Pieces of My Past

REALLY A NEW YEAR?

2009-01-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

I think I'm still back in October, my last blog. What happened to the last 3 months? It's all a blur. Oh well, either short term memory loss or just plain ol busy as usual. I wish I could say that something spectactular, fabulous, wonderful happened these last 3 months but really just life. Kids parties at school, Polar Express Play (will post pictures - PROMISE), decorating for the holidays, cooking for the holidays, buying presents for the holidays, cleaning up for the holidays...what's with these holidays. I'm going to post some of our highlights these last few months...goodness knows I'm not scrapbooking them.

Here's my effort at New Year's Resolutions:

1. Finish organizing garage
2. Clean up scraproom so I can start working again (buried in Christmas)
3. Take more pictures
4. Finish up 2003-2005 albums
(sounds more like a to do list then a resolution)
5. Of course the obvious - lose weight and get healthier (including family)
6. and last but not least - ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Happy New Year to all my friends and family. Promise to post more often and caught up on some pictures.

Update Room Pictures

2008-10-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted some before pictures of my room. Well I've been busy and almost done. Here are some after pictures.

I need to order closet doors, hang some pictures and redo my bathroom but this is good for now. Scared to spend anymore money.

CHOC Kids Christmas Card Fund Raiser

2008-10-01T06:26:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of Brielle's Murray, a friend's daughter who has been fighting cancer since the beginning of this year. Her drawing was chosen by Choc for their annual Christmas Card designs. For those who have never ordered these cards, the proceeds to directly to fighting pediatric cancer. I know most of us have not purchased our cards yet so consider these this year.

Here's how to order:

Please visit the CHOC main website at www.CHOC.org
Then click on the tab on the left : The CHOC Shop
Then click on the tab on the left: Kids Cards
(Brielle's card is The Nativity Scene - 8169)

Under the cards it says "Click to enlarge" this will open so that you can see the front, back and inside.

Just click on the number of boxes that you would like to order, and press the "Add to cart" button and you will be prompted as to how to complete your order.

Just think how "ahead" of the game you will be by ordering your cards now :)

Insane or Ambitious

2008-09-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

I started today on my scrap area which is also my storage room and was my husband's office...let's just say it is FULL. Of course it started as a cleaning project then quickly moved to a reorganize/rearrange project and now - guess what - it's a painting project. I left to pick up a gallon before the kids got out of school. It's called Palm Breeze, a really pretty color of green that I think will be very smoothing once it's on the wall and all my stuff is back to being organized. Wish me luck :)

This is the isle I have left my family to pass through the garage. This car isn't coming out anytime soon. Tomorrow it's off the my favorite store - The Container Store.

Initiation Complete

2008-09-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well for all of you who need a good laugh, I provided that last night while cropping at The Table. I guess you haven't been initiated there unless you've fallen flat on your butt (sorry young readers), sprawled out on the floor, laughing so hard peeing your pants. Well I feel honored that I successfully completed my initiation. Here's the recap.

We had a great time last night and even saved seats for our honorary guests Terry and Lisa.

I know, I know

2008-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to my good friend Peej. Yes, I still remember you tagged me and believe me - it's on the list. But the list has just been so long. I had to get through my last class and am leaving (2 days late) for a scrapbooking weekend.

I promise I will get to it next week. Thanks for keeping me and my blogging accountable. I owe you :)

Wantabe Cheerleader

2008-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Savannah did cheer camp this summer with our local high school cheerleaders. Of course she LOVED it and was invited to cheer along with the high schoolers at our first home game. When I told her she was going to do it...she cried "I'm shy." For those of you who know Savannah, shy is no where in her personality. Do you see any shyness in these pictures?

WOW, Life is crazy

2008-09-19T16:20:00.001-07:00

I taught my last "Pieces of My Past" layout class Thursday night at SGT. It was sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful ladies who took my class every month. A huge thanks and hugs to Trish who shared them with me for over a year now. I will miss them all.

I have several past kits if anyone is interested. Not sure I want to do an "Etsy" store because I'm not even sure what it is yet...but, if anyone is interested in them, let me know. My layout this month was in honor or Al's grandmother from Holland who died of breast cancer. The papers are from Melissa Frances and SGT has them in stock with lots of the embellishments that match the line.

(OK I have tried for 2 days to get this photo turned around...any suggestions?)

Almost a Week

2008-09-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Wow is this going to take some getting used to. This is the first year I DON'T have to pick up kids in the middle of the day. Both Savannah and Austin are in school ALL day...YEAH. I don't want to sound to excited but I am loving the fact that I have the ENTIRE day to plan something. I took this week to work around the house and just veg (sorry hubby, I guess housewives do sit around, watch TV, and eat Bon Bons). Well this weekend it's back to work. I have a huge "honey do" list. (See Al - that's what I've been doing all week - making lists for you...I'm so thoughtful.)

