They are a real TREAT!

Adorable sums it up but you know that I can't stop there! This is my layout #42 for http://www.52sketches52weeks.com/. I dressed
my cooperative girls and headed outside to shoot some pictures. We have finally had some relief from the melting hot summer weather, so going outside was a real treat. I sat in the grass trying to get the best shots. They ran and played like spastic children. When I first found the little witch costume I knew it had to be had for my naughty little Ladybug. The elegant and graceful princess costume was perfect for my calm and sweet Butterfly. I know I am lucky they allow me to play with them like they are my dolls. What really surprised me was after I took the costumes off and placed them on the ground, they both started scooting their heads under the hats as if wanting to try each other's on. I wish I had been taking video of that!

Mamaw's Yummy Banana Pudding

Today I made banana pudding by a recipe from my grandmother we called "Mamaw".
She was like another mom to me as she lived with us my entire childhood. We lost her while in my Junior year in High School. I have been keeping up with the sketch of the week from www.52sketches52weeks.com. I needed to work on week 41 today and after making the pudding I decided to take pictures of it so I could create my layout. I knew just the papers I would use. I honor you Mamaw, as this layout made me think of all the love you gave our family. I used K&Co. Que Sera Sera's line for my background paper, ink & the butterfly. I cut the flourish corner from a foil paper by American Crafts, the die cut by Quickuts. My pumpkin was also by Quickutz then run through my Cuttlebug embossing folder. The alphabet used for her name is "Endless Love" by Sizzix also cut from the foil paper. I attached the tags and ribbon with my fastenater. I love the overall warm tones of this line. Don't you just want a big spoon full? :)

My girls pose for a Halloween Layout

Here is my layout made for week #40 at www.52sketches52weeks.com. I found these t-shirts at my bargain spot "Target's Dollar Spot" They are actually t-shirts for babies, well they are MY babies. The saying on Ladybug's is "Little Monster" fitting her perfectly as her little grumble bug attitude is sure to come out every now and then. Butterfly's t says "Got Candy" and with her super sweet personality it was also a perfect match. I had fun working on this layout but don't think these will be their costumes this year! We will have them all decked out. That will give me another fun layout to look forward to. I used most supplies by Paper Studios from HL. I cut the spiders and ghost from my Paper Dolls cartridge.

Sweetie Cookies

It has been some time since I have had a chance to blog. I know I need to go backwards on some of my projects I wanted to post, but since I just finished this layout today I decided to just start here. This is week #39 from www.52sketches52weeks.com I used my new cricut cartridge "from my kitchen" to make some die cuts. These cookies are really sinful. I sometimes think having a cute black and pink retro kitchen would be so fun. The most fun of all was when my sweet husband made the comment about me being able to make anything taste good. Read the journal tag, he even added at the end "everyone would be asking what that good chewy taste was from and I would tell them, that would be the cobweb!" He knows just how to make me crack up!

Doggies have new "Sack Beds"

As promised, I posted the little bed sacks I made for my little chi-children. These were super easy to make and I believe they are a huge hit. They are fleece on the outside and flannel on the inside. Completely machine washable so I may have to make another set if the girls get as attached to them as I think they will. I put them on the couch when I got finished and they knew right away they were theirs. I also carried them in the sacks right to my scrap room so they could hang out with me. Then when time for bed I brought them with me. Lady bug normally sleeps under the covers by my feet. If I move sometimes she growls and even has bitten at my toes! lol She is a bit of a grumble bug at times but we can't hold that against her. She didn't have the most stable home before we got her. She is so loving most of the time! So last night she slept in her new bed right up next to my chest (sorry Sam, I know that is YOUR spot!) As for Butterfly, she slept part of the night by my feet. I believe she felt sneaky since she was in her sister's spot. But by early this morning I pulled her up and in to her sack and she turned around and around then was snugly happy. I won't apologize for the love I feel for these girls, I am just grateful to have their love and companionship.

Muffins! Oh my goodness this was tedious!

