Back in the saddle---

Happy Thursday everyone!

I am quite certain I have missed this avenue in my life.

As to how I am going to keep things up to date on here, I have no clue, but it is a passion that I always enjoyed! So, here it goes again!

I am certain Fall has most definitely arrived here in Minnesota. Skies are overcast, leaves are falling, and there is a chill in the air. Tonight will mark the first football game that we have had to really bundle up. Dennis and I are enjoying every bit of the boys' football seasons. Sad to see it come to an end, especially knowing that this is it for Josh.

Speaking of it being "it" for Josh. Can someone please tell me where 18 precious years went? When we spoke about it, it always seemed so far off. That "far off" now, only means 10 months until he embarks on his college days. I am still trying to wrap my arms around this reality.

In the meantime, we are going to continue to enjoy each day with the four of us living under one roof! So, I guess what I am trying to say, is to hug your kids every day, and don't let a day pass without telling them you love them! It is something that I wish I could go back and "fix", but I guess I will just have to make up for it going forward!

a scrappin we will go....

This weekend was the first weekend in months that we were able to stay close to home. Neither Josh or I felt on top of the world, so it made staying home a little easier!

We rented a couple of movies-one of which I watched with the boys tonight. The Soloist-different, but good. I want to look into the book that was written about this story. Hard to believe their are 90,000 homeless people in the city of Los Angeles. It breaks my heart. Certainly, when I hit my pillow tonight I will say my thanks for the bed to sleep in, and the roof over my head.

I also spent most of yesterday scrapping....for my Design Team work at scrapbooks.com. The 20th is the big upload day for Design Team members there. Here is some of the layouts that I did for this month.....go on over to the site to check out many other wonderful layouts by fellow designers, like Michelle St. Clair, Heather Keller, and Alicia Geiss!!!

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the bingo style cards by Jenni Bowlin, they are so funky fun! Perfect for use on this layout of Taylor's 13th birthday with friends!

There are four other layouts that I did, but you can check them out when you visit scrapbooks.com! :)

Are you ready for some football?

Fall....the weather has felt like fall here in MN for weeks now. We never really had summer! I love this time of year....cool nights with the windows open, and the fresh air flowing through the house....and sitting on the bleachers on Friday nights taking in some hometown football. This year Josh is on the JV team, and will have to dress for the Varsity games on Friday nights. We are anxious for the season...first home game is next Friday night, which is also Taylor's 13th Birthday! That means not one, but TWO teenagers in the house officially!

Dennis made some changes at work...same company, different position-less stress!~ I too have been busy working about 25 hours a week in house at Creative Memories, and then putting in a little time from home as well! I am in my heaven....seriously.....I couldn't ask for things to be better right now!

Keep your eyes peeled for some SPOOKtacular CM goodies coming soon! There is a Limited Edition Trick or Treat line, that is to die for! I will post some layouts with this line later in the week...

Hope you have all had a super fantastic summer...

Happy Creating.

Super Hero...

Many of you know my nephew's story, but for those of you who don't...he suffers from Uveitis, and is taking chemotherapy in hopes of no more flare ups in his eyes. I did this layout a while ago, but wanted to share it with you. Thank the Good Lord that things are stable right now, and he is doing well.





Using some of my favorite Creative Memories goodies, I put this layout together to honor his strength. I am IN LOVE with the ABC/123 line of alphabet stickers Creative Memories has out right now. They are so versatile, and come in white, brown, and black! You will want to get one of each color-FOR SURE!

Other products used: Bazzill Edges, American Crafts Foam Shapes, Tim Holtz clock hands and Crackle Paint, and Fancy Pants.

LIFE.....

We are all living one right now....but, once in awhile it spins out of control. Like ours has in the past 2 months. I know....blah blah blah. In a NUTSHELL, my gram and I flew to New Mexico for Easter and my Sister's wedding, Josh starting marching band, Taylor is noticing girls, I flew back to New Mexico after my sister's seizure and accident, school has ended for the year, I started working in house at Creative Memories 1-2 days a week, and now Dennis is leaving to AZ on Thursday as his father is not well. So, I will breifly recap with a few photos, and hope that it will not be 2 more months before I post again.

How many pages....

have I scrapped in the last 17 years? Hard to say, because I have given away so many for gifts! We got into this conversation at KMA, which made me think about what the boys are going to do with all of these albums if I keep scrapping until they are adults! (Which I fully intend to do!)

They might have to have a separate room in their future homes just for all the scrapbooks I have for them! Here is where I currently store my albums-the shelf is from Ikea and works perfectly for my Creative Memories Albums.

I mostly give my mini's away for gifts, but the few that I have that are my own-I place into the basket on the shelf.

How many pages have you scrapped, and how do you store your albums? ...just curious!

More Pics from the big birthday bash!...

The Crazy Cousins....of my moms.


Gram with the four grandchildren.



Gram and ALL of her great-grandchildren!




The WHOLE family-a rarity.





My Dad and his high school friend Dave.






My mom with her high school friends....Sharon, Donna, Barb, Greg







My Gram and her dear helper Audrey!








My Gram and Cousin Larry.