It's Friday!!!

I am doing a dance, I am soooo happy!!!  I have the whole weekend off, which is a very good thing because I didn't sew on Benny's costume at all last night.  I definitely have my work cut out for me!  I have a full day of school today and then I am off.  I will head to the scrapbook store and Michaels right after school then rush home and get busy!!  I have to make the Tarzan costume, a chicken costume, a lifeguard costume (Baywatch style), make sure he has what he needs for his Garth Costume,  and his Don Johnson-Miami Vice costume.  I feel like I am missing something-I hope not!!  I am going to have to scrap in there somewhere too!! It is going to be a creative weekend for sure!!

Some awesome news!!!  The Beautiful Girls layouts I did for the Little Red Scrapbook February kit was chosen as the banner of the week at the Inspire Me Blog.  You can see it here.

I am extra excited about it because it is one of my favorite layouts ever!!  Whoo hoo!!  

CPS #104

It took me a couple of days to get my CPS card done for this week.  I don't know why I had scrapper's block with this one, but I am finally happy with the results.  

I used my Studio Calico kit including Making Memories Tags and Paper, K & Co. Cardstock Ephemera, K & Co. Funky Striped Glitter Patterned Paper, Melissa Frances Frame, Kaiser Kraft Pearls,  and Stampin Up! ribbon.

Just for Fun

I also did a couple of layouts just for fun!!   I used all my favorite Graphic 45 Papers in this one.  

This beautiful picture is of my Grandmother.  I am so glad I found this picture.  It just makes me happy!!  I used papers from the Times Nouveau Collection as well as the Botanicabella Collection.  I cut the vine out with my Cricut and I used some Prima Florals, jewels and ribbon, some Michaels Ribbon and lace, and some Metals from Tim Holtz.  Below are some close-ups

The next project is a little wall hanging that I did with a picture I photoshopped of my mom.  I think I will give this project to my sister for her birthday.  It was another theraputic layout as I am still working out my feelings from my mom's passing.  

I used the G45 Playtimes Past line and I really like how it turned out.  The quote states:  God gave us memories that we might have roses in December (Barrie).  You can see in the picture below that I used some vintage glass glitter around the edges.  I also used some lace and ribbon from Michael's and Making Memories alphas.   I hope she likes it!!

Thank you for taking a peek at my heart today.  

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

Oh and don't forget to stay tuned for a big surprise over at Scrapping the Music!!!

Kristii

Outdoor Adventures

Last weekend my sweetie and I took a walk along the Headwaters of the Missouri River and had a marvelous time.  The Headwaters of the Missouri are where the Gallatin River, the Jefferson River, and the Madison River all converge to form the Missouri River.  It is a nice quiet place with trails and Historical Markers as Lewis and Clark came through the area on their way west.  The weather was unseasonably warm and the skies were crystal clear.  We just love getting out in the beautiful Montana scenery.  We are so blessed to live in such beautiful and historical country.  There wasn't much snow except for along the river and we were able to wear a light jacket on our jaunt.  Here are some of the photos that we took:

The first photo shows you how clear and gorgeous the day was.  I believe these are the banks of the Gallatin River with just a little snow on the edge.

During our walk we found signs of Beaver activity.  Not far from this stump, we found a Beaver slide that went straight into the river.  Way cool!!

This picture is once again along the banks of the Gallatin River with the Bridger Mountains in the distance.  Absolutely gorgeous!!

Our sweet little Charley was beside himself-there was soooo much to see and sniff!  He was quite comical and made for great entertainment on our journey.

Tonight I will be knee deep in fake fur for Benny's Tarzan Costume.  I will be sewing by hand as I don't have a sewing machine!!  Wish me luck!!

I will leave you with some notes from my Bible Study on Esther:

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

1.  You cannot amputate your history from your destiny.  Never forget where you came from and what you came through!  This is called redemption!

 2  My past and my future share the same root-that root is Jesus!

When facing trials, uncertainty, and low self-esteem -Remember:

1.  Col. 2:10  I am complete in Christ.

2.  Song of Solomon 7:10 I am my beloved's  and His desire is towards me.

3.  Psalm 90:17  Let the Beauty of the Lord my God rest upon me.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today!!  

