HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween all!

Just wanted to give a quick post . . . Wherever you JOURNEY to tonight, whether it be around the neighborhood, at family or a friend's house for a party, at a community event, or simply passing out candy at home, be safe and enjoy yourselves!

When it rains, it pours!

It's been quite a rollercoaster ride for me this week.  Some highs & some lows.  What do you want to hear about first?  Okay, the highs first.

Highs:

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  I won a $20 gift card from Paige and Brooke.  (yes, I know I already mentioned it, but I was and still am excited about it!)
  
  
  
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  I got to redesign my blog and give it a facelift.
  
  
  
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  I made some cards and still working on a few more to give to Paige and Brooke.  I appreciate the chance to participate in GIVEAWAYS.  This is my little gift to say 'thank you'.
  
  
  

Lows:

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  I'm still not done with my digital kit . . . { My Little Peony } Kit.  I swear, by the time I release it, it'll be a week or two from now.  :o(
  
  
  
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  My kids have been sick.  Shadow had a fever the other day (oh, and the night before that).  He's better now though, but my daughter, Little Peony, is not feeling so well.  She's been fussy and moody.  Not to mention, she has a load of red bumps or rash all over her body including her face, hands, and feet.  It's so hard because she can't express her feelings and tell me what's wrong yet.  The nurse said to wait it out till tomorrow to see if she's better.  They think it's roseolla, but I believe Little Peony already had it.  According to the nurse, in some cases, a child can get roseolla for a second time.  My cousin said it could be some kind of viral thing.   Plus, Little Peony's nap schedule is all thrown off!  She's been napping earlier than her normal time.
  
  
  
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  This last one takes the cake!  I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID OR HOW I DID IT, BUT I RESTORED MY COMPUTER BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL SETTINGS!  THAT MEANS . . . ALL FILES ON MY DESKTOP AND ALL INSTALLED PROGRAMS INCLUDING MY NORTON ANTI-VIRUS IS GONE!  Don't ask me about it, it just bums me out!  Thankfully, all my work stuff and all my pictures (of my kids) are all saved on my external hard-drive & I didn't lose any of that.  But, 1LuvnDad's projects that he had on the destop are gone!  I'm so disappointed in myself.
  
  
  

So, how are you all doing this week?  I'm hoping to just get through the week and be back on track next week.  Hopefully, the POURING will stop and the SUN will shine again.  The JOURNEY goes on . . .

Updating . . . New Look!

Last night, I worked on & created a Grab Button for this blog.  Check it out on the sidebar ~ it's the pink polka dot, round scalloped button with the Cutie on it!  Ain't she adorable?  She really belongs to Nancy Kubo of Little Dreamer Designs, but thought I'd borrow her for my button.  Thanks Nancy for letting me use her! 

** So, go over to the sidebar & grab it! 
 You won't regret it! { (o; wink, wink ;o) } **

Just copy the code in the text area.  Go to your Dashboard > Layout > Page Elements & click  Add a Gadget.  Next, click on HTML/JavaScript.  In the text box, paste the code you just copied.  That's it!  Just remember to hit SAVE when you're done.  (BTW, these instructions are for those who use Blogger.)

So, that leads me to my next so-called project.  No crafting today . . . I'm on a roll and working on the computer to redo my site.  Yes, I'll be saying bye-bye to my current background (see credits at the bottom of the page) and saying hello to my new one!  It's not up yet, but check back later tonight, I might just add it.  Still doing the designing of my digital papers using Nancy's elements.  She's so talented!  Okay, I'm signing off  . . . 4 now!  Still enjoying my JOURNEY wherever it takes me!

B 1 Winner!

I just had to post this because I'm sooooooooooooo excited!  Can you believe that I won a $20 Bath & Body Works Gift Card Giveaway over at Paige & Brooke's.  OMG!  I nearly passed out . . . for a couple of reasons!  First, I never win a thing & I was elated to see my number drawn!  And secondly, I totally made a BIG NO-NO!  I misspelled my own name!  Yikes!  What was I thinking!  Check it out . . . this is what's posted on their site.

