tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51088404545451421102024-02-07T18:53:48.811-08:00Chicken ScratchKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-6710266642726188562009-03-22T08:35:00.000-07:002009-03-22T09:01:48.164-07:00I am learning to shareDigitally speaking of course (but don't ask for some of my Cadbury Popping Mini Eggs: I am not ready to part with any of those)!<br />I am trying out my first file share in the form of a template. I was puttering about with filters and my dd's pretty-princess pics when I came up with this layout:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxfoRJ3VyCfqXA9wNzMEOaTraEKMIkVBRrqrNkMEaBpJNnGB0QOjXRNdF3nGqK4-RKjZTweeUHvGWvyIXUrjvR2k8fOg2nx71Hfjl-581KhS26tmW43USV2l_HyVTCcOPHWkmQaq0laQ9/s1600-h/perfect-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxfoRJ3VyCfqXA9wNzMEOaTraEKMIkVBRrqrNkMEaBpJNnGB0QOjXRNdF3nGqK4-RKjZTweeUHvGWvyIXUrjvR2k8fOg2nx71Hfjl-581KhS26tmW43USV2l_HyVTCcOPHWkmQaq0laQ9/s400/perfect-web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316037826388206450" border="0" /></a>I must admit the Eva Kipler's kit, At First Sight, really made the photos shine (her stuff rocks), and I loved the pinched and pulled bits of paper. If you like the look, feel free to download the template. ) Any feedback wrt improving the template or it's delivery is appreciated too.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/ScZgkptFDUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/k67N67PvXIA/s1600-h/ChickTemplate1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/ScZgkptFDUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/k67N67PvXIA/s320/ChickTemplate1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316042592943934786" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fileqube.com/shared/WIeuzff1389131">download here</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-91697837044037438692009-03-06T11:19:00.000-08:002009-03-06T12:18:32.616-08:00I've been a busy missy!Crazy nuts here. How 'bout you? Did you squeeze in too many activities for the kids lately too? Sure makes the winter fly by though.<br />So I finally got back to scrapping after reclaiming some mojo and carving out a little time away from the kids (ie hiding out in my basement while distracting them with cartoons and snack food). Though I have picked up a cold from working down in this dank cavern, my scrap muscles are starting to loosen up again and I am having fun. Here are some of my latest:<br />Had too much fun turning the background photo into a painting on this one:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SbGCXnzCbvI/AAAAAAAAAE0/6trpsMEPv7k/s1600-h/royal+devotion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SbGCXnzCbvI/AAAAAAAAAE0/6trpsMEPv7k/s400/royal+devotion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310168777978179314" border="0" /></a><br />This photo screamed out for the tree:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPso5EfauluAvzq3108NvoFpJI1a1CZYhTZhmnMh-G-DbJL5H1btQmJHJjpqyz5iFpaP4T1SvTijqDM0Bv1GA0YRlAMYC6wtBM7eRsyvYtOmHDjgeKbkd0YfTpWkPSppM7PKGrFxibh4ah/s1600-h/enjoy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPso5EfauluAvzq3108NvoFpJI1a1CZYhTZhmnMh-G-DbJL5H1btQmJHJjpqyz5iFpaP4T1SvTijqDM0Bv1GA0YRlAMYC6wtBM7eRsyvYtOmHDjgeKbkd0YfTpWkPSppM7PKGrFxibh4ah/s400/enjoy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310169452840312674" border="0" /></a>I have been meaning to get his birthday shots from last year finished:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv58yOqWphrR1anB0Na7RIyucn7lNOZy-OQiRQRe68HaXO_e6PUnTZtBZAJ6I7Zwi6r8CkXTPBUhI-xiuNPKxhh_ZehZhsjR_PDtDDnR4623Zz71zj5XFrYXCNwo7yXUGL8kqTCiQWX-A/s1600-h/Alaire+is+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv58yOqWphrR1anB0Na7RIyucn7lNOZy-OQiRQRe68HaXO_e6PUnTZtBZAJ6I7Zwi6r8CkXTPBUhI-xiuNPKxhh_ZehZhsjR_PDtDDnR4623Zz71zj5XFrYXCNwo7yXUGL8kqTCiQWX-A/s400/Alaire+is+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310170259945978786" border="0" /></a>And lastly, I really had fun with