scrappysis2

Homeschooling - Music Class

2011-10-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

I homeschool two of my three children. It's very hard to keep everything organized on a given day. I do, however, enjoy music class. It's a time that my mom comes up and teaches them the guitar...both kids learning the same instrument.

My son is in his third year....

and he's on his second foot reconstruction..yikes that story is for another day :)

My daughter didn't want her picture taken...she was too busy focusing on the task. So I had to take it from afar...

My mom also brings me a DD iced coffee...did I mention how much I love music class???!!!

Adoption...a life long process

2011-01-18T22:28:00.000-05:00

Our adopted daughter is 7 now. She loves to look through her scrapbook. I tell the story over and over about how she grew in my heart. She understands what foster care is. But I wasn't ready for the hurt and anger that came out of her today.

"What I can't understand Mom is why SHE didn't keep me!" she said. I explained that the foster mom was only to take care of her until we found her...that God had a plan for us. She abruptly replied, "I KNOW. WHY DIDN'T THAT LADY THAT GREW ME IN HER BELLY KEEP ME." Mind you that we aren't looking at the birthmom's picture...we don't have one. I very calmly replied with my well-rehearsed line, "She chose to have you. That was a good thing. But some mommies and daddies aren't ready to parent their children." Of course, that led to, "Well, did SHE have any other kids." Instead of directly answering, I gently replied, "Well, when you are 18, maybe you can look her up and ask her yourself." I know the truth. I know that she has at least one other child. I'm not ready to answer that one!

Some people think that adoption ends with the court document saying yes, you are the parents. But that's just the start. It's the beginning of a long road in which you won't have all the answers. It's a constant struggle for acceptance. Then one day, 18 years later, some questions may be answered...ending some of that hurt and anger. Then the healing can truly begin.

This week's sketch at the Everyday Scrapper

2010-11-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

Hop over to The Everyday Scrapper and see what's happening this week.

Smashing Bottlecaps via Sizzix

2010-10-22T22:32:00.001-04:00

What a cool technique...now I just need some bottle caps!

Smashed Bottle Caps

I haven't tried it yet so let me know if you do!

This week's sketch over at The Everyday Scrapper:

the everyday scrapper updates......

2010-10-01T21:50:00.001-04:00

Ever want to create a quick fridge magnet? Well head over to http://www.theeverydayscrapper.com/ and see what I've been up to.

The sketch for this week is:

Hop over and have some fun!

The Water Effect on Scrapbook Pages and Cards

2010-09-03T23:29:00.001-04:00

I've seen shaker boxes and now I've seen water! This is a great way to add texture to your cards or scrapbook pages. I'd use caution on scrapbook pages...don't use pictures that you don't have a copy of of!! (just in case the bag breaks!!)

Key Supplies Needed:

Hair or Aloe gel (I didn't have hair gel so I used green aloe gel)
Jewelry ziplock bag

Other Helpful Supplies:

Sticky Tape (very tacky double sided tape)
Glue Runner
Desired Cardstock

Step 1:

Squirt desired amount of gel into ziplock bag. The more you squirt, the more colorful and liquid you will have. Less might give you more bubbles.

Step 2:

Release most of air from bag. Zip closed. If you don't release the air, you will be left with unneeded air pockets and a fatter project.

Step 3:

Make a frame. You want your opening to be slightly smaller than your ziplock bag. This way you have room for sticky tape.

Step 4:

Tape bag onto frame. Attach photo behind the bag. Lightly kneed the bag until the desired bubbles are where you want them. Trim photo if needed.

Step 5:

Finish your page/card.

Visit us over at www.theeverydayscrapper.com for more great ideas and challenges!

How to Make a Fleece Flower

2010-08-13T21:48:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought I'd seen it all with flowers and scrapbooking, here's another way to create flowers. It's very fun. You could leave off the pin backing and use it for a scrapbooking page!

Thanks to www.stampwithtami.com for the awesome video!

