Guest Designer

I'm this week's guest designer over at The Template Club.  Crystal provided me with last week's templates to work with and I was able to make some rockin' quickpages for y'all to snag.

Click on the image to get the 2nd set of these QPs.  Visit Crystal's blog for the 1st set. Crystal also has an awesome freebie over at Digiscrapalicious so be sure to check it out!!  She has a new alpha that is super cute and a new template in her store as well.

You can pick up the alpha for $1.49 at both StudioStyle and DigiDiner.  And don't forget to hit up her blog to pick up this adorable Word Art Freebie:

And of course, that template I mentioned.  Look how awesome it is.  And you can pick it up for a great price ($1) at either SSD or DigiDiner

2 New Kits and a Sale

Howdy, howdy!  It's been awhile since I've added any new kits to my stores.  Tonight I was able to upload 2 brand new kits to my Scrapper's Zone and KJOI Stores.  I'll get them uploaded to BBSD and B2K tomorrow. 

I'd like you all to preview Grungy Kind of Love and Spring Dreams.  Both are also 35% off at either store.

And as an added bonus, at SZ, my Sketch Template Mega Packs 2 and 3 are also on sale for 35% off their regular price.  And remember for every Team Kit you purchase from SZ, if you send me your receipt, you will receive a coupon for any kit in my store!  Happy Shopping and Scrapping!!

Just some LOs

Life has been so hectic around here.  I feel like I'm constantly saying that.  But we have been so full of activities and whatnot that we haven't been home much.  But when we are a home, we are either outside in the backyard or off on walks.  It's been great spending so much time with the kiddos. 

I have been able to get some scrapping in when I have the opportunity. And I even had my first photo shoot.  I was asked by a friend's mom to come and photograph her niece and fiance for some engagement type photos.  Their last name is/will be Morrow and there is a street in Austin with the same name, so I was asked if I would come and take photos of the beautiful couple in front of the sign.  I'm not a professional by any means.  In fact, all I have is a point and shoot camera, but Edie did have a really nice FujiFilm camera that I was able to use for most of the photos.  And I did take some with my little camera and even those photos were awesome.  That being said, I created a couple of LOs using the photos I shot.  As always, click on the LO for credits.

That's all I've done with the couple photos.  There are several more I'd love to scrap.  Thinking about having them printed as a gift for the happy couple.  Such sweethearts!!

And of course, I did get some LOs of Cayden scrapped.  His 2nd birthday is NEXT WEEK.  Hard to believe he's almost two.

 

Couple of blog worthy LOs

Just kidding.  All my LOs are blog worthy :)

But I'm really proud of these three.  I'm not a big cluster or element person, so creating these really got me out of my box.  But I think they are awesome.

 

LO #1 - Perfect Popsicle Weather created with Spring Fling Bling by Lliella Designs.

LO #2 - Kavi created with All Star Male from Designs by Marguerite

LO #3 - Interview w/ Myself created with Rose and Mermaid's Heart by CanDesigns.  This is my LO for Mrs. Wresh's blog challenge, week 11.  Kim challenged us to think of 10 questions that we would want to ask a living or deceased.  Then, instead of actually interview the person, we were to answer the questions ourselves.  So here's my extra long LO.  Journaling shared below the LO.

 

