Home to Three Sosas

It's been a while...

2009-09-22T10:45:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been almost a year and a half since my last entry. Last year was NOT a good year for me--health wise... I take a lot of things personally and I try to help and be there for others, and I took on a lot of stressful situations, and unfortunately it landed me in the hospital a lot more than I planned...

Recently I have started back scrapbooking and I have run into so many friends from the past; so caring and loving and to feel the genuine/sincerity in their voices and to be able to see it in their faces; it let me know that maybe did bring "sunshine" to others... After the hugs and the questions, I explained how I was sick (somehow it was revealed by little birdies or something...) but I would tell them that I was just so embarrassed. How do you laugh and joke and be there for a friend and then just "fall off the face of the earth" (as most have called it) and come back to say "hello, I've missed you..." It's not easy, it's embarrassing, but a lot of those that were in my life, I have asked to forgive me for not staying in touch. Then I'm asked, "what is there to forgive?" I can't explain it, I can just say THANK YOU. Thank you for still considering me to be your friend, and thank you for your understanding and acceptance. I have learned that if something is negative in your life, you've got to remove it. There were a lot of things [and people] that were not good for me--situations or acquaintances that constantly take take take, just aren't healthy for any of us...

Well, today is a "stormy, blustery" day, and the dogs have cabin fever, so now they are picking on each other. Pablo came home after 3 business trips and instead of bringing back souvenirs, he brought me back the leftover Flu bug he had... so for the past few days, I've had no strength but I've been contemplating on my next venture... Too many people complain about things and never do anything... I am planning something big... :)

To those that were puzzled or felt like I abandoned you, please accept my deepest apology. (And to LM, I owe you some money, I know I do...please e-mail me with your address, as mine has changed--I no longer have the earthlink acct)

(((hugs)))
me

I got a hold of a Sneak Peek!!

2008-02-04T19:37:00.000-06:00

Can you say WOW!!?!?! Take a look at these yummy colors! Lisa Majewski has got a new kit that will debut this week in the stores, but I got my grubby little hands on this special peek for those that just can't help buying her latest kits! And how luscious or scrumptious does "Cherry Cheesecake" sound? Look at those burgundies, golds and chocolates! This kit looks perfect for Valentine's and Heritage, and even little girl or mom LOs... that's just what I in vision looking at this sneak peek. Don't forget there is normally a special price the first week in the stores, so definitely don't miss out on this one!

Well, sad to say, this is the first afternoon or day that I didn't create squat! I'm going to keep up with the LOAD challenge goal, and 3/29 Layouts isn't too bad considering today is only the 4th! LOL

More later!
me

Super Bowl Sunday

2008-02-03T18:12:00.000-06:00

Well, not much is going on over here... not a big sports fan, so after flipping the channels, somehow it landed on Ice Age the Movie, and I've been listening to John Leguizamo's voice for the past 30 minutes or longer because I'm really too tired to pick up the remote and change the channel again! Sad I know! Just to show you what a lazy Sunday it is, right after church, I wanted to go to sleep, but I managed to do another LO... yeah, I know! A LO in less than an hour!! I'll have to post it here in a little bit when I'm actually at the computer. Ha! You ask where am I? Blogging from the laptop, lying down on the couch! Told ya it was a lazy Sunday! Thank goodness for a Mayor that believes in what the people want--Yes, FREE wireless in our city... cool huh? If I get bored I can run outside and watch the dogs play or run to the mall and become a people watcher and still blog or surf the internet! LOL...

Anyways, did the LO, and I think that LOAD challenge with Lain E. at BPS really did help! Now I'm going to continue the challenge, and when I started out in January since it was my birthday month, I had decided I would do mostly pages about me... When I look at all of the scrapbooking I did last year, they were mostly of the dogs, Pablo, and probably my niece. This year, I think it's going to be all about me, and I'm going to do them in Chronological order. Of course since I'm on a couple different CTs, sometimes the kits don't match my wedding theme, so I'll have few LOs here and there that won't be a part of my Wedding Scrapbook. I also think I'm going to multitask and start on my Military album this year! Woo hoo; talk about motivation, huh?

--------------------------------

On to other news... Very important!! The Texas ACOT crop is coming up at the end of the month, and man, if you haven't signed up yet, and you live in Texas or a state nearby, you are not going to want to miss the fun Amanda (mkcdaisy) and I have scheduled for you! If you love to scrap, fellowship with other scrappers, and enjoy prizes and munchies (chocolate included!!), then you need to make your reservations ASAP while there is still room!! The crop will be held at By Design Scrapbook Boutique, and you can click on the payment button to the right to reserve your spot! Only $10 and it covers two days of fun!!

Events planned so far:
Door Prizes
Nameplate Contest (details on www.acherryontop.com; free membership to the website!)
Scavenger Hunt (be prepared, I've created a list that will blow your mind! LOL)
Light Lunch (for those that need energy to keep going!)

Anyone interested in us holding a short class, please let me know what techniques you are interested in and we can even take about an hour out of the beginning of the day to possibly create a Hybrid LO! Or see how to use new products from CHA!!

If you've got one of the cool ACOT T-shirts, be sure to wear it! If not, and you've got something with cherries on it, wear that! LOL... you never know when or where prizes will pop up! Oh yeah, make sure you come comfortable and prepared for some fun! Tracy at By Design has also thrown in some wonderful prizes for our event too! So make sure you leave her a big thank you on her blog!

BTW, Digi scrappers... You need to come and have some fun too! Just because you create with a computer or laptop, doesn't mean you can't come out and have some fun too! There are plugs in the crop room that you can plug into also!

Crop Details:

Feb 29 and Mar 1, 2008

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. both days!

Cost $10

Out-of-towners, I have reserved a block of rooms for our event at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton for almost $60 off the regular room rate, and even cheaper than any AAA or Military discount! How cool is that? e-mail me for the link to reserve your room!

I've heard from a lot of the girls that plan on attending, and so far it sounds like everyone is just as excited as I am! Well, off to create my name plate and I'll post my sample when I come back!

(((hugs)))
me

Go Red for Women--Wear Red TODAY!!

2008-02-01T03:57:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to remind everyone of National Wear Red Day for the number one silent killer in women! I designed this LO to make everyone aware of the many different heart conditions that a lot of women never consider until it's too late! For more information, please visit: http://www.goredforwomen.org

(((hugs)))
me

Supplies Used:
"Art Bin Dotty Paper" by CG Essentials (red polka paper)
"My Love" by FishinMom Designs (heart buttons, lace)
"Paint Brushes 1" by Amy Teets Designs (White bkgrd paint strokes)
"Diet With the Sugar Plump Fairy" Parts 1 & 2 by TallulaMoon Designs (red dress; recolored from black, red paper)
"Go Red for Women" digital freebie by Renee Peters (red/black heart paper, red/black heart patch, Go Red Word Art)

Thanks for looking!
Elise

Thank you!

2008-01-31T19:36:00.000-06:00

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that has wished me a Happy Birthday!! To my surprise, I was awakened this morning to Pablo and the dogs standing just outside the bedroom door SINGING to me... yes, including Niko! Niko has never sang!! :) So that was a total shock, but apparently he finds the need to yodel (as a lot of Schnauzers do...) So I said he was all off key! LOL.

Then as I'm checking my e-mails, wow! First of all, I've gotta say, I got e-mails from DigiScrap Boutique, 3Scrapateers, and Digital Scrapbooking! So WOW! I even got a birthday coupon from one of them! Woo hoo! More digi supplies!

But, you've got to see this card I received from Stephanie (we're both on Lisa's CT)...

Isn't that neat? And she personally included a "purple" balloon just for me! (Well, at least the card was in my favorite colors of Red, Black and white! LOL... for those of you that know me, I HATE purple! So it was totally a cool inside joke!)

I got phone calls from all of my family, including a couple of cousins that I thought had fallen off the face of the earth; one of which is ALWAYS on the Go! No one can ever catch up with her! Her own mom never even knows when she's home or not; between work and working on her Master's she's always gone! My mom and niece even came to take me out to dinner to celebrate, so... I'm quite full right now. If I didn't have shows to watch and 3 challenges to finish at ACOT and Scrap-Diner, then I'd curl up with a blanket and a couple of dogs to go to sleep!

Then... to my surprise, I got a freebie from one of the designers I don't CT for, but I'm always doing her challenges to scoop up some freebies! Wow! So, it's not over yet, I've got 4 hours and 12 minutes left on my birthday, and Pablo's not home yet! So....

Thank you to all of those that have wished me a Happy Birthday! I've got a chat tonight at 3Scrapateers, and gonna park my butt in front of the T.V. for Lost, Grey's, Survivor, Ugly Betty, etc. Hopefully nothing is a disappointment!

(((hugs)))
me

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-01-31T01:09:00.000-06:00

Got my Mojo back and look what I was able to do all in one day! I'm getting a little faster at digi scrapping! I'm so excited! Both kits used are currently on sale this week! I'm a doing the Pet Challenge over at 3Scrapateers with Silvia Romero, and here's Sasha's page that I created with "A Love for all Seasons" from Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton...

Credits: "A Love for all Seasons" by Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton

On sale now! Only $4.50

And here is a double page LO created with Lisa Majewski's Designs! Her kit was just added to the store on Tuesday, and would you believe I've already created something with it?? I know, I'm getting a little faster! I guess "old age" does that to some people huh? :) (hint, hint)

Credits: "Sprung" by Lisa Majewski Designs
Available at 3Scrapateers and DigiScrap Boutique
Currently on Sale for only $4!

Well, I'm off to bed, so tired... I'll post the birthday cards I've gotten so far when I wake up!

Happy Birthday Pablo!!

