The Paper Runway

Hang in there!

2008-12-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-10-31T12:34:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-10-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

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!

Halloween Cheer

2008-10-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

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!!

Man, I hate these blog templates!

2008-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

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)

Josh Barg - Superstar!

2008-10-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

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

He's got spirit!!

2008-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

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 ~

2008-10-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-10-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

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!

In Loving Memory

2008-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-08-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-08-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

Altered haunted house

2008-08-08T19:14:00.001-07:00

I know it's a bit early for Halloween, but I'm digging in the vaults for stuff to show you until I can get my lazy butt to start photographing the current stuff.

This is a house by Doodlebug which comes in the package totally flat and stark white. You have to "build" it. I used all papers and cutie fuzzy spiders by K & Company, gems and buttons by Doodlebug, and the fence was cut from a patterned paper also by K & Company.

Psst... wanna hear a funny secret about the smoke coming out of the chimney?? Bonnie and I couldn't find any cotton or gauze in the store to make smoke, so we took apart a tampon! So funny!!! Shhhhh, don't tell - we love it when people look at the house and comment on the clever smoke coming from the chimney! LOL!!!

What to do with giant artwork?? Case solved!

2008-08-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun altered project I did a couple years back. This is an altered pizza box that I did a class on. It is meant to store artwork and photos/memorabilia from your child's school year. I put elastic along the bottom to hold the bigger artwork, and across the top I cut a big brown grocery bag to hold report cards, certificates and photos. Cool huh?

Layouts coming soon!

2008-08-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

I'm here, I'm here! I know, as always, I left you guys hanging for awhile. Summer is like that. I can have hours of free time one day, and then the next week is pure chaos. I just finished a layout today that I will be posting tomorrow - I'm really excited about it.

I've been working loads of hours at the store this week and will have next week off so I plan to get in here and clean house. I'm trying to figure out how to make myself a custom banner for this blog. I'm getting closer... a few more google searches and I will have mastered it!

Today's thought to ponder: what are you doing to make a difference in the life of your child? Are you nurturing their inner spirit? I have only one daughter and it's important to me that her and I share a special bond that will last forever. I want to be THAT MOM - the one who calls her all the time when she's older just to hang out. The Mom that still takes her shopping even if she's old enough to do her own shopping.

Tomorrow I will be spending some much needed alone time with Kalea. Sometimes, I get so carried away with daily events that I forget she's still waiting for me on the sidelines. It breaks my heart. Tomorrow I will nurture her spirit and together we will grow just a little bit closer. Can't wait!
J

Life is Good!

2008-07-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Cards (Joanns), Cardstock(Bazzill), Patterned Paper and ribbon (American Crafts), Flower (Kaiser), Dream Big stamp (Doodlebug)

Sorry I left you guys hanging this weekend - we bought a jet ski so we were out on the water all weekend. Yesterday I spent the whole day preparing for my Bella class. The card above is one of the 4 we will make in class.

Back to the weekend - we went out to Harsens Island where friends of ours (Shanna & Al) were to get engaged. They have been dating for 3 years and Shanna had no idea it was coming. So, we get to the beach where she is all excited to see a ton of friends and relatives spread along the beach (she thinks they are there for a big party without reason) and Al decides to do a toast. Long story short, to watch Shanna's face through the toast (still excited and clueless) to the part where he turns to her and starts to get mushy (straight faced but still clueless) and the finale when he reaches in his pocket and she understands now what is happening and her face goes from a huge smile to a rush of tears to another huge smile... my God, is was so amazing. I was looking at them thinking, Wow... they are at the very beginning of their journey. How exciting for them. They have their whole lives ahead - their fabulous wedding, tropical honeymoon, pregnancy, the birth of their first child, turning their bachelor pad into a family home... I am so envious. I'm very happy to be where I am in my life, but of course, pieces of me yearn for the past when Tony & I were still fresh and new. When we were stupid in love throwing all caution to the wind. When we used to fly by the seat of our pants. What's cool, is we traded that love for something more mature. Something grown from a tiny seed. We just keep watering and pruning, and weeding (we're done fertilizing- LOL!) and this love just gets bigger and more beautiful. So Congrats to Shanna and Al for beginning their journey with their own little seed!

Your thought to ponder today: think about YOUR relationship. Are you watering and pruning and weeding as much as you should be? There is a wonderful piece of advice I once heard: If you go into a marriage giving 50% expecting to get the other 50% back, you're wrong. It is when you give 100% without fail, without question, it comes back to you threefold. Too often, we waste our time complaining about our spouse - just stop for a day and spoil them rotten - watch what happens.

J

Happy "Everything's Broken" Tuesday!

2008-07-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well, that's what I'm calling today. I will be spending the day running from repair shop to repair shop - yesterday I heard a hissing sound coming from the laundry room and when I walked in, I was sprayed head to toe with water coming out of the washing machine. I was smart enough to fix that but then my dryer stopped drying. I have to go find a part today for it. Shortly after that, I pulled out my Oreck hand held vaccum (you know the ones that will pick up a bowling ball? :p) and it shorted out - stopped working. So I'm wondering what went down yesterday where all of my major purchases decided to go on strike!!?? I refused to go in my scrapbook room and play for fear that I had a cursed hand!!

On a brighter note, I did finally accomplish a personal goal of mine and that was to read a classic novel one day. Yesterday I read Swiss Family Robinson to the kids. We got 1/4 of the way through and they went off to play so I finished it myself. Hard to believe that was written in the early 1800's!

Here's today's layout - not one of my favorite designs, but the photos and plaid paper are some of my favorites!

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned paper (Chatterbox), Lace and Brown ribbon (Making Memories), Flowers (Prima and Bazzill), Rhinestones and Magenta strips (Doodlebug), Chipboard letters (All My Memories), Letter stickers (EK Success)

Thanks for stopping by! Time to run damage control! Wish me luck!
J

Introducing Debbie...

2008-07-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here she is! This is Debbie (the owner of Little Scrapbox where I work) Her hair is actually blonde with red chunky highlites but the meez are limited on hair.

And just for fun, I made this new one of myself and how I feel about the constant maintenance of my children this summer:

Have a great day!
J

Middle of July already???!!!

2008-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Where is this summer going?? It's already the middle of July! I have enjoyed this summer so much so far - the weather has been perfect. I've been loving the cooler summer days - as a matter of fact, we're expecting another one of those gorgeous days from my top 10 list today. Windows are open and I'm ready to inhale the breezes. Ahhhhhh...

As I sit here listening to my cockatiels sing me another redundant "Adams Family" tune, I ponder the day today. Today would be a great day to begin my major life overhaul. I think step one will be to eliminate all the negatives in my daily life. Anything that makes me feel or think negatively must go. Then once I am cleared of negative energy, I can move forward into the positive. Yep, sounds like a plan.

