Carson Cat Family

So I have been a little busy

2012-01-29T16:58:00.000-06:00

trying to get this finished for the twins 1st birthday party next weekend. Yes you read right next Friday, the peas will be ONE!!! It is so hard to believe that this time last year we were recovering from Shelli's shower, little did we know the boys would be arriving later the next week-boy does time fly!!!!

I have lots of things to share, but will have to wait till after next week, partly because I am still working on it and partly because it is a surprise too!!

Also, I was lucky enough to be chosen to the Design Team for The Scrapbook Princess and will be teaching my very 1st mini album class Feb. 11th and I would tell everyone to join me but the class sold out in 2 days!!! WOO-HOO

That is all for now... gotta get busy finishing up some scrappy surprises :)

Failing miserably

2012-01-09T06:25:00.000-06:00

at trying to post weekly on the blog, and yes I know it is only 2 weeks into the new year-LOL
I have a good excuse or being sick for most of the week and awfully busy at work. I am sure these next pics will make up for my laziness seeing as they are from our Christmas celebration this year.

Memaw's christmas tree engulfed with presents

Deacon and his first taste of chocolate gravy

autographed pic from "Dolly"

Cannon opening a present

another autograph pic from "Dolly"

WOW.. 2012 is here

2012-01-01T22:42:00.000-06:00

May 2012 be all that you want it to be... we are in charge of our destiny so make the most of
everyday!!! I promise to be a little more consistent this year as I really work towards several "resolutions" that I am hoping to stick with, one of them being better about blogging, along with the standard losing weight and purging the house out.

9 Years...

2011-11-02T21:03:00.001-05:00

ago I married the most wonderful man in the world!!! I wouldn't trade him for all the tea in China either... we just complete each other. So all you single ladies out there have faith because your prince charming will come along and I PROMISE you it is worth the wait!!

Spooky cuteness!!!

2011-11-02T20:37:00.000-05:00

We just finished up Halloween at the Carson abode and tell me if these aren't the cutest trick-or-treaters you have ever seen??

Deacon was the cuddly lion and Cannon was the isty bitsy spider.

Here are a couple of pics of the house once it was spookified too...

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-10-19T19:43:00.003-05:00

Now that I have been able to get a little scrappy time in, one of my favorite places for inspiration is Sketchy Thursdays , every Thursday they have a new sketch posted and it is great way to jump start a layout.

Here is mine for this week

I used this great Echo Park Happy Days line to showcase my oh so cute cousin Brooke as she ~~wore~~ ate a cupcake one day at the ballpark.

So if your mojo isn't flowing stop by Sketchy Thursdays and let them help you out!! :)

I'm Back.... Finally

2011-10-18T20:30:00.002-05:00

So I have finally made it back to the blog and I am going to try and be better about posting on a more regular basis... :)

We have a new addition to our family and her name is Blaze

For those you out of the loop, this brings our inside count back to FOUR and TWO outside that we officially claim, I guess you can classify us as crazy cat lovers. But she is awfully sweet and playful and the other kitties seem to be adjusting pretty well to her being in the house, we are down to just an occasional hiss-hahaha.

Lots of things going on in the Carson household and we stay pretty busy... in case anybody forgot I have twin nephews that require my spoiling at least once a week or so, and I am slowly getting back to some scrappiness, which I will be showing off in a later post after I take a few pics. The Scrapbook Princess, my favorite scrappy store and now only store in the area, is going to have a design team and I am trying out for it, so I have been busy working on my submissions.

That's a quick synopsis of the past few weeks and I promise to be back with more later this week!!!

Slacker, Slacker, Slacker....

2011-09-17T09:02:00.005-05:00

Blog is going under construction.... and will be back soon

I know I have been a TOTAL slacker when it comes to my blog, it has been almost 2 months since my last post...geez!!! I have good intentions to post every week, but here lately I only get on the computer to check email and buzz through Facebook.

Do not worry I will be back, we have had a crazy few months with vacation, birthdays, school, work, house projects and unexpected (but welcome) visitors, and we are slowly starting to get back to normal non-crazy life.... and I have lots of pics and scrappy layouts to show off, just not right now ;)

TrailMakers Sketch Re-run

2011-07-25T19:38:00.001-05:00

I am definitely on a roll lately actually getting some scrappy work finished-yea for me!!! This is a layout that I did for the sketch re-run over at TrailMakers, this was the DT sketch for design team applications.
This is my father-in-law, aka Grandaddy, with the twins on his 70th birthday. They are so very lucky to have him as a Grandaddy, he is one of the most awesome Christian men I have ever known!!

I love the simplicity of this layout and other than the cardstock, which I spritzed with Glimmermist, this was made with scraps of LYB from my stash. If I keep it up I will have gone thru my stash and need to buy more stuff, well that is highly doubtful, and I will probably buy more stuff before that happens... LOL

Re-run # 2 at TrailMakers

2011-07-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

Another "re-run" over at TrailMakers was to use multiple photos on a layout. Anybody who scraps with me knows that I ♥ collage prints (Walgreens is my fav-but most any photo site has them), they are the greatest invention EVER, you get some many options with your pictures. Here is a layout I did of all the hummingbirds that visited our backyard last summer, at one time we counted 13 and all these pics are courtesy of my hubby who will sit for hours taking pics of them.

TrailMakers and Banners

2011-07-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I am just on a roll here lately, and I am loving myself for getting back into scrapping. This layout is one that has been sitting on my desk in a 1/2 finished state and Karen over at TrailMakers issued some "re-run" challenges and I knew this was perfect to throw the mix. Banners are a really hot trend right now and this paper kind helped me "cheat" with the challenge but I did add little stickles to help dress up the banners :)

This cutie pie is my cousin's little girl Brooke at her 2nd birthday party where she was anxiously awaiting her cake!!

and another one...

2011-07-18T19:39:00.000-05:00

While I was doing my daily lurking on blogs, I came across this great site, The ScrapRoom and notice that they also have a monthly sketch challenge and in an effort to increase my scrappy productivity I also used their sketch over the weekend... along with some more MME papers (I have TONS in my stash, they are one of my fav manufacturers!!) and some pictures from the Botanical Gardens we took this spring and VIOLA...

Another favorite sketch site

2011-07-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

is Sassy Lil' Sketches, they offer 2 card sketches and 2 layout sketches every month on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. I can always find some great inspiration and the July 7th sketch is no exception.

Again using some MME papers out of my stash and this picture that I absolutely love of my brother-in-law, Mark and his 2 oldest, Paige and Kyle. They are so very lucky to have him!!!

and another one....

2011-07-13T07:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know 3 weeks in a row I have used the sketch from Sketchy Thursdays and I have actually had this one finished since the weekend!! This is my hubby, who loves to photograph, mostly nature but will do occasional people shots :)

Since I am on spending arrest, I dug thru my stash and found these great papers by MME, threw in some AC letter stickers and a couple of pieces of chipboard. My banner across the top is made from CTMH stamps, which also has a whole alphabet of banners.

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-07-06T18:02:00.000-05:00

Don't be shocked, but yes I have done another one, 2 weeks in a row!!! I am telling you Sketchy Thursdays is a great site, this week was a 2-pager, which I used to do all the time and have just recently got back into them. Oh and get used to seeing these babies they are some of my favorite inspiration right now :):):)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

2011-07-04T09:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all those who have fought for our freedom. I am so thankful to live in a country that allows you to the live the life you want!!!

Finally, a little scrapiness

2011-06-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

It seems like forever since I have posted anything of a scrappy nature... partly because I have been way busier than expected/wanted with work and life in general and I haven't done a whole heck of lot scrapwise and the other is I have just been lazy and not having any mojo to create.

But I am back with this layout I did for Sketchy Thursdays, which is one of my favorite sketch sites, and when you are short on mojo they fill the gap.

This is one of my sweet nephews, Cannon, and he makes the cutest faces when you talk to him and Memaw taught him how to stick his tongue out. :)

Hopefully you be seeing more of my scrapiness in the days to come, so stay tuned!!!

