Gingerbread Fun!

Well yesterday was loads of fun! We made gingerbread houses with Andrew's class. Well we used graham crackers but still as cute. Let's just say it was a "sugary" day at school! Andrew was the "brick and mortar" guy and I showed him how to glue the goodies on. I think more went into his mouth than on the house!Don't you just love the reindeer horns? They had a christmas program just before we decorated the houses. I got to listen to all the favorites, Jingle Bells, Feliz Natividad, Up on the Housetop, and don't forget Rudolph! The children were all full of holiday excitement.

Then I was presented with a special gift from Andrew. I can't wait to see what he has made now!

Happy Holidays

Here are a few cards and layouts+ that i made with the CT Kit I got from Scrapbook Doodle and some Tim Holtz Stamps that I have.

I realied that it must have been a long time since my update when my Grandmother started complaining that nothing new had been posted here. Hi Grandma!
I got home after my last travels and dug in. I started volunteering at Andrew's school and trying to catch up around the house.

We are trying to get ready for the holidays around here. Andrew has his Christmas program at school tomorrow. He has been practicing Jingle Bells, Rudolph, and We wish you a Merry Christmas every day.

I just love it when they are his age, full of wiggles, giggles, and smiles.

It should be super fun and we are making gingerbread houses in his classroom afterwards.

Now to make sure my camera's batteries are charged!

Packing AGAIN!

My last trip of the year is upon me. Can you believe it I have yet to pack. It seems like everything around here has been needing my attention.

I have spent most of this morning in the dentist chair having some badly needed repair work done. My mouth is swollen, my gums black and blue, and I am on medication but... I will be on that plane!

I am leaving tomorrow morning, more like late tonight, and should reach Utah mid morning.

I am so excited to see all of the friends that I have made this year and to actually get to SCRAP with them.

It will be a nice little vacation for me before Thanksgiving Vacation hits here.

I heard today that it was snowing there. OK, I am still wearing shorts here in CA, maybe a pair of capris on a cooler day, but SNOW? I don't even think I have a coat in my closet!!

Hopefully I won't turn into an icicle!

Well off to dig into the netherlands of my closet and find something warm!

Things That Make Me Smile

This is the photo that is the wall paper to my cell phone.

When I am traveling and need a taste of home I always reach for my phone, turn it on, and have a peek.

It always brings a smile to my face.

It is my son Andrew (don't you just love that cute smile), a sonic soda (yep diet cherry), and they are sitting in my VW bug! It is my view from my drivers seat when I turn around and look at the back.

Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can make you feel all warm an cozy?

Ontario Expo - Done!

My last show of the year... DONE!

I arrived home from Ontario tired but I sure had a blast! I got to work with two special ladies Casey and Tracey.. yep... they still rhyme!

We had such fun this trip. It was so easy for us. Everything was within walking distance of the hotel. We laughed giggled and had a lot of fun.

It is bitter sweet... the last show of the year. I am going to miss all of my Pickle friends I meet at each venue, not to mention all of the fun ladies I get to work with. For now it is back to cleaning, and being a MOM.

Andrew has missed me badly. He arrived at the hotel early with his dad to pick me up. They sat in the lobby and watched T.V. When it was time to walk over to the expo his dad told him it was time to go. He started crying saying, "We don't have my Mommy yet!".

I am teaching in Clovis this weekend doing my Fall-A-Days album. You ladies are in for great fun! It is an awesome little album!

Oh.. and check out the dirty hands... yes.. it is hard work to tear down a booth but we did it!!

Sacramento Expo

Well I am home from Sacramento and packing for Ontario.
Sacramento was so much fun! I got to work with two of my favorite ladies Kathie and Laura.
I did get to see the new Christmas Line from Rusty Pickle! I love it! Amazing!!
It was so much fun to go shopping on Saturday night and to be able to do "girlie" things. I usually have a boy in tow so it was a special treat for me.
We couldn't resist taking out photo with Poseidon who was standing just outside of the Expo Entrance!
It was so much fun seeing all of the Pickle fans at the Expo.
I am packing now for Ontario to work with Tracey and Casey! Wow ! This has been a whirlwind three weeks!

