Christmas PARTAY

Can I just say I have the BEST job in the world?! There is seriously no where that I will ever find such wonderful and stinkin' hilarious friends. We had our store christmas party last week where we just had to participate in the traditional white elephant gift giving. WHy is it called White Elephant gifts anyway? Well- never fear- I've done the research and now you can know how it came to be...... ready for this?

Meaning
Something that is more trouble than it is worth.
Origin
White (albino) elephants were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. To keep a white elephant was a very expensive task, since you had to provide the elephant with special food, and provide access for people who wanted to come and worship it. If a Thai King became dissatisfied with a subordinate, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient.

so there ya go..... so amidst the process of trying to "ruin" one another... we had a blast doing it. So did the White elephant game of unwrapping and stealing, stealing, and stealing. Lynn was the first to open her gift. She chose mine. I found this at a local craft store and thought it was so funny- well.... i guess you can tell that everyone else thought it was funny too! It was a foam monkey cap with a plastic banana. WHo do you think liked it better?

Then we moved onto the Foxy ROxy. She chose Jamie's gift. Supposedly Jamie doesn't know what to get. She owns her own scrapbook store and she couldn't be creative enough to figure out her own gift.....so she stole an idea from one of her customers. She went all around town to find gift cards in the amounts of $.85, $1.24, $.23, etc. Too funny! Here's Roxy opening the gift.

Then we moved onto Jamie, note: by the time we got through just these 2 gifts- about and hour has gone by..... ;)

who opened Suzannes gift. We all came to the conclusion that Suzy Q has a funny belief in what a White Elephant gift should be.... and where it should come from. (what religion does she belong to anyway?!) Anywho- Jamie opens this somewhat heavy box, and out she pulls the crab trap. Literally. A crab trap. Then she pulled out a can of canned crab. The most disturbing, and yet funny thing about this... is that Suzy Q's "belief" of white elephant gifts should come from her house and have absolutely no cost to them at all. What was she doing with a crab trap at her house?!?!?!?! Oh yah.... and let's not forget the nice *little* bonus gift she happened to get along with it. I'll let you use your imaginaion to figure out what it was. My thoughts..... I think Suz pulled that thing out of her hubby's belly button just for this occasion..... HAHAHA!

Wow- as I say..... that was pretty special. So then Kristine got to go. She chose Roxy's gift. According to the almighty Rox- "I've always wanted this gift, just have never gotten it". And the reason this is so funny- or especially funny- is that Jamie and Kristine ALWAYS talk about their poop and/or lack thereof. So this is what Kristine ended up getting. And if you can't tell what it is- it's a plastic reindeer that "poops" brown jelly beans. It's called the "Super Duper Reindeer Pooper"...... totally appropriate.

OK- then it comes to me. I'm totally excited. I love gifts.... even if they are pointless. Well- I guess our poor little Lynn doesn't know what a White Elephant gift is. (Lynn- there's an explanation at the top of this entry just for you!) So she went to Target and bought the first thing she saw. M ypicture is absolutely retarded- but this is what I got. I went digging in the bag to see if there was anything else.... nope. it was a cute bag though- kept that too. Funny enough- I ended up using it! It's now my candy dish. THe thing is full- anyone want some?

Poor little poopsy Suzy Q went last. SHe chose Kristine's gift. Well- I think the picture explains it all. A calendar from Chik-Fil-A. too funny. There are actually usable coupons in there! Aw.... so not fair!!!!

So there our saga ended. The night wasn't too long- but it was oh so fun. These girls are just the best- can you ask for better people to work with? It's party central ALL the time. Moral of the story- go work for a scrapbook store.... you'll literally scrap till' you crap.... amongst other things...... :)

Holiday Baking

I finally did it. I'm still good cause' Christmas isn't here yet. And for those lucky people who got to partake in my treats...... lets' just ask them how lucky they feel!!! Now, my whole childhood is based on the tradition of making and decorating sugar cookies for holidays. This year- I wanted to change it up a bit. I decided to make hard candy, divinity, and fudge. I've never made ANY of this before in my whole life. So I hunkered down, (complete with helmet, oven mit, and spoon in hand), and attempted to make these treats. I was so leary- because to be quite honest- I've alwasys heard that all 3 recipes are always hit and miss. After 3 hours of sweating over the stove (and no..... my beads of sweat did not fall into anything) I completed them all and they all turned out! I added a little pinch of almond extract- and they are sooo good! and then I added the Andes chocolate pieces to my fudge recipe and OH MY WORD!!!!! the best fudge I've ever had in my life! I'll put the recipes on here a little later for you all to partake. SO here are the pictures of my first ever candies.... aren't you just so proud?!

