Blog winner, Merry Christmas and Agape Love

First I want to say thank you to all who left comments during the My Paper Treehouse Blog Hop. It was so exciting to see how many bloggers left comments. The winner for my prize is Kim, please email me your email addy so that you are able to shop at Scrapbook.com. Go check out the My Paper Treehouse blog to see the grand prize winner.
Also want to take the time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, or as I would say it in Spanish Feliz Navidad
may the Lord give you all the desires of your heart.

So today as I was doing my last minute Christmas Shopping, Yes I am a procrastinator lol I thought about Agape love. Wow how awesome is that, on Christmas Eve I was thinking about Agape love. You see last night my 22yr old daughter moved out, and though I didn't and still don't agree with her decision she is my daughter and I love her and I thought about Gods love. It was with that same Agape love that can be found in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. "

I have to have faith in Gods love, it's the only way I am going to accept this decision she has made. She knows our concerns, she knows where we stand, but she also knows more than anything else is that we love her. So I am asking you all to continue to pray for our family through this time. Again have a very Merry Christmas. 

My Paper Treehouse Blog Hop

God's Fingerprints Blog Hop 

Dec. 15th-19th

We are celebrating how God has blessed My Paper Treehouse with an awesome design team.  Please hop along with us and visit each of the DT members. If you get lost or just found the hop start here.  Each of the DT members have a wonderful story to share with you about what God has done and is doing in their lives... these are God's fingerprints.  Not only do we have a ton to share with you but there are RAKs along the way, a Great Blog Hop Challenge with a prize and a wonderful Grand Prize from Artful Delight.

First I want to take a moment to say thank you for hopping along with us at My Paper Treehouse, I am very excited to be part of this team. It has been both inspirational as well as motivating to be able to share God's love and mercy. It has not been an easy journey, but God has certainly paved the way so that I can continue to walk in His Footprints. I will tell you what I love about walking with Jesus is that He knows that I'm not perfect and yet He still loves me, how many times I have given up and yet He didn't abandon me. When I'm down I remember that He knew me in the secret place, even before I was conceived in my mother's womb. Here's one of my most recent and favorite layout created for My Paper Treehouse  titled I am fearfully and wonderfully made.    
If you click on the link you will understand how I feel about God, and how I know that He loves me. Thanks for stopping by my blog, my RAK will be a $10 gift certificate from Scrapbook.com.

 We have a blog hop challenge for you.... as you stop at each of the Design Members they will have another item that you will need to add to your layout.  All layouts need to be linked up on the My Paper Treehouse Blog by Sunday the 19th 11:59pm PST. One layout will be randomly chosen to win a prize and make sure check back on Monday because we have a special surprise for you.

Not only do we have RAKS from the DT members, a prize for creating layout, but we have a Grand Prize too!!! All you have to do is comment on all the blogs along the hop!

Our Grand Prize is sponsored by Artful Delight!  They have the most wonderful kits each month for a great price.  You wouldnt believe everything you get in the kit..... it is full of the newest and greatest scrappy items.  Artful Delight will also custom order you any scrappy item you would like to get your hands on for no additional charge.  Please stop by and see Artful Delight and dont forget to tell them that we sent you....


Here is the item you need to add to your layout  a flower.  

Next you will hop to Damaris Rios. Dont forget you need to leave a comment on each of the blogs and collect the different items for the Blog Hop Challenge Layout.   All layouts and comments are due by

Sunday the 19th 11:59pm PST.

Don't forget to stop by on Monday to see our special surprise....

this medicine doesn't taste Good..