Here's a layout I did Friday with photos I took this past Father's Day. Why is it that ice cream always tastes better from the ice cream man?

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Basic Grey), Ribbon (American Crafts, Title (Thickers by American Crafts), Ice cream truck (Meri Meri), Epoxy ice cream cones (Jolee's), Rhinestones (Doodlebug)

The last thing I want to show you guys are these avatars called "Meez" that you can make at photobucket.com (which by the way is where I host all of my photos for FREE and then use them here so they are bigger and brighter) Anyways - you can custom make these little people by picking different eyes, hair, noses, clothing etc... So, I made this one of myself which you have all seen here on my blog:

And I LOVE animated me cuz I'm flawless and thin and having a great hair day!
Now for those of you that know my friend Bonnie you will see that this one I made for her is pretty darn close - I especially love that she's wearing Crocs cuz Bonnie wears them all the time!! Take a look!

Today, I'm going to make one for my friend Deb to use on her blog. Go make one and have fun!!

J

Going back to the 80's or 90's...

2008-07-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I spent most of the night filling up my iPod with tons of songs from yesterday (and by that, I mean the 80's and 90's) and it made me so sad. Well, sad in a good way. I was instantly catapulted back to times that were more carefree - when everything revolved around what dance club I would be going to that night. Times of no responsibility, fast expensive cars, and ironically, dreams of the future. Here I am in the future - all grounded in suburbia with the role model husband, 3 great children and some family pets. At one time I could say the minivan was in the driveway, but I've come to learn that one can only play the role so far. I replaced my minivan with a Dodge Ram and a Dodge Charger - I must have one outlet (or two) for feeling cool and young again! So I guess what I'm getting at is that if you really stop and think - we are living in the past right now, meaning, one day we will look back upon today and wish we could return. We will instantly remember how young we were, how times were simpler (if you can believe that) and how gas was only $4.16 a gallon!! Ahhh yes, the good ole days - so shouldn't we pause today and give thanks for our youth, the simplicity of life, and our low cost of living??!!! Think about it.

On to scrapbooking - here's a layout I completed at Archiver's the other night. I just love this animal print paper from Reminisce. The pics on the layout are from when Kalea was in preschool - she will be in 5th grade this fall - Am I way behind or what???!!

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill) Patterned Paper (Reminisce) All animal embellies (Paper Bliss) Title (Carm's Creations) Brads (can't recall) Flowers (Prima) Leaves (Hand cut and embossed in Cuttlebug)
J

The slowest scrapper in the west...

2008-07-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I went to Archivers last night for 6 hours of scrapping and I only completed 3 (2 page) layouts!!! I know, right???!!

I'll be posting those pics later because I have to leave for work in 15 minutes and I'm trying to get a whole cup of coffee down me before I leave.

While you wait, here's a little something from last year. This was a big seller at the store. I love the title.

Nothing to ponder today either (now I have to leave in 7 minutes!) so take today and spread some sunshine!

J

20 minute layout!

2008-07-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to do a layout that was all cardstock but as you can see, somehow patterns make it in there every time. This layout seriously only took 20-30 minutes once I added all the doodling around the edges. I love the colors in this layout - probably my favorite combo ever - maybe I'll repaint my scrapbook room like this layout. I love the punch of pomegranate that the flowers give - they were a last minute add on - I wasn't planning on them being there.

I was inspired by this layout in Simple Scrapbooks magazine (July/Aug 08 page 36 by Elisha Snow)

I love this layout! The photography is outstanding. Love the simple orange stripes in the middle of all that white.

OK, so TGIF!!! Who has big plans for the weekend? Not me (never me) - Tonight I'm meeting my friend Bonnie up at Archivers to crop (and my SIL) - tomorrow I'm working at the store all day and Sunday is my little nephews first birthday party - Happy Birthday Jakers!

If any of you watch "So You Think You Can Dance" just know that I am crying today because my Thayne was kicked off. Loved him - he just stunk of personality. I love people like that. You know the ones - the ones with the contagious laugh, the best stories, the constant smile on their face. When I grow up, I want to be one of those people. Visibly happy to the core. Maybe for today I'll practice being one of those people - can you see me smiling ear to ear right now?

Have a great Friday everyone!
J

Teenagers, so confusing, so AMAZING!!

2008-07-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

My oldest will be 14 next week. That's him in the layout above. I must say that the teen years brought about lots of things I wasn't ready for. Changing voices, shaving, "the talk"... Perhaps what took me by surprise the most was how independent he wanted to be - how he pulled away from me and titled me "uncool". I give him his space but I don't like it. I'd rather be plopped on his bed listening to all the details of what's going on inside his handsome little head. Though he fights to find himself and the man he is on his way to becoming, I still catch glimpses of the little boy he's leaving behind. Some days, when his guard is down, I find him willingly entertaining me and making me laugh so hard I could just explode. When his little cousins are around, you will find the kid in him too. He is amazing with little kids. They are drawn to him and his beautiful soul. I made this layout against his wishes (Tim: "You must throw away all pictures of me" Mom: "Yeah, OK")to show the world what I see when he puts aside the world of teenage mayhem and comes back down to earth where the rest of us live. Man, I love this kid!

J

If I had a Top Ten list...

2008-07-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

If I ever had to come up with a top ten list of things I love in life (cuz you never know when someone will approach you unexpectedly and offer you $5,000 if you have a list in your purse) then I'd have to say off the top of my head this would be it:

1- Breezy summer days around 81 degrees (days just like today) Man - I wish I could bottle them - true bliss.
2- Days when your hair and makeup turn out perfect (definitely NOT today)
3- Animals, especially baby ones!
4- Full belly laughs from my kids - the unrehearsed, unplanned kind that make their face squish all up and sometimes cause milk to fly out their nose.
5- Time with friends who make you laugh until you pee.
6- Unleashed raw creative energy. The kind that puts you in your groove and makes you feel like you're the next Michaelangelo (even if it is only scrapbook paper!)
7- Feeling admired - who doesn't love that feeling?
8- Driving in my car (on a perfect day like the one listed above) with my car just washed and shining, the windows down, and my favorite song blowing my speakers out.
9- Date night with my hubby - which hasn't been in a VERY long time.
10- Dancing - I soooooooo love to dance - especially at Boogie Fever night club!

So that's my list in a quick minute. I honestly have a Top 100 list but who wants to read all that!!??

So what's on your list? Think about it - it's guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face!

Nighty Night!

J

Another warm summer day...