2008-01-30T10:39:00.000-06:00

So, today is Pablo's birthday, and he's been running around all week (beginning on Sunday) telling me that it was his birthday... uh, no! Well, yes, normally we spend the whole week celebrating our birthdays, but this month has totally flown by so quickly it's a shame! He's been teasing me, that he gets to celebrate his birthday Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and now today, Wednesday, and then my birthday is only on Thursday! NOT!!

Anyways, here's to my beautiful, lovable husband:

Wishing you many many more glorious birthdays!!

Announcments and A Little Bit of Normalcy

2008-01-29T17:19:00.000-06:00

Well, things are almost back to normal; the dogs are running around like little village idiots--playing chase, and Sasha never being able to catch up with Niko, so I have to hear her yelping after him as they make it around the couch, up the stairs, down the hallway, back down the stairs, through the kitchen only to do that whole trip about 4 or 5 times before they're totally pooped! LOL... so finally with a little bit of quietness since they are laying right here besides my feet, I've got a quick opportunity to post!

SALES, SALES, SALES! Galore!!

You have got to see the new kit "Sprung" by Lisa Majewski Designs (available at DigiScrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers). Hopefully I'll have a little time to complete a LO with it and show you what you're missing if you haven't already grabbed it, and there's also a freebie on her blog!

OMG!! Of course I can't forget to tell you all that I am featured in a magazine this month!! Can you not believe it?? It's been really hard for me not to say anything sooner, but make sure you pick up your copy of the Jan/Feb issue of ScrapStyle E-zine today!! Can you say a whole write up about me and my scrapbooking hobby?? With pictures and all, plus there are gobs and gobs of freebies to download from the magazine!!

Can you believe it? Make sure to grab your copy!! It has more than 300Mb of freebies, including a whole collab kit not available in the store! I was shocked and honored when I got the call for me to be featured in the "Beginner's Corner" section of the magazine!

More later!

It's Me!! New LOs Posted!

2008-01-28T10:19:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I almost never have time to blog anymore. As some of you know, I had a friend visiting from Sweden, so I didn't get much time to log onto the computer anyways, we were always out and so busy going shopping... and trust me, by the time we got home, I was totally pooped! No energy what so ever.

Anyways, I started out this month with the Big Picture Scrapbooking class with Lain, and the challenge was to do a LOAD (that's "LayOut A Day" for those that don't scrapbook! LOL) Anyways, I was doing great until I took a week off because she was here! No worries, though. So now I'm back trying to do a LOAD, and I really like it because it gets a lot of my photos that were just sitting around, scrapped!! I'm so happy, I've even done more "traditional" scrapping, and using up a lot of my paper supplies! Woo hoo! So, I'm planning to keep this up, and hopefully I'll have at least at a minimum of 15-20 pages done each month, which would put me at about 180-240 pages for the year! You think that's a lot? Well, check out the ones I've already done for this month...

Paper LO - "'T' is for Taylar"
Credits: SEI (patterned paper, velvet, buttons, ribbon and rick rack), Prima flowers, Heidi Swapp bling center, Bazzill Cardstock

Digital LO - "The Story of Us"
Credits: "Win'tree Weather" by Linda Walton (Bon Scrapatit Designs), January Sketch template by Di Hickman

Digital LO - "A Mother's Love"
Credits: "Winter Berries" by FishinMom Designs

Digital LO - "Le Dorm Chef"
Credits: "Groupies" and "Urban Swank" both by Lisa Majewski
"Urban Swank" available at 3Scrapateers and Digiscrap Boutique
"Groupies" available at Digiscrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers

Digital LO - "Croppin' Gals"
Credits: "Blakelee" by Carla Ware

Paper LO - "Just Us"
Credits: Bazzill Bling, Hambly Print Screen "Chandelier", Black Diamond and Turquoise Stickles, Heidi Swapp Bling border strips and Chipboard letters and hearts(silver), Luxe Rub-ons, One Heart One Mind Acrylic bookplate shape, Ranger Perfect Pearls Paint, Fancy Pants "My Story" Clear scroll stamp, Creative Imaginations "Creative Cafe" Gem Brads, Staz-On black Ink, Autumn Leaves Swirls clear stamp

Digital LO - "K-0 Karma"
Credits: "My Boys" and "Lover Boy" by Kimberly Stewart, "Way Out There" by Kim Hill, "Dog Word Art" by Carla Ware

Digital LO - "Sasha's 1st Schnauzer Cut"
Credits: "My Love" by FishinMom Designs, Template provided by Teriann Hanks, "Heritage Rose" by FishinMom Designs (kit retired), Paw Print Paper, Gold plate and word art created by me

Digital LO - "My Colorado Niece"
Credits: "Content", "My Boys", and "Winter Fun" Digital kits all by Kimberly Stewart, Scraplift from Bonnie Beechler

Digital LO - "Sisters..."
Credits: "Icy London" and "Crystal Clear" digital kit by Lisa Majewski Designs, "Never Enough Bling" by BannerWoman Designs, Scraplifted Bonnie Beechler, "Sister" word art created by me (Download Freebie)
"Icy London" available at 3Scrapateers and Digiscrap Boutique
"Crystal Clear" available at Digiscrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers

Digital LO - "The Joys in My Life"
Credits: “Red Leather Alpha” by Michelle Bradley, “A Fireworks Moment” by Linda Walton, “Sign and Date” by Something Blue Studios, “White Tighties” by Amy Teets, “Clipped Flowers” by Bella Gypsy, “What’s Black, White and Red All Over” by Stacey Kluczny, "Hot Mama Motif" by Glitz Designs, Sketch by Becky Higgins

Paper LO - "Bill Cosby Sweater"
Credits: Basic Grey "Recess" line, My Minds Eyes Buttons, KI Lace Cardstock, "Copper" Stickles by Ranger, American Crafts Thickers "Prancer", Color Box Cat's Eye Chalk

I think the best part of the LOAD Challenge is that it gets me thinking and I'm able to actually finish a lot of the other challenges at ACOT, Digiscrap Boutique, 3Scrapateers, DSO, Scrap-Diner, along with any blog challenges that some of the designers have too! *smile*
I'm planning to revamp my blog soon... just have to get everything sketched out. I know there are some challenges I'd like to list to the side that are held every month, plus I need to include links to fabulous designers that offer gobs and gobs of freebies!

Lots of love, and more later!
me

Trying to Get Back into the Swing of Things...

2007-12-27T09:46:00.000-06:00

No more hospital time for me... I was discharged just before Christmas, and I've been so EXHAUSTED!! I look at my blog and the first thing I think of is all of the wonderful comments that were left for me while I was in the hospital. Obviously the network of prayer is very strong all of the time, because as strange as it sounds, they didn't/couldn't find anything wrong. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing, but should it continue; then what? I have always been a pessimistic person but here lately I've tried looking for those glorious silver linings!

I must say, since I've been home, I've been so weak, I can't even pick up the dogs or my own feet half the time! I still have tape burns from where they had the IVs and the stupid telemetry unit hooked up to me--no one listens when you tell them you're allergic to that tape stuff, and when my chest broke out from it the first night or so, they "tried" not using the tape on my anymore; still left an ugly ring right below my chin! HA!

Well, I didn't manage to get all of the downloads for the Christmas Around the World, so... I hope you all did and can come up with some fantastic LOs! Make sure you thank Kimberly (FishinMom Designs) for putting it together, and ALL of the designers that contributed with their wonderful giving hearts...
This is from us...

Give me a 10 for Holiday Meez

2007-12-22T22:57:00.001-06:00

Give me a 10 for Holiday Meez

Almost AWOL!!

2007-12-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

So, I almost went AWOL (that's Absent With Out Leave) last night! If you know me, you know I'm a really picky eater. For some reason, they have me on a "fat control" diet and I really haven't had a decent meal unless Pablo has brought me something... so last night, I lost it! Long story short, I ripped off the telemetry machine they had hooked up to me, was about to rip off the heplock and had on my jeans and shirt and was packing up my magazines and blanket when the doctor came in and asked me where was I going. I told him I was tired of not being able to eat; I was lactose intolerant and they kept giving me milk, and that I was not a bread eater, but I had resorted to eating rolls; I was not a poultry eater, and if I was on a fat control diet, why did they insist on dousing the plate with gravies!!?!?! I don't eat gravy!! He told me not to eat what I didn't like, and I told him that's what I had been doing, and that's what left me eating the rolls and the iced tea and salad, but after 7 meals of barely eating anything, I had had enough!

Anyways, I really appreciate hearing from you Marie and Em and Anna Maria! I really can't wait to see everyone next year! :) Well, I've been taking pictures of all the differently decorated Christmas trees around the hospital, and so far, I think I like the one on my floor the best. I wish I had a way to send it so I could post it here!

They told me I could go home this morning, but there are no orders in the computer and they really don't think I'm going home since I had another migraine last night and ended up with a really bad dizzy spell. So far I have no more tests that need to be run. They don't know that my car is in the parking lot and I will leave! LOL...
(((hugs)))
Elise

And Marie, I highly doubt it has been 3 weeks! :) Remember I talked to you when I was going to my mom's that day and you said it was a work day for you, and then that same weekend I talked to you to tell you about the shopping and a scrapbook class I took! LOL! It just seems that long! BTW, how was Ulared?

Hmmm.... In the Hospital!!

2007-12-19T13:40:00.000-06:00

This week!! Again! Okay, so I thought I was at home for good; not! I guess there are some things you just can't control. I'm on a 30 minute time limit AGAIN! I was just on the computer earlier for about 30 minutes and someone decided they wanted to use it, so I decided to sign in again and wait until their 30 minutes was up again and now I've got to make this a really quick 30 minutes.