that was Elisa's response to having to give her the antibiotics the Doctor prescribed. She proceeds to tell me that the pharmacists must have made a mistake, because she knows the doctor wanted her to have the medicine that taste like bubble gum, and this medicine doesn't taste good. Then she tells me I need to call the doctor so that he can call the pharmacist to get her the bubble gum one. LOL is really all I could do, but then that sentence stayed with me through out the next few days "This medicine doesn't taste good" I started to hear it differently and I began to analyze it. I thought wow, from the mouth of babes. Recently I have felt as though the emotional journey that I was going through was just too much. I even said last week, as I was driving back home with Chris through tears Lord I know that You only give what I can handle, well it's 25 yrs and I can't handle it no more. So You need to do something, because I am losing it. Chris is getting even more rebellious, but then Elisa's sentence came to my mind. "This medicine doesn't taste Good" and I thought God are you talking to me through my child, what are You trying to tell me? I don't understand, help me. At first I thought Spiritual Healing, so I look through the Bible and the verses I found didn't relate to what I thought God was trying to tell me, but today I found it. All I could do was jump up and down because I found through His word what he was telling me. "1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered for a little while, will Himself restore you  and make you strong, firm and steadfast".  You see in life we will suffer, go through trials and tribulations and I am human I question why now? and I realized it's because the medicine that I want, that I am seeking is a quick healing one, I too want the bubble gum flavor, but God has to restore me and make me strong so therefore it may not taste good at the moment. It's a process like the clay in the potters hand, he has to mold me, make me stronger so that I can stand firm in what He has for me. You see I have been seeking Him more, really taking strength from the word my Medicine and though sometimes the healing process takes a little longer He reminds me that He is Jehovah Rapha meaning "the Lord our Healer". In Acts 3:16 by faith in the name of Jesus, this man who you see and know was made strong, it is in Jesus name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him as you can see" So if you are maybe feeling a little sick, or have a long lasting illness tell God you need some medicine, you need healing. You want to be stronger, you want to be able to stand firm and you want to be healed. Maybe your medicine is like Elisa's right now and it doesn't taste good, but the purpose of that medicine is to bring healing to your ailment, your illness. thanks for reading and know that the scrapper in me will soon be creating a layout of Elisa covering her mouth cause this medicine doesn't taste good.

Full circle

 
I didn't think it was possible to get over the hurt. I say this to you today, because I was looking through past layouts and found my layout titled Sad, as I read it I remember clearly how angry and hurt I was. 3 yrs have past since I created this layout  Sometimes we forget that it's not in our time, but in Gods time. He made a promise to me a long time ago and today he reminded me of this. Thank You to my Paper Treehouse for a wonderful challenge. I am going to share the journaling here
"Look at me, a grown woman sad. For the past 2 weeks this is how I have felt, so much has happened in the last 2 yrs in my life, and now is when I'm finally facing the decisions that have led me here.
Two years ago I made a decision to leave the congregation I was attending and a member of. I was not just a member, but the treasurer, president of the woman's fellowship at the local church and asst. treasurer for the Women's fellowship of the church council. My responsibilities were many, but at the time I didn't mind I enjoyed doing God's work. It was never about the titles, but of how we as a church can grow. I had such a passion to please God, but somewhere, some how I lost my focus. I place my confidence in man, forgetting that it was God in whom I had to be confident. Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in man.� You see man will fail, and I forgot that.
Was I ignorant, did I believe that by making this decision my sisters and brother's in Christ would support me? NO, but I did believe that they wouldn't totally abandon me. My so called sisters who loved me while I was an active member who called me their friends are no longer around.
Was I surprised; YES because we shared I thought the good, bad, and sometimes the ugly. We talked, laughed, cried; now it's gone. I question were they really my friends. Did they really love me, would they care that I'm sad, because I feel abandoned by them. I don't know the answer. I have tried to reach out to them and I would get the Oh I'm busy or can I call you back. Still Waiting? NO. Do I understand  that they may not want to socialize with an outsider. NO. I thought we were friends, no wait I thought we were sisters in Christ.
Have I changed? Yes, sometimes so much so I feel bitter and sadness because yet again man has failed me. Did they forget the hurt I went through? YES!
I wonder yet again if they have forgotten the parable of the Prodigal Son. Do they have no hope that the Lord will touch my heart once again and make me whole again? Do I forgive as God has one so many times (70X70); I'm so desperately trying to. It's hard feeling the way that I do.
I called upon God today, and asked him for strength, forgiveness, and healing and so willingly He answered. You have been forgiven, I have loved you from the moment you were conceived, and I have your life in my hands. I will mend your heart; put your faith in Me. I will not forsake you. I love you, I will take away this sadness, and I will bring you joy; just put your faith in Me."


