Musings and Memories

Some News!

2009-12-09T09:24:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I didn't make one single post in November! It was a busy month with the girls' birthday party, Thanksgiving, and gathering together with our families.

I have some exciting news! I made the Design Team at Scrapbook Sussies! I can't wait to get my first kit to work with! Sussies is a two sided kit, so it's like getting two kits in one. Every kit has a retail value of at least $36.00. December is sold out, but there may be some January kits available.

I was able to attend a weekend retreat with some friends last week at my scrap house (The Hamburg Hideaway). I got some layouts done, but also got to catch up with my friends and just relax! Here are some of the layouts:
These are my friends that all live in our development on my street.

Kinsey is getting so big! She's turning into quite the little girl. I just love this Basic Grey Nook and Pantry paper.

This one is a scraplift from Scrapbook Trends October I think. It uses Scraptacular's November kit of the month. This is the picture I ended up using for our Christmas card. This is also the first time I used a sewing machine to sew on a layout!

This is one of my favorite pictures ever! It also uses the November Scraptacular kit of the month.

WINNER!!!

2009-10-28T20:53:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much to everyone who donated money to the Make a Wish Foundation! We had 60 tickets in the pot and I just pulled the winner.
Congratulations to Jennifer Hausman! You just won a boatload of scrappy products! Enjoy!

Between the raffle and regular donations, we raised more than $400.00.
Thanks again!

Cropping my heart out!

2009-10-17T13:28:00.003-04:00

There are so many inspiring activities going on right now. One in particular is Fall Into Fall at Color Me Daisy. Each day they are posting a challenge and lots of prizes are being given away!

Here are just 2 of the projects I have made so far.

In this one we had to make a flower from a piece of ribbon. I LOVE this technique!

Scraptacular's October Kit!

2009-10-12T12:55:00.002-04:00

The October Kit from Scraptacular is up and ready for sale! Here's a picture of the kit:

Here is a list of the kit contents:
This month’s kit includes:
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Nightfall
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Sunset
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Twilight Postcards
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Dusk
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Eclipse
~(1) sheet Pink Paislee Horizon
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Black Cats and Ghosts
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Skulls & Bones
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Going Batty
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Black Widows
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Mad Doctor
~(1) sheet g.c.d. Studios Weaving
~(1) sheet Bazzill embossed cardstock
~(1) g.c.d. Studios Tattoo Transperancy
~(3) Pink Paislee Twilight Brads
~(1) Pink Paislee Twilight Canvas Tag
~(2) Jenni Bowlin Bingo Cards
~(2) pieces of Maya Road Velvet Scallop
~(3) Bazzill Edges Borders
~(3) Pink Paislee Twilight Punch Outs
~American Crafts Hocus Pocus letters
~(1) sheet American Crafts Hocus Pocus Shapes
~(2) Pink Paislee Twilight Clear Border Stickers

And here are the layouts I made using the kit:

Make a Wish Foundation Scrappy Goodie Basket Raffle!

2009-10-04T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are participating in a Wellness Challenge at our local gym that benefits the Make a Wish Foundation. The contest runs from Sept. 17-Oct. 29th. Our goal is to visit the gym frequently to participate in game card activities where we earn points and raise money to help grant the wish of Alison, of Berks County, PA.

Alison has acute lymphacytic leukemia and her wish is to go to Disney World to meet Snow White and Cinderella.

To help our team raise some money, I've put together a huge basket full of scrapping goodies! I am going to raffle off this basket and will be adding goodies to it if I hit certain goal amounts.

[b]Raffle tickets are:

1 ticket for $5.00

3 tickets for $10.00

8 tickets for $20.00[/b]

I will be putting all tickets into a big bowl, and will pull one winner.

[b]If you would like to help, you can buy raffle tickets by either:

*sending a check payable to the Make a Wish Foundation addressed to:

Taryn Stothart

35 Walnut Drive East

Bernville, PA 19506

*sending a paypal payment to tarynstots1 at yahoo dot com

(In the subject line, please put Make a Wish Donation so I know to enter you in the drawing!)

I will be accepting donations until October 26th. I have to hand in all money on Oct. 29th.[/b]

Now for the good stuff! Here are some pictures of the goodies in the raffle basket:

And some close ups:

If the donation amount reaches $75.00, I will add this:

If the donation amount reaches $150.00, I will add this:

And if the donation amount reaches $250.00, I will add a complete August Scrap Attack Scrapbooking Kit!

I will pay shipping to the winner if the winner is not local to me.

Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word by posting on your blogs or other message boards where allowed! Also, be sure to become a follower of my blog so you know if you win! I'll post the winner here!

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions!

Taryn

Some recent layouts!

2009-09-29T16:47:00.002-04:00

I was able to attend the Scrap Pink event that Scraptacular hosted, and got alot accomplished! A few weeks ago, I also went to a day crop at The Hamburg Hideaway.

This first layout was done using a sketch. I bought the Tim Holtz edge distresser and am IN LOVE with it! It works great! Here's Kinsey with my mom.
Next is one I did for a Guest Design Team call at Back Porch Memories. It uses an exclusive sketch from Becky Fleck. It's Kinsey while we were at the beach this summer.

I did this one for the monthly contest at Transparent Touches and Tags. It also uses a sketch. I hadn't realized my girls were peering out the window when I took this picture, so you can see them on either side of my inlaws!

This last one uses a sketch by Jana Eubank. I just love this paper! It uses a TTT kit. Here's Devon during a photo session while we were at the beach.

Scrapperie's September Kit!

2009-09-27T11:09:00.003-04:00

Scrapperie's September kit is perfect for those fall pictures, or those wonderful men/boys in your life!

Here are the Essentials available for $30.00.
Here are the Extras available for $20.00.

And here are the Trimmings, available for $10.00.

Or you can also get the whole shebang for $57.50.

There are also several add ons available on the site. Be sure to check it out!

www.scrapperie.com

Scraptacular's September Kit!

2009-09-08T09:11:00.004-04:00

Scraptacular's September Kit is available now!