I hope you have a fantastic Thursday!!

Kristii

I have been busy as a bee!!!

I have been working my tail off this week on several projects that aren't ready to post yet!!

I can't wait to share them with you!!  The excitement is building and I can barely contain myself!!  Keep checking in for more information!!

One of my projects is for Scrapping the Music!!  We have a big SURPRISE in store!!! Needless to say, I am sooooo exited!!  Stay tuned for more information.......................

Color Me Daisy News

I also have been working on some projects for  Color Me Daisy.  Here is a sneak peek of the March kit!!  

We are going to be having a Dr. Seuss online crop over at Color Me Daisy!!! Mark your calendar for March 6th, 7th and 8th.  I was not aware of this fact, but, Dr. Suess's Birthday is on March 2nd. In honor of Dr. Suess, We are going to have some really fun games and challenges all based on on him and his work.  This will be a very unique and  somewhat funky crop filled with fun challenges and great games to play. Of Course, there will be lots of PRIZES!!!   We have a fantastic grand prize donated by a great new manufacturer you won't want to miss! So come on over to the message board, get registered, and get ready for some cropping fun!!!

Last but not least, I just have to share what my sweet friend Barbara sent to me this week!!  We swapped some photos and she created this masterpiece from some photos of Ben that I sent to her!!!  Isn't she amazing!! I would have never thought to put all these pictures together!!  What an Absolutely awesome idea!!!

I just love the masked gears and the cardboard!! She used some new embossing powders from American Crafts!!  Such a perfect guy layout!!  You totally rock my friend!!  I have ideas for your photos and I am going to get my behind in gear!!  

Well, like I said, stay tuned!!  There is more excitement in the days to come!!

I am off to work on my Bible Study.  We are studying Esther with Beth Moore in our High School Staff Women's Bible Study and I have a lot of work to do!! Hope you have a great day!!!

Kristii

WoW!!!

I can't believe it is the last full week of February!!  Time is flying by so quickly!!  I feel like I just can't keep up!!  Thank Goodness, though,  I have a fairly mild week ahead!!  I don't work any evenings and I feel sooooo relieved!!!  I can't tell you how much anxiety I have been feeling when I work in the evening.  I am hoping to cut back for the next few months and pick up some more hours once we are in our last days of school.  I look so forward to spending a little more time at home!!

Home is heaven to me!!

 I do have some projects to finish this week, including a Tarzan costume for Ben.  He is going to be competing in our High School Mr. Panther contest which is a "Beauty" pageant for the guys.  The theme is Welcome to the Jungle with an 80's flair.  He wants the costume for the opening dance.  It should be fun!!  We have been trying to come up with swim wear, evening wear, talent,  and something for the interview portion of the contest.  I think we have a handle on things, but boy there is a lot to put together.  I am looking forward to the competition!  It should be a riot!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

I do have to take a minute to wish my Dad a very Happy Birthday!!   I am hoping you had a great day Dad!!  We are missing you!!!

Scrapping the Music #74 

This week's song is Stand by Your Man, by the Blues Brothers.  I totally enjoyed creating this layout celebrating my love for my husband.  The lyrics state Tell the World you Love him- so here you go world....I love him!!  

I had some fun with my Studio Calico kit along with some Shimmering Mist.  I am just loving the spray mist.  I can't believe it intimidated me for so long!!  I also play with some of Claudine Hellmuth's Guesso.  Love, love, love Claudine's line of paints!!I hope you get to play along with us this week at Scrapping the Music!!  I look forward to seeing what you will create!!

Tomorrow I will share some pictures I took while my sweetie and I were on our walk today at the Missouri Headwaters State Park.  We had a great time!!

I hope you all have a great day!

May you feel the presence of the Lord surrounding you today,

Kristii

TGIF!!!!

I mean that with all of my heart!! I am soooo happy it is Friday!!!  It has been a very difficult week, but my heart is filled with joy this morning!!  

1.  I have been given breath for another day

2.  I have a loving family and we are one day closer to visiting Bethany in Seattle

3.  I am still employed 

4.  I have a beautiful home

5.  My son's midterm grades were fantastic

6.  Taxes are done

7.   FAFSA is done

8.  My bills are paid 

9.  I get to spend time with my sweetie tomorrow morning

10. and I get to scrap tonight!!!

