I knew it wasn't Christmas yet

Because last night we were carving pumpkins! Hope to have some photos later. In the meantime, I was inspired by Candi Gershon on the BHG Scrapbooks Etc. blog to create some special treats for Michaela's class. Or let Michaela create them. She chose the candy, stuffed the bags, stamped the tags, added the "boooooo" strip, wrote "from: Michaela" on the backside, and proudly carried them off to school this morning. The little owl stamp is from poppyink.com and makes a good solid image, even on Bazzill, but keep in mind these were done by my 6 year old ;) We thought he was so cute and happy!

Is it Christmas yet?

This bracelet was featured in December CK, but they ended up not using the gift tin I decorated to match. Almost everything used is Kology by K&Company.
Hoping my mom will like the bracelet (shhhh, she doesn't read my blog) :D

Halloween costumes

Do your children "trick or treat"? My girls enjoy dressing up and visiting the homes of a few friends and relatives. A few years ago, our church began having "Trunk or Treat". It has been a huge success for our small town. About 30 vehicles park in a large circle in the parking lot, with their trunks to the inside. Then, each family hands out candy and treats to lots and lots of little kids in costumes. Some trunks are decorated, some adults wear costumes, and everyone enjoys the fellowship. Michaela loves handing out the candy. Olivia is usually off romping with friends.
We've had our share of princess costumes. This year Olivia decided to be a Japanase girl. Online costumes didn't appeal at all, and not for the price they wanted for something cheaply made. So, I bought the pattern, fabric, and supplies, and made it. Yes, you read right. I actually sewed something besides a scrapbook page ;) And the hours I spent were well worth it. Olivia thinks it is BEAUTIFUL (she said it over and over) and she thinks mom is a fabulous seamstress, lol. Off today to find something for Michaela - she's thinking black cat or witch. Have a great weekend!

Poll for the weekend

Because I know you are reading, and I know you want to help ;) I'm getting ready to design my spring workshops. Checking out all the Memory Trend releases, and gathering ideas in my head. I know next month is going to be cold, and the perfect time to dream up and create new projects for spring. Here is where you come in: I'm a layout girl. Meaning, I prefer layouts to mini albums, altered projects, or small items (cards and tags). But, these classes are not about me, they are about you. My question is - when you spend your scrapping dollars on a class, do you prefer to take home layouts or other projects (provided you receive ideas and inspiration from the whole class and not just the project you create) ?
Thanks in advance!

California, here I come!

It's official. I will be attending CHA in Anaheim!! I'll be teaching/working for K&Company and soaking up all that California sunshine....the sun does shine in January, right? lol I'm very excited, as I have several friends on the West coast that I'm looking forward to meeing for the first time, and friends that I've not seen in a long time that will be there too. Shows are hard work, but you don't seem to notice as much when you are surrounded by fellow scrappers and friends. Anyone reading my blog that will be at the show?

I have visited California once before on business (I was a Computer Engineer in my "other life"...you know, the one before kids? :D) I saw a bit of LA, and Hollywood. Getting there is no picnic. Living as far from a major airport as I do, it will be an all day affair. I normally take a good book to read to pass the time in airports and on flights. Reading makes the time go so much faster. Any good books to recommend?

patch photos

I always look forward to our annual pumpkin patch trip. We drive an hour and 15 minutes, but it's always a nice drive, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere once we arrive. My sister, Debbie, and her 3 met us there. Don't they look like a mess? ;)
Remember to click on the photo for a clearer view.

Birmingham update

For those of you waiting on my class signups at Scrap, Etc. in Birmingham: they decided to cancel the workshops due to the big football game being played that day (Alabama and Auburn). Due to other conflicts, there was no way to reschedule this year. Thank you for your support and hope to meet up with you another time!

My next trip will be to Scrappily Ever After in Mandeville, LA, on December 2nd. I'll be helping to celebrate their one year anniversary!

K&Co Memory Trends projects

Just a couple of favorites that I created using K&Company's MT releases. New Brenda Walton papers and accents, and some of the beautiful glitters and transfers.

One of my favorite things

is teaching scrapbook classes. I love designing the projects, making up the kits (packing as much in as I can), traveling to scrapbook stores, meeting scrapbookers across the US, and making new friends. And, I love presenting ideas, whether big or small, to people who love this hobby as I do. So, if you know of a store in your area that might be interested in my workshops, or, if you own a store, and would like more info, please email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com, and we'll see what we can cook up! :D I'm now booking for February-April of 2007. I hope to see you soon!

Ready for the pumpkin patch?