This month’s kit contains:
~(1) sheet Nikki Sivils Smarty Pants
~(2) sheets Nikki Sivils Homework Strips
~(2) sheets Nikki Sivils Teachers Pet
~(1) sheet Jenni Bowlin Ledger Classic Label
~(2) sheets Nikki Sivils Cutie Cut-Ups
~(1) sheet Jenni Bowlin Kindergarten Label
~(2) sheets Nikki Sivils Henry’s Attire
~(4) sheets coordinating Bazzill Cardstock
~American Crafts Rocketeer Thickers in Blue or Black (our choice)
~(4) Nikki Sivils Cord Brads
~(2) pieces of coordinating ribbon
~Jenni Bowlin Reverse Cricle Alphas in Red or Black (our choice)
~Ki Memories Felt Patch
~(3) coordinating buttons
~Ki Memories Epoxy stickers
~Jenni Bowlin Label sticker
~(2) Jenni Bowlin Memo Sheets
~ Jenni Bowlin Mini School BINGO Card
~(2) Nikki Sivils Bread Tags

Be sure to check out the Scraptacular site for pricing.

Here are a few layouts I made using the kit.

Some new layouts and a winner!

2009-08-03T13:39:00.005-04:00

First of all, thanks everyone for stopping by during the WT Blog Hop! The winner of my RAK is Kris! So email me your address or pm it to me at WT and I'll get your goodies out to you!

Next, I've been a creating machine the past couple of months! I participated in a Last Scrapper Standing Contest, and make it to the top 8 or so before I left for vacation. I neglected everything around my house, and everything not related to scrapbooking! I also submitted to my first ever manufacturer design team call--Bo Bunny! I was excited when I saw this call because I love ALL of their lines they come out with. It's definitely one of my must have manufacturers.

Here are a few projects I've done recently.

This first one is a recipe box I made using a kit from Scraptacular.

I also am participating in the LEO Challenge over at WT. I created this layout using some new Bo Bunny Calypso, which I LOVE! This picture is of some new friends we made when we went on our cruise to the Bahamas.
I created this layout for a design team call at Serendipity Scrapbooks. I wasn't chosen, but I still LOVE how this layout turned out!

This layout was done using a sketch by Jana Eubank over at Scrapperie. It's Inspiration du Jour over there right now! I used some new Bo Bunny Popsicle. This paper is PERFECT for me! I love the bright colors. They went perfectly with my beach and pool pictures from this year.

And another one using Bo Bunny Popsicle! I created this for the Serendipity Scrapbooks design team call too.

Willow Traders Blog Hop!

2009-07-25T22:10:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to be a participant in my first ever blog hop! I hope you enjoy what I've created.

I created this cute little birdhouse pencil holder with some fab Bo Bunny! The house itself was on clearance at Michael's, and since the logo of my scrapbook retreat house is a birdhouse, I just had to get it!

Now, for a chance to win a little RAK from me, all you have to do is become a follower of my blog, and post a comment here!

July Kits and a Blog Candy Winner!

2009-07-09T11:58:00.005-04:00

First let me say, I have a winner from my Blog Candy giveaway! I put everyone's name on a slip of paper and Kinsey picked one. The winner is Heather! Please email me your address and I'll get your scrappy goodies out to you! Thanks everyone for participating.

Next up are some scrumptious July Kits!

The first is from Scraptacular. It's filled with goodies from October Afternoon, Jenni Bowlin, and American Crafts. It's up for purchase right now, and details with contents and pricing can be found on the website.

Next up is Scrapperie's GORGEOUS July Kit--English Garden!

Here are the Essentials, available for $30.00:

Here are the Extras, available for $20.00:
And here are the Trimmings, available for $10.00:

Or you can get the whole shebang for $57.50:

Blog Candy!!!

2009-06-29T13:12:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone who stops by and visits my blog! I have put together some goodies to give away to a random reader of my blog. In order to be entered into the drawing, all you have to do is become a follower of my blog and post a comment here, and also post this on your blog! Friday, July 3rd at 9 p.m. I'll draw a winner. So spread the word, because if I have lots of response, maybe I'll give away more than one prize...

I'll get a picture later today and post it with the goodies.

June Kits at Scraptacular!

2009-06-11T13:16:00.003-04:00

Scraptacular has 2 great kits to offer you this month. The first is Crate Paper Alien.

The second is Crate Paper Lillian. Below are a few sample layouts I made with the kit.

For full kit contents and pricing, be sure to visit the website www.itsscraptacular.com.

October Afternoon Giveaway!!!

2009-05-30T21:14:00.003-04:00

Scraptacular, my LSS that I design for, is having an awesome October Afternoon giveaway! All you have to do is go HERE, join the message board, and then go to the contests forum. Add the blinkie to your blog or siggy on another website, and link back to that thread. Beth is always very generous with her giveaways, you don't want to miss out!

An Online Crop!

2009-05-14T16:15:00.002-04:00

Be sure to stop by Scrapperie for a fun online crop! There will be 10 challenges posted today, and 10 challenges posted on Friday. You have until Monday May 18th to get all of your projects uploaded to the gallery. There are prizes to be won! There are also several games posted. Hope to see you there!

Some GORGEOUS New May Kits!

2009-05-08T14:40:00.002-04:00

First up, we have the UNBELIEVABLE Spring Into Summer Kit from Scrapperie! First up are The Trimmings. An embellishment add-on available to you for $10.00. All products coordinate with the rest of the kit!
Next up is The Extras. Available to you for $20.00.

And finally, The Essentials. Available to you for $30.00.

Or, if you want to get the whole shebang pictured above, you can order the Piece de Resistance for $57.50.

It's available now in the store as a preorder, and should be shipping next week! Get yours before they are gone! Sandi does an AWESOME job putting these kits together and they are completely PACKED!!!

Also coming soon is this GORGEOUS kit from 2 Scrappy Chix Designs! It's filled with goodies from Webster's Pages. This kit is totally packed and available to you for $35.00 as a one time purchase, or $30.00 for a 3 month auto ship commitment.

Scrapperie April Kit!

2009-04-06T13:18:00.004-04:00

Here are some layouts I've created using the April Winging It Kit from Scrapperie:

This jam packed kit will be shipping from Scrapperie, starting tomorrow! Be sure to get yours before they are completely sold out!

These are the Essentials:

The Extras:
The Trimmings:

2 Scrappy Chix Designs March Kit

2009-03-13T13:18:00.002-04:00

Here it is, the gorgeous March 2 Scrappy Chix Kit! The kit is $30.00 for a 3 month autoship, and starts shipping on Monday, March 16th!

A Winner, and Some Layouts!

2009-02-23T13:18:00.004-05:00

First, Jo-ann is the winner of my giveaway! Please email me your address and I'll get your RAK out to you.

Next, here is a layout I created using the February TTT kit. It was created for the weekly sketch challenge at 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.

