Made Ya Look Monday!

WooHoo!!! On Mondays at Faith Sisters, they feature some layouts in their gallery that just "Made Ya Look"!  I was fortunate enough to have a layout chosen this week!!!  I used the Chai Tea Latte Page Kit by Rina Kroes.

Uncle Marvin had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease even before Daddy became ill. Libby married him shortly after his diagnosis, and she took loving care of him although the disease ravaged his body. His daughter Pamela, as were his other three children were with him when he passed away in 2005 at age 78.

Congratulation to Muse Sandy for she is also featured with her wonderful page using Rina's Boyhood Tales!

 

Make sure to check out the Faith Sisters Blog for some wonderful inspiration!!!
Happy Scrappin!

Busy Busy Busy

I just wanted to let every one know what is going on as I have been MIA...sickness, babysitting and very sick BIL.  All the kids have been sick and we have been babysitting.  Noelle started work so between her two sick ones and Haylee, we have been busy.  Noelle took Isaac and Ava back to Dr again today.  They have started another round of antibiotics and allergy medication so hopefully they will fell well in a day or two.  

Gary's oldest sister Willodean is preparing to say good bye to her life-long partner and  beloved husband.  Chester has lung disease caused by materials he worked with in the sewing factory fifty years ago.  He has been in and out of hospital for the past year.  When he went home this time, they called in Hospice and do not think he will last much longer.  It is all so sad even though we know this is a fact of the circle of life, and no matter how much you prepare, it is never easy.  I feel so sorry for them.  She is so sad to watch but in her usual style she keeps the smiles and strength going for her beloved Chester and determined to make the holidays as bright as possible for him.

Here at home, I HAVE to get my house cleaned up and start getting ready for Thanksgiving!  Thursday, we will go to my brothers and Saturday every one will be here as all the DILs have their own mothers and grandmothers, for Thursday and Friday.  I do not mind having ours last for I want everyone to be able to sit and enjoy the day when they come here, so we wait till last for selfish reasons...I get them all to myself for the entire day!

I just uploaded the last of my brag books and two books and have them on their way.  We totaled up last night and we have spent almost $350.00 on photos and albums for this Christmas.  What started out to me cheap, did not end up that way. But I am proud of it all and know they will be well received.  Now we need to get the Grandkids' gifts and we will be done but in our usual fashion, we will have to wait for another couple of weeks before we can get them, lol!  I had bought several things this past year but always end up giving it to the kids rather than saving them for Christmas. Anyway, I kind of like being in the stores the week before Christmas!

Kimberly has been busy as well!  She has three new kits, complete with Quick Page Albums! 

Poinsettia Cup of Cheer

Save A Gingerbread, Eat Sugar Cookies

 Winter Blessings

 And Rina's Boyhood Tales is featured as the CICI until 11/30/2009!  

Boyhood Tales is 30% off for the duration of the exchange too!  This is a great kit and we can get lots of wonderful quick pages for joining in!

So check out the CICI HERE 

 

Happy Scrappin!!!

Extract Now and The Font Thing

 I just wanted to share a little with you today about a couple of programs that I could not live without!

I am a freebie addict and as such, I download tons of freebies.  It can be a real chore just to unzip all those files but ExtractNow allows you to extract more than one archived file at a time, with one click of a button. It makes extracting files quicker and easier. ExtractNow supports ZIP, RAR, ACE, IMG, IMA, IMZ, ISO, and BIN, and archives.

 from CNetDownload.com  -
"The program should appeal to users who handle a high volume of archives, because all it does is extract archive contents. The four buttons--Settings, History, Clear, and Extract--lay out the basics. Click Settings and a window pops up to entice you with options. From the boilerplate specials like Always on Top or Start with Windows to more detailed customizations such as delineating a default extraction directory, setting file extensions to ignore, and adjusting post-extraction behavior, ExtractNow gives users as much flexibility as possible when it comes to batch archive extractions. You can, for instance, set it to delete archives after their files have been extracted."

And, I can not remember if I have already told you about The Font Thing...if I have, please excuse me for doing so once again but for Font-O-holics, such as I,  it bears repeating!

