Simply put...this is me

Did someone say CHA Sneak Peeks?? :)

2012-01-02T17:01:00.002-05:00

Stay tuned... :)

2011-12-02T11:55:00.001-05:00

...the Got Sketch? Creative team has some holiday fun coming your way beginning Monday, December 5th!! Stay tuned to the Got Sketch? blog for even more inspiration! :) :)

New Prima Layouts :)

2011-11-14T12:06:00.001-05:00

I've got two new layouts to share with you over on the Prima blog today :) - you can check them out here!

And as a teaser to get you over there :), here are a couple sneak peeks of both! :) I hope you will drop by to see the full reveal! :)

New post up on the Prima blog! :)

2011-09-14T10:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Hump Day all! I've got a new post up on the Prima blog :) - you can check it out here!

And as a teaser :), here are a couple sneak peeks of two of the projects I have featured over there today! :)

So what are you waiting for??!! Come on over and check it out - just click here!! :)

After one week of school...

2011-09-12T22:08:00.009-04:00

...we can declare it a *success* (PHEW! :-P) The kids are happy with their teachers, and we are falling back into a routine (which makes this momma VERY happy! LOL)

Biggest highlights? This little man made it through his first week of full-time Kindergarten with flying colors! :)

And Miss Awesome Abby :) :) not only is a Safety this year, but was also made Lieutenant (which means *2nd* in command, as she so made a point of telling me proudly LOL!! :-P) She is *beyond* excited about her position and has already made a point of telling Sophie that she will *not* display any favoritism towards family members while on duty! :-P

Good first week :) - and even Joshie and I are adjusting to being on our own during the day! :)

Back to School!

2011-09-06T09:31:00.007-04:00

Today is the first day of school - this year, we have a 4th grader, a 3rd grader, and a full-time *Kindergartener*...GAH!! :) Still wrapping my head around *that* one...and of course with it, denying the reality that this is Abby's last year of elementary. :-P The one and only time where all three kids will be in the same school at the same time! ;)

And Daddy went in late so that he could accompany Lucas on his first day - awwww. :)

Bittersweet! :)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #126

2011-08-24T12:40:00.001-04:00

Another fabulous sketch from my dear friend Valerie released on today's Got Sketch? blog - with some GORGEOUS examples from my awesomely talented friends :)...you can check out all the eye candy here! :)

And here is my contribution to Sketch #126 - I loved the sweet simplicity of the sketch and kept it as such, using these sweet photos of my getting-too-big (SIGH! :-P) Abigail. :) I also used Studio Calico's August Main Kit (Boardwalk) and the August Add-on Kit Sandcastle - such beautiful colors!

Thanks for looking! :)

Prima Blog - and more about me! :)

2011-08-15T23:30:00.003-04:00

The Prima blog is spending time this month introducing and featuring each of the new Design Team members - and today just happens to be my turn :). I hope you'll head over to today's blog and get to know me a little better! :) :)

I also shared in today's post two additional layouts I created for Prima's CHA Summer booth, and am thrilled to share them here as well! :) Thanks for looking!! :)

As soon as I saw the Romantique collection, I was in LOVE! I knew the happy and sweet colors would complement well these photos of my girlies sharing a sweet moment of their own. :)

Supplies used:

Item# 843427 - Romantique Collection Hilary

Item# 843434 - Romantique Collection Estella

Item# 843410 - Romantique Collection Orchard

Item# 843465 - Romantique Collection Ha’Penny

Item# 553791 - Romantique Collection Mulberry Paper 6"x6"

Item# 551223 - Chipboard Romantique

Item# 551636 - Resistant Canvas Romantique

Item# 550097 - 8”x10” Alphabets Romantique

Item# 551131 - Reflections Romantique

Item# 553302 - Coventry Rose Romantique

Item# 552572 - Jardinere Romantique

Item# 551438 - Say It In Crystals

Item# 550448 - Toggle Quirky

Item# 890797 - Resin Bird Houses

Item# 890704 - Resin Old Church Window

Item# 552664 - Bretton Vines Parchment

Item# 551896 - Elegance Maple

And...although I tend to normally scrap bright colors, I couldn't help but be immediately drawn to the beautiful neutral palette of the Printery collection. I just loved using the creams and blacks of the papers and adorning it with punches of soft color throughout my Sophie page. :)

Supplies Used:

Item# 843540 - Printery Collection Love Ledger

Item# 843496 - Printery Collection Pressman

Item# 843519 - Printery Collection Signature

Item# 551247 - Chipboard Pieces Printery

Item# 550103 - 8”x10” Alphabets Printery

Item# 551100 - Reflections Printery

Item# 553296 - Coventry Rose Printery

Item# 552619 - Jardinere Printery

Item# 552527 - Essentials 11Printery

Item# 553524 - Aglow Black Magic

Item# 552671 - Bretton Vines Chronicle

Bring on the new season of travel soccer!!