I've been participating in the Fantastic February Contest at Scrapperie! This layout was created for the Art Inspiration challenge.

Another layout created for Fantastic February. This was for the LOVE challenge.

And this was created for the sketch challenge at Addicted Scrappers!

Jo-ann is the winner from my blog contest! Email me your address so I can get your RAK out to you!

An Online Crop, Fantastic February, and a Giveaway!

2009-02-13T15:08:00.002-05:00

Lots going on this month!

Starting this evening, come to 2 Scrappy Chix Designs for an online crop! There will be prizes, challenges, and games! Come by and join the message board. The crop will run until Sunday night and you have until Tuesday to get your projects uploaded to the gallery.

Also, for the entire month of February, Scrapperie is having Fantastic February! There are tons of challenges, games, and other fun happening right now! Come join the message board and join us! There also will be a huge sale this weekend on almost everything in the store! Come take advantage of some super specials!

Now, for the giveaway, please leave a comment in this post telling me some fun Valentine traditions you have in your house. I'm excited that Valentine's Day is on a Saturday this year, so our whole family can celebrate together. I would love to hear your ideas especially involving kids. One random person will win a fabulous RAK from me! You have until Sunday 11 p.m. EST to make your post.

Good luck!
Taryn

Fantastic February at Scrapperie!

2009-02-02T15:16:00.002-05:00

Come by and join us at Scrapperie for Fantastic February!

Here's some info from the message board:

The Fantastic February contest is based around a theme, "Love is in the Air." Since it is February and February is the month to celebrate Valentine's Day- I thought this might be something fun to do. I'm not one for doing lots of Valentine's day or lovey layouts myself so I thought it would be fun to not only challenge everyone else but myself as well! So, a lot of the challenges, the games, the classes and everything else you'll find going on in the Fantastic February forum will be based around this theme. Participation in the contest is completely up to you. Play along as little or as much as you want. The more you play along, the more chance you will have to earn entries into what I like to call the Fantastic February Prize Pool Drawing (from here on out, I'll just call it the FFPPD). The prize pool will consist of gift certificates to the boutique, tons of mini kits, mini-albums, acrylic albums, stamps sets (with inks) cardstock packs, cards kits, Essentials, Extras and Trimmings monthly kits- and someone can even win a Pièce de Résistance kit!

"How do I earn entries?" you might be asking yourself. Well, that's easy! We'll have challenges, games, classes and other fun surprises to keep you amused all month long! Just simply follow the instructions that are listed in each individual thread.

How challenges will work:
Colleen will continue to issue her weekly challenges, as she normally does, each Monday. You will need to follow the rules that she sets in her challenges in order to earn your entry. All challenges that she issues during the time of the contest are eligible. Each challenge will have a due date. All challenges uploaded to the Gallerie and linked into the challenge thread by the due date will be eligible. At the end of the month, if you've completed all of her challenges, you should have completed 16 total challenges. But guess what? If you complete all 16 challenges, I'll double your entries into the FFPPD. Each week, I will issue some sort of a scrappy challenge. Each challenge will have a due date. All challenges uploaded to the Gallerie and linked into the challenge thread by the due date will be eligible to earn an entry into the FFPPD! I may also issue some MUCH easier and silly challenges along the way too- just for some easy entries.

How games will work:
Each week (or more often) either me or Colleen or Michele may issue a game. Simply complete the game according to the directions of the game thread. Entry number for games will vary. It could be anything from 1-5!

How classes will work:
We will be offering some fun and informative classes throughout the month of February. Participation can earn you anywhere from 1-5 entries into the FFPPD! How What is it? will work: Each day, Michele will post a picture of something in a thread in the What is it? forum. All you'll have to do is guess what you think the picture is of and send her a PM with your guess. You MAY NOT post your answers in the day's question thread. Why give away your answers, right? Each correct guess will earn you an entry into the FFPPD.

3 TooTs!

2009-02-01T13:08:00.002-05:00

First, I am so excited to have been chosen as a Tres Chic Girl for Scrapperie! I am very excited to work with the other Design Team members and Sandi! Her kits are AWESOME!

Next, I also will be designing for a LSS, Scraptacular! I can't wait to work with Beth, and the goodies from her store, as well as Jackie and Tiffany!

And finally, I am the featured scrap artist on this sketch blog: www.sassygirlscraps.blogspot.com
I had a blast working with Pam's sketches!

2 Scrappy Chix February Kit!

2009-01-31T14:59:00.004-05:00

Don't forget to stop by www.2scrappychixdesigns.com to get the Sweetheart Mega Kit!
Here's a picture of the kit and some layouts made with it.

Some Winter Layouts

2009-01-26T09:23:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of layouts I got finished on Friday at a crop at Scraptacular scrapbook store. I love this Fancy Pants paper!

Some Recent Layouts!

2009-01-22T21:54:00.006-05:00

So I've gotten some layouts done recently. This one is of our first real snow fall this year. My oldest daughter LOVES it!

This next one was done using a sketch. I just LOVE this Fancy Pants paper! It gave me a nice break from doing pink or purple...LOL.

This last one is from Christmas morning this year. All she wanted was a big car that she could drive! Luckily Santa pulled through! These are goodies I received from my Secret Sister through Berks County Scrappers. I love this KI lace cardstock!

2 Scrappy Chix!

2009-01-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to be a part of the design team for 2 Scrappy Chix! I found out on New Year's Day, and what a great way to start the year!!!

The February kit is pictured below, and features Bo Bunny Flirty. The kit will cost $30.00 and is ready to chip on February 1st! Be sure to stop by and check it out!

We also will be holding a crop over Valentine's weekend, so be sure to come by and Crop Your Heart Out!!! There will be lots of challenges and prizes!!!

A New Year!

2009-01-02T21:30:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone!
It's been awhile since I've posted, but one of my resolutions this year is to blog at least once a week.

Christmas has come and gone in quite a whirlwind here. And now the stomach bug has hit our family...ACK!

I was in my scrap room today purging some supplies, and clearing off my table. I am ready to use my new ATG that I got for xmas!

I also am working on a resolutions layout, so stay tuned for that.

Poof! Where'd my post go? And a contest...

2008-12-15T13:04:00.003-05:00

Well, I thought I updated last week, but my post isn't here! So let's see...

I've had 2 sick little girls over the past couple of weeks. Both ended up with ear infections. We just had Kinsey's first birthday party this weekend. I'll get pictures up sometime!