There are so many things I wish I had asked Granny and Grandaddy before they passed away. Knowing that I did not take the chance I had to ask them these questions, I thought I would share my personal answers to these questions with my future grandchildren, just in case they grow up wishing they knew more about me one day.
1. When did you first realize that Stephen was the man you wanted to marry? You know, I tease Stephen because in high school I had such a crush on him that I used to write, “Rose McIntyre” on my notebooks and things, but in reality, it wasn’t until we had been dating several months. I had just started college and really wasn’t sure if Stephen was the “right” man for me. One day, I had decided to break off our relationship. That day, I said a prayer asking the Lord to guide me to make the right decision as far as our relationship was concerned. That evening, as I got into my car to head home from school, I noticed an envelope on my windshield. It was a note from Stephen letting me know how much he cared about me. From that moment on, I knew that Stephen would one day be my husband.
2. You always appear to be so happy with one another. How do you keep your relationship so positive? Stephen and I have a rule to never go to bed angry. This advice that his cousin Donna gave us before our wedding. I know it sounds cheesy but we really have never gone to bed while in a disagreement - Even in the first years of our marriage. It has never been an option for one of
us to sleep on the couch. We’ve stayed up pretty late before arguing, but we always attempt to work out our differences and come to some sort of compromise before turning in for the night. Some nights have seemed sleepless, but in the end, it’s been worth it. We have a really strong relationship because of this one rule in our home.
3. How often do you go out as a couple and not the whole family?   This year, we have implemented a monthly date night. Even if the date is just a picnic in our living room, we get a sitter and spend some time together. This is something that has been lacking since adding Cayden to our family. But we realize how important this time alone with one another is to our happiness as a family
4. How often do the two of you pray together? Right now, Stephen and I rarely take the time to pray as a couple. This is something I really would like to start doing again. We did it while we were dating and at the beginning of our marriage, but as time continues to pass by, we have forgotten how important it is to pray with one another as well as for each other aloud on a daily basis.
5. Do you ever spend time away from one another, aside from your daily jobs? Yes I have a weekly coffee night with my girlfriends. We meet at Starbucks and take a break from our life. It’s usually after our kiddos are in bed. This allows me to vent and relax away from everything. Every now and then, Stephen goes out for drinks with his friend, Jeremy. It is so important to have other friends to spend time with.
6. You seem very strong in your faith. Have you always had a relationship with Christ?   I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn’t go to church. My parents took me to church since I was a very young child. My faith has always been an important part in my life. I do know that in high school, I probably did not share my faith in the best ways. But I do know that regardless of what someone believed, I always reached out and cared about anyone I called my friend. Some of my closest friends were not Christian, and although I may not have agreed with their lifestyles, I never stopped loving them. I did go through a time where I question how I was living my life as a “Christian,” and questioned everything I was taught about being a Christian. The conclusion I have come to is that my parents did the best they could to teach me the basic principles of Christianity. It is now up to me to live my life the way the Lord would want me to as well as teach my children about His love.
7. How did you share Christ with your children? I really want my kids to have a strong relationship with Christ. I want them to turn to him just like they would turn to a friend. Since Hannah was little, I have always sang songs to her about how much Jesus loves her. I have continued this tradition with Cayden. I also talk very openly about what Jesus has done for us all. Both my children have known for as long as I can remember, that Jesus died on the cross for us and then rose from the grave so we can go to heaven. I know they do not fully understand this concept, but they know that Jesus loves them very much. Aside from just making Him a part of our daily life, I also pray with and for my children every day. And not only do I pray, but I pray aloud. Hannah lovesit when I talk to Jesus about her. It is my prayer that Cayden will, too.
8. What have you learned the most since becoming a parent? I really understand how much the Lord loves me. I will always be there for my children, regardless of what they do and the decisions they make. No matter what, my love for them will never change.
9. Do you have any advice you want to leave for the generations to come?  Start praying for your future spouse as soon as you are able. I prayed for my future husband starting when I turned 16. I also kept a book of letters that I wrote to him. I gave these letters to Stephen the day we were married.
10. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, what is it and why is it your favorite?   Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Why is this my favorite verse? I have seen this verse happen numerous times when bad things have happened in my life and the lives of others.

Just a few LOs

So the Live Oak here in Austin is in full bloom.  And what does that mean?  It means that I feel like I am dying.  I cannot breathe. . . my eyes are itchy and watery. . .I'm not sleeping well. . . I'm cranky. . . and the kids are cranky.  So what have I done over the past few days???  Spent tons of time outside in the wonderful fresh air.  Ugh.  Between the zoo, the strawberry patch, and the fresh cut grass (and yes, I cut it because it was getting high [and I've learned that cutting the grass is great exercise, but terrible for one who is allergic to it . . . um, hello???] ).  Stephen got on me for that one.  And then, I'm just feeling pretty lousy this afternoon only to learn that my mom thinks I might have a fever. 

You're probably wondering why I'm still up, and although my eyelids are getting heavy, I did fall asleep around 6:30 pm and slept until about 8 pm.

I have gotten a couple LOs done though to help fulfill my CT Requirements.  Only about a million more to go, but that's okay, I've got lots of new photos to scrap!  Remember to click on the LO for credits.