this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l-fvaNjG0v0ggDsc9nD0loQ-LNl7PrAuhjGminw6Hhy85OvQ4lEJZtnuEhkF82K9ZPMicw0xEklYna_ZX4h_cyVeGTh_3IhcaKRoMJx_zuBDZgOX-gV7yhiIv0QKwHy9H2eyrhZI54Ev/s1600-h/go+faster+copy+copy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l-fvaNjG0v0ggDsc9nD0loQ-LNl7PrAuhjGminw6Hhy85OvQ4lEJZtnuEhkF82K9ZPMicw0xEklYna_ZX4h_cyVeGTh_3IhcaKRoMJx_zuBDZgOX-gV7yhiIv0QKwHy9H2eyrhZI54Ev/s400/go+faster+copy+copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310170795675134354" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, that's it for a bit. I am working on a template of a new layout to share with everyone. But, it will have to wait since my dh is taking me on a surprise birthday trip to Vegas on Sunday! Hope my mojo will hang in there; at least I'll have great photos to scrap with!!<br />Cheers!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-87722180257816909172009-01-07T11:55:00.001-08:002009-01-07T12:07:55.813-08:00Back in the SaddleHooray for routine and schedules!!<br /><br />I don't always feel this way but after a couple of weeks of mess and mayhem, I am glad to be back into some semblance of order (and away from the Christmas baking).<br /><br />I can finally scrap on the new computer; and thanks to the SSD challenges starting up again, I have a great jumping off point! I have so many wonderful shots from the holidays; it was great to get started with this one of Aubrie up and skating:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNnDibCcRUjjYFtAU8pVjDF14-qXZz9hjQPiaWXJG8bZwQsyLHzxaTLh3u_WUKOUrL_6SA71D8XQc0qJU_KAUa2wDbe5wDzMbUpA-oh3LsXFqfvD8CtxDD2jx3WLtrpO7GLSpovFBtw4x/s1600-h/Get-upweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNnDibCcRUjjYFtAU8pVjDF14-qXZz9hjQPiaWXJG8bZwQsyLHzxaTLh3u_WUKOUrL_6SA71D8XQc0qJU_KAUa2wDbe5wDzMbUpA-oh3LsXFqfvD8CtxDD2jx3WLtrpO7GLSpovFBtw4x/s400/Get-upweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288645035360107906" border="0" /></a>On a different note, I have to share this video with every Mom out there. It is most excellent!! Enjoy:<br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KMhuAtyFCrw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KMhuAtyFCrw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-64301673838166933142009-01-03T13:01:00.000-08:002009-01-03T13:43:56.736-08:00Out with the Old, in with the OldNo resolutions here. Nope, not a one.<br /><br />Oh, I could make a thousand promises. The list is endless: frequent exercise, fewer cookies, more good hair days, improved posture, looser undies, or regular blog entries to name a few. But I won't go there. I will not set everyone up with great expectations only to dash their fragile hopes for me. I am just too kind to do that to anyone (not even myself).<br /><br />Instead, I have a more palatable plan for us all. Call it my 'New Year's evolution' (I worked hard on that: rhymes with 'resolution')!<br /><br />I am looking at all the things I did 'well-right-and-good' in 2008 and carrying them forward into 2009. Yup. The positive habits and idiosyncrasies that worked for me last year, are 'gonna be applied again this year. Believe me, it requires a little more brainstorming and careful thought than my usual 'mealy-mouthful' of promises. And since I know I did them last year, odds are, I can keep them up in the months to come. Really..., it's a win-win scenario.<br /><br />And, no, I am not going to tell you what they are. (It keeps the mystery and romance alive between us.)<br /><br />So here's to personal fulfillment in the year to come.... May it be built on the foundations of all the wonderful things that you are and that you have done already.<br /><br />Cheers!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-74258798986793638792008-11-26T12:02:00.000-08:002008-11-26T13:22:35.689-08:00Argghhh! How can I be posting about Halloween and it's the last week of Nov? I truly believe I am trapped in some kind of domestically induced time warp.