Hang in there!

I didn't forget about my blog, I promise!! I will be in to update it soon. My daughter was hospitalized for the week after her appendix burst and right after that, we started moving the scrapbook store so I'm waaaayyyyyy busy. Will check in soon, I promise! Hope you all are getting your Christmas shopping done!
J

If you love my blog...

So, I found a couple cute backgrounds at The Cutest Blog on the Block. Check them out if you want to give your blog a makeover!

J

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you all enjoy your little Goblins today and although it might seem chaotic with all costumes and treat sorting let's stop and enjoy it because soon they will be gone with their own kiddos and we'll be so sad. I made sure to take extra photos this Halloween. I think in some way it helps me feel better about the rest of the year that I forgot to photograph. I'm looking forward to creating some great layouts with the pics I got. Until then...

These photos were from last February when we took the kids to Motocross at The Palace. I did not get very good photos but found a way to work with what I had. I just love blue and orange together. I even made a little pouch for the tickets!

Everything on this layout is cardstock. I'm not sure who made the dirtbike paper but we still have some for sale at Little Scrapbox. I chose to omit embellies and instead used souveniers from the show! Clever, aren't I? LOL!

J

Halloween Cheer

My friend Bonnie aka The Scrappin' Bonster made me this crazy cool Halloween pot of cheer. She is so super talented and I have the absolute pleasure of working with her at Little Scrapbox.
Whether she's lending an ear, or offering me compliments, or just being her regular happy self, she finds ways to bring laughter to my life daily. I am so grateful for her! Thanks Bon! I only hope I am half the friend to you that you are to me!!

J

Man, I hate these blog templates!

Eeeewwwww, look at the colors of my blog!! How the H can I get a cool template???? I've been googling all over the place and figured out a couple ways but they don't look right!!!! If anyone knows someone who does blog design, let me know!

J

To bully or not to bully...

As I wrote yesterday's post, I was filled with happiness over times right now. It is so difficult in this rapidly declining economy to be positive. I absolutely refuse to give in the sheer panic around me. I continue to count my blessings every day and make sure I give a shout out to the big man upstairs for providing me with such a comfortable life. As I sat here typing, filled with bliss, my son walked in from school with a big bruise on his chin. Long story short, he was again a victim of a bully at school. This is the first time that he has come home with actual physical marks. It's usually just pushing and shoving, and harsh words. My bliss instantly faded. As a Mom, my first instinct was to run up to the school screaming and yelling at the first person of authority that I saw. My son insisted I let it go. His fear if he told: more bruising. I gotta tell ya - I'm fed up to my eyeballs with these kids that continue to bully. I am so very sad for them. Sad because they do not have parents that instill good values. Parents that probably don't give a rat's behind about what they are doing and who they are doing it with. Today's world is so hard on our younger population. They are faced with things you and I never had to see. It makes it even harder when they have to look over their shoulders for attackers at all times of the day. So today, I write with a heavy heart. I hate this part of motherhood - you know, the part where your protective gear comes out and you will show no mercy to those who hurt your babies. Then there's the fine balance - he's not a baby anymore. He needs to learn humility and self protection to prepare him for this cruel world. I can't be jumping out from behind desks when he's 42 sitting in a staff meeting to fend off the folks who disagree with him, now can I?

Thanks for listening...


Here's today's layout. Still trying to finish up that Hawaii book. As you can see, the layouts get more simple - I'm sooooooo over tropical layouts.

Supplies: Striped patterned paper and shell stickers (K & Co), Glitter paper (DCWV), Sand patterned paper (unknown from JoAnn's), Title (Doodlebug stickers)

J

Josh Barg - Superstar!

Here's a layout I did recently to showcase all those awesome photos I took from Josh's first season playing Flag Football. I love how the photos turned out. Each one reminds me of just how sporty this kid is. I started wondering why I have so many opportunities to create great sport layouts of this kid, but absolutely none from my other two. Then, it dawned on me. I have 3 entirely unique little humans here in my home. This wonderful opportunity to dabble in each of their very different worlds. I mean, think about it... if they were all alike and I was shuffeling them all from one sport to the next would it be as interesting?

I consider myself very eclectic in my tastes of all things. I love all kinds of music from country to heavy metal, to top 40 - I love a huge variety of goodness on my plate at dinner - I like to try my hand at all artsy mediums - I like for the rooms in my home to be 100% different from the next. I like LOTS of things - I guess in a word - variety. So it is no surprise to me that God blessed me with a variety of little personalities - he knows me best after all. As a scrapbooker, this makes me equally as happy because I can purchase supplies from every theme!! Lucky me!