Here's a recent one from our trip to the Strawberry Patch. 

This one is from Klara's birthday party.

And here are a couple from Easter

 

All Star Male

If you had the chance to glance at my calendar for the past two weeks, you'd be shocked that I've been able to get any scrapping done.  But I have.  Not a lot, but a couple of CT Layouts for N4D.  I'm exhausted and was planning on being asleep by 10 pm, but those plans have been foiled, and I'm about to drift off to dreamland as soon as I'm done posting these two LOs. 

My kids have been really into sports lately.  Cayden - soccer; Hannah - basketball.  Here are two LOs I created with a couple of photos from the past couple months.  And as always, click on the LO for full credits.

I'm off to bed.  Good Night, y'all!

Oh Wow!

I read about Stephanie using a new program to post on her blog so I asked her about it.  I'm completely amazed at how easy this is.  For those who don't know about it, Windows Live Writer is a blogger assistant (I don't know if that's it's official title, but that's what I'm calling it). 

I thought I would share some LOs with you.  Yesterday, my family took a trip to the zoo, and on the drive down to San Antonio, I did some digital scrappin'.  My first experience with taking the laptop on a trip.  It was really nice to have something other than sleep on the way down there.  Of course, the glare on my screen was a little much, but I was able to work around it.

I created two Bubble LOs using photos from the other afternoon.  For credits, click on the LO.

7 Random Things

Nancy tagged me with this tag game - I am to list seven random things about me and then tag seven other people - - -I know exactly whom I want to tag.

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours. -Her name is linked above.
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. (if you don't know 7 bloggers, just tag who you know)

Seven things about me:
1. I have collections of 6 different things- porcelain dolls, Precious Moments, bells, souvenir pennies, snowmen, and Willow Tree figurines. Trying to downsize to just PM and WT. . I have way too many of everything else.
2. I can't say no to cake, especially if its served with ice cream
3. I'm severely allergic to morphine - went into anaphylactic shock in the recovery room after having my gallbladder removed.
4. I'm also allergic to aspartame which means I can't chew mint gum of any kind. . even double mint or Wrigley's spearmint. They reformulated and now contain aspartame and sugar.
5. If I hadn't lost my first baby, he'd be 7 years old.
6. I'd go back to teaching if I didn't have to deal with parents.
7. I've eaten 1/2 a tub of icing at a friend's house just so I didn't have to bring it home. . . where's the logic in that??

I am tagging Shelley, Kari (again), Candee, Shaunna, Jen, Nicole, and Suz. I'm also putting this on my personal blog so that the ones who don't visit my scrappin' one know what to do. :)

70% off sale at Scrapper's Zone

Only at Scrapper's Zone, though. Happy Shopping!
According to my CT, I've lost my mind. According to me. . with a new month, it's a new sale.

Team Kits

Did you know that many of my stores have monthly or bimonthly collaboration kits? These kits are created by several store designers. And the proceeds from purchases of these kits are what keep the stores up and running. Without customers purchasing these collaborations, our stores would have to shut their doors and not provide the service that we desire to give to our customers. Take a minute to browse my stores and check out the new collab kits we have available. Each store I sell at has completely different kits than the others. And for any team kit you purchase from one of my stores, I will give you one of my personal kits for free. Just send me a copy of your purchase receipt, and I will send you a coupon for a free kit of your choice from my personal store!!

BuzyBee Scrapper - March/April Kit ~ Spring Step

Are you in the mood for a little spring step! This kit was put together by the bbs designers bringing you some fresh spring colors to get you in the mood to scrap those spring photos. Kit Contains 28 papers, 7 bows, 10 ribbons, 3 bead strings, 1 stitched sequin set, 4 frames, 1 lace, 13 flowers, 1 photo corner, 1 eyelet & ribbon laced set, 2 eyelets, 2 stickers, 4 butterflies, 1 button, 1 doodle, 3 tags, 1 office clip, 1 journal strip
Price - $8.99

Scrapper's Zone - Music
Music, we all have it in our lives. Just as it is a part of our daily activities, we have layouts that pertain to music of some sort. April’s team kit is all about music. Files include over 50 papers, over 50 motifs and page accents, 10 ribbons, buttons, journaling papers and tags, frames and lots more.
Price $10.99