And the Winner of the $20 Bath and Body Works Gift Card is......#51 1LuvnMaha

Ain't I just a dork or what?  I know I should spell check or at least proofread my writing.  Well, at least I had a good laugh to myself.  Thanks Paige & Brooke!  I'll be visiting again!  ;o)

Birthday Card & a Purse

Just wanted to share the birthday card & purse that I made for my cousin.  I think she'll be happy to receive this since she's a scrapper & a card-maker too.  (Hey cousin, if you see this I hope you like it!  And when you receive this, act surprised!)

Use plum, green, & cream cardstock.  The DP is from a local craft store that I bought some time ago.  I used plum colored ribbon for the handles and card, Oval & Scalloped Oval Punch, scalloped scissor, bling, and a flower to decorate the front of the purse.  The sentiments were done on the computer ~ used a font called Pea Kadee again from Amanda.

Here's a closer look.  A little sentiment on the inside of the card.

Final product . . . ready to be delivered! 

The 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 card fits perfectly in the purse!

Okay, off to put the kids down for a nap and I'm ready to work on my Christmas project!  JOURNEY off!

Curious George Birthday Card

OMG . . . I knew I had to get my ~BLEEP~ in gear.  My cousin's daughter celebrated her 4th birthday . . . in September!  HELLO 1LuvnMama!  It's nearing the end of October!  Yikes!  On top of that, I still have to do my cousin's birthday card since it was her birthday too . . . no, not in September, but this month.  I'm just running around in circles here.

Anyways, I hope my cousin's not going to visit my blog, 'cause she's going to see the birthday card.  But, I had to post this . . . it came out so cute & I had to share it!  You see, the birthday girl loves Curious George.  How could I not do a Curious George card?  Here's how it turned out . . .

I used patterned and solid colored textured cardstock.  Used my circle punches & added a brown ribbon.  The Curious George template was done by freehand.  The font I used for the inside of the card is Pea Bonnie Script from my most favorite place (check my sidebar)!

I hope birthday girl enjoys this card.  I had lots of fun making it!  Now I must JOURNEY on to my next birthday card for my cousin before November comes around!  ;o) { CHUCKLES }

2009 Christmas Project Is A Go!

Yay!  I've found my Christmas project for 2009!  I'm excited to be doing it, but a little hesitant since it'll be taking up some of my time.  If I start now, I won't be STRESSING out as much.  I can almost envision what I'll be doing and how it'll look.  Sorry, but I'm not going to share too much information since I'll be giving them as gifts and some of my family & friends who visit my blog will be receiving these as Christmas gifts this year.  Okay, maybe I'll share a snip-it here and there, but not today. 

Oh, still don't know what Little Peony will be for Halloween.  Someone gave us a hand-me-down costume which is in really good condition.  We'll have to see . . . we might just have to use it as a back-up. 

Just wanted to share some thoughts - - - nothing more.  Right now, my JOURNEY will take me straight to bed!  Goodnite all!  { I feel like I'm writing on Facebook *laughing to myself :o)* }

A Baby Shower Invitation

Okay, it just feels like I've been busy on this computer or the one in my bedroom doing various projects.  I'm trying to put together my second kit, { My Little Peony } Kit.  Not quite finished yet, but I want to share it with you soon.  I'm also working on some photo editting stuff so I can do my layouts.  Oh, not to mention all the side projects that recently came up.  You know how that is . . . something always comes up when you least expect it.  My poor kiddos!  :o(

1LuvnDad & I have been talking for weeks, or I should say months now, about throwing a baby shower for one of our dear friends.  This is their first child and are expecting on Christmas Day.  What a gift!  Well, those weeks, or should I say months, just creeped up on us and we don't have much time.  It's a good thing that our guestlist is pretty small, try like 27 people/children altogether.  Oh, did I mention that it'll be at our place? 

