Another Haiti Layout

Loved this picture of DS2 taken while we were in Haiti.  It looks to me like he's magically changed into a little adult behind the lawnmower, looking back to see the clouds coming in and worrying about finishing the yard in time.  I used little cat's eye inks and a sponge to try to create a landscape and the weather I invisioned...Hope you like it!

Birthday Card

Here's another card I made with the DCWV Sweet Matstack.  This pad has 72 pages - I will be able to make LOTS of cards with it!  I also picked up these cute little cupcake brads by K&Co at Wal-mart, I knew they'd go great with these papers.  The ribbons are by ki Memories, from a huge bag of ribbons I purchased in a group buy.

More Christmas Cards

Don't remember making these, but found the picture files and couldn't find where I ever uploaded them, so here they are.  Haven't had much time for creating lately, so I'm having to rely on old creations to have blog posts :)

I did create 4 new layouts for the boys' Haiti book about 1 1/2 weeks ago.  We had craft day at our church. It was a great time and I got some work done! FUN! But, I haven't had a chance to get pictures taken and loaded.  Things have been very chaotic around here...Searching for qualified health care for DS1 and then Daddy had a work-related crisis to top it all off...Calgon take me away!  Anyway, hoping to get those up later this week. It's on my list...but has been for 10 days now!

Love the Beach!

I made this layout quite awhile now, but just realized I hadn't uploaded it anywhere.  These pictures were taken on the boys' first trip to the beach.  It is just outside of Cap-Haitien.  We had a GREAT day. It was almost as if we had a private beach. 

The background paper is from Coredinations from my favorite package - Chocolate Delights.  I received the super cute paper piecing of the palm, umbrella & flip flops from a scrapping friend in a swap. 

The Best Mutt Ever

We lost our Chief today.  It's been a long time coming, but that doesn't reduce the pain.  This week he suffered many seizures, had difficulty controlling his back legs, and then contracted some sort of sinus infection that made it nearly impossible for him to breath. He was suffering.  It was time, there was no question.
We adopted Chief in August 1995 from the local animal shelter when he was only about 4 months old.  About a week later he was admitted into our local vet for parvo treatments.  He LOVED the vet ever after. Once he recovered, he became the consumate puppy and chewed everything from our feet to the table legs.  He was quite a pain in the butt for the first 2 years - and then something miraculous occurred.
Maturity agreed with him.  He was loyal and brave. He'd protect our family without hesitation.  I remember when we brought DD1 home.  He was very confused about what a baby was, but when we had visitors he didn't want to let them near the bassinet, his protective instincts kicked into high gear.  He barked to warn anyone who pulled into our driveway or walked by our yard.  But he had this great synchronicity with us despite our lack of training. After he let us know there was a visitor he'd watch our cues, once he was confident we were safe he'd stop the "attack" and start the "greeting".
And he wasn't all guard dog.  He had a sensitive side.  Any time he'd see someone crying, expecially DH or I, he'd come cuddle up to us and lick away our tears.
Chief - my children don't know life without you.  We are going to be facing a tough adjustment around here without you.  But all the grief is worth the pain, you were the best mutt EVER! We are so thankful to exerience having you in our family. You will be in our hearts forever.  Have fun frolicking with Cosmo, Houdini, Kane and Cleo across the Rainbow Bridge...