It's Christmas time!

Can you believe it's only a week and a half away?! crazy!! I know i've gotten all of my shopping done- just have to wrap it all... which happens to be my LEAST favorite part.

I was in the process of making my Christmas cards, and after about 2 hours of painful nonsatisfaction- I decided to give up. Then I was reminded that Rick said he wanted to do the Christmas cards this year. Being an artist and all- I thought it was a wondeful idea. So he did! He sat down and made our Christmas card this year and this is how it turned out!

I inked the edges, added alittle glitter, stamped the inside, and it's done! Now for those of you lucky enough to get a card from us... I'll put a little warning in right now- we've stayed up the past 3 nights constructing a "story" family letter. It is down right hilarious. I will post the letter after I send them all out within the next week for you all to read. My abs are so sore from laughing so much. And I'll also admit that Rick was the one that came up with most of the funny ideas in that thing!

And.... this is somewhat HUGE- but I managed to actually scrapbook this week! I made one page, and sorry I can't show it- it's for the Adornit ad going in Feb issue of Scrapbook Etc. So you can see it then and then I'll post it on here. Made me feel good to finally do something for myself though. And believe it or not- I'm actually pulling all my product out to yet another page today! I'm practicing my style for the Hall of Fame contest. For those of you who don't know what that contest is, it's the biggest scrapbook contest ever. You have to submit pages according to theri guidlines and you have to submit a total of 12 pages. It's a difficult one- and chances are slim because thousands of entries are submitted. But I like the challenge and if you win- you get a huge amount of money and scrapbook products to last you the next 10 years of your life! So I wanna win pretty badly.

Here's is a page I did a while ago- but never had the time to show it off. I used all Adornit supplies. I like it.. simple- but it's cute! let me know what you think!

Sad News

My very good friend, Jen Gallacher, contacted me yesterday. Her son has had some health problems and just got diagnosed with cancer. He is 12 years old. He is in Primary Childrens Hospital right now recovering from surgery where they discovered the cancer. This is such sad sad news. I ask that anyone who prays, to PLEASE keep her and her son and family in your prayers. It's hitting especially hard because of the time of year obviosuly. Her blog is at right- you can go there and leave a message for her too if you like. Thanks for your wonderful thoughts- I know she'll be greatful for all the thoughts and prayers on her sons behalf.

Page of the Day......or week... or month.....

So I decided that since I'm a die hard scrapper- I haven't been posting much of my work. For good reason... I might add- but still! So I will post one of my pages a day- or week- or month....like the title claims... hahahah! I'll try to do it more often. I'd like to get feedback on my stuff. For some reason- I submit like crazy and can NEVER get my pages published. I've had cards published a few times, but I want a page published more than anything. Isn't that the greatest boost to your scrappers ego than to have one of YOUR pages published for all the world to see? I guess I can't complain a whole lot. I did have a page "published" on the packaging of my Mia Flower stickers.(which I'm not fond of anymore) And... I just got asked to do a page using my open shelf lines, (which have now been named the Amber and Shari lines), for an ad in the Feb issue of Scrapbooks Etc. magazine! So I guess that will technically be "published"..... but it won't be because of my "creative genius" that came out and did an INCREDIBLE job- but because it's my line of product and no one can use it but me right now! hahahahahahah! oh well- something to add to my list and to make me smile... what could be worse than that right?

All the good pages I like are in my portfolio at right- you can check those out anytime. But I will choose a certain one and give the story behind it. Which I think is the most important part of scrapbooking.

the one i chose for today is "Little Prayers"

I did this page because I wanted to remember what my son said every single night in his prayers. This is the hidden journaling at top- "Kayleb’s Prayer “mommy, daddy, hayee, kayub, bee yeeya, gwamma, gwampa,nana, bobo, tyty, mecky, jif, daddy, hayee, mommy, kayub, bee yeeya, mecky, jif, daddy, gwamma, gwampa, hayee, mommy, kayub, nana, bobo, tyty, Heh fadder, monteers, monteers, Heh Fadder, Amem. Oh the faith of a child. It brings my heart such joy, my son, to see you kneel down at the close of each day and say the sweetest little prayer to someone you’ve never seen or hardly know anything about. Yet you talk as if you are talking to someone who listens and loves you just as much as your father and I do. Your prayers right now show to me how important family is to you. There are so many things you can be thankful for and the ones you mention every night are that of your family members. It’s so cute and funny to see you praying about monsters, but yet amazing to me that you know your Heavenly Father will help keep you safe. I wish that you will always keep the simple faith that your prayers will be answered. I can’t imagine my life without your prayers to help keep my faith going and growing. Thank you, sweet son of mine, for that daily reminder! August 2006"