I've really just been busy with the retreat house, and the girls. I made a new website for the retreat house which you can check out here---------------> The Hamburg Hideaway

Make sure you book mark the new site and sign up for the newsletter!

And now, I'm having a little contest. I ran one of these when I opened my retreat house and it was a great success! I just have to add more because the wall is huge!

Here are the details:
*Create a 12 x 12 layout with inspiration as the theme (the winning layouts will be chosen to hang at my retreat house in the crop room) (create, dream, inspire, wish, etc.)
*Your layouts can have photos if you want, but they don't have too.
*You must be willing to mail me your layout to hang up!
*Winners will receive a scrapbooking kit, or some scrappy supplies with a retail value of $18.00!
*Contest ends Jan. 31st!
*Email your entries to me at thehamburghideaway@yahoo.com with Layout Contest in the subject line.

Scrapbook Sussies November Layouts!

2008-11-12T22:50:00.003-05:00

This kit was AWESOME! I got right to work as soon as I received the kit. This first layout is from the Sussies sketch. Be sure to check out the site for more designs with the kit. There is some great inspiration there!

Addicted Scrappers Family Tree Projects!

2008-11-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

Here are some projects I created with the Addicted Scrappers November Family Tree kit.

Addicted Scrappers November Sneak Peeks!

2008-10-22T13:46:00.003-04:00

Here are the GORGEOUS sneak peeks for Addicted Scrappers November kits! I am so honored, and lucky to be a guest designer for them. I will be creating with the Family Tree kit, but also purchased the Mia kit cause it's so darn cute! I can never have enough purple, and it's a rare color in kits.

Some sneak peeks from Scrapbook Sussies!

2008-10-15T15:47:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be guest designing for Scrapbook Sussies for the month of November!
Here are some sneak peeks that Lara just put up today:

And here is the add on to go with the kit:

November Add-On Includes:

One Sheet Rusty Pickle Pop Star Flower Sheet

One Package Midwest Designs Butterflies

One Yard Cosmo Cricket Velvet Ribbon

One Package Glitz Bling - Flowers PARTIAL (may vary from picture) package

Fancy Pants Daily Grind Chipboard

One Package K&Co Glitter Word Stickers

Some info about the club straight from the website:

Scrapbook Sussies is now an auto-ship / no-commitment club!
This means that, once you sign up, your kits will be automatically shipped to you each month until you tell us to stop sending them. You can skip whatever months you would like to skip. There will be deadlines - you will have to tell me by the end of the previous month if you want to skip, but you'll have control over which kits you get!
The add-ons will work the same way. You will be able to sign up for them as autoship as well. There will most likely be leftovers for you to purchase separately, too, but if you want them to come every month automatically, you got it! (And it will be at a set price no matter how much the add-on - obviously cheaper than the add-on purchased separately...)

A few little toots!

2008-10-01T21:46:00.002-04:00

I have a few exciting things coming up!

First, I have been chosen as a guest designer for the month of November for a kit club. (I haven't seen it posted anywhere, so I dont' know if I can say yet who it is!) Let me say though, that I am very excited about this, as I've had my eye on this club! I also have met the owner in person and she's a hoot!

Next, I have been chosen as a guest designer for the month of November for another kit club! ADDICTED SCRAPPERS!!! I am so psyched about this! I am a subber at this club and just love the kits Susannah puts together. I can't wait to see what goodies I will be getting to work with!

And finally, I am finally a friend of Pagemaps! I have an 8 x 8 layout in her minimaps section for the month of October. Of course I don't have the layout on this computer, but will post it later. It's of my darling little Kinsey! I just love Becky's sketches, and it's usually the first place I go when I need some inspiration.

Inspiration Crop Layouts

2008-10-01T21:21:00.002-04:00

I know these are WAY overdue, and I don't really have a good excuse! These layouts were all completed during Scrapdango's Inspiration Crop.

They are all scraplifts or completed from sketches provided from the design team there. I used a lot of stash!

This first one was completed using a Transparent Touches and Tags kit. I just love this Prima paper!
This next one was also done using a Transparent Touches and Tags kit!
This bright and fun one was completed using an Addicted Scrappers kit. It was the perfect colors for these pictures!

Another bright and fun one done using another Addicted Scrappers kit!

Love that I was able to finally scrap this HUGE photo I had of my girl!

Another one completed using a Transparent Touches and Tags kit! (I love Monica's kits, as you can see, I have no problem actually USING them!)

I used a Scrapdango kit for this layout. Love these colors!

A Blog Party and an Inspiration Crop!

2008-08-29T09:50:00.002-04:00

If you need some motivation, or some inspiration, I have two great opportunities for you!
The first is an Inspiration Crop at Scrapdango. You still have until Sunday to participate in the challenges. There are some awesome prizes up for grabs! There are scraplifting, sketch, and ad challenges posted! Check them out!

Next is a BLOG PARTY! One of my favorite kit clubs, Transparent Touches and Tags, just started a blog, and to help kick it off they are having challenges, games and best of all...PRIZES! Here are the details:

TTT's Blog Party
Wednesday, August 27th - Wednesday, September 3rd

TTT is excited that we have joined the blogging world! We decided to have a BLOG PARTY to celebrate and have a week of scrapping fun with challenges, games and of course...PRIZES!!!

There will be several opportunities to win prizes throughout the week. Here's a quick look at what we will have during this party:

Drawings
1) signing in! Go to the Sign in Post for the party and tell us who you are, where you're from...and what you're bringing to the party! (you will get entered into drawing #1...you only need to sign in once, even if you're here more than one day)

2) adding TTT's blog! We will be having a drawing for those of you who add TTT's website and/or blog to your blog!! Don't have a blog, or want more opportunities to get in the drawing? Add it to your signature somewhere else besides the TTT message board. (you will get one entry per link that you add to your blog or siggy)

3) posting a comment on the blog! As you check out what we have so far on our blog, please feel free to leave a comment. There will be a drawing with names of those who leave comments....if you've already left a comment, your name will go in the hat! (you can earn mulitple chances in the drawing by posting comments on more than one post)

4) subscribing to the blog via email! There is a sign up area on the right hand side of the blog where you can put your email and then you'll be notified whenever there is a new post added to our blog. This is a great way to stay informed and inspired with what TTT posts each week. (you will be added to drawing #4 by signing up)

