Real Rach

Back on WW

2012-01-17T20:23:00.002-05:00

I have officially re-started Weight Watchers (online). I have been feeling really "off" lately and I finally figured out what my issue was. I was gaining weight and had no real reason to try to stop. So I know the only way I would re-gain my focus was to start back up. I even walked on the treadmill tonight. I am the type of person who needs a reason, a drive to achieve my goals. So now that I am paying money out, it gives me a reason to commit. Before it was my sisters wedding, then it was a contest with a friend (Shell). Now I want to prove to myself that I can do it again and get even lower. I WILL DO THIS! I will measure, I will count, I will exercise. I will do it!

Stop it

2012-01-13T21:16:00.002-05:00

Why do spammers find it necessary to drop their .02 on my page?? Really, you are wasting your time on lil ole me. If this keeps up, I will go to moderation of posts, I guess. Hate to do that but I'm sick of the crap they are dropping off here lately. *reminder, get up on the other side of the bed tomorrow* Sorry, I'm just not happy with having to delete comments.

Tired

2012-01-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

I'm tired. Like really really tired to my core. I have been running like mad since about August. ( you can pick the year~!) I think I have reached my breaking point? Nothing that used to bring me joy is doing it for me lately. Not scrapbooking, not photography, not cooking, nothing. I feel so drained. I just want to hang out with my family/friends. I dont' want to HAVE to do ANYTHING. I'm tired. I'm sick of feeling like I need to get caught up. I have so much I want to do but I can't seem to do it because I'm always doing something else that I HAVE to do. Is this just part of being an adult or I am taking on too much? Yikes. What's wrong with me? I'm sure you know you are limited on space in the reply section so be nice!

Doing it!

2012-01-09T14:01:00.002-05:00

I'm still keeping up with my P365+1 project!! And I'm adding my pictures to my layout each day as I go along! I'm hoping I can keep this up! I feel accomplished! My Football team didn't make it past the first round but it is what it is...bad calls will do that to a team! Got my sister's wedding gift in the mail today! Looks wonderful! Once I give it to her, I will share it.
Tried to go grocery shopping today but just couldn't finish. Not feeling all that great so I thought I better come home and get some rest. I've had some sort of bug for a week. ugh.

GO LIONS!

2012-01-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

It's game day baby!!! First time since 1999 that Lions have been in playoffs! Ahhh....I am wearing my logo wear proudly today. We have stuck with them through it all. Even the 0-16 season. We are die-hard Lions Fans in this house. Heck, we support ANY Local FOOTBALL TEAM! We just plan love that brown pig skin game!

So this is us in our gear that we got Christmas morning! So it's been 12 years since Lions were in the playoffs and it's the year '12! I think we might be on to something??!!

Friday!!

2012-01-06T14:14:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why I'm so excited about it being Friday?! I have so much to do this weekend that it will be Monday before we know it. But today is F R I D A Y ! And it's 50 degrees IN MICHIGAN?! Wow?! I think a picture of the Town Thermometer will be my photo of the day today!

P365+1

2012-01-04T22:20:00.003-05:00

I'm really going to try to do this! I found a template from 2009 by Mushy or something similar and it will be a 25 page photobook when I'm done. Making it much more cost effective than having 52 pages or more. So I'm going to roll with it. So far I have made it! Hey, it's 4 days!! I figure if I work on it each week, I should be able to keep up. I can kind of pre-plan it out when I have time so it will make it easier. Who knows if I will really keep up my goal. I've started this many years in a row and never made much past January. I figure it can be weight loss record keeping too. Two birds with one stone?! Sure!

New Year 2012

2012-01-02T12:50:00.003-05:00

So I've officially updated my ticker for my weight loss. UGH...Holidays were not kind...no strick that, I was not kind. I have no one to blame but myself. I have slacked at my walking and not keeping track of what I am eating. Not much caring either. Not sure why I got this way? I guess I just got caught up in the season. Hey, I'm allowed. I just need to re-focus. I can do this. I just feel kind of sad about the whole holiday season. I blame the weather. We have only had one day of any measureable snowfall amounts. It's been in the 50's and rainy. HATE IT. I love my snow. There's a dusting outside this morning. Nothing too exciting. But maybe this means we are moving in the right direction? Ok...off to figure out my meal planning for the week and clean up before the kids head back to school tomorrow. And we go back to work.

My sister's wedding was awesome! I am not sure I have ever been to such a formal affair in all my life?! I guess I didn't know my sister as well as I thought I did?! I never took her as the formal affair kind of girl? (we have the same father and didn't grow up together) Oh well, it was a blast and that makes it worth it! They had fireworks, real live fireworks that went off for about a half hour. Amazing! A photobooth by 321SayCheese.com. We took full advantage of that, let me tell ya! FUN! We made it worth the money from just my siblings! LOL

I guess that's enough for today. I'll try remain true to my regular blog postings this year. TRY!

Kindle Fire

2011-12-30T12:52:00.003-05:00

I got one for Christmas!! I love it! I read my first book on it. Water for Elephants. Great book! Easy read. But still a time sucker. I have NOT read a book since I graduated College. Kid you not! I vowed when I walked away from there that I was done reading anything. I held true to my word for nearly 18 years. Wow! If only I was that stubborn about losing weight! LOL bwahaha

So what was your favorite gift this year? Share with me! Or share with me some other MUST READS! I may just want to read another!

Good Bye 2011

2011-12-24T09:19:00.005-05:00

Wow...this was a strange year. Good in many ways but just as equally rotten in others. I am not sure I can comment on the bad parts as we all know where it will head. (the loss of my Brother) So I've taken a few moments today to come up with my top 20 lists for 2012. They are goals and/or bucket list items. There is no real order to them except for the first one. That one is most important to me. The rest just need to happen! So here we go, I'm going to share them with you. This may make me more accountable?
1. Start Weight Watchers back up
2. Exercise in some fashion-daily
3. drink LESS Diet Coke. I refuse to give it up but I will try to do less.
4. Buy new scrub jackets for work. I can swim in the ones I own.
5. Find black boots. (this needs to happen soon or I'll just skip it)
6. Re-do our TV/Computer Room in ORANGE!
7. Pay down my Kohl's bill
8. Say NO more often to things I really don't want to do
9. Go to North Carolina (visit family there)
10. See my Sister more often.
11. Go to Mackinaw Island with the family
12. Meet up with Shelley Moore & other old Scrapbook buddies.
13. take more "everyday" pics of my life
14. de-clutter my house. get rid of things that I do not need.
15. take clothes to re-sale shop
16. work on boys elementary school books. (organize, scan, and create)
17. save $10/week for a nice 25th anniversary trip (7 years away)
18. paint foyer
19. Make Shell Mackay have to come see me....see #1!
20. Blog More. Facebook less.

WISH ME LUCK! They may not seem like big tasks but they are important to me. If I complete half this list by the end the year, I'll be very happy! Some can not be crossed off because it's an ongoing goal. But it I start it, it counts, right?! LOL

Summer, where'd you go?