<br />Nonetheless, here I am with nothing earth shattering to report. A fact for which I am most grateful. Halloween was a roaring success and my homemade costumes were a hit. My son can be still be found on any day of the week attired in his plumage and dancing around the living room. Aubrie only wears the mermaid outfit (on which I <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> haven't hand- sewn all the sequins) when the thermostat reaches something more temperate, She refuses to layer under it. "Mummy, mermaids do <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">not</span> wear turtlenecks!" I hesitate to point out that neither do they reside in the great frigid plains of the North. (If they did, they would probably have turtlenecks with gills on them.) In truth, we are neither of us much of an authority on mermaid evolution. Here is a layout done for her:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SS2wR-QWtfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/nPMBF_v2ols/s1600-h/HalloweenSplash-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SS2wR-QWtfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/nPMBF_v2ols/s400/HalloweenSplash-web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273064561536579058" border="0" /></a>I haven't yet scrapped the parrot costume:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeX615SB4qnCX0CnmdJO0pMhh9kCFKfDz-9hs-55QKVLCet09ZMnoHmTWksaq7GyA4jEGMPRFQynbIyILpDFWsDgHL4jGkNGB9qfN1cPksLR7oAMhHo8mf3SmMKdLE44PjXHU2FjydUF4/s1600-h/parrott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeX615SB4qnCX0CnmdJO0pMhh9kCFKfDz-9hs-55QKVLCet09ZMnoHmTWksaq7GyA4jEGMPRFQynbIyILpDFWsDgHL4jGkNGB9qfN1cPksLR7oAMhHo8mf3SmMKdLE44PjXHU2FjydUF4/s400/parrott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273067445158252354" border="0" /></a>and finally here are the candy bags I sent her to school with:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SS2zcq0W-XI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tE8y5Hr28cE/s1600-h/Untitled-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SS2zcq0W-XI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tE8y5Hr28cE/s400/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273068043832326514" border="0" /></a><br />OK, so that holiday is done...! Now we are chugging along merrily towards Christmas.<br />I may even have a chance to stay ahead on this one: the Christmas cake is soaking in rum, my card is designed, letter is done, even my gift list is mostly filled in. It's looking good so far....<br />Mind you, I've learned never to count my rum balls until the New Year's ball drops!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-2338722110560761652008-11-05T12:02:00.000-08:002008-11-05T20:12:18.213-08:00It takes a catThe only thing I scrapped last week was a 'missing' poster.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltpWHhBzxKfQIsCk619Yv-cAFUJg8zMZoI1gqnjezcPii9fnAlbqgc75BoyrqsKR0-3OszNPUCk-TIuADneT4vyxH_I-U0q-TiFU8Tous3ihd1OmBy0qCj2kq5hwm0sgky8suzOnoN1wM/s1600-h/CAT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltpWHhBzxKfQIsCk619Yv-cAFUJg8zMZoI1gqnjezcPii9fnAlbqgc75BoyrqsKR0-3OszNPUCk-TIuADneT4vyxH_I-U0q-TiFU8Tous3ihd1OmBy0qCj2kq5hwm0sgky8suzOnoN1wM/s320/CAT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265276907156868562" border="0" /></a><br />My beloved companion of 16 years went missing last Thursday. He has moderate kidney failure (as many elderly cats do) and has always been an indoor animal. But, with our unseasonably warm weather, he begged to be allowed out to munch grass and 'rough-it' in the garden for a bit. I relented. Then, he was gone. He may simply have had a 'senior' moment, or the racket created by city workers nearby may have frightened him off, but either way, he did not find his way home again. Twenty four hours passed, then forty eight....<br />I walked the neighborhood at midnight and again at three thirty in the morning. I clucked, called his name, shook cat food in his bowl opened cans of tuna, and left them outside. I cursed him, the city workers, and his crummy kidneys. I was losing my marbles over the stupid cat!<br />Saturday night,while crying into my pizza (and glass of vino), the doorbell rang. And from the arms of his rescuers sprang one thirsty, footsore, and relieved old kitty!<br />The ordeal is over now, and you can imagine how much cuddling and thankfulness fill our home.