Wow, is all I can say when I read this, but then I realized Thank you Lord because You have brought back that joy. If you're wondering have I forgiven those who I believed at the time hurt me. Yes I have, I am now going back to that same church. I realized that with so many changes going on in my life and decisions that had to be made concerning Chris that I needed God, that I needed to fellowship with people who guess what? Still loved me, yes they do. They put our family in their prayers, I have such peace now but that is only because God was able to heal, and mend my broken heart. Because even in my darkest hour I was able to reach for God. I journaled when I was upset, put it down creating my layouts and you know when they say creating memories for the future it could be just 3 years later just to see where I was and where I am now. My current layout is about being confident " Be Confident of this very thing that he which begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" So I just want to say be encouraged and even in your darkest hours seek Him, and He too will show you how you have grown, how to forgive.
Thanks for reading!

My altered boxes and thank you!!!

So a few months ago my friend Debbie created this really amazing cake made out of pattern paper and hat boxes I thought it was fabulous. I spoke to her recently and told her she inspired a project I was working on, I really loved the outcome of my cake. Thank you Debbie!!! I created this for a DT tryout, but guess what happened, last night while I was creating my finishing touches I took a photograph and thought let me upload now and then work on the other project well needless to say that my last few images would not upload unto my computer, I was going crazy last night. I just couldn't get it to fix and figured why even finish the other project when it was due at Midnight it really made no sense. So I go to sleep at 12:35am and wake up at 5am and go to my camera delete a few pictures and now viola it uploads. UGHHHHHH why didn't I think about that last night I tell you why I was tired. LOL So I wanted to share what I created. Products Used: Imaginisce Twitterpader line , Imaginisce flowers, Prima Marketing butterflies, flower and spray. Helmar 450 Quick Dry

I also wanted to post here a thank you to my local friends who have made cards for Evelyn, and to my online friend Julie Tucker-Wolek who is just the most generous, loving friend. Who I have never met, but know that one day at CHA I will. She is a faithful blog follower, and when she saw my post about Evelyn she wanted to help, well she not only made a card for Evelyn but she also posted my story on A few of my Favorite things challenge blog well needless to say I have received many emails asking me where to send their card they made for Evelyn. I was touched by the overwhelming response. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart I know that when Evelyn receives these homemade cards, these cards made from the heart, these cards made with passion and concern and prayers that she will be overwhelmed with happiness! Thank you!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but I have been busy with life. So this past week was a week of celebrating thanks. I had to bring food for Elisa's first Thanksgiving at Girl Scouts for family and friends and well as much as I love cooking I really didn't want to go through all the hassle so instead I purchased yes you read it purchased 6 already made Rotisserie chickens and put them in my oven with green and red peppers. I cooperated lol, did my part. On Monday I had to bring dessert for Chris's friends and family luncheon he was so happy that I was there. Well yesterday I was baking cookies all day, first time making sugar cookies loved the outcome. Tried a new recipe, peanut butter kisses cookies. Everyone loved them, they look too sweet to me and not really my thing but they were made with love and prepared with a heart full of thanksgiving. We are going to my moms today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I also wanted to share a layout I created last week for Paper Treehouse, I really love this challenge. The word for me was renew. In so many ways I want God to renew me, from my faith to just everyday life. I need Gods presence in my life, it's what is keeping going from day to day. I am finding my strength in Him, a new LOVE I didn't think it was possible to feel that first love once again. So today on Thanksgiving I am saying thank you Lord, for being ever present in my life, for my wonderful family who has been so supportive in recent decisions I have made, thank You for blessing me with children and a husband who loves so passionately. Just Thank YOU!!!!!

Don't fear...

How many times do we fear the unknown, the future. Lately that is what I have feared, the what if's of the unknown, but I have to remember that God has it all in his hands. He has promised us a kingdom. In Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. It's a verse that gives me hope of what God has in stored for me.

I created this layout for the challenge over at My Paper Treehouse thanks for looking!!!

