Memories from 2010

Some funny, sad,happy and memorable moments from my 2010.
Jan. Learned a hard lesson about trust
Feb Learned to stand on my own two feet
March Sea World get away with just Troy
April Young family came to visit from Ohio
May My gray hairs are getting much worse
June Saw a 4D unltrasound of my nephew
July getting lexi ready for new school, and Troy for his Senior Year
August Schools in...learning Ive got no patience for am drop off
Sept Labor Day my nephew is born Clay Allen Mathews
Oct My son turns 18...reality of my age sitting in.(holy shit im old)
November My bday-another old age reminder,Went back to school after 20 yrs
December im not a good "umemployed"person...the boredom kicked in. Holidays...hmm not as fun this year(no job = no $). Looking forward to a NEW YEAR....NEW START

Peek at the Dalton Christmas

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to everyone. i know my kiddos made out pretty darn good.

rescheduled....

New test date after the holidays. Blah dont even want to think about it until after the New Year.

Well we have offically finsihed Christmas shopping for the kids,nephew, and lil something for moms and sis in law. The mall was pretty crazy but glad we went early. Even got to pick out my gifts fromt he hubs...lots of yummy Bath and Body Works products and 2 new shirts and a pair of capri dressy pants. Pretty sweet.
We finally pulled out one family tradition tonight and went together and looked at Christmas lights all over town. Then topped it off with holiday milk shakes. yummy ( so paying for that later). Tomorrow getting the food and cookie stuff. The kids and I will make sugar cookies(tradition #2) in the afternoon and then after dinner they will get to open one gift that is marked under the tree. Their xmas jammies they get every year!
I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and would love to hear of anyone elses traditions.

Lexi K. self portraits

This free photo collage made with Smilebox

Tomorrow is D Day

Tomorrow is my Fl Real Estate Exam....they say only 60% pass it the first time. Those arent great odds! Ive studied so much im thinking I will forget it all. The formulas are my down fall. If I have them in front of me its no owrries I can do the math. Some of the laws im a bit sketchy on but most im good to go. Say a Pray for me -----this would be a AWESOME christmas gift for myself I tell ya just to know ive accomplished it is HUGE. Since being laid off my self esteem has been in the crapper(for lack of a better term) and a boost to the ole ego would be awesome.Well im saying prayers and hoping for a Christmas miracle.

Your all Invited.....

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Getting ready for Dessert Party

Getting the recipes all lines up, decorations in place, cleaning to be done. Then cooking tomorrow most of the things. Cheescakes cookies,Raspberry Pate jellies,Peppermint Fudge, and Lexi K is making White chocolate cupcake with Peppermint icing. Then the Chocolate fondue since Miss Kianna is dying to have some. I will post pics along the way and share recipes if they all turn out well. LOL How are you getting ready for the Holidays? Parties, Family coming to town or are you traveling for the holidays???? Any traditions to share?

Quick Christmas Tour of our home.

Ive got a much smaller tree than normal this year but we went with a theme of turquiose,mint green, and purple and silver. Turned out pretty good. My christmas village is placed along our bar between livingroom and kitchen. I bought a cheap little pine tree that was at a thift store last year for 1.00 and made flowers,ribbon swirls, and a few cinnamon sticks and a strand a lights and it turned out pretty darn good for maybe 4$ total.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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Got my Real Estate Classes Complete

Real Estate classes complete and passed exam with 89%. Whoot Whoot!!
Now for the big state exam in 2 wks.
Still looking for another job and just havent found anything that really seems to be for ME! I keep praying and looking for that job that is just perfect a perfect fit, great people,good pay, and freedom to sell real estate as well. Im hitting the pavement again this week to see what I can find.

Fabric Flower Tutorial

I tried to do a step by step photo tutorial....keep in mind im using a crap camers so they arent detailed.

Thanksgiving Day...

Im sitting here this evening after a day of being surrounded by my family thingking how lucky I am. I am thankful for each and every family member in my life and the friends who are like family. Even though things are perfect in our lives at this time....I am still thankful for everything we DO have. Take this day to be reminded of each and everything we are thankful for.