He said this every night for quite a while. Like most things- he has outgrown this "phase". I'm so glad I wrote it down and got these adorable pics to remember this by. I wouldn't have remembered otherwise. THAT"S WHY I SCRAPBOOK!!!!!- we need to remember the reason behind the pages we do. It's not about who can do the coolest design or who can use the newest products. It's about your self expression and giving the story behind the pictures.

ok- off my soapbox now..... enjoy!!!!

IT"S DONE!!!!

OH my word! I cannot tell you how good it feels to be completely done! I am reffering to my designing I've been doing for Carolees. I have completed all designs and they are currently in their hands being sent to the printers at the end of the week! I am so excited to see how they all come out. It was no small feat. I spent about 30-40 hours over a 3 day period doing, re-doing, sizing, formatting, saving, etc. I was given a wonderful opportunity to design as much as I wanted and man..... did I ever! I have 1 album kit, consisting of an album, 24 papers, 12 x 12 sticker sheet, and 2
12 x 12 die cut sheets. Then I have 2 "open shelf" lines consisting of 4 papers each. Then there's the matching foam stickers, acrylic stamps, chipboard set, ribbon set, alterable boxes, and chipboard mini album. It was a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Now I just have to bide my time until I get to go to CALIFORNIA baby! I will still be doing updates on details of these products on Georgana's blog every Tuesday until CHA at the end of Jan. (her blog is at the right)
Just thought I'd share the good news of completion!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!

Just had to share

My little baby- Mia- is barely 10 months old. She's been letting go of things and standing on her own for about a month now. Last Sunday, she let go and started walking on her own! She's such an independant little booger. It's hilarious though- she's walking more than she's not now- and it's the cutest thing ever. She looks sooooo tiny and way to little to walk- but she is having so much more fun. She wants so badly to chase and walk with the other kids- so I guess it's a good thing. BUt here some pics to prove my story.

Plus- we went and took some pics tonight and I had a friend snap some shots of me. I got some good ones- and these are the best by far! Thanks Elizabeth! I'll have to do a page with these.......of course!

Happy Thankgiving!

Ok- I know I'm a slacker! BUt here I am, still alive and still here with things to share. First things first.... I've had my weekly update on Georgana's blog on the lines coming out in Jan. you can check them out here for some hints and sneek peeks on what they will sort of look like! http://www.georganahall.typepad.com

Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving? I did! We had a few families over for dinner and had SOOOOOOOO much food. My kitchen is big enough- but all counter space was crammed to the max with food. It was great. And not to toot my own horn too much- but I do make the best Turkey in the whole wide world, and once again, this year was no different! Seriously.... thinking of opening my own turkey cooking business. :)

But now that it's over- it's my favorite time of year. CHRISTMAS!!!! I always pull out all my decorations and decorate my house the day after THanksgiving and yesterday was no different. I pulled it all out and it's all up and ready to share. One surprise that was added to my collection this year is my "Shaky Booty Santa". That's what I call it. My husband went and bought it for me at Walmart. It plays a song and turns around and literally shakes it's booty. It's absolutely hilarious and you can't possibly have a bad day with that going on! Here are some pics of my Christmas decor. AND- I was able to finally sit down and do something for myself. I switched my living room and dining room around and decided that my walls needed a makeover too. SO I went and found all these frames in my closet and made a collage on my wall in my dining room. I love how it turned out. what do you think? THe picture makes it look sort of small- but it really takes up about half my wall.

Such a wonderful time of year- can't wait to share all my stories and pics of the season. Going out to take more family pics today. hopefully I get some good ones- seems to be almost impossible with 3 children under the age of 4!!!!

Happy Holidays!