Wow, this pattern for this pin cushion looked so easy. It only involved three pattern pieces. I had looked at the direction page before I bought the pattern. It seemed relatively easy. I even decided I would make one for my pal Rachel. So I cut them both out at the same time. I went ahead and finished one so I could take it to her tomorrow if I get a chance to see her. I am heading to Friendswood with my daughter to take her to her Dr's appointment. I know the picture doesn't show the detail of the muffin cup but it has many little tiny tucks sewn into it. The directions for the lace and the trim around the cup were to be hot glued on. I didn't like that because I felt it would make putting the pins in a strategic. So I hand sewed it on. Not a big deal but just took a little time and I know it is much more of a functioning pin cushion now. Anyways I will now sew the other one but not tonight! Rachel, just know I love you my friend!

You & Me

I was so excited about doing this page because this photo has such a special meaning to me. When I first met Sam, after his show, we had this picture taken. You would think we were already in love. I see the perfect love we have when I look at this, and it is...so for week #35 I used the layout from www.52sketches52weeks.com to give me direction. The patterned paper is by K & Company. I cut a circle ring from George and used a trim that is little velvet flowers strung together. I found it in a sweet little quilting store in Alaska. I hand sewed black seed beads in the center of each flower. I cut the hearts from nestabilities and embossed it with "damask" by Sizzix. You & Me was cut from Lyrical Letters. The birds are metal charms I hung by eyelets and ribbon. The journal tag is a stamp that I heat embossed. I also sewed some beads on the tag. I inked around most everything with a black cat's eye. I am really pleased with this page. I will use it to start the album I have been meaning to get going on. Lots of romantic pictures from the early days of falling in love with my amazing husband. My heart raced constantly and he still gives me goose bumps just thinking about him. I love you Sam, you are my everything!

Sewing Projects....

I know I have been blogging about my scrap booking cards and layouts but today I want to show off my first two sewing projects made with my new Singer 2010 Sewing Machine. I researched what kind of machine I wanted that was affordable but realized this was such a huge range of features compared to costs and companies. When HSN featured this model complete with lots of accessories I decided to let this be "the one". I will admit I have second guessed my decision several times. Getting use to all the bells and whistles has not come easy for me. My first project was these pajama shorts. A very simple pattern. I decided I would just start with something really easy and I am glad I did. It had been so long since sewing any clothing item I was nervous about sizing. I knew the measurements don't really give an accurate description of how the actual item turns out when completed. So I went on the cautious side and used the larger size. Well lets just say they are REALLY comfortable! I love the owl patterned fabric and laugh at how things that were popular in the 70s have become popular nearly 40 years later? As for the second project I decided to make this apron. Everyone that knows me will not be surprised at my selection of black and hot pink for my colors. This too was an easy pattern but I ran into a serious problem with my machine tension when I rethreaded my machine with pink thread for top stitching the ric rac. I spent hours trouble shooting the problem. I finally gave up last night about 2:30 am. I decided it was one of those times I needed to step away and come back when I was rested. I even searched the web for help. I re-threaded it, filled a new bobbin, tried different settings and just was ready to toss it out the window (OK not really but had decided I would probably have to mail it back in cause I had a lemon) when I finally found my problem. There is a VERY specific way you have to load the bobbin thread and once I had that done it started sewing like a charm. So now my apron is finished and I am really happy with it. I will now have to make one for Thanksgiving and Christmas and probably all other holidays because we all know how much I like to decorate for the holidays. And there are so many different cute apron patterns. How about aprons for the chihuahuas? Naw, nobody likes little hairs in their food! ewwwww :)

I got my new Singer sewing machine! Oh Yeah!