It is a tradition with us, and soon we'll make the trip again. This photo was taken last year, when we visited with a school group. I used up some odd stickers and rubons - very quick layout! I did go back and sew my buttons ;)

Anyone for dill pickle?

not "a dill pickle" but dill pickle as in color :D I'm painting! Yes, after 10 years in this house, hubby and I are giving the interior rooms a fresh coat of paint. In fact, I'm SURE I overdid it today, lol. But, with half my living room a wonderful shade of green, it was worth it! The bathroom is complete, and next on the list is the kitchen.
In other good news, my November Poppy Ink kit arrived! You only have to get one of Heather's kits to know why they are so popular. Not just coordinated papers and embellies, but the HOTTEST combo of products you could wish for. She goes the extra mile. On the PI board, members have been trying to describe PI kits with one word. Lots of words listed, so I know I'm not the only one that is PI crazy ;)
Have I been scrapping? Hmmmm, well, I'll admit that painting has consumed my time lately, but I have a couple brewing for an online site, and I'm ready to dig into my new Mustard Moon stash. Hoping to have something new to post here by next week!

Tell me what you've been up to!

for Lisa at Scrappily Ever After

Hey, girl - I've emailed you several times, and assumed you were just busy. After receiving your email tonight, I realized you aren't getting my emails. I had to call 3 times before I got a machine that might have been your's...the first call was answered by "Jennifer's" machine. The second call got me Family Services in Idaho, and finally, after calling directory assistance to verify your number, I got a regular machine - hope it was your's! Sorry for the trouble!

2 more HOF book layouts

The 10 photo layout made me want to give up! All I could say about that layout was that it was done, and I followed the rules - even though I ended up replacing a photo of me, in fear that more than 1 or 2 photos of me in my entry would disqualify me (cause hubby took those). Looking back now, I like the layout, and I'm glad I did it - Disney was such fun, and the photos were colorful and happy. I just didn't think it was HOF worthy, if you know what I mean. And "then there was you 2" - my last entry layout to complete. Not a favorite, and chopping my photo down the middle was not something I want to do often. I'm glad it was only 10 layouts...after finishing this one, I had no desire to do another. I just wanted to send it in and be done. So, those of you entering next year, my advice is this - start early, and don't overthink it. Create layouts with your best photos and journaling, and when you gather them together, love what you've accomplished, even if you don't "love" them all the same. I think your love for your family, friends, pets, your home, hobbies, activities, etc., but most importantly, the life you are living should show in your layouts. The rest is just gravy.

You've seen 2 of the other 3 HOF layouts ("Friends" and "Good Fortune"). #10 will appear in the Idea Annual very soon.

Thanks for looking, you guys!

fall television

Fall television is in full swing! Let's hear your "must see" list, and your "get rid of it" list!!
I gotta see:
Prison Break
Grey's Anatomy
Friday Night Lights
Jericho

Like to see:
Survivor
CSI Miami
Brothers and Sisters
Shark
Men In Trees
Without A Trace

Seem to be missing this season (cause I don't have DVR or Tivo) but used to be favorites:
CSI
ER
The Unit

Might be interesting:
Heroes

Not showing now, but will watch:
The Closer
The Dead Zone
American Idol

Gotta go?
How do I have time to watch the bad ones, when my list of good ones is so long?! lol
Angelia

HOF personal statement

Hard to believe this was over 9 months ago. I actually scrapped this one on January 1st. I'm glad I did. I hope to do another this next January.
Scenic Route is one of my favorite scrapbook companies!

Upcoming workshop dates

Very excited to be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama, on November 18th. But, I don't think I've mentioned my trip to Mandeville, Louisiana, on December 2nd. If you live near (or not so far away) I'd love to meet you at Scrappily Ever After! I think I've convinced my hubby to come along for the trip :D Should be interesting!

HOF freebie

I'm a BasicGrey addict. Mix that with some Heidi Swapp goodies, and some rubons, and I'm happy :D This one was about the journaling, and I loved creating these flowers and weaved borders.

layouts that make us smile

We should do more of those, huh? :) This one puts a huge grin on my face, because it makes me remember the fun they were having, and me, too, as I watched from the side. This was one of my HOF freebies.

HOF photography assignment

Another favorite. My nephew is so rarely still, and when I try to pose him alone or with the others, he is invariably making a face - on purpose :) But I caught him in a quiet mood, playing in the kiddie pool, and got candids that I love. When he noticed I was taking photos, he wanted to turn the hose on me, lol.

favorite HOF layout

Got my HOF issue, and I'm posting my favorite entry layout today with others to follow in the next couple weeks. This was my Product Usage Assignment layout. I did all the layouts 9-10 months ago, and was excited about finally seeing some of them in print. I believe the colors are much more vibrant than they printed. The issue has some gorgeous layouts in it by my fellow HOFers and HMers. I think you'll love it!

poppy ink October gallery

http://www.poppyink.com/documents/gallery.html

My fellow PopArtists did an amazing job! It is fun to see how we each interpreted pretty much the same kit contents. This gallery just makes me smile :D