Baby Shadow Boxes and Fall is finally here!

So happy for the temps to be coming down the last few days. Trunk-or-Treat at Church a few days ago was a lot of fun -- lots of super heroes, princesses, and even some hippies (who I think saved their own clothes from the 60's to wear!), and wrestler Macho Man himself showed! Great burgers and dogs too.

Tripp is here spending the night with us tonight. He hasn't been here since my birthday over the Summer and it sure is good having a 4 year old running around the house playing with his toy soldiers and Wonder Pets!

Today's date is always a mixed blessing -- it is my precious Mother-in-law's birthday and the anniversary of my dad's death. He's been gone 27 years now. Seems like a long time ago and just a few years ago all at that same time. Dad, you are still so missed and loved by so many.

Joe & I will be working at Clark Garden's Bootanical Event on Halloween -- public is invited for the price of $ or can goods (of which our church will benefit as we are one of the local food banks). I'm going to help at the admission gate and Joe is going to man one of the game booths. Last year, they had over 1400 people go through!

Spent time today making Katie & Jason's baby shadow boxes. I placed their going-home-from-the-hospital outfits, a wooden letter for their first name that includes their birthdate and their hospital photo -- I ADORE how they turned out. Now gotta find the perfect place to hang them!

Jason 4th Grade SB layout

Spent the afternoon working on SB layout for my son's scrapbook -- he's 26 now! I scanned Jason's original 4th Grade 'book' he made in school and used it to make a LO. While the pic quality is horrible (the teacher just made Xerox copies of the original) I used colored pencils to add some punch to the black and white images. School Bus cut using the Cricut Potpourri cart. Used Glossy Accents and Liquid Pearls to add some bling and Tim Holtz Distress Ink Wild Honey to around the edges to add more texture. Each 'page' captures Jason's handwriting and his thoughts about his school year-i love it!

Disney World!

Katie and I shared a wonderful Disney World vacation with our great friends Kyle & Whitney! While the temps were extremely hot, it was so much fun to play all week! So I'm working on my layouts and have decided to divide the layouts according to parks - these first two cover Magic Kingdom and tell how much we enjoyed our trip. I used a 'blooming' photo layout technique in order to get more pics on each page. Love the glitter look courtesy of the Martha Stewart Glitter Markers - so easy to use. Can't wait to get the rest made.

Rudolph (the red nose reindeer that is!)

Finally got Tripp's Rudolph SB pages done! Joe and I took him to see the production back in December at Casa Manana in Fort Worth. We all had such a good time. No picture taking allowed during the performance, but I was able to find 'clip' images from the Rudolph TV show I remember -- all the same characters as the production! Thinking we've got a yearly tradition going now to see the holiday performances at Casa with Tripp (and maybe some more grandchildren someday!). I found a sweet little Santa and sleigh image, colored it with a few Copics and popped it up on dimensionals. Black waxed twine was used to weave through the silver chip board letters (Recollections) to mimic the other reindeer with Rudolph leading the way. Used my Cricut Celebrations cart to cut out the doily mat. Love how this turned out.

PHS Band Reunion

Joe and I had such a good time at my HS Band Reunion. It was held at the Cattleman's Steakhouse in the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas. So good to see old friends - some of whom I haven't seen in over 30 years!

Our Baby Stitches

My entry for challenge Sketch 202 over at Sketch Inspiration -- lots of great ideas over there! Cat's Creations is supplying a huge assortment of goodies to the winner! I recently purchased some Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels Fourteen - and was able to practice and use them on this layout. To emphasize "Stitches", I used a Sharpie marker to make stitch lines on all the letters of his name.

Stitches is our precious Pomeranian - apparently, he was eating some berries from vines in our backyard (we live in a parsonage) that were apparently poisonous (I didn't realize we even had berries - shame on us for not checking when we moved in last April!). Anyway, after lab work, 2 nights in the doggie hospital and lots of antibiotics and fluids, he's back to his perky little self. We're not 100% sure it was the berries that made him sick, but we're not taking any chances - those vines are coming out! We were pretty worried for a while. Inspired me to get a page done for Stitches as he is an important little member of our family. Hope you like!