I didn't realize how much energy it takes just to keep everyone on schedule and on task...soccer, winter baseball, bating cages, pool...the list goes on. Savannah is also having to adjust to full day. The first few days I had to carry her to the car. She comes home completely wiped out.

Here are my two cuties looking so much older than last year.

Design on a Dime - NOT

2008-08-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well I couldn't do. I tried to redo my bedroom for under $1,000 but to my demise, I hit up HomeGoods last night. Wow, do they have great stuff. I am so excited today to redecorate my room with some new and refreshing things from HomeGoods. I bought plants, luggage, pots, pillows, throws, candles, and much more. My favorate was this little side table I found. It was love at first sight.

I'm taking pictures now (I should have done one BEFORE I started) and will post one when I'm done...hopefully by Monday. My kids are excited because that means TV day and lounge around in PJ's eating cereal.

Forget Spring, Fall is here

2008-08-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Yeah well it's been a while, actually almost a year, since I last blogged here. I've been blogging on SGT's website and my new goal is to keep mine up as well since Kids are off the school shortly. Well right now I'm currently in the middle of painting my bedroom. Of course it started with a few pieces of furniture to move, THEN decided to just paint now so I didn't have to more them again. NOW the carpets are getting shampooed, installing new flat screen TV and DVD player...the list is growing. Hopefully finished in a few days and things will be back to normal...that is until I start a new project. So I guess I'm going against the norm of "Spring Cleaning" and am doing a little "Fall Cleaning." It feels good and I can't wait for it to all be done...must get motivated...must get motivated.

You gotta love this woman

2007-09-27T22:49:00.003-07:00

She says it all. I love it.

Back to School

2007-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Back to School for my kids means back to school for me too. This year I have taken IT ALL on. I'm PTA president, room mom for 2 classes, will teach Art Masters in both classes, and pretty much anything else that needs to get done. I think I have a huge "S" written on my forehead (sucker). No, really, I will do anything to better the education of my kids. That's why I'm not working in an office so I can be involved in their schools. It's for a short period. Once they hit Jr High and High School, I'm told parents are not welcome (oh, I mean needed) so much anymore.

I love back to school. Even though it's busy, for me it means schedules. I am a schedule type of gal. I thrive on the structure and finally get organized after a summer of doing "whatever we want." I must say, I do miss the beach. That would be the only draw back for me. The weather is "beach time" up until Nov/Dec here in So. Cal. I've been tempted to pull the kids out early and head down the shores for an afternoon; having hubby meet for a nice beach dinner, then home for bed. You never know with my spontaneous personality, it might be any day...I'll keep you posted.

Back to scrapbooking business. I blew off completing my kids last years school albums. I almost finished Savannah's but never started Austin's. I also blew off my summer of journaling...yep...albums still not journaled. I DID however, do their back to school pages. I always get those done right away. For some reason, I love doing them. And because I have not been "inspired" lately (probably because I'm too busy for my right brain to think), I copied/lifted, whatever you call it. Thanks to an awesome friend (and the fact we always buy the same paper), I scrap lifted these two layouts. I'm just please that so far I consider myself caught up on this school year. (Up until this friday that is. Then I'll be behind again.) Oh well, such is life. Hope you enjoy.

What am I thinking

2007-08-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

I have no children this weekend so last night My Hubby and I ate at the NEW Melting Pot in downtown Brea then took in a movie. Let me tell you...it was an experience. Although the food was tasty, I found it to be hard work and a little time consumming cooking my own food. We got there at 6pm and did not leave until 8:30. Yes, a 2 1/2 hour dinning experience. And it wasn't cheep either. Because we were with a few other couples, we had a great time. BUT now it's Saturday morning and I'm up already up - AT 6 AM. What am I thinking. I guess my body is done sleeping so now it wants to be up. It would have been nice sleeping in this morning. On a side note, I added another Good Time Girl to the list: Joy Campbell. Check out her blog sometime too.

Three Weeks and Counting

2007-08-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

School is about to start and I'm still thinking it's only July. Where did the summer go? I can bet we are all asking that question. I had goals, books to read, places to go, projects to complete. I have completed a big fat ZERO. BUT my kids and I have enjoyed our relaxing summer...no schedule with relaxing days doing whatever. It was a nice change to toss the schedule and planner this summer. We did alot of things we had never done before. I do have to admit that I have fewer pictures though. That's the only downside. Here's are some pictures of Savannah on a parade float with her dance studio. She was quite the waver as she passed us on the street. She danced to The Big Ship Lollipop by Shirley Temple.

I DID IT!!! TWICE

2007-07-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did it...my first class was a success. SGT has the nicest customers. My August class looks like it will sell out soon too. Thanks to all who came to the class and made it memorable. Second, I got up on the wake board after not being at the lake for TWO years. Last summer I had foot surgery so missed the lake experience altogether. And at "my age" I wasn't sure I could get these old bones up. My family had a much needed weekend of R and R. It was exciting to see my 5 year old daughter's excitement for the water sports. She loved it all and wanted to be first on everything. Here's some pictures I will definitely have to scrap. Looking forward to all the new product shipping from CHA Summer.