Whoo hoo!!  I am going to tidy up my scrap room and then I will be working on some altered art, Scrapping the Music, CPS, and So Sketchy projects!!!  I have  lots of ideas in my head!!  I am hoping to get a lot done!!

I got to play with some of my favorite papers for Keepsakes by Design this week .   This set of cards is made with the Botanicabella Collection by Graphic 45.  I tell you, Graphic 45 has to be one of my favorite manufacturers ever!!!!  Their papers are so unique and different from all the rest.  

Thank you so much for taking a peek today!!  

I have one last thing to share with you today.  My heart has been so convicted this week.  I have been worrying and complaining about the state of our economy and yesterday my sweet coworker shared this verse with me:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14

Rather than complain and worry, I need to be making sure that I am right with God.  That I am humbling myself, seeking His face, and doing what I know is right.  I need to to be trusting the Lord and giving to others during this time of crisis.  I believe if we all had this mindset, we would see a change for the better.

Ok, I will step down from my soapbox.  I see that change is needed in my life and I am going to do something about it!!  I will think twice before I complain or worry today.  

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

May you feel the presence of the Lord lead and guide you today,

Kristii

Little Red Scrapbook Febraury Designs

Here are my Little Red Scrapbook Designs for February.  I just love Webster's Pages!!!  Such fun patterns and colors!!!

This first design is of my sweet girls on Bethany's wedding day.  It is one of my favorite pictures ever!!  They are sooooo beautiful!!  I had a lot of fun designing this layout, in fact, I even used the packaging from the Webster's pages ribbon.   You can see it right behind the green photo mat.  Way fun!!

This next page was done with a picture of my mom (in the middle) with her 2 sisters taken way back in 1947.  Don't you just love the hair??  Webster's pages is perfect for heritage photos!!

I wanted to do a fun project with these papaer and I found a topiary on sale at Michaels that was just calling out to be altered.  I covered the base with modge podge and adheared the paper and then I covered the paper with another coat of modge podege.  It looks really pretty on my end table.

This next layout has a picture of me with my mom taken in 1967.  As some of you may know my mom passed away last September and I am still struggling with it.  I used this layout to write a note to my mom in the shape of a heart!  It is definitely a feel good layout!!

You just gotta love this little house.  I just had to do a family layout with it.  It is kind of a messy layout, but you just gotta have one here and there I figure.  The quote states:  Where we love is home.  Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.  So true!!! With my kids all moving to Washington State, that quote is perfect!!

Last, but not least, is a little card made with scraps and one of the Webster's Pages journaling cards.  I wanted to take advantage of all the beauty in this kit.  No scrap will go unused!!

Thanks for looking at my Little Red Scrapbook designs!!  It was a fantastic kit!!  I hope you had the chance to get one for yourselves!!

The rest of this week is going to be tremendously busy!!

I hope you have a good one. 

I am trusting the Lord as I go!!

Have a great day,

Kristii

Glorious Monday!!!

I don't usually start the week off with a title like that, but since today is "President's Day", it is a Glorious Day!!  Whoo hoo!! I have the day off!!  I slept in and I will take the time to do some cleaning, baking, and scrapping!!!  Oh how I long for days like this!!  I am going to enjoy each and every minute of it!!  

I had a fantastic weekned too!!!  My sweetie and I were home alone and we had the best time together!!  We started the weekend off by getting some things done around the house.  I finished our taxes and Heidi's FAFSA forms!!   That is a great weight off my shoulders for sure!!!

Before we got started on Saturday, my sweetie and I took some fun pictures for my Scrapping the Music Layout.  I swear we laughed and giggled like Newlyweds!!  You wouldn't have even thought that we will be celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary this June!!   This week's song is 1, 2, 3, 4  by the Plain White T's.  I hope you get a chance to check out the challenge this week, the lyrics are awesome.   I used my Color Me Daisy February kit for this one!! So perfect for Valentine's layouts!!  I also had some fun with some shimmering mist.  My journaling, taken from the lyrics of the song, read as follows:1. "I'm so glad I found you! 2. You make it all better when I'm sad. 3. You piece me back together when I fall apart. 4. 3 words 4 you...I love you!!