2011-08-06T14:41:00.003-04:00

New season, new team, and first two games (and WINS! :)) this morning...Sophie rocked it, and her team is full of little spitfires just like herself - a great group of hard-as-nails girlies...this is gonna be FUN. :)

Thrilled to snag this photo of my tough girl in action! :)

Prima August BAP Sketch

2011-08-05T13:19:00.012-04:00

Over on the Prima blog, you can check out the GORGEOUS reveal for this month's Build-A-Page sketch and see what my talented and amazing fellow Design Team members did with it - such inspiring and beautiful creations! These girls truly blow me away! :) :)

And now to share my take on the sketch ;):

Supplies used:

Pistachio - Madeline Collection - Item# 842451

Madeline - Madeline Collection - Item# 842376

Ste. Marie - Madeline Collection - Item# 842482

Spring Tide - Madeline Collection - Item# 842475

Madeline - Paloma Collection - Item# 548353

Madeline - Love Note Collection - Item# 548797

Madeline - Essentials 10 - Item# 549244

Madeline – Marri Collection - Item# 548537

Madeline - Trinket Collection - Item# 548308

Madeline - Whisper Collection - Item# 548612

Say it in Crystals & Pearls - Item# 544591

Cypress - Cinderella Collection - Item# 549183

Script - Birdsong Collection - Item# 547165

Thanks for looking! :)

Guesting on the Scrapbooks ETC Blog :)

2011-08-04T20:23:00.033-04:00

I always enjoy being asked to contribute a Guest Spot feature for the Scrapbooks ETC blog - thanks again to my talented friend Valerie for letting me play with another fun sketch! :) And for further inspiration, please go check out what the other talented contributors did with this one by clicking here. :)

This layout was created with the sweet July Main Kit Mind the Gap from Studio Calico and its add-on Flat - just love the mix of colors between the two kits! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

And 5 years ago today...

2011-08-03T10:09:00.001-04:00

...I was once again OVER my due date (by 12 days this time :-P) and arriving at the hospital for induction...both excited and nervous about meeting our new baby *BOY*. :) :) YES - a *boy* after having two girls previously...wondering and worrying (as only I can :-P) if I would be a good momma to a boy! Well everyone told me that boys love their mommas, and all I can say is that this has proved to be VERY true over these five years, much to this momma's delight. :)

Happy 5th Birthday to my Lucas who is every bit as wild and crazy as he is kindhearted and compassionate :)...who has an insatiable appetite for learning (as evidenced by his constant questions about every topic under the sun :-P)...who is an electronics and techy geek just like his Daddy :)...who might just be taking over Sophie's previous record of most clothes changes in a day :-P...and the best one of all - who still loves to cuddle and give hugs to his Momma! :)

Since we're under gloomy skies and dealing with spotty rain showers, these pics of the new 5-year-old will have to do for now...until weather (and said 5-year-old :-P) cooperates! :)

...enjoying his new DS this morning (and as I suspected, he easily took down his sisters with his new game on his first attempt! :-P)

...and enjoying the Slip-n-Slide recently :):

Prima CHA Summer 2011 Photos - and another LO to share! :)

2011-07-29T22:54:00.005-04:00

The Prima booth at CHA was absolutely GORGEOUS - and it's still *very* surreal to me that I had **Prima** creations on display during this show :) :)....SO SO incredibly blessed to be a part of this amazing and wonderful team!! :) :)

You can see more lovely photos of Prima's CHA booth here, including photos of the separate Ruby Violet booth (SO colorful and bright and all sorts of purty :)), and YES!!!! that would be another one of my layouts featured about 2/3 of the way down showcasing the BEAUTIFUL Amore heart (YES, you want, you need, you MUST have it!!! :))