GAMES

**Picture Pieces Game: hosted by Nathalie...check back on Saturday for this game!

**TTT Blog Scavenger Hunt/Questions Game: hosted by Jen....check back on Thursday for this game!

~~~each game will have a TTT prize pack for the winner!~~~

SCRAPPY CHALLENGES
Check back throughout the first day of the party for the challenges to be posted! There will be a couple different layout challenges and also a fun card challenge! Each challenge will have a TTT prize pack for the winner.

**WE ALSO HAVE A THREAD ON THE MESSAGE BOARD WHERE YOU CAN CHIT CHAT ABOUT THE PARTY AND POST YOUR PROJECTS TO LINK BACK HERE FOR THE CHALLENGE POSTS. JUST GO TO: http://www.transparenttouches.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=30

They also are having some specials if you sign up for a subscription...

OFFER #1

*New* customers who sign up during the Blog Party for a 6 month TTT Kit Subscription will receive a FREE GOODIE BAG with fun scrapping things from past kits! (value $10-15) You can specify if you'd like things for girls, boys or both.

*customers must be new to TTT and have never had a subscription with TTT before
*this offer cannot be combined with offer #2
*offer good until Wednesday, Sept. 3rd at midnight PST

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFER #2
If you are a current TTT Kit Member with a subscription and you refer a friend to TTT and they sign up during the Blog Party, YOU WILL BOTH receive a FREE GOODIE BAG with fun scrapping things from past kits! (value $10-15) You can specify if you'd like things for girls, boys or both.

*the person you refer must be new to TTT and have never had a subscription with TTT before
*offer good until Wednesday, Sept. 3rd at midnight PST
*there is no limit on how many friends you can refer--the more you refer, the more you'll get!

So if you sign up, tell her Taryn sent ya!

OMG! It's been a month!

2008-08-20T14:35:00.004-04:00

Yikes! I can't believe I haven't updated in a month. It seems like it's been a whirlwind since we came home from the beach with getting the retreat house ready.

First, let me tell you a little bit about the kids...Devon is getting ready to start preschool and we are both excited. I got her a little backpack and we've gotten some new clothes for school. She's a busy little lady during the day playing, playing, playing, and waiting for daddy to come home. Kinsey is 8 months old already! She is a little bugger. She's crawling everywhere and pulls herself up on anything she can. She loves to have things in her hands at all times...even when she's crawling. No teeth yet, but I think they are on the way. At least, I hope that is what explains some of her crabby moods. Devon is learning to be a good big sister and share her toys, which is proving to be pretty difficult at the moment.

Next up, what have I been doing creatively? Well, I've been participating in a contest at Transparent Touches and Tags. My scrappy friend in real life Jen is hosting it. I subscribe to TTT, so this is a great contest for me! We just have to make layouts using the kit. These are some of my very favorite kits, so it's easy for me to create with them. Monica has such great taste in products. Here are some layouts I've done for the contest. It's based on Page Maps sketches.

This first one is of Devon. We are finally finished potty training! It actually went very well. I had to strategically place a flower on her bare butt so the whole world wouldn't see it...LOL.

Next is Kinsey and her 5 month photos. We do this every month for the girls, or at least during the first year. It's fun to look back on. Of course Devon has to get in on the action!

And finally, here's one of Kinsey at the beach. Erik dressed her and brought her over. She looked so cute bundled up in her cover up! Can you tell I was paranoid about her getting sunburn?

In other news, the retreat house is going AWESOME! I can't believe it's really finished! I'll post pics later of my friends who stayed a few weekends ago.

Catching Up!

2008-07-20T08:45:00.003-04:00

What a whirlwind two weeks it's been here. We have been getting the retreat house ready for our first guests, while at the same time trying to get ready for our week at the beach.

The Friday before we were supposed to leave for the beach, Devon got very sick. She became very lethargic in the evening and actually fell asleep on the couch...which she has NEVER done! Then later I took her temperature and it was 103.6. Yikes! Because she had also been complaining about her belly and wouldn't go to the bathroom, we decided to call the doctor. To make a long story short, on Saturday morning we had to take her in to get checked. Tested negative for a bladder infection, etc. So we left for the beach. Here she is in the car.

Her fever continued, so we took her to an emergency car center while at the beach and they took a blood test that said she had a bacterial virus. So they gave us antibiotics. Her fever finally broke on Thursday!

Here are some pics from our vacation. This is my daughter climbing up the sand wall. Our house is the one in the middle here. It's sitting back a little bit. It's called the Regency and we stay here every year. 10 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, pool, etc. We love it because it houses all who go.

Here's my baby after daddy got her dressed for the beach!

Here she is in the pool. It's so nice to have a pool to go back to in the hot afternoon.

This is the whole crew posing on the boat in our backyard!

All in all it was a great week!

Layout Contest Winners!

2008-06-23T10:53:00.002-04:00

I finally got to sit down and look at all of the GORGEOUS layouts that were submitted for my contest! These layouts will be featured in my retreat house, The Hamburg Hideaway. Congrats to the winners! Please email me your address so I can send out your prize--A Coordinates Collections May Kit--Celebration as seen here:

Without further ado...here they are!

This one is by Emily aka Eddie-n-Harley. I love the colors, the quote and the big flourish! Great job!

This one is by Lynda aka arlsmom. I love the quote, the paper and the cute photo! Nice job!
This one is by Heather. I love the design of this and the super large title! Wonderful!

This one is by Tanya. I love all of the different papers! Very pretty!

Here is one by Amber aka amberhelga. I love the design, the colors, and the photos! Fantastic!

Here is one by Heidi. I LOVE this photo! Great job!

This one is by Lan. What cute photos! I love the way she did the title, and this is some of my favorite paper! Super job!

Congrats again! And watch for other contests in the future! I'll be in touch ladies!

Addicted Scrappers Design Team Call

2008-06-12T16:11:00.002-04:00

So I decided to try for the Design Team at Addicted Scrappers. I sub to this kit and totally love Susannah's taste in products! In total we've had two challenges that were mandatory and then 3 quick fire challenges that were optional. There are a lot of talented ladies trying for this, and we won't find out until sometime next week. But I definitely have no expectations!

For the first challenge, we had to create something using a monotone color--brown in this instance. Yikes! Everything I do is either pink or purple! So I dug through my supplies and here is what I came up with:
We were allowed to use 2 small flowers of a different color, so I chose to do that. I had to sneak some pink in there!