Here's my version:

Guest Designing Over at Scraptacular

2010-08-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

This month I'm guest designing at www.itsscraptacular.com. Their kits are awesome!!! So far I've designed 4 pages and a mini album with the kit. Plus I have plenty left over for cards or more pages!!

How to Recycle Glass Containers

2010-08-01T13:04:00.042-04:00

I've had these rooster containers for quiet some time. They didn't fit into my kitchen theme but didn't want to throw them out.

My first step was to take off the labels around the neck of the bottles.

Then replace it with card stock. I used sticky tape to adhere the card stock.

Then I took the metal off the cover. I sanded the cover so the paint would stick better.

Then painted the cover.

Once dry, I put the cover back together. I added an embellishment to the front.

Finished product...

__________

Sneak Peeks for Scraptacular August Kit!!!

2010-07-28T07:02:00.003-04:00

I'm guest designing for the month of August over at www.itsscraptacular.com. Here are some peeks at my pages!! I'm very excited and love the kit!

Come back on August 1st to see the whole pages!!

Cute tutorial found on how to crochet flowers, hearts and butterflies!!

2010-06-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

I could make the flowers by looking at another flower...but hearts? Or butterflies? Oh...crocheted butterflies on a scrapbook page?? I found this great blog that covers it all!

Here's the butterfly to get you started:

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/search/label/crochet

I shared this and other things over at http://www.theeverydayscrapper.com/. Come and join the fun!

My Take on TES Sunday Sketch

2010-06-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

Inspired from the Mama-razzi papers from Bo-Bunny...

TES and Sunday Sketch

2010-06-23T07:34:00.000-04:00

Sunday's Sketch on The Everyday Scrapper:

I'll be posting my take on it later today. Every Friday, I post a tutorial, some questions of the day and some inspiration.

2010-06-11T16:13:00.000-04:00

Dyeing Crocheted Flowers

Dyeing crocheted flowers is easier than you may think! Whether you purchase the crocheted flowers or crochet them yourself, this tutorial will work for you.

Start with white crocheted flowers. These I crocheted myself:

Next you’ll need ink refills (re-inkers). Mine are from Stampin’ Up but any will work. I used 1/2 cup of water and 1/8 teaspoon of dye (re-inker).

Submerse the crocheted flower into the dye solution. The longer you let it sit, the darker the color will become.

Take the flower out of solution, and air dry. If you don’t like the darker color along the edge of the flower, tape the edges. Then dip and dry with the tape on. Now you can create custom flowers for any scrapbook page. Enjoy!

Baking 101 with Joey

2010-05-07T11:48:00.000-04:00

Life skills...all our kids need them before they grow up and move out. Joey and I had a morning of fun crafting his pancakes. He cooked while I documented. This was a week or two ago...I've been really busy!

All by himself!!

Signs of Spring

2010-04-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

April showers bring may flowers but what does April snow bring? Yikes! Very cold weather, buds...but will they make it? Here are some of my favorite photos:

Buds trying to survive the cold, harsh April snow

My tulips...will they make it?

The grass that's almost long enough to mow

The neighbor's forsythia bush...mine hasn't even thought about coming out!

Another neighbor's bush...maybe azalea bush...

With all this messy weather, where are the other signs of spring?

A newly formed nest that was knocked out of it's tree

and a promise of sunnier days to come!

Scraptacular Design Team Submission

2010-03-31T22:12:00.000-04:00

I submitted my lo's to Scraptacular. We'll see if I'm what they need. I'll know mid April! Here's what I submitted:

One Project: I chose the Nikki Sivils Scallop Square 6 X 6 chipboard album. This blank chipboard album I won from Scraptacular during their CHA blog giveaway in February. Their blog can be found at: http://scraptacularscrapbookstore.blogspot.com/

I used paint on the front and back covers. Scrapped them and then applied a clear protective coat over the whole outside album.

Next I chose 3 layouts:

I love the patterned papers & embellies from their November Kit!!