2008-07-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the computer doing my morning ritual. Wake up, make coffee, surf net and update blog while enjoying said coffee...ahhhhh, heaven. Taking that last bittersweet sip of coffee, I realize it's time to actually start the day. I fear the days - another mega long stretch of time until Tony gets home - *sigh*

Today I actually have a piece of a plan - Kalea was looking through the new American Girl Doll catalog and saw this cute little bed she had to have for her doll but it's like $80!!!! That's right friends - EIGHTY DOLLARS!! For a bed that fits A DOLL. So I'm crafty right? I can make that for sure. And just like that, there's a piece of the day taken care of, plus, it gives me and Kalea some time to do something together because we never do. She's always got her nose in a book or her laptop.

On the scrapbook front, here's a layout from 2 weeks ago (excuse my messy floor beneath the layout)- I held on to this paper for so long because I couldn't find the right pics but I think this works - totally not what I had in mind for the paper but different and crazy. I like that. That's why I love scrapbooking. You can take funk and mix it with classical or floral and mix it with paisley and it's all good. It's just paper after all.

Your thought to ponder today: Where do I want to be 6 months from now? What do I want to be doing? And then formulate your plan and do it! I know for some of you, your plan still includes raising the little ones (how awesome are YOU?!!) but maybe you could tweak the question a bit to be "Where do I want to be creatively in 6 months?" I know a couple stay at home moms that could be teaching classes - making big money for little time. Think about it. Are you up for change? Are you content with the way things are now? Me? I'm in the mood for a major overhaul. I don't know what it is, but it's coming - I feel it. I've felt it for awhile now but the lazy girl in me is fighting the ambitious girl in me. I think as women (who generally operate from the heart) it is very hard to take the reigns on our own life. It's so easy to point out what others need to do to help themselves but so hard to take our own advice. Shoot, if I took my own advice I'm sure I'd be a millionaire right now. So, I recently bought myself this bracelet which I wear quite often that says "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change". I am reminded all day long to stop fighting certain things and just go with the flow 'cuz that's the way it is. Know what I mean? Self growth is a huge deal for me. I just kinda feel stalled on the side of the road right now. But soon enough, someone's gonna pull over and give me a jump start and off I go. So for all you ladies traveling my road, if you see me... pull over and give me a hand!

Have a fun day today!
J

Jon Bon Jovi... CALL ME!

2008-07-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

So my girlfriend scored very last minute FREE tickets to Bon Jovi last night - my class was cancelled - uh yeah, COUNT ME IN!! Can I just take a moment to rant about how freakin' hot Jon is? I had kinda crappy seats but just knowing that was him jumping around down there on the stage...*swoon* So needless to say, I rocked out, drifted back to the 80's a couple times, and saw way more women my age than I cared to last night. Seriously... this would be the ultimate pick up joint for guys - a Bon Jovi concert. Thumbs up on the concert, and if you guys run into Jon, tell him to call me!

Here's a layout that I did last week when I was just putzing around. Please click on the picture to enlarge so you can see all the detail.

On today's agenda: grocery shopping of course. It's been on my agenda for 30+ days. I've just always got an excuse for not going. Today I'm gonna suck it up and just get it done.

Thought to ponder for today: Stay away from tanning beds!!! SERIOUSLY... if I had a dime for every 40 something leather face I saw at the concert last night, I'd have a nice chunk of change. Ladies - it is NOT attractive!!

2008-07-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've been gone a very long time...

2008-07-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

I just kinda dumped my blog for awhile and decided to pick it back up. I'm home with the kiddos for the summer and I'm only teaching classes for now. Bella cards are the hottest class for me - I have students coming from Lansing!! Cuh-razy!!! So the card above is just one card from my second series. Today I'm going to lock myself in my scrap room to try and bust out a wedding proof book for one of my next classes. I've been looking forward to designing it for awhile now. I just need to find something to keep the kids busy - otherwise, every other trim of paper I slice I will hear "MMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM! SHE/HE PINCHED ME!!!!" Some days I swear I'm not gonna make it. What do other Moms do with their kids all summer???? I can't afford to be taking them places every day. I'd love some feedback from you guys. You would think that working at home is the greatest thing ever. You don't have to trust your kids with a sitter (let alone the cost of AFFORDING a sitter) but it's actually harder. I cannot work undisturbed. So all you home bound Moms - give me a shout out!

J

I'm Alive!!!

2008-04-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm here. I've been gone from my blog for a very long time. So sorry! Life just has a way of getting away from you huh? I've been very busy planning my daughter's first communion party, and designing classes for the store. I have a Mother's Day mini album coming soon!

In the mean time, here's a bear tag called "Every day is SUNday at the beach!" TFL!

Layouts for sale!!

2008-04-03T04:46:00.000-07:00

Starting this week, I will be listing my layouts at littlescrapbox.com for sale! This is a big deal for me! This layout is one of 4 that will list first. It will have a price tag of $29.99 as it takes so long to make those little bears. TFL!

I'm still here!

2008-04-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA for awhile. Wish I had a cool excuse why but I don't. Just a lazy week. Here's a couple of altered composition books I did. TFL!

This is for my Mom...

2008-03-25T08:26:00.001-07:00

My Mom hasn't been over to see my new furniture and paint yet, so I'm posting these for her to see.

Here's my new dining room set -

Here's my newly painted wall which is really not this blue - it's a real pale robin's egg blue - must be the sunlight or something - but it pulls out the color in my chair

And here's my new window treatments that Tony picked out all by himself!

One of my better designs...

2008-03-25T07:27:00.001-07:00

Here is a Princess paper bag album I did some time ago. I was very proud of this book and it sold for $150!! Every time I've tried to recreate it, it did not turn out as perfect. I even used a lot of old school stickers in it as kind of a self challenge. TFL!

This dress is all hand torn using mulberry paper layered over white cardstock. The hanger is made from a hair pin and the whole cover is sealed under clear acetate that I sewed on.

The right side is a foam stamp that I embossed -

I love the way the mirror turned out - this is an accucut die from the store I used to work at - the castle on the right is all hand pieced and I used stamps to do the words. (See! I AM a stamper!)

Old school stickers as promised!

Here's what I did today...

2008-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today was my day off and I'm feeling a cold coming on (again) so I went in to work to do some of my own layouts and this is what I did. No long post because I feel icky. TFL!

I've been tagged!

2008-03-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Lynn tagged me and I'm supposed to come up with 7 facts about myself. I asked my kids to pick one fact each and this is what I got -

1- My daughter Kalea said, I love to play the game "Animal Crossing" on Gamecube. It's true - I used to be fully addicted until little Josh deleted my whole game. Arrrgh! I loved how you could build your house, and pay off your mortgage, and clean up the town. Weird, I know. Perhaps it's because I could never pay off my mortgage in real life!

2- My youngest, Josh, said "You buy us Ramen noodles" Hmmmm, I don't know if that counts as an INTERESTING fact, but it is a fact nonetheless.