Congregation Gathering

We are excited to be starting our weekly Sunday night mission meetings. We'll be searching what God would have us do to serve Him in our community. It's gonna be great! Enter, Grow, Serve, Celebrate

I used my George and Basic Shapes cart along with the shadow feature. I really like the shape and look of the George letters. These will be attached to 4 different flip charts where we plan to begin discerning through prayer, our mission as a church for 2011.

Merry Christmas Tripp!

Well, I actually completed Tripp's 2 Christmas pages for this year! I've been working on so many cards and other things lately that my SB layouts had taken a seat on the back burner. 2011 will be much better with lots more layouts to be created! While these two pages sum up our time with Tripp through December, I'm also making a very special one for his book about his Papa Joe & Gigi (me!) taking him to see Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer at Casa Manana in Fort Worth. We all loved it! Happy, happy new year to you all and I look forward to the blessings of creating and seeing what everyone else has made as well!

She's a College Graduate

Congratulations Katie! On Dec 17, Katie graduated from Texas State University. We are so very proud of her! What a great celebration we had at Logan's Roadhouse in New Braunfels- grandparents, uncle, brother, nephew, parents, and great friends. On Friday evening, Joe & I, Mimi, Jason, Tripp & Katie headed down to Gruene to have dinner at the Gristmill - YUMMY and so beautifully decorated for Christmas (if you're ever in that area, you absolutely must have a meal at the Gristmill!). Tripp got to visit with Santa in San Marcos and Katie & Jason bought their dad an early birthday present - a unicycle! He had one growing up and absolutely loved riding it -- it'll take a little practice but I think he'll be enjoying it again soon. Such a wonderful weekend!

Congratulations Katie

Headed down to Katie's this evening. Will be attending her college graduation tomorrow morning from Texas State Univ. So excited for her and proud of her!

Snow is Falling

Snow has begun to fall in our household - YUMMY! It sure would be fun to decorate these with a little grandson! Hopefully, he'll get to come on Sunday and we can have fun decorating snowflakes and gingerbread men!

Let the Baking Begin

The house has smelled wonderful today with cookies baking -- chocolate chip, oatmeal, pecan cookies! Gotta get to the grocery store for more basic supplies. We're having an open house here at the parsonage in a few weeks - I've got peanut butter balls, nut balls, total cookies, and various other sweet breads to start. YUMMY!

Thankful for Blessings

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving - celebrated Thursday at Mom's, shopped Thursday night and Friday, got Christmas lights on house and started decorating inside, on Saturday went to dinner (yummy steak and ribs from the Mesquite Pit) and to the movies (saw Unstoppable - definitely heart pounding), worked on our Kinderstamp-O December tags, took a relaxing walk around the neighborhood and just had a great time hanging out with each other.

Happy Thanksgiving

So very much to be thankful for this year -- Mom was cured of cancer!!! -- Joe, Katie, Jason & I have remained in good health -- Katie will be graduating from college next month -- Jason has a precious son -- and we have a grandson Tripp, whom we adore! Life is GREAT!

Texas Box Company goodies

Yea -- I scored big time at the Texas Box Company in Mineral Wells - 2 large boxes, 4 med boxes, 2 large tins, and 3 large sheets of paper - all for around $3.00!!! Going to use the paper for cards and other crafts! Love it!

A Thanking We Will Go Blog Hop Give-Away Winner!

It's time for my give-away for all those who left such sweet comments about my project for my daughter -- DD even left the very last comment herself (I'll treasure it forever!). Thanks again go all of you for participating in our blog hop. Jess, at Kinderstamp-O always has fun projects lined up so be sure and stayed tuned to her blog as well!

Random.org has selected lucky #70 as the give-away winner – Shelly who said...
"What a wonderful idea for your daughter. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful project!" You'll be receiving a couple of sweet little gift packs great to share with neighbors and co-workers, in a gift basket or as little take home goodies at an open house (yummy hot chocolate and warm, comforting hot tea bags). I’m also including a brand spankin’ new Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Walnut Stain stamp pad – great for giving projects that vintage-y look!

Shelly, I’ll be contacting you by e-mail for your mailing information so I can get your package to you.

Thanks again to all for hopping with us!

Don’t forget, we’ll be showing more projects again Dec 11-12, It’s a Small World Blog Hop, again sponsored by Kinderstamp-O with lots of blog candy to give away!!