Some of you know that I've been dizzy; I've been passing out, I've been having a few sleeping problems. So my regular doctor thought it was narcolepsy or sleep apnea and wanted to set me up for a sleep study; then when I showed up for a regular routine follow up with Neurology for my migraines on Monday; heck, they thought my passing out and dizziness was warranted enough for me to stay and be admitted!! I'm not too happy about this and those of you that know me, know that I am about to walk out if they don't have any answers for me soon! I am terrified though, because the "L" word also came up on Monday while I was in with the Neurologist. She wanted to know family history, and asked me of family strokes, cancers, etc. and then she asked if I had ever been tested for "Lupus". Dang it! I almost hit the floor! Then I had to tell her; I had an aunt die from Lupus at the age of 33 before they really figured out that's what it was; or rather, by the time they figured out that's what it was, it was too late, she was already out of remission. So, for the past 12+ years I had devoted about $184 to CFC through my paychecks to the Lupus foundation for research in her name. ANYWHO... Back to why I'm here at the hospital. They are running MRIs, MRAs, EEGs, EKGs, Ultrasounds of my heart, and a few other tests in order to determine if I have been having mini strokes (like I'm an idiot--that would be considered a TIA) or seizures, or anything else that might warrant lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain...

Well, another idiot wants to use the computer, so I'm just going to drop it short since I still want to check my e-mail too... as soon as I can I'll try to post my phone number here, or you can e-mail me for it and I'll send it to you individually; I do not have a good singnal on my cell phone, and my battery is running low, plus I do not have wireless on the laptop, so that doesn't work either... Also, please do not ask any one for my phone number, as I'm a really private person, and I think if you want it, please PM me or e-mail me, and I'll be more than happy to give it to you when I get it. At this point I was told I was only going to be in the hospital for only 2 days, that has turned into 4... if I'm still here on Friday... ah ha ha ha ha...

Well, hugs!! and Merry Christmas!!
me
(And I thought the guys in Radiology were kidding about getting me a mailbox! Geez!!) At least I do have a private room!

BTW, for those that are planning on attending the TX ACOT Crop, I have booked a block of rooms and got a great deal!! I'll have more details, don't forget to sign up! I'm telling you, nothing will keep me away from this event! :)

I'll Be Home for Christmas...

2007-12-14T07:12:00.000-06:00

You can count on me... I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams! Well, sorry for the singing, I am so blessed to have so many friends, most of which I have never met. Isn't that something?!?! Still nothing. I'll be home for a little bit today before I'm dragged over to my mom's house. Woke up with a fever this morning and couldn't breathe... I'm praying I'm NOT coming down with the flu; I tell ya, my immune system wouldn't be able to handle it!! I'm not complaining, as long as everything is out of my system come January for our birthday party, and February for the ACOT Texas crop! (BTW, if you haven't already signed up, there are only 5 more days for you to sign up and pay to receive the early bird special!! Click on the PayPal link under my photo to the right of your screen.) If you're not a member of A Cherry On Top and you want to come and crop with us February 29 - March 1, please sign up for your free membership now! It's a Texas Crop because originally we thought there would only be Texas members that would be able to join; wow, were Amanda (mkcdaisy, DT member for ACOT) and I surprised when there were online friends signing up and planning to attend from out of state! Woo hoo!! Of course you know me, that totally made my heart sing!

Not much to say, thank goodness no one is waiting on the frickin' computer right now! I've got more blood work this morning, and then I'll be back up at the hospital again on Monday and Thursday... those are primarily results days! The guys down in the Radiology department thought they had jokes... "Maybe we should just get you a mailbox since it looks like you'll be staying for a while" uh, NO! LOL...

Anyways, let me tell you how wonderful my husband is... (and I normally don't give out info on my husband, because I've seen too many marriages break up because the wife was bragging about how "great" her husband was, and then a friend come in a swoop him away! I know you've heard of those kind of stories!!) So, anyways, he is a doll! I've been sick, unable to get to the computer, right? So... the first day, I asked him to go by Hallmark and pick out some Christmas cards for me, and a few more ornaments that I needed; some as gifts for others, and some for our tree--of which will go up Sunday after church--yes, I'll be dragging my sick butt to church since that's where I need to be all the time; I just wish we could go to our church home in San Antonio!! I miss Bishop Rick and the Family Praise Center congregation so much! Talk about walking with God! Whew! So, back to the shopping... he's also a collector, so he knows the ornaments too, and brought back all of the right ones; even picked out some nice cards. Then yesterday, I was complaining about how I was so upset about missing the chats at 3Scrapateers, and we all know how he feels about "chatting and the computer"; he's seen too many divorces because of "cyber-sex chats" so he's under the impression that whenever someone is chatting, it's not good. But, I kept complaining, and he attended two chats for me!! Do you believe that? This morning he told me that the ladies: TallulaMoon and scrapingal, and he named someone else that I had never seen at the chats were really funny. Then he asked me what was the duct tape for... LMBO!! So of course he thought it was strange, so I had to explain to him it was a joke at 3S so when you try to click on a freebie at these chats, you normally get kicked out if you don't hold down the CTRL key! LOL... Then he said he was referred to as NikosMom's Husband, but he likes to refer to himself as "NikosDad".... LOL... that was how he had signed his e-mail to me one day from work, and I burst out laughing! (According to my sister, poor little Sasha is always forgotten!) So, he supposedly attended the 9CST and 10CST chat, which is the Half-N-Half and the EI with the Dude... he said he was late to the Dude's Chat, and Digital Dude probably thought he was rude asking for the downloads, so I probably won't get them; which would totally stink since I did the challenges, so hopefully Digi Dude won't leave me out in the cold! He did say that TallulaMoon Designs was going to PM me since she didn't want him to fall out of the chatroom! :) So now when I'm cracking up on the computer like a mad woman, he doesn't have to come racing upstairs being the jealous type thinking someone else is making me laugh so hard and I'll run off and have an affair! He got to experience it first hand!

Gotta go... someone is standing here! I'll be back with the Christmas Cheer! (I had 3 recipes that I know by heart, so Day 1 wasn't so bad, and then what I had planned for Day 2 last night, I also know by heart; so at least you know these are recipes that I've tried and bake year after year! If you try some, let me know what you think!)

(((hugs)))
me

P.S. He says there were two packages for me that came in the mail from California! Hmmm... I would think one would be from scrapgram at ACOT, and I have no clue who sent the other one! Oh yeah, and we got our first Christmas cards! Guess who they were from! LOL... Avenue (the clothing store for voluptuous women; and I don't even fit their clothes anymore!) and our HOA Beautification committee!! Which he found to be ridiculous, kind of an (in his exact words) "we've got our eye on you!" card!! ROTFLMAO!! **We'd received a warning about 3 weeks ago that our grass needed to be cut and we needed to remove our water hose from the driveway and coil it up on the side of the house! LOL... so he didn't receive that card so well! LOL...
Christmas Cheer coming up later on today! Sorry for the long post, but I had to share some things with all my friends and family!

12 Days of Christmas Cheer!

2007-12-13T04:36:00.000-06:00

Sorry I couldn't get to the computer last night; I was just too too tired... So, I'm awake bright and early to take some medication... It's either too much sleep around here, or not enough! LOL

Marie! How dare you think that you wouldn't be able to come in January! My doors are always open! Especially for wonderful friends that have become like family, as you have! :) Green light, and with all of these tests and poking and prodding they are doing to me this month, I'll have some kind of an answer before then!

I got stuck three times yesterday: Or maybe I should say, "On the first day of Christmas, the doctor ordered for me... 1 flu shot and decided to order some labwork too!" LOL... okay, yes, I'm trying to have a good sense of humor about this!

Anyways...

Day 1 Recipes

Chewy Chocolate Chippers (My Traditional M&M Cookies!)

1 Cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 Cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 Cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Cup "M&M's" Plain Chocolate Candies
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I always omit these; they are optional)

Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add combined flour, soda and salt; mix well. Stir in candies (and nuts). Drop dough by heaping Tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Press 2-3 additional candies into each cookie, if desired. Bake at 350*F (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet about 3 minutes; remove cookies to wire rack to cool thoroughly. (Makes about 2 dozen 3 1/2-inch cookies.)

Now for those that don't like to bake, or enjoy their holiday spirits... (I have become the "mixologist" of our family during any functions or parties that we have or attend; So... I'm sharing personal recipes of drinks I've "created" LOL... enjoy! BTW, with the medications and the making drinks the whole party, I never have time to drink them myself; but I do taste to see if these need anything else!)

Blue Iguana
(Amaretto Sour with a twist!)

2 oz. Amaretto (I use Disaronno)
4 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
1 oz. Blue CuraÇao (or just enough splash to turn your drink green)
4-5 Ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, and mix well. Serve strained into glass over ice cubes.

Well, since I was behind, I'll put up another recipe this evening to catch up with Day 2! I've started the Christmas Cheer with one of my favorite Cookie Recipes and will end it with my very best favorite! Hope you'll check back each day for the newest recipes! Once I can at least get to my laptop, I should be able to create cute recipe cards with all of the new kits that Lisa Majewski (at 3Scrapateers and DigiScrap Boutique) and FishinMom (at Digital-Scrapbooking) Designs have created; plus a few other kits that I've bought or have been RAK'd!

So... as one of my friends used to say... "Love, Peace and Hair Grease..." (I used to hate that when he would say it, but for some reason I just felt like using it! LOL... he's now stationed in Belgium, and I haven't heard from him in a while; he was one of my "little brothers" when we were stationed at Security Hill; I had 2 little brothers while I was there, only because I was the oldest and was always in their business when it came to the girls they dated!! LOL)
(((hugs)))
me

Blogging From the Hospital

2007-12-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I don't have too much to say, but I just wanted to let you all know, that I do not have access to a phone, or my e-mail. I've been very sick lately, and it's to the point where I've been here in the hospital for almost the past week; daily. I'm not sure if it's getting to the point where they are just not knowing what is wrong or if they've hit a brick wall. Yesterday I had the Upper GI done; nothing found there... Today I came back for some results and was told that with the symptoms I've been having, my sugar levels are fine (no diabetes and no hypoglycemia); but they have scheduled me to stay here and have a CT with contrast done of my head! Heck yeah I feel like I'm going crazy, but I'll do it if there is something they can pinpoint. I just ask that you all keep me in your prayers.