Meeting Friends....

We had so much fun in Kansas City!

I got to meet one of my long time on-line friends Jamie and her mom Rose. They stopped by the booth and helped us tear down and then we decided to go out to dinner. What else whas there to order for an appitizer? Deep fried pickles of course!!! There were lots and laughs and giggles to be had by all.

I also want to offer a shout out for the ladies who helped tear down. You can tell by our "dirty hands", it was hard work but smiles were all the way around.. Thanks ladies!!

After getting home safely I am packing and planning for my next stop Sacramento, CA. Is the month over yet??

Kansas City.. Here I come!

Well my whirl wind month is starting! Tomorrow morning I am flying out to Kansas City to work the CKC there! I will be working with two awesome ladies, Tamara and Kim. I can't wait to see them.

I spent yesterday trying to get everyones Halloween costumes in order and trying to finish the laundry.

Yesterday I received a box that Santa Pickle had sent. Thanks Santa! I must have been really good!!

Wow! Rusty Pickle has some awesome new stuff out! Glitter, bling, new album shapes, shaped paper, new fonts on the alphabet stickers, I can't wait to play! Ohhhhhh........... this is going to be a long three weeks!!!!

and now for HALLOWEEN!

Here is a fun Jumbo Card made just for you!

It is made using a 12 x 12 chipboard album cover from Rusty Pickle.

I used it in a card class that I taught and the ladies just loved it!

They came up with all sorts of ideas. If you had grandchildren you could place a picture of your child when they were little along side of one of your grandchildren's current halloween pictures.

You could also turn it into an on going album by inserting 6 x 12 pages and adding a yearly halloween photos into it. There are so many possibilities!

The weather is susposed to cool down a bit around here and it might even RAIN! Oh I love the rain... we get it so rarely!!

Well I am off to create before I leave for Kansas City next week!

Holidays?!

I have been working on a few things for the holidays. It is fast approaching and it gets me in the mood. I am ready for the hot weather to leave or for it to at least cool off a bit.

I am leaving next week to start a three week jaunt. I will be heading first to Kansas City. While I am there I hope to meet up with one of my good friends who I met online!

After that I will be off to Sacramento and then finally Ontario. Yes October will be a busy month for me. Until then enjoy these creations. I hope they get you in the mood for the holidays and the cooler weather!

The Usual

This sight is starting to become more frequent here lately. It seems like I have been on the go for the past few months.
After my last show in Chattanooga, TN, I stayed over and taught two classes.
My "All American" class was taught in KY. The ladies were awesome. We all had a lot of fun, I met some new ladies, and had a wonderful time together.
The next night I taught my "Fall-a Days" class at Scrappuccino in Greenbrier, TN. Lola and all of the ladies were just the greatest! We had a rocking class and the ladies were just the greatest! Thanks!!
I had another awesome trip. The show in Chattanooga was loads of fun thanks to Kathie and Tamara! You ladies rock!
I am back home to straighen up and get ready for another adventure. Next stop... Kansas City! Oh... and maybe sneek in some scrapping??!!!

Planning, and Packing

Wow! It has been busy around my house the past few days.

I have been busy kitting for classes in Kentucky and Tennessee,
trying to get the house caught up so I can leave and feel good about leaving it, and trying to finish up some projects that are due.

David's birthday is going to be while I am away, Hubbie's was the day I came back from San Diego, and it was the dog's birthday too.
We went out for dinner at a local steak house yesterday to celebrate. (no Max didn't go, but he did get the bones!)

I am getting excited about the classes I will be teaching. The "All American Kid" one is very special to me, as it is the one I entered when I tried out to become a Rusty Pickle Chef. I adore the "Fall-A-Days" Class. The rich warm colors make it a perfect book for the fall season that is upon us. If anyone is interesteed abouut taking the classes just email me!