J

Thanks Dawn

My friend Dawn gave me this award. Thanks Dawn! Right back at ya!

J

He's got spirit!!

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill, Prism) Letter Stickers (Thickers by American Crafts), Chieftain mascot (downloaded from internet), silver dots (punched from glitter paper by Die Cuts with A View)

I was so excited when my oldest told me he wanted to go to the Utica Homecoming game. Even more so when I saw him all dressed in school spirit. Utica will be his very own high school next year when he becomes a sophomore (GASP!) and I am hoping with all my heart that he gets more involved with school functions. Tim has done a total turn around this year with his grades, his appearance, and his attitude. I'm so proud of him. I had to beg for these photos for this layout and it was worth it! Man, I love this kid!

J

Patience is a virtue...

Here's a Stella card I did for a class not too long ago. I know, I'm really reaching into the archives again. I swear, tomorrow, I will not be lazy and will take photos of all my latest layouts. Well, after Will & Grace and a big ole cup-a-joe that is!!

In unrelated news, I find it my duty to inform you all that I seem to be having a bad hair month. Out of sheer craziness last month, I decided to chop 3-4 inches off the crown of my head of hair (BY MYSELF) - in my mind before I did it, it looked fabulous. Now that I'm stuck trying to style a toupe of hair on top of a lions mane, I'm a little confused as to how I can pull it off. *sigh* I guess I'll just throw in the towel and go have my hairdresser make some sense out of it. It's always so embarassing admitting that you were too cheap to get a haircut. Actually, in my case it's not that I'm too cheap but rather impatient. When I want something done, or I want to purchase something, or I have a particular food craving, I indulge right away no matter what cost to me (case in point with my toupe on a lions mane). I absolutely HATE sitting still for a haircut, nails, doctors visit... I'm wondering at what point of my life I lost all patience. Seriously, it's crazy. Sometimes I have to fight the urge to reach under the bank teller window and poke her eyes out because I watched from my place in line (which was 13th) while she decided to organize her pens and stamps and count her stupid singles while one teller handled it all. Don't even get me started about Speedway gas station. For some reason, there are 5 employees working all within the same 5 feet but only one is ALLOWED to ring on the cash register??? Yeah, I'm not buying that. Have you SEEN the lines at Speedway????? One day, I guarantee, you'll read in the papers about a grown woman that laid on the floor of a Speedway and flung herself about in shrieks of tantrum... then you'll know that again, I was a victim of my impatience.

Oh well, tomorrow's another day to practice being more gracious in line. I think I'll purposely buy myself a coffee at Speedway and begin my training program. LOL!

J

For my Mama...

I was talking to my Mom today (cuz it's her birthday you know) HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! and we were reminiscing about my nephew who passed away recently. She told me that it's been 6 weeks already and how she thought of him all day. I forgot that I had created this layout shortly after his passing and wanted to share it with her. I am searching for a frame and will be hanging this in my house.

J

Plaid - it's not just for school uniforms anymore!

I just couldn't resist this plaid Christmas paper! The colors are crazy cool! I used pics from Xmas 1997 which probably would have looked better if I could have made them black and white. I just love this line!



Supplies: Patterned paper & stickers (We R Memory Keepers), Cardstock (Prism & Bazzill), Stockings (Paper Bliss), Felt scrolls (Queen & Co.), Ribbon (American Crafts)

J

Spooktacular!

Here's the layout from Halloween at Greenfield Village. The green paper on the layout is fabulous - it's flocked and velvety!



Supplies: Patterned paper(We R Memory Keepers), Cardstock (Bazzill), Stickers (K & Co.), Rhinestone stickers (Me and my Big Ideas), Postcard on the pocket (was a souvenier from Greenfield Village)
J

Under the sea ~

So I started feeling really bad about not posting anything scrapbook related so when I did my last post and loaded my pics in, I noticed that I did have a layout on my camera that I didn't share yet. This was a designer layout I did for the store last week. I'm very pleased with the outcome and wish I had some kind of photo to go on this layout so I could make one for myself. I may just go put on my coconut bra and shimmery fins and take some self portraits!! Snort! Make sure you click on the photo to enlarge it - you gotta check out some of the detail!! Thanks so much for looking!