My how they have grown

2011-06-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

I know I have been such a slacker when it comes to my blog but things have just been crazy around the Carson household. I thought I would show some more recent of my sweet little peas who are now 4 months old... these were taken at Easter which was at our house with all 3 families, mine, David's and Shelli's

I promise to not be so long between posts in the future... I also have lots of scrapiness I need to share with you but right now all I care about is being cool.... we are experiencing August about 2 months too early-YUCK!!

Happy Birthday

2011-06-03T19:52:00.000-05:00

to my sweet sister Annaeke, she turned 36 today, most dr's didn't give her 6 months and her she is...
God obviously had other plans for her...

Creative Scrappers # 150

2011-04-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

another of my favorite sketch sites is CS, they have new sketches every week that are just incredible. This is sketch 150

and I did a layout using one of my sweet cousins, Laura, who loves to play dress up, using some of my Dear Lizzy stash

And since the sun is shining I am off to the beautiful outdoors to dig up my front yard so we can finally get a walkway finished and thanks to the torrential rain we got last nite cause it should be super easy digging!!! Happy Saturday!!!

TrailMakers

2011-04-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

Surprise, surprise.... another challenge completed. This one is for TrailMakers, Karen does a great job coming up with the challenges and I have to admit I am a little partial to her since I was lucky enough to be on her 1st design team, she also has some great prizes too!!

The challenge this week was to use the Blog Banner as inspiration for a layout/card.

and here is my take, and I love the way this turned out... in case you didn't know, my SIL had twin boys in Feb hence the play on words that 8 isn't quite enough (quite clever I must say-heehee)

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-04-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

While I was away this past weekend at the Red Rooster Retreat (a whole 'nother post) I was finally able to do some challenges, which I have been slacking at lately.
One of my favorite sites is Sketchy Thursdays, every Thursday they have new sketch and here is the April 7th sketch:

Here is my take, Atha and I saw this a picture similar to this sequence and we just had to do it to, it took about 3 tries to get a good sequence..David and Bill though we were nuts LOL

LOOKEE what I got

2011-04-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

while I was at my scrap retreat this past weekend.

I won the Cuttlebug during a blog hop from Paper Tree House and the envelope is full of flowers and ribbons from Perfectly Precocious.
I have lots more to post from my scrappy weekend so be watching.... gotta go put my closet back together from the catastrophe of the past week.

KAMRYN

2011-03-26T17:14:00.000-05:00

When I saw the current challenge for TrailMakers I knew this picture of my BFF's youngest, was perfect. The challenge was using this sketch by one of the current DT members Amaryllis. I dug this paper out of my stash along with the flowers, which I thought went great with her little crochet hat.

Kamryn at 3 weeks old

If you are looking for a great challenge site check out TrailMakers, they offer bi-monthly challenges with a some great prizes.

Shocking

2011-03-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Not one but TWO challenges completed this past week!!! This is a sketch challenge for Creative Scrappers, which is a great sketch site-new sketches every Sunday!!! Here is the sketch #147

and here is my take using my ever so cute preggo SIL and she truly glowed from the moment she was pregnant with the twins!!!

Bo Bunny

2011-03-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to doing a couple of challenges this week (finally) and my first one is for the BoBunny Layout Challenge.

We had to use this sketch

along with Bo Bunny papers and I chose the Love Bandit and Persuasion lines, which I thought were perfect for my so cute pregnant SIL and her hubby!!

More of the newest Carson family members

2011-02-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

We got to spend this afternoon with our nephews and I could just sit with them forever, I love these little guys so much!! They got a great report at the doctor's this past week too!!

getting ready for bath time-not their favorite

please turn the flash off

a thumbsucker already

Aunt Savanna is too cool!!

David's favorite- MAYO

DINNER TIME

Babies, Babies and Babies

2011-02-17T08:14:00.000-06:00

This is what I have been waiting for, after almost 2 weeks of "Look, but no touching" we finally got to hold our nephews!!! They are 2 weeks old today and officially home as of Tuesday, so there was no stopping me from heading over to show some love!!!

Me and Cannon

David and Deacon

David is still a little iffy when it comes to babies, but I will have him changing diapers before long :) :) :)
I think he is looking forward to the days when they can run around and cause all kinds of trouble.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T01:38:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone gets to spend today with the one(s) they love... here is a little goody I made for our front door!!!

Finally....

2011-02-13T20:36:00.000-06:00

was able to get some scrapping done today... since the twins got here it has been crazy between running to the hospital, trying to get stuff together for the scrappy yard sale and I HAD to give my scrap room a good cleaning before I could even try to be creative.

Here is a layout I did today and it qualifies for 2 different challenges (woohoo!!) and yes I realize that I am lacking in the challenge a week department, but hopefully can get on track here soon. Karen over at TrailMakers posted a BINGOchallenge on the forum, so I decided to do it and utilize the current sketch from Sketchy Thursdays and here it is...

I used the E line from the BINGO card and I used papers is from Echo Park "Walk in the Park" line.

Can't get enough

2011-02-06T20:17:00.000-06:00

of these sweeties!!!

The boys are doing really well, they moved up to share a big crib together and hopefully will get to come home sometime next week.

Cannon (on left) looks just like his Daddy and Deacon (on right) looks like his Mommy.

THEY ARE HERE!!!!

2011-02-04T08:51:00.000-06:00

A little earlier (about 3-4 weeks) than expected, but healthy and mommy and daddy are doing good too!!! But we will always remember this day because of the horrible weather!!!

Cannon was born at 4:53 and Deacon at 4:55 and both weighed about 5 1/2 lbs.

Cannon Dean Carson

Deacon Clay Carson

Tea for Two

2011-01-31T21:25:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday was Shelli's baby tea for the twins and as much fun as it was, I am pooped and very glad that it is over!! :) Shelli was so thrilled with everything and is blessed with so many people who love her that she probably will not have to buy anything for the twins for at least 6 months!!!

name banners and onesies

Misty's scrumptious cupcakes

opening gifts

2 very pooped hostesses!!!

She is 34 weeks tomorrow which means we are 4 weeks or less (dr. won't let her go past 38 weeks) from meeting Cannon and Deacon and I just can't wait!!!

SNOW FUN!!

2011-01-17T05:30:00.002-06:00

This week is SNOW FUN and we want to see some white stuff, it can be white space, white paint, flocking, just as long as it is white.

We were almost lucky enough to have a Christmas Day snow, but missed it by one day :(, but hey here in Alabama we take it when we can get it and the January Kit from the Paper Trail is perfect for those snow layouts.

I used the Snowman paper and accented with white flocking, liquid pearls and the snowball trim.

This is my last design team project and I must say that I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been on the inagural TrailMakers design team, thanks Karen!! :):):):):):)

Here's another one..

2011-01-16T18:09:00.000-06:00

I seem to be on a roll... here is another challenge for the week, this one is Creative Scrappers Sketch 137, I thought it was perfect for this family shot!!

More challenges

2011-01-16T18:03:00.000-06:00

Here is a layout that I have been working on, I am trying really hard to get more challenges done this year, my goal is at least one a week...

This one qualifies for Sketchy Thursday's current sketch and ScrapFit workout #36 which calls for using strips. I picked these pics from some my SIL had given me from a recent photo shoot and then dug thru my scrap stash and pulled out several 12" strips (Bazill, Dear Lizzy, Echo Park and MM loop ribbon)

1st layout of the year

2011-01-12T20:46:00.000-06:00

I have failed ever so slightly in my resolution to spend a little time in my scrap room every day, but now that I have spent a little time in there I was able to finish this sketch for the weekly challenge at Sketchy Thursdays

and here is my take on it, I love this picture of my inlaws holding hands and thought it looked so good with this Basic Gray paper (Blush & Bittersweet )

WAR EAGLE!!!!

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

The state of Alabama has done it again!!!! Auburn won the 2010 National Championship!!! It's great to be an AUBURN TIGER!!!

