My 3 Sons

Decorating with Pink

2010-05-19T21:34:00.004-05:00

After years of throwing little boy parties, I finally get to host a little girl birthday party. My gorgeous niece will be turning two at the end of this month and the party is at my house. I get to decorate with PINK!

Any one have any great gift suggestions for her? Trust me I have the tutu and pink fu-fu outfits covered but still want to find something for her to play with. Do you have any ideas for a two year old girl? If it makes a mess or noise, all the better. I have years of pay back to deliver to my brother and sister-in-law. :) -hmm is she too young for make-up and nail polish (just kidding).

Quick Page Freebie

Yes, That is my Child

2010-05-07T22:54:00.004-05:00

It seems like yesterday - no thats a lie. It seems like forever ago but I do remember the one or two times it happened, that I was the one staying out all night. Now I struggle to stay away so I can go pick up my son who is now the one who stays out all night. When exactly did this happen? - well actually, I know - it happened tonight!

Luckily there was a speed scrap at My Life and Scrap that kept me awake and away from cleaning my house (thats what Saturdays are for). Here is my layout from the speed scrap. I kind of like it.

Credits:

Charity by Dream Big Designs

Delight by SAS Designs

Be Happy By SAS Designs

A Different Exposure Point

2010-05-02T09:03:00.003-05:00

Cody had his school concert last week and he did it in typical Cody fashion. He was the only kid to have his hat on backwards. He stood up and kept waving when he was supposed to be sitting. And by the end, he was sitting when he was supposed to be standing up and singing. But he and those around him survived through the entire concert so I am a proud mom.

Credits: Dream Big Designs' Charity Kit at My Life and Scrap

2010-05-01T12:43:00.003-05:00

Big Sale at My Life and Scrap

and a Night Owl Speed Scrap tonight at Midnight EDT

Not American Idol

2010-04-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

Yikes, it is Sunday evening and I remembered that Cody's school concert is tomorrow and he needs a brown shirt. Why do I do these things to myself? I will need to make a quick stop tomorrow after work. What are the odds of finding a plain brown shirt at the first store that I stop at?

Here is a little conversation Cody and I had about his upcoming concert:

Me: What songs are you going to sing?

Cody: I don't know.

Me: If you don't know, how are you going to sing them.

Cody: Its not American Idol Mom. It doesn't really matter. You can't tell if I don't sing because the other kids sing.

Just a heads up for anyone who is looking for a latter Speed Scrap. My Life and Scrap will be having a speed scrap at Midnight EDT on Saturday May 1st.

Easter Race

2010-04-24T17:39:00.003-05:00

I have totally sucked at exercising and Pepsi has somehow slipped back into my diet. So I was determined to get back on track today. I exercised and lifted weights (and not just the cute little pink ones) this morning. Now my knees hurt and I have been lazy all day. Ugh! I'm just not sure a hot bod is worth the work. And Pepsi tastes good!

Of course I was at the speed scrap last night at My Life and Scrap. It was a tough one for me but I am pretty happy with the layout. I LOVE (yes that is shouting) the moments when my boys get along.

Credits - Rabbits and Chickens by Rucola

Tulipping by RebeccaPSP

and Itty Bitty Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers

I need some scrapping help.....

2010-04-18T08:57:00.004-05:00

Last night's speed scrap was a blast like always. I just love the ladies at My Life and Scrap. Everyone is so welcoming and fun. My layout is of my niece and sister-in-law at Easter. The boys and I went to see my brother and his family this year for Easter. It was the perfect week-end. For you scrappers out there I would love some constructive criticism on this layout. I believe these colors can work together but I'm not completely happy with this. Any ideas on what it needs?

Credits:

In the Easter Parade

March Pixel Edition

Project 356 - Today Dates

Saturday Speed Scrap

2010-04-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

Tonight I will be claiming rights to the computer in order to join the Speed Scrap at My Life and Scrap. I would love, love love to see you there. Come join us!

Quick Page Freebie

Green Spring Freebie

2010-04-14T19:31:00.005-05:00

I came home from work yesterday and my oldest son had folded the laundry, picked up around the house and was cooking supper. Isn't he a great kid!!! Yeah, of course he wanted something. He is working on me to lend him money to buy a new lap top and then let him pay it off by cutting grass all summer. I don't know - a few more days of getting spoiled like this and I may give in.

Here is a little something for you and you didn't even have to make me supper.

Today's Mini Kit Freebie

Created by BrittBree

First soccer game of the season = first trip to the Emergency Room

2010-04-11T21:20:00.003-05:00

My son, Layne has been so excited today was his first soccer game of the season. The kid is all about soccer. He practices 3 times a week and is in the yard dribbling every night. About 10 minutes into this long awaited first game he took a ball to the right of his head. He went down, glasses went flying and then he was back up and into the game. However, color was draining from his face, cold sweats set in, he was dizzy and felt sick. When he got pulled out of the game for a break, his coach saw that he was not ok. Thankfully a trip to the ER found that it is only a minor concussion. He is heart broken that he can't do any sports for a week. That means missing his first track meet of the season. We are not going to know what to do with all this spare time for a week.

Today's Freebie

Created with Samceline's You are my Son-Shine kit

Somebunny Loves You

2010-04-10T22:07:00.003-05:00

Seriously it is almost the middle of April and this is my first post of the month. Shame on me. Life has been hectic but is working itself out. The boys and I went to my brother's for Easter. I hope everyone had as nice of a holiday as I did. My youngest who isn't normally into being cutesy and looked at insisted are wearing Easter Bunny ears when we went out for dinner. The speedscrap on Friday at My Life and Scrap helped me to quickly scrap the page. There will be more pages coming as I now am loaded up with pictures of my niece again. I love getting to do girly pages.

Credits: Everything from Delight by Sas Designs

My new room!

2010-03-28T18:19:00.007-05:00

To prove that I am a strong independent woman I decided to give my bedroom a overhaul and do it all myself. Somehow along the way the room became very girly. Can a strong independent live in such a room. I think I can. I love it.

It is the first time I have ever painted an entire room all by myself. It took me two full days to paint. I am a slow messy painter so I am a total prep freak. No, I can't say I enjoy spending hours putting painters tape around all of the trim but if I didn't things would be a mess. Plus my wall are very textured (I remember the day the kids discovered that their dirty socks could stick to the wall) which makes covering every speck of the old color a bit of a challenge. On top of that I am a slight perfectionist. I believe it took me half a day to paint the top two inches of my walls. Getting that line perfectly straight is not easy.

My Favorite Details

I hit the jackpot in Hobby Lobby's garden section. I love this vase and I found flowers that match those in the bedspread. Isn't the little doggie the cutest. I believe my Mini-Schnauzer was the model for this little piece of art. Ah and notice the curtains. All lacy and super girly.

Another great find in the garden center. Notice the open spaces? It made them the perfect disguise for all my little gadgets while they charge (ie. phone and Ipod).

You just know that I will be putting together a scrapbook page about my room. I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't come up as one of the topics of My Life in Scrap Challenge at My Life and Scrap. I have really enjoyed this challenge (but I am about a month behind).

Speed Scarp at 9pm EST tonight.

2010-03-26T17:39:00.003-05:00

Come join me at the Speed Scrap tonight at My Life and Scrap! I am hoping to get lots of scraping done tonight. Its gonna be a calories don't count, butt in front of the computer all night kind of night.

Lifestyle Change???

2010-03-21T16:17:00.003-05:00

Thankfully the snow is all gone! I did clean house yesterday so today has been a lazy day. I read a book, played some "Clue" and haven't done much else. I did exercise and took the dog for a extra long walk because I have gained 4 pound over the last 3 weeks. How can this be? Yes, I dropped off a bit on the exercise. I blame American Idol. Instead of exercising 4 days a week I was only exercising 2. And yes Pepsi has been my breakfast on a few (not all) mornings. Ah, and it was Girl Scout Cookie time. But seriously, I wouldn't say I've been bad...I just haven't been good. Is the thing they say about life style change instead of a diet true? Do I have to be good all the time for the rest of my life? I'll ponder that while I walk the dog for the 2nd time today. Hopefully I won't walk up to the connivence store to get a Pepsi.

