It's New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve friends,

Do you have big plans for the event?  It's our anniversary.  Seventeen years ago today, I said "I do" to the sweetest guy I know.  It's been a wonderful journey of growing, and learning together, and best of all welcoming our three girls into this world, and into our family.  It hasn't always been easy, but Ecclesiastes 4:12 "though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (the verse we used as our wedding verse) proves to be steadfast and true as we navigate the rough waters, and occasionally take in the view from the mountain top of marriage.  We will celebrate tonight by going for a dinner at a fancy - shmancy restaurant, then over to a friend's place for hanging out in the hot tub, more munchies, and games.

I have something a little different for you today as far as scrappy inspiration for the day goes.

This week Brenshevia had a bit of a challenge for the Let's Get Sketchy DT.  She challenged us to scrap a photo that was less than perfect.  This provided a great opportunity for me to scrap these photos of D and I from his birthday evening.  It was a pretty low key day, filled with lots of football, and at home down time, just like he likes it.  We sported our Bears jersey's and watched them beat the pants off of the Vikings.  It was a great game.  Since then they've not played so well, but that's besides the point.  These photos were taken inside, in the evening, and are a little shaky.  It's not so easy to tell through the screen, you'll just have to take my word for it. 

I used My Mind's Eye Indie Chic papers, combined with a lot of Chic Tags, and some other goodies from my stash.

This basket weave cut was made using my Silhouette Cameo.

The "wonderful you" title cut was also purchased through the Silhouette store.

Love this little cluster, using some Chic Tags, Studio Calico veneers, and some MME bling, and a strip of paper.

How about you, have you ever scrapped less than perfect photos?  You can see what the rest of the DT created by popping over to the Let's Get Sketchy blog.

From my family to yours we wish you a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2013! Pin It

Why I Scrap

Hello friends,

I hope you all have been enjoying this festive time of year, with quality time with family and friends, and hopefully some down time in there also.  We've been having a fine holiday.  A little busier than I would like perhaps, but spending time with friends and family is something that is hard to fit in during the regular hustle and bustle of the school year.

Just thought I'd pop in to share a layout I created on "why I scrap" for my girls to look back on in the future.  This hobby is more than just playing with pretty paper and embellishments, and I am so glad to have discovered it.

I used up the last of my Crate Paper's Peppermint collection from last year on this one.  That was probably one of my favourite collections by them.

Journaling reads: Even after all these years of preserving my family's memories in this way called scrapbooking, I am still unable to adequately express how grateful I am for my girls.  They are at the root of every decision I make.  The memory of growing up and becoming a mom is still crystal clear.  No matter how wonderful, and difficult, and rewarding, and beautiful I dreamed it would be, the reality has far surpassed the dream.  This fun hobby of srapping, in my opinion is the best way to document all the ins & outs, and ups & downs of our family.  Together we are able to look back and see the history we've made together.  All the firsts, all the achievements in school & dance, the lives that have left us but continue on in Heaven.  It's all being recorded for future generations.  Because of this hobby, you girls will get to know me as more than just your mom.  You'll see that there's much more to me than just that role.  I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to leave a a legacy like this.  Our blessed life through pretty paper, ribbon, and oh so many photos.

Thanks for popping in today.  I'll have one more layout to share with you before the new year.  So come back on December 31st to see something a little different.

Until then, Pin It

the Rockn' Roller Coaster

It's Christmas Eve! 

I can't wait for our church service tonight, and to enjoy our yearly tradition of The Polar Express with hot chocolate and popcorn before bed. 

I bet most of you are deep in the throws of Christmas gatherings, traveling home, and/or hosting family and friends.  For those that are ahead of the game however, I have a little Let's Get Sketchy inspiration for you to enjoy over the holiday.  Here is my take on this week's sketch by Tabitha Triplett.

I used JIllibean Soup papers, and double layered the hearts to create a more dimensional effect. The photo is one taken during the Rockin' Roller Coaster ride at Hollywood Studios in Florida.  If you enlarge the photo you can see the look of sheer terror on Théa's face.  I still laugh out loud when I look at this photo almost one year later.  She was so freaked out thinking the entire ride would be in the pitch black.  The girls and I had waited in line for just over 60-mins to enjoy this ride, so there was no way I was letting her miss out on it.  That, plus the fact that I wasn't sure where the rest of our family that had been waiting for us were.  I didn't want to just let her wander back outside all alone, nor did I want to give up our spot, and have to wait all over again.  So she was stuck going on the ride.  After the initial shock, she managed just fine.

Here is Tabitha's sketch. 

Playing along with 3 out of the 4 challenges this month will see you entered into our draw to win a fabulous prize from our sponsor C'est Magnifique Kits.  Hope you'll get a chance over the holidays to create something.  Please pop over here to see what the rest of the DT created with Tabitha's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by today.  From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and hope you experience the blessings of season as you spend time with loved ones over the next week. Pin It

Today's Story

Happy Sunday friends.

How about a quick share before I leave for church this morning?

I picked up Alison Kreft's new collection for Echo Park called Today's Story.  The papers were designed for Photo Freedom, a line specifically made to make documenting the everyday a little easier.  Journal Spots, and photo mats have been creating to simply snip and fit directly into the 4x6 or 2x3 page protector sleeve.

I picked up that heart doily at my local bulk foods store.