A New Look

2007-07-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my first class at Scrappin' Good Times. Although I admit, I am a little nervous, I am also very excited. SGT has the best customers that make the classes fun and a joy to teach...so, I am looking forward to getting to know the customers better and share the love of Scrapbooking with them. On that note - I took some time to add current pictures to my "heritage" layout. Although the look is the same, the pictures can be swapped out. This is my son when he was one. The journaling reads..."Here you are at one year old. You are such a happy little boy with the most contagious laughter. Always remember...within your mind and heart are the keys to open any door. I love you with all my heart. Mommy 7.13.01"

Exclusive "SGT Heart with Wings" Quickutz Die!

2007-07-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Scrappin Good Times is part of a group of Quickutz Gold Retailers (notated by a gold star by their name). We have released our own exclusive die from Quickutz. It's been the talk of the online message boards.

Check it out. It's beautiful and was designed by our own Joy Campbell. She originally designed it for the logo on our shirts but it has taken on a life of it's own. It's being called the "Gypsy Heart" and is an exclusive die only from our store!

The die can be pre-ordered from Scrappin' Good Times. They are accepting payments through Paypal--all the details are their website www.scrappingoodtimes.com.

Avila Farms

2007-07-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have to tell anyone who is going to the central coast you MUST stop by Avila Farms. They are a working farm with the best produce selection. There are animals to feed (sheep, goats, cows, ponies, Emu's, etc.), hay rides, roasted corn on the cobb, ice cream store. You can even pick your own rasberries, olalaberries, and peaches. It's just such a relaxing place to hang out for the afternoon. Thank goodness I just finished scrapbooking last years trip. I wonder how long it will take me to do this years? Take a look at how beautiful the central coast it.

p.s. Thank you Jennifer...you're the best.

Cambria Vacation 2007

2007-07-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Every time I go on vacation I always ask myself: is all this packing, unpacking, packing up, and unpacking again worth it? Of coarse we always have fun but my gosh...all the stuff that MUST go is more that a car can hold...thank goodness I have an Excursion to fit it all in; otherwise, what would we do??? Now for the laundry and getting back into our summer routine.

One More Down

2007-06-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

One more school layout DONE!!! Only Valentine's and Graduation then Savannah's school album is up to date. Next will be Austin's. I try to have their school album's done before school's out...not so this year. That's why I am hurrying now. I always have them write at least their name and grade on a page to document their handwriting. They love that and it makes the pages their own.

I'm not sure you can see the detail on the circles. I added lots of brads and sequins. It really added detail.

I'm Doing It!!!

2007-06-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

It is 1:30 Monday afternoon. I'm still in my pj's and so is my daughter. We have been scrapbooking and here are the results. I am trying to make it a point to have at least one lazy day at home a week so I can get last years school pages completed. We'll see how long this last. I can scrapbook and the kids can watch TV. It's a win-win. This is suppose to be therapy but I'm getting a little anxious because I'm not ready. What if someone calls to do something fun...I won't be ready in time...OK, I'm thinking about relaxing thoughts...you get it...it's not in my nature. Well times a wasting so back to scrappin' I go.

Today's the Day!!!

2007-06-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well this is the last day of school. I can't wait to NOT have a schedule. I used to hate the summers because I have always been such a structured person. But now I look forward to the days at the beach with my feet in the sand. It's such a relaxing experience. (Expect for the fact my 7 year old is out too far jumping waves and my 5 year old is scared now she'll get eaten by a shark...so much for the National Geographic channel.) I can't wait to NOT get ready, go down to my "pit" and work on my pages. I'll have to post the results now that I am a blogger.

p.s. Does this count towards journaling??? You know, anything to multi task.

July Heritage Class

2007-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my July class at Scrappin Good Times on July 19th starting at 6:00 pm. These are beautiful papers from We R Memory Keepers. I love their lines and especially the new Precious Metal Hardward. By the way, I just saw a new shipment of the hardware come in the store. Hurry if you're interested, it goes quick. There is still room in the class so next time you are in the store be sure to sign up for the class or kit.

My August class is out of Paper Loft, another one of my favorites. (oh, who am I kidding, they are all my favorites.) and I am working on September's class out of Foof-a-la. It's also looking really good.

If you love these papers but don't have "old" pictures, change current favorites to black/white or sephia and it will look FABULOUS.

Well this is it!

2007-06-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've taken the plunge into the blogging world. Techology is supposed to save me time but new things keep popping up that are going to keep me better informed and communicate more efficiently....we'll see. For now I am just glad I know more about this computer and blogging than my kids...but that too will come to an end soon and I will have to ask my 7 year old how does it work again.