Prima Product Picks

Wanted to share this bit of lushious color and yummy flowers from Prima that I found over AngelicaScrappenings please go have a look see. She is also a AMAZING scrapbook artist and has some gorgeous pages to share and tutorials

Neglected my blog :-(

Sorry everyone ive been offline in the "blog world" for so long. Ive had alot of stuff not so good kind of stuff happening in my life. Learning to roll with the punches a bit and picking up the pieces. Ive been digging pretty deep since losing my job trying to figure out what do I really want to do? What kind of job would make me happy? Still have time for my family and be make me feel accomplished in some small way. At any rate im still working on most of those points but making some progress and moving in the right direction I think.
I havent scrapped in over 2 wks- Ive really not felt creative for even a moment. Well ok a moment but not long enough to get to the other side of the house to the scrap room. Yes, its really that bad. Ive decided to stop feeling this way and try to use scrapping to be an outlet for the stressers Ive got going on right now. Im going to get in there this weekend but because ive got a secret project in the works I honestly dont have much spare time for myself. But even 30 minutes a day is my goal. Im going to share a few new things ive found online I want to scraplift.
Hang in there with me.

In a FUNK

Well after my sons 18th bday and the long weekend....its official im in a FUNK. No creative mojo what so ever right now. My SIS lost her grandma this weekend and its made some things resurface for me on losing one of mine. Between that and being unemployed for the first time in ohhh 15 yrs or so. Have faith I will over come and re emerged.

Ive entered the world of the "Unemployed"

I am now one of the several millions who has lost their jobs due to the recession, real estate market in my case. Of course its a HUGE financial burden but most of us dont think of the other effects losing your job can cause. Loss of self worth, confidence, depression, embarrassment, shame, etc. For now im revamping the old resume and putting some feelers out and maybe looking into something totally different who knows what I can find if anything anytime soon. I pray I can get unemployment to subsidize my income until I can get a new job. So BRIGHT SIDE????
Maybe more time for soul searching, finding ME again, figuring out what I want to do,and maybe some more time in my scrap room.

Tons of Halloween fun.

Ive found so many wonderful homemade ideas for Halloween and just dont have enough time to try them all....here are a few of my faves. Most came from here

Saturdays..

Usually im scrapping in the evening at least on Saturday and trying to share new ideas or lo with everyone. Today ive gone shopping with my kid looking for golf clubs for his 18th bday he is having next Sat. Followed by a nap and now im feeling useless....nap bad idea for productivity!
Going to see my lil man Clays at some point tomorrow and scrapping and sharing I promise. One of clays recent pics with his gorgeous mommy..chubby butt is 13lbs.

Blog Hop...Follow Me Friday

My two teens Layout

Im sure "most" teenagers that are as close in age as mine (18mths) dont really like each other on most days. Soooo that being said getting a good picture of them together takes a serious miracle! I love this picture.
I used alot of different elements on this page. I painted photo mats, used stickers from two different types, used a hambly transparency. Nothing lumpy or bumpy just really wanted to focus on they actually looked like loving brother and sister playing and enjoying one another.
Hope you enjoy.....

Yummy fabric haul

I went to JoAnn's yesterday and really scored all remenats were 50% off. That means I can buy twice as many lol. Also found some ribbon just like this Prima ribbon but in solid colors for $4.99 a yard. Need to check it out!!!

Manic Monday

So tired this morning im seriously dragging butt. Got to babysit my nephew on Saturday ( so no time to scrap) he is so precious. Then Saturday night spent in front of the football games with my hubby abd fnished getting him packed. He left yesterday for his 3 wk biz trip. So the kids and I went back out to help with clay or a few hrs.
Busy but non productive weekend.

Great Fabric Flower Tutorial

Found a super cool new fabric flower to try to make. Check out this blog Sew in love she creates some amazing things

Weekend Blog Hop....Join in the fun

Hop by and enjoy meetin new bloggers and seeing what they are up too. Ive found many blogs this way that im now following on a regular basis. Come Along Enjoy the FUN!!!
AFTER ALL ITS FRIDAY!!!!!