<br />What have I taken away from this entire experience, you ask? After all it really was only a silly, if well-loved, feline! Well, it leaves me shaking in my boots to imagine the experience of parents and family who have a loved one go missing and never truly know what has become of them. I <span style="font-style: italic;">cannot</span> imagine the strength it takes to get up every morning and forge on. I ache at the thought.<br />On a more selfish note, I was utterly astounded by my hubby, whom truth be told, has no affection whatsoever for my cat. He searched longer and farther and more thoroughly than I, time and again. And he did it entirely for me. Though I often think him oblivious (seemingly callous) to my emotional state(s) (ok, so it can be hard to keep up with them), he saw my misery and was affected by it. He was amazing. Even my kids marched up and down the neighborhood without complaint, stuffing mailboxes with flyers.<br />In the end, not only do I have my cat-companion back, but I have another reason to wonder at and fall in love again with the three people who share my life everyday. I am so grateful for them (of course, from this day forward none of them will be allowed outside without a leash either)!!<br />Go now! Scratch your hubby behind the ear and give your kitty a kiss on the lips for me will you?!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-84826972538595278712008-10-16T08:24:00.000-07:002008-10-16T09:04:14.975-07:00"No honey, the beard doesn't make you look thinner."This is such a spectacular time of year! I am finding so much inspiration around me! I sure hope they'll be time to scrap some of it before my brain goes into automatic 'purge' mode.<br />We had a lovely, albeit wet, long-weekend at the lake with the in-laws. In between the 'winterizing', the chimney sweeping, and the turkey consuming, we managed to have a wonderful walk with the kids! I snapped some great shots:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SPdgdbfAyFI/AAAAAAAAADE/2UQiYHE6oqM/s1600-h/DSC_0149+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SPdgdbfAyFI/AAAAAAAAADE/2UQiYHE6oqM/s400/DSC_0149+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257777148688648274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi782JgCcMyY-YwBKL9IIZUmk19eYiwd-hXwJwwFPYI0H6ZDE4E3FgYv7DY9JTflKIROzXTgQ42S2bTYFUdxkFBq_30zpk9ZN8aQzu90d-_q-yaiGWVfU3vWym1uxLQeP84vI3DHcpjLbHt/s1600-h/DSC_0166+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi782JgCcMyY-YwBKL9IIZUmk19eYiwd-hXwJwwFPYI0H6ZDE4E3FgYv7DY9JTflKIROzXTgQ42S2bTYFUdxkFBq_30zpk9ZN8aQzu90d-_q-yaiGWVfU3vWym1uxLQeP84vI3DHcpjLbHt/s400/DSC_0166+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257777326602578354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwECtauLYpWMu31hCJExXAlF2N6mXUdClTZF2oBWW90SealW8fL2ELCZH6XyPZiQMgad4gtKnL9kBixIxVGSEejiAMajIJd6a5o1P24JLIARDryMkEXHd9B5zlAKJ9Z6PmDNIvcqnBNSh/s1600-h/DSC_0234+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwECtauLYpWMu31hCJExXAlF2N6mXUdClTZF2oBWW90SealW8fL2ELCZH6XyPZiQMgad4gtKnL9kBixIxVGSEejiAMajIJd6a5o1P24JLIARDryMkEXHd9B5zlAKJ9Z6PmDNIvcqnBNSh/s400/DSC_0234+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257777741265914290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWSaBfIk7MbZiLd6pmZ4WaDcSXZEOyOf19TAYGG8TjMtJQvH6teatObFo4YhXvtBALKBQCkElvQv-p-UH0NbI4OHxtFRaGZ7kjnsmOAZiRgB06aILy2PMzYiQngHr1SPLn8UM4Xumgms_/s1600-h/DSC_0260+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWSaBfIk7MbZiLd6pmZ4WaDcSXZEOyOf19TAYGG8TjMtJQvH6teatObFo4YhXvtBALKBQCkElvQv-p-UH0NbI4OHxtFRaGZ7kjnsmOAZiRgB06aILy2PMzYiQngHr1SPLn8UM4Xumgms_/s400/DSC_0260+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257777836004836546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthvfKpcLFVeAbxGRxXT2GCnOGuWrYkJTiBxIIGWREXJ_pV7Lbpw3Wvz3L1g5WCnw3f6LOIj6DH2bXY9lbp0E01ZBA-qKRj_yTqxvN9ltILDE57JbtS4B_BW08-lFUp9Ne4HzdaWHxhQjk/s1600-h/DSC_0168+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthvfKpcLFVeAbxGRxXT2GCnOGuWrYkJTiBxIIGWREXJ_pV7Lbpw3Wvz3L1g5WCnw3f6LOIj6DH2bXY9lbp0E01ZBA-qKRj_yTqxvN9ltILDE57JbtS4B_BW08-lFUp9Ne4HzdaWHxhQjk/s400/DSC_0168+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257782673436075122" border="0" /></a>OK, I have to let everyone know how much I <span style="font-weight: bold;">hate</span> the beard!!!! He has been sporting it as part of a beard-growing contest. Thankfully it will be gone tomorrow! Can't wait to kiss those smooth cheeks again. Wow. I just noticed, he's getting a little grey too! Good thing <span style="font-style: italic;">I've</span> decided not to get any older (one of us has to keep up with the kids)!! LOL<br /><br />Still cutting and sewing away on the ol' mermaid costume. I will have to take a break though; I have a seminar and show this weekend (belly dance), and I am doing all the photo and 'videography' too. Arghh....