It is going to be a whirl wind trip.. I can't wait to get started!

Back From San Diego!

Yep! That's me!

Wow! San Diego was fun! I was able to work with my two buddies Casey and Tracey..(Hey they rhyme!)

We had a blast as usual!

While I was there I stayed at Tracey's house. What a great family.

They were so gracious to have me! Thank's guys!

I came home and was tackled at the door by Max . (At least he missed me!) Now I am off to see what the next week will bring!

Classes!

................You Guys have been asking so here are a few pictures of some of the classes that I am teaching in the next frew months!

I promise I will post the time and locations in the near future!

All should be $35 and under just right for your pocketbook!

Make sure you sign up ASAP!

First Days!

He was ready to go and I was ready for him to start. Yes! Andrew has now started Kindergarten!

Backpack in hand (yes, it must be a Thomas the Train one) he was out the door.

The first day was for the parents and the second was for the child. He came home with many stories to tell. There were new "Rules" to learn..(can you beleive they make you walk in a line? There were old friends to see from Preschool. There was new playground equipment to check out. I think he had a wonderful first day!

Now maybe Mom can have a bit of "quiet time" to scrap those first day pictures!

Planning Stages

It seems like I am still in high gear around here.

I have one just starting Kindergarten and another college. If you mix those two things with dental appointments, doctor visits, and scrapping you have one busy schedule!

I am planning an upcomming class for my ladies in KY! I think they are going to love it! If you ladies are reading this, make sure you sign up and don't forget to tell your friends!

I just finished this layout with one of the waterpark pictures. I was itching to play with the new candyland papers from Rusty Pickle.

They ended up being so much fun and just fit the picture perfectly.

This weekend we hope to do some back to school shopping and then just spend the last couple of days together as a family. School starts on Tuesday, I can't wait!

Busy, Busy, Busy... and it is still HOT!

It seems like for the past few weeks I have hardly had time to breathe. I have been running around getting ready for school to start, going to appointments, planning new classes, and working shows for Rusty Pickle.

I just got back from a show in PA. It was so much fun!

I was able to snag some of their new Candyland paper that should work with these water photos I have been posting. I am hoping to find some time maybe next week after the show in Santa Clara to work with it.

I am planning on teaching a class in KY and another at a LSS in TN after the show I am working there. I am planning their classes now. It will be so much fun to see some of the ladies that I taught in July again!

Andrew is getting ready to start Kinder, and David is starting college. Our family schedule is getting ready for a big change.

It seems like yesterday they were just tots! They sure grow up fast!

The weather has been hot, hot, hot but what can you expect for August in the Central Valley? Maybe a trip to the water park is in order next week. A cool breather may be just what I need!

Cheap Wet Fun!

About a week ago one of my friends told me about a fun, wet, and cheap place to take the kids! You pay $3 for parking and the rest is up to you! We decided to meet up with our little ones and let them enjoy the cool water on a hot day!

They had such a blast. They ran from one water feature to another soaking up the fun, while both moms snapped shots with our cameras.

I ended up taking almost 100 photos and can not wait to do a mini album with them! Now I only need to decide which ones to use!

It was the best $3 day I can remember!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Teaching in Kentucy was such a BLAST!
This group of ladies survived a day long class of three Rusty Pickle mini albums! ( I think one or two of the ladies left early and are not in this picture) It was such a hoot! Everyone in the group was super talented, nice, and hilarious all rolled up in one. They were all A+ students in my book!
The place where they held the class was super! There was lots of room, it was air conditioned, just perfect. I only wish I lived closer so that I might join their cropping group.
We got to walk up to the town square for lunch, There were awesome burgers and we even got the pleasure of sharing the place with a convention of motorcyle members from the "Grim Reapers"! LOL! Did anyone ever count them all??!
We have made plans for another class for the fall. I can hardly wait! I'll have to make sure I pack my button jar again.. (wink... wink)!!

Ready, Set, Go!