Handmade Embellies

2011-01-03T06:36:00.000-06:00

This week at TrailMakers we are making handmade embellies, which is a great way to use up your scraps and keep from spending on the (sometimes expensive) embellishments that go along with the paper.

For my handmade embellies I created snowflakes using 2 different size punches and scrap paper, then pop dotted (pop dots are great!!) a few of them to add dimension to the layout. I also covered 3 chipboard flakes with a snowy glitter mix.

Be sure to checkout the January Kit from the Paper Trail it is full of Echo Park yumminess called Wintertime and it is perfect for SNOW pictures. I used the Blizzard Blue for my background and accented with pieces of the Red Swirls and Falling Snowflakes paper.

Be sure to get your layouts showing your handmade embellies uploaded for a chance at some goodies!!!

Away with the old and in with the New

2011-01-01T12:18:00.000-06:00

Year that is... hard to believe that 2011 is here, could someone please tell me what happened to 2010 cause it went by way too fast!!
Lots of things happened in 2010...
some of the good things....
I made my 1st ever scrapbook Design Team, thanks TwoChicks!!!
My sister-in-law found out she was pregnant with TWINS!!!
One of my best friends also found out she was pregnant, OMG, since she has a 12 year old!!!
and some of the bad...
a friend is still battling cancer, another lost her dad to it, another friend was shocked by divorce

All in all 2010 was a good year, I didn't do all I planned/wanted but hopefully I can change that with 2011.
Being a scrapbooker, there are lots of ideas on how to document the year, some are to take a picture everday, which for me is just too daunting of a task and somewhat takes the fun out of why I scrapbook, another is to pick a word for the year and let it be your focus for the year, and that is what I am doing.
My word(s) for 2011 are FOCUS and DETERMINATION. Focus is pretty obvious I need to focus on me and the things around me, God, family and friends and then Determination follows right along with that so I can actually get these things accomplished.

I want to FOCUS on my walk with God, many of you know that David and I started going to a new church and while we enjoy going we haven't made the commitment of changing our membership and I think that needs to happen for me/us to fully commit and focus on my/our relationship with God and truly get involved with church activities that will help strengthen that walk.
I want to FOCUS on my health, I had really hoped that I would have lost 40 lbs by the time I turned 40 in August, but I just didn't FOCUS on getting it done. I want to FOCUS on healthier eating and have the DETERMINATION to stick with an exercise plan for more than a few weeks.
I want to FOCUS on our financial situation and be rid of credit card debt once and for all. I want to have the DETERMINATION to stick to a budget and not waver when I see those cute shoes or those scrappy supplies so we can dig out of the hole and truly be able to enjoy life.

I can keep listing because there are several places I need to have more FOCUS in my life, but no need to bore you, but think about what word you would pick and let's see where we are this time next year!!

Here's to a New Year and all the happiness that it can bring!!!

The Paper Trail JANUARY kit

2011-01-01T10:35:00.000-06:00

Start off the new year with this YUMMY kit from the Paper Trail, if is full of Echo Park goodies!! It perfect for those snow pictures and yes I even have snow pictures from the day after Christmas, which is unheard of here in Alabama!!

So I absolutely ADORE the January Kit and here is my debut project using Pine Green for my background and it is hard to see but I did some snowflake masks with Vanilla Smooch Spritz. My accent pieces are from Red Swirls and Falling Snowflakes papers. My journaling is on a journaling card (which is from a whole sheet of journal cards-love it!!) and I also added the WINTER stickers and a few falling snowflakes that are included in the January Kit.

Be sure to get yours before they are all gone!! And be watching for a new challenge on Monday!!

DecOrAte...

2010-12-18T08:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been MIA for the past week, this time of year is CRAZY!!! I thought I would let ya'll get a peek at the decorations this year, we added a few things and are making plans for next year to be even better, if I can get David up on the roof (lol)

hodge podge tree in the dining room, it has all different ornaments from places we vacation, cats and whatever else we want

the village

tree forest in the living room and the foyer trees

our 9ft tree in the living room, done in blues and browns

outside with spots

We wish everyone and very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Blog Hop RAK Winner is.....

2010-12-06T20:49:00.000-06:00

LILLIAN!!!! I want to thank everybody who left comments and became followers of TrailMaker and my blog during this hop. Be sure to check TrailMakers every 2 weeks for new challenges.

Lillian email me your addy (savannascraps@bellsouth.net) so I can get your RAK in the mail and thanks again!!

2010-12-06T01:02:00.002-06:00

So this weeks TrailMakers challenge is stamping and you would think for all the stamps I own (a whole bunch) I would do this on every layout I do, but alas it takes a challenge to make me pull them out.

I love how stamps can totally change a piece of paper, they can add a whole new design or just a touch of something unique. For this layout, SERIOUS men, I loved how the City Sidewalks paper from Lily Bee Christmastown really made the B & W photo stand out. I accented with the black and red ribbon from the December Kit at Paper Trail and Christmas Window paper (also from the Christmastown collection) that I punched with the double loop punch from Martha Stewart. For my stamping, the wide stars behind the photo are from CMTH, the swirlies framing the picture and the journal circles are also stamped. I also used a couple of the chipboard stickers from the Christmastown line.

Now, it is your turn, go pull out your stamps that are collecting dust and change up some paper, we would love to see what you can do and you never know when there might be a prize given by Karen over at TrailMakers. Don't forget to go by the Paper Trail and get you December kit before they are gone!!!

Christmas Blog Hop

2010-11-30T23:59:00.021-06:00

Welcome to TrailMakers 1st ever Christmas Bloghop!!!

You should be joining me after visiting the TrailMakers blog, which is where you want to officially start the hop. This is the first time I have been in a bloghop and if you stick with me till the end I promise to pick a winner for some RAK's!!

If you haven't checked out our store here, you need to... we have just started an awesome kit club and the December Kit is to die for... it has all sorts of yumminess in from Lily Bee, Bazzill and Prima just to name a few

Isn't all that just delicious, there are 18 sheets of paper plus all the embellies!!!

Head over to Paper Trail when you finish with the hop and get yours!!!

I used Bazzill white cardstock, spritzed with a little GlimmerMist and Lily Bee pattern paper, there is even a little stamping along the bottom. I finished it off with some of the cardstock stickers, chipboard stickers and Thickers (for which I have a serious obsession)

I borrowed this sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches

I am all about decorations so here is what you need to do to have (3) chances for a RAK from me, which will be drawn by my hubby on Dec. 5th...

Become a follower of my blog
Also become a follower of the TrailMakers blog
Leave me a comment that you are following both blogs AND your favorite decoration(s) for Christmas-mine is my living room tree, which is done in blues and browns to match

So I hope you have enjoyed visiting me and I do hope you will come back soon... now you are off to visit Sandi

Scrap the Moments 1st Challenge....

2010-11-22T11:31:00.001-06:00

Check out the 1st challenge for Scrap the Moments: Your challenge is to create a layout using something that you find around your house on the layout. For example, a ticket stub, receipt, business card, anything like that! You can use a photo as well, as long as you have something else on your page! Get creative!! Email entries to dvnmre@yahoo.com and spread the word about our awesome new challenge site! Layout is due Dec. 6.

Here is a layout I did using tickets from an Auburn football game a few years ago...

and for all you football fans out there WAR EAGLE!!!! Iron Bowl bragging rights for the next year!!!

TrailMakers BlogHop

2010-11-22T08:08:00.000-06:00

You are cordially invited to join us here on December 1st at midnight EST to debut the December Paper Trail Kit. Believe me it is full of absolute GORGEOUSNESS!!!! Each of the Design Team Members will have a DEBUT project to share with you using the kit and a little birdie told me that there will be RAK's at each blog too! Then you will want to race to the Paper Trail to purchase the December Kit, which is pure yumminess, because they will be gone quick as a wink!!! The blog hop will last until December 4th at 11pm EST and then RAK's will be pulled on December 5th and announced!!! Are you ready to get your hop on?

Exciting News!!!!

2010-11-16T20:21:00.000-06:00

I made the design team for Scrap the Moments challenge blog and I am so excited!!!