Weird that I can't get into my e-mail but can get into the blog, so this is how I'm hoping to catch everyone up! Also, there are problems with the home phone and the cell phone; so uh yeah, everything is on the blitz around here!! Niko has been sick too, but Pablo tells me that with the new 52" television, the puppies are starting to really get into the television and what's going on on T.V. Isn't that funny? Well, I know we used to have a Mini Schnauzer while I was growing up, and he used to absolutely LOVE to watch the Jetsons!! So... Now Niko and Sasha have become movie watchers...

Well, someone is sitting here waiting to use the computer, so I'll have to be going (only get 30 min on the computer here at the hospital, but at least I can submit to my blog!!)

Also, if you haven't already, check out http://fishinmom.blogspot.com for the Mega Freebie Christmas Around the World Kit!! She put her heart into getting it up and running. Sorry I don't have the links here in the hospital. Also, Lisa Majewski has a really pretty new kit out: "Crystal Clear" I can't wait til I'm home again to be able to use it! http://lisamajewski.blogspot.com.

I know there are some challenges over at 3Scrapateers for loads of fun and freebies, called the "Twelve Days of Christmas" in the forum; click on the link, or use http://www.3scrapateers.com. Best way to contact me I guess is the blog right now.

Happy holidays!! Merry Christmas, and I'll have some recipes for you this evening when there are less vets waiting to use the computer! I'm going to start my "12 Days of Christmas" with holiday recipes (Sweets and Drinks!!).

(((hugs to you all)))
Elise

When it rains it pours!!

2007-12-06T12:51:00.000-06:00

Well, some might say I'm not living right; other's might say this is a test from God. I don't know what to say... honestly, after Tuesday, I'm almost at a loss for words completely. Without going into great detail, here's the skinny:

I tried going to school, I overslept and felt really nauseous!! I was already late, and I've got to go in and talk to the registrar's at school about my missing so many days since I've been really sick. So, I thought maybe I could go and meet a friend for lunch since I needed to eat something (this whole hypoglycemia, diabetes thing is killing me!!); well, heck, on the way to lunch, I'm cruising along, and what happens? I have a BLOW OUT!! Yes, a blow out... but, the little bit of military in me or the grace of God, has me extremely calm! I'd never had a blow out before, and actually I found a little humor in it because it felt funny. I remained in total control of my Jeep, and slowly pulled to the side... OMG, my cell phone is dead!! LOL, right? You can see where this calamity of events is going huh? So, thank goodness for weight loss and for daily walks with the pups... I started to try and change my tire, but I didn't think I could since it's an SUV. I grab my purse and begin to run to the nearest store; which is a Best Buy about a mile back down the road!! I'm running, and I'm running!! Want to hear something really strange? I had changed my clothes and shoes before I left the house, otherwise, I would have been in a really dressy outfit with Crocs on... ever tried running in Crocs? It doesn't work!! But back to the story; I get there, they actually let me use their phone!! Even the manager asked me if everything was okay and offered me a place to sit and wait while I waited for AAA to come and fix my flat or tow me!! I told her that was okay, I was going to wait with my vehicle. (oh yeah, and I told her thank you so much for letting me use the phone free of charge, I'd remember and make sure I continue to shop at that location!!) A cop saw me running back, and kept driving... well, then they pulled ahead and parked on the feeder (yes, in Houston, we call them "feeders"; I think everyone else calls them "access roads" or what ever that runs along side the freeway).

So I had no time to watch this cop sit there to pull over cars and look at me run. Got back to my Jeep, and was going to wait for the wrecker that Triple-A (AAA) had called; supposedly a 45 min wait. Then, the cop disappeared. Yes, I felt like I was going to puke up a lung after that 2 mile run! But I'm in control. Next thing I know, there's a cop pulling up behind my vehicle about 10 min later, and I jump out and run to the cop car, asking her if she was there to give me a ticket!! (Hey, things couldn't have gotten any worse at this point, right? Blow out, no cell phone, 2 mile sprint/jog, 45 min. wait...) She tells me, "uh, is there a reason I should give you a ticket?" I told her no, it's just that I didn't know if it was okay to have my car there on the side of the road--she looks at me and says "You don't have much of a choice now do you!??" LOL... uh, yeah...

So, long story getting shorter, we go through this huge fiasco of trying to release the tire from underneath the Jeep, and THEN the wrecker showed up!! (Yeah, after she and I had done the hard work--although I won't say that I had told her that she probably couldn't change my flat after she had offered; so you know what kind of look she gave me to that comment!)

So, the guy gets the tire changed, she follows me out to let me pull out, and I'm on my way!!! I went directly to the tire store; BUT... on the way there, I'm shaking because I'm starving!! So, I go in, and figure I can get something to eat while they change my tire. All of a sudden, I'm not thinking clearly, can't remember my phone number, can't remember my maiden name since that's what was in the system (mind you, I've only been married 2 years; so that shouldn't have been a problem), and I'm shaking uncontrollably, and hoping the guy doesn't notice. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight... So, anyways, he offers me some water, asks me if I'm diabetic; I tell him I don't know... buys me a coke, hoping that would help... And he is even nice enough to open the Splenda tablets I'd bought so I could get some kind of sugar in my system... Mind you, I'm staying calm!!

Here are the photos the cop helped me take. And everyone said that League City cops were horrible... not in my book!!

So, that guy let's me call Pablo, and I finally get ahold of him (Couldn't when I had called him from Best Buy) So anyways, I tell him I needed him there because I had just had a blow out, and I was starting to feel lousy... with the shaking and everything... So, that guy gets me all squared away, and tells me I could go to Popeye's to grab a bite while I wait, so I can start feeling better; what do I tell him? Oh thank you, but I don't eat poultry... I'm going to Sam's or walk home and get something. As I started to walk out of their parking lot, I got hungrier and worse!! So, home [and I had thought about going into Hobby Lobby to waste some time] was not an option! So, I go into Sam's Club to order a slice of pizza, and the dang old grump box of an old lady tells me to wait for the other worker to come back. (Mind you, I'm standing there shaking and it is quite evident!!) So, I wait, but then I start feeling like I'm going to throw up or pass out onto the floor! Aha!! Sam's gives out free samples!! So, I start walking to see what's going on; got me a piece of shrimp, some juice blend, and I was waiting on the lady with the sweets, but felt like I couldn't wait, so I bought a thing of brownie bites and some 100 calorie pack Nabisco Cookies!! Mind you, everything in Sam's is sold in bulk!! LOL... so I am now at the point where I can't even see or walk straight; I go to stand in line, and I'm "fading", so I run to the jewelry counter and I'm checking out there. Geeze, I must have looked pretty bad or been shaking pretty bad, because those two ladies were ready to help me (they STOPPED doing what they were doing) and they even opened up the brownies for me and offered to walk them over to the table area for me. I had this!! If any of you know me, I don't like to cause or draw attention to myself, and I never ask for help. I'm always the one to help others...

Well, here's the good part, right?? I'm thinking this sugar is going to kick in any minute now and I'll be well enough to walk home and lay down (Home was only about 1.5 miles away, the subdivision is really close to the Sam's), I'm sitting there, and shaking, and my vision is going wacko, and I start to feel like I'm slowing down and slinking onto the floor! At this point, all I remember now, is that there was a lady that came up to me and asked if I needed a basket (one of those little wheelchair cart thingies), and I told her yes, then no, then I couldn't get the words to come out of my mouth, and I don't know what happened to her, I told her I'd be fine. I'm stuffing my face with the brownie bites [LOL... at this point, I either look like a crack head or a bulimic!!] So, the next thing I remember, there's a man standing in front of me with a slice of pizza with a badge on, and I'm telling him "thank you, thank you, I have money!!" Then I start explaining to him about the grump butts that were working over there at the food thing, and how they saw I was shaking, but told me to wait... I'm eating the pizza now like there's no tomorrow, and then another lady comes by and asks if I'm diabetic. Nothing worth any sense is coming out of my mouth!! I almost thought maybe I was having a stroke or something... then another pregnant lady comes up beside her and asks if I've got any glucose tablets in my purse... I'm like "what is that?? I've got money, I can buy some if I need it!!" Now, thinking back could you imagine if someone wanted to rob me??? They knew I had money!! LOL... So, the pregnant one tells the other lady I need some orange juice. I don't remember her leaving or coming back, but I'm sitting by myself again, and the tall lady shows back up with a gallon of OJ... I tell her, "uh, I don't like orange juice, but thank you anyways!!" So then the other lady shows back up (mind you, my vision is crazy, and I people are disappearing and reappearing basically out of nowhere...). She tells me the Pharmacist said the OJ would help me feel better pretty fast. Okay, so I drink it, almost gagging on it... Uh, not feeling better... she sits down with me, the guy with the pizza sits down with me, and they said they see me in there all the time (Embarrassment point #1). So, if I go back in there, they'd recognize me (Embarrassment point #2). Then I start to pass out.... the guy grabs me and I'm okay... drink more OJ they tell me... (Embarrassment point #3... and I'm stuttering like a babbling idiot!!). Long story coming to a close, it seemed like it took Pablo an eternity to come and get me!! They were originally going to take me home, but the guy said if there was no one at home, then if I passed out, anything could have happened. So I was being held there hostage--because I told them I didn't need an ambulance! (that would have been Embarrassing point #4; of which I was trying to avoid!!) I kept telling them I was fine, and I didn't want to get them in trouble for sitting there with me for fricken 45 min plus, and they were like "that's okay, we needed a break"... Who was I sitting there with you ask? The store manager and the assistant manager!! Boy, when I found out, I apologized to them for the comments I had made about the ladies at the food area, and they said that was okay, it was good to know, and they were glad they were able to help me out and that I told them before I went home and got on the internet to corporate about how they've got people working there that aren't customer friendly in a time of a crisis!!