Winner of Sept. Challenge

Winner of the September Challenge for Melodys Scrapbook World
Hiya everyone ;)

We have a winner for the September Challenge ;)

The winner is Karen Keiper

Please send me your email address and i will contact Ideal papercraft and let them know you have won this months challenge ;)

Congratulations Karen :)

tc from mel ;)

Sorry its been a few days

Ive been sick since Saturday and really havent done anything but link up to a few blog hops. My kids have had this nasty head cold for a few wks back and forth and it seems they finally gave it to mom. I will admit im got a TON of sleep which I needed with all the traveling hubby has been doing I havent slept well.
Ive been reading several blogs and trying to learn alittle more about how to capture followers and ranking. So ive got to start doing this daily and that is my first goal. Even if I dont have any scrappy things to share ( like tonight) I will try to come up with something fun to say.

Tutorial on Homemade Flourishes

Well for Sharing Saturday here is another video. Im sure everybody loves BLING right? Flourishes right? And we love those gorgeous Prima creations but at $4-$6 a pop it gets pricey quick if your like me. So after someone mentioned on a forum making them_ I thought shoot I can do that. So I used my prima,recollections, or whatever type bling you have and flip it over and created my own using the pattern. The puffy paint works best I think, stickles does to but again a bit pricey to use it on this. The metallics are great and the silver and gold glitter really look like the rhinestones on LO's. I hope you can get the just of it on this tutorial its a bit long.

Rolled Ribbon Rose Tutorial

Here is another quick flower tutorial. These can be made with fabric,lace, or ribbon and even paper. Hope you enjoy

New Board Book creation

This is what ive been working on this weekend. This Boardbook for my little nephew Clay Allen. Ive not decided how I want to bind it just yet....d-rings,ribbons??who knows. Still need some touchs but its shaping up well,

Its been awhile..sorry

We have had a whirlwind of a week. My MIL was in the hospital in Ohio and awiting some pretty heavy test results. So weve been on pins and needles. Havent even been on the computer much this weekend trying to get updates, be updated and so on. I did however hide out in my scrap room for some scrap therapy. I havent taken pictures yet and will get on that in the next several days. Sorry...

Rolled Flowers Necklace

Wow...so ladies are super creafty I tell ya. One of the blogs I lurk on daily Craftaholics Anonymous has posted this adorable necklace and a link over to the Etsy shop she found it on. I have found many many yummy little things on Etsy and tons of ideas I have "borrowed" lets say. Go check it out.
Also, I started a BoBunny boardbook last night of my nephew....will be my weekend project. I might try a tutorial on it too! Dont forget the Blog Hop tomorrow she post below for details

Blog Hop Sept 25-26 at Creative Scrapbook Divas

Check it out here and if you sign up note somewhere you saw it on my blog please.

Hump Day already....

Wow im a slacker for sure. I cant believe its been four days since I last posted.
I was super busy getting my dh ready for his 2 wks business trip and getting all the kids activites for the week lined up and worked out. Yesterday I got to watch my son for the first time at one of his Golf Tournaments and he played his best ever.(I think I was his good luck charm) Very very proud of his determination and skill with this game and sticking with it even though his coach sucks(he is basketball coach at school and only plays golf like twice a year). He lieaves frustrated many days but keeps on trucking. Lexi has been looking for a part time job steady since June and still nothing. She is getting frustrated with the whole process but still out there and thats what counts.
I will be locking myself in my scraproom this weekend and doing some more videos. So look for the post

Prima like Cabbage Rose Tutorial

Got to spend time with my nephew....

Last night I was able to go visit lil man Clay and he has grown in the six days ive not seen him. Of course he was spleeping when I got there so I caught up on Dawn and Craig and the dr's reports on little clay man. Who has gained 1 lbs since he left hospital. After he nursed and had a full belyy he was in the "milk coma" they call it. He is just laid back, all chill, and eyes wide open checking out the world. I sure wish my Maw Maw was here to seem him and see how much he looks like her "Craigy" and what a good man and father he has become. She loved babies and was always so happy when a new one was born into our family. We have a cradle that was made like 27 yrs ago that most grandkids, and all the great grandkids have slept in and now it in Clays room just waiting for him to grow alittle. Its amazing how much ive thought of those weve lost since his birth. I hope he got alittle bit of MawMaw and Uncle Jims souls from god. I look forward to everyday with this little guy and plan to be his favorite aunt.