Today's Freebie

Thanks to Kate Designs for these wonderful Photomask Freebies

Happy Spring

2010-03-20T07:55:00.003-05:00

Is this a joke? It's the first day of Spring and we have snow. I am not loving it. Oh well, my house does need some attention. I guess it will be a day of cleaning and maybe I'll find some time for scrapping tonight.

Today's Freebie

Perfect for my Spring Pictures

Created with kits from Samceline

A Facial for my House

2010-03-13T08:15:00.004-06:00

Between the feeling of renewal with spring in the air and changes in my life, I am having the urge to give my house a face lift. Well maybe not a full blown face lift, more like a facial... some little changes to refresh. I am starting with my bedroom and going bright and girlie. If all goes well I will start with the painting today. I was going to start last night but quickly convinced myself to wait a day and join the speed scrap at My Life and Scrap. Yeah, my layout is from Christmas so I am a little bit behind. The photo is of my mom and my niece.

Credits:

Everything from Holiday Delights by RebeccaPSP

except for the paint from Hazel Olive's Glitter meets Grunge (re-colored)

Today's Freebie

Thanks to Kate Designs for a wonderful photomask freebie

Friday Speed Scrap

2010-03-11T20:45:00.002-06:00

I am out of the running for the scrap-off at My Life and Scrap. Yeah, I am a little bummed but have to admit the final 3 are FABULOUS. I am proud to have kept up with them as long as I did. And of course its not all bad. Now I will have time for the Speed Scrap on Friday. You should stop by too. There are always great prizes for all who post their layout.

Today's Freebie

Created with Alice in the Mirror Kit from Designs by JLO

A Breath of Spring

2010-03-07T07:16:00.005-06:00

We are starting to get a tiny taste of spring - temps in the 40s! I always find it interesting that 40 feels so much warmer in the spring than what it did in the fall. The snow is just about gone and has revealed 100s of little gifts my dog left all over the yard during the winter months. But I don't care because spring is on its way and I am so excited.

There is on more round to go for the Scrap-off at My Life and Scrap. I will find out today if I am moving on. It is down to 6 people (who when I look at all of their layouts, I have to admit are much more talented than I am but I still hope to fake my way through). This weeks prompt was "My Job". Well I normally enjoy my job but it all of a sudden felt pretty boring when I tried to come up with a layout. So, I lied and said I was a juggler. Ok, it wasn't exactly a lie, more of a play on words.

Credits:

Papers from Decanence by RebeccaPSP and And Many More Designer Collab by Samceline

Alpha from Keri Schuller’s Kiddie Christmas (re-colored)

Acrylic Bubbles Action by Mandy Steward

Today's Freebie

Created with A Breath of Spring Kit by BrittBree

I will be creative, I will be creative, I will be creative...

2010-03-04T20:58:00.003-06:00

Yikes, my layout for the Scrap-off at My Life and Scrap is due tomorrow and I have chosen this week to loose my creative mojo. I have downloaded a hypnosis recording that promises to release my inner creativity. I will be listening it to it tonight and throughout the day tomorrow. Send creative thoughts my way.

Chickensocks Scraps has just joined the MLAS design team. Is that not a great name? I am still waiting to hear how she came up with it. If anyone knows, please share. She is having a 50% off sale to celebrate her opening. Stop by and check out her colorful kits.

Today's Freebie

A great mini kit from Tempus Fugit

It was a Good Day!

2010-03-02T19:06:00.004-06:00

I finally got it! I've been lusting after it for a while and came close but it had remained out of my reach until yesterday! Yes I am the proud wearer of My Life and Scrap's Layout of the Week button.

In addition to that I am also moving on in the Capture Life Scrap-off. We are down to 6 people and the pressure is on. This week's prompt is "My Job". Suddenly my job feels like the most boring job in the world.

Ok, enough tooting my own horn but yesterday was just such a great day, I can't help it! Gotta hold onto the good stuff when it comes along.

Today's Freebie

Created with Refreshing New Year Collab at My Life and Scrap

I was NOT fat!

2010-02-28T12:35:00.006-06:00

Ah, after having my PC in the shop for a week I'm back. But guess what, the darn thing still isn't working right. It won't shut down!?!? Maybe the poor thing is trying to make up for lost time when it was sitting all lonely on a shelf at the shop. So now the dilemma - do I give it up for another week or do I cross my fingers and hope it starts to behave again? I know, I really need to get it fixed - but UGH!

My conversation this morning with my 6 year old as I was getting ready to exercise.

Cody: Mom, you look skinnier (see why I love the kid). Is that why you exercise?

Me: No, I exercise to be healthier so I can play with your kids some day. - Ok, I totally lied to him, of course I want to be skinnier but I am trying to raise my 3 sons to not judge their future wives based on their body shapes

Cody: How much did you weigh when you used to be fat (see why the kid drives me crazy?)?

- Wait a minute! I don't think I was ever fat! Maybe had a few pounds to loose and certain areas were a bit softer than I may have liked. Any way it got me to work out extra hard and then add a jog with the dog to my day. Hmmph- fat!

So I got my PC back just in time to create a layout for the "Capture Life" Scrap-off at My Life and Scrap. I really had no idea what I was going to do and wasn't sure how I'd do under the time crunch plus I didn't have any great pictures to use but I am happy with the finished product. Love it when a layout just somehow magically comes together. There are 12 people still in the contest and the judges will narrow it down to 6 this week. I have no idea how they are going to be able to pick just 6. The layouts are all so awesome and different from each other. Check them out here: Capture Life Scrap-off. Here is my entry - the prompt this week was "My Home".

Credits:

Today by SAS

Pure Passion MLAS Collab

Photo Negative Mask by Tempus Fugit

Lazy Summer Day's MLAS Collab

Boys Retreat by Catherine Designs

Summer Solstice by New Life Dreams

Journaling:

We bought the house at 10096 Timothy Street 6 years ago. When I look around at my beautiful home, I see the bleach stain on the carpet from when my oldest tried to help me by cleaning up after the dog. I see the dents in the garage from my middle son’s soccer ball hitting the doors. I see my youngest son’s hand writing on the garage floor when he practiced his letters in permanent marker. Yes, all of these little blemishes stressed me at the time but now I see them as reminders of how this house has become our home.

Today's Freebie:

Created with Refreshing New Year

Speed Scrap - Friday @ 9pm EST

2010-02-18T21:29:00.007-06:00

Credits:

Papers by Catherine Designs - Art and Soul Collab
Paint swatch by Catherine Designs - Boys Retreat
Stitches by Syrin

I created the above My 3 Sons Layout as part of the My Life in Scrap Challenge at MLAS. It has been nominated for Layout of the Week. Stop by and leave a comment to help me win this one. The nominated layout with the most comments wins. I have been chasing after this honor for a while.

Credits:

Alpha from Vintage Euphoria by Bubblescrap Designs and Rebecca PSP

Everything else from Early Morning Paper by Mama Mia and Kate Design

Above is my layout from last week's speed scrap at My Life and Scrap. They have a speed scrap every Friday at 9 pm EST. I would love to see you at one of them. It's alway fun to see how different everyone's layouts are (especially with people like me who don't follow directions well).

Today's Freebie

Created with A Long Winter's Nap at My Life and Scrap

Happy President's Day

2010-02-15T17:48:00.003-06:00

I swear President's Day is one of my favorite holidays. No I am not huge history buff big into all of the presidents. Its my favorite because it is a paid holiday for me and requires no holiday prep work. To celebrate the boys and I went out for lunch and then to see a movie - The Lightening Thief. We ended breaking into two groups with my middle son and I sitting across the aisle from my oldest and youngest sons. During most of the movie I was regretting bringing my youngest to the move as it was a bit too intense for a 6 year old. At one point the movie's hero was fighting a greek monster (sorry, not up on my greek mythology so I can't be a whole lot more specific). At the end of the fairly scary fight scene, the theater is quiet and then I hear my 6 yr old tell his brother "That was Awesome!". Of course he loved the movie. We'll see how the dreams go tonight though.

Today's Freebie

Created with A Long Winter's Nap Collab at My Life and Scrap

The Birthday Sale is still going on. Everything is 30% off right now.

Its your birthday!

2010-02-14T08:12:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday My Life and Scrap!!!