This page was a little wild and wacky for color. I was using up my leftovers. The majority is from the September Kit - Teacher's Pet.

Then I really fell in love with it after adding some handstitching...

I should be sick of scrapping winter photos, but I placed an order a few months back..lots of cute winter stuff. Parts of thse were from the January kit and others just too cute not to buy. I didn't realize how far a few sheets, ribbon and chipboard could go!

Some other ideas that I used Scraptacular products for...

Now off to find some spring papers!! Easter is coming!!

Some of my last pages from the online crop: The Everyday Scrapper

2010-03-28T00:13:00.000-04:00

Scavenger Hunt (A-Z of scrappin' products) that I didn't submit. Stupid upload part wasn't even on the website...

Forgot already...it's too late, lol!

If I had a million dollars:

What I like to treat myself with:

Beauty to Me:

A photo of myself that I normally wouldn't scrap:

The Banner

The Everyday Scrapper Online Crop

2010-03-24T07:38:00.000-04:00

I'm having so much fun this week with the online crop at http://www.theeverydayscrapper.com/! The challenges were posted this weekend and we have all week to get our lo's up. Here are some of my lo's:

Lizzy in Rare Form

2010-03-18T15:55:00.000-04:00

My kids are not photogenic. You'd think I would have them trained by now but no such luck! Last night Lizzy brought home one of her dance recital outfits. She tried it on and actually posed for me...

If she was only like this all the time!! I'm so proud of her. She put on the costume even though she hates it!

Right Place, Right Time

2010-03-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

All morning was spent cleaning. Cleaning the floors, doing the dishes, and getting the kids ready for school. Then getting Joey ready for homeschool. All for what? Well the house does smell and look better...even if I can still here the muttering of Joey outside. Anyway, a nice reward came my way after taking Lizzy to school. It wasn't huge and most people wouldn't think of it as a reward...but it's just what I needed...

Just a helicopter...but it was flying really low.

Are they looking for someone or something?

Should it be THAT close to the trees?

And my favorite...it's like he came back for more...

Joey and I thought they were going to crash with the circling they did.

Just a little excitement...that's all I needed today :)

My Great Niece

2010-03-08T08:27:00.000-05:00

We had a weekend full of visiting and being productive...well I was just the person taking photos! Everyone else did plenty!!

Stampin' Up and Burnin' Money

2010-02-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

Well today I had a SU! workshop. Such fun! I've also been burning money. Yes I have money to burn...

It was just part of a $5 bill. There wasn't enough to turn it in at the bank so I thought this would be a cool photo.

Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper from SU!

The butterfly punch

On Board Chipboard letters, painted, then stamped on using the I {heart} hearts set

I believe this paper was from Sassafrass.

Well off to take more photos will my lovely camera that likes to randomly delete all my photos!

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-02-19T17:28:00.001-05:00

I've been scrappin the day away today. I've been playing with the Feb. Kit from LRS. I know a lot of you don't like the green...but I'm loving it!!

This was a contest for LRS...hoping it's good enough to win guest designer.

This sketch layout was taken from Sketch Inspirations. I used LRS Feb. kit for it.

Joey's album is 8.5 X 11. Maybe one day I'll finish it.

Devotional that really touched me...

2010-02-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Today's homeschool email devotional really touched my heart so I thought I'd share it:

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1).

My daughter's riding lesson had gone well that day. I was proud to see her riding correctly at both a walk and trot, and I knew she was looking forward to cantering soon. As she circled the arena for the last time, I shouted, "It's time to quit for the day, so we can finish the rest of our schoolwork. Bring her in, and we'll brush her down together."