These are the other girls I will be working with and I am so excited because they are all so talented.

Meridy Twilling

Sarah Nancarrow

Carrie Walz

Laurie Leahey

Emily Combs

Mary Pat Siehl

Catherine Oakley

Angela Hathikhanavala

So be watching for our very 1st challenge...

Join me for some Mouthwatering fun!!!

2010-11-15T18:57:00.000-06:00

TrailMakers challenge is all about food this month! We are incorporating anything food and recipe related this time. Maybe you are working on a family cookbook, or you still haven't scrapped your Thanksgiving layouts from last year, or maybe you give food gifts to your friends for the Holidays and you create pretty packaging for your containers. Whatever it is we want to see it this month.

Because we do have a holiday this month this challenge will go for the entire month this time. You will have until Saturday, November 27th to submit your project to Mr. Linky at TrailMakers .

As a special surprise - our kit store, The Paper Trail, will be giving away a prize valued at approx. $15 to one lucky participant this month if we have at least 10 participants! If we do get at least 10 challenge participants, I will randomly choose someone to receive a package containing Pink Paislee's Parisian Anthology Elements and the Alphabet as well. These go PERFECTLY with our November Vintage Family kit which is on sale in the store.

Now who wouldn't want to win these, especially if you have bought the Vintage Family kit from The Paper Trail store... this kit is awesome for those old family photos you have been waiting to scrap!!!

MOUTHWATERING!!

2010-11-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

So this week's challenge at TrailMakers is one of my favorite subjects... FOOD!!! I love good food, any type, American, Mexican, Chinese, Sweets(my fav)... and the good thing is my hubby LOVES to cook and I have to admit I am pretty good guinea pig for him to try new recipes out on.

One of my all time favorite recipes that we cook together is LOADED POTATO SOUP... I wait all year for the cool weather (I don't eat soup when it is hot outside) to get here just so we can make this.

For this yummy layout I used Moxie Joys of Baking paper and alphas and a ScribbleScrabble Sweet n Sour die cut and I printed out the ingredients from my computer (hate my handwriting). And I just realized I didn't actually list what you do, but basically mix everything together except the cheese and sour cream and bring to a boil then add the cheese and sour cream.

Also new at the Paper Trail store is our kit club and I have to say it is pretty awesome, you can do a month at a time or 6 months subscriptions. This is the Vintage Family kit for November

and it is in short supply so be sure to grab it up. I think it is perfect for vintage photos since it is full of MME and Pink Paislee.

Here is a layout I did using the kit

More Scrappiness

2010-11-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

So here is another layout, yes that is 2 in a day!!! This is for Sketchy Thursdays challenge, they provide a sketch and you run with it, here is the sketch for this week

And here is my interpretation of it, I have been dying to scrap the ultrasound pics from the day we found out what the twins were gonna be, 2 boys by the way... Shelli just is 20 weeks now so we are 1/2 to holding these peas in person!!! I can't wait to spoil my nephews rotten!!!

Scrappiness

2010-11-06T19:10:00.001-05:00

Well I have been a busy little bee last nite and today in my scrap room, which is pretty good for me cause here lately I haven't spent near enough time in there.

First off I did this layout for Ch{all}engeMasters impromtu challenge, where we had to use the word Thankful, a tree, 10 embellies and one photo, which I used from a quick trip we made a couple of weeks ago to High Falls Park and Buck's Pocket

This layout also qualifies for Creative Scrappers, Sketch #128 , it shows a 12" photo, but I love this 8" x10" because it shows of the paper and it is the 1st time I have every used anything larger than 5" x 7". Now I will have to start printing bigger pics because I love how this turned out!!

2010-10-25T07:53:00.000-05:00

Hey ladies....this week at TrailMakers we are asking you to be extra creative by using Halloween papers to showcase a layout that isn't Halloween. Now you might think I cheated because my pics are of a black cat, but I didn't, in fact we have 2 black cats in our house, Blackie is our adopted cat, that came with our house and we also have a Spook that has been with me for 11 years.
Scribble Scrabble's Jeepers Creepers line was perfect for this layout, I used the I Want Candy stripe for my background, Spooky Sampler for the purple background and one thing I love about these papers is the extra strip at the bottom is printed on one side so you can use it like I did on my layout. I also used a flourish and journal card from the Sentiments punchout sheet, threw in a little black cardstock for my photo mats and some Pink Paislee glitter chipboard alphas.
Be sure and check out the Paper Trails store because we have an awesome sale going to help us get ready for some BIG changes on Nov. 1st!!!

BANNER Challenge

2010-10-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

Banners seem to be a popular design technique and this was a perfect challenge for me to show some off with pictures from my 40th birthday crop. I was lucky enough to be able to spend my birthday weekend with some of my scrappy friends and we had a blast, lots of junk food, staying up late and tons of laughing!!!

I decided on a two-page layout because I wanted to use several pictures, which I had printed wallet size-9 to a page and I loosely used a sketch by Allison Davis. Creative Imaginations Piece of Cake line was perfect for this celebration, the bright colors were so much fun. I used bright green cardstock from my stash to help show off the fun design of these papers. I made my banners from cutting diamond shapes in half (from the balloon animals pattern paper in the line) and adding some rub-on letters. I pop-dotted the cake and blinged it upadding stickles to the candles and using Liquid Applique to look like icing. I added some journaling blocks from my stash to document the weekend.

Be sure to join us at TrailMakers for the Banner Challenge, we would love to see what you come up with!!

TOP 10 LISTS

2010-09-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

This weeks challenge over at TrailMakers is TOP 10 list and I pondered over what to do with this challenge, I could list 10 things about me(done that) or I could list 10 things about my hubby(that's another project) so I decided to list my Top 10 songs on my Ipod and I will warn you it is a pretty eclectic mix of music from Top 40, country, rock, rap, christian rap and christian Top 40, let's just say I like most genres of music.

For this layout I used Haley's Collection-Berry Parfait by Scribble Scrabble (which is on sale at Paper Trail) for my background and Henry's Brilliance Writing 101 by Nikki Sivlis (also on sale) for my list, threw a Jenny Bowlin journal card and some bingo buttons to finish it off. I stamped my Top 10 favorites and used rubons and tiny alphas on my list page.

Be sure to join us this week because it is a prize week and the whole store is ON SALE cause we have some changes coming!!

Back to School

2010-09-13T17:17:00.001-05:00

with TrailMakers and this week's challenge is to use school related papers, embellies, etc. Well those who know me, not having kids, could have made this challenge pretty tough.... but lucky for me I found these cute pics of my cousin, Thomas, and his 1st day of preschool. this goes to show that you can scrap whatever you want and I love scrapping my baby cousins!! I get cute pics and don't have to deal with crying!! That is a pretty good deal don't ya think?? :)

Henry's Brillance by Nikki Sivils is perfect for those back to school layouts. The ruler background is is Henry's Rule and the strip rulers, stars and journal card are the Cutie Cut-ups. Of course I used Thickers (obsessed with these) and Tiny Type letters for my title.

Be sure to head over to TrailMakers and enter your layout, which we have changed to a bi-weekly challenge, so now you have 2 weeks to enter...what are you waiting for get busy scrapping those back to school pics!!!

Don't ever forget...

2010-09-11T09:18:00.000-05:00

I remember... prayers to all who were affected by this day in history.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks

2010-08-31T07:21:00.000-05:00

I have spent the last 2 weekends at crops and while I have had a great time I am ready for a little non-crop weekend. I did manage to get about 20 layouts done while away though.

I am a day later with this but here is a layout I did for TrailMakers challenge this week of using 4-6 photos on a page, which I love to do because more pics help define the moments better sometimes. This LO is of a new tradition that we have started with our neice, Paige and nephew, Kyle so we can spend some quality time with them.

I used a hodge podge of leftovers this week, some Basic Grey Capella background paper, Little Yellow Bicycle Fresh Clothesline and Rusted Sun by Fancy Pants along with my favorite scrappy thing right now...THICKERS.... and you can find all these things here

Join us this week and show us your LO using 4-6 photos, you never know when there might be a prize involved and plus you will get something done!!!