What's in a Name Tag

I've been tagged again... thanks to my friend Lisa (blog at right), so I have to give the explanation to why we chose the names of our children. So here's more random facts about me!
Hailey- I used to fantasize in high school about what I'd name my children when I had them. Hailey was the first name I ever came up with for a girl. So when I got married and had a girl, we tossed some names around, but luckily for me, my husband loved the name just as much as I did. So tha'ts how my oldest got her name. Not named after anyone, just liked the name a lot!
Kayleb- Well, boy names are a HUGE struggle for us. We fought over boy names the entire pregnancy. Honestly, I hated the name Kayleb. I worked in a daycare and there was this aweful child with that name! Every name I liked, RIck didn't and vice versa- so we had a hard time with it. Rick loved this name- but for some reason-(i'm really wierd on this) when it's spelled Caleb, I still hate it. But I saw it spelled Kayleb, and loved it. So once I changed the spelling, that's what we went with.
Amelia- Well, yet again, this name was the second name I came up with in high school for girls. I had a friend with this name when I was little and have always loved it. So when it came time to have another girl, we had it narrowed down to 2 names and when she came, we honestly couldn't decide. I think the deciding factor for me was when I Hailey to say Amelia, she said "amia". I'm always thinking of what nickname possibilities will happen. And "mia" came out of that and I LOVED it. So for me- that was it. to this day- she is "Baby Mia". we very rarely call her Amelia- but I still love the name.

Thats about it. Like I said- random facts...... :)-

More Info

So I continue to be a guest blogger on Georgana's blog every Tuesday. Go check it out here to see my latest entry: http://www.georganahall.typepad.com.
I still have yet to scrap anything for myself. I'm getting frustrated at the fact that I am not having time to do what I love. But I'll get over this bad spell and hopefully be starting up my own things soon.

I do have a class this coming up Saturday. It is my 2nd class in the series of Elsie Challenge workshops. We will focus on challenge #'s 4-6. If you are interested in a kit-(signups for the class are now closed)- call Savannah Scrapbooking to get one. I will be coming up with the next kit for challenges #7-9 next week. You can see the kit here: http://savannahscrapbooking.typepad.com/savannah_scrapbooking/2006/week43/index.html

I HAVE to mention the finale of LOST last night! wasn't it amazing?!?!?! That show is like a drug for me..... have to watch it or I have a bad day! The writers mever cease to amaze me with new ideas and how they all connect. Can't wait until Feb when it starts up again. Any LOST fans? We'll get along great!

Halloweeny.....

Ok- got my pics of the halloween celebrations. How adorable are these? just too funny. My little one wasn't feeling well- and this picture of her is the only one that she smiled in. oh well!

And the other two of my baby, well- i guess she has a monkey gene in her somewhere! And don't ask me what caused my husband to try this out... i only took the pics! But the funniest thing is that she takes after me..... you see- my dad, used to do the EXACT same thing when I was little. I have a picture to prove it too.... where is that picture anyway?........

Inspiration Anyone?

OK- so a couple of things have happened.

One- my second Elsie challenge class has been posted and you can sign up at Savannah Scrapbooking. You can see a pic of the page we will be doing here http://www.savannahscrapbooking.typepad.com.

Two- I will be updating my progress on my process and production on the new lines coming out in Jan. on Adornit's blog, http://www.georganahall.typepad.com , every Tuesday. So check on there to see some new pics. I will also be putting little extras on here if you want to check it out here too! :)

Three- So I have been completely busy with album jobs! Swamped really. I am greatful that I have had so much work, but I have reached a point that I never wanted to be at. I am not happy doing this. I literally almost never have time to do my own work, which I would like to be my priority. So after I am done with these projects, I will no longer be taking album jobs anymore. It is sad, I have made some good friend by doing this. I just really want to focus on expanding my talents and creativity on my own pages and *hopefully* get caught up! ( I don't think that will happen, but it's worth a shot right?) I will be focusing more on publications and designing. I have made a goal for myself for how many publications I want in the next year, so we'll see how far I can go!

With that being said- I did sit down the other week and came up with this page. I LOVE these pics! isn't he adorable? Yah- this was the last time I did a page for myself and that was about 3 weeks ago. very sad for me! :( But here ya go- enjoy!

Elsie Classes

So I've started up a series of classes based on the challenge book by Elsie Flannigan. There are a total of 52 challenges- so we are doing 2-3 challenges per class. I've also thrown in a few of my own, so there will be alot to learn from them! The first class was held last weekend and was a huge hit! The next one will be on Nov. 11th at 6:30 pm. If you want a spot or a kit, call Savannah Scrapbooking and reserve your spot. This double spread was the first class. We focused on the challenges of 1) FOcusing on one photo 2) working with words/ creating journaling on strips and 3) create a ribbon border. I created this page using the new Curvy Cutter. It's not my fav. thing in the world... but I LOVE the sizes of circles it can produce. Now, here are a few pointers/ideas for you to use to create/scraplift or whatever you want!

*When using one photo- you typically want to enlarge it if you are doing 12 x 12 pages. If you dont, you have A LOT of room to fill up. I have seen some pages with 4x6 pics and they turn out good, but i love a good pic that is a larger size.