My knight in shining armor showed up, thanked everyone for helping me (mind you, the Asst Mgr had called him like 3 or 4 times while he was on his way, basically to find out if he knew I was there, then to say they were going to keep me there and not take me home, then to let Pablo know I was starting to feel better!) Wow... I told you, a calamity of events...

A day of confusion, $1000 later, and now I look back and think of all the angels God placed right there in front of me, so I didn't end up in a coma or the ER. I had already been thankful that the car tire didn't blow so horribly that pieces would fly, and also that no one had hit me or that the Jeep hadn't swerved or something... So, how many angels would you say helped me out?? Once I was at home all safe and sound, I had to relax... so, what's my motto? "I scrap to relax!!" So I'll be putting up a few new LOs and even a QP freebie that I designed to go with the "Tomorrow" kit by Kimberly Stewart at 3Scrapateers!! And it looks like all of her items are still on SALE!!

Here's the "Tomorrow" kit and Alphas... scoop them up so you'll be ready for my FREE Quick page.

Lots of love, please keep me in your prayers... I have a doc appointment each day next week!
me...

Digital Scrappers!! "Niko SALE"

2007-11-29T07:27:00.000-06:00

Oh my, I've got to let you in on a secret...

I was in a chat last week, and as silly as I can be from time to time, or corny, a few of the designers over at 3Scrapateers have decided to extend their After Thanksgiving sales until the 1st of December, and calling it a "Niko Sale" [unofficially!! LOL]... isn't that neat? Long story, but I had mentioned that I was going to miss out on some items and asked if they could keep it on sale until at least the first of the month, as I wasn't going to get paid until this weekend... And guess what?? You now can take advantage of kits being on sale up to 50% off!! Woo hoo!! See, aren't you glad you're my friend? LOL...

Check out their stores and grab some goodies by December 1st!!

Carla Ware

and

Kimberly Stewart

(buy $10 and you get 2 FREE alphas sets)

* * * * * * *

Also, FishinMom Designs has a two new kits that are on sale this week at Digital-Scrapbooking!! I'll have to upload some LOs from all of these wonderful ladies when I get back from an appointment! Plus I've got a LO from Lisa Majewski Designs "Elf Lovin" kit that you don't want to miss if you haven't already seen it!

If you like FREE stuff, make sure you're hanging out in the 3Scrapateers Chat room tonight from 10 p.m. EST for the Half-N-Half Chat and then immediately following, at 11 p.m. EST for the Embellish It Chat!! As horrible as I'm feeling now, I might not be there, but you definitely don't want to miss out! You could get practically a whole kit FREE just for showing up and having fun! **In order to chat, you must be a 3S member, and don't forget to list "NikosMom" as the referral when you sign up! Here's the calendar.

* * * * * * * *

Plus, if you would like to see what Eglë (FairyMouseMom at ACOT), my mentor, teacher, friend, and AKA Sensei has been up to, show your support, by scooping up the new "A Kid at Christmas" kit QP set she designed and collaborated with by designer Michelle Bradley, or even scoop up the ENTIRE bundle (which includes everything plus the alphas) and save $4 at Shelby Design Shoppe. If you can, please show her your support, as she put a lot of hard work into those Quick Pages, and I would not be where I am with digital scrapbooking without her! (that's why I call her "Sensei") And just look, based on what she has taught me all online, I've been creating for two fabulous digital designers and my LOs just keep getting better and better!!

Oh gosh, I'm now almost late for my first of several doctor appointments!! Have a blessed day! Hugs to everyone that crosses my path... Please, keep me and my family in your prayers.

Sharing Some Photos

2007-11-28T19:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I didn't want to put in a slide show, I just wanted you to be able to see the photos!

Taylar's 7th birthday!!

Me at 0'dark thirty waiting for a Black Friday Sale--wasn't worth it, didn't get the television I wanted. So that smile soon became a frown.

Me and some ladies (new friends) at By Design Scrapbook Boutique at the beginning of November for a Bo Bunny Holiday Planner class! 1st photo, Susan, Lynn, me, and Susan.
2nd photo are of Susan and Lynn from Canada! I enjoyed scrapping and meeting all 3 ladies, and now Susan (in the black shirt) and I try to scrap about once a week--well, when I'm not sick and she's not working! You should come and join us!

Sasha and Niko during our road trip to San Antonio; yes, they are sleeping on my new television! LOL.. at least I was able to go to San Antonio and make it for the sale there!

After Thanksgiving sale at By Design Scrapbook Boutique! There was a mega sale (see the tree? Those were coupons that Cheryl had made!! Woo hoo!) and Timi did a wonderful Make and Take with the new Creative Cafe items! Even Pablo participated in the Make and Take...

Me and my adorable hubby in front of the Pink Christmas Tree at BDSB (LSS); the owner LOVES pink!! She said she finally got a chance to decorate a tree the way she wanted!! See more photos and read her story here!

I will have more photos later this week, along with a couple of freebie downloads! Also, if you haven't signed up for Lisa Majewski's Blog or FishinMoms Designs Blog, you need to! Especially if you digitally scrapbook! They have wonderful freebies and sales, and you don't want to miss out! If you sign up or grab a freebie, please make sure you let these ladies know what a wonderful job they do, and that you heard about them from me! Elise (aka NikosMom on 3Scrapateers, DigiScrapBoutique and Digital-Scrapbooking)

Raining Inside My House!

2007-11-28T19:39:00.000-06:00

OMG!! I can't believe this... when it rains, it absolutely pours!! Well, it never fails, when I get really sick, it seems like Niko has sympathy sickness too. Then that only leaves Pablo and Sasha to run the house, and then of course not much gets done, but I do get pampered. So, I'm still dizzy, still got the illness thing going on, and amidst all of this, I forget to take Niko to get his vaccinations yesterday so his Rabies shots would be good for 3 years. Well, dang it; I missed it by one day, so I now have to take him for an update one year from today! They couldn't give him the 3 yr. one because I was a day late... We go, he does fine, we get home, I'm not feeling well, although several professional nurses, caretakers, police officers, and close friends have all come to the conclusion that what is wrong with me has something to do with Hypoglycemia. So, I've got appointments Thursday (tomorrow), Tuesday, Wednesday and the following week... Hopefully and with many prayers, the docs can get a handle on what is going on with me. The constant sleeping, the horrible body stiffness, nausea (and clock work vomiting), shaking and everything else has got to stop! I am starting to become consumed by the recent symptoms and illness! Please send me good vibes and prayers if you can...

Anyways, back to Niko, we get home, I was just about to lay down, and after about an hour, I'm looking for him... No where to be found was he!! Then I glanced at the end of the hallway, and he's sleeping against the wall. There's no doggie bed/pillow there!! I went to pet him, and he's got bumps all up and down his back!! He had a rash... or whelps or something! So I call the vet, I explain to them, and they say rush him back. He was having an allergic reaction to the Rabies vaccine, so they had to give him a diphenhydramine shot and observe him... for 3 hours, so I'm sitting there waiting; then the shakes and the dizziness start! Ugh!! So, I ran to Starbucks and got a "Tall Skinny Mocha Cinnamon Dulce Latte" and I'm not a coffee drinker! Oh but that was so delish!! :)

So, now we're at home, and we just watched the "Shrek Christmas Special" and it was too cute. I'm extremely tired, but due to the time difference in Sweden, I'm trying to stay up to talk to Marie! My sleep schedule and frequent trips to the hospital has gotten me so off track, I can't even remember the last time I chatted with my Twin Swedish Sister!!

Well, I'm loading some photos just for the fun of it, because I haven't had much time to do anything else. Not only that, these needed to be shared! Hugs to all! Enjoy the photos!

BTW, I've got some great news amidst all of this, and I'll have some freebies on my blog come Friday!! So keep a look out!! :) This will be a HUGE announcement!

The latest 411 (Updates)

2007-11-25T05:38:00.000-06:00

Yikes!!! I can't believe I have not blogged in about a week! So much has been going on in my life, it's almost "unreal"... I ask that you all keep me and my family in your prayers. I have had a whirlwind of events going on... Well, we thought we were pregnant, and it turns out to be something else. How did I find out the test was negative you ask? I've been to the ER twice in a weeks' time... and guess what? They don't know for sure what is causing my dizziness or the nausea and "throwing up". Good thing, it wasn't any E-coli. contamination like I originally thought. What would the world be like without me? LOL... well, from being in the military, I've always been told, "the mission doesn't stop because we lose one person"... hmmm.... (smile) But I've always thought that I was pretty important! Ha!!

Okay, here's the latest in a nutshell...

Been to the ER twice

I've selected the winners of the card contest I sponsored in Sweden

Pablo and I managed to go to San Antonio in a one days' trip to shop for "Black Saturday" at Lackland AFB, and managed to get the last of the Christmas shopping done.

Christmas decorations will go up on the house the first weekend of December, as my mother started that as a tradition...

The ACOT Crop here in Texas is up and running!! (If you haven't signed up or paid, there's still time... I'm got surprises for those that sign up and pay before the 18th of Dec.; also, if you live in Texas and want to come to a crop with a bunch of wonderful ladies, please sign up for your free account on ACOT--http://www.acherryontop.com/, and you can join us for fun at By Design Scrapbook Boutique the whole weekend from 29 Feb - 1 Mar 08!!)

I've got some LOs to share with you!!

We took the puppies to "Woofstock '08" here at the Clear Lake park, sponsored by the Bay Area ASPCA... (my personal opinion, my Sasha should have at least won as Mrs. Woofstock!!--but it was all in good fun, I just know that I plan to come bigger and better next year!! LOL...)