The Font Thing Publisher Description From Sue Fisher : "The Font Thing is a freeware program for managing TrueType fonts. With The Font Thing you can browse installed and uninstalled fonts,browse fonts in subfolders as a single combined list,view sample text and individual characters in your choice of colors, change sample text "on the fly" or easily switch between your own standard text samples, view detailed font information, print font samples, associate notes with fonts, install or uninstall any number of fonts at once, load (and unload) any number of fonts for temporary use, copy or delete any number of font files at once, rename font files to avoid file name conflicts, filter fonts according to their type, group fonts into collections for easier management, use multiple font windows simultaneously for easy font comparison and management."


Get EXTRACT NOW here             Get THE FONT THING here

Happy Scrappin!

New Scripture Challenge

Rina has this week's scripture challenge posted at SBE continuing the theme based on "Abundance" with another wonderful piece of word art from Luke 12:15.

Run over to the SBE Forum to join in the challenge and get the wonderful word art...
Scripture Challenge with Rina Kroes
The deadline for submitting your creation for this challenge is midnight on Saturday Nov 21st in order to get the lovely posting bonus.

Rina and Kimmi have lots of NEW RELEASES in the SBE store today as well so don't forget to check them out!

I found some QPs on my hard drive this week that I would like to share with you today as well using products by Rina Kroes.

 

 

The quick pages are in two separate downloads so you can get one or both if you would like.

I hope you enjoy them! Happy Scrappin!

****NO LONGER AVAILABLE****

Fresh Young Minds

My pc is located in the living room right next to the television, and nine times out of ten, if you were to drop by to visit, the tv would be on. I may not be able to tell you what is on but I like the noise. If I actually sit down on the couch to watch tv, I fall asleep. My hubby can not understand how I can sleep through the screaming and body parts flying or blood dripping (I like horror movies) but turn that noise off and I will wake up. When I do go to bed, I will wash a load of clothes or turn the dishwasher on to provide a little noise so I can drift off to sleep. I used to have a fan on by my bed for the noise but he took that away from me...he said I was freezing him to death.

Anyway, all of that rambling really has nothing to do with what I wanted to talk about tonight...I go off on tangents rather easily! I wanted to ask you if you have ever seen Twilight Zone The Movie. It is an older movie but one of my favorites. I had not seen it in quite some time and I just watched it on tv tonight...actually this morning at about 4am or so. One of the stories in the movie is about a group of Senior Citizens sitting around and chatting about their days as children. They started discussing the fun games they played and wished they could go back to those days. Of course, they enter The Twilight Zone at that point, and they are children again running around playing games. Whoever cast those children in the movie did an amazing job for they are the perfect counter part of the Senior roles! Anyway, it does not take them long until they realize, they do not really want to be children again. They choose to go back to their nice warm beds in their old worn-out bodies but they return with Fresh Young Minds. Don't you just love that thought?!

Happy Scrappin!

A Legacy of Faith

As the year is coming to an end, the girls at Faith Sisters are busy planning for next year. In 2010 we are going back to the basics of leaving a legacy of faith. This years challenges are all focused on YOU and your lifetime story. When you join us in this challenge you will be creating a mini-autobiography. We are counting down the days till January 6th because we are so stinkin' excited about the My Lifetime Story challenges!!!

Wouldn't you to know what your grandma's favorite toy was as a child, how she felt when she met your grandpa, her favorite scripture and the song that expressed her heart? Your children and grandchildren will have that treasure when you join us in this challenge!

We will start out with your family roots in January and move into your childhood in February. We will continue throughout the year with your teen and adult years as well. The last challenge of the year will be a letter to your future generations or anyone who reads your book.

Each of our stories is important. This is a book that everyone should create about themselves. It will be the most treasured album of your family. As you create this album about your lifetime story you will be leaving YOUR LEGACY OF FAITH. This is an album that can make an impact in your life as you create it, but it will also create a major impact in the lives of your family both now and in future generations. As your children read your story in this scrapbook that YOU created, they will take your stories to heart. Your stories may have more impact on them than even Bible stories, because they are personal and from someone they know and . When friends and neighbors pick up your storybook and look through it you will be witnessing without even saying a word. They will read your lifetime history and discover your of Jesus, and His forgiveness and faithfulness in your life!