After our little photo session on Saturday, we did a little shopping and went out  for coffee and dinner with some friends!!  It was all a surprise.  Our husband's did a great job planning the whole evening!!!  I am so proud of them.  Before dinner, they took us to a cute little coffee house downtown called Wild Joe's that featured live music and we enjoyed a cup of coffee and lively conversation with each other.  We spent nearly two hours just enjoying the atmosphere and each other's company.  It was fantastic.  After coffee, they walked us back toward the car and asked us to wait at the stop light for a minute.  They walked over to the car and we knew they were up to something.  They came back for us with a beautiful rose in hand.  How sweet was that???  We had no idea, but our dinner reservations were right up the street at the Cat Eye Cafe.  We know the owners of the Cat Eye and every time we eat there it is a wild experience!!  If you ever make it to Bozeman, Montana, we do recommend the Cat Eye.  It is a very small restraunt, but the food and service is like none other.  Kevin is an amazing Chef and Tina....well Tina is just Tina!! We love her!!  We all had steak and it was perfect!!  They boys had blackened steak and blue cheese mashers and Linda and I had steak with Marsala mushroom sauce with red potatoes.   Heavenly I tell you!!  For dessert, they treated us to some Gingerbread that was to die for.    We haven't laughed so hard in a long while.  It was the best night ever!!!  Thanks boys for making us feel like queens for the night!!   You rock!!

I hope you all had a fantstic weekend!!!  

Thanks for taking some time and reading about mine!!

I hope this President's day finds you healthy and happy and whether you are working or have the day off, I hope it is a good one!!

Kristii

Happy Valentines Day!!!

What a wonderful day this has been!!  I have been enjoying spending time with my sweetie and we are getting ready to go out for dinner with some friends this evening!!  I am not sure what the boys are planning.  They are being quite secretive!!!  Kinda makes me nervous!!  I will tell you all about our evening tomorrow!!  

I just have to say for the record, I am the luckiest woman in the world!!  I have married to my sweetie for almost 25 years and I have to say we are more in love today than yesterday!  He truly does complete me and we totally compliment each other!!  I am so thankful to have such a wonderful, caring and compassionate husband!! I am truly blessed!!

I have one card to post today and I will have my Scrapping the Music Layout to post tomrrow.  I hope you check out the STM blog because the song for next week is fantastic!

CPS #102 

I was late getting this on their blog, but I wanted to get it posted just the same!!  

I have been having a lot of fun with these challenges!!  I used my Color Me Daisy  February kit along with a couple of items from my stash.  Check out the CPS blog.  The sketches are awesome!

Well, I hope you have a day full of love and laughter!!!

May you think upon the greatest love story of all:  John 3:16!

Kristii

Little Red Scrapbook Sneaks!!!

After a night full of difficulties, I am finally getting my sneaks posted!!

I just love these Webster's Pages papers and I know you will too!  Here's the kit:

So without further ado, here's my sneaks:

Today is going to be a very hectic and busy day!!  Wish me luck!!

Wishing you peace today!!

kristii

Life is Crazy!!

Oh my goodness, the days are going by so quickly!!!  I can't seem to keep up!!

It seems like I get one list of tasks accomplished and before you know it I have a new list

to complete once again.  It is never ending!!  One day at a time has to be my motto.  I will choose to stay focused an not be overwhelmed!  Wish me luck!!

I have scrapped like a crazy woman over the past few days!  It feels so good to have my mojo back in working order!!  I can't wait to share all of my work with you, in fact, I am planning on putting up some sneaks for Little Red Scrapbook this evening!! Whoo hoo!!  I have loved this month's kit.  I am having a blast working with the Webster's Pages goodies!! I just have to say the ribbon is my very favorite!!  So beautiful and full of texture!!  Check back later this evening for a sneak peek!!

I have another layout and card to share from my Color Me Daisy February kit.  This kit has been so much fun to work with!!!  Basic Grey is one of my favorite companies ever and the Bittersweet Collection is awesome.  I used a So Sketchy Sketch by Allison Cope for this layout,  I am hosing a Sketch Challenge at CMD and Allison's sketch is awesome- You can check it out here!  Here is the sketch:

Here is my layout:
Here is my card using some scraps from my kit.