I'm working on a digital freebie for my blog readers... I love going to blogs and scooping up freebies, so why not offer one?

Well, on to some exciting news...

WINNERS of the Grodans Scrapgarden Card Contest (drum roll please....)

Alexander--fars Dag (I love how he used the punches!! And of course, my favorite color scheme of Red and Black!! And he didn't even know! LOL)

Annelie Rosinki--Christmas ornament (I love this shaped card and the different bling!!)

Linda Wiberg Stjärna--God Jul (I just love the different techniques she used)

Pia Kronkvist--God Jul (Of course those that know me, know how I feel about "Snowmen", but I fell in love when I saw this! Extremely elegant card, the "stitching" and even the snowman looks cute!)

Sanna Orrgren--God Jul (look at the paper piecing here, and all that bling!! too cute)

**Ha ha!! I bet you guys thought I didn't have the proper keycodes to get those special characters for the Swedish names!! I think it's important that I spell everyone's name the correct way, because you know how I detest it when I get called "Elsie" when my name is "Elise!!" LOL...

I want to thank all of the participants in the contest as well!! It was a really hard decision, and I was going to ask the assistance of some of my American friends that scrap at the LSS here with me, but I had a few that stuck out in my mind as a card that I would LOVE to receive in the mail! You all know how I hate getting bills in the mail, and it's just so exciting when a letter, note or card arrives!! So... without further adeau lets have a look, shall we? Here are all the entries that were submitted... Please make sure to leave a comment about the cards you see here, and let's show a little American "love" for these wonderful Swedish Scrappers!! :) You know how much we like to get "warm fuzzies" on our LOs and work that we create when we upload to the galleries!! TIA!! Elise

Announcements Galore!!

2007-11-14T14:21:00.000-06:00

I just found out I won Layout of the Day (LOTD) at 3Scrapateers!! They loved my little LO of sleeping Sasha!! If you are over there, please leave me some love, and you can create your own by picking up the FREEBIE by Lisa Majewski!!

Wow!! That is such a wonderful honor!!

I've got so much info to spread, it's not even funny!!

I just got the card photos from Grodans Scrapgarden in Sweden, and I will be posting those this afternoon so you can see what wonderful work comes from another country!! Sweden is just getting in on the scrapbook hobby and they are rockin' it!! Apparently they LOVE it just as much as Americans do!! So...

On to my next announcement, if you are in Texas and would like to get together and have some fun with some of the best scrapbook girls on the internet (both paper and digi girls are invited)--You've totally got to join http://www.acherryontop.com/ (aka ACOT) and sign up to join us for a fabulous fun filled weekend packed full of cropping, games, and prizes at By Design Scrapbook Boutique in Clear Lake City, TX (Houston--not far from NASA Space Center)!! And if you're not in Texas and you'd like to fly in or drive down or across, I'm pricing local hotels. The wonderful event will be February 29 thru March 1st, and I would like to hold a brunch/breakfast that Sunday Morning the 2nd of March before everyone goes back home or out of town... I'm planning the event with ACOTs very own Amanda 'Mkcdaisy', who is one of the Creative Team members!! Click on her name above to read her bio!! Save the date!! It's going to be a blast, I can guarantee it!! This will NOT be something you'll want to miss--even if you don't scrap and you're thinking about starting...

There is a SALE!! Going on over at DSO--FishinMom Designs is on a roll with new kits!! There are two new Christmas kits!! Right now they are 50-60% off!! But I believe you've only got one week to scoop these up!! Both are different, and I just can't keep up with her!! So, I don't have any LOs to show you right now, but I didn't want you to miss the sale!!

Click on the photos, to buy the kit of your choice!! Or better yet, pick up both kits for less than the cost of ONE kit!!

FishinMom Designs also has a kit she is working on that will go up in the stores some time soon, but she is offering it to all her blog readers for FREE a download a day!! So... run over to her blog and scoop up "Winter Berry" a piece at a time, and collect the whole kit before it's available in the store!! She will only have the links available 48hrs at a time!! Oh yeah, did I say Free?

Been sick... and a little more!

2007-11-13T04:59:00.001-06:00

Well, I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd come upstairs and get something done... not sure what I'm trying to get done, but I'm working on a few new LOs...

Can you believe I got to participate in a "Local" crop in Sweden? LOL... I didn't go there physically, but I made some prizes for those that attended and those are going in the mail, plus if you've seen any cards I've ever created or designed, I put together a card kit together and ran a contest there at Grodans Scrapgarden... My "svenska" (aka Swedish) isn't that great, but I'm learning it slowly! :) Some of the words I can make out, but if I need a translator, I ask Marie to translate for me! I wish Babelfish had Swedish on their translator page!! Maybe Nordic languages are getting lost or becoming "old world" languages... I know French and Spanish, and understand a few Germanic words, but Swedish, is nothing like the "romantic languages" of French, Spanish and Italian... so... I try! Marie laughs at me from time to time saying that some of my words that I pronounce sound like I'm from "Stockholm" or north Sweden--hey, first, I'm American; secondly, when you're used to rolling your tongue for Castillian/Spanish, you kind of put a twist on some words, no?

So anyways, I'm waiting to see what cards were made for the contest! I'll try posting a few, along with the samples I made that these winners are going to get to make from their kit! WOW, did I pack the kit with all kinds of goodies!! I just hope they like them!!

The special gobstopper of a prize that I made has already been drawn, and I decorated a little pail (clear), and filled it with:

Heidi Swapp butterfly Mask
Tim Holtz blending tool and distressing ink pad
Heidi Swapp Ghost Shapes (Flowers) and some chipboards
Making Memories Brad
American Crafts Ribbon
Scrapbook Magazine

The winner was Carola!! She must have spent a bundle at Lucienne's store, because I think for every 100Kr (that's Swedish Crowns/Krona) you got to put your name in for the drawing!! Not sure what the exchange rate on the dollar is but I think it was like $1.oo U.S. = 6 or 7 Kr!!

Well, more info later!!

Oh yes...
INSIDE SCOOP!! The two girlies that I CT for have got some fabulous Christmas kits coming out!! I'll tell you now, in case I don't get it loaded quickly enough, sign up for their newsletters so you'll know when these kits are in the stores and on sale!! First week for both designers, their kits are on sale!! Don't miss out!! I mean MEGA sale!! 50-67% off!! You can't beat that!!

Here are the links to their blogs:
Lisa Majewski
FishinMom

New Baby O Baby kit by Lisa Majewski--SALE!!

2007-11-12T09:32:00.000-06:00

Okay, here it is, and I'm making every effort to make sure I let everyone know about new kits and sale items by both designers that I CT for!! This on is on sale at both DSB and 3S, and you can pick up a coordinating QP FREEBIE at her blog!!

Her newest kit is great for all of your layouts for babies, kiddos, celebrations, and so much more! And it's on sale for only $3.00 until November 16th, so pick it up before it goes to regular price! (This is 50% off the regular price!! Get it now!! Even if you don't have children, the embellishments and frames, and solid papers, plus the alphas alone are way worth more than $3!! Don't let it pass you buy, I think it's also great for any Easter photos you've got to scrap!!) Again, you can find it at 3Scrapateers or Digiscrap Boutique

Credits:

“Baby O Baby” QP Freebie by Lisa Majewski
Stiches by Lisa Majewski
Alpha Tags from “Princess and the Pea” kit by Lisa Majewski

Fonts:

2Peas Renaissance
Bell MT

Card Contest and an Update

2007-11-11T15:16:00.000-06:00

Wow, I for sure thought I would have had at least 2 entries from my blog readers and subscribers!! Guess I'll be keeping my $10 Gift Certificates to myself then!! I had 3 to give away!! Maybe next contest...

Well, this has been a really exciting week for me in more than one way! Oh yes, first an update on Marie, she is at home, healing, just a little pain (but not enough to have missed an all day crop yesterday at ScrappeGardens in the south of Sweden! You know how we are... near death, but still croppin'!!) I have made her a get well card, and will be sending it soon!

Now, there are two different pieces of great news, I can only reveal one right now until I get the go ahead for the other one!

I've been selected for my second CT!! Take a look at the official Announcement! I'll also be creating for FishinMom Designs!! She has a blog where she has been designing and loading lots and lots of FREEBIES!! So now she is selling specially designed kits that are sold exclusively at Digital Scrapbooking.Org (aka DSO)... And I was the FIRST one selected to be on her CT!! So I'm officially part of the 'fishpond' ; isn't that a cute play on words? It's all in her blog!! Sign up for her blog updates, she is still giving away freebies, and they come from the actual kits she's selling!! Catch the kits when she first puts them in the store and they're only $2!! Yes, you read correctly, that's 67% off the regular price!!

Here are is my first LO created using her "Hot to Trot" kit!!

Credits:
"Hot to Trot" kit by FishinMom Designs

Chalk overlay designed by me

Professional photo taken at PetCo

Scraplift (Raylene @3S)

Fonts used (most availabe as free downloads at DaFont):

Zallman-Caps (90 and 72pts)

High Tower Text (48 pts)

Tahoma (26 pts)

Punch Label (36 pts)

Crayon (100 pts)

Gigi (48 pts)

“Hot to Trot” kit by FishinMom Designs now on SALE!! Only $2!! Get it now before it goes back to the regular price of $6!! This is practically a steal!! A great fun versatile kit! Don't forget to pick up the matching QP freebie at her blog! BTW, all of her downloads are password protected, but the passwords are listed right above or below the photo of what you're downloading!! Please leave her a huge "Thanks" if you pick up any freebies! She's like me... it makes her heart smile!!