So, we set the date and emailed our friends to give them a heads up on what's taking place.  I quickly started to make the shower invites so that I could mail them out.  Here's my latest creation.

I dug up a scrap paper with these cute animals.  Don't know what company made it but there were 9 of them on a 12 x 12 paper .  Perfect!  I needed to make 9 invitations!  The patterned paper I got from a local scrap store & made by Daisy D's Paper Company.  Also, used various solid colored papers with texture.  The other embellishments I used for this invitation was some brads, ribbon, a Stampin Up baby carriage stamp, Fiskars scalloped scissor, corner rounder, art glitter, & some *BLING*.  Oh, I typed the invites on my computer using the font Pea Heather's Handwriting which I got from kevinandamanda.com.  You should definitely check out her site!  Awesome fonts for font addicts like me!

I'll be sending this one to Will & Shelley.  They have a special name that they call each other . . . "bunny".   Don't ask me why, but check out his little tail!  ;o)

Here's the actual invitation that I inserted into the pocket.  Sorry for the blur . . . had some private information that I didn't want to share with the world.

I can't wait to see everyone.  Some we see on a regular basis & our other friends we see at special events or occassions.  That's sad, but reality is, we all have our own happenings in our lives . . . work, family, hobbies, quiet time (Did I just say that?  What is quiet time?), and so forth.  The funny thing is, when we do get together, it's always like old times!  I love that!  In the busyness of life, I have to remind myself to enjoy the people around me, have time for myself so that I can be a better wife & mother, and to trust the Lord in all aspects of my life.  Yes, I'm truly luvn the JOURNEY!

41st Anniversary Card

Just wanted to share a card that I made for my in-laws.  They are celebrating their 41st Anniversary today.  Congrats to them!  Last year for their 40th anniversary, 1LuvnDad & I planned a party for them.  We invited family and some of their closest friends to a restaurant (had a private room).  It was just a time to mingle and reminisce on old times.  1LuvnDad put together a short video slideshow featuring photos from their first date, to getting married, to having children, to retirement, and to having grandchildren.  So wonderful to see the progression!  My parents also celebrated their 40th last year.  My brother and I planned their anniversary party as well.  Boy, was it a busy year for our family!

 Here are some pictures of the anniversary card I made.

I used brown & cream colored cardstock.   Incorporated into the card is a cream colored ribbon and photo corners.

The wordart was typed on the computer and adhered the 2 different colored cardstocks together.

The number 41was cut with my Cricut.

This year, I celebrated my 10th Anniversary. I pray that my marriage will have the longevity my parents & in-laws have.  I'm in for the long haul . . . as I JOURNEY along with my soulmate!

It's In The Genes . . .

No not jeans, but genes.  Shadow & Little Peony is a part of the AWANA program at our church.  Shadow is in the Cubbies program and Little Peony is in the Puggles program.  When service was done, I went to pick-up my daughter in the nursery.  The Puggles leader explained to me that Little Peony did a great job & that she is quite into "crafts".  Here is her artwork . . .

The leader commented that my daughter enjoyed gluing and pasting the cotton balls on her cloud.   She thinks Little Peony has her mommy's genes. { BIG, HUGE, SMILE :o) }  I hope so.  Crafting and creating is fun!  The imagination is so powerful.  I can't wait till Little Peony is older . . .  to teach her and to do projects together.  Oh boy, I am excited and anticipate the JOURNEY with my daughter!

Beach Day!

Shadow had been wanting to go to the beach.  He is currently taking swim lessons once a week and is totally enjoying it!  Today was such a perfect day!  The blue sky, no overcast, a bit of tradewinds, and just time to spend together as a family. 

I've been experimenting with different techniques to enhance my pictures.  Here they are!

Shadow building his sandcastle.

Little Peony enjoyed collecting the rocks and coral.