For challenge #2 we were given a single page sketch. We were supposed to turn it into a 2 page layout. We also were supposed to use a black background or a large piece of black paper. Here's how mine turned out:
For the first quick fire challenge, we were to use a pagemaps sketch to create a 6 x 12 layout. Here is what I came up with:

Quick fire challenge #2--still working on this one.

Quick fire challenge #3 was to create a set of 4 cards. Each card was to have 2 flowers and 3 brads each. Here they are!

Scrapdango Guest Design Projects!

2008-06-03T15:53:00.002-04:00

I was honored to be chosen as a guest design team member for Scrapdango! I got to use the awesome Sugar kit which features We R Memory Keepers Frenzy! Here's the kit:

Here are the layouts and altered wall hanging I made using the kit:

Here is the Spice kit:

Layout Contest Extended!

2008-05-30T16:05:00.002-04:00

I am extending this contest since construction is still going on! I've gotten some great submissions already, and just ordered the kits I will be giving away as a prize. They are from Coordinates Collections...the May Celebration Kit!

Here are the details again:

Layout Contest!!!
First of all, I finally got the blog finished for the scrapbook retreat house! Woo hoo! Here's the link: The Hamburg Hideaway Scrapbook Retreat House

Please stop by to visit!

I am also holding a layout contest. I bought several (like all they had left in stock) of those 12 x 12 scrapbook frames. I am going to be decorating the retreat house with these frames and need some AWESOME layouts! SO, that's where you all come in...
1. Layouts must be 12 x 12 in size.
2. Submit as many layouts as you would like, by emailing them to me at tarynstots1@yahoo.com.
3. Choose one of these words and base your layout on it:
*Inspire
*Create
*Believe
*Dream
*Live
*Love
*OR any other inspirational word you come up with!
4. There can be photos on these pages, but there doesn't have to be.
5. Please make sure your name appears somewhere on the front of the layout, along with a blog address if you choose for others to check you out.
6. I will choose the winning layouts, at least 12, and those people will receive a NICE scrappy RAK from me (a kit!). The winning layouts must be mailed to me to hang in the retreat house!!! So make sure you are willing to part with it! These will serve as inspiration for those attending the house, and expose them to your work.
7. The due date for layouts to be emailed to me will be June14th. Winners will be posted here on my blog by June 21st. I will contact you also! Thanks and good luck!

Giveaway Winner Announced!

2008-05-30T16:03:00.001-04:00

Congrats to NoraAnne! You are the winner for linking my retreat house blog! Please email your addy to tarynstots1@yahoo.com.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Teresa Collins Mini Album

2008-05-27T15:55:00.002-04:00

This is the mini album I created for a Teresa Collins contest at Coordinates Collections. I love how it turned out! It's my first real mini album.

Another layout, and a little blog giveaway!

2008-05-15T16:19:00.002-04:00

Here's a layout I did last week for a contest I'm partipicating in at Addicted Scrappers. The challenge was to use 3 different pieces of patterned paper from 3 different manufacturers. You also couldn't duplicate any other manufacturers with the embellies. This is Kinsey with her crazy hair!

It's time for another blog giveaway! For this one, I have some brand new Noteworthy journaling sheets to give away. All you have to do is add a link to my scrapbook retreat house on your own blog. Post here once you have done so, and I'll pull a winner on Sunday, May 22nd.

Another week gone by...

2008-05-05T17:51:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how fast time flies! I haven't blogged in two weeks, so there is LOTS to catch up on!

I've been very busy planning a Disney trip for Erik and I. It's our 5 year anniversary, so back when we got married in Jamaica, we said every 5 years we would go to a different island. However, after looking at pricing, and with building the retreat house, I've convinced him to do Disney! It will kind of be our last time without taking the girls along, so we can do what we want! I've already booked all of our meals and resort, and we got our plane tickets with miles.

I also ordered a Dell laptop, and it came today! I can't wait to go play. Did I mention that it's PINK?!

Here are some scrappy projects I've done over the past few weeks.

This first one is a layout I did for a challenge. It's using a sketch of Lucy Chesna's.

Here's one of my cousin's daughter Kaylee. I just love this Making Memories paper!

This one was done using a Pagemaps sketch. The photos are from Easter at Heidelberg Country Club which my sister in law Wendy invites us to every year. Devon had a blast this year!

I LOVE this paper! It's from 12 Fridays.

Here's another one from a sketch...it's escaping me now whose sketch it is, but I love how it turned out! This was also for a challenge on a message board.

This Week's Happenings

2008-04-16T15:50:00.004-04:00

This layout was done for a sketch challenge at Scrapbookdeals4u.com. I really like how the flowers turned out. This is Devon in her Easter dress.

This layout was done for a challenge. I used a Transparent Touches and Tags kit.

I love how this turned out! It's my oldest dd Devon and I used a Transparent Touches and Tags kit.

This layout was done for a sketch challenge at Addicted Scrappers. I LOVE this MM paper!

Here is a layout I did for the Scrapdango guest design team call. I am happy to announce I will be guest designing with them for the month of May! This is Devon and her cousin Kaylee. They are only 5 months apart, so they have lots of fun when they are together.

Here's a layout I did using my first Addicted Scrappers kit! I just couldn't resist this Pink Paislee paper.

This weekend I will be getting some scrapping done! Scrapdango is having a spring crop with lots of games, challenges and prizes! On Sunday I am going to a crop with my friends Jen and Kim. I haven't done this in awhile, so it should be fun!

Layout Contest!!!

2008-04-07T14:51:00.004-04:00

First of all, I finally got the blog finished for the scrapbook retreat house! Woo hoo! Here's the link:
The Hamburg Hideaway Scrapbook Retreat House

Please stop by to visit!

I am also holding a layout contest. I bought several (like all they had left in stock) of those 12 x 12 scrapbook frames. I am going to be decorating the retreat house with these frames and need some AWESOME layouts! SO, that's where you all come in...

1. Layouts must be 12 x 12 in size.

2. Submit as many layouts as you would like, by emailing them to me at tarynstots1@yahoo.com.

3. Choose one of these words and base your layout on it:
*Inspire
*Create
*Believe
*Dream
*Live
*Love
*OR any other inspirational word you come up with!

4. There can be photos on these pages, but there doesn't have to be.

5. Please make sure your name appears somewhere on the front of the layout, along with a blog address if you choose for others to check you out.

6. I will choose the winning layouts, at least 12, and those people will receive a NICE scrappy RAK from me (a kit!). The winning layouts must be mailed to me to hang in the retreat house!!! So make sure you are willing to part with it! These will serve as inspiration for those attending the house, and expose them to your work.