And now...onto the layout! This one was created with the lovely Pixie Glen collection and lots of new beautiful embellies :)

Thanks for looking! :)

It's here, it's here! :)

2011-07-28T20:37:00.015-04:00

Lookie what arrived in the mail today! :)

Scrapbook Trends Magazine, August issue, page 50. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Another CHA Prima Layout to share :)

2011-07-22T23:42:00.003-04:00

Today the Prima blog is all about the new chipboard pieces, flocked rub-ons, and alphas - all of which coordinate perfectly with each of the brand new lines. :)

And another of my CHA Prima layouts is also featured on today's blog :) :) - thrilled to share with you this Joshie layout I created using the new North Country collection. Love love LOVE this winter line - the colors are so rich and I am truly in love with each piece of paper in it!! :)

Thanks for looking!! :)

More Prima and CHA - Masks, Resistables, and Crystals

2011-07-21T20:26:00.018-04:00

Aren't these absolutely beautiful? The Resistables are especially gorgeous!!

Visit the blog to see the stunning examples created by our talented Design Team with these products - you won't be able to resist ordering them for yourself!! :)

Ohhhh and can't forget about the new crystals - swoooooooon!! :) :)

...More BEAUTIFUL goodies from Prima (and YES!!!! one of my CHA LO's!) :)

2011-07-20T23:44:00.001-04:00

LOVE LOVE LOVE these Cradle Birdnests - they are SO darling!!!! :)

You can check out more stunning projects featuring the above products on today's blog, but I wanted to OFFICIALLY share here on my blog one of my CHA layouts that is featured there :) :) (and especially since the image shown there is appearing a little distorted - I'm sure anyone in a position to fix it is still busily occupied with CHA, so no biggie :-P...I am *thrilled* to be able to finally share it here!! :))

This layout of my sweet Joshie showcases the beautiful Alla Prima collection, along with one of those GORGEOUS Gemini flowers featured above :) - I was SO thrilled to get this shot of him with my camera phone recently while we were away on vacation :)...a cool Instagram app filter really brings out the colors and adds some cool texture too. :) Doesn't the photo go perfect with these summery colors??!! :)

Thanks for looking!! :)

And this is what 18 months looks like :)...

2011-07-20T22:09:00.001-04:00

Not only did Sophie turn 8 today, but little man also turned 18 months. :) Not sure how and when that happened - and I mean that SERIOUSLY!! :-P These 18 months have really F-L-O-W-N by, but I continue to love and adore him more and more with each day - our family seems SO complete with him in our lives. :)

Happy 18 months my sweet and busy boy Joshua!! :)

And She's 8....

2011-07-20T09:35:00.001-04:00

Life with this child is always interesting. :)

Eight years ago, I walked (ok waddled :-P) into the hospital ready to be admitted for induction at *14* days past my due date because she was perfectly content to "stay put." :-P YET while still happy punching and kicking enthusiastically away inside my belly. :-P At that point, I should have known that she is a child who not only marches to the beat of her OWN drummer but also does things in her OWN way and OWN time. :-P

She is energetic, dramatic, willful, and S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N :-P - yet also compassionate, loving, generous, and affectionate. She is incredibly smart, artistic, confident, and full of passion - yet a pushy bulldog on the soccer field with a "take 'em down" attitude. :-P She is bold and says what is on her mind, yet hypervigilant to the mood and feelings of those around her - if she loves you, she loves you for LIFE. :) She loves all things bling-y and glitzy, never has enough stuffed animals :-P, and is especially crazy-nutso about cows and pigs. :) She would eat french toast and "pink milk" everyday if I let her. :-P She makes each and every day interesting, challenging many a times :-P, her smile and infectious laugh are her saving grace at times :-P, but I can't help but admire (and envy) the enthusiasm with which she greets each day - she is a HAPPY girl. :)

I always say that the things that I love the most about this girl are the things that make me the CRAZIEST :-P...a high-maintenance ball of loving energy :-P - but either way, I love love LOVE this girl. :)

And today she is *8*. :) Happy Happy Birthday my beautiful Sophie Grace!!!

Prima - Halloween and Christmas Sneaks

2011-07-19T10:11:00.006-04:00

Utterly GORGEOUS!!! :)

Prima - and again...MORE Ruby Violet!! :)

2011-07-18T09:07:00.002-04:00

The projects featured on the blog today will take your breath away - WOWZERS!! :)

Prima - More Ruby Violet

2011-07-17T09:01:00.005-04:00

Can't get enough of the new bright and sassy Ruby Violet line??!! :) Check out this video!!