Shadow & I having a bonding moment.

Yes, the kids had a blast!  1LuvnDad & I enjoyed seeing our kids happy.  We are luvn the JOURNEY as parents!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

I was just talking to my cousin last week.  She called to get some information so that she could incorporate a color scheme into a Christmas project she's making for my daughter.  I have the slightest clue what she's working on but it sounds interesting.  So, Christmas project in October?  It got me thinking, "What will my project be for this Christmas?" 

As Christmas time approaches, I find myself working on a project.  I have a list of family and friends that I give gifts to.   Since I'm a SAHM and financially I can't splurge on gifts, this is one way I can give from my heart.  I'll share with you what I made last year.

So, last year as I was looking for a project to work on, I came across a  Faith Sisters Challenge.  It was called, "The True Meaning of Christmas".  I took the idea from the site, Faith Sisters. Go check out their site! It's a place where I find inspiration and a place where I can see the Lord working in the lives of people.  Every week for 9 weeks, a challenge was posted.  By the end of the 9th week, you would have created an incredible scrapbook to share.  I adapted mine a bit.  I made a mini 6 x 6 scrapbook.  Ok, how many did I make?  I made 16 books total!  It was one of my most extensive project ever . . . especially since I was giving them away.

Take a look:

I bound each mini scrapbook with satin ribbon.  This book was a story written by an unknown author.  Every page told of a symbolism we see at Christmas time.  The first being the Evergreen Tree.  I also created a page for family and friends to add a picture.  They would put a picture on the solid colored papers.   The page on the left flips down.

The second symbol is the star.  And the third is the Christmas ornament.

The fourth and fifth symbol is the bell and candle.  The candle page has a flip page!

And finally, the sixth, seventh, and eighth symbol . . . the candy cane, the wreath, and Santa Claus.

I can't begin to tell you all the crafting supplies and 'stuff' I used to create this book.  It was a year ago . . . my mind is blank.  I used various scrap papers, some digital scrap elements provided by Faith Sisters, brads, ribbons, my Cricut, etc.  I am on the prowl for another idea or project.  Ah, the JOURNEY to create a Christmas gift.  Hopefully a simplified one!  

The Heat Is On!

Do you remember the song The Heat Is On sung by Glenn Frey?

The heat is on, the heat is on,
the heat is on, the heat is on,
 oh, it's on the street, the heat is . . . on!

Okay, showing a little bit of my age here.  Well, the pass several days have been really, really, I mean, really HOT!  It has been so unbearable that it's nice to be at the mall or grocery store where there is air condition.  The humidity is awful!  It doesn't help that we've been experiencing vog again. 

Since it was so hot, Shadow and Little Peony played in their pool.  I swear, it was so tempting to just jump right on in with them.  They both enjoyed 2 straight days in the pool and got 2 shades darker too.  While the kids splashed about in the backyard, 1LuvnDad cleaned our very dirty windows and screens.  Yup, he did that 2 days in a row as well.  I didn't realize how many windows we had.

Here are some pictures of the kids.

What have you been up to in the past several days?  I hope the tradewinds will come back and continue to stay.  Unless, we'll be JOURNEYING into more hot weather and more dips in the pool!  *maybe head on down to the beach*  ;o) 

Spreading the "luv" . . . Aloha Friday FREEBIE!

The word aloha has many different meanings depending on the context in which you are using it.  It could be used when greeting someone.  Aloha can mean compassion and affection.  It can also mean love.  I'm all about love.  That's why I'm sharing my first kit with you:  { 4 Shadow } Kit.  Enjoy it!  If you do anything with this kit, leave me a comment or a link.  I'd love to see what you made!

{ Download Here }

A Really Itty Bitty Look . . .

I'm gonna tease you!  Here's A Really Itty Bitty look at the preview for my { 4 Shadow } Kit.

Can you see it?  You'll be getting a better look soon.  Hang in there . . . I know the JOURNEY and the anticipation to seeing this kit is long.  I'm so excited to be sharing this with you!