2011-09-20T12:42:00.002-04:00

Wow, Summer was a whirlwind. It was HOT! It was fun, but way too fast! I love autumn but for some reason, I am not looking forward to like I usually do. Something has changed. Not sure what it is but I am just not feeling like I did towards fall. Is that I know the cold and sickies will follow? I had a rough winter last year. Being without power for 3.5 days in sub-zero weather did something to me. Left a scar, a long, deep scar. A very ugly scar. I'm so sick of rain. I just want to be able to enjoy my Son's football games without it pouring and freezing. Everytime we have a game, it rains. And gee...calling for rain tomorrow too. Grrr...

I've got a lot on my plate still. I'm learing to say no to things but when I do, I say yes to one more thing because I know I have said NO! Must stop with the yes'. I wean myself off one project only to pick up a new one. But I'm mixing it up so that has to count for something.

I'm ready to go a full house PURGE. I feel like my interests have changed and things that I used to like are not what I like now. Color, decor, stuff. I have a lot of Stuff. Too much. It needs to go.

So many thoughts running around in my head and I'm not sure I wanna talk about them. Seems like when I do something comes along and changes it. So if I keep to myself, maybe things won't change. I think I am jinx'd. Just as soon as I say something the total opposite usually happens and I don't get what I want or thought I wanted. Everything happens for a reason and I firmly believe it but why can't things just go MY WAY once?!

whine whine whine whine whine....be thankful I don't post here more often!

College

2011-08-14T08:39:00.003-04:00

Fast forward 6 years....I've just lived what I will go through again with my own child. I moved an adoptive son of mine into his dorm room yesterday. Wow...emotional. (I've become attached to local student here over the past year and helped him and my cousin move into their dorm room.) So even though he has only been a part of my life for about a year, it was hard to drop him off knowing he was on his own of sorts. He's used to it, I'm sure, but I am not. I can't imagine what it must be like for REAL parents. I had to fight back tears as I walked to the car and I'm doing the same thing now. He's such a great kid and I just wish him nothing but success. He's going into Nursing! The medical field will be getting a real winner someday! I honestly don't know if there are enough words to describe how proud I am of him. So this pic will have to speak my words for me!

Wedding today

2011-08-06T17:20:00.003-04:00

My Sister In Law is getting married today! Here are my boys (note: they each picked out their own outfit. It wasn't planned that they would have the same shirt.)

It's been sunny and beautiful all day and now as we enter the last hour before it starts, its all cloudy and has started to sprinkle. Figures. Outdoor wedding and outdoor event following. UGH....No rain ALL SUMMER LONG until NOW. Such is life...our life anyways.

Rumors, Inc.

2011-07-17T11:02:00.004-04:00

We did it! My InLaws have opened the doors to their dream. They bought a 137 year old brick building in our town and turned it into a family Sit-down restaurant. The building was purchased in Oct. 2010. It was full of stuff as it was used as a storage facility for another local business owner. So the official ground breaking didn't happen until March 2011. And we offically had our first paying customers on Saturday, July 16, 2011. It was a gorgeous sunny day with lots of baseball games happening in town so there were lots of people about. We just opened without any warning to the public and the house was filled to capacity (seats 70 plus 24ish seats outside) by dinner time!! Word of mouth in this town is amazing...hence the name RUMORS!! wink wink!

I've got a few pics to share of the progress. I'll add them as I can.

Morgan and Aron

2011-06-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

May 5th

2011-05-05T23:45:00.002-04:00

It's been a month since my last post. Wow. Still no final word on my brother. They said up to 6 weeks so they must be going to honor that.
I've been beyond busy with Graduation Projects. I am doing projects for the local kids who I photographed. They are looking amazing. I'll share them as they get passed out to the owners. I don't want to spoil the surprise. Not that any of them would be reading my blog, but better safe than sorry.
I can't believe we only have three more weeks left of school. WOW. This year FLEW. We are done May 27. I have a Bridal Shower this Saturday, Sunday is Mother's Day. The following weekend is the last Middle School Dance of the year, and I think we might be moving into our new office at work! FINALLY! Then the next weekend is Will's class sleepover at his teachers house. And the weekend I should have been going to California. BUT, times being what they are, I just couldn't swing it. Which is a lucky blessing so I don't miss the Classroom Sleep Over. The families Restaurant is coming along nicely. I've been helping out when I can. It's fun. But A LOT of hard work at the same time. And ironically enough, I think it bring us all closer together. Didn't think we could be any closer but it seems like it.
Just wish my own family was closer to me. But life is not always what you want and just have to deal with it. Josh's family does a wonderful job filling in the void. Very Lucky!
And it just hit me the other day, I will have a TEENAGER in SEPTEMBER?! WHAT??? HOW? That's just not right.
Well, I guess this is enough to bore you all for a few minutes. See ya next month!?

Lost my Brother

2011-04-05T22:32:00.003-04:00

My brother has passed away unexpectly. We are waiting for autopsy results. Visitation is Friday from 1-3pm at Eagles funeral home. This is my favorite picture of us. The only sibling that is missing from this picture is our Sister Brooke. This was taken in July at my Sister's wedding. Chris is the one directly above me. I love this picture because we are truly being US. Each of us in this picture are doing exactly what I would expect them to be doing. We are a very tight knit group of siblings. I am so proud of close we are. Most people don't have a clue that we are not all TRUE siblings. Some of us are half, some are step, some are whole. But we don't really care about those TITLES. To us....we are SIBLINGS! To us...we are FAMILY! RIP Chris. You will be missed and there will always be a void in my heart from your death. 33 years is not long enough to have walked on this earth. Please take care of us while you learn the ropes in heaven. Watch over us and keep us safe. We promise to never forget you. We promise to stay true to the 149 Crew! I LOVE YOU CHRIS! I will miss you more than you will ever know.

Ice Ice Baby

2011-02-24T15:07:00.005-05:00

Well we just suffered through one of the worst ice storms that I can remember in Michigan. We were without power from Sunday night to Wednesday night. HORRIBLE, Horrible, horrible. I hope I never have to go through that again. My boss let us borrow his generator on Monday night. It got down to 48 inside before we got it up and running. Power came back at 6:36pm on Wednesday night. Ahhh...I took some pics. It was truly beautiful to see but man, I don't ever wanna see it again. They are calling for a snow storm to hit us tonight which could drop 4-8" on us. Wow, really? I love snow but I'm so over this winter stuff now. We had nearly 60 degree weather last weekend and now I'm itching to see springtime. Here's a few pics:Looking out my front door.Looking down the street.Thick thick thickSpring...where are you???

Project 52 is a dud

2011-01-29T07:18:00.001-05:00

I suck...nuff said.