Be sure to stop by My Life and Scrap today. It is the beginning of their big birthday celebration. There is a special birthday blog train (you'll end up with a great free kit by the end) extra challenges with great prizes (a web cam, a bamboo tablet and more) and of course a sale.

Today's Freebie

Created with A Long Winter's Nap at My Life and Scrap

Birthday Sale at My Life and Scrap

2010-02-12T18:11:00.003-06:00

School is being canceled on a regular bases due to snow. I can't remember the last time the kids had a full week of school. I tell you this not to be whining (which I am doing) but to give you back ground for the following story.

I had dropped my middle (but not forgotten) son off at soccer and I was going on a date with my youngest son, Cody (yes the toothless one). He wanted to go to Bishops - a buffet restaurant. They have his favorite food - carrot souffle (perfect for a toothless kid). Any way, on the way to the restaurant it began to snow (of course, its seems to always be snowing). Cody got very worried and said "I hope Bishops doesn't get cancelled!" - No honey, that only happens to school.

I am so excited to have a three day week-end ahead of me. And it is perfect timing because so much is going on at My Life and Scrap for their 1st Birthday. Right now the entire store is 50% off. Check out some of the goodies I have in my shopping cart.

Created with A Long Winter's Nap Collab at My Life and Scrap

Should I be worried????

2010-02-10T19:10:00.004-06:00

My son lost 4 teeth last week - should I be worried. I am pretty sure he pried the last few out. He has developed an understanding of money and knows two teeth equals four dollars which equals one pack of Pokemon cards. I have my hands full with that child.

Happy Birthday to My Life and Scrap. There are lots of fun things going on - big sales, fun challenges and lots of great prizes being given away. If you haven't stopped by MLAS lately now is the perfect time. You won't believe how our little baby has grown.

Today's Freebie

I Don't Recognize Myself

2010-02-06T08:11:00.005-06:00

Who is this person that I am turning into??? Other than my one lapse, I am staying committed to my exercise routine. Last night I managed to do both things I wanted- I had fun with the speed scrap at My Life and Scrap and then about 10pm I did my exercise routine. I am finding that I am getting board and need to find some variety, so after my work out I was online ordering a new exercise video. Any suggestions for fun videos or what I can do to keep my workouts interesting?

Here is my layout from last nights speed scrap. Not only do I end up with a great layout quickly but everyone also gets a participation prize for posting. Come join us next week.

Credits

Word Art is from Boys Retreat by Catherine Designs

Everything else from Project 365-Today by SAS Designs

Today's Freebie

Today's Freebie was created with the Refreshing New Year Collab at MLAS

30 Days to Create a Habit

2010-02-05T19:08:00.004-06:00

I have been told that it takes 30 days to create a habit. I don't buy it. I have been exercising for 41 days. No, thats a lie! I have been exercising for 40 days. Two days ago was my first day that I skipped on a scheduled exercise day. I am thinking tonight will be the 2nd day that I skip. When does the "I feel so much better when I exercise" go into effect. I am waiting! I do not feel better, in fact my knees hurt.

Instead of exercising tonight I will be joining the speed scrap at My Life and Scrap. Oh, we'll see maybe I'll do both.

Have you gotten to know Z Pink Boudoir Designs yet. She is the newest designer to join My Life and Scrap and all of her kits are currently 50% off.

Date Night

2010-02-03T20:09:00.004-06:00

I don't have much time tonight (I have a date with my son - It's American Idol night) but I do want you to know about some thing going on at My Life and Scrap.

Save Big with Thrifty Thursday

And join the fun for Friday's Speed Scrap - I plan to be there.

Sportsmanship Award

2010-01-31T07:38:00.004-06:00

It is soccer tournament week-end here. My son's team is pretty much out of the running for placing in the top three but they have their eye on the sportsmanship award. They have been sticking around cheering on their friends who are playing on other teams. Its kinda cool to watch them and to see how much they are just enjoying the game even when they're not winning. A good life lesson I think.

Lucky for me the tournament is in our town so I am still getting some time to get other things done between games. I was even able to squeeze in yesterday's speed scrap at My Life and Scrap. Here is my layout:

Credits:
Doggy Tales by Thao Cosgrove
Suddenly by Totally D
I Got a Date Vol 2 by Sir Scrapalot
Kicking up the Leaves by Gina Huff
Tulipping by RebeccaPSP

Today's Freebie

Created with Sweet Halloween at MLAS

2010-01-29T07:45:00.003-06:00

Busy weekend ahead for me. My son will be playing soccer in the Iowa games this week-end. I just have to point out a major draw back for indoor soccer - the lighting is terrible for picture taking. This means I will spend my entire week-end at soccer and probably not have any decent pictures to scrap with at the end of it.

If your weekend isn't quite so busy be sure to stop by the speed scraps going on at My Life and Scrap.

Today's Freebie

Created with kits by Samceline at My Life and Scrap

Lunges are Evil

2010-01-27T17:55:00.004-06:00

I did it! I completed a 30 day work out challenge and survived (but my knees really hurt - jump lunges are evil)! I'm pretty proud of myself and will now be tackling the High Intensity Challenge. Wish my knees luck.

I am also getting caught up on last year's scrapping. This layout is the perfect example of why I scrap. The pictures are from early last year and I already can't remember the story behind the pictures. I still felt the need to create a layout for them because I worry that my boys will remember the fights they have with each other but forget the simple ordinary times when they truly enjoyed being brothers.

Everything from SAS Design's Happy Times Kit at My Life and Scrap.

Today's Freebie

Created with Crazy Christmas Collab at My Life and Scrap

Another 2 pounds down but I don't deserve it.

2010-01-24T14:40:00.008-06:00

Only 2 days left to my 30 Day Workout Challenge and it is questionable as to if I will make it. I was so bad last week. On Tuesday I called an end to my diet and had a Pepsi and candy bar for breakfast. I was kinda good on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday I totally blew it, I think I had a week's worth of calories for one meal (think lots of appetizers, salmon -did good there, garlic potatoes swimming in butter, and the best grasshopper frozen pie that I ever tasted).

So today is the day that I weigh myself each week. I prepared myself to be totally bummed, knowing I slid backwards. I squinted at the scale and saw that I LOST 2 pounds. Are you kidding me. I starved myself the week before and was happy because I lost 1 pound. This week I eat whatever I wanted and then some and I lost 2 pounds. I may have to reward my poor effort with another candy bar.

Seriously, over all I'm very proud with the changes I've made. I exercise 4-5 times a week and I am talking real exercise where I need a shower afterwards. This is big for me! I am trying to make life changes to my eating habits (sounds even more depressing than a diet to me - we're talking forever with life changes). This has been a bit harder for me. I have gotten rid of most of the junk food but I struggle to work in enough fruits and vegetables. Ah, we are all work in progress.

I did get some scrapping done. First I had fun at the Speed Scrap at My Life and Scrap. Michelle always has a funny story to tell with the directions. The layout is of my son and his friend at a Chicago Fire Soccer game.

Everything is from RebeccaPSP's Decadence kit.

The 2nd layout is from some catching up I am trying to do from last year. The star is my beautiful niece. It was nominated for layout of the week at My Life and Scrap. The nominee with the most comments wins. Stop by and leave me some love. (click here to leave a comment).

I used Week 3 template and Grunged Masks by Dogs Day Designs

All of the papers and elements are from Hopes, Dreams, Fears by Tempus Fugit

Today's Freebie

Created with Crazy Christmas Collab at My Life and Scrap

Slowing Down Today

2010-01-23T10:00:00.003-06:00

Life seems to be especially busy lately but a child sick with the flu is suddenly slowing things down. Instead of doing all kinds of running and getting some errands done, we will be home all day. Hopefully that means I can bring back some calmness to by chaotic home. Oh course, I am hoping to jump in on the Speed Scrap going on at My Life and Scrap today. I hope to see you there.

Today's Freebie

Created with the Crazy Christmas Colab at My Life and Scrap

A Typical Day

2010-01-18T20:33:00.004-06:00

This week's My Life IN Scrap challenge was to scrap about a typical day. I don't think my days are ever typical but I am happy with the life that all of my non-typical days add up to. Life seems to constantly be changing and just when I think I have things under control, a new challenge comes along.