Thanks for stopping by!! 

I pray that the Joy of the Lord floods your soul today!!

Kristii

It's official...

My sweet, sweet daughter is 21!!  Wow!! How can it be???  Happy Birthday Sweetie!!! I love you!!  In honor of my sweet girl's special day, I used her as a subject for my latest So Sketchy project.  I love this picture of her laughing with a joy from deep within.  This picture brings so much joy to my heart!!!  I wish you many moments of pure laughter my sweet girl!! Laughter is good medicine!!!

Challenge #72 at Scrapping the Music is Lullaby, by the Dixie Chicks.  What a fun song to scrap.  I decided to let the picture speak for itself in this layout and just keep it very simple!  Isn't this picture just precious!  The journaling states, "this picture makes my heart sing".  My kids are so lucky to have a daddy who loves them so much. I used Mellisa Frances paper and lace and Making Memories Alphas.  I also used a page from my old hymnal.  This is one of my favorite layouts ever!!  I love you sweetie!!

Tomorrow I should have some sneaks from my LRS February designs!!!  

Today I will leave you with the chorus from Matthew West's song, More.

I love you more than the sun And the stars that I taught how to shine 

You are mine, and you shine for me too I love you yesterday and today And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again I love you more

He does love you more and I hope you will feel the light of his love in      your hearts today!!

Kristii

Finally Friday!!!

Aaaah, it is finally Friday!!  I am home for the day and I am going to try to get a lot done!!

I have to go grocery shopping, vacuum, sweep and mop, do laundry, work on taxes, and I have 4 layouts and 4 cards that I need to get done.  It is funny, but this list is not that much different than the one I posted the other day.  The difference is I have a little more time.  I am going to take full advantage of the time I have been given today and get busy!!

I have one layout to post today.  This is one I did for my LSS, I just keep forgetting to post it.  I needed to mix things up a bit, because I have been in a Kraft rut for a while.  The last 4 out of 5 layouts I used kraft paper as my base and I am determined to use some different papers today!!

This layout uses lots of K & Co. goodies including the beautiful Lotus flower stamps, some Prima Bling, Making Memories Alphas, and May Arts Ribbon.  My sweet Heidi is about 4 years old here.  Isn't she a beauty???  I just love that little bashful look!!!

 

I hope you all have a great weekend!! I am going to go and get busy all the while singing "Love Song for a Savior" by Jars of Clay:

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens

As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips

Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him

Someday He'll call us and we will come running

and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray,

I want to fall in love with you....

Praying you will fall in love with Him all over again today,

Kristii

Good Morning!!!

Its Friday!!  Ok so it really is Thursday, but I am off tomorrow!!!  Doing a happy dance here!!!

I get to wear jeans to work today which makes me really happy too!!  That is definitely something I miss about being a stay at home mom, comfortable clothes!!   Today is school spirit day, so I will be right in my element!! Whoo hoo!!!

The last layouts by the 2008 So Sketchy DT were posted on the So Sketchy Blog today.  Here is the sketch:

I hope you get a chance to check out the DT's work!  It is amazing!  I decided to do a comparison layout of my boy.  What a cutie he is!!  He doesn't like flowers on his layouts and if you keep up with my work, you know I love flowers and embellishments.  This was tricky for me.  I decided to use my October afternoon stamps and make a tree and thought the fence and clouds would complete the ensemble.  Don't know if it works, but there are no flowers!  lol!!  I love his little baby face!! How can it be that my baby is nearly a man???  Boy do I feel old!!  

I used some scraps from my Studio Calico kits for this one!! I just love Studio Calico!!

Last but not least I was given an award by Kathie!!  Thank you Kathie!!!! You totally made my day!!

I am going to pass this award on to:

Tonya, my fellow So Sketchy Sista, whose layouts are totally amazing!!

Carla,  my fellow scrapper at Little Red Scrapbook!  Loving your blog girl!!

Jocelyn,  my new friend whose blog is absolutely awesome!!

You all inspire me!!

Thank you for stopping by!! Your comments mean the world to me!!!

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say Rejoice!

Hope you have a great day!!

Kristii