3-My oldest, Tim said "You're a really good scrapbooker". Hey, I'll take that cuz I thought he would say "My mom's a dork" since he's 13 and super sassy.

4- I absolutely LOVE to eat at Panera. My favorite is a cup of soup (any flavor) and a half of a Chicken Ceasar sandwich. YUM!

5- I am a fanatic about grammar. Typos drive me bonkers. The funny thing is, my friend Bonnie noticed on the last Christmas kit I did, that I misspelled Santa Claus. I made 12 kits that said Santa Clause (with an e) - It's been driving me crazy ever since but there's only 1 kit left to sell. *sigh*

6- In the summer, I do not wear shorts. Every day you will see me in a white tank top, capris, and flip flops. (I probably own 20 white tank tops from Old Navy - they are the best!)

7- I drive a big Ram truck that is bad to the bone. I like it because it's boyish - I have always loved and owned manly type autos but deep down I'm a real girly girl.

There you have it. I'm supposed to tag 7 others, but I don't know anyone on these blogs yet and the 3 people I know have already been tagged so boo hoo for me.

Thanks for reading!
J

1,000 hits already??!!

2008-03-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

WOW. I wonder who is actually visiting this blog cuz I find it hard to believe that the 1000 hits came from Bonnie, Dawn and Lynn!! So for all of you lurkers out there, welcome! and thanks so much for viewing my blog! You guys are out of this world! (hence, the above layout titled appropriately so.) ;) I know that some gals give away stuff for marker hits and I'm not sure how that works yet, so I will get myself educated and offer up some free "candy" on the 2000 marker. So Dawn, if you're reading, email me with how to get the address of the lucky poster and all that jazz. Thanks!

Well, it's 9am - off to work! I got some new Cuttlebug embossing folders in the mail Saturday that I'm dying to try out. Which by the way, why is it that they came on SATURDAY when Tony was here to get the mail???? 6 other days of the week where UPS could have delivered to me. Nope. Busted. *sigh* It's getting harder to hide the addiction.

Have a super day!
J

Long day ahead for me...

2008-03-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today I work at the store from 9:30 am to 4pm and right from there I have to go to Holy Family School where Little Scrapbox has set up a mobile store. We were there until 10:30 last night setting up but it looks really cool. I'm kinda hoping it's slow at work today so I can get some designing done - it's been awhile since I could really just sit and finish a project. But, not being able to design means that we are busy which is really good in this stinky economy. Seriously friends, if you are devoted Joann and Michael's shoppers, please try to remember that with each sale you give them, we get one step closer to having to close our doors. Support your LSS!! Pretty soon, your only choice for shopping WILL be Joann and Michaels because I've already seen 4 LSS's close in the past 6 months locally. Ok, I'll get off of my soapbox now -

This layout I did as a designer kit for the store. It sold out twice which made me feel like a proud mama (cause all my layouts are like my little children - snort!) Anyways, I lifted the little poem from my good friend Deb in The Paper Hen House (see my favorite links at left). Have a great day everyone!

J

For Dawn, Lynn and Bonnie

2008-03-15T05:25:00.001-07:00

I lifted this off photobucket and thought you might like to take it for your Scrappin' Stampin' Sistahs Club. Hope you enjoy! Bonnie - just right click on it and save it to your computer.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

2008-03-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

I start my post with this title because today I was talking to one of my regular customers at the store who shared with me pictures of her beautiful family. Her daughter, is absolutely breathtaking at a young age of 14 and everytime we would pass a picture of her with her daughter she would say "Oh, look at me the big fatso" or "Look at how giant I am, gosh!" The funny thing is that I never really noticed she was overweight (aren't we all???) until she said something and drew such attention to it. I always saw her as this beautiful woman with impeccable style - always put together so well, right down to her great taste in jewelry. She always smells so nice and when I found out she was approaching 50, I seriously gasped. My message is this: we all have insecurites about ourselves - heck, we wouldn't be women if we didn't right? The secret is to NEVER let anyone in on them. Walk with your head held high even if your mood makes you feel like slumping - Lie to everyone about how wonderful your life is even if right now it totally sucks. When YOU start to believe it, everyone else will. And anyways, true honest friends will see the beauty in you no matter what you may see. They will love you for who you are and that my friends, is BEAUTIFUL! Here's another little trick - every morning get up and get dressed and put on your makeup. Even if you're just toting junior to the grocery store, dress the way that makes you feel pretty. Throw those old frumpy T-shirts that you stole from your hubby in the garbage and instead put on that cute little cableknit sweater with your jeans. When you look good, you feel good and don't we all deserve at least that?

Hugs!
J

As promised...

2008-03-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, first up is a layout I did for Little Scrapbox promoting some product. This is Kalea, my DD. Isn't she beautiful? Of course, I think so.

The next 3 layouts are 3 of the 20+ that I completed for my Hawaii album. They are probably my favorite 3. This is what I worked on at Creme of the Crop when I was away for the weekend. TFL!!

One last post and I'll leave you all alone!

2008-03-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is such a scrapbook layout photo! I have 5 or 6 of my two sons building a snowman together last week. Why is this photo so special you may wonder? Because, seriously, it's the only 20 straight minutes they ever spent together without rolling around on the ground fighting. These 2 fight CONSTANTLY. So, I thought this photo made my top 10 for this year. I'm so scrappin' this moment before the next fight breaks out! Thanks for letting me show off my family (that I love so much!) Tomorrow I'll post a pic of my beautiful daughter. THEN I'll leave you alone!

Just 'cause I'm bored...

2008-03-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

I decided I would share this pic of my hubby, Tony. I think it might be my all time favorite pic of him. What a hottie! By the way, that's MY sled he's on - his is the yellow one. I asked him if I could glue some prima flowers on mine with a few rub ons and he said no!! Whatevah!

Where oh where is spring??

2008-03-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I'm dying a slow wintery death over here. Winter blahs have set in and I'm soooo looking forward to that smell of spring in the air. You know - that day when you open your windows for the first time and the sweet smells of spring fill your house giving you renewed inspiration and creativity? Ahhh yes, it shouldn't be long now. I'm stuck at home today with a sick kiddo so I decided to finally unpack my bags from my scrap weekend 2 weeks ago. Maybe I'll find some creativity lurking in those bags and whip up a layout today. Maybe.

Here's today's layout - Chicks rule! This was a super fast seller at the store and probably one of my all time faves. Enjoy and TFL!

Shout out to my home girls!

2008-03-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a second to give props to all those girls out there working their tail feathers to the bone. Some of you are good friends of mine, some of you are my coworkers, some of you are family, and some of you are brand new acquaintances of mine. Either way, I'm proud of you all! You're doing what you do best and you're shining! So here's a little shout out to ya!

P.S. If you click the picture, you can see the layout better. I was too lazy to mess around with photobucket tonight so you're on your own this time! TFL!!