Typical Day

Created using Curvy Squares Template by Dogs Day Designs

and Hope, Dreams, Fears by Tempus Fugit

Today's Freebie

Created with Quiet Nature Collab at My Life and Scrap

My Life and Scrap Speed Scraps

2010-01-16T14:24:00.007-06:00

My oldest son and our "baby"

Created with the Happy Times kit by Sas Designs.

SAS Designs are 50% off as part of her grand opening sale.

This is my layout from today's Speed Scrap. I laughed when I saw the first layout posted. I obviously have issues with following directions. The photos were supposed to be centered and lined up vertically or horizontally. Oops! It may have been due to the constant interruptions I was getting to read the Pokemon powers on Cody's cards. Oh, well I had fun and for me to put a layout together in an hour is pretty amazing. There is always next week. MLAS is now having speed scraps every Friday at 9pm EST and Saturday at 2pm EST. Not only do you end up with a great layout but there are participation prizes too. Too Cool!

Today's Freebie

A quick page freebie created with the Crazy Christmas Collab at My Life and Scrap

Yeah! I am so excited.

2010-01-15T19:04:00.006-06:00

Oh my gosh. I am so honored. @Jacquie passed along the Gorgeous Blog Award to me. Now of course it would be an honor no matter what but to have a lady as talented as @Jacquie give this to me means so much. I have been a fan of her blog and her word art for a long time and not long ago she became a designer at my favorite Scraping Web Site, My Life and Scrap. Am I clearly getting across how much I am on cloud nine about this? Part of the fun is I now get to pass it along and I am passing it onto Michelle. She is a very funny lady and is willing to share her life with us without editing out the less than pretty parts.

Another talented lady recently joined My Life and Scrap, SAS Designs. To celebrate she is having a 50% off sale.

Today's Freebie

A template freebie from Kate. Did you know you can get a free template twice a month just for joining the template challenge?

Does My Life Still Suck?

2010-01-13T22:38:00.003-06:00

A big thank you to Tempus Fugit at My Life and Scrap for first creating such wonderful kits and secondly being so kind as to allow me to use her newest kit I Heart You to jazz up my blog. It may need just a little tweaking but at least it isn't Christmas any more. The great kit I used will be on sale for a limited time, I highly suggest you go grab it right away.

My exercise saga continues.... Today I was talking to some friends who were saying how much better they feel mentally when they exercise. Well I just completed day 17 and I don't think it makes me feel any better. But than I got to thinking, I have been in a better mood for the last week or two. I thought it was because my life wasn't sucking quite so much. What if I am wrong? Maybe my life does still suck and it is only the exercise that is making me feel better?

Today's Freebie

Yes, seriously a nice sized kit as a freebie. It is Old Treasures by Tempus Fugit. I'm telling you, while you are grabbing the freebie you really should also pick up the I Heart You kit.

Lost 3 pounds last week - not looking to get them back

2010-01-10T13:26:00.004-06:00

This morning I was exercising (yep - my mid-point of my 30 day challenge) and my 6 year old wanders out of bed to lay on the couch and watch me. He asked if I was exercising to get skinnier (I liked the "er" part - suggests that I'm already skinny) and strong (no "er" on that one). I told him I was and asked if he thought it was working. He said he thought so and then in the middle of my 100th lunge he came and gave me a hug around my waist. He then reported that yes, I am getting skinnier. That boy is such an angel when he isn't being a monster.

Have you completed your January challenges yet at My Life and Scrap?

Font Challenge

Gourmet Scrapping Challenge

Mystery Lift Challenge

Created with the Elegant Christmas Collab at My Life and Scrap

Half way Point

2010-01-09T19:11:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow will be the half way point of my 30 day fitness challenge. I can't believe I am still doing it. I have always been cynical of the "eventually you will miss working out if you don't do it for a day" train of thought. But I think I may be getting there. One day I exercised twice in the same day! No, I can't say I enjoy it or that I would miss it. BUT, I don't mind it (I know, amazing!!).

My Life and Scrap now has a store at Cafe Press. Stop by to see the goodies available in the store.

Today's Freebie

A quick page freebie created with the Crazy Christmas Collab at MLAS.

2 hours to exercise for 30 minutes

2010-01-06T21:38:00.003-06:00

My poor blog is being ignored but for good reason. I just finished day 10 of a 30 day workout challenge. It is seriously hard to work in a half hour of exercise especially when you work out to the level of breaking a sweat (a new thing for me). Because that than leads needing a shower, which of course since no one else is taking a shower at 9 at night and using up all the hot water, I might as well take a long shower. Then out of the shower and what to do with my wet hair. Ugh! I braid it to keep from scaring my son when he calls for me in the middle of the night - wild bed head mom does calm bad dreams well. Now hey, I got all my hair pulled back and out of my face, I might as well give myself a facial. See! It took me almost two hours to work out for 30 minutes and I still have a face mask to go take off. That is sure to lead to shaping up my eyebrows.

There are some really wonderful ladies at My Life and Scrap who are inspiring me to keep at this healthy thing with My Life and Scrap's Biggest Loser. They are scrapping about their weight loss. How cool is that! They have no idea what an inspiration they are. Come check it out and maybe make your own commitment to be healthier in twenty-ten.

Today's Freebie

A big thank you to Rucola Designs for these great Feelin' Frosty Labels. Perfect to go along with her Feelin' Frosty kit.

New Scraping Challenges

2010-01-02T09:09:00.005-06:00

There are some great new Project 52 Challenges going on at My Life and Scrap. One is Project 52 - Photos and the other is My Life in Scrap. They both sound like fun and will get me to scrap a little bit out of my comfort zone. They both give you a prompt for the week. For this week one is "Lessons learned in 2009" and the other is focused on "something new". I am struggling because I know realistically, I only have time to fully commit to one and I so want to do both.

Of course I am still busy scraping my photos from Christmas and need to complete all of my 2009 layouts. Every year I get all of my pages from the year printed in a hard bound book. It gets me super focused this time of year as I can't wait to add my newest book to our family library.

I didn't realize it until after he opened all of his gifts that the majority of Layne's gifts were orange. I again used Delights of December, Taste of Christmas, And One More X-mas kit all by Samceline. To make help this go together super fast I used Kate Design's, Brandi Template.

Today's Freebie

A Freebie mini kit from One of a Kind Design Studio.

It isn't too late to take advantage of One of A Kind's Grand Opening sale.

Happy New Decade

2009-12-31T16:29:00.005-06:00

Wow! Just came to the realization that not only is a new year upon us but so is a new decade: Twenty-ten! I am so ready for it. Seems like the perfect time for a fresh start. Thank you to all who stop by my blog from time to time. I hope the new year is the start of wonderful things for all of you. Happy New Year!

I hope you were paying attention when I told you to check out the newest designers at My Life and Scrap, Samceline and One of a Kind Designs. For the above layout of my son, I used A Taste of Christmas with And One More X-mas kit both by Samceline (both are 50% off right now). To save some time I also used Bubblescrap's Cheery Template.

Today's Freebie

A Freebie Alpha from Samceline. Don't forget to check out her big sale too!

Christmas at Grandpas

2009-12-30T20:08:00.006-06:00

Come on everyone happy dance with me! I have been scrapping. How I managed to find the time I am not sure. Life has been hectic and crazy but that is when I need my scrapping time the most. Like many, my Christmas was made up of a bunch of mini segments. The following layouts are all from Christmas at my dad's (aka my superman). Everything was created with Veronica Sprigg's Cranberries N Cream kit. - can you tell I love it. For the last one I also used the Valley Girl Template from Kate Designs.

Look its me! Yep actually got some photos of me this year. I adore my niece. She was the highlight of Christmas at my dad's. We played and cuddled all day long. Ah, girl time - so sweet.

I can tell you there is no guy out there who can quite measure up to my dad. He can do anything!

Random shots of the day. My brother in the top left corner, my boys, my niece, my dad's wife, and my sister-in-law.

Waiting for the new year

2009-12-29T21:29:00.004-06:00

I think this is the first time ever that I can say that I am glad the holidays are over. I did enjoy the holidays and speeding time with family. This year just felt more like work and I am ready for a new year.

There is some exciting news at My Life and Scrap. We have two new designers joining the team. Welcome to Samceline and One of a Kind Designs Studio. Both are having 50% off sales to celebrate.