My first layout created with my new Singer sewing machine. I got it yesterday after pacing most of the day for UPS to arrive. It took me a while to figure out how to use it. I was beginning to wonder if I had made a huge mistake getting a computerized machine. But once I figured out what I was doing wrong it was like a whole world had opened up. There is over 1000 stitch functions and I tried out this cute little butterfly boarder. I also ruffled the same ribbon to the left of the photos. I really liked how it turned out. The base page of cardstock was a just a textured piece that I stamped butterflies with CTMH purple pansy ink. I did the title and journaling spots with my computer and added Doodlebug glitter as an accent. The photos were taken of Emily, my beautiful 18 year old step-daughter. She graduated high school in May and visited for 2 weeks in July. Her dad and I really enjoyed her company and hated to see her go. I know her dad doesn't get near enough time with her now that they live in different states. She calls me her Texas mom and I always think of her as we share the love of not only her dad but butterflies. I shot these photos at the Bay City Nature Park where I have most recently discovered thanks to my good friend Bj. I took a photography class there and love how deer seem to be pretty comfortable with being photographed. This was based on week #34 from www.52sketches52weeks.com which I only joined four weeks ago. I am really enjoying the inspiration I get being challenged to create a new layout each week. Now I have myself in the conflict, do I sew or scrapbook? Somehow I will find time for both. Stay tuned as I will surely sew lots of clothes for my sweet chihuahua daugthers! I love my life.

Wiper Card (yes, strange name)

This is a card I found the instructions and tutorial for from Splitcoaststampers. It originally was from Stampin Up. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the whole "wiper" card name. I would just call it a pop up maybe but the concept is really cool and has given me all kinds of ideas and variations. I started by using the scraps from my layout that I made yesterday for 52sketched52weeks. I really liked the color combination so this helped get me started. The instructions were fairly easy to follow. The pop up has to stay within a certain area to keep it from showing when the card is closed. Other than that you could do all kinds of things on the pop up. I have already started some other cards because once I got the basic measurements figured out it is a bunch easier to make multiple blank cards. The card base is 4 1/4 " X 8 1/2" . You get one card from a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" piece of card stock. This will fit in an 4" x 5" envelope. I not sure about the protocol on putting a link to the tutorial but if you go to www.splitcoaststampers.com and get it from their site, reference #172.

Hopefully Sam, my sweet husband, won't see my blog before I get this card mailed to him. He is in Alaska and I sure do miss him. I had gotten the owl stamps and the sentiment with him in mind. Hope you enjoy!

My Newest Layout Of My Children

All I think that needs to be said is are they adorable or what? I really enjoyed this layout. Once again I created it based on a sketch from www.52sketches52weeks.com. This is week 33 and I had decided that I would use one of my favorite pictures I have of my children. I took this and about a million others trying to get the perfect shot to use for our Christmas cards last year. It

was at this moment that I figured out what gets their attention for the camera. It is a squeaky hot dog! It and any other nice and noisy toy will take their eyes right in its direction. It has made taking their pictures a whole bunch easier. I use to have lots of pictures with one looking at me and the other off in another direction. Also there were lots of their butts as they turned and darted off. All I want to do is capture their precious little faces so I will always have them preserved for enjoying. Now they don't seem to mind and actually I think they kind of like it! I tell them all the time to "be nice to your sissy!" They play fight and sometimes just plain FIGHT but before long they are curled up kissing on one another. They are the best of friends and I am really glad we have both of them. And spoiled I don't think is a strong enough word, maybe adored and cherished might say it better. Sam and I both love them like crazy!

Our Beautiful Phoenicks

This is my layout for week #32 for www.52sketches52weeks.com . I just recently joined and L O V E this site. Great people that are not only very talented but nice! They encourage each other and share their scrap secrets. I hope to keep up and just wish I had found it before 2009 had started. If you haven't visited the site you need to check it out. They have tutorials for different techniques that have me fired up to try some new and different things. Thanks Julie Bonner for your creating this wonderful site.

As far as my layout I would mention the new punches from EK Sucess and Martha Stewart. They are called "punch around the page". This loopy punch is two different but coordinating punches. You start by punching your corners and then use the other to punch and repeat your straight sides. I have a feeling there will be many more of these as people will love them. With my enormous stash of papers I actually just purchased these from JoAnn's with their 5 sheets for 95 cents sale this week. The camera didn't capture the finish of the paper but it is very shinny/glossy . It is a two sided paper although I didn't use the reverse. I really enjoy being able to make my journaling strips on my Epson printer since I can use various fonts and sizes plus even choose the color of the ink. Ever since I started doing this I have a hard time just hand writing my journaling.