The My Lifetime story challenges will begin the first Wednesday in January. A new challenge will be posted each Wednesday all throughout 2010. The last challenge will be posted the last Wednesday of December. Just because the challenge series ends at the end of 2010 doesn't mean your lifetime story album is finished. We will continue to offer periodic challenges to continue your autobiography and keep it current.

Please join in this year long challenge! Some of these challenges may be layouts you have already completed. That is ok! We need to get these all compiled in your lifetime storybook. Everyone deserves to be the star of their own book, including and most importantly YOU! If you don't put some time aside to create your My Lifetime Story album now, you may never find the time. If something were to happen to you, would your legacy of faith be lost forever? Take action now, join us as we create our lifetime storybooks for the next generation to see the glorious work the Lord can do in the life of a woman that loves God!

Begin thinking about what size album you would like to use for your My Lifetime Story challenge. Start gathering your supplies now so you will be ready to start when we kick off the first challenge January 6th! Next week they will post a Photo List so you can start gathering photos that you will need for this challenge. I definitely want to participate in this! This will make such a wonderful gift for my children!!!

Here is the Introduction Link for this challenge! I am off to sign up!
Happy Scrappin!

ITs Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I just could not stand to wait any longer! I have started my Christmas decorating, well here on my blog any way! I hope you like the new look! I used a new release
COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS from Studio Rosey Posey. Isn't it just adorable?! It reminds me of Christmas past when the kids and I strung popcorn for the tree and made adorable ornaments. COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS is 25% off until November 15th.

Here are the layouts I have created so far...



Now I just have to go grab those adorable quick pages!
Happy Scrappin!

Checking In

I just wanted to let you guys know that everything is fine and dandy here in the holler. I think the flu and cold bugs have circulated through every one. Isaac's did turn into pneumonia but they caught it early and his Mommy took such good care of him he made it through without hospitalization. For now, no one is sick, although DH is still suffering with some gall bladder attacks. They wanted to take his gall bladder out years ago but he is determined not "to be cut on" as he puts it.

I have been ever so busy trying to get all my Christmas gifts done. Every one will receive albums or brag books of some type from Gary and I for gifts this year. With money so tight we thought this would be the cheapest route to go but even that is not cheap. What with printing and purchasing albums we have all ready been out over $200.00 and that is not even printing out the larger layouts, as I have not started that process. I guess he is right, the only cheap way out would have been to cook a nice dinner and call it a deal! The problem with that is, I have all ready started and we can't quit now, lol.

I have a small slide show from one of my Christmas goodies (posted on the right) to show you some of the finished products. With 30 brag books finished all ready, I will change the slide show every few days to help give you an idea of what I am doing.

I have to start the fall cleaning as I am itching to start Christmas decorating!!! I want to decorate my blog for Christmas as well so I need to start than soon as well! Have a great week and I will try to post again in a few days.

Happy Scrappin!

Special Request

My friend Denise sent me a message about a little boy who's in desperate need of Christmas cards. The family is celebrating next week. Here's the message:

"My cousin Kelly has a friend of a friend who has a 5 year old son Noah in the last stages of a 2 1/2 year battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. The friend’s name is Diana Biorkman and the family is celebrating Christmas next week. Her son’s name is Noah and his request is to get a lot of Christmas cards. I am running out to buy a box of them. I’m going to give one to everyone I know already addressed. Then I’m going to have my husband take some to work addressed and stamped so they can just send them from there. I would consider it a great favor if you could find it in your heart to send a card to this young boy. I would consider it an even greater favor if you would please post this on your own blog so we can get this message out to as many people as possible. I received the message last night so my guess is that they are celebrating Christmas the week of 9 November. That means we need to get started sending those messages of love."

Here is the address:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountian View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

Thanks so much everyone!

A Big Week-End

Well it is a big week end for all of us digi-scrappers! I probably will not do a lot of shopping :( you know, how it is, money situation really tight now. We did get a bit of good news...hubby got one more extension on his unemployment so for twenty more weeks we have a little income coming in...hopefully things will pick up with work for him soon! It looks like I may have go try to find a job...ugh!!!! Well enough of that! Let me show you what is going on at SBE, and have a great weekend!!!!