The truck is almost packed, the gas tank is full, and showers are being taken! We are almost off.

I found this picture of Andrew from last year and I thought it was a good fit. He still thinks he has a driver's permit!

We have lots of driving ahead of us. Whatever lies ahead we will tackle it as a family! It will be another adventure to add into our family history!

So... Ready, Set, Go!!!!!

Lucky!

I am so lucky to get to work for a company where I can travel. I enjoy working the shows and getting to meet ladies who are interested in scrapbooking like me. These are some pictures that were sent to me by Kim, one of the ladies in the above picture. Kim is on the left and Alaina is on the left, with me in the center (photo on left). What awesome ladies they are. We shared a lot of laughs! ( I won't share the late night photos we took!) What a blast! They had to put up with me being sick, so they are even more special in my book! I would probably never have gotten to visit Niagra Falls on my own. What an awesome sight it was. I feel so blessed.

Counting Time

It is one week today until we leave on our trip!

The countdown has finally started. Last second errands, plans, and details are finally happening.

After a morning of errands, David, Andrew, and I picked up lunch and headed to my Grandma's house. Yesterday she had her 95th birthday! Grandma needs a party! (She still doesn't look a day over 60 to me. I only hope that I can age like that.)

Andrew saw to it that we stopped to get a "special" birthday gift from him. You know you have to get party hats and horns if you are having a birthday! He even had one for her dog!

After the birthday lunch we helped Grandma by giving her dog a bath. I think Andrew was as excited about helping as her dog was to get it! They were both jumping around after we were done.

Time always is on my mind. Five days to this... an hour to that... It seems like I am always rushing here and there. As I was driving home I started thinking how fast time passes by. Wasn't I just out of college? Surely I have not been married that long... where have all of the days gone? Grandma can't be 95!

I have decided that I am going to relax and enjoy this vacation with my family. No rules, no time schedules, and enjoy a little me time. Life only happens once. I want to enjoy it!

***And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln*****

Forecast: HOT!!

It is way too HOT!

It is even scarier knowing that summer has just began and there are many days of it ahead.

Everyone around is trying to find a way to stay cool. Fans, pools, and slip and slides can now be seen everywhere in the neighborhood. Yesterday we sat outside enjoying the cool morning breeze while we planned our trip and watched the boys play. It did not last long. Once the sun peeked through the branches of the shade tree we were sitting under we quickly moved inside to the nice air conditioner.

I captured this shot of Max enjoying the water. He was barking and dashing in and out of the sprinkler we had set up for Andrew to play in. You can't see Andrew but he was right there along side of him. Andrew has started calling Max his "brother". I guess I have five sons now instead of four. The two are pretty inseperable. If you see one the other is near. If Andrew is hauling dirt with his trucks you can bet that Max has dug it up for him!

I have several scrapbooking projects that I want to start but they are big and I hate to start them only to have to leave them unfinished for a while. I think tonight I will try to work on a layout or something small. It helps me relax at night.

Andrew has been taking an interest in scrapbooking. As a matter of fact he has raided my scrapbooking desk twice in the last 24 hours. Punches, scissors, and even a "cherished" piece of paper I had been saving has been taken. It is so hard to punish him when he comes up to you and hands you his creation with that proud look in his eye and asks you to send it in to Rusty Pickle! What is a mom to do?

No More Dumping!

After looking at my garage I have decided that I need to start working on the "No Dumping" rule in our house!

Yikes!!

So often things get pushed aside waiting until I "find the time" to get it done. We have an overflowing cans, bottles, and glass section, not to mention the garage sale area.

It is a wonder I can find anything!

Today I woke up and decided it was a yard sale day. I got a late start, but it was still well worth the effort. I was able to make some money and go through some of the stacked boxes. After the yard sale I am proud to report that there are only two boxes to return inside and I have 7 more to go to the local charity thrift store. Yay!

The two boxes that I am keeping will go great with other items I need to rid our house of and hopefully will sell at another sale in the near future.