And more Ruby Violet product sneaks and awesome examples can be seen here! :)

Prima - Introducing Ruby Violet

2011-07-16T12:53:00.007-04:00

Isn't it positively YUMMY??!! :)

Ruby Violet will debut at CHA with its very own booth! Find out more here and don't forget to enter the giveaway for new Ruby Violet products as well! :)

Prima Sneak - a brand NEW line!! :)

2011-07-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

Are you in LOOOOOOOVE with these bright colors yet??!! :)

Prima Sneak - Mounted Stamps, Art Tape, and MORE! :)

2011-07-14T12:44:00.015-04:00

Toggles, Ornamental Edging, and Art Tape - OH MY!! :) The Art Tape is especially cool because you can stamp, print, or paint on it and create your own customized tape - how COOL is that??!! :)

Check it all out here!! :)

Prima's Sneak - Tiny Treasures

2011-07-13T10:37:00.001-04:00

I promise you...you will fall in LOOOOOVE with these delightful treasures - metal pieces, art tiles, and buttons. Yes they are small but so rich in detail and feel. GORGEOUS enhancements to any page or project!

Check out the amazing examples from some of our uber-talented Design Team gals here! :)

Prima Sneak - Shabby Chic Treasures and New Tools

2011-07-12T09:31:00.016-04:00

The new Shabby Chic Treasures are so gorgeous, and the new tools ROCK too! :)

You can check them all out here!! :)

More Prima - SWOOOOOOOOOOOON :)

2011-07-11T09:24:00.016-04:00

Flowers, flowers, flowers - the new Prima releases are GORGEOUS!!! Absolutely in LOVE. :)

So what are you waiting for??!! Go check them out here!!! You will NOT be disappointed!! :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 7...Alla Prima

2011-07-08T10:49:00.003-04:00

I just love the sweet summery colors of this new collection! :)

Another full sneak can be seen here, and of course another awesome giveaway!! :)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #123

2011-07-07T09:34:00.001-04:00

Another fun new sketch released today by my talented friend Val, and it's a double! :) And YES! that means *I* did a double too! :-P I know, I know - pick your jaws up from off the floor! :-P

For this layout, I used the Fancy Pants Beach Bum line - absolutely ADORE the fun colors of this collection! And they went perfect with some recent pics I took of Lucas testing out his new slip-and-slide! :)

Check out the sketch here and see what the other girls did with it! :) Thanks for looking! :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 6...North Country

2011-07-07T09:28:00.002-04:00

This wintery/holiday line does not disappoint - another GORGEOUS one! :) Love the rich tones...

Another giveaway and another full peek here on the blog - what are you waiting for??!! :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 5...Londonerry

2011-07-06T08:24:00.004-04:00

Another yummy sneak from Prima - check it out here, along with another giveaway on the Prima blog!! :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 4...Romantique

2011-07-05T10:18:00.012-04:00

I absolutely ADORE this line - simply gorgeous colors. LOVE LOVE LOVE!! :)

Check out the full sneak here! You won't be disappointed..and rumor has it, there might even be a little giveaway on the Prima blog too. :)

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-04T21:15:00.002-04:00

Prima Sneak Peek Day 3...Printery :)

2011-06-30T08:04:00.000-04:00

Isn't it *beautiful*?! :) Swooooooon! :)

You can see the full sneak here! :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 2....Meet Pixie Glen! :)

2011-06-29T07:57:00.006-04:00

Sooooo GORGEOUS!!! :) :)

Check out the full sneak here and prepare to fall in LOVE! :)

Prima's Summer 2011 Release...Day 1 Sneak Peek!

2011-06-28T08:51:00.018-04:00

*Six* new GORGEOUS collections along with beautiful coordinating embellishments! :)

Check out the Day 1 sneak here! :)

Prima Sneaks....coming soon!!! :)

2011-06-27T16:42:00.003-04:00

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #121

2011-06-16T09:21:00.000-04:00

Another new sketch released today by my talented friend Val, and totally in LOVE with what the other amazing girls did with it too - you can check out the sketch here! :)

For this layout, I used the Studio Calico Lawn Paper Moon kit (June Main) as well as the AWESOME add-on Ray Gun - I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors in this one...perfect for boys!! :) And it was also fun to dig back through some older pics of Lucas taken by my talented photographer friend Julie Laakso back when he was an UBER-busy 2-year-old....GAH! look at how white-blonde his hair was back then! :-P

Thanks for looking. :)

O.M.G.!!!