7. The due date for layouts to be emailed to me will be May 30th. Winners will be posted here on my blog by June 7th. I will contact you also!

Thanks and good luck!

I've been tagged for the first time!

2008-04-04T21:06:00.002-04:00

I've been tagged by Stacey and now I have to list 7 random facts about myself.

Here's how it works:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 7 Random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog. Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Ok, well here are 7 random facts about me:

1. I am a reality tv junkie! Big Brother, Survivor, America's Next Top Model, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, you get the idea...
2. I love to get pedicures.
3. I love the smell of coffee but can't stand the taste of it.
4. I am addicted to diet pepsi.
5. I was in the halftime show of a Penn State bowl game.
6. I scrapbook during nap time instead of cleaning my house.
7. I am working on opening a scrapbook retreat house!

Here are the people I am tagging:
Jen, Amber, Lisa, Lynda, Annette, Candace, Terri

Coordinates Collections Guest Design Team Projects

2008-04-02T11:14:00.002-04:00

Here are two of the projects I did as a guest designer. I can't post the other because it's a gift someone might see.

Paper Popsicles Guest Design Team Projects

2008-03-31T15:43:00.010-04:00

I was chosen to be Paper Popsicles Guest Design Team member for the month of April. Melissa sent me a box packed with goodies from her online store, and below are the projects I created with them.

Some more layouts

2008-03-20T10:25:00.006-04:00

I've still been participating in the fun at Willowtraders. This layout was done for Work In Progress when they hosted. I actually won the prize for this layout challenge. Can't wait to get it! It's a wonderful project kit!

I made this during an online crop at the Scrapping Spot.

This layout was done using a sketch by Susan Costanza for the Scrap Room. I LOVE this MM Noteworthy stuff! It's just gorgeous and not pink! Which is almost everything I own! This is our beautiful little Devon. Where oh where did the time go?!

Here are some more layouts using the Scrap Room March page kits. They were also done for challenges at Willowtraders.

This was from a sketch by Alicia Barry.

I have some more to add, but will be back later for that!

I'm getting excited about next month! I am submitting for a few more guest design team spots and am working on layouts for that right now!

Challenge Layouts

2008-03-10T14:55:00.009-04:00

First, here are some recent pictures of my two girls. Here's Kinsey almost smiling, and Devon. Look how beautiful Devon looks! She is such a little girl now, I can't believe it. No more baby!

Now, onto the challenges! I can' finally post the layouts I did for the Crowned Contest at Scrapdango. They are the 1 Month, True Love Story, and two more that I couldn't find on my computer! I'll have to check around but I'm in a rush right now.

This layout, My Suitcase, was the layout I submitted for the Guest Design Team contest at Coordinates Collections. Be sure to check back in April when I get to be the guest designer!

Another challenge layout. This one was done for the Use Your Stash in a Flash Contest at Transparent Touches and Tags. The photo is an oldie, but goodie from 1996. That is my niece Haleigh with me.
And finally for today is the layout I did for Kim's Colorstory Challenge. Be sure to check out the site! Kim does awesome work and has put together great challenges so far! This photo is from my wedding reception back in 2003.

More Scrappy Projects!

2008-03-07T17:01:00.005-05:00

I used the Scrapdango Sugar kit (the first kit with my sub there!) to do this page. I really like how it turned out with the black and white photo!

Continuing on with the month long celebration at Willowtraders, I completed EVERY challenge on the day Addicted Scrappers hosted. I love their kits! It came down to one other person and me, and I won! So I am getting a free past kit. This is one of the layouts I did for the contest. It was our Christmas card this past year.

In other news, my birthday is this weekend, so we are going out to eat tonight! Yummy!

Willowtraders Anniversary Month!

2008-03-02T22:42:00.008-05:00

Willowtraders, a site I visit daily, is having their 3rd anniversary this month. Well, each day a different kit club is hosting. The day is filled with challenges and games, and did I mention PRIZES? Yesterday was the first day and I got 4 layouts done.
Bring Your Own Memories hosted.

Also, here is the layout I did for the guest design team call at Paper Popsicles. It was an interview I did with Devon. She was pretty funny! I love this picture of her!

My Lucky Month! Another toot!

2008-03-01T23:44:00.001-05:00

I am so honored to have been chosen as a guest designer for April at Paper Popsicles! Woo hoo! And the April kits there are rockin!

I'll post the layout I did tomorrow.

Leap Year

2008-02-29T23:45:00.002-05:00

I have 13 minutes to blog on leap year! It's 11:47 pm and I'm pooped! But I wanted to get on here and blog on Leap Year since it only happens every 4 years.

Went to my mom's for dinner tonight, and got home late...too late. It was 10:15 until Devon got to bed, and it was a HUGE battle getting her there. She screamed and fought about every single thing.

It's snowing here today. We are supposed to get 3 inches. Just enough for Devon to go out and play tomorrow! Which she loves to do.

Here's a layout I just finished for a layout tag game at The Scrapping Spot. I scraplifted Dee, whose work I really love! Here was her layout: http://thescrappingspot.com/album2/v/Member+Gallery+Spot/DK4Him/resize2_001.jpg.html

Well I hope everyone had a great leap year day today!

My first toot! (well, second really)

2008-02-27T11:48:00.002-05:00

My first toot was really being a guest designer for 2 Jills kit club, but they closed before it was my turn.

So this is really my first toot! I am so happy to have been chosen by Coordinates Collections to be one of 2 guest designers for April!

I am so excited! I joined this kit club back in November and have loved every kit I've received. The sub was actually a Christmas present from my mom.

Catching up!

2008-02-27T11:14:00.009-05:00

I thought it was about time to update!
I've been participating in a fun contest at Scrapdango called the Crowned Contest. I'm having a lot of fun and getting to know some great people! I also started a sub. there, and my kit should be here any day now! I can't post any of my layouts from the contest until it is over, so keep a lookout, because I really like the layouts I've done!

This first layout is one I completed for a challenge at Coordinates Collections. It was for "different" journaling, and mine went around the flower. Here's Devon helping to feed her little sister for the first time.

This layout was done from a sketch by Susan Costanza for The Scraproom. There is a sketch posted in the newsletter and then a contest on the messageboard. I LOVE this paper from Scenic Route. This was actually from The Scraproom February kit. The photo is of Kinsey at the hospital when she was born. I just love baby feet!
This was a fun layout to do! At The Scraproom, a challenge was posted to come up with a list of 18 things that make you happy. I thought this was a great idea since I never scrapbook about myself! I was very nice and used a picture of myself before kids. This was made using the February Coordinates Collections kit.