2008-03-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

I found this over on my friend Dawn's blog and thought it was cool. I gotta tell ya that I absolutely LOVE Patrick Dempsey. I knew we were destined for each other! *swoon*

Take the Quiz

I am back from Scraptopia!

2008-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

I've been MIA for awhile because I was away at that wonderful scrapbook retreat called Creme of the Crop. If you've never done a weekend getaway or even if you have a favorite place you insist on going to, you MUST try this one. Seriously - it's my favorite place ever. 5 out of 5 stars for sure! The owner's name is Connie and she is an absolute delight - her cooking is out of this world, and her house is stunning. Here's her website: www.cremeofthecropretreat.com I'm making it my mission to be her personal spokesperson. This lady deserves mega business. AND I managed to complete an entire album of my trip to Hawaii. I plan on sharing some of those layouts this week.

Ok, back to scrapping news. I thought I'd post another paper bag album that I did. It is done in a pirate theme. I sold this book on ebay. Most of the pages are interactive like the treasure chest flips open to reveal room for 3 photos, the vest was made of velvet paper and opens to reveal a photo mat etc... TFL!!

Do I Love Today OR WHAT???!!!

2008-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm on top of the world today. Let's just recap the day - 9am - My brand new furniture arrives. It looks so awesome! New dinette set, new couches, a really sweet giant ottoman, and a side chair that is to die for. The other day Tony was off work for a snow day ( I know, right?) and he surprised me by painting one wall in the living room to match the furniture ( a pale robins egg blue) and put up wood blinds on our giant picture window - then he added some new valances that he picked out and let me just say WOW!!! This guy is the farthest thing from an interior decorator BELIEVE ME - so when he crosses over to my side for a bit, he earns major brownie points! Ok, I got sidetracked - back to the best day ever...
So, I'm off work today, and I spend the entire day cleaning up the house and rearranging my new furniture (cuz hellllooooo, there's no kids here so I can do whatever I want!) At noon, I realize that (dread) I have to go to the bank and being a sucker for self reward for doing hated things, I decide to treat myself to lunch at Chipotle - I bring lunch home and spend an hour surfing the net and relaxing. Then I mosey into my scrapbook room and finish packing for my super fantabulous weekend away at the scrapbook retreat!! Now I have officially started to count down the hours until morning when my friends arrive and we start our journey to all the stores over on the west side. Yeeee Haw! I'm so stinkin' excited I could just jump up and down!

Thanks for letting me brag a little.

On to scrapbooking - since I'll be spending the weekend with some great friends, I decided to post a paper bag album that I did for my best friend, Frances. Obviously, this is BEFORE I added the photos. TFL!!

The countdown has begun!!

2008-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am going away scrapbooking this weekend and I am sooooo counting down the days. I have not spent a weekend kid free in I don't know how long. I love those guys, but mama needs a break! I plan on working on my Hawaii album which is 2 years overdue. I'm having trouble limiting my supplies that I want to bring. I want to take it all!!!

In honor of everyone being all cooped up with cabin fever, I decided to show you guys this layout I did. I hand pieced the cabin ,the canoe, the trees and of course, the bears. Hope you all are having a great Monday!

J

Calling all Scrapbookers!

2008-02-24T07:08:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, I just noticed as I am hopping from blog to blog that I am surfing in stamp land - which I love - but I'd love to find a bunch of scrapbooking bloggers. If any of you know any could you send me a link? Thanks!

We've been gone for the weekend. We went up north to Grayling to take the kids snowmobiling. We had an absolute blast, despite my wonderful head cold that seems to still be lingering around. The kids all go back to school tomorrow and I go back to work. Man, I haven't worked in ages it seems.

Happy Sunday all! I'm off to my niece's baby shower in an hour.

No thought to ponder today cuz I'm running late!

Here's a layout I did that features that country song by Rodney Atkins "I've been watching you" It's all about a little boy and how he wants to be just like his Daddy when he grows up. I did this layout for Ebay but it didn't sell and it fits my son, Joshua and my husband, Tony perfectly so I will use it in my own books.

Thanks for looking!

Princess layout

2008-02-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

I loved how the carriage came out on this layout. Princess layouts are always so fun to do because there's tons of embellies that work with this theme.

Little Prince layout

2008-02-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

I did this layout for one of the chickadees (Click on The Paper Hen House to the left to find out who the chickadees are) - for her son Andrew. I thought this one came out cute.

Just laying on the couch today

2008-02-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Seems the flu has taken a liking to me today. I'm feeling under the weather with a head cold. This will be a short post because I cannot trust myself when I am under the influence of Dayquil. I might post something crazy! So instead, I thought I'd post a couple pics of my work that I can still access through photobucket. Remember, my computer is down for 3 WEEKS so I have nothing new I can load in.

Enjoy!

Can you see me?

2008-02-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

I have hijacked Kalea's laptop to check in and let you all know that my computer has crashed - it will be about 3 weeks before I'm up and running again. I will try to post regularly via said laptop, but I can't do any photos. :(

Bare with me!

Here's your thought to ponder today: Eat your vegetables.

Seriously, I think I'm catching that stinky cold going around and I bet it's because the only green vegetable I've put in my body lately is that delicious guacamole from Chipotle!

More of my work

2008-02-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

I've had a request for more pictures of my work so here they are! If you want to know what any of the supplies are, just ask!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

Birthday Invitations

2008-02-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

This is for my friend Frances. She needed some rockstar invitations done for her daughter's 12th birthday so this is what I came up with.

Hurry Up Spring!!!!

2008-02-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

I chose to show you this layout because I am hoping it will bring Spring a little sooner than expected. I'm tired of this Michigan weather!! This layout was fun because when you untie it, the right and left side open like doors to reveal the other layout inside (the top picture). This isn't a practical layout for putting into an album, but would be great for displaying on a coffee table!

I just got in from work and the roads are terrible! I'm sending out some "be safe" vibes for my friend, Bonnie who is stuck at work right now and my hubby who is driving home from Canton (gasp!). Be safe!

Here is my thought to ponder for today: When you empty the dryer and fold clothes, WHERE DO those missing socks actually go?? ;)

Off to cook dinner... tonight is Chicken Kiev, Couscous, and corn. YUM!

Patience young grasshoppa...