2011-06-10T14:19:00.000-04:00

Do you SEE the blinkie above??

And.This.Is.Really.And.Truly.ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) Check out the official announcement on the Prima blog here. :)

I am still in disbelief.
Feeling nervous and scared.
Filled with excitement. ELATED.
SO beyond grateful and blessed. :)

Being asked to joining the Prima Design Team is a dream come true....and I am so so humbled to share in this with this AMAZING and WONDERFULLY TALENTED group of girls:

Thank you Prima for giving me this amazing opportunity! :)

Sophie's Final Travel Soccer Games

2011-06-06T04:03:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning marked the end of this year's travel soccer games for both girls. While Abby has decided to take a break and try gymnastics next year, Sophie will likely be doing tryouts - over this spring season, my scrappy little 7-yr-old has evolved into a much more confident player, becoming very comfortable with using her body - as well as becoming a mini-force to be reckoned with. :)

Despite the *wicked* heat that morning, I am SO glad I decided to bring my good camera at the last minute - I was so thrilled with the shots I got of both her games. :) Warning: if you're not into soccer pics, please feel free to skip the rest of this entry :-P...there's a lot of them! ;)

Her first game was versing her sister's team. :) Even though Abby's team won, Soph didn't back down one bit! Sister vs Sister Show-Down!! :)

Love the wild hair flying all over the place because she's SO intense! :)

Game 2 - getting hotter by the minute and it was only after 10:00 am by this point! :-P

Thanks for looking! :)

Splash Village Getaway :)

2011-06-01T04:00:00.001-04:00

Last week, we played hooky for a couple days before the Memorial Day weekend (and before the muddy, wet, HOT craziness of the Canton Cup Soccer Tournament...now that's another post! :-P) began - John's boss was kind enough to treat our family to a fun little mini-getaway to Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Indoor Waterpark located in Frankenmuth! :) We've been there before, but had never stayed in the family suite (SWEEEEEET! :)) or eaten at Zehnder's restaurant (soooooo YUMMY! :)) - we had such a GREAT, relaxing time together as a family...soooo did NOT want to come home! :-P

I got to use my underwater camera :), which explains why most of the pics are grainy :-P - but they still make me SMILE! :) Ok so you've been forewarned....caution ahead - picture OVERLOAD. :)

Joshie looks like such a little squirt here! :)

Finally got Abby to go down the BIG water slide this trip :) - then couldn't get her off it for the rest of the time! :-P

My boys. :)

And my girls. :)

He was pretty wary of the random dumping and figured out REAL quick how to stay back once the clanking noise began. :-P

Sophie was SO good about helping her brother investigate. :)

Awwwweeee - melts my heart :)...and I can see more and more resemblance between them! :)

Lucas suddenly seemed SO independent during this trip - he had such a great time! :)

And YES! pics of me and the kidlets finally! :)

Isn't this underwater pic of Sophie SO awesome??!! :) She is SUCH a water-bug! :)

And Abby never did quite get the hang of opening her eyes underwater. :-P

Scrapbooks ETC Blog :)

2011-05-29T06:08:00.001-04:00

I was thrilled to again be asked to contribute a Guest Spot feature for the Scrapbooks ETC blog - a BIG thanks to Valerie for letting me play with another fun sketch! :) And for further inspiration, please go check out what the other talented contributors did with this one by clicking here. :)

This layout was created with all Crate Paper Toy Box goodies - absolutely LOVE this collection and I thought it was perfect for these older photos of my sweet Lucas when he was completely enamored with airplanes! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Love for Crate Paper :) and Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #118

2011-05-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

Before I share with you my latest Designer contribution for the Got Sketch? blog, I have to share a tiny brag :) - do you remember this layout where I went on and on about how in loooooooove I was with the new Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe collection? Well...it was featured on Monday at the Crate Paper Blog as part of their regular CP Reader's Gallery shout-out - WOO-HOO!!! Thank you SO much Crate Paper!! :) :)