* To use ribbon, here are a few ideas.

tie them in knots

tie a ribbon around a picture or piece of paper

sew a line down the middle of the ribbon to create a unique look

use ribbon to create a border around a picture

tie a knot to create a "leaf" on a flower

staple small pieces in a "v" on the edge of a pic

scrunch up a strand and sew down the middle

use a straight ribbon for a "stem" of a flower

cut little slits in the bottom of a piece to create a "fringe"

* When creating Journaling using strips, make a list of adjectives of you or the person you are scrapping about, and use those on the strips.

Use a poem on strips

use word stickers as your journaling

Ok- so there ya have it! a few ideas in a nutshell on the first class. You can look on Jamie's blog www.savannahscrapbooking.typepad.com to see a pic of the next class and a description of what it will entail.

We will be focusing on challenges 4-6. *Create your own chipboard embellishment *Create a ribbon cluster *Embellish a floral accent. I'm throwing my own challenge in there as well and that is to create a page with no 4x 6 photos. We will be doing a page with 1 5x7 and 3 3x3's. so be prepared. Also, if you missed the AWESOME workshops that were given by Angelia Wiggington while she was here, we will be using some of the techniques she taught in her "Bloom" class, so be sure to come if you want to learn some! It's going to be an awesome class - hope you sign up!

WOWOWOWOWZERS!!!!

Ok... So I had a phone conference yesterday with Carolee and Georgana of Adornit. We talked over what I will be designing for CHA in Jan. and all the details. I was so excited and happy to talk with them. It was an amazing experience!
So... deatils........ wanna know them?!
I will be doing 3 lines! One will be a 12 x 12 album kit, complete with papers, stickers, and possibly embellishments. I will also be doing 2 "open shelf" lines with matching stickers. I will also be coming up with my own alphabet stickers, and possibly a ribbon set and other embellishments. There may be more involved.... but I need to see what I can come up with in the amount of time I'm given. I am sooooo completely floored by how much I will get to design. I have all the papers done. So now it's on to the hard stuff. Ready for some sneaky peaks?!.....
SORRY!!!! can't give them out quite yet. You'll have to wait like everyone else to see them. They will be wonderful though. I am excited to use them to create projects of my own.
This is still mind blowing! I will be updating often on the progress of the whole process. Updates will also be available on Georgana's blog, www.georganahall.typepad.com up until CHA at the end of Jan. So keep checking there to see what becomes available and to see what's going on.
Let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas on what you'd like to see on the market!
For now..... I'm out of here!

Something New/Something Blue

OK- So I've been on this Design Team kick recently with applying for them. Typically I don't because I don't feel most of them give enough product for the amount of work you have to do. The ones I've tried for are worth it.... so hence the reason I've been trying. I tried for one that i REALLY wanted, but alas.... didn't get it. :( This isdustry is full of ups and downs. But in my day of sulking, I get this amazing phone call saying I made the finalists for another! So, the only difference is that the one I got is for a Review Team. http://www.scrapfriends.com I will be sent numerous products every month to "review". I will then create a page or a project with those products and write a review on them for others to see. I will be on the team for November and December, then the 5 winners will be announced the end of December to sign a year's contract. I am excited for the opportunity- we'll just see how it goes. I keep thinking how much I want to get a lot of things on my resume, but can't determine how much is too much. I am busy doing albums for other people still and the only open time I have to scrap is during the kids' nap time and after they go to bed. Anyway- things are good, things continue to work out as they always do.
I also will be starting on my BEST project of designing my new line in the next month! Stay tuned!!!!!!

DOING THE VICTORY DANCE!!!!

Can you tell I'm doing the jig?!?!?!
So.... this will be made public on Tuesday- but remember that contest I was in with Carolees Creations/Adornit?
Now... for that "announcement" I was going to tell you about.......
Drumroll please...............

I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Due to the votes and the purchasing of my product- I have been named the Scrapbook Apprentice! I found out eariler in the week.
Now... the prize.....
I get to create another line. I don't know all the details to how big or small it will be. But another line will be coming out in Jan. I will also be flying to CHA in Jan.... -which is in Anaheim, CA- to debut it!
I am just so excited for this WONDERFUL opportunity. I hope to make "connections" and "promote" myself as a real designer. This is just flat out amazing and such a blessing.
Thanks to everyone that voted for me (I'm doing the Beauty Pageant wave) (crying sobs of tears too- :) hehehe )..... It's been a fun ride- now to create even more! Stay tuned for my next line!!!!!!