I will post more about my past couple of weekends this week, hopefully!! :)

Sketch Challenge

2010-08-23T14:42:00.001-05:00

Here is my take on the Sketch challenge this week at TrailMakers...

I love to use sketches and sometimes I am very literal and copy them right down to the tiniest embellishment and other times I loosely copy them, but that is the great thing about them - you can interpret them however you like.

As I was digging through pictures, I ran across these beach pictures and knew they were perfect for the Fancy Pants Rusted Sun papers and this sketch challenge. The sun and beach ball I cut using my Slice Seasons cartridge and I outlined both with Stickles. The title was made with Jillibean Soup white corrugated alphas that I sprayed with GlimmerMist.

I just have gotten back home after a weekend celebration for one (of many) of my favorite scrap stores, Sweet Memories, so I will be posting pics later in the week.

Busy Bees

2010-08-16T06:29:00.000-05:00

This week is Butterflies, Birds and Bees challenge at TrailMakers and the challenge is to use butterflies, bees and/or birds in your layout. I used some bee pics that the hubs took (wish I could take credit) of the bees in our backyard, they love our wildflower garden.

I used Little Yellow Bicyle Clothesline papers, and punched the butterflies with my Martha Stewart punch, the title are some Thickers (love these) from my stash and I also used some stickles to outline the flowers and liquid pearls on the squiggles under the butterflies.

Be sure to check the other great layouts from the DT this week on the blog

Have a great week!!!

Circle Challenge

2010-08-09T07:17:00.000-05:00

This week is Shape week at TrailMakers and we had to use circles on our layouts, here is what I came up with...

I love this paper from Little Yellow Bicycle and knew these pics from Mother's Day were perfect for it. The large circle is a chipboard shape from Close To My Heart that I stamped with flowers, the scallop border (I cut 1 1/2" circles and overlapped them) and journal flower were cut with my Slice.

You have until Saturday to make you entry, so be sure to join in on the fun and get some pages done too!!

Hope everyone has a Happy Monday!!!

(paper)TrailMakers challeng blog

2010-08-02T06:51:00.000-05:00

So most everyone knows I recently made a new Design Team for TrailMakers, well yesterday was the start of our very 1st challenge, a RECIPE challenge using the name:

RECIPE:

Tag
Ribbon
Alphabet
Ink
Lace

Markers (for coloring, journaling, etc.)
Acrylic accents
Kraft cardstock
Eyelets
Rubons
Stitching (machine, hand, or faux!)

Go check it out and challenge yourself to use all 11 items and you might win an extra special prize, but definitley try to use at least 3 of the items. Here is my layout, I used:

R-ribbon & rub ons
L-lace
I-ink
T-tag
K-kraft paper cardstock
M-marker

Have fun and be sure to check out next week's challenge!!

Wanna win some scrappy goodies???

2010-07-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

Well I know you do and here is how you do it...

As most of you know I recently made the design team for a new challenge blog called TrailMakers and we go live on August 1st with our first challenge so be sure to check back, but in the meantime check out the blog this week because the DT are being introduced-my day is tomorrow-so stop by and show me some love :) AND if you become a follower and mention me "SavannaLea" in the comments you will be entered for a prize (and me too)... the best part the more people you get to follow us the more prizes are given:

***if we have 50 followers by the time we post our first challenge on Sunday, August, 1st - we will choose ONE winner.

*** if we have 75 followers by the time we post our first challenge, we will choose TWO winners!!
*** And if we pass 100 followers - we will choose THREE winners!!!!

I need all my friends to tell their friends to become a follower of TrailMakers and don't forget to mention me "SavannaLea"

Thanks

Scrapfit WO #24

2010-07-23T19:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a layout I did today for Scrapfit workout # 24 "freestyle relay" where we were to scraplift one of the DT layouts and I chose Jodi's layout from workout #21. And I just found out they are looking for another DT member, so I think I will throw my name in the mix!!
I love this pic we took Mothers Day weekend and as I was digging thru my stash ran across this Fancy Pants papers and overlay and knew it was perfect.

Scrapbook Chicks July Kit

2010-07-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

check out this scrappy goodiness from Scrapbook Chicks this month. This kit is fully of Bo Bunny, Lily Bee and MME, plus chick mix and tiny alphas... all for the low price of $19.99 with shipping!!!! and you can add the extra cardstock for $2 ande get 8 pages completed!!! Here are the layout I did using the kit and I still have lots of extras left that I have big plans for...

Exciting News

2010-07-08T18:51:00.001-05:00

I found out today that I made it!!! I am on the Design Team for a new challenge blog called TrailMakers and I am so excited to be a part of it. Trail Makers also has an online store that offers things you won't see in your typical box stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels, so be sure to check it out.

Here are the layouts I did...
We were given a basic sketch to interpret and that is the Here and Now layout, the Play Time layout had to show our fave color, chipboard, ribbon and some bling.

Be watching the blog because we will be introducing all the DT members in the next few weeks and the 1st challenge will post on August 1st!!!

More Scrappiness

2010-07-07T07:41:00.000-05:00

So I did get a chance to scrap over the long weekend and finished up a couple of layouts...

This layout is for Sketchy Thursdays about my dad, who had an article written about him in Montgomery Magazine, I am guessing this is where some of my craftiness comes from :)

I have some more to post that I did for a Design Team submission, but will wait till I hear if I make it or not.... say a few prayers, I haven't done too well with my submissions lately, so maybe this will be the one..

July 4th...

2010-07-07T07:36:00.000-05:00

Well it is summer here, we have had over 20 days of above 90 degrees, but did get a little break over July 4th weekend... we invited David's parents to go with us to Veterans to see the fireworks and while they were good, getting out of the parking lot left a lot to be desired... Let's all remember those who fought so we have the freedom to go an see a fireworks show!!

Whole lot of scrappin' going on....

2010-06-28T20:19:00.000-05:00

Since I was lucky enough to crop a little this weekend at TSP, I got several challenge layouts done...

First off is Workout #22 for ScrapFit where we needed to a LO with 5-10 pics, so I found these pics of me with my dad when I was just a wee girlie and knew they were perfect for some MME papers I found rummaging thru my paper stack and I got my inspiration from a sketch I found while blog stalking but didn't get the info for proper recognition (sorry)

Next is a LO for Sketchy Thursdays I did with some leftover Echo Park, Sweet Summertime paper (BTW, I am loving this line of paper and they have another line called Walk in the Park that is awesome!!) These pics were taken on Mothers Day during our trip to Noccalula Falls

And last, but certainly not least is another LO for Sassy Lil' Sketches and I used Cosmo Cricket Delovely papers for it, I love the bright, sunny colors from this line,

I caught this bee working on this flower while we were at Callaway Gardens over Memorial Day.

So you can see I have been a busy little bee (hehe) and still have lots of ideas running in my head for a few more challenges...

Back again

2010-06-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

with another layout challenge from TAAFOMFT about your favorite toy and I found this picture of me with my Shirley Temple (without the pin curls) doll, I guess I was around 6 years old.

I used the sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches design team challenge, and was waiting till they announced the new team before I posted, alas I didn't make it :( but be sure to check them out every 7ht, 14, 21st and 28th of the month for a new challenge. I know the new DT Sassie will offer tons of inspiration!!

Scrapbook Chicks has changed things up a bit with their kit club and now they offer a less expensive kit for $20 because we heard everybody saying they didn't have the money to spend, so you still get tons of great goodies to do several pages and cards with. We have also started a new page kit that I got work to with this month from the Cosmo Cricket Delovely line (loving the bright colors of this one), I got enough product to make a double layout and 2 cards with and still have enough scraps for another page and cards.