Friends are Gods way of taking care of us...

how appropriate is that quote. I want you all to meet my best friend Evelyn, I have known her since I was pregnant with my first child which means a little more than 25 yrs, but we really became close when I moved into her neighborhood 17 yrs ago. I remember her telling me one day when we were having a girl time together " you know when I first met you, I was a little scared of you. You were unapproachable and I thought she just didn't like me. LOL but here we are 25 yrs later and still the best of friends. Oh don't get me wrong we had our moments were I thought we would never speak to each other again, but God intervened and He gave us a purpose. She was not only the person I went to when I needed prayer, but we could call each other at all hours of the night and just talk. Or even say OMG are you watching Lifetime. Yeah the Lifetime channel was our tear jerker movies. LOL.  I am writing about Evelyn today, because I need your help. Evelyn has Breast Cancer, she was diagnosed in May of this year it was heartbreaking to find out the news over the phone, I wanted to be there for her and hold her, cry with her, and just let her know that I'm here, but I can't. I can though call her, cry over the phone, or just lend an ear, but most of all I can pray for her. I believe that my God is a God of healing, I believe that her trials right now are going to be a testimony for others to hear. I spoke with Evelyn on Friday, and she cried and I was trying to be strong for her and encourage and let her know that God has it all in his hands when she told me "Dolores I lost my hair, my nails have gotten black and I'm so weak, I had to buy a wig" and she cried more. In all this though she continued to tell me how God has blessed them, she has to buy organic food which can be quite expensive, but people from her job, and her husbands job have been just donating gift cards to stores that have organic foods. Wow what a blessing, but the one that stood with me was the Wig. I can't picture Evelyn with a wig and she was crying through the store when she went to see them, but the ladies were so comforting towards her then she found it the one that was close to her real hair so she asked the sales girl if she can try it on through tears as she did she then asked how much the lady said $319.78 Evelyn cried even more knowing that she couldn't afford that she is a school teacher who by the way is still working because it is her other outlet. She got in the car and proceeded to pick up her young daughter at school, when the assistant principal so her and asked how she was doing with the chemo. She said she has her good days and bad days, but today it was bad because she went to buy a wig and well they are too expensive. How wonderful was this woman to offer to buy it for her, how God even then was blessing her. Evelyn refused it, can you believe it. Well the next day the woman saw Bobby and said I have something for your wife, and when they got home it was an envelop with $300 dollars. What a Blessing. So I want to do my part and what I'm asking for is not monetary but I'm asking for your creativity, your time. Evelyn has been blessed by so many through this difficult time, and has only had a chance to verbally say thank you, I thought wouldn't it be great if me along with my crafty friends can make her a few blank Thank You cards so that she can send out. If you are interested just send me a shout out at my email edenroses66@yahoo.com. I'm also asking that you keep Evelyn in your prayers, Evelyn has two daughters ages 14 and 6.  Please help me in helping my friend. I want her to know that everyone I know is praying and thinking about her. Sorry for the long post. thanks for reading

I am fearfully and wonderfully made...

I created this layout for My Paper Tree House. I loved the prompt, and knew right away what Bible verse encourages me even in my darkest hours. It is Psalms 139, I remember the first time I read 17yrs ago I was in a class for newly converted Christians where we were given Bible lessons. The Pastor asked me to read it, and as I did the tears began to flow, at the time he didn't realize my past and where I came from but God knew that I had to read it. He knew that it was important for me to know that He loved me from the moment I was conceived, but in my mind I thought how can it be how could HE know. Will he knew because He was there, that is what this Psalm is saying. Why was it important to me? Because as a child I was always told that I was conceived from a violent crime. RAPE. I was told on more than one occasion that the reason I was born was because abortion was not legal in 1966. It should never had reached my ears but it did so I always felt unwanted, unloved but to know that my God was there can you imagine what a burden that lifted. Knowing that God was there and that I was not hidden from Him in the secret place. Yes for the Bible to have it just like that in verse 15 "My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of earth". Wow what a revelation I was not a secret from God, because I was fearfully and wonderfully made. God has all the days ordained for me written in His book. You see then in 1966 God had a purpose for me, it was to know Him, Love Him, Worship Him and my God thank Him because even when I am at my lowest, or in my darkest hour He is alive and well in me, He is my comforter, and my refuge. Thank you to Nana Campana who reminded me by posting this challenge what an Amazing God I serve.