Tagged

Ok... so my friend Lisa (her blog is on the left)- "tagged" me and now I have to respond. I guess the whole gist of it is that once you are "tagged" you have to state 5 wierd things about yourself that no one knows. SO I'll do my best to make you oooo and aaawww over everything i say!

Wierd thing #1) I like dipping my toast in Hot chocolate. Yup.... soggy bread- heard right. BUT- it is all thanks to my dad and childhood. You should try it sometime... either plain toast or with cinnamon and sugar- it's YUMMY!
Wierd Thing #2) I can't stand grocery cart handles and gas station handles. EEWWWW..... totally grosses me out to even have to think of touching them. If I HAVE to touch them- then I lather up with hand sanitizer at least 4 or 5 times the second i get in the car. Wierd phobia thing.
Wierd Thing #3) Ok- this is freakin hilarious and I can't believe I'm admitting to it.... know what a dutch oven is?! hehehe- One of my fav things to do of all time is to get in bed before my husband and let a little bodily function loose... then the second he gets in bed, whip up the blankets and give him a nice whif!
Wierd Thing #4) I'm still a little girl at heart. Explanation..... ever have one of those BFF necklaces or rings? I TOTALLY still want those! I have these friends that given the chance... I'd buy them in a heartbeat to wear. Yah..... wierd.
Wierd Thing #5) OOOhhh.. just came up with a good one! K- so I get this from my mom.... and I'm totally blaming her on this one. Ever get a sunburn and it doesn't turn into a tan and the skin peels instead? Well... if you ever need that skin peeled off- I'm your girl. Yup- I like to peel the skin off your back when you've just been sunburned. Ok- sounds gross... but it really is fun!

Ok- I could come up with more... but I don't think you want me to! Just a little tidbit of info you may or maynot have heard before, and may not want to know ever again!
Still have some good news.... can't share it for another couple days.......sorry! :)-

oh- I'm supposed to tag 5 others now too... um....... ok- Jamie, Amanda, Angelia, Lou, Jen G.
Have fun!!!!

YIPPEE!!!

Ok- so I have a bit of good news.... but can't share it quite yet. :)
BUT... have another bit of good news. The company Notions Marketing has picked up all the 3D stickers from all 6 contestants in the Apprentice contest I was in. So Notions is now marketing my product! That is very huge in this industry... means that it's selling really well. My boss called me and told me she has found it- so that's very exciting! Working on some more projects and getting ready for more work! I'll fill you in a little later on my good news! ;)-

Inspiration Page 1

Ok- So I said I'd post these pages. This is only one that I did. Haven't scanned in the other yet- but I'll try to get to it tomorrow. This is my niece Macie. I have some hidden journalin behind the flowers on the left side. The journaling is about how Macie and the problems she went through when she was first born. She was in the hospital for only a week- but she's a healthy little bugger now that eats everything! I absolutely LOVE this page. It is one of my fav's right now. This has a lot to do with having some wonderful inspiration from Angelia Wigginton.

Amazing!

Ok- So this past weekend we had Angelia Wigginton (her blog is on my list) come to my local store here and teach some workshops. They were so much fun. I got to help her walk around and show the samples she did to the class. So- here are some pics from the classes- there's one of all the staff at Savannah Scrapbooking with Angelia, I locked Jamie in the bathroom and she's trying to get out, some friends, and the class as a whole.

Then we had an all night crop. It was the first time I've ever ahd the chance to stay up all night and scrap and the first time I've ever had 12 hours of uninterupted scrapping! I completed some amazing LO's that I have posted below. Here are some other pics of how much fun we had. Now one little explanation- me and 2 of my friends decided to make shirts that say "Scrap till you Crap". they ended up turning out really cute- so there's a picture there too. If you want one- email me and we'll go from there. And the reason I was able to stay up all night and behave the way i did..... well- one of the pictures explains it all..hehe :)

OK- so I still have the pages I did to post. I'll be on later to post those. Screaming kids and lunch are the priority now.... :)