And now moving onto this week's latest sketch release - Got Sketch? blog - Sketch #118 - another fun sketch by my wonderful friend Val, and of course you NEED to check out what the other amazing and talented girls did with this one too! :)

For this layout, I used the Studio Calico Lawn Party kit (May Main) as well as its yummy add-on Pink Lemonade - I thought the colors complemented well these sweet and silly pics of my girls taken at the zoo a couple years back...my goodness, they look SO young - GAH! :-P

Thanks for looking. :)

PINCH ME!!!!....American Crafts Guest Designer :) :)

2011-05-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, I received an e-mail from American Crafts asking if I wished to be featured on their blog as a Guest Designer....ummmm SERIOUSLY??!! :) :) Me??!! AND being asked to create projects for one of my *favorite* manufacturers having to do with the theme of *flowers* and *butterflies*??!! Really...can a gal get ANY luckier than this??!! :) :) Soooo...after I picked my jaw up from off the floor :-P, I replied with a VERY enthusiastic YES!!!! :) A few days later, I received a generously filled box of American Crafts goodies from their newer YUMMY lines Hello Sunshine, Peachy Keen, and Confetti....it sure felt like Christmas in April! :)

My projects consisted of 3 layouts, 2 cards, and an altered item...can I just say how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE each of these lines??!! :) :) I had SUCH fun playing, and still have plenty of yummy product leftover. :) I'm sharing peeks below :) - to see the FULL reveal, head over to the American Crafts blog and please leave a comment while you're there too. :) THANK YOU again to American Crafts for giving me this absolutely AWESOME opportunity and for your generosity with product - this seriously was a dream come true for lil' ol' ME! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #8 (Final)

2011-05-09T09:44:00.000-04:00

It's SO hard to believe that we are already at Sketch #8 (and the final!) sketch for Val's Club Got Sketch workshop :) - it's been SO awesome to be included in this (THANK YOU Val :)), along with the other A-MAH-ZING designers :), and I have really enjoyed taking in all of the motivation and inspiration to be found :)...(and remember this was a self-paced class - it's not too late to sign up and download all eight of the fabulous sketches AND view the wonderful gallery for additional eye-candy :)...details for sign-up can always be found here! :)

Sketch #8 was a fun single-page LO consisting of 3 photos and multiple layers - I dug out these past pics of my sweet Sophie from a couple years back (and can I just say AWWWWW! she still has that contagious smile I adore SO - the one that I often call her "saving grace" because it gets her out of trouble!! :)) because I thought they went *perfectly* with this month's Studio Calico Lawn Party kit and its GORGEOUS add-on Pink Lemonade. Such HAPPY colors. :)

And BONUS: playing with this sketch AND using my kits also allowed me to take part in Emily's NSD Typography Challenge over at Studio Calico by mixing up different typography products on my LO. Fun stuff - I dig being pushed outside of my box every so often. ;)

Thanks for looking!

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #116 (Card)

2011-05-05T10:47:00.002-04:00

...or the entry otherwise known as "WOW I guess I *can* do cards too." :-P :-P

My Designer contribution for this week's Got Sketch? blog - Sketch #116 - it was nice to be able to "go outside of my box" :-P and play with this FUN card sketch created by the awesome and talented Val, and of course ALWAYS loving what the other amazing and talented girls do with her sketches...go check out their beautiful creations here! :)

For this card, I (surprise, surprise! :-P) played with more of my scraps from the ever-so-pretty Prima Madeline collection :) along with some miscellaneous Prima goodies and older stash in the way of rub-ons (another GASP! :-P) and chipboard. :) Unfortunately the photos just do not do justice to the chipboard butterfly :( - I sprayed it with Maya Road Iridescent Pearl Mist which gave such a lovely shimmer to the natural chipboard. Anyways...a fun twist to the original sketch using the doily heart as my main background piece, and the end result is a sweet and uplifting card of encouragement. :)

Thanks for looking. :)

Another Prima Layout :)

2011-05-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday a new sketch was released over at Club Got Sketch - Sketch #7 which is a very purty 2-pager. :) Again, while I can't share the actual sketch with all of you :-P, I can share that my interpretation was inspired by the left side of the sketch (with another fun rotation change. :))

Used more of my stash from the gorgeous Prima Madeline collection (one of my most FAVORITE releases from Prima EVER! :)) along with some miscellaneous Prima goodies, and some photos I took of Sophie on her 6th b-day. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #4