So Thankful

for really good friends, and especially to my sister Millie. Yesterday I had a terrible day, it seems one of my worst moments and the month has just begun. As most of you know my son Chris who is Downs Syndrome has really been acting up. Really he's 25 yrs old but for some odd reason he is going through his terrible two's. From temper tamtrums to just being stubborn, it is driving me nuts. Well yesterday I finally broke, I mean really just broke down in the street crying because he refused to get on the bus, he stood his ground and said nope I'm not going. Now if you know any child with special needs, then you know that once they stand their ground it's like a force within them and you just can't move them. He began the morning with an attitude, and began his ritual of saying I hate this, I hate that. I knew it was going to be a bad one, but I just couldn't take it anymore and my body and emotions gave in. I just cried told the bus driver to leave, and then just cried, but in that hopeless moment one of my good friends was walking by and started talking to Chris, in this same moment the matron got off the bus went over to me and just Hugged me and said everything is going to be okay, you need to relax we will try to get him to get on the bus. The bus Driver and GOD BLESS this driver parked the bus and made sure along with my friend that Chris got on this bus. I was crying uncontrollably my friend told me to go inside get myself together, my nerves were so bad that I started throwing up, called his social coordinator and told her I can't do this anymore HELP me please. So we made a few calls and yesterday I carried out the decision that has laid heavily in my heart, and with tears and anguish but yet taking comfort from the social worker on the phone, knowing that I have made the right decision. It's not easy, for me and yet some people may judge me, but you don't walk in my shoes to fully understand what an emotional and tormenting year this has been. I love my son Chris, that is without a doubt he made me a MOM first, it was because of him that I wanted more children. He was so loving, and sometimes I still see that but I think that he is ready for far more than I can give him. I'm still emotional about it all, and though I've made the decision doesn't mean that it all happens overnight, and that is probably good cause it gives me time to adjust to it all.To my friend Lissette who saw me at my worst, thank you for the beautiful yellow roses you made my night a little brighter. To my sister Millie, thank you for being so supportive and for being there not only for me, but for Elisa too. You taking her to school for me to ensure that she gets there on time, and so that I can deal with Chris has been a blessing. Thanks for reading, please continue to pray for us.

Thank you Basic Grey

 
for creating these fabulous card kits that my 5 yr old could enjoy being a card maker for the day. That's what Elisa and I did yesterday, she was pretty sick with a horrible cough and I didn't want to take her out. We were going to go to the New York Botanical Garden yesterday, but it was too cold to be outdoors and be sick at the same time so instead we created. She was so excited, she ran to Daddy and said guess what we are going to do today he says what? she says scrapbooking woo hoo finally. We were just cracking up. So thank you Basic Grey for making it easy for her to create her cards. 

Mental Scrapbooking

lol that was my conversation today with 3 of my friends. How funny and true that is, as much as we may want to scrap when we sit down nothing happens it's like you have lost your mojo. Or maybe it's the circumstance and you just don't have the time and you are mentally scrapping. What about those dreams, how many of us dream of our next project. Girl let me tell you as Tanisha Long always says Scrapbooking is in our minds,  and even when you have lost your mojo you are thinking about it. So today I decided to put  some of my mental scrapbooking down on paper. LOL Here is what I created.

A love like this, Un amor asi....

I have been itching to scrap since I cleaned up my scrappy mess area. I just had not been feeling well, but today I took the time to create this layout of my husband and I. I love this photo of us, I used the Scarlet lime kit love the mix of pattern papers and embellishments that were included in this kit. As soon as I saw the background paper I knew I had to use our initials on it! As if I were to carve it on a tree. I used smooch spritz for the masking really love the outcome of this layout. It's titled un amor asi, which means A love like this!!! Simple yet productive layout!!! thanks for looking

A new attitude

Yes that is what I have now, not that I was a snob or anything. LOL It's just the way I have to see life right now with a new attitude, that no matter how wrong things may go in the day I have to remain just a wee bit positive. You see a few weeks ago before I left for my scrapbooking retreat with my girlfriends, I was in a deep depression the bad thing was all the thoughts that were taking over my mind. To be honest it was UGLY, I cried cause emotionally and mentally I was at my lowest. Has my situation changed actually NO, I still have to deal with the sucky part of everyday life, but I had to do something for me. Some of my friends suggested a Doctor, I didn't want to go there because I was afraid I'd get addicted to pills and my only addiction right now is purchasing scrapbook goodies.  What could I do I thought? What besides scrapping is a stress releaser,  well I did some research and found that exercise is a great way to release stress. I have been wanting to take some Zumba classes because a scrapbooking friend I know named Becky Schweninger Teichmiller has been expressing her love for Zumba. So I thought hey I can dance I can do this, I looked into a Gym that offered Zumba classes and I would still be able to use their equipment at a great price. Well I have taken it a step further, I now have a personal trainer why not? I need to lose weight as well as the stress. I have been feeling Great about me, has my environment  changed NO  but I have a new attitude now so I look at things differently.