Scrapbook LO of Forever Friends

These two girls and myself were high school besties. Cheryl and I met in middle school and then Sophomore year Kerri was in the group. Of course college, marriage, life got in the way and we had lost touch for yrs and yrs. Then we found each other on Facebook again and the following year we were meeting again at our 20th High School reunion.Crazy enough Cheryl and I are still in the same town and havent ever ran into one another since 1992 when I was pregnant with my son. I got several good picture at the reunion but this one means the most to me.
I used some Hambly paper that I wet the edges and smooshed them. Added some handmade flowers that matched our tops in the pic. Created a large flourish and inked edges also making title from thickers I inked them as well. Was a fun quick LO. Hope you enjoy.

My creative juices were flowing yesterday.

First im sharing a LO of my former self at 18 ( gasp that was a loonngg time ago folks). The papers were great the bright colors and floral print in my dress I think all the handmade flowers really brought it all together.
The other pic are some handmade flourishes ive scraplifted from Prima. I just used pearlized or glitter puffy paint and put them on acetate from bling packaging and followed the guidelines on plastic. I created I know!! But look with the economy the way it is I cant afford to use two or three on a layout this way I can.
My photo tutorial sucked.....im still using the crap camera and close up arent clear at all. Since Im the one with the new cool computer I had to fight for it all sunday and finally gave up. I did confirm though I should be able to do it with webcam...if not ive got to unbox the flipcam. Happy week scrappers

Sharing Scrap Saturday

Happy Saturday everyone...I promised to Share today so her go's. The frame is of my SIL I made the layout and posted it before but decided to frame it and create a lasting memory for her to hang on the wall. I added some of the same homemade flowers elements and also some bling to tie it together.
The baby banner I made using a Mayra Road chipboard as a template and hand cut the deer that matched the babys bedding in his room. Added some small pinwheels made from crepe paper I glimmer misted. Then put the letter on top. Just used some super thin ribbon to tie together and added a few thicker pieces to add to it. I made it very simple so it would match her other decor at the baby shower.
Ive been working on more handmade vintage lace, and prima like flowers and started a video that needs more work to finish tomorrow I hope. Did a couple layouts to share soon too.
Enjoy your weekend.....

Stayed tuned for Sharing Scrap Saturday

Im going to start sharing every Saturday some sort of tutorial either a photo or video. Im by no means a pro in fact the opposite completely so bare with me on the first few.

Live with Prima

Did anyone else catch the Live with Prima class last night taught by Marion Smith? I just love her seriously she is so creative and has a awesome personality. She mentioned last night she will be coming to Florida in November to Ocala area at She Scrapbooks she mentioned classes were filling up quick but I think im going to call and attempt to make this event. Come check it out...also her website is www.marionsmithdesigns.com

Scrapbook Rooms or Scrapbook spaces

Ive always wanted a very unique very me scrap place...nothing over the top. But somewhere that each and every thing has its own place so its easy to find. Found this Scraproom that is amazing please take a look and share withme some of your ideas and or tricks of making a small room look awesome .

Baby Clay Allen Mathews is here.....

Clay made his debut on Labor Day Sept 6th at 9:49am 8lbs 4 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. He is a little chuncky butt with the cutest eyes and big lips you just cant help but kissing....
Dawn was a "super woman" during her 14r hrs of labor and is doing great. So very proud od my little brother Craig becoming a daddy. I was so emotional I just didnt expect that I cried and cried. I still am so proud every time he is telling me about his "little man". Without making you wait any longer here are a few pics....scrap lo's to come

