I'm really excited to participate in today's Silhouette Blog Hop (which officially begins at 9 a.m., but I'm heading out in a bit)! Are you ready to be awed and inspired? (Ok, that sounded conceited. What I mean to say is that by the time you're done with your hop, you're SURE to be awed and inspired--even if it wasn't by me. LOL!)

Why do I love the Silhouette?

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure I needed another die cut machine. (I will admit at this point that I already owned three other die cut machines.) So when I had the opportunity to get the Silhouette I was worried I couldn't justify the acquisition to the hubby. Boy was I WRONG!! Once I figured out the software (I really recommend reading the helpful tutorials on the Silhouette website), I started with just the basic shapes.

Wait!!

I can change the shape size just by dragging my mouse!

No way!!

I can flip and rotate the image just like that.

Seriously?!!

I can add shapes within shapes within shapes or take away part of the shape.

DUDE!!

Ok, at that point I was hooked.

And if that wasn't enough reason to love my Silhouette, the fabulous designs alone would have sucked me right in--designs by amazing product designers within the scrapbook industry. (And shhhh, but they're super cheap to purchase!!).

I use my Silhouette nearly every day, whether it's for the fabulous TrueType font cutting feature or for a shape that works perfectly with my project. I really do LOVE my Silhouette Machine.

To show you a little more why I LOVE this machine, I created a layout for today's project. For this layout, I used several die cut shapes (some altered and portions of the shapes removed), and I used a print & cut owl because I've been wanting to use him for quite some time. LOL!

Supplies:
* Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View, Provo Craft, Bazzill, Prism
* Pattern Paper: KI Memories, Pebbles, Inc., Heidi Grace
* Stamps: Hero Arts, Hampton Art
* Stamping Ink: Versamark
* Embossing Powder: American Crafts
* Mini Brads: Karen Foster Design
* Button: JoAnn's
* Craft Twine: craft supply
* Photo Corners: Canson
* Letter stickers: American Crafts
* Fonts: Vintage Typewriter (www.scrapvillage.com); 2Peas Tasklist (www.twopeasinabucket.com)
* 2 Piece Frame die cut:

* Conversation Bubbles:

* Negative Frame:

* Fancy Frame:

* Alpha Border:

* Animal Owls Print and Cut:

* Circle Border:

* Nesting Hearts:

If you've arrived from Nichol Magourik's blog, then you're on the right track and have already been wowed. From here you can visit Robyn Werlich's blog where I KNOW she'll awe and inspire you. (These girls have that affect on me EVERY day!)

If you get lost, just check out the Silhouette Blog for more instructions. And while you're there follow the link to the fabulous designs available for just $.75 this week, as well as a few other fabulous promotions.

Today is the Day

Three years ago today, I lost my sweet boy to colon cancer. Although I will never be comfortable talking about the details of the day, I will say it was horrible beyond description. I am really doing ok today. And rather than focus on any pain that I could dredge up if I focused too much on it, I'd rather ask you a favor.

Something I often think about is the fact that there are other people at the hospital (or at home) saying good-bye to loved ones today. This happens every minute of every day. And when I think about them coming home without their child or their mother or their sister or their loved one and that horrible ride home filled with the deepest sorrow, I offer a prayer in their honor. If you would be willing, would you take just a moment and offer a prayer, send up positive thoughts, light a candle (thank you, Ali) or just have a peaceful moment of silence that they may be buoyed up in spirit and that they might soon find peace? That would truly make me feel better.

And then give your loved ones a big hug, a note of appreciation, and DON'T let today go by without telling them that you love them. You just never know.

I would love that!

And now, Joey, I love you sweet boy!!

Planting the Garden

After 17 years, we are FINALLY planting the vegetable garden. Funny how I've forgotten so many things about it from when I was a child. (I think I'm mentally blocking it out because I HATED weeding the garden.) My kids were so excited they actually shook with excitement and argued over who got to do what. Now if only every chore was like that! LOL!

Because we aren't past our frost season yet, we only planted our potatoes, our peas, and our onions. Some time in May we'll add our vines: pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and peppers. I'm still debating about carrots. I'm kind of a carrot fiend and so is Katelyn so perhaps we should. And then definitely sweet corn. YUMMY!!

First we raked the garden that Brett tilled on Saturday:

And then we planted Peas:

Here are the prepared seed potatoes:

And here are the onions (red and yellow) in their bag:

Here are the kids planting the onions:

And here are the little onions waiting to be covered and watered.