Today's Freebie

A mini-kit from One of a Kind Design Studio

Out from Behind the Camera

2009-12-26T05:48:00.006-06:00

Sugar Cookies

Created with Sir Scrapalot's Winter Wishes available at Polkadot Plum

Wow, sugar cookies are a lot of work. I will push harder to go with oreos for Santa next year.

For Christmas, I really tried to focus on being part of the moment and not just the lady behind the camera. I did really enjoy the day. I was incredibly proud of my oldest boys. They were very appreciative of every gift they got. The youngest is only 6 and he struggled to be thankful for anything that wasn't Pokemon related but he too made me proud with each Thank-you he said and thank goodness, a day of good behavior. I do have to admit though one of my biggest thrills was downloading my pictures from the day, now I have everything I need to start scrapping some memories.

My Life and Scrap has some great sales going on for the next few days.

A great Freebie kit from Samceline.

Be sure to check out her other great holiday kits too.

Christmas Blog Train

2009-12-23T21:58:00.004-06:00

My Christmas shopping is done and I have a day to spare - what was I stressing about! I made the sugar cookie dough and tomorrow we will get real cookies made for Santa (not the oreos that I tried to get my son to agree to). I think that he feels like this is his last chance to make a good impression on Santa and with the year he's had he can use all of the extra points that he can get.

Make sure you take some time out for yourself during the busy holidays and jump on the My Life and Scrap's blog Train. The fun all starts on 12/24. Start out at the MLAS blog and start collecting all of the goodies.

Oreos for Santa

2009-12-22T20:23:00.003-06:00

I swear that I had the Christmas spirit for a day (It was Sunday from about 11am to 11pm) but it is gone again. Been tracking the last gift package that needs to be delivered. It shipped on the 14th and was expected to arrive yesterday. Well it seems it is taking the scenic route to get here. It is now showing that is should arrive on the 30th!!! Do they not realize this will throw off the whole balance of gifts for my boys? Yes, I will be forced to make a dreaded last minute stop to find filler gifts for two of my sons. Add this to the fact that I will be putting in a 12 hour day tomorrow at work and my youngest had a slight melt down when I suggested leaving oreos for Santa instead of decorated sugar cookies. I need an extra day. Lets take a vote to observe Christmas on the 26th this year.

Today's Freebie

Today's freebie was created with the Elegant Christmas Collabs at My Life and Scrap.

Mystery Lift

2009-12-19T07:33:00.002-06:00

All kinds of new challenges are going on at My Life and Scrap. I always have fun with the Mystery Lift. Come try it out.

Template Challenge

2009-12-18T19:48:00.004-06:00

Don't miss out on this month's Template Challenge at My Life and Scrap. This month you not only earn a free template and points to use towards free kits but you will also get a free word art. Ah, free - one of my favorite words as my pocketbook feels the pain of the holidays.

Dear Santa

2009-12-17T20:26:00.004-06:00

Dear Santa-

Please I just want a few extra hours added to my day, preferably between the hours of 9 and 11Pm. This is the time that the kids are in bed and I play super mom, trying to get everything done.

I am so tired!! Too many nights of staying up late wrapping gifts. There just are not enough hours in the day and that is doubly true during the holidays. I did have to jump on line for a quick minute to let you know about some of the fun happening going on at My Life and Scrap.

39 for the first time....

2009-12-12T06:55:00.004-06:00

39 years old - yep it's my birthday! What a terrible age to be. I don't actually mind being 39 -mark your calendars for a melt down this time next year though. The thing that is bad about being 39 is that no one is really 39. Its the age that everyone tends to get stuck at. So of course no one will believe me when I say I'm 39. They will automatically think I am older and that I am lying about my age. Maybe I will just get stuck at 38- hmm.

Today's Freebie

I have a quick page Freebie for you created with the

Quiet Nature Collab Kit at My Life and Scrap.

Don't forget that @Jacquie has her entire store 50% off to celebrate her grand opening. She creates wonderful word art so be sure to check out her store.

Snow, Snow Go Away

2009-12-11T19:52:00.012-06:00

Hello! Where have all of you "Oh the snow is so pretty" people been as I have to dig out of my driveway every morning? Now those of you who don't get snow may not know this but snow doesn't just fall from the sky and look pretty. NO! It likes to blow around. I am pretty sure the snow piled up against by garage door when I got home tonight was the same snow that was was shoveled away this morning. Any one what to make a bet as to whether it will be back in the morning?

Today's Freebie

I have a Quick Page Freebie for you created with the

Home Is Where The Heart is Collab from My Life and Scrap.

Who made Mother Nature mad?

2009-12-09T07:42:00.007-06:00

Mother Nature was in a bad mood last night. This picture is of a tree in my front yard. We ONLY got 18 inches of snow but the drifts are crazy deep. The driveway was cleared a few hours ago but it is again covered and drifting. It all looks pretty and you'd think it would be fun to play in but the wind chill is making it -20 degrees fahrenheit. It is a good day to stay in with some hot cocoa and scrap - oh, yeah but school was canceled so that won't be happening.

Today's Freebie

@ Jacquie has joined My Life and Scrap. She has the cutest word art kits (I love the Chocolate set). All of her word arts are 50% off this week. It is the perfect time to get acquainted with this talented lady. As part of her opening celebration she is giving away this quick page freebie pack.

My Christmas Funk Continues.

2009-12-05T11:50:00.007-06:00

Rebecca was kind enough to give me the OK to use her fabulous Holiday Delights kit to give my blog a holiday look. I believe this is my all time favorite Christmas kit. Everything is so rich and elegant.

However, my Christmas funk continues. I am using all the same measurements as I always have but I can't get rid of the empty bars on the sides of my blog. I had to make adjustments to my design to get it to look even this good.

I'm afraid to start any holiday baking, I'll probably burn the house down.

Today's Freebie

This cluster freebie was created with Rucola's Miss Metal Kit.

Remember Rucola is celebrating her grand opening with 50% off everything in her store through Sunday.

Have you seen my missing tree???

2009-12-02T18:18:00.003-06:00

What are the things you do to bring the Christmas spirit into your homes? Mine is missing this year and I am normally a Christmas junkie. It started with the missing tree - I kid you not. Still can't quite figure out how a 7 ft tree with a sheet over it that goes into the same corner of the storage room every year can disappear. Some how mine did. I am taking that as a sign that I need to take a step back from the holiday takeover that normally happens to my home.

I normally put up two full size trees and 5 smaller ones. Plus I have a insane amount of garland and decorations. So far the only thing that has gone up is one of the big trees. The sad thing is the kids haven't even questioned where everything else is. Who did I go through all of the work for? So is it more stress than its all worth or will something be missing Christmas morning if I call my decorating duties done.

Today's Freebie

Michelle put together these great freebie quick pages for you using Rucola's Hard Feelings kit.

All of Rucola's designs are 50% off this week as part of her grand opening at My Life and Scrap.

Rucola's Grand Opening

2009-12-01T10:51:00.006-06:00

The My Life and Scrap team continues to grow. The newest addition is the designer, Rucola. She creates papers with great texture. Perfect for blend junkies such as myself.

I created the above layout using Rucola's Flames of Fall Woody Kit and Flames of Fall Freebie. As part of Rucola's grand opening celebration I have her Flames of Fall Freebie for you. Grab it and be sure to stop by Rucola's store from more goodies.

Flames of Fall Freebie from Rucola.

Can the End of November Really be Here?

2009-11-28T11:51:00.006-06:00

November is quickly coming to an end. Have you completed all of the challenges at My Life and Scrap? Remember you earn points for each challenge you complete and those points can be used towards free kits.

Font Challenge

Gourmet Challenge

Mystery Lift Challenge

To sweeten the challenge the first person who completes one of the above challenges and then sends me (My3sons) a PM at My Life and Scrap will win the Pure Passion Collab.

Here is my Thanksgiving Layout. I created it using RebeccaPSP's Autumn Whispers, Mama Mia's Just Say It and the word art is by Jacquie.

Be sure to grab this quick page freebie. It was created with the Sweet Halloween kit at My Life and Scrap.

Would you Rather????