<br /><br />I am off to wash diapers and clean the camper. Have a scrap-happy day everyone!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-82374596861529813742008-10-08T07:07:00.000-07:002008-10-08T07:49:21.260-07:00Can I get a 'You look nice dear' ?So, ok, I am a thirty-something-stay-at-home breeder of two lovely children on a budget (aren't we all). I am a believer in the 'Flylady' mantra of 'getting dressed to the shoes' (which I have been doing, without fail, for more than two years now). I am also a huge fan of 'What Not to Wear'. What happens when you mix this volatile cocktail? You get a pretty darned-well (IMHO) put-together modern mom, who even wears a little makeup now and then.<br />So, do you think the husband of said put-together mom, could send a little " gee you are one hot momma," or "you are lookin' sweeeet," or even "those are some fine lookin tatas lady" her way?! Nope. Nada. Makes me want to spit nails sometime (or at least run around in my jammies for a day and see if he'd notice). I can't be alone on this one?!!<br />Halloween is terribly exciting to my dd this year (and my ds is just realizing there will be candy). I insist on making their costumes from scratch, and was a little stunned when dd assured me that she will die if she can't be a mermaid. Mermaids have tails and everything!! Last year was so easy. She wanted to be a ghost. Ack! I may have bit off more than I can chew here, but we'll have a go. Pictures will be forthcoming when it's done.<br />Here is a 'get it done' layout I did on last year's costume:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gfpv-ldRMe45W711fyNQj8xCRSFXOdWBJEFU09j3cQHSHcbDqNe2IKfWaqDM0uv_OvG_52hjH_3iPGKBG9f2vedjSA8ugd2-X86cbK1oDH6nee3Q_-yLuzObMYiomdsH_rhi8TCXE4Vm/s1600-h/ghost07+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gfpv-ldRMe45W711fyNQj8xCRSFXOdWBJEFU09j3cQHSHcbDqNe2IKfWaqDM0uv_OvG_52hjH_3iPGKBG9f2vedjSA8ugd2-X86cbK1oDH6nee3Q_-yLuzObMYiomdsH_rhi8TCXE4Vm/s400/ghost07+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254793882694176978" border="0" /></a>(kit Lyle-Kipler-<a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3481">Unscary Tricksters</a>)<br />Of to get some patterns cut and some laundry done. Have a great day!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-27934522047341296782008-10-03T12:20:00.000-07:002008-10-03T12:57:58.483-07:00Whose your Uncle Tony?My scrappin' is lackin' these past few days! Uncle Tony is in town.<br />Do you have one of those in your life? You know, the long-time single male friend of the family, still 'playing the field', chasing those younger women. The husband lives vicariously through him and, the kids adore him...(he'll actually get <span style="font-style: italic;">on</span> the play structure to play with them)!!<br />It is always a treat to have him come visit, but I am afraid we are no longer the vibrant, thrill-a-minute young couple he first came to know. Mind you, it is terribly amusing to guess how many days (hours) he'll last in our chaotic 2-cat, 1-dog, 3 and 5 year old household! (I wager he's out of here, screaming, at the crack-of -dawn Sunday) I think his visits may be more birth-control than anything.<br />Here is one of my very first layouts ever (I created it as gift for him):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOZ3jvscafI/AAAAAAAAACM/IixYZUcRB1g/s1600-h/Tonyandnkids+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOZ3jvscafI/AAAAAAAAACM/IixYZUcRB1g/s400/Tonyandnkids+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253017471356266994" border="0" /></a>(Uggh, the early days of my scrapping!)