Our Pearland Yahoo Scrap Group is meeting at my house on Saturday. I am excited to see everyone (those who are willing to make the big drive to the "country" right Rachel???) lol One of the positive things about hosting is not having to haul my stuff or drive. The other is it motivates me to do a little extra cleaning. OK, more like actually cleaning for a change! Isn't that saying "a clean house is a sign of a sick mind?" I really look forward to stuffing my friends and sharing my goodies.

Kassie's New Glasses

This is my 20 year old daughter and her new glasses. She is spending a week with me (and using the heck out of my laptop). My scrap group that I meet up with put the challenge for this layout from 52Sketches52Weeks.com I think this is #31. I choose this photo as it shows her beautiful eyes and how sweet she is (at times). I used a stamp set from CTMH that I was anxious to use. I love pink, black and green together. The background paper is black bling and the scalloped circle is from mylittleshoebox. I used my cricut cartridge Jubliee. I loved the way it is a slim font that doesn't take up a lot of room. I used the shadow feature to make my letters stand out. I guess sometimes I need that competitive nudge to get me off my butt to get a new layout created. Thanks Isabel for that nudge! Now I am anxious to do more.

I Feel Good! nanna nanna nanna nant! (james brown)

I attempted to enter the Oh My Crafts contest last night. You who know me understand that anything having to do with the computer wigs me out! So it takes a lot to get the courage to try something new. I posted and followed the instructions then checked the blog to see if it worked. I then found that I had to wait for the moderator to approve it. So I didn't get a chance until a few minutes ago to see if it worked. Much to my surprise.....It was a success! I am proud of me, even a small step and an really easy task for most, I don't care.....I did it! whoot!

Oh My Crafts

Here is a card I made for my good friend's daughter to celebrate her graduating High School. Taylor and her twin brother were home schooled by their Mom their entire education. She is a super mom in my book. They are both wonderful young people with careers ahead of them. Way to go my friend Marilynn. Great job! (I purchased the Hello Kitty Greatings cartridge by Cricut from Oh My Crafts, an online supplier. They have great prices and are one of the best stores for good prices and dependable customer service. They are having a random drawing that you can also enter. Go to their blog http://www.ohmycrafts.blogspot.com and check out the instructions to enter. Good luck)

I have a new background!

Last night I tried following the simple directions Rachel gave me to give my blog a "scrap book layout" look. I boldly worked and worked. It seemed easy enough but for some reason I was just not getting anywhere so I finally gave up and went to bed.

Today, with a little more patients I won! It might not be exactly what I wanted but close enough! I thought I might post a picture of a card I made recently.

The Chi-ildren!

This is really just a trial run to see if I can post a picture....These are my chi-ildren.....They are the subject of many of my layouts. There is two dresser drawers stuffed full of their clothes. I do enjoy dressing them, taking pictures and featuring them in my scrap pages. They are quite compliant....except this time. I found these cute little Valentine sweaters at Jo-Ann's. Came home and put them right on. It was still chilly outside but when they returned from doing their business they were naked! They had somehow gotten out of the new sweaters and they were not found until days later by my neighbor Deven. I think they felt guilty when I put them back on because they gladly wore them for days! I have many times thought how much fun it would have been to see them biting and pulling at each others sweater. "Hey, wanna bury them??" I thought surely some squirrels were up in a tree running back and forth letting all their friends see them in their fine sweaters!

I have taken the big step......

Here goes.....Tonight I took the first step at creating this blog. I have thought about doing it for a good while but fear of failure and having to ask for too much help has kept me from even starting. I had a little push today because a friend on my local scrap group asked who had a blog and suggested we have a list so we could follow each other. Well now I couldn't be out of the loop on that!!! So thanks for lighting my fire!

Disclaimer: Follow at your own risk as your eyes may blur from the length of my posts...Yes, I can type just as much as I can run my mouth!