Project 52- 2011

2010-12-29T20:06:00.002-05:00

So I've really been thinking about the Project 365 or Project 52 for the new year. I've tried many times in the past to do the 365/a photo a day but by the 2nd week of Jan I was done. So...I've thought long and hard about it and I really want to tackle it this year. I am going to do P52. A photo a week and I am going to take it one step farther still. I'm going to do a THEME. I am going to capture the people in my life who make me, me. I'm going to dedicate a week to a person in my life. I will obviously have lots of family members that will get used but there are also people out there who may not be aware of what they mean to me so I am going to search them out have my photo taken with them. There are a few people who I really want in my photo album but due to location...it may not happen. So if you do not show up in my album, it doesn't mean you are not loved. It means you are not near to me to have your picture taken with me! I'll figure out a way around that one! So...I'm off to make my list of 52 people who have helped make me, ME! Since last year was all about finding the new me "REVEAL"...this year is about sharing my life with those who support me. So my word of the year is SHOW. I'm going to SHOW people around me what they mean to me and how they belong in my life!

Work Christmas Party

2010-12-22T00:03:00.005-05:00

He's not happy that his 18 year old car is dead but we are!
Cracked headgasket

Peggy, Rach, Melinda, Rachele

the Rachel's For our Christmas party, we went to Fat Fish Blue in Perrysburg, Ohio. It's a comedy club. It was super fun. The bosses car broke down on the way there and we left it at a Speedway Station for the night. Here's some pics of the evening. The four of us went down before the boss to shop at Levis Commons. It was a good thing we did so we could get the boss man back home!

Hudson Tigers STATE CHAMPS!

2010-11-30T08:21:00.005-05:00

We did it!!! Er...I mean, THEY DID IT! Those boys won it all!!!! So darn PROUD of them. Best game I've seen in a long time and I can't even watch it again without screaming and I know the outcome. BEST SEASON OF MY LIFE!!! I love my football!This is my Cousin Drew, Me (on my 40th Birthday), Camden McCaskey, and Meiko McDaniel...my favorite players on the whole team!! These kids are amazing on field and off. True Champions in my book for sure!#22 is my Cousin!!! #24 is a wonderful kid and the one above #16 is AMAZING!#54 next to the coach is my new adopted son (I wish)...love that kid! Best heart in the world!

The bottom two pics are NOT MINE...Can't take credit for them.

I'm FORTY!!!

2010-11-26T07:30:00.003-05:00

Wahooo!!! I made it to my forties!! And to top it off...I'm 80 pounds lighter!!! AMAZING! I'm so looking forward to this new decade! A totally new me! I did it!

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Black Friday, and GOOOO HUDSON TIGERS! State Football finalist! I'll be posting WINNERS soon!! GO TIGERS!!!! Stand Tall, Leave a Legacy! I love it, this is our year!

Wedding today

2010-11-06T12:14:00.002-04:00

I have a wedding to shoot today. First one in a long time. I'm finding I like the senior pics much better! Not as much pressure, stress. But still enjoy it!

It is Digital Scrapbook Day today and I have no desire to even look at stuff??? What's wrong with me?? Yikes. So not like me. Hmm...

NOVEMBER!

2010-11-03T07:02:00.002-04:00

It's november!!! I love this month the best out of the months! Crisp air, Football, Burning leaves, Turkey, Family, Voting, Shopping, Birthday. Seriously...what's NOT to love?!

I've been so busy with my photography that I have not scrapped in a very long time. I'm just waiting to be kicked off my CT's! LOL I've got no Mojo for scrapping it seems right now. Our football team is kicking butt still! We have game #2 of playoffs this Friday at home!! I'm in heaven and even if the big L comes...I'm totally ok with it. I've gotten a chance to know a few of those kids one on one and they are amazing! Of course my ever talented cousin is the main reason I go! Go Drew-der! #22 rocks!

I'm a huge football nut. Love it all at any level. Pop-Warner, HS, College, Pro. I'm good with any kind of football. Of the American kind, I must add. Not Soccer.
Anywho...work is calling my name. I'm wearing my new scrub pants! Size L!!! Wahoo! Go me!

Krystal, Libby, Misty-Felicity

2010-10-02T09:47:00.002-04:00

It's a triple dip day!!! Krystal teamed up with Libby (my other boss!) and Misty to produce-Felicity. One amazing kit!! Love it!

Ettes-Reality Bites

2010-10-02T08:31:00.002-04:00

Ettes are back designing! At a new location! They are now at PickleBerryPop.com! They've decided to let others deal with the behind the scenes stuff so they can just design! Wahoo!

I loved the idea behind this kit! I have so many thought on how I wanted to use this kit but didn't want to hurt anyones feelings! LOL hahaha So I twisted the kit to fit my journey memories!

And as an update: I'm down 72.2 pounds now!! It's finally moving again. I was stuck for a long time and it's finally moving...whew!

Happy WW Year Anniversary

2010-09-28T09:56:00.002-04:00

I did it!!! I lost 70 pounds in a year!! That was my own personal MENTAL GOAL. I didn't really make it too vocal or known to anyone but I personally had this goal in mind on the day I made up my mind that I was going to start Weight Watchers. I did it...just barely...but I did it!
I'm so darn proud of myself right now I could burst! I firmly believe in their programs and will never let anyone else tell me otherwise. It works. If you do what they suggest, it will work! Ahhhh!!!! I did it! Now on to the next goal!! My High School Weight! 15 more pounds to go!!...then its heading towards my 100 Pounds GONE! Might take me another year...but I will get there! Promise!

Weight Watchers update

2010-09-07T10:30:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I talked about my journey so let's visit that topic today!
It's my weigh in day! Every Tuesday! I am slowly approaching my year anniversary (9-28) and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on where I am, where I came from, and where I am going...
I will not share my starting weight but I will share my losses with you: I have officially lost 66 pounds. And I have lost the following in inches:
Waist: 9"
Hips: 7.5"
Bust: 8"
Arms: 2"
Dress Size: 8
Thighs: 5"

So to put this into perspective let's add up all those inches lost from my whole body:
TOTAL: 31.5" gone from my body?! And down 8 sizes! WOW? I'm just finding this all out at this very moment so you are living my excitement with me!!!! That's more than 2 foot of my body gone?! I know it doesn't really work that way but in my head it helps for me 'see' it like that! Wowsers! It's no wonder when I walked into that school today people were talking. I lost count of how many people came up to me today to talk to me and say how amazing I looked. And for those of you who really KNOW ME, I HATE THAT attention. HATE IT. I just wanted to crawl into a hole. But then I got home and did my measurements and I GET IT! I see it! I can understand why they are all commenting. WOW! I still hate attention on me but THANKS! I DID THIS!! I am STILL DOING THIS!!! I'm just over my half way point. I kinda took the summer off from all the craziness of counting points to the right #. I did it in my head but not on paper. I still lost 10 lbs over the summer but it could have been better. But I proved to myself that I CAN MAINTAIN!!! I can do this! I WILL CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY!
So darn proud of myself!! Thanks for letting me rant.