As my daughter turned her horse back toward the paddock, she replied, "OK, Mom, but watch this." Thinking she was ready to handle the extra speed, she cued her horse into a canter. I shook my head "no" at her, but her horse was already moving so fast she could barely hang on to the reins. As her horse took control and increased its speed to a full gallop, I knew my daughter was in trouble. Quickly, I ran in front of the gate to slow down her horse. Instead, her horse applied its full brakes and stopped dead in its tracks. However, my daughter didn't stop. She flew through the air and hit the fence with her chest. As I picked her up, she couldn't breathe, and I thought her windpipe had been broken. Fortunately, only the air had been completely knocked out of her lungs, and she was OK after several anxious minutes. "I'm sorry, Mom," she said when she was finally able to speak. "I thought I could handle the speed."

The real lesson my daughter learned that day deals with the same pride that causes many of us Christians to fall. Not willing to wait on the Lord, we too run ahead and attempt to take the reins. We forget who is in control and make unsound financial decisions or foolish choices based on our emotions, not expecting to be hurt in the process! God may even tell us "no," but we ignore Him and let our pride tell us we can handle it. We run into problems and pain we could have avoided if we had just waited on the Lord.

Are you struggling with waiting on God today? Is your anxious attitude becoming like the world's that says, "I can't take this anymore. I'll take care of it myself"? Be careful! Running ahead of God may find you lying on your back someday as you struggle to pray and ask Him for help. "The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him" (Lamentations 3:25).

Lord, teach me to "be still" and know You are God. Help me to trust in Your answers instead of my own and wait for the best You have planned for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The above was taken from Daily Focus from aophomeschooling.com.

Digi Fun!!

2010-02-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

I've had so much fun playing with the new digital downloads I've found online. I used Photoshop Elements. I found the downloads at http://www.acherryontop.com/ and http://www.jessicasprague.com/.

Burning the Scrap Bucket

2010-02-03T14:09:00.001-05:00

All scrapbookers must have one...the place where the extra papers go...stuff you just don't need anymore but not good enough to pass on but not bad enough to throw away. My girls couldn't keep up with the scraps! I finally threw most of the bucket in the fireplace today. Now I can fill it with my new scraps from recent projects and my girls still have scraps to play with!

Stampin' Up for Haiti

2010-02-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

Scraptacular News!!

2010-02-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

Check out Scraptacular happenings!! I love the new product peaks!!

http://www.scraptacularscrapbookstore.blogspot.com/

2009 Year in Review

2010-01-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

Recently I attended a Year in Review scrapbook class. The kit was put together by Lisa Wilkinson. There were various patterned papers, cardstock, and lots of embellies. We completed 2 pages in class. Then I went wild and did the rest on my own. I couldn't wait for instructions...the papers they were calling me...

March 1st page (above) completed in class

Some things were precut, like papers, flowers (pink part)

and butterflies. Then we painted and glittered them. Very pretty!

I added some machine stitching.

above finished mostly in class

love the chipboard trees!

You really can't tell from the photo, but there's 6 clear pockets on this page.

Idea taken from Lisa Wilkinson...don't know if I made it the same though. I went by memory.

I love these papers!!

Such fun...and did I mention I love the embellies?

Reflections Technique

2010-01-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

I've been busy scrapbooking/playing with my sister that's home from CA. But I did manage to try the reflections techinque. It's fun and easy but messy!

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-12-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

We've been very busy making things and going places. I haven't had a chance to scrapbook but here's some of my favorites from December...

I didn't make the wreath, but I added the photos and hemp. It was fun.

It hung right behind our Christmas tree this year.

Joey and I made an experiment for the birds.

Yeah! I made my advent wreath...even though I didn't get the correct colored candles to go with advent, there's always next year!

This lovely desert was just beautiful to look at while at Wentworth by the Sea with Grammy Pearl. I love the bubbles!!

This was just a package we made up for Kiki's teacher for Christmas. I sewed the packaged then printed out some stamps from My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up...another way to use that software, lol!!

Yikes! Christmas is Coming!