2011-04-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

Back with a brand new layout that I created for Club Got Sketch - this one is Sketch #4. :) Again, I can't share the actual sketch (SORRY but you know... :-P you CAN register for this sketch workshop *anytime* since it is self-paced :) AND not only see all the sketches to date, but also check out the gallery chock-full of inspiration, as well as the gorgeous sketches still yet to be unveiled :) - join in the fun by signing up here!), but it is another beautiful multi-photo sketch which I interpreted with a fun rotation change. :) Used some yummy goodness from Prima's Madeline collection and some miscellaneous Prima pretty accents :), along with sweet pics of my Abby-Dabby from a couple years back (back when she was still all about dresses - HAH! :-P)

Thanks for looking! :)

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #2

2011-03-28T09:45:00.000-04:00

Everyone seems to be off to a GREAT start with the debut of Val's Club Got Sketch workshop :) - the other rockin' designers and I are really enjoying being a part of this, and it's not too late for you to join in on all the fun, motivation, and inspiration too...go and sign up here! :) :)

Sketch #2 went live this morning...I can't share the actual sketch but CAN share that it is a fun 2-pager that called for *many* photos (8-9!!) I decided to take on the challenge of incorporating the main elements into a single page LO, and used the new absolutely GORGEOUS Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe collection. I really enjoyed creating this LO - I've scrapped a couple of these pics of my girls before, but just couldn't resist digging back into this series of pics with this FUN and PRETTY line! :)

Thanks for looking! (and p.s. if you don't mind peeking at this blog challenge here and putting in a vote for my Abby LO using Jenni Bowlin product, I would appreciate it! :))

I LOVE this boy :)

2011-03-24T14:02:00.000-04:00

Much to John's chagrin, I'm sure :-P, I still have a few hats in my stash that Joshua has yet to wear... :) and it *has* been a good long while since I posted pics of this sweet boy I love SO much. :) Although SIGH to another round of cold weather forcing us to take pics indoors :( - sooooo ready for spring!!

Have I ever mentioned my fondness for all things sock monkey related?? :) It's a sickness, I swear. :-P Here is my beautiful sweet momma's boy at 14 months :)....

And those cutesy dimples of his are going NOWHERE anytime soon.... :)

Umm, I think it's my turn to play with the camera now... :)

Hey Mommy, can we be done *now*?? :) Yup, I'd say we're all done now, based on that facial expression! :-P

And Club Got Sketch is LIVE! :)

2011-03-21T14:03:00.002-04:00

In my last post, I shared that some of us regular contributors/designers for the Got Sketch? blog were going to be participating in Val's Club Got Sketch? workshop - it went live this morning, and is already off to a rockin' start! :) It's not too late to join...come join in on the FUN and get lots of great inspiration along the way! :)

While the sketches are only accessible to those participating in the workshop (another reason for you to join in! :)), I *can* share with you my interpretation of the first sketch. :) I dug into my stash and used both the Studio Calico main kit Continental and its add-on Magellan - love that the colors feel summer-y without being your typical bright summer palette! And these are pics I took of my Lucas (GAH! he looks like such a *baby*, doesn't he? :-P) a couple summers ago, at a little secluded beach we discovered that has since become our family's favorite pit-stop while driving to my dad's each summer. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

And speaking of sketches...

2011-03-16T15:27:00.005-04:00

...Valerie will be running a new 8-week sketch workshop beginning March 21st - several of us regular contributers/designers to the Got Sketch? blog will be joining in, and we would love to see you there as well! :) Val truly has the BEST sketches, and you will find them so inspiring, as well as the perfect kick-start to get those creative juices a-flowing - all at a comfortable pace that is determined by *you*! :)

You can find all the details about Club Got Sketch here. And as an added bonus, all early registrations will receive an automatic $4.00 savings off the registration fee. So - what are you waiting for?? :) Come PLAY! :)

Guest Spot on the Scrapbooks ETC Blog!

2011-03-16T14:17:00.005-04:00

I was SO honored to be asked by Valerie to contribute a sketch layout for today's Scrapbooks ETC blog - check out the FUN sketch she designed here and also check out what the other talented and amazing girls did with it! :)

Thanks for letting me share! :)

WOOT WOOT!!