2009-11-27T06:45:00.006-06:00

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I had the perfect Thanksgiving. Great food and surrounded by family. We played a good game - Would you Rather. Would you rather spend your entire life in a room with no windows or in a glass room where everyone could watch your every move? Would you rather for the rest of your life be on a liquids only diet or eat anything you want but have to burn it to a crisp first? Would you rather spend your whole day scrapping or find the perfect kit and have it be on sale? I can help with the perfect kit on sale. Some of the designer at My Life and Scrap are having a Black Friday sale.

Bubblescrap has everything 50% off.

Use the code BlackFriday and get 30% off of Kate Designs.

I hope you will enjoy the quick page freebie that I have for you today. It was created with the Sweet Halloween kit at My Life and Scrap.

7th Grade

2009-11-22T18:39:00.004-06:00

I created this layout for the November Template Challenge at My Life and Scrap. The template is from Kate Designs and I used Rebecca PSP's Urban Jungle kit. All of Rebecca's kits are 50% off this week.

I hope you will enjoy this quick page freebie that I have for you. It was created with the Lazy Days of Summer Collab kit at My Life and Scrap.

I am content

2009-11-21T16:44:00.004-06:00

Please just stop the world for a second. My house is clean the kids are all occupied and I am content. My life has been slightly out of control lately. The house normally looks like a single mom with 3 boys lives here. Which I have come to accept as the truth. I've made some changes and although I may have some challenging times ahead, at this moment I am content and my house is clean.

I have been neglecting my creative soul lately and hope to rectify that with the rest of my evening. I've been telling you about it all week but if you haven't done it yet, I highly suggest you stop My Life and Scrap to check out Dream Big Designs while her kits are still 50% off. Also if you have time stop by for the Speed Scrap at 2pm EST tomorrow.

Do You still have some summer photos that you haven't scrapped yet. If so I hope you will enjoy this freebie quick page I have for you today. It was created with the Lazy Days of Summer kit at My Life and Scrap. Enjoy!

Dream Big Designs

2009-11-20T19:25:00.003-06:00

Have you been over to My Life and Scrap yet to check out Cheri's (aka. Dream Big Designs) store? For her grand opening, her store is 50% off. I am loving her kits and am so glad that she has joined My Life and Scrap.

Welcome to Dream Big Designs

2009-11-16T19:22:00.007-06:00

I am so excited to see Dream Big Designs join My Life and Scrap. She creates some really awesome kits and they are 50% off right now. I used one of her kits to get myself scraping again over the week-end. I used Homestead Harvest along with the Brandi template kit by Kate to create this layout of my boys in the yard. It felt good to be scrapping again.

I will find time to scrap today.

2009-11-14T08:04:00.002-06:00

I will find time to scrap today. I will find time to scrap today. I will find time to scrap today.

It may mean that I don't go to bed tonight but I am determined to play. I have lost a bit of my scrapping mojo lately. I know taking on a challenge or two at My Life and Scrap will put me in the right direction. My layouts always seem to fall into place when I do the template challenge. I think I will start there. My fingers are twitching with anticipation.

I will find time to scrap today. I will find time to scrap today. I will find time to scrap today.

Facebook

2009-11-13T21:00:00.005-06:00

I did it - I opened a Facebook account. I find the whole thing a little strange. Not since I was 6, have I asked someone to be my friend and I am not about to start now. I feel terribly guilty for rejecting the requests of others to be their friend.

On the brighter side of Facebook I have re-discovered some of my extended family and I have reconnected with a friend from High School.

I think we all have someone in our past that we wonder what happened to them. The scary thing is in most cases you can now find out by doing a few simple searches. The question is do we really want to know or are the memories in our head/heart a better place for such people to stay?

Nearing the week-end

2009-11-12T20:53:00.004-06:00

Wow! I can't believe we are already nearing the end of the week. I love my week-ends, especially when they are like my upcoming week-end - NO PLANS! I have been neglecting my scrapbooking so I hope to get a creative spell.

Bubblescrap designs has joined My Life and Scrap. She is celebrating with a $2 sale. That should help get my creative juices flowing.

Today I have a quick page freebie for you created by Bubblescraps designs.

2009-11-07T20:26:00.002-06:00

Wow! Have you seen the contest that Sir Scrapalot has going on? Check out those prizes. I have so enjoyed being part of his creative team and I love to play with his wonderful kits.

Time to get on the blog train....

2009-11-07T19:26:00.004-06:00

Everyone at My Life and Scrap is excited about Digital Scrapbooking Day! To celebrate they have put together a blog train with some awesome freebies for you. So jump on the train here and come join us for a great week-end.

There are also lots of great sales going on all week-end.

RebeccaPSP - 50% off all products

Kate Designs - 40% off all products

Bubblescrap Designs - 50% off all products

Designs by Kelin - 50% off all products

Mama Mia Designs by Mandy - 50% off all products

Designz by JLo - 50% off all products

Designs By Lisa - 50% off all products

Misstyscrap - 60% off all products

Pretty Pixels - 50% off all products

Digital Scrapbooking Day!

2009-11-05T22:41:00.003-06:00

There is going to be a speed scrap at My Life and Scrap this week-end. There will also be lots of specials going on to celebrate Digital Scrapbooking Day! I hope to see you at the speed scrap.

Win $25 to Veronica Spriggs Store

2009-11-02T21:40:00.006-06:00

Veronica Spriggs has a fabulous contest going on at her blog. You can win a copy of 365 Days of Scrapbooking Ideas and $25 to spend in her store. If you don't have any of her kits yet you are missing out. She uses such great colors and I've already gone on about how much I love her papers in some previous posts.

Please check out my son's blog

2009-11-01T10:25:00.006-06:00

Speed Scrap today at My Life and Scrap! I am excited because I've heard a rumor that a photo mask will be one of the elements. I love the look you can get with photo masks. Just to make sure you will be ready I have a photo mask freebie for you today.

I do have a favor to ask of you. My oldest son has started a blog (takes after his dear mother). He is not a fan of school but has enjoyed debating in his English class. I would so appreciate if you would stop by and leave him a comment.

Please check it out: The Debate (I promise, nothing controversial)

Have fun with this photo mask freebie created by Dogs Day Designs.

2009-10-31T08:20:00.005-05:00

There are a couple of great retirement sales going on at My Life and Scrap. To make her deal even sweeter Mama Mia, is offering her "What A Deal" special. Her retiring items are already marked 50% off. With her "What a Deal" you can get $10 worth of her retiring kits for only $5. That is an additional savings of 50% above and beyond the already reduced price. What A Deal!

Finally Friday

2009-10-30T21:53:00.002-05:00

Thank goodness it is Friday. It has been a crazy week. Work has been super busy and I was working on a critical project that meant bring work home every night. H1N1 hit our household and took my oldest two sons captive. My youngest had a doctor appointment and his medication was to change this week-end but the prescription was written wrong so the pharmacy can't fill it. Yikes, I feel like I have been living a country song!

Kate Designs is retiring some of her photomasks and templates. But before she does she is putting them on sale - Yeah. My creative mojo has been low lately so her templates have been a life saver and keep me scrapping. You have to hurry though because after October 31st they will be gone.

Are you ready for Trick or Treating? Let me help with this great Halloween quick page freebie. It was created with the Sweet and Scary Halloween collab Bundle at My Life and Scrap.

Time is running out for October's challenges

2009-10-27T21:47:00.003-05:00

Can you believe that this is the last week of October already? That means time is running out to get your layouts done for the October Challenges. Remember you can earn free kits by participating in the challenges at My Life and Scrap.

And of course I also have a freebie for you...
It was created with the Sweet and Scary Halloween Collab Bundle at MLAS

2009-10-25T09:07:00.007-05:00

We are currently in the two week break period between fall and outdoor soccer. Which is good because Layne has the flu like much of the world. It was strange to be home for the week-end. I wish I could say I got a lot done but that is not the case. But I did manage to scrap two whole layouts. Sir Scrapalot has a new kit, A Spoonful of Sugar available at Polka Dot Plum. I love the kit. Actually, I love all of his kits because they are always so colorful and he creates great patterned paper.

Credits: A Spoonful of Sugar and I've got a Date vol. 1 both by Sir Scrapalot.