The arrows and "you" were cut using the Silhouette Cameo

I created this quick, simply, and clean layout of my baby.  Although she's not so little anymore. This was just one of those photos taken on the spur of the moment as she was standing near a window looking like her beautiful, sweet self.

Thank for stopping in, and having a peek.  Hope this finds you ready for Christmas morning, and enjoying time with friends and family. Pin It

I Got A Makeover

Well my blog did anyway.  What do you think?

The very talented Kristine Davidson did a fabulous job giving me a fresh new look that matches my personality, and even reflects my scrappy style.  You'll noticed lace trim, banners, doilies, and butterflies, all of which find their way onto many of my scrap pages.
Kristine has a great rate, and she works fast (my makeover took her less than 48 hours). You can see more of her blog makeover designs here.  I love my new look, it makes me happy every time I open the page.

I thought that today I'd share a few projects with you.  First up is a new layout.  This was one of those layout that came together super quick.  I had the photo, and knew I wanted to pair it with some of my Double Dutch scraps by Lily Bee Design. Add a little mist and half an hour later, a completed page.

This is Gus, our friend's cat.  We cat sit him from time to time when they go out of town.  Isabelle is always in her glory when we get to visit.  She adores cats, but we will likely   never own one.  I made the poloroid frame using my Silhouette. 

Next are a couple of layouts I had up on some DT blogs over the past while.

This one was made using My Mind's Eye All Is Bright papers, and some fabulous A Flair For Buttons Flair.

 

This one was up on the Chic Tags Blog featuring many of their fabulous tags, and more of that same MME collection. 

I have a few more project to share with you, but they'll have to wait for another time.  As will a scrappy little secret I've been keeping from you.  That will have to wait just a tad longer though.

On the agenda today I'll finish wrapping the girls' stocking stuffers, and deliver little homemade treats to our sweet neighbours.  Only a few more sleeps to go, are you ready?  Tonight I've got a scrappy date with my girl Tara.  It'll be nice to catch up with her.

I hope this finds you doing well in your corner of the wold.  Thanks so much for stopping by today, have a wonderful weekend friends!

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Like Forever

It's Sketch Reveal Day over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles.   I used these recent photos of Isabelle and her bestie to create a layout.

These two have never known life without one another, as they are only 6 months apart in age.  Hannah is like one of the family to us.  She knows when she's here she's welcome to anything we have, and that there is nothing she could do to keep us from loving her dearly.  She is a wonderful friend to Belle, and my hope is that the two of them will grow old together making each other laugh until they cry all along the way.

I used a Silhouette file to make a mask as my background, and used Mr Huey's in two different colours to achieve the effect I was after.  Some Studio Calico papers, and stickers, Chic Tags, and some American Crafts jute helped the rest to come together quickly.

Here is the sketch you get to work with this month.

Created by: Nerrida Mitchell

You can see what the rest of the team created using the sketch here.

As mentioned at the beginning of the month.  We have been the gracious recipients of two sponsored prizes this month at SEM.  The sketch challenge will have it's own dedicated prize this month.

Blog   Facebook   Kits

The Paper Bakery was created to make things easy on those scrapbookers and crafters out there that love projects, layouts, cards,  and mixed media, but want the ease of putting projects of all sorts together. The Paper Bakery offers you unique project kits at an affordable price each and every month. We also offer scrapbook kits and mixed media kits with unique items in them for your crafting pleasure. In addition to fabulous kits each month our design team offers you tons of inspiration for you on our blog every day. 

Sarah has generously offered our Sketch Challenge winner a $10 gift certificate to use on any item of their choice from the shop INCLUDING memberships.  As an added bonus she is also offering all our readers who sign up for a new member to the kit club free shipping on your first kit.  Simply use the code: ILOVETPB at check out to redeem.

We hope you're able to squeeze in a little time to create, among the holiday preparations.  It's a great sketch, and the prize won't disappoint either.  

You have until December 31 at 11:59 pm to link up your layouts here.

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I Am Thirty-Nine

Even to say it, it doesn't sound true.

I celebrated my birthday on Monday.  It was a very understated affair.  No big party, a couple of small gifts, and dinner at home, made by yours truly.  Some may have been disappointed with such a simple evening, but I for one could not have felt more blessed.  It seems that the older I get the less it takes to make me feel loved.  I am strong, and healthy.  I live in a country where I am a free black woman, able to do pretty much anything I set my mind to.  I have 3 beautiful girls, and a husband who is a wonderful father to them, and a sensitive, and caring partner to me.  We have a lovely home, in a beautiful neighbourhood, a dog who adores each of us, and more 'toys' than we need.  Life is full.
Life is good.
I am blessed.
Life won't ever be perfect, but I am acutely aware of how unnecessary perfection is.  I'm learning to be comfortable in my own skin.
I'm learning that life is short, and I need to make the most of my 24 hours everyday.
I'm learning to stop comparing my life to others'.
I'm learning that I am unique, and have talents and abilities that are worth sharing with the world around me.
Every year I discover more of who I am, and who I was created to be.

The title reads "feeling awesome at 39"

I added a little more bling than usual trying to capture a girlie feel

Thank you to all of my friends, and family who contribute to this life of mine.  I wouldn't be the same without you.  And you dear reader are a part of the blessing.  Thank you for being here.  For your encouragement, and for allowing me to share with you, and in return for sharing with me.

Here's to another year of learning, and growing, and playing, and discovering more about this life I've been given.  I welcome thrity-nine with open arms.  Bring it on!

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