Libby Weifenbach-All jacked up

2010-09-05T17:27:00.006-04:00

Libby's got a new kit out called All Jacked Up! Halloween is coming! Love that holiday!

Winds of change are blowing.

2010-09-04T19:26:00.002-04:00

My life has become so hectic that I am busy restructuring my priorities. I can no longer keep up with all that I am involved with. So with that said, I am going to be MIA for awhile. I seem to post on FB more and more and this poor blog gets less and less used. I'll still try to remember to post my layouts here but frankly, I haven't been feeling like scrapping much at all lately. I think I just need a break from everything for awhile.

Hot Summer lingers

2010-08-30T06:30:00.003-04:00

Well, we've had an awesome summer. It was 92 today at the end of August. But I'm ready for fall. Love those cool nights and warm days. But again, 92 is not my idea of fall in Michigan.
I am dying to get out there and walk but have not been able to do so due to some issues with my right calf. I feel at my sister's wedding back in early July and I have no clue if it stems from that or what. But it will get better and then bam out the blue it will literally take me to my knees. It happened on Friday and I almost fell off the basement steps. Good thing the Punching bag sits there and I was able to catch myself on it. Ugh. I'm a mess.

Thursday was a day from hell. I can't even begin to post it here as it would take up too much space. But in a nutshell, if that is possible: My dog's de-worming took effect, my mom was ill and almost taken by ambulance to the hospital as she was the morning before but refused to go, my grandma fell and broke her clavical and I called 911 for ambulance transport, my sister Erin was in the SAME hospital ER that I arrived at with my grandma, my BIL passed out while driving and was taken by ambulance home, and my brother was having "issues". So...without going into full blown out details...that was my day thursday while I should have been at work so I lost a days pay. Good times, not really! And then the very next day is when I attempted to fall off the basement steps.

I have an ultrasound this AM and will let you all know how I fair. I pray it's just sore and no clot. I do not want to take coumadin. DO NOT! But I want to know when I will be able to walk with falling to my knees in pain. I can't get this weight off if I can't walk. I'm doing so well and now this. Time to re-evaluate things apparently. I know where I'm headed but I think someone wants to CONFIRM my intentions! Yes, God, I'm still committed to my goal. I know where I came from and I know where I am going! Life is still good and I truly needed the laugh last thursday. I am not kidding, I sat in the ER Waiting room and laughed so hard I had tears. I couldn't believe how my day went. I can find the best is every bad situation apparently! Because it was side splitting funny to me that all that was happening at one time.

Featured on SHUTTERFLY.com

2010-08-18T07:00:00.003-04:00

ok so it's no secret at ALL that I LOVE SHUTTERFLY.com. Well, I get this email this morning from an account Representative that my book I created as a gift to my Sister and Don was picked to be featured on the home page gallery for 3 days!!! WHAT??? really???!!!! Some one pinch me now...what??!!!! ME? me? really? seriously?

I'm in heaven at this very moment. I told you in my last post that I love my life right and this is just another exclamation point on why! Things like this just don't happen to ME!

You can see it here: or here:

Or go straight to the book here:

Nutshell

2010-08-16T08:29:00.002-04:00

My life in a nutshell: BUSY! Let's see. I have hardly created any layouts lately. My photography hobby has exploded in the last month for whatever reason. Funny how God pushes his way right in the middle of everything. When I really wanted to get my photography business going it just didn't happen. I decided to continue with the Scrapbooking and then bam...out of the blue I can hardly keep up. It's great but wow. I was not ready for this. Then on top of it all, we have added a new furry baby to the family. I affectionately refer to her as the ugliest dog in the world. And I do mean it! She's the kind that is soooo ugly she's cute...almost! Her personality more than makes up for her looks! She's a lover girl and a half. Taking her to the vets today to see what they think. I have no clue how old she is or what breeds she's made up of at this time.

My journey had just plateaued for about 6 weeks. Neither lost nor gained anything. Then this week alone, I am down over 3 lbs. Let's pray the scale doesn't get stuck again for that long. I have finally hit another goal too! I officially weigh less than my Hubby for the first time in our lives! We graduated HS and we was a whooping 120 lbs with all the clothes he owned on at one time. I think I weighed 120 when I was in the 5th grade?! LOL Doubt it though! LOL Probably younger! Yeah, I was never a skinny kid. Unlike my whole family. Go figure?! Anywho!!! Getting close to breaking the mark has eluded me for whole adult life. I know I will get there and I am hoping it's soon but all in due time.

Finished my Sister & Don's wedding book. Went a little artsy fartsy with it instead of standard pages. I loved it. Now I have the Murder Mystery photobook to do. I just can't seem to find the time lately. I want to enjoy summer too. So things are taking a backseat. I'm totally ok with that, surprisingly! I'm living for me right now. First time in a long time! Feels kinda good. I'm sure I will fall back into the old pattern/habits of helping others first but for now, I'm enjoying doing what I WANT!

Kids head back to school 9-7-10. Looking forward to it but at the same time not. Bitter sweet. I love having them around but I think they are both getting bored. Praying for an awesome school year this year. William is in a Split Class ( 3rd/4th) he's in 3rd. So it will be different but different is good, right! He'll do fine! His teacher is A-MAZ-ING too! So that makes it so much easier on me, mentally. Zander starts Middle School. Yep, Middle school. Wow...where does the time go?? Did I tell ya, I totally love my life right now!

WM2-New Templates!

2010-08-13T15:05:00.002-04:00

Wendy has some new templates out! Love them by the way!

Libby Weifenbach-For Valory

2010-07-31T18:44:00.002-04:00

Libby's got a new kit out today!! It's called For Valory. She did this kit for a friend as payback for taking pics of her and her SO. I love it! Here's a picture of my whole immediate family at my sister's wedding! BIG FAMILY HUH?!

Kristin Aagard-Down Under

2010-07-30T08:49:00.003-04:00

I've always wanted to go to Australia (But I think it has now become New Zealand) as my Dream Vacation. So when Kristin made this cute kit (Down Under) I just had to scrap my dream. They say if you put it in front of you and see it it will have a higher chance of happening. We shall see. I think I just a pig fly by my window...later!

Amy Jo + Don Wedding Pics

2010-07-29T15:47:00.001-04:00

GO HERE to see the most amazing wedding pictures ever not taken by me! LOL

ENJOY!!! They are awesome!

Happy Birthday Will #8

2010-07-27T07:01:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my littlest ones eighth birthday! It was an extremely busy day. So I am just finding the time and energy to blog it. He had two friends over and his little cousin and brother where there too. Wonderful day! Happy Birthday Will!!

Wm2-BBQ Weather

2010-07-24T08:30:00.003-04:00

The new WM {Squared} kit is out!!! BBQ WEATHER!! This kit is so great for those summer memories. I used it for my sister's rehearsal dinner. Template was a freebie by Kristin's ScrapDesigns of Pickelberry Pop.