Join us at Scrapbook-Elements as we celebrate our mutual passion for Digital Scrapping!
Friday, November 6th through Monday, November 9th (midnight central time)

In addition to our 30% off sale*, be sure to check out our Doorbusters Category!
Here you can find almost 300 products at a crazy price of only $1 or $2 each during DSD 2009


Our Creative Team and Designers have planned some great challenges and exchanges for you during this event.
Challenges will run for one week - Friday, November 6th through Thursday, November 12th
We hope you can find time in your busy week to participate in several of the fun challenges!

Both Rina and Kimmi have lots of wonderful goodies in the Door Buster Section, so make sure you go check them out...they are only a buck or two!!!

Digital Scrapbooking Day 2009 at Scrapbook-Elements

Happy Scrappin!

Birthdays

I guess I have been married to my hubby for too long for the things that used to bug me the most about him...well, lets just say I am more clearly seeing where he comes from, lol! Take for example, birthdays. He says, birthdays are not really special, they are just another day if one is fortunate enough to be alive. Now I have never had the pleasure of throwing big elaborate parties for my loved ones but I have always tried to make birthdays special in some way. My kids always got a few gifts and family members would join us for a special birthday cake and ice cream. On my own birthday, I did not always have a birthday cake but My Mother and my children would always make the day as special as they could, and my brother Don ALWAYS got me a gift...the last few years, it was often the only gift I received, lol. I guess it is the beginning of a new era for this year, I received no present from Don, and I really did not mind..ok. Let me be completely honest. It did hurt a tiny bit, lol. And my feelings were hurt just the tiniest bit that Matthew did not come down, and I did not even get a phone call from Isaac or from Nicholas wishing me a Happy Birthday BUT

My oldest son Michael, whom I seldom get to see any more, called me on Saturday night before my birthday, and said "Mom, don't you have a birthday coming up in the next few days?" "Yes", I said. "Are you going to come down? I asked. "Well" he said, "I have been wanting to go see the new Rob Zombie Halloween movie, and Carolyn doesn't like scary movies....Will you go with me?" I was thrilled!!! It was our very first date! He came down early, Gary cooked us a steak and baked potato for supper, and then on Halloween night, Michael and I drove to Bowling Green and saw the new Halloween movie! It was a lovely night and I so enjoyed the time alone with my son! It was the first time I had been in a movie theater since we took the kids to see Santa Clause The Movie back in the 80s! It was a night I will never forget, and perhaps it is a new birthday tradition for us!

Tuesday, the 3rd was my actual birthday. Gary cooked me a very nice dinner: steak and shrimp, baked potato and salad. Matthew called to wish me a birthday, and I received a ton of emails and well wishes from my on-line friends in the scrapping community. Thank you so much to all of you!!! You always make me feel so special and I really do appreciate it!

I checked the mailbox to see if there was a card from my son Nicholas, or from my brother Don. There was not but that's ok for I know they have very busy lives, and they know as long as they are well and happy, then I am happy. And I am very grateful that the Lord has blessed me so that I was able to celebrate another wonderful year in this game we called life!

Happy Scrappin!

Boyhood Tales

With three sons, seven grandsons and countless nephews, I just know I am going to use Rina's newest release quite a bit!

Be enchanted by the magic world of a young boy's adventure stories with Rina's "Boyhood Tales" collection. This set is full of vintage charm and perfect for boys of all ages - a bit of masculine nostalgia wrapped up in rustic colors and shabby, distressed textures. Capture his imaginary travels to distant lands through the pages of his books or much-loved tales from the nursery: pirates and soldiers, airplanes, steam ships and railroads. Antique maps and a telescope enable him to navigate the stormy seas and charter new territory (even if it is by means of his bicycle through nature's paths). Old-fashioned collectibles become his favorite ways to explore new worlds and fight imaginary battles: a vintage tin train, a toy canon and old pistol, the ubiquitous green toy soldier. Dig through his pockets to discover favorite treasures: a ball of yarn, some string, a ruggedly used base ball, leftover peanuts and torn off buttons. Enjoy using this timeless collection for that little man in your life!

And, as with all new releases at Scrapbook-Elements, you can pick up this kit at a special introductory price of 25% off the original price through Monday evening (November 2).

Here are two pages I have made with it all ready!

I am sure there will be several more pages coming soon for the kit is truly loaded with lots of goodies! You will love it, I promise! And visit Rina's Blog to find a wonderful freebie sample!

Happy Scrappin!