Long time

So- it's been a while since I last posted. I know... SLACKER! anyway- couple things.....
I met this new friend- Catherine- she's amazing. We've been having so much fun together and I've baptized her into the scrapbooking religion. I know.... I'm amazing.. what can I say?! So I now have another scrap buddy to play with and it's been a lot of fun.
Mia has her surgery tomorrow on her lip. I remember mentioning it earlier- but I didn't explain it. SHe has this bump/cist that has grown on the inside of her lip since she was 2 weeks old. Sometimes they go away- in her case... it's just getting bigger. So they have to go and snip it off. The surgery is only an hour long and we can be in and out within a couple hours (knock on wood)- so it should be fairly simple and painless. She wo'nt bein a lot of pain- just a few stitches and a one day of possible grouchiness- but that's about all.
As promised eariler- I "found" the other pages I did in that contest and here they are. I've been busy and haven't had the chance to scrap lately.. but that will all change this weekend. We have Angelia Wiggington coming to teach workshops at my Local scrap store here and I get to be her assistant! I"m so excited! Then we get to stay for an all night crop... yah. Last time I stayed up all night- either Freshman year in college or my high school senior all night party. We'll see how this turns out to be. I'll be depending on a lot of friends to keep me going! ayway- I"ll post on that once it's all over.
ok- on my merry way to clean and hopefully scrap some!

SOOOO COOL!

Ok- so I won the contest at Creating Pages website. And along with the prize- I get to be the guest design team member for the month of Sept. So- click here to see my gallery with their product! http://www.creating-pages.biz/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=660
I know I said I'd put up the rest of my pages from the other contest... honestly- I need to find them! I saved them somewhere but I can't remember where - or under what name- so I need to go a lookin to find them!
Things continue to be good. Ernesto missed us.. barely. We had a good rain storm- but they canceled all the schools yesterday. Hailey's school was one of the only ones open. We were lucky though.
I get to go on a date tonight! It is an amazing thing when my husband and I actually get to go out! Doesn't happen very often- so we will soak it all up without kids in tow! Going to go do things we can't do with little kids- like bowling or miniature golf, sitting down at a nice restaraunt.... you know- those sorts of things!
And just to let you all know.... countdown to LOST begins now..... only 34 more days left!!!!
ok- I"ll go look for those pages now!

It's over-

So- I was in a couple of contests. The first one ended last week and I WON!!!!! I got a 50$ gift certificate to their online store and i get to be their guest designer for the month of September. You can check out my stuff on their site in a couple of days- www.creatingpages.biz.
The other contest was a tough one. It started out with over 50 people, and got narrowed down each week. I made it to the top 15- but it ended for me today. I'm sad- the grand prize is a product package valued at $500! So that was a little dissapointing. BUT- I cam up with some wonderful pages that I can now reveal to all! Here are some of them- I'll post more later.
I am also guest blogging on Adorit's blog TODAY! Go check out the projects and pages I've created using my line there. http://georganahall.typepad.com/listen_in/. I've had so much fun with it. I can honestly say that now that I've created so many things with my product- I'm officially sick of looking at it! Probably won't be pulling it out again for a while.
Things continue to be good- I'm very excited because Angela Wiggington is coming to Savannah Scrapbooking at the end of the month to do some workshops! She's a big-wig in the industry and it will be a lot of fun to get to know her a little.
I now get a little break from deadlines- which is very nice. I am going to be starting up a couple more contests and continuing to get published.... seems to be the only way I can work now is if I have something to work towards.
Enjoy the pics!

New Stuff/Sad Stuff

Ok- so a couple of things. First of all- I'll be guest blogging at Carolees Creations/Adornit http://georganahall.typepad.com/listen_in/ on August 28th. So I'll have abunch of pages and projects made with my product. It's all about promotion and helping to get the word out... so tell all your friends!
Second-
My daughter just went to preschool for the first time today. It is so empty in my house! Now- I have 3 kids- Hailey is 4 and Kayleb is 3... and they fight hard and love hard. So- needless to say- it is very calm and quiet in my house today- which i love. It's been a nice break. But she's gone from 8-3 every day and I am sad that my girl is not with me anymore I'm constantly thinking about her and if she's ok. I'm sure i'll get over it! Aw- so sad! Anywho... here's her funny pics of her first day of school. she's such a nut. Had to get a new outfit and shoes and a backpack. She thought she was so cool! Ok- I'll get over my sad sad story.......

Much Needed

Ok- Today I went to church and for some reason, I just needed it much more than I usually do. It was a very nice day with inspriational lessons that really boosted my up for the next week. I'm feeling good now!
So.. after several days of not being able to scrap (which literally killed me!) I was able to finally get a page done last night. This is my little niece Macie. My sister came down for a visit not too long ago and I took these pics while she was here. I couldn't wait to scrap them and now i have! Macie and my daughter Mia are 4 months apart, so it should be pretty fun to watch them grow together.
Things will be hectic the next couple of weeks- RIck has is finals, Mia has her apt's with the eye Dr. and the oral surgeon....(finally) so we'll just see if i can accomplish anything! Guess you'll find out eh?!