Here's a pic of my DH and me you can see how my weight loss will progress from here.

Getaway weekend

Last weekend a few of us from our local Meetup went to Quick Quotes Private Reserve weekend. To be honest I didn't know what to expect, but I had a great time with my scrapping buddies and I made new ones. I really enjoyed Michelle the instructor for the weekend. Everyone at Quick Quotes was genuinely happy to speak with! They had great giveaways, my favorite was the canvas projects. Well here are just some of the project I created of course I tweaked mine, but in the end used a lot of the products given to me. Quick Quotes projects below:

 another one of my favorites which I probably followed to the tee, except for the ribbon tied around the photo. I loved this project so much I purchased another to take home so I can make the identical for my daughters best friend

this was one of my favorite projects, all the papers in the kit included black & white, but I used Glitz pattern paper and used the diecuts Quick Quotes provided for my mask and frames

this next one project I was using all Girls Paperie Pattern Papers, love the soft colors in this line. Lots of Prima too!

thanks for looking now to finish a chipboard album using G45 papers

My Minds Eye Sketch Challenge

So I stumbled across MME sketch challenge, and thought OMG I have collected {lol} so much of those pattern papers that I just didn't want to cut into. It was just so pretty, so I decided to brave it and cut, love my take on the sketch. I tried so hard to follow but in the end I was inspired by it. You had to use the word thank you on your layout, I used thankful on my layout 
Products used: MME So Sophie pattern papers, bling and alpha, Lost and Found brad, and stickers, maya road envelop. thanks for looking

now really who does not love chipboard?

I love using chipboard on my projects. It is so easy to alter whether you paint it, glitter it or leave it natural it just adds the perfect dimension to a layout. So when I saw that Magistical Memories was having a contest using a sketch and chipboard I was like why not? Here is my layout using there sketch thanks for looking !!!!

I did it!

I have not done this in a long time, but I took the plunge and decided to go out for Fancy Pants Design Team Call! I was told about the DT Call through a phone conversation, and asked when is it over? Tomorrow oh no I'm not going to try out, that is not enough time for me to get something done, but then yesterday at 6:00pm I thought you know what I'm going to do it. I am going to sit a my scrap desk look for some Fancy Pants pattern paper and I am going to create. I will tell you what the best part of these few hours of my me time. I was quickly inspired by the Vintage Valentine line, now I have worked with it before but that was 6 months ago. I found the right photo and began my work, my love for distressing had a few tears in the paper but made that work in the end I truly love this titled Dream. A little girls dream to begin the journey of dance the anticipation of learning her new steps, meeting her new friends. This little girl is Elisa my baby girl who just loves to dream a little dream and dance her little heart.

I was so inspired to create that I went into that negative space yes I did it! OMG and can I say I just loved it. Love the simplicity of it. The photos are old when Elisa was 3 look at those chubby little cheeks.


Had a scrap so you know to try my hand at my making a card and love it too! So even if I don't make the team, the thrill of the call inspired me to CREATE!!!!!!

Timeless Daydreams

contest has been extended until Saturday September 18th. Check out the details here. Looking forward to seeing everyone's projects. Here is the link to the Challenge ONE!

 On another note, I taught my class on Friday and as usual had a great time. I really do love the group of ladies and how they take an idea and run with it! Here's my layout using Bazzill Edges!!!