P.S. I hope you're not too scared here on my blog with my spooky new colors!!
J

Meeeee-owwwwww Baby!

How rude of me to just pop in whenever I feel like it! And how dare I pop in without sharing something scrapbook related huh? Yeah, well, too bad. It's my blog and I've been creating SO MANY layouts at work lately that I'm just plain pooped. I did manage to finish a Christmas and Halloween layout the other day, but I'm waaaayyyy lazy and don't wanna go to the car to get my camera to snap a picture. Maybe tomorrow (which in Jeni blog land means in 2 weeks). So for those of you who check in to read my blog ("those of you" SNORT! There's really only 4 of you) you're gonna have to sit tight. In the meantime (is that one word or two?) here's photos of me and my way cute sister in law, me and my hubby (don't you love his costume? He went as a party pooper) and then a pic of the kiddos last weekend before we took the fam to Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village. We had a blast and decided to don matching cat costumes. What a hoot! We were cracking each other up all night. When we got to the pirate exhibit, everyone was cracking pirate jokes and I yelled out to the fam (there were 15 of us) "Hey! The Baaargggh's are here!" Get it? My last name is Barg and a pirate says Arrgh! So funny. Sometimes I crack myself up. Well, enjoy. I hope you all have a fantastic week.
Hugs!

J

Today is a BIG day!

Today is a big day for me. I'm going on a date with my hubby and I'm leaving my oldest son, Tim (14) in charge of the other two. At night. In the dark. With no grown ups. GASP. I'm sure everything will be fine. I started babysitting INFANTS at age 12 so they'll be fine right? So then, why is it 8:15 pm and I'm still sitting here? I've made the required lists, bought them all their favorite snacks, put Hannah Montana on the TV (for the younger two of course. My 14 year old wouldn't be caught DEAD watching it). I'm wondering why such big changes seem to paralyze me. I guess I just always fear the worst. It's like when Tony is away for a weekend, every CSI episode I've ever watched comes to life. All of a sudden, every perp that ever made a getaway is in my back yard. Again, GASP.

So, I'm gonna be a big girl now, grab Tony and get in the car. We're going to go to the casino to win very large amounts of money. VERY LARGE. Wish me luck!

Of course, if you know me, I've scheduled this post to publish long after I'm home and tucked in bed so that no crazies can read this and come get my children while I'm gone. Smart huh? I know!

J

Still in family mode...

Here's a couple pics we took while all the family was in this week. My brother Donald left last night and this is the first day without my family. I'm feeling sad and needed these pics to cheer me up. I heart my family!

Me and the kiddos.


Here's a pic of me with 2 of my 3 brothers. I know it's not the most flattering pic of any of us, but any pics of us together are so rare and I just adore my brothers. The brother on the left is Donald (from California), and John is on the right (from Georgia). Not pictured is my oldest brother Tommy who wasn't there because of this weeks sadness. (See post below)

Love you big brothers!

J

In Loving Memory

On September 7th, my 23 year old nephew was killed on his motorcycle. This week has been crazy with all of the family that came from out of state and the funeral and such. I made this shadow box which was displayed by his urn at the funeral.

Kevin was a very handsome guy with such a thirst for adventure. He had many friends and tons of family that loved him deeply. There is not a minute of the day that I'm not thinking of him. His Dad is my oldest brother and my heart is heavy with his pain.

It is times like these that humble you and remind you to take advantage of every second with all of your loved ones. You just never know when it will be the last time you see them. Had I known, I would have hugged him harder, told him how proud I was of him and most importantly, told him how much I loved him.

I urge you all to take a moment today to tell those you love how you feel.

Goodbye Kevin, you will be missed more than words could ever say. I love you.

Aunt Jeni



J

Riding the Waves!!

And, here's pics of our jetski that we purchased this summer. We were out at Harsen's Island (loved it!) and I snapped some good ones of Tony and the kids. (Of course, why would anyone grab the camera and snap pics of ME?) This layout features that favorite color scheme of mine. I can't stay away from the combo of bright blue, lime green, and yellow. LOVE it.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Around the Block), Titles & Splash die cut (Pazzle cuts), Ribbon (American Crafts), Jet skis, wet suit (Jolee's), Word stickers (Karen Foster)

J

Simple Simple Simple!