Bits2Kits - Rough and Tumble
Do you find it hard to make a good boys layout?Well this is the kit for you. With over 120 papers and 350 elements you will find it easy to make any layout for the male in your life. You will also find quick pages and brag book pages so all you need to do is add your picture and templates so you have the basis to work with. There is even a set of printable gift bags for you to use for those little gifts you have to send. We have included some overlays so you can add your own colors but keep the same feeling running through the layout.For this month only you can get this kit for the remarkable price of $8.50, this is the best value kit around. The complete kit is offered for Personal Use and S4H but also includes some Commercial Use items. *Please note this is a very large download, in total there is over 1.34GB, if you have a slow connection it might be better for you to think about using our dvd burning service for this kit*





KJOI Studios - Happy Birthday
Awesome birthday kit for any age or gender!!! 50 papers, 118 elements, 41 word art, and 1 alpha. Fantastic price of $12.50.

Two Causes Dear to Me

Hi there! The digital scrapbook community is very conscientious of causes in this world that we need to support. This month there are TWO that I feel are very important. And this month, the designers of the digital scrapbook community have come together and created some Charity Kits to help support those causes.

Baby Mine is a charity kit created by 23 designers to help support the March of Dimes. This year, my husband and I are walking in the March for Babies on May 10th. Although I did not contribute to this kit, the charity is soooo dear to my heart. Our son, Cayden, was born 4 weeks premature and instead of being able to hold him, he was swept off to the nursery so he could receive oxygen. As a mother, I was heartbroken that my baby couldn't be with me right after birth. Of course, he is now a terrific toddler who is turning two this month!!
The mission of March for Babies is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Each year thousands of babies are born premature, some have little ill effects, some have long term health issues and some sadly, don’t survive. In putting together this beautiful kit amazingly, most of the designers have had these experiences first hand.
This is a wonderful kit perfect for any baby or child layouts. Be an angel and support the March of Dimes and help them save the lives of countless babies. 100% of profit from the sale of this kit goes directly to the March of Dimes to help save babies’ lives. You can donate to the March of Dimes and pick up this kit, here.


One of my friends has a granddaughter who was diagnosed with Autism last year. The digital scrapbooking community has come together to help raise money for McKayla and all that suffer from Autism. The collaboration was a result of 39 designers each contributing to create this gorgeous and custom digital scrapbooking kit! The kit includes over 300 pieces of backgrounds, elements, ribbons, bows, flowers and more! Included is also some beautiful word art & poetry about autism. It has been a joy to organize this work & it is my prayer that through this project we can help to raise some money but also help document journeys & preserve memories. Thanks to all the designers that so generously contributed of their time & talents! Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown. This beautiful kit is a free gift to anyone that contributes $20 (this is the site minimum) or more through this page. Your donation money goes directly to Autism Speaks TM and not to me, any designer or digital scrapbooking store. Once your contribution is complete, simply forward a copy of your receipt to Tammy Albright at harley96chic@gmail.com and she will send you the links to download this gorgeous collection! Detailed previews can also be seen here. To donate to Autism Speaks, click here.

I've Been Tagged

by Sherrie of RCMama Designs, but all are invited to join in the Links fun! PLEASE just follow the rules!

Just copy paste THIS and everything below up until my Five links.

I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five.

Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!

They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…

There are Five Rules:

1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.

2. Only FIVE links.

3. MUST tell 5 people.

4. A link back to the person who tagged you

5. Lara’s Place is the meme originator. (an active link is appreciated)

Here are my 5 Links

1. Hungry Girl - I visit here every day. Great place for recipes and tips/tricks for weight loss.

2. Roni's Weight Watchen Page - a great source of weight loss inspiration. She has had an amazing journey. WOW

3. Weight Watchers - Do you sense a theme??? Wonderful place for recipes, support, etc.

4. Because I Said So - Helps me remember the reality of life

5. Silent Grief - Support for Pregnancy/Infant Loss. I know the owner/author of the site. Don't go there so much anymore, but it's an amazing place.

I am tagging, Amanda, Kari, KJ, Steph, and Karla