And despite some minor disagreements from the hubby and I, we DID IT!! I'm so happy. It's helping me with my "lift the stress" goals to have this done until after May begins!

Stress, Stressed, Stressed-er!!

I purposely kept busy this month because I'm getting on a plane on Thursday, and I HATE flying. :( Before last year's trip to Savannah, GA I hadn't been on a plane in well over eight years. But with the help of meds I was able to pull it off. And it wasn't too bad. I'm far less stressed than last year's trip because now I have a successful flight under my belt, but I can't tell you how much it still weighs on me. (I've had a few VERY yucky flights due to being VERY sick, so I do have that to worry about.)

In addition to that little concern, I've got laundry, housecleaning, packing for the kids and I, babysitting arrangements for the kids to make, church stuff, and just basic raising kid schedules to deal with. I'm wound a little tightly today. :( Poor hubby and kids. Jimmy told me this morning, when I raised my voice at him for not getting out of bed, "I'm sorry you're having a bad day, Mom!" Oh I felt terrible! That's not the mood I want to have when I'm getting ready to leave. Not at all!! I'm working through it. Sigh!

One last project for Little Yellow Bicycle today. A layout using their new Snugglebug Boy line. Such a cute line, and it works for baby boys and grown-up boys too! Product should be shipping to stores soon so keep an eye out! You can see the entire collection here!

Hope you are having a productive, stress-free Monday! Now I'm off to change my mood and get some things done so I have less to stress about. :)

Scrapook Trends Newsletter

Are you getting it? If not, I really suggest that you sign up to receive it. You can sign up for it here.

Here's my recent project that went out in the newsletter:

And here is a project I created that is being sold as a kit. You can purchase it here:

Today, I am getting my gray covered. Just enough gray to DRIVE me crazy and too much to pluck out. :(And then we're planting our vegetable garden: potatoes, peas, and onions today). This will be our first harvest EVER!! So exciting!

Kudos, to my friend, Crystal!!

It's so fun to see people in my industry having success. And this particular bit of news just makes me really happy!!

Crystal Wilkerson is a fabulous digital designer. And I've used her kits on several items. Seriously, the woman's designs are amazing! (Plus she's just a really nice person.)

But now she has some BIG news. She's adding print to her list of accomplishments. This kit will soon be available for purchase in PAPER:

In addition to paper, you will be able to purchase it digitally. Cool, huh?!! If you'd like to win a set of this wonderful kit, then make sure to visit her blog and leave a comment.

If you like this then be sure to follow her link on her blog to where you can purchase other digital kits by her. And here is a free one that you can download from 2Peas:

I just want to wish her all the success in the world. Go, Crystal!

Would You Help Me with Something?

I'm revamping my stamp pad stash, and I need some recommendations for the following colors.

Please tell me you favorite company and name of the ink pad in these colors:

* Baby Pink (really light, delicate pink)
* Teal (strong, vibrant color)
* Teal (light and soft color)
* Purple (not too dark, but true purple)
* Violet (vibrant, reddish in nature)
* Orange (rich pumpkin color--but not rust)
* Navy Blue
* Cranberry or Ruby Red

Any other recommendations, must-have colors? The more I stamp the more I realize that I need GREAT ink!

Just leave some suggestions in the comments section please!! I really would love to hear what you like. :)

A Little More Eye Candy!

I have two more 2Peas layouts to share with you, and a layout for the Scrapbook Trends Blog.

First is this very BRIGHT layout about my daughter hanging around and having some fun. There's lots of texture on this layout so be sure to check it out on 2Peas for detailed photos. Plus you can find all the supplies I used to make the layout here. This happy line from KI Memories makes me smile.

This is a layout based on an Easter theme. I really wanted something more on the side of my beliefs and my faith so, of course, I wrote about Joey. Everything is really muted on this layout and most of the layout is digital. You can see detailed photos at 2Peas here.

And then today on the Scrapbook Trends' blog, I show you how to use white Staz-On ink to stamp on an acrylic shape. You can find the blog here.

It's so nice after all the work to be able to share a little bit. :) I hope you have a less soggy day than we're supposed to have today. HUGS!

April's Mini Album a Month Class & a Layout!

I get to post some work for 2Peas today. That always makes me happy. I feel very blessed to work with them. I am constantly inspired by the work posted in the gallery. I know I can ask the readers any question and I will receive a quick answer--including asking about my dumb sewing machine.