Now here's a layout that was mega easy to complete. I had 4 different photos of my daughter from entirely different years that I wanted to use on the same page. I chose a very simple layout and used eye catching embellishments to draw attention since there was no journaling. I love how this layout shows the progression in age of the both of us (ok, so not MY age progression - more hers. LOL!)

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Wild Asparagus), Flowers (Prima), Rhinestone words (Me and my Big Ideas), Pearl brads (K & Company)

J

Greenfield Village

Here's a layout I did of our trip to Greenfield Village this summer. I still need to add the journaling. I was perplexed on how to incorporate so many photos on one layout because I usually don't use more than 6 photos per layout. I'm pleased with the way it turned out, however, I feel it's a bit busy. Not one of my favorites.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (American Crafts), Title (Pazzle cut), Cork circles (Dollar store), metal flowers (unknown), notebook and tab punch (Stampin' up)
J

My wish for you is... JOY.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Scenic Route), Red letters (Chatterbox), JOY letters & brown ribbon (Making Memories), Flowers (Prima), Gems (Doodlebug)


I keep creating two page layouts and I forget that all albums need an opening and closing one pager. Here's a layout I did of my daughter showcasing my most favorite photo of her ever taken. She was around 3 and her little face just speaks volumes in this picture.
J

Back, and fully rested!

We had a wonderful week of rest and relaxation at my Dad's place in Gowen, Michigan. Here's a pic of the kids amongst the many many tall pines we adventured through on the golf cart.

Spending a whole week with my kids made me realize how cool they are. I mean, I always knew they were but I really got a good glimpse at them and the way they interact with each other, others, animals etc... A whole week without TV, video games and internet can force you to spend A LOT of time together and makes you get real creative with all that spare time. I realized that all the stressing I do over their manners, their feelings, their personalities was for nothing. They impressed everyone they hadn't seen in so long and I was complimented over and over again on what a good job I did raising them. How proud I am!! They really are awesome and I wouldn't trade them for the world. BUT... that doesn't mean I'm not excited to send them off to school next week! LOL!!! Stay at home Moms, can I get an AMEN!!!??
I will be posting a new layout for the next four days so check back tomorrow!!

J

Off on vacation!!

Hi everyone! I am off on vacation and will have some fabulous layouts to show you when I return. Unfortunately, I'm not very savvy at setting up posts to be scheduled.

We are headed to a lake on the west side of Michigan where we will jetski and chill on the beach with the kiddos. Wednesday we will see Michigan's Adventure but that's about all the excitement. We may even check out my old stompin' grounds from when I was a teenager (I grew up in the Grand Rapids area). There will be NO internet access (uh-oh) so I can't check in. I will return on Monday August 25th!

Have a great week!!!

J

Divas in Training

Here's a quick layout I whipped up this morning. I had these pics of my daughter and my niece after they did their own makeup from 2003. I also found a pic of them donning some high heels from 2001 that I thought complimented the whole idea of Divahood. Don't be afraid to combine pics from different events on layouts!



Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned paper - polka dot (EK Success), Floral and brown floral (Chatterbox),Glitter paper (Doodlebug), Flowers (Prima), Brads (Creative Imaginations), Makeup and suitcase embellies (Paper Bliss), Two girls embellie (Meri Meri), Letters (American Crafts Thickers)
J

I can't drive 25!!!!!

So, I recently traded in one of my Ram trucks for a Dodge Charger to save on gas (yeah, right) and I wasn't prepared for how much I would love it. It's so sporty and cool. A week after I had it, I got a stinkin' ticket and took it to court because I had a perfect record. What else does a scrapbooker do with all that leftover parafernalia? She puts it on a layout! I totally love this layout. I have to put in the pic of my Charger on the right side, but it needs a car wash first. Hopefully, I'll do that today. By the way, the little pieces of paper on the layout are just there to cover my drivers license number and address in case any of you are stalkers!! LOL!!!

The journaling reads: After being a truck girl for so long, I traded in my Dodge Ram for something cooler and more sporty ~ A Dodge Charger. The first week, I knew it was the car for me. Unfortunately after one week of ownership, I was caught speeding and received my first ticket in 20+ years! Hey, life IS a highway, just don't go too fast!!


Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned paper (All My Memories), Title (Pazzle cut), Flowers (Prima), Rhinestones (Doodlebug), Sparkly trim (on a spool from Joanns), Brad on the very left side flower (unknown but they were expensive - I know that!)

J