STOP....

2010-07-22T07:39:00.002-04:00

I'm STILL running like a mad woman. Ok, maybe after this weekend?? ugh....We have our annual library fundraiser (murder mystery play) Sat. and we've all been busy with prep work for that, Will's bday, football camp for both boys, and photoshoots are all keeping me insanely busy. It's a good thing but I miss my quite time too. I so badly want to go up and see my sister and take her discs to her and deliver a freezer to my mom. But alas, my hometown is keeping me too busy to leave. It's all good really! Just need to explain my lack of posting.

Libby Weifenbach-Hi Tech Life

2010-07-17T20:54:00.004-04:00

Libby teamed up with Traci Reed of SSD this week for a cool Techie kit called Hi Tech Life. I'm the only one in the family who doesn't have an iPod. Oh well, just don't touch my camera or laptop! I'm techie on a different level!

Ettes & Co.--Citrus Splash

2010-07-17T16:40:00.003-04:00

Ettes have a new cool kit out! Citrus Splash. Yum!

Prayer Request for Kristin Aagard

2010-07-17T07:23:00.003-04:00

Kristin Aagard, my cyber sister, has lost her Father-in-law to ALS. My heart break for her and the family. He has suffered for a while with this disease and yesterday his battle ended. So if you can, will you please send up a few prayers for her, the family, and all involved. She took care of him 3 days a week for the past 3-4 years and I know he was extremely close to her so this is going to hit her hard. Thanks for listening and I know she will appreciate any love and support you might want to send out to her.

WM2-Lakeside

2010-07-16T09:37:00.003-04:00

Lakeside is a super fun kit by WM2 Designs! If you have water pics you will use this kit! Have fun with it!

WM2-New Templates!

2010-07-16T09:24:00.003-04:00

Wendy has a new template set out today! I just love her templates. Her kits are great too but you all know how I feel about templates! MMM....

Wedding Success!

2010-07-13T12:55:00.005-04:00

Well she did it!!! The wedding was a HUGE SUCCESS! I had a fluffing awesome time! Here's a couple little peeks at what happened! Amy Jo and Don did their pictures before the wedding so this was the first time for him seeing her today! Then my family goofing off at the photoboard! FUN! That was the highlight of the wedding in my opinion! Loved it! And saved the most precious memory for last. Me and my little sister on her wedding day! GOD IS GOOD!

Happy Wedding Day Amy Jo!

2010-07-10T01:28:00.002-04:00

Well since the offical date is 7-10-10 it can only mean one thing: HAPPY WEDDING DAY AMY JO!! It's 1:30am and I'm still up with Megan. She's ironing the groomsmens shirts and the last of the table clothes. I am so excited I couldn't sleep if I wanted to right now. Rehearsal was a blast! The atmosphere is amazingly perfect! The whole set up looks amazing. I'm not going to share photos yet. But believe me...it's beautiful! Great Job Sister! CONGRATS to you and Don!

ok fine...just one photo from tonight:

I love you both!

Wedding Weekend is here!!!

2010-07-07T20:39:00.003-04:00

My sister gets married on Saturday!! Wow...it seemed like at one point it would never get here, then the next minute it just flew here. I believe we/she is ready. I am going tomorrow to get my hair done and have to find some earrings to wear. I thought I had some but they are not what I want. Soo....that means I have to run out tomorrow and find something. I just want big clear stones so it shouldn't be too hard to find, right?! LOL Famous last words!

Anywho...I'll be sure to post pics ASAP. So excited I don't know how I will sleep the next few nights! Wahoooo!

I'll leave you with this:

I love my sister with all my heart and I just wish her nothing but a life of laughter and happiness!

Shopaholic-After5Designs

2010-07-06T17:05:00.003-04:00

A bunch of the designers from A5 got together and came up with this mega collab kit. When I saw the topic/theme of the kit...I instantly thought of my Sister. She's such a shopaholic. So this is a tribute to my beautiful sister, Amy Jo.

Libby Weifenbach-Good Eye

2010-07-06T12:02:00.002-04:00

Libby's got a new baseball kit in the shoppe!

Krystal Hartley-The other side of me

2010-07-03T16:32:00.002-04:00

Krystal released my all time favorite kit ever today! This kit has everything I love, Orange, flowers, and bling. Plus a few other KILLER Foliage elements! It's called the Other Side of Me, so of course, I had to do a "My Journey" layout. I did fix my typo too in the original but I'm too lazy to bother fixing the sample. You'll figure out what it says just fine! I'm known as the "Queen" at work because there are two Rachel's (go figure) in an office of 4. LOL So that's the meaning behind the title work. Do yourself a favor...BUY THIS KIT! Trust me!

WM2 - Celebrate Independence

2010-07-03T16:15:00.002-04:00

Wendy has a new kit out this week...called Celebrate Independence it has an add-on alpha too! Plus she and Heidi teamed up for some summer Quick Pages!

Called: Beach Bum 12x12 or 4x6

or Vintage Summer 12x12 or 4x6 sizes.

WHAT? A LIBBY SALE?!

2010-06-30T21:49:00.003-04:00

Yep it's true...this is a rare occasion for sure. So if you love using her stuff, and want 35% off...yes, you read that correctly...RUN....to her Blog for the code!

Libby Weifenbach Digi-Anniversary

2010-06-28T22:02:00.003-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Libby! 2 years at Sweet Shoppe Designs!! AWESOME! And because of this great event...we, the Libby Lou Crew, have some freebies for you all! We picked our favorite original layout and created a template for you! So if you want a bunch of great templates...go to Libby's Blog!!! HURRY!

Here's the layout I created my template from:

Bronchitis

2010-06-28T15:26:00.002-04:00

Guess it wasn't my allergies? on meds now...so hopefully it will kick it out. I'm sick of coughing. Got some cough meds with codiene for night time too. Hopefully I can sleep now. It's been a rough few days. I'm drained.

WM2- New templates!

2010-06-27T10:05:00.003-04:00

Wendy has some new templates out! I got busy with a bachelorette party and didn't get it posted on Friday but better late than never, right?!

These are called Elements Included V.3. LOVE her templates! VERY MUCH!

Sister's Bachelorette Party

2010-06-27T09:49:00.005-04:00

My Sister's Bachelorette Party/Weekend was fun. As much fun as it could be with me being sick. I'm so sick of coughing and now I believe I have a sinus infection. I just can't get rid of this on my own. Time to seek medical help on Monday if my DR. is back otherwise I think it's walk-in clinic time. Anywho...Here's a couple layouts from the weekend. Two weeks and it will be the BIG DAY for her! Looking forward to it. I don't' know why but I am just as stressed out about it as she is probably. I just hate wearing dresses and I will be wearing one two days in a row. She better know how much I love her! I wouldn't do it for just anyone. At least I know I will look nice in them since I've lost some weight. I'm almost at 60 pounds gone! I hope to hit that by the end of next week! That will be my half way point too! Good Times!