2011-03-09T21:34:00.008-05:00

Received happy e-mail tonight from Scrapbook Trends requesting my "7 Months" layout for their August 2011 issue, Baby section. This is the first Joshie layout I created, and now the first one featuring my little man to be pubbed! :) :)

Thanks for letting me share!! :)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #112

2011-03-04T18:00:00.003-05:00

My Designer contribution for this week's Got Sketch? blog - Sketch #112 - another FABULOUS sketch by my awesome and wonderful friend Val, and of course ALWAYS loving what the other amazing and talented girls do with her sketches...and this week is no exception! :)

For this layout, I dug into my stash :) and used the June 2010 kit from Little Red Scrapbook - I thought it went *perfectly* with these adorable pics of my Abby-Dabby taken during the summer of 2008 - doesn't she look SO young??!! GAH!! :-P

Ohh - and as an added bonus, Val has made this week's sketch a downloadable PDF...so go get it NOW! :)

Thanks for looking. :)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #110

2011-02-07T11:47:00.001-05:00

And today another *gorgeous* sketch goes live over on the Got Sketch? blog :) - I am constantly in awe of the amazing sketches created by Valerie, and so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be featured on the blog with the other talented artists! SO much fun!! :)

So this is my Designer contribution for Sketch #110, and I was thrilled to be able to combine two of my *favorite* past Studio Calico kits - Napa Valley and Granny's Cupboard - for this layout of my little man in his early weeks...GAH! so hard to believe that he is already 1 now! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

LOVED this!!

2011-02-07T00:24:00.002-05:00

....waiting to see this commercial was the ONLY reason I had for even having the Super Bowl on! :-P

LOVE Eminem anyways but what an AWESOME way to showcase the city in a positive light! :)

Even dogs enjoy snowdays :)

2011-02-02T14:54:00.001-05:00

Snowday for the kids...and Zoe LOVED having them home too! Lots of laughing and barking while playing outside in all that snow! :)

Simply put...this is me

Did someone say CHA Sneak Peeks?? :)

Stay tuned... :)

New Prima Layouts :)

New post up on the Prima blog! :)

After one week of school...

Back to School!

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #126

Prima Blog - and more about me! :)

Bring on the new season of travel soccer!!

Prima August BAP Sketch

Guesting on the Scrapbooks ETC Blog :)

And *5* years ago today...

Prima CHA Summer 2011 Photos - and another LO to share! :)

It's here, it's here! :)

Another CHA Prima Layout to share :)

More Prima and CHA - Masks, Resistables, and Crystals

...More BEAUTIFUL goodies from Prima (and YES!!!! one of my CHA LO's!) :)

And this is what *18* months looks like :)...

And She's *8*....

Prima - Halloween and Christmas Sneaks

Prima - and again...MORE Ruby Violet!! :)

Prima - More Ruby Violet

Prima - Introducing Ruby Violet

Prima Sneak - a brand NEW line!! :)

Prima Sneak - Mounted Stamps, Art Tape, and MORE! :)

Prima's Sneak - Tiny Treasures

Prima Sneak - Shabby Chic Treasures and New Tools

More Prima - SWOOOOOOOOOOOON :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 7...Alla Prima

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #123

Prima Sneak Peek Day 6...North Country

Prima Sneak Peek Day 5...Londonerry

Prima Sneak Peek Day 4...Romantique

Happy 4th of July!!

Prima Sneak Peek Day 3...Printery :)

Prima Sneak Peek Day 2....Meet Pixie Glen! :)

Prima's Summer 2011 Release...Day 1 Sneak Peek!

Prima Sneaks....coming soon!!! :)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #121

O.M.G.!!!

Sophie's Final Travel Soccer Games

Splash Village Getaway :)

Scrapbooks ETC Blog :)

Love for Crate Paper :) and Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #118

PINCH ME!!!!....American Crafts Guest Designer :) :)

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #8 (Final)

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #116 (Card)

Another Prima Layout :)

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #4

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #2

I LOVE this boy :)

And Club Got Sketch is LIVE! :)

And speaking of sketches...

Guest Spot on the Scrapbooks ETC Blog!

WOOT WOOT!!

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #112

Got Sketch? Blog - Sketch #110

LOVED this!!

Even dogs enjoy snowdays :)

And 5 years ago today...

And this is what 18 months looks like :)...

And She's 8....