wait for the afternoon therapy.  He was buckling a bit while walking, we think because of the spaciness; (is that a word?) well, you know what I mean.

Lucy has a fever now, so I am really worried about decision time this afternoon.  They are talking about going to an assisted facility, but he has been doing really well, so there is a chance of going home.  With her fever, it would be really hard for me to keep her away from him if he is home.  She misses her Daddy.  Please pray for the assisted facility with me, so we don't have to go through that hurdle.  The doctors are all for it, it mostly depends on the insurance red tape.

The nurse changed his bandages again this morning.  Skip these if you get queasy.  He is healing very well.  There is a lot of bruising and swelling, but that is to be expected.

Left leg



Right leg


Before                                                      After










Darrin's Mom, Alice, just reminded me of something Darrin said.  "Yes, I am in pain now, but I know that it is going to go away, and someday soon I will wake up without pain."  That is really what we are all looking forward to.  If you haven't seen him lately, actually for the last year, he has really gone downhill because of the pain he feels every day.  Imagine every time you stand up there being crushed glass inside your knees.  I am so thankful for that pain to be over.  Thank you for all of your support and continued prayers!

Check it out, he can cross his ankles!  I'm not sure if he's supposed to do this, but it's pretty cool, right!

My First Masterpiece

This layout was created using Lego papers from The Scrapbook Shop using the Reflections™ Scrapbook Program:  Main Frame - Wrap Around and Title Topper - Billboard layouts.  My son, you are my first masterpiece, truly a brick off the old block.  Yes, the picture in the bottom right is me, a few years ago, building my own Lego creation.

Click on the picture to see the layout enlarged.


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Darrin's Robot Knees 3.2

Today has been a very eventful day!  Friends Lynne and Lisa stopped by for a visit, while Darrin was on his way to the group therapy luncheon.  My Dad met us in the hallway as well.  After Darrin's lunch we had a nice visit in the room.  Then Dad and I went out for lunch so Darrin could have a little nap.  Last night was the most painful night yet, so he barely slept.


Dad and I met Darrin back in the group therapy room for his afternoon physical therapy.  After his excercises, they measured the angles at which Darrin can bend and straighten his knees.  He made it to a 90 degree bend with both knees, which is fantastic - he met his goal!  Then we all got to have popsicles!


For straightening, he brought his right knee to 2 degrees and the left to 4 degrees; 0 degrees is the goal, very close.  He is also able to do the straight leg lifts with his right leg now, so no more leg braces!! 


Everyone who has seen Darrin, nurse, doctor, therapist, and patients alike are all extremely impressed by his progress.  He walked back from the therapy room using his walker, without any braces.


Look Mom, No Hands!!!


This afternoon Darrin's nurse, Cindy, removed his bandages.  I have a few pictures here of his healing scars, skip them if you are queasy.  I personally think its pretty cool! 


This is his left knee.  It looks great!


His right knee is very bruised, which was to be expected because of the extent of the reconstruction required with that knee.  Dr. Ghose said that it was very deformed to start with from the osteoarthritis.


Tomorrow we may be moving out of the hospital over to assisted care, or possibly home, it will all depend on Darrin's progress by the morning physical therapy.  Please keep lifting him up in prayer, it is most certainly working!