I'll be posting a few more layouts today, I've been so busy creating and creating for both Lisa Majewski Designs and FishinMom Designs, now I just have to get them all uploaded!! Stop by and tell these wonderful ladies you found them through me, Elise, aka NikosMom when you sign up at any of the sites that they sale their designs on!

She's up to something!!

2007-11-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Check back this weekend and see!! I've got some more exciting news and some updates, but you know me, I'm running late going to school!

Holiday Kit Sales!! Only $3 Plus Freebies!!

2007-11-06T22:10:00.000-06:00

Can you say WOW!! You've got to get these kits while they are on sale! That's 50% off the regular price! I was shocked to see she reopened the Halloween Kit "Boo Who" for sale again, but then again I'm really not, Lisa Majewski is such a sweetie anyways!!

Hurry over to her stores, and pick them up! Grab the Freebies at her blog by clicking here!

These kits will be on sale until midnight Thursday, 8 Nov 07!! Get them before the go back to regular price!!

"Painted Desert" Can be purchased at either of her stores at digiScrap Boutique or 3Scrapateers

"Boo-Who" Can also be purchased at either store at digiScrap Boutique or 3Scrapateers

When you visit her blog and scoop up the freebies, let her know Elise sent ya!! And if you're joining either site for the first time, make sure to use my user ID as the referral--"NikosMom" :) Enjoy your week!
Elise

Update on Marie and Card Contest!!

2007-11-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all of you that sent prayers and messages for my friend and sister Marie, I finally did get a chance to talk to her husband, and he told me she had to have surgery, well it turned out she had an Appendectomy--that's what the severe pain was, but I finally got to talk to her as she was discharged from the hospital today!! Yay!! I was so happy to hear her voice on the phone! She is still in pain and will be on bed rest recovering for the next two weeks!

I've decided that no one likes to be sick or stranded at home in the bed--not even scrappers surrounded by scrapping supplies when you are kind of immobile or can't carry or lug all your new goodies home from the store if you go out and buy new stuff without having to ask someone to help you carry the bags in! So...

To put a smile on her face, (and a smile on your faces!) I'm holding a CARD Contest!! The rules are below:

GET WELL/QUICK RECOVERY CARD CONTEST

Criteria/Rules:

Card can be digi or paper, but must be mailable. You may design it on digital, but must be printed out....
Cards must be completed and photos, scans or jpeg files must be e-mailed to me by Midnight Saturday, 10 Nov 07, so that I can e-mail you her mailing address so you can put it in the post on Monday!!
Postage to Sweden is currently $0.90 (90 cents) I will reimburse each participant for postage directly to her... there will not be enough turn around time for me to have you mail them to me and then me send them to her.
You must agree to keep her address and personal information IAW Privacy Act 1974 once I give it to you. This is important, and I know you wouldn't want someone else passing out or using your address for unofficial business.
Cards must be in the category of Get Well, Quick Recovery, etc. (Not Thank you, or Birthday cards if you know what I mean).
Cards must be 5"x5", 5"x7", or 6"x6" for easier mailing, and my be embellished any way you like! With your return addy on the front of the envelope in case she would like to write a Thank you note...
Cards will be judged by dh who also scraps, but has his own style and is not partial to any of my blog readers!
Please sign your cards with your name and your ACOT or other MB name.
I will announce a winner on Sunday evening, November 11!!
Submit your entries with your name, MB name, and frequently shopped online store from the selection of (ACOT, DSB, or 3Scrapateers)

PRIZE... Winner will receive a gift certificate to the shop of their choice!
Good luck and thank you for playing! Can't wait to see your entries!!
Here is the one I made for her!!
(I will print the papers out on Bazzill, and paste the Strength sticker on chipboard, and probably use Prima flowers for the Daisies and leaving the "Wishing you..." printed as is on cardstock as well! So it then becomes "Hybrid" and mailable.) I'll post a photo when I complete it! TFL!!

Credits:
"Sweet Sophie" Kit by Michelle Bradley

Prayers Requested and an ACOT CT Designer Layout!

2007-11-04T08:12:00.000-06:00

First things first, I need all of you that read my blog to please join me in keeping my Swedish Friend, Marie, in your prayers!! I last spoke with her probably on Wednesday (and that was quite brief) and she told me she was in pain and on her way to the ER. Well, it turns out her Appendix burst, and she had to actually have surgery yesterday. I was given the number by her husband and her friend to give her a call at the hospital, but I can't get through, it's always busy!! So, of course, I'm on pins and needles wanting to know how her recovery is coming along and wanting to hear her voice and her laughter. We are so close, we always finish each other's sentences, and she makes me laugh all the time! I know the power of prayer is strong, and I just want a fast recovery for her so she can go back to her home with her family and chatting with me via the webcam! Thank you all for doing me such a huge favor!

Now, I've got to tell you, even though I've been so worried about her, I had to do something to keep my mind preoccupied so I wouldn't be calling and bothering her husband at all hours of the day and night, so I partied at the ACOT (A Cherry On Top) National Digital Scrapbook Day!! Wow, did I have a blast! I didn't get to win the GRANDE prize, but the lady that did, really did deserve it, so it was just like I won!! But I got to know a lot of cool ladies on there that I didn't know that well before, we joked and we joked and we joked!! But here's the best part!!! Can you hold your breath? BTW, they had me waiting for a whole week with this one, but here goes the story... lately I've been pretty emotional; not sure why, but I stayed up til the midnight posting to see if my photos were selected for the "Win A Designer Layout Contest" and when I went to the gallery, I didn't see my photos anywhere, I started to cry, but I was on the phone with another ACOT girlie at the time, so I was trying to hold back the disappointment (although I didn't do so well, she heard it in my voice), and then I looked a little closer, and this is what I saw!!!

LOOK!!

This is "Our Love" by CamsMomma on ACOT

She used the new ACOT Collaboration kit "Transitions"

This was about the neatest thing anyone could have done for me with those photos!! Those tears of disappointment quickly became tears of JOY!! I was amazed!! Every chance I get I just want to look at it, because I'm so used to scrapping my own photos, to see it from someone else's perspective, it was simply outstanding!! She used colors I wouldn't have thought to use with those photos, but I love the look!! Well, I'm off to finish some more layouts!!

Halloween...

2007-10-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

Oh my... we have not celebrated Halloween in YEARS!! It had gotten out of hand, and way too dangerous, so we had changed our way of doing things, and started a new tradition! We started celebrating my cousin's birthday by going out to dinner and going "Haunted House" hopping!! You know, like Pub hopping in the UK, but instead, we'd go from one Haunted House to the next!! His birthday is on the 28th of October, but we normally try to celebrate it the Saturday closest to Halloween.

We had a blast on Saturday night... we went to "Boo on the Boardwalk" at Kemah; the name of the Haunted house there was called the Dungeon--they made it from the parking garage!! Talk about wow! It was better than the ones we went to last year (which shocked us all) I'll have to upload some photos when I get them sorted... for now I've got a layout I created of my sister in her costume that she bought to go to a Halloween party! Of course she tried put it on at my house in hopes of an opportunity later, and there was a club that was having a costume contest, so afterwards, off she went! Looking like a sexy devil!! The actual name of the costume was "TinkerHel" (oops... not such a cute name, but it's a play on words...)

Another FREEBIE from Caro!!

2007-10-29T11:38:00.000-05:00

Yay!! This time she was so sweet, she even made a dog freebie frame in my favorite color too!! By request!! Is she not wonderful or what? Stop by DSSA and pick it up before it's too late! Don't forget to leave her a comment and let her know you heard about it from me!! Elise (aka NikosMom at DSSA)

Here's the preview, just click on the picture to be redirected to scoop it up!

RAK Winner...

2007-10-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a little late in posting the winner, but "Sticking Our Necks Out" is the slogan for Thyroid Disease, and HapEScrapr was correct!! However, the ribbon is purple unless they've changed it recently... but she got it partially correct and will receive the newest kit by Lisa Majewski "The Princess and the Pea" courtesy of me!!

HapEScrapr said...
Educating people about thyriod disease.
The ribbon is light blue.

Here is a preview of the kit. If you like what you see and didn't get a chance to win it, you may purchase it from 3Scrapateers or digiScrap Boutique while it's on sale for only $3!! It is crammed with all sorts of goodies that you normally do not get with a lot of kits, and it can be used for both girls and boy pages! You know me, I always scrap a lot of puppy photos or hubby photos!!

Congrats HapEScrapr!! (Please e-mail me to claim your prize at Sosaswife at gmail dot com... Thanks for all of those that played!! Everyone can pick up a Quickpage FREEBIE until the 31st of October and let Lisa know that you heard about her designs from Elise!!)

Freebie for Cat Lovers!!

2007-10-27T17:31:00.000-05:00

Hey, there is a gorgeous freebie for all you cat lovers over at DSSA made by Caro (Carolyn Bender); she is fabulous with her creations!! Make sure to scoop it up before it's too late! Also even if you're not a cat person, there is a really cute pink frame with bling on it that you've got to get!! Click HERE to be redirected to get it now or click on the image!

Don't forget to leave her a comment and let her know I sent ya!!

Elise (aka NikosMom at DSSA)

All for a good cause...

2007-10-22T02:23:00.000-05:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and if you haven't already had your mammogram done this year, I charge you with scheduling an appointment in the next two weeks! And even if you're not "that age" yet, or for my guy friends that do stop in and read my blog, all of us have great women in our lives that you wouldn't want to see get this disease. I had one done this year, even though I thought I was too young, my docs scheduled me for one at the Rose Center... I had always heard horror stories, but 15 minutes of discomfort could save your life in the long run!

I was a part of the "Scrap Pink Weekend" at my LSS, and we had a blast!! All kinds of goodies were handed out, and more than half of the monies raised went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of getting control of this Cancer. I am currently working on a layout, and should have it posted before the end of the week! (Maybe even tomorrow!)