My sweet niece is the star of the first layout. I am always thrilled when new pictures of her pop into my inbox. But she is growing so fast. It has been about three months since I've seen her. To fill the void, I keep buying her clothes. I have enough clothes to keep her well dressed for over a week. After buying clothes for all boys for years it make me light headed every time I buy something pink.

Credits: A Spoonful of Sugar and I've got a Date vol. 2 both by Sir Scrapalot.

This one is a layout with my youngest son. He has some behavioral challenges and the quote reminds to stay focused on the moments that he brings me happiness. If I don't take time to recognize the happy moments, the challenging times can become overwhelming. I need to make sure to remember the "I love Mom" picture hanging on the wall when he is in a rage yelling that he hates me. It is all about which moments we choose to focus on.

Birthday Boys

2009-10-22T20:45:00.003-05:00

Yikes- My baby boy became a teenager today. I am officially the mother of two teenage boys and a kindergartner. I really can't believe it. I swear he seriously looked older this evening than what he did just this morning. If that wasn't bad enough but his older brother turns 15 in four days. 15!!! The almost 15 year old informed me that he will be half way to 30 and thought he may be having a mid-mid-life crisis. Oh how I love my boys - they keep life interesting.

I am not the only one celebrating a son's birthday - Malou is celebrating her son's birthday too. To celebrate she is having a coupon sale at My Life and Scrap. Happy birthday to Malou's and my sons!

And I have one more birthday gift for you - another Halloween Quick Page Freebie created with the Sweet and Scary Halloween Collab.

Artisan Notebook

2009-10-20T07:47:00.006-05:00

You can now get the Artisan Notebook at My Life and Scrap. And to celebrate this great partnership both past and present editions of the Artisan Notebook will be 30% off for a limited time only at MLAS. This month's edition will have you digi scrapping mosaics. Pretty cool stuff.

While you are over at MLAS be sure to pick up this great Halloween Quick Page Freebie. But hurry it will only be available for a short time.

Pretty Pixels joins My Life and Scrap

2009-10-18T20:20:00.003-05:00

My Life and Scrap is continuing to grow. Pretty Pixels has just joined MLAS and to celebrate her store will be 40% off this week. It is a great time to check out her kits and templates.

Giving away Artist in Training Kit

2009-10-16T17:57:00.003-05:00

I tried to keep my sense of humor as I put together the above layout about Cody's first week of kindergarten but at the time I was in tears more than laughing. I was really questioning our decision to send Cody to a mainstream school on day 2 when I had to hand my screaming baby over to his teacher and she told me to go and that she'd take it from there. Now that he has gotten used to the routine, things are going much better. I love his special needs teacher and he is learning. So yes, we did make the right decision but the first month was tough.

I used one of My Life and Scraps Mega Collab kits, Artist in Training. To celebrate Cody's success, MLAS is letting me give away one of these great kits. Just send me (My3sons) a private message at My Life and Scrap and remind me to keep laughing. At the end of October I will pick a random winner to get this great kit.

Last Train to Paris

2009-10-14T20:52:00.007-05:00

Veronica Spriggs got together with Project B Designs to create Last Train to Paris. The colors in this kit are rich and gorgeous. Veronica's papers are always fabulous. Both of my layouts below were created using this kit.

Happier Time

My Fantasy Trip to Paris

Digi-Boudinette has joined MLAS

2009-10-13T19:08:00.002-05:00

Digi -Boudinette has just joined My Life and Scrap and she is celebrating with a 30% off sale. This includes all of her fabulous commercial items too.

Tempus Fugit - new to MLAS

2009-10-12T10:24:00.005-05:00

Don't forget there is going to be a Speed Scrap at My Life and Scrap today at 2:30 EST. I didn't think I was going to make it but I just might as I am home today with a sick son. I was able to get an appointment for him to see the doctor later today. Depending on how that goes I may be heading back to work or I may be scraping in between playing nurse. Life is all about multi-tasking.

I am so in love with Tempus Fugit, a new designer at My Life and Scrap. She has some super cool kits, my favorite photo mask kit and some great commerical use items as well. She is celebrating her store opening in style with a 50% off sale. You would think it can't get much better than that but it does. In addition to a great sale, this fabulous lady is giving away a great freebie kit Old Treasures as part of the celebration. Be sure to check out her store.

MLAS Speed Scrap

2009-10-09T19:41:00.004-05:00

There is going to be a speed scrap at My Life and Scrap on Monday. Unfortunately I will be at work (got to support my scrapping habit) and can't make it but that doesn't mean you have to miss out. I will be checking out all of the great layouts in the gallery afterwards. I hope to see your layout.

Cross country

2009-10-07T20:27:00.008-05:00

Yesterday my son had his final x-country meet of the season. The whole day was quite the experience. Layne was very excited to be running as he had made some great progress in practice and was bummed to wake up to rain. I was waiting to hear all day if it would be canceled or not. The cancelled call never came so I had planned to leave work early to make sure that I would get there in time. Of course that did not happen. Mapquest told me it was just over an hour drive and I left with just under an hour until the meet started. About a mile away from work I remember I forgot my umbrella at work. Oh well, no time to go back and besides the sun was finally coming out. It was very windy and I noticed the temperature dropping as I drove but the sky was blue. Or at-least it was until I pulled onto the off ramp of the town hosting the meet. Seriously it began to down poor - ugh! Ah, but I did see one bright spot, I had caught up with bus with my son and his team. Feeling a little overconfident with myself, I stopped at a gas station hoping to buy an overpriced umbrella and my sons celebration snack (Swiss Valley chocolate milk and Grandma's double chocolate cookie). They didn't have anything I wanted - stupid store. I made it to the meet and couldn't find Layne or his team. Runners were lined up at the starting line when Layne's bus pulled up (they had gotten lost). The kids literally were pulling off jackets and sweat pants as they were getting off the bus and heading for the starting line. Of course, I have no pictures because it was raining so hard. The interesting thing about x-country is the spectators end up running too in efforts to see the runners more than once during the race. Even in my misery of being freezing cold, I did see the comedy in this (let me add it was hilly, slippery and small ponds were forming from all of the rain).

Layne placed well and didn't question when I handed him A&E Chocolate milk and a Grandma's regular chocolate chip cookie. He is a good kid.

Onto a happier note: In the world of scrapping I want you to know there are two new designers over at My Life and Scrap. They are both fabulous. AND they are both having a SALE! My kind of ladies! Please welcome JennCK and 3 Dog design and check out their designs.

Template Challenge at My Life and Scrap

2009-10-04T19:49:00.005-05:00

Here is my layout for the Oct 1-15 Template Challenge at MLAS. This is by far my favorite challenge out there. They always have such great templates that the layouts almost make themselves.

We normally plan some kind of get together at our house for the parade but we were just too busy this year to make plans. It ended up being just me and the boys in the front yard for the parade. It was one of those great days that you just can't plan. We had so much fun.

Credits:

Template by Kate Designs

Background paper by Kate Designs (part of MLAS Sept. Pixel Edition collab)

Elements from Suddenly kit by Totally D

White papers from Stark kit by RebeccaPSP

-all at My Life and Scrap

2009-10-01T20:47:00.007-05:00

Our trip to Adventure Land was a test for all of us. Could Cody deal with the long car ride? Could Eric and Layne deal with Cody on the long car ride? And of course, could I deal with Eric and Layne dealing with Cody on the long car ride? It was challenging at times but in the end we all passed the test.

Credits:

I've got a Date Vol 1

Artistic Mess

Seaworthy

A Little Something

I've been Framed

all by SirScrapAlot at Polka Dot Plum

It is a new month so that means new challenges at MLAS. The template challenge is one of my favorites. It is a win, win , win situation. You get a great template, a fabulous layout and you earn credit towards free kits.

Get to know Miss Cutie Pie - her store is 50% off

2009-09-30T21:04:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Patch

2009-09-28T11:26:00.004-05:00

Credits: Snap It 1 Template and Its Your Birthday both by Edeline Marta.

The pictures are from last years trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was just a few weeks after we started the crazy trip we have been on with trying to get a diagnosis for Cody. We adopted Cody when he was a year and a half knowing that he had not had an ideal beginning to life. For the first few years I chalked everything up to that but it had come to the point that I needed some help dealing with his behavior. We went to see a child therapist and she was the first to suggest Autism. His current diagnosis is Autism spectrum along with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Every day is a new challenge but we keep moving forward. The day at the pumpkin patch was a reward for having two days in a row with good behavior at daycare.