<br />So if you have one, give your Uncle Tony a call and say hi (they love the attention). And <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> you happen to know any eligible ladies who'd care to hook up with a fun-loving, well traveled, single pilot guy.... We just happen to know one.... :)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-28298969968207113272008-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:002008-10-01T18:07:10.733-07:00Let's just get through the day togetherA most non-productive, naval-gazing kind of day. Mostly, I puttered around the coop (digitally too). Though I did manage to get out and pick up a few clothing pieces that actually reach <span style="font-style: italic;">below</span> my dd's ankles and wrists<br />Ah, my dearest hubby finally gets home tonight after 6 days away. Another pair of blessed hands to corral the kids into the tub at night. Of course, I missed him for his sweet self as well, but let's just say the bathroom was easy to keep clean and the bed sure was nice and roomy!<br />Chatting about dads, I stumbled on this hysterical <span style="font-weight: bold;">mugshot</span> at ComedyJuice.com and thought it worth a few chuckles (seriously it's a real mugshot; you have to surmise the cops panned out to include the shirt in the shot):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOOMYg6HKJI/AAAAAAAAAB8/CB9YRNaSGy8/s1600-h/idxh1h-thumb-400x311.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOOMYg6HKJI/AAAAAAAAAB8/CB9YRNaSGy8/s200/idxh1h-thumb-400x311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252195943222552722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(note: That is <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> my hubby..., though he does have a similar hair line)<br /><br />I don't think this is one photo his wife will want to scrap! Then again....Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5108840454545142110.post-29722788358020791972008-09-30T12:55:00.001-07:002008-09-30T14:03:26.528-07:00I did make the chickens, thank you very much!!Yes, and I cussed and threw things in an angry spasm the entire time! It has taken me almost three years of self-instruction and 'Googling' to get cozy with CS2. So you'd think I'd be satisfied on top of my (steaming) pile of adobe knowledge? Noooooo. I think to myself, self, why not spend the rest of your kids' formative years satisfying your thirst for graphic knowledge and learn 'Illustrator' too. Is it just me, or is this a terminal disease?<br />On my scrappy heap today, I have to say how in love with <a href="http://pixelcanvas.co.nz/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=5">Vinnie Pearce's stuff</a> I am (oh, I feel like such a traitor to my <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/">SSD</a> and <a href="http://www.littledreamerdesigns.com/index.php">LDD</a> gals when I talk up another). I think it's her mindblowing, misty, minimalist, style that snags me. On that note, try her challenge. It took me right outside the box (haha, how punny of me):<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOJ_Sj3bF9I/AAAAAAAAAAU/pCIZguE34L4/s1600-h/VP1-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lTC3ZfHFRiM/SOJ_Sj3bF9I/AAAAAAAAAAU/pCIZguE34L4/s400/VP1-web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251900072309495762" border="0" /></a><br />(I know, we have no modesty in our house!)<br />Today is <span style="font-weight: bold;">my</span> daddy's birthday (love you)! I am also celebrating <span style="font-weight: bold;">six</span> days straight of perfect potty practice by my 3 yr old (<span style="font-style: italic;">can I get an AMEN</span>)! I am glad to have had the wherewithal to snap a shot of the last full load of diapers hanging on the line two weeks ago. Definitely something I'll be scrapping soon. I only washed <span style="font-style: italic;">one</span> load consisting of only 4 night diapers this week!! Big step for the boy, huge relief for mummy! There's a scrap challenge for you: 'chores and the women who revile them'!<br />Back to real life now. Bear with me as I learn the ways of blogdom. And thanks for making me feel important today.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636901478978128590noreply@blogger.com4