I did get to go crop this weekend at The Scrapbook Princess and will be posting a few more layouts... TTFN

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

I LOVE SKETCHES

2010-06-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

So I have a new found love for sketches when I am scrapping. It all started with a Page Maps book I bought at The Scrapbook Princess yard sale back in April, and now I have found all these great places to find sketches, like Sketchy Thursdays , Sassy Lil' Sketches and Creative Scrappers . I am sure there tons more that I haven't found yet, if you know of any good ones leave me a comment :)

Here is my latest layout using the sketch from Sketchy Thursdays , I am pretty literal when it comes to these but I am sure the more I do I will start to add a few more personal touches, but not bad?? I did this layout using Cosmo Cricket Delovely papers, this is my MIL with her 2 sons (my hubs is in the Beat Texas shirt)

More scrappiness to come....

Another challenge..

2010-06-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

So I have been working on this challenge, for the chance to be a guest designer for ScrapFit. This was a mini workout (#2) to create a tag...

check back with me cause I am working on another
one of their "workouts" and a few other things too!!

off to work I go....

More scrappy goods....

2010-06-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

I have been on roll lately.... I have gotten the bug to expand my scrap horizons and start doing more challenges, one I get some pages done and it gets me out of my comfort zone with scrap stuff. Sometimes I tend to get in the my layouts aren't good enough thoughts, although I am sure everyone has this problem, but trying new challenges helps me evolve my scrap style, it is still essentially mine, but now it might have a new twist to it..

In my blog stalking (hehe) I have come across another really cool scrap challenge site called, These Are a Few of My Favorite Things, and this months challenge was "favorite" shoes..... for me I have a new obsession for Yellow Box flip flops, maybe it is the scrapper in me, but I just love all the colors you can get in these babies!!!

Gotta run, probably will be late for work, but I will post more scrappiness later....

ScrapFit challenge

2010-06-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

So I have found this great site for scrappy challenges, ScrapFit, and decided try it out. The "workout" is to do a layout using machines like cricut, slice, punches, etc. I used my slice and cut the larger snowflakes and used 2 different size snowflake punches for the others on this layout I did of me and my niece, Paige (isn't she a beauty!!)

Gotta head to work... I will post more scrappiness later...

May 14th???? SERIOUSLY???

2010-05-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

Wow the middle of May already....where is the time going??? We sure have been busy lately... scrapbook retreats, National Scrapbook Day, Mother's Day, my dad's birthday....geez, I am ready for a vacation!!! Oh and did I forget to mention we are "training" in the loosest (I realize that probably isn't a word too) since for 5K next weekend, more on that after I actually finish it-LOL!!!

I am making myself a promise to try and update the blog at least once a week, more if possible, with scrappiness going on. I mean we bought this house so I could have a scrap room (and David's "man cave") so I ought to be innudating everybody with creations :)

Here goes... got my Scrapbook Chicks (aka TwoChicksDesigns new website for scrap goodies) May kit and talk about LOVE... Dear Lizzy, Thickers, Chick Mix, Little Yellow Bicycle...Oh MY!!!

and lucky me got this right before National Scrapbook Day and I was gonna be scrapping away with my favorite LSS The Scrapbook Princes at a "Garden Party" to celebrate NSD.... and here are some of the layouts I did...

SIX layouts and one card and I still have TONS of paper and embellies left, so my goal (and challenge) for this month is to try and use all of my kit up, so needless to say I am gonna be busy scrapbooking, but that's not a bad thing!!

And one more cool thing.... if you sign up for the Kit Club this month and mention my name in the comments along with your favorite color you get a free CHICK MIX with your kit, now what more could you ask for?? And knowing the "Chief Chick" like I do, she is known to throw extra goodies from time to time too!!

A few scrappy layouts

2010-04-29T07:14:00.001-05:00

OKay.... so I have gotten back from my weekend of scrappiness at The Red Rooster, which is an incredible place and I really need to devote an entire post to them-LOL... but twice a year my scrappy friend Sandy hosts a retreat here and it is AWESOME, 3 1/2 days of nothing by scrap time, good food and great fun!! Now I didn't get near the pages done I should have with 3 1/2 days of scrap time, but in the end did do 15 pages, which is 15 more than I had so it is a win!!

Here are a few of my layouts, I still have journaling to add to the others :)
a couple of Christmas layouts

my niece Paige (in the green) and her cousin Mylie

this is a layout I did for The Scrapbook Princess April Layout challenge
done with KI Paisley Parade Papers, Pink Paislee chipboard and a little slice action

BFF's

2010-04-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

So David has a new BFF....

This is Thomas, our cousin and he latched onto David the morning of the party like they had know each other forever, which is funny because it has been such a long time since we have been around them.

Apparently Thomas didn't forget him either because he stuck to him like glue at the party, it was quite funny knowing my husband.

how sweet is this??

SURPRISE!!!

2010-04-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

and was it ever a surprise!!!

We decided to throw my mom a {surprise} party for her 65th birthday and we were so worried she would find out but we pulled it off with great success, except she didn't listen when I told her to wear something nicer than "mom" jeans (LOL) so for her birthday we went shopping and then headed over to my aunt's to see Shannon, Greg and the babies that were in town, so she didn't suspect anything was up thanks to them being here.
Here are a few pics from the afternoon...

we were able to get some good family shots and all of the people in her office came too

PK took care of all the food and cake.... Gumbo bar and strawberry cake-YUMMY!!!

More scrappiness

2010-03-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

which is a good thing cause it gets me in my room and using stuff, so then I can buy more stuff, vicious cycle I know- :)

Here is what has been happenin' in the Carson craft room...

I have entered another DT contest for Timeless Daydreams, a great scrappy site for those interested. The challenges have been based on March Madness (which my bracket was HORRIBLE this year), I made it thru the first round and this is my second round layout. We had to use TIME in our title, have a compass in the layout and use the journaling prompt "If I could turn back time" and yes look at all the journaling-LOL

Here is another layout from my Two Chicks April Kit-this an awesome Kit Club, I always have plenty of leftovers after doing at least 3 pages and several cards.

And last but definitely not least, my favorite LSS, The Scrapbook Princess has started doing monthly challenges and this month (Women's History Month) was to scrapbook about a woman you admired, so I did my Granny. She has gone on to live in heaven and I really miss her, she was the most courageous, sweet, giving, loving person I know and I would give anything if I could have one more day with her. This layout was done with the new Bella Blvd Estate Sale line and it is awfully cute paper.

That is it for now... things are pretty hectic around here, softball is in full swing, my hours have changed at work and we are headed to Montgomery for Easter and my mom's birthday this weekend. It is about time for a me-cation, I need some time for myself!!!

Sure doesn't feel like spring

2010-03-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

Feels more like January, it is cold and dreary, but that does mean I have been busy in the scrap room. Lots going on in the scrappy world for me that is keeping me busy....

1st is Two Chicks Chik n' Coop, I have just finished 2 layouts with the April kit and still have lots in mind. If you are looking for kit club this it is!!.. You so much for the money, there is enough product to do at least 8-10 layout, plus cards with the scraps and you can add on extras if you like. Be sure to check it out, and while you are there you might see some of the projects I have made, like this one :)

2nd I have entered another DT contest for Timeless Daydreams. I made it to the 1st round and will know if I made it to the 2nd round on Wednesday. We had to choose between 2 different challenges based on March Madness, I choose the "Bracket Science" challenge; we had to use brackets in a new way (not around a word), have 16 circles (represented 16 teams) and use the word "SWEET". Here is the layout I did for it, of my cute baby cousin Laura Preston (all compliments of Two Chicks)

And lastly I have entered 5 layouts for submission to Memory Makers for the possibility of being published!! How awesome would that be??? Can't post pics of those until the notify us at the end of the month. So keep me on your prayer list that good things will come. Well that is it for now... heading back to the scrap room to work on another challenge layout for The Scrapbook Princess and finish up my Two Chicks April kit requirements.