I've also been participating in another contest at Transparent Touches and Tags. It's called Use Your Stash in a Flash! My friend Jen is hosting it. This layout was created for the second week of that contest. I missed the first week because of CHA.
And finally, this layout was created for a guest design team spot at Back Porch Memories. It was based off of a sketch by Becky Fleck. I used the February Coordinates Collections kit.

Goodie Winners!

2008-02-21T20:56:00.001-05:00

I decided to have 3 winners after sorting out all the loot!
Congrats to:

Terri (mango90)
TeressaTSR
Lisa Turley

Please email me your addresses!
tarynstots1@yahoo.com

Thanks for all of the comments everyone!

Ground has been broken!!!

2008-02-18T15:55:00.005-05:00

I can't believe that finally, after a year, we are finally breaking ground on renovating our scrapbook retreat house! We are adding on an entire ranch house for my mother to live in, as well as another bedroom, great room, and extended crop room. Here are some before pictures.

Keep checking back for work in progress photos!
We hope to be booking by late spring!

CHA Giveaway!!!

2008-02-15T15:04:00.004-05:00

I was the lucky recipient of MANY Making Memories items while attending CHA in California this past week! (See below. Including the black and green totes in the bottom picture! and not pictured...THE SLICE! 2 of them!!! whose retail value is $149.99 each)

Soooooooooooo, I am going to be doing a giveaway to share the wealth! All you have to do is post a comment here by Wednesday, February 20th, midnight EST. Tell me what your favorite MM product is right now. I'm not sure how many prize packs I'll be doing yet, because I haven't unpacked the goodies! So it could be 1, or it could be 10!

CHA Dinner With Willows

2008-02-15T14:08:00.010-05:00

This year, the Willowtraders gang met up at the Alcatraz Brewing Company for dinner. It was a really nice place! The food was good, the company was better, and our waiter Matt was extremely nice. Here are some pics:

This is the whole group that made it.

This is Michelle from A Million Memories and two of her design team members--Amy and Michele. Funny thing is, I was sitting next to Amy, and she ends up living about an hour from me in Pennsylvania! Small world!

This is Cindy from Label Tulip, with Alissa (Back Porch Memories designer), and Meredith (AMM design team).

Here's Kim (studio K) (check out her website for a great challenge! www.colorstory.com), Lara from Scrapbook Sussies, and myself.

This is Sonda with daughter Baylee and her hubby. This is a great picture!

Here is love-angels and her friend.

Sorry about these last horrible quality pictures! They are probably the best ones...Lara with her Krispy Kremes!

Thanks everyone, especially Kim for saving the day and giving me a ride! I had a great time!

More creations!

2008-02-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to doing our pumpkin carving page. This was the perfect paper for it! It came in a Scrap Room kit from January.

This is a clock I altered for a design team call at 2CroppinCousinz.com. I really like how it turned out and it will look good in our basement living room.

Other than that, I've been pretty unproductive lately. I've been cleaning out my supplies and getting rid of things I know I won't use.

I am finally getting a haircut today. And my mom is coming over. Thank goodness, because last night was TERRIBLE sleeping wise. Kinsey was a bit uncooperative!

Another Crazy Week

2008-01-31T21:29:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted! Where did it go?! Kinsey had her 1 month doctor appointment, and all went well. She weighs over 10 pounds already which is what Devon weighed at her 2 month appointment! Our weekend was busy too. We had dinner at my mom's with Erik's side of the family, and then the next night was dinner at my cousin Alex's house with my side of the family. Devon was so excited to play with all of the kids! I also had my 6 week postpartum checkup and all was well there too. I did have to go for a 2 hour glucose test to see if the diabetes carried over after the pregnancy. I haven't heard anything back yet, so hopefully no news is good news!

Here's a pic of Kinsey. We sit her in this chair for her weekly, now monthly pictures.
Here's Devon getting ready to go to her favorite place--Nanny's house. She loves this suitcase she got for Christmas from Grandma.
Here is Devon with the easel she got from Santa for Christmas. She drew her first smiley face by herself! (the one on the bottom)

I've Been Busy!

2008-01-18T15:48:00.000-05:00

Besides taking care of my two babies, I've been scrapping like crazy! I've been very inspired by contests and challenges I've seen on the forums and websites I visit. Here are some of the layouts I've done over the past two weeks.

This first one was for a Design Team call at Addicted Scrappers. Erik took these pictures, how cool did they get!!! They almost look like professional pictures, he did great! Let me start by saying that we woke up on the morning of December 16th to no electricity, a screaming child, and a mysterious phone call on my cell phone. It was 7:15 am, who calls that early? Well we had no electricity due to the ice storm. My sister was the mysterious caller. It turns out she was on her way (driving all the way from Texas to PA). She made a very difficult decision and wanted to come home to live with family. This was quite a surprise! I knew this would be no ordinary day.

Later that night, around 8:15 p.m., I was just grabbing my evening snack, and getting ready to watch some football. Well, my water broke, so that didn't happen! We headed into the hospital on ice slicked roads and had our beautiful baby. Quite an eventful day!!!

This next layout was done for The Scrap Room. It was a sketch contest from their newsletter. I really like how it turned out. These pictures were taken at Sears in May 2007 when Devon was 18 months old.

This was also for a contest, but for the Coordinates Collections website. We had to incorporate something old and something new. My something old was the torn paper. My something new was putting one large 5 x 7 with it. The picture was taken this Thanksgiving at our annual wreath making festivities.

Willowtraders is giving away 5 free passes for a class that I really want to take! We were to create layouts based on a sketch by the teacher (Susan Costanza). Mine was a 2 pager with pictures from this Christmas Eve with my side of the family.

So besides picking up toys, washing bottles, burping babies, and playing with play doh, I am still making time for myself! I think it helps to keep me sane!

Coordinates Collections Cyber Crop

2008-01-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend I participated in the Coordinates Collections Cyber Crop. I finished 5 of the challenges. Here are the layouts:

The challenges were really alot of fun and I like how my layouts turned out!

My First Post!

2008-01-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

I made a New Year's resolution to start a blog. So here I go! I wanted a place (besides Myspace) where I could keep track of what's going on in my life, and a place to keep all of my scrappy projects. Hopefully this will keep family and friends (who are interested) up to date with what's happening. Especially the family that we see once a year!

Now, I'm off to figure out how to do the rest of this!