Jitterbug Lessons

We went to PetSmart both Saturday & Sunday this weekend. Daddy was working National Guard so it was just me and the kids. Perfect time to "shop" for a new four-legged family member! Well, not really. On Saturday I found Jitterbug - an adorable, cuddly, trembling tiny little Chihuahua. I called Daddy and he said, "No way!" DD3 was in tears. DD1 & DD2 were begging, "Please Daddy" while the other PetSmart customers snickered at our antics. So, being the good wife, I decided I'd better have a cooling off period before I defied Hubby. Despite the unhappy children, I decided we'd go run to the vet's to get meds for two of our five dogs at home and I'd decide during the errand what to do about Jitterbug. On the way to the vets, I prayed, "Please God, I really want this little dog, but I don't want to go against DH. Please tell me what to do." We went to the vet's across town, and drove back to PetSmart. And of course, not an hour later, little Jitterbug was already gone...I'm so glad she found a home, but really wish it was with me!! Guess that answers my prayer... He's got something else in mind for me!
At one point, my sensitive little DD3 has a realization. She's almost in tears. "Mama, why are they taking all these dogs away from their mommies and daddies?" I quickly told her that these puppies didn't have any parents and they were at PetSmart to try and find a family. She asked why they didn't have any families. I explained that some ran away and couldn't find their way back home, and others had mean owners and had to be removed so they wouldn't be hurt anymore. Then others had families that loved them very much, but for some reason - like sickness or not enough money - they couldn't take care of their puppies anymore even though they loved them very much. So these families took them to the shelter where they'd be safe and hopefully find a new loving family. DS1's face lights up, "Like my Haiti family loved me and took me to the orphanage so that I could be safe!" And DD3 adds, "And like my China family, too!" Yes, dear ones, but you are so much more precious than any puppy...

Lots of Swaps!

Man, the weeks keep flying past. I really notice it when I log in to post a layout and see that it's already been almost another week since my last post. I feel like we just rush through each day trying to meet all the day's requirements and forget to enjoy each moment. It doesn't help either that I'm constantly working on layouts of pictures over a year old...
This layout is of my boys last September on their Baptism day. Not very exciting pictures, but wanted to document this important rite. What was exciting for me was how this layout came together. First I chose a green/yellow patterned paper for my background to tie in to the boys' shirts. Then started digging through my supplies for coordinating embellishments. I found the black border, black tag, and black & yellow deco square in my pile of items I received in swaps! I added ribbon and brads to the border to tie it in to the colors a little better. Added the journaling to the tag, and I was ready to go!
The title was created by me and cut on my Wishblade. The file is available at CuttersMarket.com if you have a layout you'd like to add it to!

Shine Layout

DS2 usually becomes completely stoic when you pull out a camera; he refuses to smile at all. So it was a real joy to have all these pictures - all taken in one setting - of him clowning around for the camera! What a cute little boy when he turns on the charm! I wish he'd learn his smile was a better tool for getting his way than the tears!

The Shine title was cut on my wishblade. The file is available at Cuttersmarket (link at right) if you'd like to add it to your layout.

Fun New Card

I learned how to make this card by watching a video on You Tube that was recommended by one of my online scrapping friends. I think it turned out pretty cool! If you'd like to watch the video, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/user/heroarts?blend=2&ob=1#p/u/40/3aSa0nnZB6w. Thanks for the great idea!

Two Wheels

I was sick all last weekend and the beginning of this week. Lots of congestion and this scary stabbing headache. But isn't it great when you start feeling better!? I spent the middle of the week catching up from all I left undone while sick, so scrapping had to wait until today!
These pictures were taken last August when DD3 learned to ride her bike without training wheels. I'm not sure if DD2 took the pics or if I did. But they turned out really good for action shots - always difficult for me! When I pulled out these bright colored pics I knew I had some pink paper with orange dots that would work great. Got to digging through my paper piles and found matching orange paper with pink dots. I think it works well together. Hope you like it!

Outlines Christmas Card

Just received a COOL new stamp this week. I've been so excited for it to arrive - and a little fearful. You see, I've seen some awesome projects made with Outlines stamps, and I was worried I would only be able to create a mess. So tonight I started playing. This card is my first attempt. Think it turned out pretty well! I still need some practice embossing and with the intricate cutting, but not bad for a first attempt, I think! It took me about 3 hours to put this one card together. DD#1 said, " You did all that for ONE card? Dude, that's just not worth it!" Ah. Non-crafters never understand! I actually think it's fun!

Layout - with help from a Friend

Just wanted to share a two page layout I created this week. This picture was taken last summer, of the kids having a great time splashing around in the yard. Both the "Summer Vacation" title and the beaded accents which read "hot" "summer" "fun" were created by Laura D. Laura is in one of my scrapbooking swap groups and she creates some great projects! Thanks Laura for making this layout so easy! I also created the water splashes with my Wishblade. I think they turned out pretty cute. I am going to upload this file to Cutters Market tonight in case you want to cut some splashes too! I made the butterflies with my Cuttlebug using a cute Quickutz die I found on ebay. My Wishblade is great because I can cut just about anything I dream up, and it is very easy to cut a shape in any size variation, but the Cuttlebug is so easy and quick! Love them both!