Finally- a breath!

So...... think I've been scrapping right? NOT! I had soo many plans and so many projects to work on this week and decided to "scrap" them (figuratively speaking). So- now that I've had so much time on my hands (major understatment)- I've been able to go on a date with my husband and celan the house majorly. I must admit- feels really good! After much debate and frustration- I'm not oging to do the Design Team for KI or Scenic Route. I really just don't have the time to get the submissions together. I've been spending a lot fo time with my kids- which has been great, and focusing more on the important things of life. So- I did manage to create our family photo frame (s). now that Mia is 7 mo. old- i figure it should be time to incorporate her photo amongst our family pics hanging up in the house. Up until now- she's been a non-existant child that only existed in the flesh. Now there's proofon the walls that she's an actual part of the family! Poor thing! ok- these aren't the best of pictures- believe me..... I know! but just the general idea of what it looks like!

Work Work Work

Ok- so have you ever felt like you have too much to do and not enough time to do it? I think i've reached that point. I have so many projects and definitely not enough time to do it. ALTHOUGH..... all the things i'm doing are completely optional. hahahahaha! I just want to conentrate on building my portfolio and resume- that I"m trying to get as much on my plate as i can. I'm in 2 contests and currently working on 2 Design Team submissions, and working on my own stuff. It is a lot. I've been putting out some good work. I've been really challenged through these contests and I love that. I don' thave to do the Design Teams, but the more and more I submit- the more likely I"ll have the chance that they'll recognize my work and want to see more. So it's a tough call. I'm loving the work I do. I've completely re-done my daily schedule. I've cut my work time in half so I can spend more time with the kids and cleaning house.....mommy duties. It's been wonderful- but I could defnitely use more hours in the day!
Anyway- here's my latest creation. I love this picture. It's so inspiring. Love my girls! Enjoy too!

OOOHHHH

I am so excited! I came up with this page for a contest i'm doing and i just love how it turned out. Lucky for me - it's a twofer.....for a contest and a Design team submission. Cuts down on my pages i have to do! anyway- just thought I'd share!
BYE!

too long

Wow... it's been too long since i've written here. Sorry! Been so busy with stuff. My parents and sister came down last weekend and we had a fun time. We went to the Georgia aquarium and it was a lot of fun. I'd reccomend it. BUT.... go in like November.. on a tuesday morning! It was so crowded- it was hard to enjoy with so many people there. Here are a few pics I took while we were there. i thought they were fun.
Well... CHA was this weekend and I haven't heard yet on how my papers sold. I've gotten so many compliments on it and I've very greatful for it. I still have to wait until October- but hopefully I can get an idea once they are in my store and selling.
One thing that was really funa nd unexpected by this whole thing.... I have a friend of about 12 years that I just got back in contact with because she saw my picture in CK magazine in the ad for this contest! It's hilarious. It's been really fun and interesting how similar we are. I'd highly reccoment checkin out her blog- she's very good! www.lifeaslou.blogsome.com
i'll be putting up another LO or two tomorrow. I've been working hard on some contests and doing pretty good.
Paper Trends picked up another project of mine for the dec/jan issue. so that's exciting.. i'll let you know more about that later too!
Thanks for checkin back!!

Feeling Good

Ok- so i'm recovered from Rick leaving me this past weekend. It obviously took enough out of me that I couldn't do anything until now on here! I'vebeen able to get some work done and that's been good. Kids have been sick- so that hasn't been good. But I pulled a LO off tonight and I really like it. It's different from what I've done and I'd like to hear what you think. I'm in a couple of contests right now and shooting for the KI contest. Man... I have a lot to do- but i love the challenges. So... now that i've bored you with my scrap stuff... yet again....anyone up for a scrapping challenge?! Here's the LO I did today- what can you do with it.... let me see!!!

Summer Fun

(dislcaimer..... I did this post a long time ago and forgot to post it.. so you are getting it now..... :)
Ok... so I keep looking into all these amazing contests and opportunities for me to get my work out there. THere is a MAJOR contest that is being done by KI Memories company. You have to create a Mini album- (size 9 x9 or smaller) and you ahve to make it colorful useing mostly their product. if you win- you get this amazing prize package and a spot on their Design Team. Which is huge! So i'm trying for it of course. I went out and took some adorable pics of the kids outside so I could do a summer themed album for it. Here are a few of the pics I took today- that I will be using. Cute?... I know! Thanks to my handy dandy new camera too! Thanks for looking!