Krystal Hartley-Hero

2010-06-26T09:35:00.003-04:00

Well...she has done it again. This kit is so cute. I didn't use half the stuff in the kit. I wanted to keep the elements to a minimum so you could really FEEL this photo. I know I've shared it before but man, look at the emotion in it. I STILL get a lump in my throat when I see it. This kit is super cute! Would work for non Holiday layouts too for sure! There's a wagon, airplane, elephant, baseball, cap, tire, and Video game remote...so many fun things in this kit! Go peek!
Don't forget...today only...20% off all SSD new releases...hurry!

Libby Weifenbach-Another Day in Paradise

2010-06-26T09:27:00.003-04:00

Libby's got a smoking hot kit out this week. I seriously think this is now my new Libby Favorite. The colors are amazing! It's a super simple kit with a few flowers, frames, and ribbons but so universal it will work just about any photo. I love love love kits like that!! I scrapped a birthday and campout with it. See...anything goes with this kit! It's called Another Day in Paradise. It's 20% off today for new release too! HURRY!

Now a funny story to go with this kit: So you know the song, right..."Just another day in paradise...there goes the washing machine." Well...how fitting-- I had scrap Shell's bday party with it. I would have been at the party if it had not been for my OWN washing maching dying. So...I knew itstantly what pics I had to use for this kit. And...hello....it's green! My Kiwi BFF's FAV COLOR! Karma is a good thing! Love you Shell!

Ettes & Co.--Fabulous 4th

2010-06-26T09:19:00.003-04:00

The Ettes have a new kit out today! Fabulous 4th! Red, White, and Blue! Get ready for next weekend or scrap those DC Pics!! heehee Fitting for me this week, huh! Just in time for me to get some of Zander's DC pics done! He truly did an awesome job photographing his trip! I'm so proud of him! Here's a few pics of his trip.

Kristin Aagard-Freewheeling

2010-06-24T07:57:00.002-04:00

Kristin has come out with a super cool WHEELING kit! Bikes, Trikes, Skates, Boards, and Scooters. This kit has it! All items are colored several times so you are sure to find one that matches your item! Here's just a tiny sample of some items. Available at After5 and 20% off for today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELL!!

2010-06-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

My BFF from across the way is 50 today! Please go wish her a happy happy birthday! You might find yourself the winner of a little give away she's doing too?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELL!!!

DC trip album

2010-06-20T22:21:00.002-04:00

I have been very busy the past couple of days working on Zander's DC trip album. I have 45 pages done! YES, FORTY-FIVE!!! I was up until 2:30am last night working on it and I was back up at 7am to get back at it. I'm on a mission. I wanna have it done and get it order so he can do his DC Party! So for my CT members who didn't get a layout from me...sorry! But more than likely, I used SOMETHING of yours on ONE of those pages! heehee

SIMPLY YIN is my hero by the way. I love her templates. I can whip off a page in about 15-20 min with her awesome templates. And...I broke down and bought a set by TaylorMade and Fei Fei...ummm....WOW...the brush work on them is to die for-truly!

I KNOW I will get my moneys worth out of those templates. I wanna use it for....oh wait...I can't say! LOL Amazing ideas brewing in my head...look out!

WM2 Blog Train-Templates!

2010-06-16T08:00:00.006-04:00

Hey! I'm Stop #13 on this crazy train! Here's my template for you. It's on 4shared site. Life has been uber Crazy this week and today was icing on the cake. Who's cake you might wonder? Probably, Wendy's cake since it is HER BIRTHDAY!!! Whoot! So in honor of her big day, she has her store on sale for 34% off. Your next stop on the blog train is here. If you get lost...go here.

Here's a full list for you:

And if you missed any of the other stops here is a complete listing:

Heather: http://heatherw25.blogspot.com/
Jennifer: http://notes4theheart.blogspot.com/
Heidi: http://myfamilyscrappings.blogspot.com/
Tiff: http://supermama101.blogspot.com/
Liz: http://scrappinlegal.blogspot.com/
Jenny: http://thedaveydaily.blogspot.com/
Tanya: http://crossbonecuts.blogspot.com/
Kate: http://knlchevysscrapbooking.blogspot.com/
Heather: http://heathersdigitalcreations.blogspot.com/
Ami: http://ofnofixedaddresscards.blogspot.com/
Erica: http://digitalscraphappy.blogspot.com/
Kendall: http://majorscrapitude.blogspot.com/
Rach: http://realrach.blogspot.com/
Whit: http://scrapinacan.blogspot.com/
Vicki: http://longhornscraps.blogspot.com/
Kim: http://sassysimpsonsisters.wordpress.com/
Niki: http://onceuponascraptime.blogspot.com/
Sarah: http://sarahs.homelinux.org/

Missing my boy

2010-06-13T11:27:00.003-04:00

Keeping myself busy!

Krystal Hartley-Big Kid Church

2010-06-13T08:13:00.003-04:00

This kit, called Big Kid Church, was designed with the LDS religion elements but I still managed to pull out a layout with it! Love the papers in it for sure! Since I am not LDS, I have no clue about popcorn trees but it's cute! I could totally see me using it for a popcorn Friday sign! LOL Or is that considered disrespectful to their faith? hmmm...Krystal?

Libby Weifenbach-Rubber baby buggy bumpers

2010-06-13T08:01:00.002-04:00

Whew....that's a mouthful to type! heehee....Fun new baby kit she has out right now which is found at SSD. I obviously do NOT have many baby photos but when I saw the dragonfly in this kit...I knew what I had to do. Yesterday at the airport after Z boarded I saw this extremely large dragonfly flying around near the windows as I was waiting for them to taxi out. And it really made me smile and feel at peace. I have heard they are good luck and it really was fitting for how I was feeling at the moment. So I had to scrap the photos of his plane as it was sitting at the gate.

WM2- New templates!

2010-06-12T12:13:00.003-04:00

Wendy has some new templates out this week! You can find them at ScrapMatters.com and they are called Fabulously Negative V.5. Go peek for yourself if you don't believe me!

Ettes & Co.--Zoo Crew

2010-06-11T14:03:00.003-04:00

Ettes & Co have a new kit out today! It's my favorite Ettes Kit yet!!! It's ZOO THEMED! And you all know how much we love the zoo! Such a fun kit! The last orange paper is actually TWO Papers blended together by me. Got a little crazy and tried some new things with blending on PS. Always trying to grow my knowledge. If you have ANY ZOO PICS...you will want this kit!

STRESSED OUT

2010-06-10T07:11:00.003-04:00

I think I have too much stress in my life at the moment because every TINY LITTLE thing that people do or say is hitting me wrong. So I'm just going to crawl back into my hole and stay there for awhile. Say, oh, until June 17th at 3pm See ya all then. I may be back to post a few layouts but no deep thoughts until then.