2008-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Before I begin my daily ramblings, here's a picture of a clipboard I did for the store. I was really pleased with the final design. Tony (DH) said, "you should have done the title in a darker color" but what I heard come out of his mouth was "blabbity blab blab I don't know anything about scrapbooking blabbity blab" I really like the monotone white on white look. I always said if I had a big wedding (which I didn't and now never will) I'd have my bridesmaids wear off white, of course I'd be wearing white, and they would carry boquets of wild flowers in the most brilliant of colors. Anyway - to get back on topic - this is my beautiful daughter Kalea (the one on the right) and my gorgeous niece, Erin when they stood up in my SIL's wedding a couple years ago. Ok, there's your scrappin' fix for today -

I was sitting in church today and found myself severely distracted by the mom with 4 kids in front of me. Her kids were talking and singing out loud, laughing and carrying on and the Mom was just at her wits end. At first, I was extremely annoyed because I'm TRYING to get something out of today's mass that I can carry with me through my week and I can't hear a stinkin' thing. As I'm watching her littlest one, I realize that he's actually quite hysterical and acting his true age - probably 2 and I am instantly catapulted back to when my kiddos were little and the stress I carried just trying to exist when raising 3 little ones. Immediately, I bowed my head and prayed for God to give her strength today. I prayed that for just today, let this woman be happy and stress free - Please God, give her a good day today. When I raised my head from prayer, I felt a tear trickle down my face. Quickly, I swept it away so I didn't appear crazy. I FELT crazy - why was I crying??!! Because my friends, I could feel my own need for prayers in days gone by. I remember what it was like to be in her shoes. My point and my thought to ponder today: Have patience and understanding for others. Before you go getting all angry at someone who's kids appear to be out to ruin your day, think of that Mom trying to hold it together and if you are brave enough and can muster the strength to speak to her without crying like a nutjob, tell her she's doing a wonderful job. You've been there too.

Lastly, let me add that the one thing I was able to tune into during mass, during the homily was when the priest said this "Have patience with YOURSELF, for it is only then that you can begin to have patience for others." WOW. If that wasn't God talking right to me!

Have a fabulous day everyone! And keep warm! It's freezing out there today!
J

Enchanted Princess and Motorcycle Mania!

2008-02-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

I know, you're like "WHAT??!!" - today I took Kalea and her girlfriend to see "Enchanted" at the theater - very cute. Especially all the Patrick Dempsey scenes. He is such a hottie. It doesn't help that it's a "fairytale and why doesn't my husband do that" kinda movie. *Swoon*

Tomorrow after work, we are going to the Motorcycle Motorcross thingy at The Palace. Josh will totally dig that. I think I might like it to. What's not to love about motorcycles zooming around a dirty track and flipping in the air with super loud sound effects? *wink* - It should be a blast!

I just got done preparing 25 make-n-takes for tomorrow's croppers. Super tired tonight and gotta work early in the morning so nothing too profound for my thought to ponder. I think I'll keep it light and silly.

Thought to Ponder: Do what you love and the money will follow.

Hmmmmm, this is interesting because as you all know, I really do love my job - I scrapbook for money - um, hello? Who wouldn't love that job? So I gotta say that yes, the money is following me - little tiny bits of money, but money nonetheless. So today I'm at work and I get that sense that something is following me (I'm all alone at work so it's kind of a creepy feeling). Then it occurs to me, OMG!! it's probably the money everyone talks about when you do what you love. So excited, I turn around with a big smile on my face to greet said money and immediately a frown washes over my once bright smile. It's not a lump of money - it's a lump of a customer that wants 15 cuts done on the Pazzle machine. *sigh* I hate that machine.

So today friends, do what you love! You never know, a little chunk of change might end up on your doorstep.... or a chunky customer might be there cuz I sent her to your house! LOL!

J

Having Snow Much Fun!

2008-02-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Did you all survive the day with your kiddos home from school? I was lucky enough to be able to go to work while Tony stayed home with them. I can only take so many "I'm bored"'s before I go nuts.

I was really productive at work today - it was quieter than normal - the snow must have kept everyone homebound - so I finished two kits and a store display. I love that sense of accomplishment!

Any Lost fans out there? It's on for 2 hours tonight - Woooo Hooooo! Love it! I don't watch any shows except that one and Scrubs - I hate being committed to my TV. If it were up to me, we wouldn't even have a TV - yep, in my eyes, it really is just a boob tube.

Last night at 9pm Tony had the great idea of taking the kids snowmobiling around the area so we layered up and jumped on the sleds - this was a huge deal for me because I am such a rule follower and the whole "noise past 9pm" and driving illegally around subdivisions made me a nervous wreck. Anyways, as I was driving with Kalea holding tight to my waist, we came to a very steep hill. Tony and Josh flew down it with full He-Man glory. Kalea and I stopped dead in the snow and quivered at the thought of flying down it. What if we don't make it? What if Kalea falls off? What if I lose control? What if, what if , WHAT IF??!!! And then out of nowhere came this inner voice that said (get ready, cuz this is the thought to ponder for today) "When you stop living in fear, you start living" - Man, is that profound. I beg to differ with this quote around 20 times a day. You see, I'm a real live in the flesh scaredy cat. I fear EVERYTHING. My fear often paralyzes me and keeps me from enjoying some of the most exhilarating facets of life. I think of all things that I fear, the biggest is "The fear of what others will think" - Holy cow, if any fears should be thrown to the wind, that's definitely the one. Who cares what others think???? Oh, if only I could honestly not give a rat's butt, then I bet I'd surely do some livin'! I fear failure, success, the dentist, myself, anything fast and spinning, spiders, driving a snowmobile, driving a car, sports... seriously, I could go on and on.

So back to that moment at the top of the hill - I can hear Kalea shouting over the sound of the snowmobile engine, "Mom! I don't want to go down that hill, I'm afraid!" So I turned to look at her, took a deep breath, assured her we would be fine and yelled "HOLD ON!!" I threw my caution to the wind, put trust in my inner voice, and gunned it. Guess what happened? Absolutely nothing. That's right friends. I did something that I feared, and I'm stronger because of it. I also set an example for Scaredy Cat Jr. (Kalea). Would I do it again?? Probably not but I'll take it one step at a time. Baby steps - yeah, that's it... baby steps.

J

Does your scrap space look like THIS???

2008-02-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

How sickening is this?? When I am in full blown creative mode, my space looks like a tornado came through. Does yours??

This is for Bonnie...

2008-02-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

Bonnie wanted to see this layout I'm working on - it is not near complete. It needs lots more embellies, and one bear needs paws, colors may change etc...

A little bit more of my work...

2008-02-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

2008-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a baby layout I did last year titled "Precious Baby" - The papers are from We R Memory Keepers, the chipboard border at the top is by Gin-X, the brads I found in a dollar bin somewhere, and the bear is a Paper Runway original! Thanks for looking!

Have Faith

2008-02-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to start today's blog entry with my thought to ponder so that I could do some out loud thinking about it.

Today's thought: Have faith and believe that you are exactly where God intends you to be right at this moment.