2009-12-08T08:26:00.003-05:00

Our first real snow storm on Saturday night

Well the Christmas stress that I feared would come is hear. Between the dog having bathroom issues in my daughter's bed to the filter going on the turtles' tank (we have three good size ones left, Tucker died about a week ago), we are in full swing! No tree yet and my soon to be 6 year old daughter is freaking out thinking Santa can't come without a tree.

Kiara and I made a gingerbread house

My view from my deck this morning...didn't

matter that my coffee pot was still dirty.

Oh well...all is good because I saw the sunrise this morning. It's a great reminder that God is in control. He has a plan and whatever happens, he's right there with us.

Advent Calendar Mini Muffin Tin

2009-12-02T20:57:00.005-05:00

Well it's Dec. 2nd and in our Holidays in Hand class we are supposed to be journaling, and doing and making stuff daily. It took two days to complete this project since I couldn't find my stinkin' magnetic strips. But it's easy, fun and quick to make up if you have all the supplies in hand! I didn't have an easel to display it so I made the bow stick up a bit and hung it on a nail. I got a picture of a calendar from a friend and just went with it. The papers are from American Crafts, special foils. You can't tell from the photo but some of them are shiny and some pop out.

30 Hour Famine

2009-11-24T22:04:00.003-05:00

I did this page around the paper that my son, Joey, wrote. I'm very proud of him for going 30 hours without food. I know I couldn't have done it!

Holiday In Hand - Prompts

2009-11-24T21:47:00.003-05:00

I've been getting prepared for my digi online class. I have my prompts all printed, trimmed and a place to keep them for the month of December. I even printed some of the free printed papers that we got in class and displayed them on my mini corkboard. These are displayed in my kitchen...right where I can remember to do the daily activities for them!
I used the Stampin' Up spiral punch to decorate one side, then distressed the other sides.

Holidays In Hand 2009- Day 1

2009-11-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

Well today is the first day of a class called Holidays In Hand 2009. It's an online digital scrapbooking class and can be found at www.jessicaspraque.com. Our first assignment is to write our values and goals for the holiday season:

1. Advent Wreath-have one and actually use it
2. Christmas Wish Lists completed
3. Make Christmas cards or digitally enhance husband's Christmas Letter
4. Relax and don't freak out

Some key words that come to mind when I think of the Christmas season:

Food Spirit Savoring Tradition Family Giving
Laughter Joyful Thankful Love Caring Jesus

Hopefully these key words will help me with title pages later on! We also have to journal 20 minutes each day of the month of December. That might not happen, but I'll try!

11 more days until Black Friday!!!

Check it out!!

2009-11-02T19:38:00.001-05:00

Lizzy's First Year

2009-10-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

She's difficult at best but I still love her! I remind myself of the good times and the better times to come!

2009-10-28T22:09:00.000-04:00

18 years

2009-10-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

After 18 years, my engagement ring broke. I guess that's what happens when you slam your hand in the van door. I was assured that it would be fixed some day...after the dryer, new tv, dance lessons and on and on! Until then, I'll cheer myself up with some new scrapbook pages! The photos of the pages didn't come out too well but you can see the concepts/layouts.

Fall is in full swing!

2009-10-15T22:11:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting for the sun to come out but alas...it just isn't going to happen long enough to get good fall photos. These will have to do! A friend told me about a little reddish tree all alone on an island so my son and I had to find it! Some photos he took and some I took. Boy was it cold!

Other Pages

2009-10-06T20:13:00.001-04:00

These pages "pop" out. Kiara loves it when the pages pop out!! The stars are lifted off the paper.

Stampin' Up Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Papers

2009-10-04T11:14:00.000-04:00

Stampin' Up Tall Tales Designer Series Paper

2009-10-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

I loved this paper at first sight. Then I didn't know what to do with it! A close friend renewed my creativity with some other designer papers so here's what I came up with!

Never thought...

2009-10-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

I never thought I'd be creating my own blog but here I am. It's raining outside and I can here the humming noise of the power saw. Hopefully the colorful leaves don't fall off the trees before we have a chance to fully appreciate them!