I have decided I like to have the extra green in my pocket versus the boxes that I have to walk around in the garage.

I am going to try and get tuff with my boys. No more dumping their stuff in the garage! It is their resposibility to dispose of their items! Does that make me a bad mom or a better one for teaching them to dispose of their own items?

Antique?

I love shopping in antique stores. You never know what you can find. The down side of it is that I see things in them that I had when I was a kid. Am I getting to be an antique?

One of my most treasured finds was an antique printer's cabinet to store my scrapbook embellishments.

I love looking through the paper items for items I can use in my scrapbooking.

Yesterday I took my mom and dad out for a day of antique shopping. I didn't find anything to take home but we did have lots of fun looking.

After our "day out" I took them back to my Grandmother's house where they are staying and then went with my mom to pick apricots for jam. She already has made cherry and strawberry at home. I can hardly wait to get to taste it! Maybe while I am visiting I can get some blackberries picked for another batch! Yumm!

I can't believe it is less than two weeks until our vacation. We are still planning like crazy and hope this is going to be an awesome trip. I am looking forward to getting away, relaxing, and snapping a few photos to scrapbook when we get home.

Deciding What to Take

Well less than three weeks until our family road trip to Tennessee. I always look forward to the trip. It isn't the drive that I enjoy as much as the time I get to spend with my family.

I always have trouble when I pack when it comes to trying to decide what I want to take. I tend to overpack. I am already trying to decide what I can live without this trip and what is a must.

I found this picture from our trip we made last year. Andrew wanted to make sure we didn't forget him! We walked out of the house and there he was!

This year we will have three drivers in the vehicle so it will be much easier. We usually drive straight through. It usually takes us about 35-36 hours of constant driving to get there. (maybe with a few hours of sleep here and there at a rest stop!) I always look forward to that hot shower when we get there.

I am also excited about getting to teach classes to a group of wonderful ladies back there! It is going to be so much fun. I have a special treat planned for them to do, along with the classes they selected! I think they are going to have a blast!

The count down has begun for us. I am starting my pre-trip list today! Yay!!

Being Flexable

Being flexable is a way of life in our household. Sometimes you have to put off things that you would prefer to do so others can achieve things in their lives.

We had an unscheduled appointment pop up so we put fishing off one day. It all worked out to my advantage. My son David checked out this blog and decided it needed some changes so I let him go to work! Yay for me!!

Today we did our fishing trip. Let me just say... We had a blast! It was beautiful up in the mountains. Andrew my "Little Stinker" caught four fish! He beat everyone! We ended up with eleven trout and nicely sunburned tans.

Tomorrow I am co-teaching an acrylic album class at my LSS. It is the second time around for this class. Last time we had so much fun! I always look forward to teaching with Tanya!

For tonight I am tired but refreshed. It is always wonderful to be able to get away with loved ones and clear your head of all of the daily muck. An added advantage is the awesome pictures you will end up getting to scrap from the adventure!

Making Things Work

Somethimes they work like a well oiled machine, other times I wonder if they are all against me!
Trying to keep my family on track and working together on things is geting harder and harder!

Today was a busy day with appointments and errands taking up most of my time.
We visited DMV, the photo lab, paid college tuitions, dentist, and lots of other "fun" things.

It was also our dog Max's bath day. Usually we give him a bath in the shower but now with the warm weather we thought why not use Andrew's wading pool? He loved it but the three of us who did it ended up soaking wet! Next time I think I will opt for the shower again.

I did some work today trying to set up some class descriptions for some upcomming classes I will be teaching. I had needed to do it for a long time and finally got around to it.

I am hoping to get to go fishing tomorrow with my boys. I love going with them. It takes my mind off of things and helps me relax. I really don't care if we catch fish. I think it is just the clean air and being with my boys that helps clean the stress out of my head.

Well off to scrap the evening away. I need to try and get a few DT asignments done.... and add a little.. oil to my family machine! We dont' want any squeeky wheels around here!