Special Thanks

Thank you to all for your sweet, sweet comments on my project for the Thanking We Will Go blog hop! I had so much fun and hope you did too! Remember, tomorrow around noon (CST) random.org will be picking a winner and I will be sending one of you some 'get ready for the Christmas season' goodies! I so appreciate all of you choosing to follow my blog and look forward to visiting all of yours as well!

I'm in another upcoming Blog Hop hosted by Kinderstamp-O called "It's a Small World" , Dec 11-12 - there should be some amazing projects from around the world posted and we hope you can all visit us again!

Blessings to all as we prepare for this Thanksgiving season - wishing you and your family joy & peace!

A Thanking We Will Go Blog Hop !!

So here’s my project for my first blog hop – “A Thanking We Will Go” hosted by Jess over at Kinderstamp-O.

When thinking about all I have to be thankful for, after my Lord, Jesus Christ, family and friends are always at the top of my list. I have a wonderful husband, awesome daughter and son, precious grandson, and an amazing mother! I am truly blessed!

Our family is especially blessed and thankful right now for our daughter Katie (aka Chick 2) who will be graduating from college on Dec 17th. I decided to make a little mosaic tribute board to show her how proud we are of her. She’s all about vintage so these colors are perfect. She has grown into a beautiful young woman with a servant’s heart for others. SURPRISE KATIE!

For the base of my project, I cut off the backing board sheet from a paper pack (great way to recycle) - then used Mod Podge to glue down each paper sheet and picture and then swiped a top coat of MP to give it that finished, almost leather-y look.

This project provided me lots of opportunities to practice Tim Holtz’ distressing techniques (which I love). Inked up my Argyle Cuttlebug folder and embossed various papers to add even more texture. Various ingredients include: chipboard shapes, s.e.i. embellishments, Prima flowers, Versamark stamp pad, clear embossing powder, distress inks, and Tim Holtz’ Tiny Attacher (love it).

This was a fairly easy project to complete – the challenge was picking coordinating papers and getting them cut to good sizes to fit the board. I could easily see picking out Christmas-y papers and making mosaics for family as gifts. Hope you like.

Here’s a sneak peak at my give-away that will put you in the holiday spirit! Just be sure and leave a comment and become a follower. It’s that easy! Make sure to leave info in your comment on how to contact you in case you’re a winner! Random.org will generate a winning number at noon on Monday 11/15 (CST).

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’ve had a great time at the HOP!

In case you missed anyone, below are all the crafty sites to visit:
Jessica - http://www.kinderstampo.com/
Alex - http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/
Cheryl - http://www.cheryl-gibson.blogspot.com/
Debbie - http://www.craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
Iva - http://www.ivarai.com/
Jessica Baker - http://www.thatzuneek.blogspot.com/
Kimberlee - http://www.kimme-thelifeofaprincess.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://www.krazyquilling.com/
Liz - http://www.lizspaperloft.blogspot.com/
Madison - http://www.www.funkycards.blogspot.com/
Martha - http://www.dreamofcrafting.blogspot.com/
Meighen - http://www.scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/
Nicki - http://www.canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com/
Shelley - http://www.heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/
Sigrid - http://www.lovescrapreflect.blogspot.com/
Vickie - http://www.twochicksonalimb.blogspot.com/
Jessica - Kinderstamp-O - http://www.kinderstampo.com/p/thanking-we-will-go-blog-hop_12.html

Tripp's First Halloween

So as I was creating Halloween pages for my own kids (who are way grown by now), I'm remembering the one I created of my grandson Tripp's first Halloween in 2007. He's still the cutest little pumpkin I've ever seen! Used my Cricut to cut the letters. I also used hidden journaling a lot in my layouts so I can get more on the page!!

Circle of Love

Our wedding rings definitely tell a story as neither one of us are wearing our original rings -- they were lost at different times and places (mine were eventually found) -- such heartache at the time! While we each have beautiful rings now, the memories of those precious original rings that we worked so hard to pay for is bittersweet.

I used transparent embellished sheets to 'frame' the pictures and journaling (found at Michaels) and did a little embossing. Pink and maroon were the colors of our wedding.