Whippin' It In 10 Minutes!

I had a funeral to go to yesterday.  My brother-in-law's brother passed away mid September from a sudden heart attack.  He was 50 years-old.  I whipped up a Sympathy Card in 10 minutes.  No bragging, just amazed that when you have to get something done, it gets done.  Most times, my inspiration comes in an instant.  If I don't jot my idea down, it's gone from my mind.  Let me tell you, I have post-its all over the place with stuff I want to remember.  The thing is, trying to organized all my ideas. 

Anyway, here's the card that I made:

I used my Cricut (love that machine!) to cut out my leaf and added a ribbon to its stem.  For embellishments, I added some brads and another leaf punchout.  What about the word art?  I used stamps . . . {With Deepest Sympathy} by Hero Arts and {Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted} by Stamp A Mania.  I bought these a while ago at a local stamp store.  I inked the edges of the cover word art to make it stand out a bit.

This was my quickie inspiration for the day.  What kinds of inspirations do you have?  I would love to hear or see them!  Inspirations are a JOURNEY in itself.  To be able to express those inspirations is an outlet for creativity!

* Sneak Peak *

What do ya think?

Font:  Susie's Hand & Nasty

I made a layout of my son, aka Shadow.  It was a hot day and decided to set out the pool in the front yard.  My 2 kids had so much fun frolicking in the cool water.  I snapped this shot of Shadow with his "life vest" on . . . he was just chillin', floating on his back, having a great ol' time in about a foot of water.  **chuckling**

I used elements and papers created by me!  YES, me!  I know . . . I just had to jump on the bandwagon.  Crafting, scrapbooking and card-making has been a passion of mine.  When my son was born, some of my passion faded away due to the new change of becoming a family of 3.  It wasn't about me and my time anymore.   I did what I could when I could find the time.  That's when I started putting together digital scrapbook albums.  OMG!  Digital scrapbooking is wonderful!  It's fast, it's easy, and less time consuming.  On every birthday, I've made an album for Shadow documenting what he's done and where he's been for the whole year.  He has 4 albums total.  My daughter has 1!  I don't think I would've completed any albums had it not been for digital scrapbooking.  (Still love scrappin' with tangible papers and embellishments!) 

So, I always wondered how others made those cute papers and elements.  Then it dawned on me, "If others can do it, I can do it too".   Recently, I started researching and dabbling into creating some stuff.  What a learning process for me!  There's so much out there and so many different techniques to creating a specific look.  

I've put together a kit for you and will be releasing it sometime this week.  It's called, 4 Shadow . . . my very first one!  This is in honor of my son.  It's totally FREE  and made with love.  I am in the process of putting together a kit for my daughter, called My Little Peony.  I'll release that one shortly after Shadow's kit.   So much goodness . . . I bet you're just salivating.  I hope you'll JOURNEY with me on this new adventure!

The search is on . . .

I can't believe that it's October.  You know what that means . . . HaLowEen is around the corner.  It gets stressful for me because I have to think about the kids costumes and going out to get them.  Thankfully, Shadow knew what he wanted to be and 1LuvnDad bought the costume.  He wanted to be Ironman.  Here's a sneak peak!

Layout created by 1LuvnMama

Sorry, there was no information on the designer for the background paper

Font:  Planet Kosmos

However, I haven't thought about what Little Peony will be this year.  Last year, she was a dalmatian to go with her firefighter brother.

Layout created by 1LuvnMama

Elements & Paper designed by me

(with the exception of the splatter element found in Photoshop Elements).

Font:  The King and Queen Font

Aren't they a match!

So the question is, "What goes with Ironman"?  Do I let Little Peony have some individuality and not match her brother this year?  If you have any suggestions, please pass them my way.  In the meantime, I really need to search around.  Ohhhh, the JOURNEY to get a costume that the kids will only wear once for less than 2 hours!