Gripe

2010-06-08T23:30:00.002-04:00

I've bit my tongue long enough and I'm gonna let loose: YES, I am serious about losing 120 pounds. I'm NOT joking. And the more you question me about it the more drive you give me...so thank you! I will prove you wrong no matter what now, thank you very much for the motivation! And thanks even more for believing in me. I appreciate the support. NOT! I don't care whether or not you believe I can do it or whatever the reason you continue to ask me if I am serious. I have a house of people who believe in me and a list a mile long of friends who believe in me. I don't need your support which apparently you aren't giving anyways. Whew...that felt good. Now do I post it or not??? hhmmmm.....

I can do this, right?!

2010-06-05T00:23:00.002-04:00

I will survive...I hope!

WM2-Brothers & Sisters

2010-06-04T16:15:00.002-04:00

Wendy has a new bundle available this week. You can get just the paper or just the word art or bundle them to save $! Here's what I did with it! It's available at ScrapMatters.com! Fun stuff!

Kristin Aagard-backyard adventures

2010-06-03T12:14:00.003-04:00

Kristin Aagard has teamed up with Kristen Rice of K Studio at After Five Designs for this smoking hot backyard adventure kit. There is a tree house in this kit that will blow your mind! I'll be using it soon. Just gotta find my pictures of the kids in their tree house at Nana's! And....there's ORANGE in it! Whoot! oh yeah...and it's on sale today! 20% off! So hurry!

Meredith Cardall-Cinnamon Sugar

2010-05-31T17:36:00.001-04:00

Krystal Hartley - Birds and bees

2010-05-30T20:57:00.003-04:00

Fun weekend so far! We had a surprise birthday party for Bev on Saturday. It was fun!

WM2- New templates!

2010-05-30T20:48:00.004-04:00

Here's one of the main reasons why I love being on Wendy's CT! Her templates! Love em!

to get them for yourself...click on the templates...it's linked to item in her store at ScrapMatters.com

Krystal Hartley-Mixture of stuff

2010-05-30T18:51:00.003-04:00

Sooo love this picture. It's me and my favorite teacher of all times at a dedication ceremony in her honor. I didn't know this picture was even taken until I got home and was looking at the photos that I thought I took. I left my camera with another teacher as I was asked to pull the sheet off her bench during the presentation. Mrs. Darr must have taken this for me with my camera. I loved it! I did this layout as a demo from my Monday Challenge on KH blog. Love it!

Last week of SCHOOL!

2010-05-24T12:48:00.003-04:00

Wahoo! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for summer break this year! Looking forward to just hanging out at the pool and having fun with the boys.

I'm off to the doctors to prove to my INS company that I am in fact losing weight. UGH...seriously...I have to pay my dr to tell you that? Grrr....

Maybe the wellness, cheaper plan wasn't all it's cracked up to be? Oh well, it just shows me I am doing it and my scales don't lie. I hope! LOL

It's HOT today! Love it!

Ettes & Co.--In your dreams & Simple Moments

2010-05-22T12:12:00.003-04:00

Ettes and Company have been BUSY!

Meredith Cardall-Wild Dandelions

2010-05-17T22:37:00.003-04:00

Meredith Cardall of Elemental Scraps has a new kit out!!! It's a super fun one too! Lots of fun dandelion doodles and stuff! Love it! Made this for my Lil Sis! Happy 34th Birthday Amy Jo! I love you more now than I ever did as a kid! LOL Funny how that works, huh?! hahahaha

Libby Weifenbach-Boom boom clap

2010-05-14T23:23:00.002-04:00

Libby's got the a Patriot Kit coming out this week! How perfect for me right now!! I will be using this one over and over soon!

Krystal Hartley-I believe in yesterday

2010-05-14T23:19:00.003-04:00

Krystal's got a new soft, shabby, vintage kit out this week! Some super cool papers in this one! And I love the REAL elements too! The little red bird is by Kristin Aagard of After5Designs, though.

55!

2010-05-13T21:28:00.002-04:00

I did it...I hit 55 pounds gone!! STILL...not at my half way goal yet. But close!!! It's been an uber stressful few days/week. Work is topsy tervy, extended family is jacked up, and I am feeling stressed beyond measure. I took the boys out of school on Wednesday and we spent the day at Henry Ford Museum with Aunt Barb and Jackson. It was so much fun and I am glad I did it. I asked both teachers before I did it and they both agreed it would be fine. I just needed a break and I know the boys did too. So we spent the day having fun and just enjoying each others company and not worrying about ANYTHING. It was educational but also a mental health day for me! I needed to put things into perspective and now I can see where I am heading. Aunt Barb always has a way to of showing me where I came of from and most importantly, where I am going! I am not sure if she is even aware of it. But I do feel better after spending time with her.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:36:00.002-04:00

Mine's been awesome so far. But then again, I have not gotten off the couch yet! LOL
We have to go spend 4 hours mowing my grandma's yard. All in the name of love, right?!

So to all the Mom's out there....HAPPY MOM'S DAY!! Or Mum's day...which ever you prefer!

I got a hand painted picture of a tree from Will and a handmade MOM magnet with Z pic on it from him. Pics to show up on a layout near you! The best thing is, Zander gave me the SAME picture in 2nd grade! So now I have a somewhat matching pair!! One of our retired school teachers comes to the school and teaches/helps the 2nd graders each year paint this picture. It's so awesome! Again...pics to follow.

May...

2010-05-06T21:31:00.002-04:00

This month is killing me. I've been sooo busy. I can't believe we are a week into it already. WOW! I love the month of May but it's crazy busy this year for me. My Sister's Birthday is coming up, my anniversary, Memorial day, Graduation, Last day of school, Busy busy busy.

I have a BFF having a 50th Bday in June and sooo wanted to fly out and surprise her but it's just not going to happen. I'm so bummed. But on the flip side, my son is going to Washington DC! So all is good. I am hoping she makes it to MICHIGAN this summer. I've got a lot to show her! Or not show her? Which is it?! LOL

Zander's Fundraiser Photobook

2010-05-02T09:10:00.002-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Meredith Cardall-Brighton Lane

2010-04-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

I am just blown away by this kit from Meredith. It's called Brighton Lane. I think it tops all my other favorite kits of hers. She made me swear when I saw it! I said Digital Art Makes News!! I love the colors, the elements, the feel of it. I have a feeling I will use this one again!! Happy iNSD(W/E) Everyone!!!

Ettes & Co.--Bliss

2010-04-29T23:46:00.003-04:00

Here's some layouts from the Bridal shower last weekend. Ettes have new kit called BLISS coming out. The colors and prints were perfect for my er...I mean, My Sister's shower! Oh well, the last one is not from the shower but hey...it's an awesome photo! I did NOT take it! LOL Story of my life! heehee

Just words...