This is a thought that I struggle with daily. If you are like me, you are constantly rushing around day to day in search of a final destination. This brings to mind another quote "Life is a journey, not a destination". So often we all get caught up in where we need to be going in our life that we forget to stop and enjoy the moments... the little daily events that mold our entire lives. I am always in a hurry to get absolutely nowhere. I spend my free "me" days overwhelmed with anxiety about all of the things on my "to do" list. So much so, that I end up doing absolutely nothing. I feel like I'm trying to find my niche - my higher calling - my career - my sense of self peace - my self affirmation that I'm doing just fine as a wife and mother. All of these things and more tend to haunt me on a daily basis.

That's where today's thought comes into play. "Have faith and BELIEVE that you are exactly where God intends you to be right at this moment." Maybe if I just slow myself down (GASP!) and live each moment, knowing that if I miss something on my "to do" list, that it really will be ok, maybe if I just stop chasing the dollar for a second, then my true happiness will be there staring me in the face.

I often make fun of the stereotypical PTA Mom, running around from classroom to classroom donning her latest embroidered holiday sweater - but in all honesty, I envy her. She knows that she is doing what she does for her kiddos - she knows that she gets nothing in return except for life long bonds and love. She is the one who actually scrapbooks with pictures on her page - unlike me who simply scrapbooks for the artistic outlet. Sure, she's probably one sugar frosted homemade cookie away from a meltdown, but you never see it. She appears content in her role and accepts that this is where she is supposed to be.

So today my friends, scrapbookers, moms, wives, women ~ join me for just 24 hours of believing that you are important, and you're doing a great job at whatever it is you're doing today. You are a success and there is no need to rush to get to whatever awaits you in the days to come - it will get here on it's own anyway. For just today, we will breathe slowly, stop to memorize the small wonders of the minutes passing and KNOW we are exactly where we are meant to be.

J

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

2008-02-01T04:44:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is my Tiny Dancer Ballet Layout. I sold this on Ebay last January. It's one of my favorites. The picture isn't all that great but here's the scoop - I used patterned papers by Daisy D's, Bling cardstock and regular cardstock by Bazzill, chipboard by Lil Davis, Rub ons by American Crafts, and embellies by Jolee's. The flowers were from Michaels. I just bought a huge branch of them and pulled the flowers off - it's way cheaper that way.

We're expecting 7 inches of snow today. Practically the whole state's schools are closed except for Utica school district. They NEVER cancel school. So now I'm wondering when school lets out this afternoon at 4pm, what kind of mess are these buses going to have to travel in? I'll be at the school today anyway because TODAY IS MY BABY GIRL'S BIRTHDAY!! Kalea is 10 today. We made loads of Rice Krispie treats last night for her birthday treat for her classmates. I guess I should be glad that they still have school, otherwise, those treats would be sitting on my butt in about 2 days. And believe me, I can put a whole pan back all by myself!!

Ok, off I go to brave the roads on my way to work... bah, who am I kidding? I'm making Tony drive me today! (yep, I'm a snow driving wuss... who knew??!!)

Today's thought to ponder: "Find time to do what you love." I'm so lucky that I get to do what I love every day and get paid to do it. I am truly blessed.

Be safe today!
J

Just another day in paradise...

2008-01-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Day 3 home from work - day 2 of Joshua and his stomach flu. I was able to work at home today and managed to rock out 6 layout kits in 24 hours! We're having a giant crop at work on Saturday and Bonnie and I are trying desperately to restock our kit wall with new designs. Go Team Scrapbox!

Did you ever see that movie Groundhog's Day? I feel like I'm living that movie. The same day over and over and over... not much changes except the scenery. I would love a little vacation with Tony. Love those kiddos, but Mama needs a break! I fear asking Tony for a weekend getaway in this season (even though our 11 year anniversary is only 2 weeks away) because he would want to take me up north snowmobiling. Ummmmmmm, let me think,... no. Why a man would want to go out in 20 below zero weather and drive in the open wind at 90 miles an hour is beyond me. Must be a guy thing. I do own my own snowmobile and it's all fancy and fast, but I just like to putz around on it and find myself screaming in terror when I hit 20 on the speedometer. So picture me all "AAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Screech of brakes. Thumb on throttle, "AAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Screech of brakes. Thumb on throttle - and repeat several more times until I finally call it a day and retire to the hot tub in the hotel. Yep, I'm a real bad ass. Can I swear on here? Sorry if I offend, but it totally fits this story.

Back to vacation getaways - I'm thinking maybe Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant for our anniversary. But then I think, nah, I might as well just walk into the resort, hand them my $500 gambling money and say thanks and drive back home cuz ya know I'm gonna lose it all in the slots. *sigh* I don't know - maybe we'll just stay in for the weekend.

Time to put dinner in the oven - another meal I won't eat - am I the only one who hates her own cooking? My mom could make the same dish and I'd be all "YUM! This is the best meal I've ever had!" Weird I know.

And here's your thought to ponder for the day: If you think your marriage should be your spouse putting in 50% and you putting in 50%, you'll be disappointed. Put in 100% and watch it reciprocate back to you. Now that's good lovin'!!

How was your day?

J

Just when you think it can't get any worse...

2008-01-29T07:05:00.001-08:00

Yeah, so my back is almost 100% better - can I get a hallelujah??!!! Unfortunately, the Jeni law states that once you have made it through one setback, another must follow... so there I was last night at 10pm at Beaumont Emergency with Joshua. Remember his upset belly from Friday? Since Friday, it manifested itself into a nasty stomach flu virus. The ER room looked like something from a TV series. It was sooooo full of sick people hacking their guts out, vomiting in the halls, nurses and doctors running amuck. *sigh* Another day off of work. So help me God, if this virus decides to take up residence in my other kids or husband (or *gulp*, ME), I'm gonna throw a tantrum. That's right, I'm gonna lay down on the floor and scream at the top of my lungs. I'm gonna flail my arms and legs and hold my breath. Seriously people, when does the curse of sickness end??? AND FOR THE LOVE OF MARY, WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GO GET ME SOME GROCERIES!!!!

Ok, rant over. Time to conjur some positive energy. Perhaps I can find some creativity within me today to make something. I am DYING to make one of those web books that the girls at Stamp Camp made and my printer keeps telling me it wants some more black ink. I asked my printer if it had $50 I could borrow for that black ink... my printer shut itself off permanently. Pffft.

I'm going to try to post a layout later today. For some reason, it's not letting me post pics this morning. So check back later if you want to view my "Tiny Dancer" ballet layout.

I hope you all are having a better day than I am today!

Thought to Ponder: The famous quote says "Live each day as if it were your last". Does that mean that I can skip the laundry, housework, and grocery shopping and go scrap all day???

J

I'm back from Couchville

2008-01-28T11:57:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends!
I've been laid up on the couch for 2 days with a pinched nerve in my back - sooooo NOT fun. Went to a chiropractor today and he really helped. I just wish these stoner pills the first doctor gave me would wear off - I feel like I'm in la-la land and cannot be responsible for anything I say in this post - LOL!