On to real world stuff.... they have changed my schedule again at work, I am not real happy about it, but trying to deal with it and found out some bad news with one of my dear friends that I am also trying to deal with. Just another little request for some prayers to go up... Thanks :)

Scrappy Weekend

2010-03-04T20:04:00.001-06:00

So, I spent last weekend at the "Sweet Retreat" with a whole bunch of great girls!! How much fun can be had with a bunch of woman on sugar and caffeine highs?? TONS, nothing better than relieving the stress of everyday life with a bunch of laughter and good times!!!! For those of you going, HUH??? I was at a scrapbooking retreat last week with a whole bunch of friends and we eat too much candy, drink way too much caffeine and paper and glue stuff together :)

Here are some pics from the weekend, and yes I even did a few layouts along the way...

scrumptious cupcakes.... these were AWESOME!!!

picture of my MIL, Atha working away

my favorite store owner, Paulette

I know that doesn't seem like many layouts for a WHOLE weekend, but I did help teach a class and took a class, that is my excuse anyway-LOL

Been busy

2010-02-24T21:07:00.000-06:00

Wow have I been busy at work and now my schedule is changing no more Friday's off :( I am somewhat bummed but as much as like being off I really didn't like the way my desk piled up while I wasn't there. But good news is I have been spending more time in the scrap room...
I got my Happy Mail from Two Chicks last week and had to get busy on some layouts for DT(design team)... then I have a retreat this weekend with The Scrapbook Princess and Scrapbook Mania that I am teaching ( I would call it teaching-more showing how) a layout and also finishing up a designer kit.

Here are some of the projects from the week......

So I am off to a scrappy retreat on Friday, so I will try to take lots of pics of all the stuff I will get done while I am there... I do have a special project to work, but it's a secret....ssshhhh!!!

2010-02-19T22:31:00.000-06:00

Okay guys, well scrapbookers really.... want to a chance to win some scrappy goodies??

Go check out the Chik'N Coop
It is the Two Chicks Design Team blog, you can learn all about the "Chick-a-dee's" who I am lucky enough to be a part of and while you are at it check out Two Chicks Designs for the latest and greatest in scrappy wear. We have an awesome kit club, and rumor has it, they are about to expand the scrappy supplies too.

Valentines....

2010-02-14T21:36:00.001-06:00

So we spent Valentine's at my parents hooking up a printer and eating some good food.... but I threw this together for 2 different layout challenges after getting back home. This is my niece, Paige, and her boyfriend Bonner. Young love is so sweet...

(Papers and embellies are from the Scrapbook Princess, puffy white letters are Thickers from my stash and I used my cricut for the heart around the picture and my slice (handwritten fonts-from SP) for "young")

Snow Part 2

2010-02-12T20:55:00.000-06:00

So finally....about 10:30am it starts snowing and finally stopped about 6pm... it was so pretty, although it didn't really stick around. Still got a couple of good shots and I am happy I saw some snow...now onto Spring Time... I ready to see flowers blooming and green grass.

Stay Tuned...

2010-02-12T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am trying to add some new stuff to my blog so stay tuned... it could take a while seeing as I am not a computer geek and most of what I do is by trial and error, well mostly error :)

Also....today is supposed to be a SNOW day...and as of 9am-nothing, NADA!!! They say it is coming, probably within the next hour... we will see LOL!!!

Woo-Hoo....I made it!!!

2010-02-02T17:25:00.000-06:00

OMG!!!! Can you believe it...nope me neither, but it happened...

I am officially a Design Team member for Two Chicks Designs!!!

WOO-HOO!!!

Last one...

2010-01-24T17:32:00.001-06:00

So here it is.... my last Design Team challenge and boy was it a tough one. We had to make an album on why we wanted to be a designer, which meant more journal
I tried to take a fun outlook when I did this, because this is the first time I have EVER considered putting my designs on display for everyone to see. Now if you wondering why there is a chicken on the front, the design team if for Two Chicks Designs, so it was a little play on words hoping to get their attention. I have submitted the final entry and now it is just wait and see what happens, but I am crossing my fingers that I might make it :) but if not, it has been a great experience and got me back into my scrap room, which has been greatly needed!!

So I have no idea why the last picture rotated and I have no idea how to fix it... it was rotated before I put it here, so go figure...

Been busy in the scrap room...

2010-01-13T19:56:00.000-06:00

Wow, I have been really busy/productive in my scrap room lately, the following items were done between Sunday nite and Tuesday nite.

For whatever reason, I decided, like 6 hours before the deadline, to submit a 2 page layout for the Two Chicks design team challenge. Crazy I know, but I also took on a mini book in a 3 hour time period before too... anyway saw the challenge on facebook and thought, "what the heck", I mean the worse they can tell me is I didn't make it.

So here is my layout, it had to be an "informal resume" about yourself (and those of you who know my scrapbook tendencies (like no journaling ever) that is a heck of alot of journaling isn't it??)

So the next day after submitting this layout, I get an email for Challenge # 2, create 6 cards.... 6 cards!!!! I am not a card maker, I leave that to my MIL, she makes great cards, so seriously I think about calling her and seeing if I can steal some...NO I didn't do that, I sucked it up and made the cards, which was tough-well not too tough, I figured if by some crazy chance I was actually picked I need to be able to think outside the 12" x 12" box I prefer to stay in.

So here are the cards I submitted...

Yea, I keep cards VERY plain and simple since I don't make them often/EVER.

So, say a few prayers for me, it would be a HUGE honor if I do get I asked, because I don't think my pages are all that great, like I am one of those people who wonder after showing something, do others laugh about when I walk out of the room....hee,hee,hee can't believe she used those stickers with that paper.... okay I am nuts and reverting back to high school...

I will keep you posted either way, but at least it does make me get in my scrap room!! And who know I might actually try to submit some more things. :)

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

2010-01-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

This year for Christmas, the Carson's decided to change the venue from my in-laws to a big ol' cabin in the Smoky Mountains.

We surprised my neice and nephew with the trip by making a video with clues about where we might be; Bill wrestling "a bear", me as a hillbilly eating pancakes, and Atha as "Dollie" with David narrating it all, let's just say I have to be sure I have been to the bathroom before watching because it is hilarious !!!! But I don't think any of us would ever make it big as actors- LOL

The kids were really surprised and we all had a great time. We got to see snow, walk the strip in Gatlinburg, eat really good food like chocolate gravy (a Carson Christmas tradition), pancakes and ribs (from Calhoun's are #1), and play pool, air hockey and UNO and of course shop, my favorite pastime.

And we are already in talks for next year's trip....

Wow... Christmas is almost here...

2009-12-14T08:13:00.000-06:00

So 10 days till Christmas Eve....

Why does the time flies by so quick once Thanksgiving gets here, seems like Christmas comes quicker every year... lots has been going on, but I will give a full update soon... just didn't want ya'll to think I had given up on the blog!!!

I hope everybody has a wonderfully, happy and joyous Christmas holiday!!!

hApPy HaLLoWeeN

2009-10-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

We got candy yes we do, 12 bags to be exact and we had about a bag left!!! After the first 25-30 trick-or-treaters I gave up on counting, I figure we had at least 75-100 kids come thru... saw several fairies, a few butterflies, Thomas the Train, Batman and Joker, all kinds of Star Wars characters, a few Transformers, witches and ghosts and various Hannah Montana get-ups, oh and some cowboys and Indians too...
David's parents came down to witness the spectacle and he and his dad are already planning to dress up next year-LOL!!
Here are a few pics from the nite...

Being Crafty...

2009-10-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

so the crafty bug has bitten me... I bought a chipboard banner and this is what I made last week...yea I know it isn't even Halloween yet, but I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I saw it. I cut the MERRY letters using my Cricut ('bout time I put it to use), because my Slice died and had to be shipped back for repair :(
Thanks to the Scrapbook Princess in Odenville for the Maya Road album and Graphic 45 papers, if you get a chance go visit Paulette and Christen!!

sorry for the not so great pictures, we all know who the photographer is in this family and it isn't me!!

Red Rooster Retreat

2009-09-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well....once again I have become a blog slacker. Back the first of August I went on this great scrapbook retreat near Cullman (north of Bham). Now, my fellow scrapper Sandy, has been inviting me to this for like 3 years and it seems like every year something would always conflict with me being able to go.