2010-04-29T11:50:00.003-04:00

I am finally going to put my thoughts in print. I have thought a lot about whether or not I wanted to because I don't ever want them to come back to haunt me! Sometimes, I think it's better to just keep things to myself. But I feel it's time to put this out there just so people "get" what I am dealing with internally if I come across differently than normal right now. I am struggling in the most major way known to me about sending my child off on this trip. I know deep in my heart it will be 100% FINE but in my alone times, I cry, A lot! I am so proud of him and even more proud that he willing to cut the apron strings and fly a little higher. But STILL...6 days of no contact (physical). I know these are selfish thoughts. I get that. And that is why I will NOT show my fear, doubt, self pity, to my son. I act totally excited (which is not a lie) I am totally excited. I AM! But wow, does anyone understand what a big step this is for ME? I'm slowly dying inside from the anxiety and pain of knowing I will not see him for 6 days. It's just hard. And I want to put this down so that in the future I can come back and reflect on the thoughts I was having now and hopefully see that it was all for nothing. I know he will safe. I know he will have fun. I know he will Grow in more ways than one from this trip. I Get All That! I DO! And this is what is going to get me through those SIX LONG DAYS. Thanks for hearing me out. Don't judge me for loving my children too much! It's just an emotional time for me for many reasons. This is just one that is weighing heavy on my mind. He has his Fundraiser Saturday! I'm so excited for him and I have set a personal goal of $500. I believe we can do it! He has to get $300 for sure because his Great Aunt has promised him she will match him dollar for dollar up to $300! So he has to raise $300 for sure to make our favorite Aunt pay! LOL God I love her. She's has always had a special bond with Josh and I and now my oldest has found that love too. Family means the world to me and its awesome to have a few that really touch the soul. So thanks for hearing me out and letting me share my emotional pain with you. I will get through this. The hardest will be watching him board the plane. The rest of the time I will be busy working and having fun with Will. We have promised him a day of fun with just Mommy and Daddy. I worry sometimes that he might feel left out right now with all of our energies being put into Z. But he has lots of fun things happening too. He's very active in Scouts and Skating. So he gets attention too! No worries!

Krystal Hartley Stuff

2010-04-25T18:51:00.003-04:00

Totally and completely love this picture of Amy Jo and I that was taken at her shower yesterday. We don't take many pictures together but I guess we don't need to when they turn out like this! It lasts a long time in the heart! I sooo hated wearing my dress at the shower. I felt like a fat cow. UGH...Only I could lose over 50# and still feel fat. I just hate wearing a dress. So uncomfortable in them. Anywho...back to the layout. I did this for tomorrow challenge on KH Team blog! Watch for it!

Krystal Hartley and Amy Stoffel-Artesia

2010-04-23T22:04:00.004-04:00

Krystal has teamed up with Amy Stoffel again! This time they call their collab-Artesia.

Here's my take on it. Sooo totally way not what I normally scrap. Care to comment? I can take it. Well maybe, just don't push the knife in too far, mkay!

It's a photo of my sister. I loved the effect the mask gave to her face. She's beautiful beyond words and I love how it made her features POP.

Libby Weifenbach-Class of 2010

2010-04-23T21:55:00.004-04:00

If you have a graduate in your future or past, you MUST grab this kit. It comes with 7 different colors of element to match almost any school color combo. If it's not spot on, fix it! You can layer, blend, mix the paper to match almost anything. I did this layout of a dear friends son. He's such an awesome kid and I just wish him nothing but success in his future. I'll link you to the kit once it is released. Comes out Saturday AM!

WM2- Day by Day and Go Green

2010-04-23T21:52:00.002-04:00

My very first layout using Wendy's Stuff!! I got to play with a new template set Day by Day V.4 and her newest kit called Go Green.

Ettes & Co.--Fresh Linen

2010-04-23T21:17:00.003-04:00

Ettes and Co have a new kit out today! It's called Fresh Linen. And it has shades of ORANGE in it!!

WM Sqaured CT

2010-04-19T09:31:00.004-04:00

Look where I will be hanging out for the next 6 months! I was going to cut back on my CT's and then low and behold...I do the opposite. Should be fun. I think I just needed a small change? I don't know what I want/need some days. I have to get organized for sure. And I feel like am on the road to keeping it all going again. I do my best work when I am pressured and stressed! LOL And I know my girl Meredith will give me a free pass if I need it. She's just good like that~ ♥U Mere!!
So you will now see me working for Krystal, Kristin, Ettes, Libby, and now Wendy - WM2. And of course, Meredith!
So you are looking for a nice place to hang out....come join us at ScrapMatters! I'll be playing around there and at SweetShoppeDesigns. So if you need me, you know where to look!

Skinny jeans 4 starts today!

2010-04-18T07:55:00.004-04:00

I'm hosting another round of Skinny Jeans contest for the next 10 weeks. It will end the last sunday in June. My goal is to lose 15 pounds...but I really want 20 pounds! LOL riiiight!

Anywho...My journey continues. I have been in a funk with it lately. I just feel like I am not doing enough so today is my day to recommit to the plan and to myself. I have continued to lose but just feel like I have lost my passion for it. So much has been happening in my life with surgeries for me and DH, Working on fundraising for my Son's trip, Wedding shower planning, and school stuff that I just kinda fell off the wagon. But today I am recommitting. No more slacking. Time to get back to tracking and working out. It is official ME TIME again.

Banner for Fundraiser

2010-04-15T21:14:00.003-04:00

The banner I ordered from VistaPrint came today! For the price, I am thrilled with it! It was "free" but you know how that goes...$10 to ship it. So for $10, I say we will get our moneys worth out of it for sure. I think it will look really official when we do his fundraiser event(s). I'm working my tail off trying to get his fundraiser organized and find donations for the bake sale plus my sisters Bridal Shower is next Saturday. Ahhh....when it rains it pours. I feel like I am not ready for the shower but I know that if I had go with what I have done it will still be perfect. I just had/have so many ideas burning a hole in my brain...literally. I still have to have that hole in my scalp looked at but I just can't seem to find the time to get to the Drs. It doesn't hurt but it keeps seeping and oozing. ugh...It won't really make a difference if I lose a little gray matter anyways. I'm only working with 1/100th of it anyways.

So to say I am extremly busy/running ragged is an understatement.

I got back to the drs tomorrow morning for a recheck from my surgery. And Josh has his Sinus surgery at 11am tomorrow. So we will just hang out all day at the hospital. Not looking forward to the after-effects of this surgery for him tomorrow. Fixing a deviated septum and removing polyps in the nose. OUCH! They say he will look like he got hit my semi. I'll have pics, don't worry!

Kristin Aagard-Kit retirement sale

2010-04-13T20:10:00.003-04:00

My Girl Kristin is going to retire a few kits. Out with old, can only mean ONE THING, in with the NEW!!! These are some great kits and will still give you a lot of miles for a little cash. So...April 16th-26th is the time to grab these great kits for only Two Bucks each! You all know how I feel about this girl, she's talented beyond measure and I am honored for each day that she let's me remain on her team! Thank you Kristin...for everything! You are more than a designer to me and you know it! XO