Finally

got a photo of Elisa on her first day of school, right outside I love the brick wall at her school. So she sees my camera and this was our conversation.
Elisa : Mom really?
Mom: I said yes I didn't take a picture this morning.
Elisa:  fine!
gives me this whiny look. I take the picture delete it.
Mom: come on please smile
Elisa: I don't want to!
Mom: I am taking you to IHOP
Elisa: Okay

Now she puts on this big smile and it's just perfect! She had a wonderful day and most of all she likes her teacher as do I. thanks for looking

First Day of School

So today is the first official day of Public Schools here in NYC. My baby girl is now in kindergarten and can you believe that me the scrapper did not take a picture! I was in such a rush, Christopher's bus was late so he had to meet us at Elisa's school. I wanted to make sure Elisa ate, and that everything was right in her back. I'll be picking her up at 11am and I know she will tell me all about her day. No School tomorrow or Friday already can you believe that then classes resume on Monday. So next week I'll be home alone and guess what I'll be doing in this peace and quiet environment SCRAPPING!!! WOO HOO!!! today I'll relax for 2 hours to some light chores then pick up Elisa and take her to IHOP!!!

On another note, Timeless Daydreams is having a 4 week back to school contest, head on over there and sign up!  Can't wait to see you there!!!

where have I been?

Well I was sick with Strep throat for about a week, I got Chris off on the bus for Camp 10 days ago he is due to return on Wednesday. I spoke to him on Friday he was excited because he as he says got a girlfriend name Jennifer, that kid is just too funny. I decided on Saturday that I would redo his room. So now instead of relaxing I am painting but I can't wait to see his reaction to a freshly painted room. I was able to scrap last week, I was inspired by the Timeless Daydreams July/August kit. It's packed with pattern papers from Little Yellow Bicycle line Boardwalk. When I finish with Chris room I will  then get my scrapping ON! lol Any way here are two layouts I have created, thanks for looking!!!

doing the countdown

as some of you may know my son Chris is leaving for camp in just 2 more days. I am doing getting everything listed on that long campers list. I'm more than positiive he will need 2 suitcases. It's for 13 days and it's the first time he's going to be away on his own for that long. On a good note I think he is more excited than I am. He is telling everyone who will listen that he is going to camp, and then he asks them are you going to miss me. I tell you this kid is just too funny!

Oh I created a layout for Prima's August sketch challenge, and I just love Prima so here is my take. Thanks for stopping by. If you want to participate here is the blog link Prima and it was the August 9th post.

Lazy Sunday, turns into a Scrappy Sunday...

As sick as I feel, stuffy nose, fever, light headed and I still find time to do one of my favorite things. SCRAP of course. It is just so relaxing, but I must admit had to put my head down on my table a few times I just felt the room moving. Here is a card I created with Ruby Rock-it Designs and I used a sketch from Paper Crafts magazine July/August issue. I also created a very simple layout! Well thanks for looking! Muah!!!

Had a great weekend!

Went to the movies to see Despicable Me, what a great kids movie. It was 3D and even had a good story line! I decided it was finally time to cut into the Ruby Rock-It designs pattern papers, oh I loved working with this paper and embellies to match. If you have not seen their products here is a link to the website Ruby Rock-It. I love, love, love the chipboard alpha it has this distress look. Fabulous! Today is a new day, new beginning and you guessed it I feel my scrapping coming on! Have a great day and thanks for looking!

Refuge

that is the name of my most recent Perfume which I purchased at Charlotte Russe. How odd and yet perfect. You may wonder why odd, well because I never took the time in the last week to read the name, I just put it in my cart. Perfect because in a time when I most need to seek refuge I have found it, not in my perfume but in knowing that God is still here in my life confirming things for me even in a bottle of perfume. Letting me know that He is my Refuge. Psalms 9:9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed a stronghold in times of trouble. Recently I created a layout titled Jesus take the Wheel, really its about just letting go and giving it all to God. Trusting, that He is in charge even when you feel discouraged, broken and weak. I want to thank Leah Crowe for creating a challenge about just letting it go, putting it out there on paper. Am I still struggling, the answer is Yes but I do know that He is my refuge, my protector and that I have to let it go! Thanks for stopping by.

Clip it Up

As some of you know about 2 weeks ago I was the blog winner over at Clip it Up by Renee, well I was to say the least surprised but excited too. I already have the Clip it Up Jumbo Unit, and I thought oh well if I get the same one, I'll be okay with that because it is a handy storage tool to have. Well OMG I got my goodies and I got these I was truly excited and now I can't wait to put these up today!!! So thanks to Clip it Up for an awesome prize!!!