Atha (mom-in-law) and I finally got there this year and not really knowing what to expect were a bit apprehensive, me especially because
I really despise roosters of any kind, real or decorative and the name of this place kind of heebs me out especially when you drive up there is a 5 ft tall RED rooster greeting you.

Plus, other than Sandy we didn't know anybody else coming but figured we would make some new friends by the time we left, which we did.

First, although I really despise roosters, this place is pretty awesome, the owners live there and pretty much cater to all our needs.
We get a huge room with a table to ourselves for scrapping away
and Atha and I lucked out getting a bedroom and bathroom to ourselves,
sometimes it pays to be a snorer-LOL!!!

Second, the food is INCREDIBLE!!!!
I mean it is worth going just for the food....all home cooked, 3 meals a day and
I don't think there wasn't anything I didn't eat and some things I wish I had ate more of!!!

Third, all the ladies we met were super nice and really made us feel at home
and now we can't wait to head back in April!!

Oh and we all got to spend some time with this cutie-patootie and future scrapbooker, Allie...

Busy, Busy....

2009-08-14T17:57:00.000-05:00

I know I have been a serious slacker when it comes to blogging, I just knew I would have great and witty things to right about all the time and people would be reading my blog, just laughing and thinking what a funny person I am...LOL!!!!

You know for 2 people not to have kids we have been really busy this summer....we started at Memorial Day and really just slowed down...between house projects, travel ball and scrapbook retreats we have been on the go alot more than we had planned that is for sure.

Here are some pics and info from our summer....

We started with some outside projects....finally a gate on one fence and the other closed up..YEA!!! Oh and new screen and trim on the back porch. We also had hopes for siding on the house, but after getting some quotes we will be lucky if it happens by next summer :)
My dear mom-in-law making sure they do it right!!! hahaha

We did take a few days and spent down in Mobile and Biloxi; our first time in a casino and heck no we didn't win big, might have won back what we spent. We really didn't understand the whole slot machine concept at first and after some questioning we will know more when we go back.

And we did go to Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, it was excruciatingly hot, but oh did I get the money shot!!! Yes, I did take this picture!!! David is pretty jealous too...hee-hee

Oh and we have spent several Saturdays at various ballfields watching Paige play softball, not my favorite thing in the world in the heat, but I wouldn't miss seeing her play.

This was the 1st tournament of the year, it was raining buckets and we were all sitting in the car wishing they would call it off!!!

And finally just wrapped up all the goings with a scrapbook retreat at The Red Rooster Inn in Cullman and man what a treat for sure....3 days of nothing but scrapping and great eating!!! Sorry no pics for this since they are on a different card my computer won't read, but take my work for it was great fun, made lots of news friends and can't wait to go back next year!!!

So there it is, our summer in short story form, busy but fun and now I am looking forward to a few weekends of nothing to do, well at least till football starts.

Check this out!!!

2009-05-28T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hey -check out this blog post by Margie -I met her at Wishful Thinking (ScrapEtc event in May) and she's crazy fabulous! So go check it out!! She and her daughters have started this cool kit club - The Girls Loft and are giving away "3" subscriptions. hurry - why are you still here?

Exhausted and Exhilarated...

2009-05-04T13:14:00.000-05:00

all at the same time!!! Just got back to the 'hood after a wonderful experience in Hotlanta, aka "Wishful Thinking", the ScrapEtc event for 2009. It was 3 days of inspiration, full of laughter, a few tears, a little stress and little sleep, with all kinds of great ladies from around the country. It is amazing to me that 100 women (most of whom we don't know) can get together and have such a great time all because we share a passion for scrapbooking. I could probably post a book about this past weekend there was so much going on, but I will spare you the novel and hit the high points along with a few pictures....oh and the hubby's joined us but other than the Braves game, sleeping and an occasional meal they were on their own (that is another post)!!

So here goes....left Wed. for Atlanta, stopped at a couple of scrapbook stores along the way,
rode the Marta (an experience all its own!!)

went to a Braves game (1st ever)

....then Thur. started the fun, here is a very short synopsis

....2 days of classes with 6 teachers and a whole bunch of fun in between!!! Elizabeth Kartchner, Melodee Langworthy, Jenni Bowlin, Gretchen McElven, Margie Romney-Aslett and Jessica Sprague, what a line up....I learned so much and am so ready to get in my scrap room and create....I wonder if David will let me quit my job and just scrapbook all day long??? LOL!!!

my camera battery died during my last 2 classes....so I have to get those pics with Margie and Jessica from my mom-in-law who went with me. I am so lucky to have a MIL that loves to do this with me, so many of the girls were jealous that I get along so good with my MIL!! Oh and I bough a SLICE, which is about the coolest thing since sliced bread...a portable die-cut machine...LOVE IT!!!

I am Amazed

2009-04-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

at how my creativity flows sometimes...as you know I have a passion for scrapbooking and usually I don't think I am as creative as other people, but I have to say since getting my scraproom somewhat organized, all I want to do is create. So here is my latest creation using a page kit from The Scrapbook Princess in Odenville (hey Paulette-hope you like it)

and for the record....this is the 4th layout I have posted for other people to see...shocking I know!!!

SCRAP ETC event

2009-03-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

If you are a scrapper, check this out...a chance to win a free spot at the event in Atlanta, April 30th-May 2nd.

No April Fool's Joke!!!
You can win a FREE space to the Event!
Five of you!

Yes, you read that right!

We are giving away FIVE spaces to the Scrap ETC event!

And we have FIVE ways you can win:

1. Post a comment on the blog.
2. Tell your friends to come and post a comment, and if they do, tell us that they referred you! Both of you will get a chance!
3. Post this contest on your blog---and post a link in the comments!
4. Post a link in the comments to anywhere else online that you have posted about this!
5. Post it on your facebook or twitter status---and let us know that you did!

We will draw the names Thursday morning,April 2nd!

Start posting NOW!

For updates and registration info:
ScrapETCEvent09

If you miss anything, don't worry, you can check it out
at Scrap ETC.com

Carson Cat Family

So I have been a little busy

Failing miserably

WOW.. 2012 is here

9 Years...

Spooky cuteness!!!

Sketchy Thursdays

I'm Back.... Finally

Slacker, Slacker, Slacker....

TrailMakers Sketch Re-run

Re-run # 2 at TrailMakers

TrailMakers and Banners

and another one...

Another favorite sketch site

and another one....

Sketchy Thursdays

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Finally, a little scrapiness

My how they have grown

Happy Birthday

Creative Scrappers # 150

TrailMakers

Sketchy Thursdays

LOOKEE what I got

KAMRYN

Shocking

Bo Bunny

More of the newest Carson family members

Babies, Babies and Babies

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Finally....

Can't get enough

THEY ARE HERE!!!!

Tea for Two

SNOW FUN!!

Here's another one..

More challenges

1st layout of the year

WAR EAGLE!!!!

Handmade Embellies

Away with the old and in with the New

The Paper Trail JANUARY kit

TAGS

DecOrAte...

Blog Hop RAK Winner is.....

Christmas Blog Hop

Scrap the Moments 1st Challenge....

TrailMakers BlogHop

Exciting News!!!!

Join me for some Mouthwatering fun!!!

MOUTHWATERING!!

More Scrappiness

Scrappiness

BANNER Challenge

TOP 10 LISTS

Back to School

Don't ever forget...

It has been a crazy couple of weeks

Sketch Challenge

Busy Bees

Circle Challenge

(paper)TrailMakers challeng blog

Wanna win some scrappy goodies???

Scrapfit WO #24

Scrapbook Chicks July Kit

Exciting News

More Scrappiness

July 4th...

Whole lot of scrappin' going on....

Back again

I LOVE SKETCHES

Another challenge..

More scrappy goods....

ScrapFit challenge

May 14th???? SERIOUSLY???

A few scrappy layouts

BFF's

SURPRISE!!!

More scrappiness

Sure doesn't feel like spring