Obviously, being on the couch, I didn't do any creating of any kind, but I did have lots of time to be by myself and think and here's what I came up with for thoughts to ponder given my recent back trouble:

1) Never pass up an opportunity to shave your legs - you never know when your back might go out and you gotta show your legs during xrays - yep, my chiro did not think that 2 inch long winter growth was at all appealing. eeeewwwwww.

2) Never be lazy and say "Oh, I'll just take a shower later tonight" cuz then when your back goes out, someone will have to get close enough to you to take your temp, or your blood pressure and I'm pretty certain they will smell your 2 day old nasty hair.

3) Do not EVER agree to anything if you are on muscle relaxers. You may wake up sober the next morning only to find that you've just signed up to chaperone 150 first graders on their next field trip. Phew! Lucky for me I only sleep when on muscle relaxers - I'd rather poke myself in the eye with my paper piercer than chaperone 150 six year olds.

4) And lastly, be happy for your health today - you really don't appreciate it until it's gone.

And how was your day?
J

See what I mean??

2008-01-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

After my little pity party yesterday, I decided to turn my frown upside down and generate some positive energy - guess what happened?? My Big Bite (man is that a stupid name!) crop-a-dile came in the mail, AND I totally found inspiration in the Stampin' up catalog. I'm making CD covers for photo CD's January through December. I'll list them on Ebay when they are complete. Will post here too.

Thanks for all the nice comments you guys - you're so sweet.

I know this is supposed to be mainly a scrappin' blog and I haven't shown any pics lately - but just so you know, I'm a rule breaker. I got a story to tell y'know!! LOL! So for all of you who like to follow the rules, I included a pic of my latest Ebay venture. My dinosaurs layout. It did not sell and I was a little bummed cuz I think this layout is so stinkin' cute. The Karen Foster papers I hooked up at Flower Factory - stickers too - and I pazzled the title at work.

Speaking of paper, have any of you seen that new nursery line at Joann's?? So so so cute. My friend Bonnie is going to be creating with it soon, and I can't wait to see the finished masterpiece!

So today is Saturday, and I gotta figure out what to do with the kiddos. I'm wondering what kind of bribe I could offer them to get them to go to Archiver's with me. And then when they start whining and complaining I say :

So funny!

Thought to ponder for today: I read this over on Lisa Bearnson's blog and I think this is just one of the best things I've read in a long time ~

When life gets so hard that you can't stand, kneel.

Enough said.

Have a great day everyone!
J

You're Invited to a Pity Party!

2008-01-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yep, today I'm hosting a pity party for myself. I just had a crappy week and would like a do-over!! I can't really pinpoint the trouble, just lots of poop all in a 7 day span. So pull up a chair, get out your noisemakers, put on your pity party hat and raise your glass to the guest of honor. Cheers Jeni!

And just like that, I'm over it. Tomorrow's a new day, a better day, a second chance at whatever it is you wish.

Let's talk scrappin'! I met some new friends at the little get together on Wednesday night (remember, the one Bonnie invited me to?). What a great group of ladies! Lynn (the hostess) designed some absolutely fabu cards and a cutie little Valentine treat box for us to make. This girl totally rocks the stampin' scene!! I've never stamped before - and I think they are all secretly plotting against me to get me hooked (yeah, I see you smirking over there Dawn!) Lynn sells Stampin' up! and Bonnie decided to let me borrow her catalog yesterday. My wish list is gigantic. What to buy, What to buy?? I'm waiting for my Big Bite crop-a-dile to get here. I ordered it from HSN and I can't even stand the anticipation!!

I had to leave work (Little Scrapbox, world's best scrapbook store in Michigan) early today to pick Josh up from school. Seems he has yet another stomach ache. This kid has been complaining for a few days now. I think it's time to make him a doctor appointment. So here I am, stuck at home, in my scrap room trying to be all creative and I got nothin'. I think I have scrappers block. Sure could use some inspiration - and so here I go back to look through the Stampin' up catalog...

Thought to ponder for today: The law of attraction proves that what kinds of feelings and emotions you put out into the world come right back to you and manifest into something even larger. Today, try to put out smiles and positive thinking - you never know what might come back at you!

J

Waiting for my wet nails to dry...

2008-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

I already did a post here today, but I have wet nails, cheesy potatoes and ham in the oven, my house is somewhat in order, and I have 20 minutes before the kiddos get off the bus so I thought I'd jot down some random thoughts.

I'm going with Bonnie tonight to a scrapbook get together. She does them all the time with her stamping sistas. I've never had friends in this biz. That's why I was so happy to have instantly hit it off with Bonnie (who is a fabulous designer BTW!). It's so nice to have someone who shares your passion for this addictive craft. Anyways, I am totally looking forward to tonight!

I was supposed to get some ebay auctions ready today and I played hookie all day. I watched a couple episodes of Scrubs (my all time fave) and ate 2 - yep, that's 2 - chicken salad sandwiches which were absolutely delish! I fought with myself most of the day as to whether or not to get a manicure. I decided just to put a coat of clear on myself and save the $24. Plus, it's never good when your beautiful dark mocha color comes shooting off onto some fresh white cardstock. LOL!

Here's my thought to ponder for today: When it appears that someone is happier, healthier, more successful more whatever than you, look again and then count your own blessings twice.

Ta-ta!

Tearing my heart out!

2008-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here's my latest tear critter creations. I am in desperate need of a title for the little bear on the swing - he also needs lots more embellies before he's finished. The panda will be going on a layout titled "My Heart Belongs to You" featuring the latest papers by K & Co. called "Smitten". The lion will be on a future layout if he gains the approval of my fellow designers. (That's you Bonnie!) Hope you like!

Sweet!!! My images work!!

2008-01-20T05:23:00.001-08:00

I totally heart when I can make HTML work - it makes me feel like a genius cuz that stuff is hard to manipulate sometimes.

WOO HOO!

Testing some HTML

2008-01-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna try this HTML thing, so if a bunch of garbage appears below, just ignore it!

Do you blog?

2008-01-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

I figured I probably should start. I have no clue how this works, who sees it? What to write? But, I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm up early this Sunday, (7:30) and was all excited to grab a hot cup of coffee and surf the net in peace. No go. Josh (my youngest at 6) was up the second he heard the kitchen faucet. He's just like me when I was little. I always thought I'd miss something if I stayed in bed. So now the whole family is starting to stir, and I realize that we just might be able to make an earlier mass today. Noon mass makes the day go so fast. I'm going to my Mom's today to finish up those ladybug baby shower invites - which I am so glad to be done with. When will I learn my lesson? Next baby/wedding shower, I'm bringing the pasta salad instead!