MLAS Activities

2009-09-26T06:15:00.004-05:00

Here is a layout of my mini-schnauzer. She is spoiled rotten but such a great dog. She is getting her hair cut today and I am a little sad. She will go from being my shaggy dog to a fancy little princess.

I created this layout for the Mystery Lift Challenge at My Life and Scrap. Only 4 more layouts need to be posted for this contest and Linda, one of the owners and a real sweetheart, will be posting a video of herself on Youtube. This is a great time to check out MLAS as there are all kinds of things going on this week-end (speed scraps, bingo and great giveaways).

Saturday:

Speed Scrap at 10:00am CST (I'll miss out because of Stormy's hair cut)

Bingo at 2pm (I'll be there)

Speed Scrap at 8:00pm CST (Gonna try to be there - prime time for the computer at my house)

Sunday:

Speed Scrap at 3:00pm CST (I'm missing this one due to my son's soccer - I got to get a laptop)

All Week-end - Stack the Deck - who can put the most MLAS products in one layout

Week-end plans

2009-09-24T22:10:00.002-05:00

There will be lots of fun activities going on at My Life and Scrap this week-end. Send the kids to Grandma's, put on your fuzzy slippers, grab the chocolate and join in on the fun. I am hearing there will be some RAK's going on in addition to some great prizes. Don't forget Friday is the last day of the 50% off sale.

My Life and Scrap - just keeps getting bigger and better.

2009-09-23T19:39:00.003-05:00

The next couple of days are the perfect time to check out all of the new designers over at My Life and Scrap. Now through Friday the entire store is 50% off. There are a ton of fun challenges and party plans for the week-end. Check them out.

Here is yet another one of my layouts featuring my niece. I created it for the Mystery Scraplift challenge at MLAS. If 30 people post there layouts for this challenge one of the owners, Linda will post of video of herself walking the streets as a human billboard advertising MLAS.

Credits:

Frame from Boys Retreat by Catherine's Designs

Everything else from Forever I am Changed kit by Mama Mia at MLAS

Fall-lious Sale

2009-09-22T17:58:00.003-05:00

Fall in Love with MLAS this Week

MLAS is back up and ready to party

2009-09-18T17:56:00.002-05:00

Yeah! It is time to party! My Life and Scrap is back. Keep a close eye on them as there is sure to be some celebrating going on and that is always a good thing for us scrap-addicts. I will keep you posted but I am off to get my MLAS fix.

MLAS Update

2009-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Things have slowly been improving for My Life and Scrap. The upload is currently running and hopefully things will be back to normal (but even better) within the next day or two. I will let you know as soon as the site is up and running again.

Meanwhile Veronica Spriggs is preparing for her move to a new store. All of us on her CT team have been working on a really cool brag book that she will be giving away as a freebie in the next week or two. It was my first QP and I learned a few new tricks. I hadn't zipped a file before or put anything on an on-line file sharing site before. Luckily everyone on the team is super helpful and I am learning my way around digi-world.

A Slice of Summer is from the trip the boys and I took to my brother's last month.

Credits: I created the word art but everything else is from Be With You by EMD

It has been great fun being on Edeline's guest CT for the month. Just look at that background paper. Love it!

Don't you just love that dress? When I saw it I knew she had to have it for her 1st birthday. When I saw Veronica Sprigg's Kit Happy To Be, I knew it was the perfect kit for my little diva.

Veronica Spriggs - store sale

2009-09-10T19:17:00.003-05:00

Veronica Spriggs will be leaving Digiscrap Boutique. She is closing up shop and moving to a new location which will be announced very soon. During the transition many of her products will not be available for a while and some not at all after the move. So nows your opportunity to take advantage of this one time offer to get her entire store for just $29. Available now at Digiscrap Boutique and Pickleberry Pop. I love playing with her kits so I highly suggest you take advantage of this great deal while you can.

I am grumpy today...............

2009-09-05T18:10:00.005-05:00

I hate allergy medicine. I have been going through my day in a cloud. Don't believe what they say about being non-drowsy. I actually took a nap today - I am not a nap kinda girl and now I am mad that I wasted a couple hours of my precious week-end. I have laundry to do, the dishwasher needs to be unloaded and the sink is full of dishes for another load, the kid's bathroom is on my deep cleaning to do list, some how toys that I have picked up 3 times today are again all over my family room floor and why is it that everything collects on the dining room table. Ah, you see allergies make me grumpy- sorry to take it out on you. I have some how found the energy to scrap today so all is not lost but please don't stop by my house unexpectedly today- I would be so embarrassed. Any other time you are all welcomed.

I am very excited to be on Edeline Marta Design September guest Creative Team. These are the first two layouts I have done as part of her team. I used Its Your Birthday for both of these layouts. I have talked about my love of great papers and EMD definitely gives me the great papers I crave.

The pictures are of my baby's 6th birthday. He a had a mini cake for breakfast - I love his wild bed head hair. And then in the evening we just had a small family party with a Monster Truck cake.

Update on MLAS- things are taking a little longer than hoped to move over to the new server. It is looking like it may be a couple more days. Even with knowing that I keep checking just in case (oh, I hope I am not causing some of the difficulties). I will be sure to let you know as soon as they are back up and running. Once they are up please stop by and give Linda and Carolyn (the owners) some love. They are both feeling really bad that all of this happened unexpectedly. Its not their fault that we are lovin' all the changes they have made and overloaded the old server.

Still Waiting on MLAS Server Upgrade

2009-09-04T17:25:00.003-05:00

I will be giving away a free mega collab from MLAS. All you need to do to have a chance to win the kit is to tell me on thing you love about MLAS. I planned to give the kit away today but with the MLAS website being down due to things being moved to a new server it is kinda hard for you to check out their site to see what you love about it. So I am delaying the give away until the server is back up. Once the server is back up I will give you one more day to pick one thing you love. Anyone who comments on my blog with what they love about MLAS will be put in a drawing for a free Pure Passion Collab kit. Keep checking, we hope the site will be back up soon.

MLAS Server Down

2009-09-03T18:30:00.004-05:00

Last night I spent a lot time working on my blog. I finally figured out how to change my background -yeah! But now you may have noticed many of my graphics are missing. This is due to the MLAS server going down and that is the home for many of the things I try to keep all of you updated about. As I have told you, they keep getting better. Well lots of people figured that out and MLAS has outgrown their server. Unfortunately, this great growth happened more quickly than anticipated and they were not able to schedule the server upgrade. They are expecting about 48 hours to make all the necessary updates. I am not sure what I going to do for the next 2 days.

Eric makes me so proud

2009-09-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Just a little over 2 months ago my son, Eric had a turning point (actually there has been a few over the last few months). We were getting ready to go out for some shopping and Eric couldn't find anything to wear (everything was too small). He said he wanted a trainer as he had been trying to workout on his own but was having a hard time staying on task. I took him seriously and after a week or so of hunting for the perfect person to work with him, he started with a trainer four times a week. Since starting with the trainer he has cut his hair that he had been growing out for a year (that alone was worth the price of the trainer), he changed his style of dressing (less black and more sports), he has cut his computer gaming time to less than a few hours a day, and amazingly after a week of being heavily recruited by his school's football coaches he has decided to play football. This is amazing because Eric hasn't played sports for 4 years after a hockey injury kept him on the sidelines for over a year.

Yesterday he went for his school physical so he could play football. He found out that he has lost 40 pounds since he started with his trainer. He was so excited and proud of himself. He still has a way to go but he has made some lifestyle changes in both his activity level and eating habits that will benefit him for the rest of his life. He makes me so proud of him! I am a lucky mom.

Another chance to win a free Mega Collab from MLAS

2009-08-31T19:18:00.003-05:00

You are going to fall in love with My Life and Scrap.

And just to prove it to you I am going to give away the first Designer Collab that MLAS created - Pure Passion. All you need to do is to check out the new improved MLAS website and find one thing you love about it. Leave me a comment here telling me what you love. On Friday I will be picking one name from everyone who leaves me a comment about what they love. The winner will get the above Pure Passion Collab for FREE!