Also, FYI, I have "Walked" for the March of Dimes (saving premature infants and those that come into this world fighting every second!) since I was in High School, and I've got a team called "Crop 4 Dimes" that I started when I could no longer physically do the walk, but still wanted to raise money. I'm looking for an LSS to hold it at for 2008, and will have all kinds of prizes and goodies for those that attend and donate... details to come, so please keep an eye out! If you'd like to join me in this effort, please contact me!

I am part of a society devoted to "Sticking our Necks Out".... if you can tell me what this means, or what color ribbon is used, I've got a freebie for the first person that can post the answer in the comments section! (No cheating please!!)

What's the 411?

2007-10-21T06:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, I can't believe I haven't had a chance to post anything since the 3rd of October. That's actually quite embarrassing. Quick run down... I've been sick, I had to help my mother move, I've taken a class at By Design Scrapbook Boutique with the use of the new One Heart One Mind products!! Woo hoo you've got to see what kind of new techniques I learned from Tami!! All in the past 3 weeks, I've had so many tests run to figure out what's going on with my dizziness (and no, it's not the common "ditziness" that usually goes on!! LOL, so I know who you are that are thinking that it's normal for me to be "dizzy" ha ha ha) but seriously, I've felt like a total lab rat going back and forth to Methodist and having tests run by Baylor College of Medicine! I'll just continue to pray that God gives me great doctors since this is something in His plans...

So, you wanna see what I've been busy doing? BTW, let me say that the CT that I'm on has a wonderful bunch of ladies, and I really don't think the designer, Lisa Majewski (aka jdsmom), could have picked a better team! (Applause to all...) It really makes a difference when you're using products that you like!

Just a few of my favorite layouts...

The LO with my mother was done in blue because that is her favorite color!! Our wedding colors were actually Black and White. (I also was inspired by another lady on the team to create a femine LO using the Veronica kit, which at first looked very masculine to me... but not! Thanks Kelly; to view her use of the Veronica kit entitled "Mallory" click here!!)

The other LO of Pablo and his dad, I actually captured this photo while we were visiting his family for Father's Day! He and his dad were walking ahead of us, and his mom and I had stopped to look at something else. I'd always wanted to capture a shot of someone walking away, and wow, I was pleasantly pleased when I downloaded the photo!

~ Both of these pages were designed with the "Veronica" Kit by Lisa Majewski ~

Kit available at digiScrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers

(When you buy or join, please put my user ID "NikosMom" in the referral box)

Here is another LO (sorry LO=Layout for the non scrappers)

~ The double page spread was created using the "Bourdeaux Bliss" kit by Lisa Majewski ~

Also available at digiScrap Boutiqe and 3Scrapateers

To view more of my LOs and creations (cards, paper LOs, and altered projects!) visit my main gallery on ACOT!

Well, I guess that pretty much catches us all up. Niko has been sick all this week too. I've captured some great photos of him bonding with Sasha though, but I just hate that he doesn't feel so well, we're planning to take him and drop him off at the vet today for observation or something... Keep him in your prayers please!!

hugs,
Elise

Great News!! I'm SO ELATED to tell you...

2007-10-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

I've been selected as a Creative Team (CT) member for Lisa Majewski Designs!!!

As most of you know I've been doing "Digital Scrapbooking" for the past month or so... actually I started a year ago, did one layout and thought I'd never do it again; well, you know I've always said there is a time and a place for every thing, and the time is NOW. After studying under Egle Noel, I've almost turned into a pro--okay, not quite, but I'm getting pretty good!

Take a look at the first layout (LO) I've done on the CT with her newest "Boo-Who" kit! You like don't you? You've gotta have it don't you?!? :) Please visit Lisa Majewski's blog for the kit and some freebies!

Isn't Pablo a cutie in these photos? He wants me to redo the LO with his journaling... I must admit, he can be a little witty at times! I'll have a few more up later, or you can visit my ACOT gallery to view posts until I get my album set up for viewing from the blog!

She's up to something!!

2007-10-01T22:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've got some really cool news to share with you, just not yet!! You SO don't want to miss this!! Right now I'm working on getting my homework finished and some layouts completed...
Then I've got to tell you about my hectic weekend, and by then, maybe I can explode with the news!!! (and for my close friends, no, I'm not pregnant, we're still waiting for that blessing!)

New Digital Layouts!!

2007-09-23T02:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm totally getting the hang of this... And I've pretty much owe it all to Egle Noel. As my first teacher and a wonderful friend, she has seen me progress quite quickly! From a "glowing" layout which I still laugh about, to what you see today. I wouldn't have been able to improve as much as I have without spending 108 minutes on the phone with her the other day! The ones below were for challenges or contests that I've entered, so please be sure and wish me luck!

Kits used on the "Road Trip" Page:

"Ocean Dreams" by DSSA Boutique (N. Whiteley)

"Pet Barcode" by DSSA Boutique

"Naturally Cozy" by Bella Gypsy

"Phalphas::Photo Alpha Templates" Designs by Anita Stergiou

Kits used on the "B is for Boyds" Page:

"Krafty Chic" by Anita Stergiou Designs

"Phalphas :: Photo Alpha Templates" Designs by Anita Stergiou

Now just one more to finish quickly before the weekend is over, and I've got a test to complete for an online class, and 2 homework assignments! :) I've got it all under control. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we took the puppies to have their pictures professionally done, and they turned out really nice! We'll get them in about 2-3 weeks, and Pablo and I were able to sit in on them also, so looks like we've got our Christmas card photos out of the way! And yes, I'm sending out Christmas cards this year, and everyone is getting their ornaments as normal!

Niko is sick today...

2007-09-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like my baby boy's illness is showing its ugly head again. I thought things were good, especially with the new prescription dog foods, etc, and he hasn't been sick in almost 2 months. Hopefully today was just a fluke. I've got Econ and my Music class to go to today, so unfortunately I'm not going to be able to stay and observe him... He's sleeping in a little ball right now, and when I asked if he wanted to go for a walk, he didn't budge...

I've got a really great digital layout that I need to post tonight or tomorrow morning!! Check back this weekend!! Hmm... maybe I should look into becoming a Designer... just a thought!

"The Time is Now..." Clock Class by Janet Hopkins Slide Show

2007-09-18T04:28:00.001-05:00

Fantastic Class!! Take a look...

2007-09-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness!! You have got to see what I did yesterday! Talk about having a blast at a scrapbook store, this is it...

First of all, it was amazing that I was even able to get into the classes considering I didn't know about it until about 2130 the night before, and you should have seen me being so frantic trying to get ahold of my good and dear friend Miss Pixie to get into this class scheduled for Saturday morning at 0900!! Anyways, long story short, I made it in, showed up (a little late, because Sasha and Niko didn't want me to leave them--spoiled dogs I tell ya!), but I'm SO SO GLAD I got in on the classes! I want to post pictures of the ladies that I hung out with in the class, but I've got to see if they don't mind me posting their pictures up! :) Then you could really see how much fun we had!

The first class was "the PLAY book" by Janet Hopkins and using the Heidi Swapp Playing Cards... be sure to check her out! Fantastic lady!! The second class was "The Time is Now..." Clock Class using the Heidi Swapp "Create Your Own" Memory Clocks! Oh this just blew me away!! As most of you know, I don't always play by the rules, I always color inside the lines, but I've got to do it differently!! :) So... here is my version of the clock! Let me know what you think!

That's me and Janet Hopkins at By Design Scrapbook Boutique

More pictures upclose of my altered Heidi Swapp clock:

Well, enough playing on the computer, I've really got to finish my homework!! At first I was ahead with all my assignments, and now I'm rushing to get them done! LOL...

TTFN... me

A Time for Rememberance

2007-09-11T04:54:00.000-05:00

Do you remember where you were between 0803 and 0915 six years ago?

I do... I know this should be my "welcome or joining IN" to the blogging world, but today just so happens to be the infamous 9/11. At the time I was still on active duty in the Air Force, and I was on my way to work. Security was so tight for everyone getting on the base, we where stuck waiting to drive on for about 3 hours! I honestly hope that you will take a few moments out of your day this morning to sit in silence for all the innocent lives that perished that horrific day of nation-wide tragedy and grief. Isn't it simply amazing how Americans as a nation separate ourselves from fighting and bombings when it comes to other countries... normally 3rd world countries, and we offer our support, but to us... oh let them fight... But notice how things changed when it was brought on our soil; does it really always have to be something so disastrous for us to open our eyes and realize that just because we're in America, we're not invincible? I was on the other side of this hiatus crime... at that time, I was a "warrior" not only for God, but also for all American citizens; did I react differently to this situation? You bet I did! I honestly went into fight or flight mode, even though I was just as terrified as any other American, I couldn't show it; not with that uniform on! My single mission that day was to "get the right information to the right place/people, and get it there on time all the time!" I had stepped up to the plate to fill in where ever I was needed. This one day was a very huge catalyst in my life...

This was the day I became sick.

For the first time in my career, I saw a lot of people looking at the big picture. Everyone was pulling their weight and working as a team. I designed all kinds of tracking databases for 100 percent accountability at all times, and I had started working anywhere from 12-16 hours each day, without complaining about it, or not getting a lunch! Within 48 hours we were deploying a lot of people that normally wouldn't have. This is when reality set in again! So I worked harder, we were going to be short staffed and I had been there a while... So, I may not have been in Tower I, II or the Pentagon that day, but a part of me died that day... as it did with other co-workers. When the heavy dust settled almost 8 months later, I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, co-workers were coming back from deployment sites practically devastated, and with a completely different attitude, and the city of New York no longer had that beautiful architectural icon that once stood so proudly...

So, today, I charge you with taking a moment of silence, go out of your way today to smile at someone you've never met and just say "Hello"... Maybe if we stop living in a closed society, we may have been a little more aware of our surroundings!