No scrapbooking lately.....bummer

I have a wisdom tooth that is infected and needless to say ive done NOTHING but pout for a few days.
Really been sweeping the blog world and finding so many new treasures thanks to some amazing people with artsy, creative, wonderful spirits who share it with all of us.
One of those people is Tammy Tutterow her work is simple amazing. She teaches classes and is on countless DT and works with Ranger, Tattered Angels,and others. She is also a huge Vintage followers and has several free images on her site as well as some tutorials.
On the baby watch,,,,no baby yet! She is officially due on Monday-Labor Day of all days. But let me tell you little momma Dawn is ready is have this baby now! We are all on high alert waiting for the call. LOL It's so funny how much excitement and renewed faith a baby brings to a family. And as a mom it takes you back to the birth of your own children and I can remember each one down to every detail. Im a very lucky lady to be the mom of two wonderful teens. My son is almost 18 so its a bitter sweet year for me with him. My daughter is 16 and graduating school the same time as her older brother. So ive been in a whole new world of college applications, grant filing, student aid filings, and so on. Im sure some of you have been there. Would love love love some help if anyone can share any tips with me on that entire process.
Im sure I will get in my scraproom tomorrow and plan to attempt my first tutorial.

Design Team Submissions

Well everyone keep your fingers crossed for me...ive just sent in a couple submissions for Design Teams. BTW im posting this from my new laptop yeah....still figuring out the webcam and I think that will run into the weekend unless my nephew arrives.
ttfn..

Scrapbook calls and Design team calls

Im really just starting to commit myself to submitting to one of these each month. For those of you that dont know where to find them all in one place here you go Scrapbook Calls & Contests
They post most of the time twice a week. They include magazine calls, blog calls,blog hops,Design teams, and even some E-zines. Check them out if you havent yet.
We sure hear aolot more 'thank you for entering but' SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE Congrats but its worth it to get that first piece accepted and your on cloud nine.

Rainy days and Mondays...yuck

Well another rainy hot gross day in fl. The sun did cme out a bit over the weekend and I thik everyone ran outside to enjoy it. Needless to say I didnt get much scrapping done at all. I mad a couple flowers and watched a few of Prima's live web shows and Marion Smith's if you havent seen her work jump on those videos she is amazing. Ive been following her about 3 yrs before she got her deisgn gigs,partnered with Prima, and wrote a book. She is a mother of two little ones as well and I cant imagine where she finds the time to do everything she does.
No baby yet...on my brothers home front. Dawn is still hanging in there at 39 wks and counting and she looks ready to POP. I cant wait for this little ones arrival they tried so hard to get pregnanat and stay to term. This child is sooooo spoiled already and he isnt even here! lol I will keep you posted!

Heidi Swapp and Altered Angels Giveaway.

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What a crazy week.

Ive been seriously slacking I know where the blog is concerned. My husband is planning his work trip this week that will have him gone for 2 wks so that means Ive been helping getting him ready. Also, kids starting school this week has made this one of the longest weeks ive had in a long time let me tell ya.
I plan on jumping back into my scraproom tomorrow night while the kids are out and ive got the house to myself. I can see it now Cranking up my music and going to town. Happy Thursday!!!

Its raining in Sunny Southwest Florida?...ugh

Well not my ideal Monday for sure. Its has rained so far all day long. YUCK Its the kids first day back at school today and my two Seniors were both excited,liked teachers, and enjoyed catching up with friends. So it was a good day.
Im feeling a bit under the weather so didnt get any scrapbooking done yesterday at all. Just the chores that couldnt be ignored and that was it. Hopefully tomorrow it wont be so gloomy outside and the SUN will be back out and it will cheer us up!!

Share Saturday a day late...lol

I was in my scraproom all day doing different projects. I finished my project for Dawn so im sharing it today and a close up pic of the small handmade flowers. Also a picture of some flowers I made using the lace.

Layout with my version of Primas

The LO titled Preggo is my adorable sis in law and She is a very country girl and the background paper just seemed to match her. Im always trying to convince her to start scrapbooking...now with a new baby coming its my perfect reason. I used stickles to outline the rose on the paper and added some handmade roses from vintage childrens book my in-laws got at a auction for me. Then I inked and glittered them to match the lo.
Prom is my dd (in blue) and one of her gfriends just before her bfriends senior prom. I created the lrg flower from vintage lace and glimmer misted it and also some vintage roses. Im going to try to make some videos this weekend for you guys to see