This layout is about my niece, Zadie. I wanted to create a scene for the top of this layout. I've had this sketch idea in my head for some time now, but I had sketched a little boat scene and that obviously doesn't work with this layout. So I switched it up to a house on a hill, and now I'm really happy with it. You can see more detail shots and find the supply list here at 2Peas:

And the April "Mini Album a Month" class focuses on a Spiral Bound Album with an "Art Journal" feel. Katelyn is an amazing artist, and I wanted to create an album for her that she can record some of her work inside. I took pictures of her art and placed them on one side of the page. Then she can document or take notes on the other side of the page. You can find the class here at 2Peas and download the pdf here.

And here is the video for this class:



I hope you enjoy learning some assembly tips for a journal like this. You can participate in this month's challenge by completing your own album and uploading it to the gallery. (Be sure to mark the correct challenge box for a chance to win a prize from 2Peas!)

Playing with Shutter Speed!

Ok, one type of photograph that I have always wanted to take but didn't know how to take was those blurred movement photos. Well, duh! Now I know they are related to shutter speed--how fast your camera's eye opens and closes. (Sounds like me on a tired morning. LOL!) So last night I had Jimmy run in front of the camera while I had a slow shutter speed. I wasn't sure it would work, but I like it (ignore our yard flags to keep kids off the new grass):

Nikon D50

50 mm 1.8

1/60 shutter speed

1.7 aperture

200 ISO

And then I had him ride his bike. The photo is overexposed, but I'm still figuring out the photographic triangle. I will say I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with the camera.

Nikon D50

50 mm 1.8

1/15 shutter speed

1.7 aperture

200 ISO

I am finding that the only way things I learn stick is if I practice, practice, practice. I keep apologizing to my family for having the camera in their faces constantly; but if I can't play I can figure things out. It's amazing how much I forget the very next day.

Here's one more photo of the same scenario above but with frozen action.

Nikon D50

50 mm 1.8

1/4000 shutter speed

1.7 aperture

200 ISO

You can't even tell he's moving in this photo. I think I like the other one better. I think Shutter Speed may be my new favorite setting. :)

Giddy and Guilty!

This is the first house we've ever lived in where I've really got to plan and plant something. Really. Our first two places were little student rentals--no planting there. Our first real house, my father surprised us and planted nearly our entire front yard and then Brett lost his job and we had to sell the house and move to Georgia. We rented in Georgia for the first two years, and then owned the second two years. By the time I started to even deal with the overgrowth, we were moving again. A year in my Mom's house while house hunting and Joey was sick so no planting there. And then in this house. Our first two years our yard budget was eaten up by the fences we helped our three neighbors put in. OUCH! But I felt it was really important to be a good neighbor. So this truly is the the first time I've EVER got to plan and execute any kind of a plant plan.

After my wedding shower yesterday, Brett and I headed out to Home Depot where we got some shrubs!! Woohoo!! I'm serious. I'm totally giddy over it. My sweet husband helped me plant them after his 17 hour marathon training run. Yes. He really is my hero.

Here is a photo of the finished product:

But the funny thing? I feel so guilty for doing it. Weird, huh? Because I've never got to do it, it's feels a bit uncomfortable. After 17 years of marriage I'm getting to do this, and I feel GUILT?? Oh good grief. I wonder what it is? I'm working through it. We're paying cash for everything so there really is no need to feel this way. I have a plan, and I'm following it. I really don't get it. Oh well. I think I must have a built-in guilt mechanism. Silly.

But I thought I'd share our little triumph because every time I see it, I get VERY excited!

Here's one last photo you can see my bare porch and the how the shrubs look up against the house. I'm browsing gardening books, which I have done the ENTIRE time we've been married and I've got BIG plans I tell ya. LOL!

Bring on the Weekend!

Oh, I need a weekend. Maybe I need back-to-back weekends. :) It seems like this has been such a long month, and I'm burned out and worn out. Today won't be much of a rest day as my hubby is running 17 MILES today in training for his upcoming marathon. I don't know how a body does that. He's quite amazing. I think he left around 3 a.m. this morning for the 4-5 hour run. YIKES, huh?!!

I have a wedding shower to attend and then the basic weekend chores and possibly some work to complete. Can you believe that April is half over? Good grief. I hate it when life sucks me along.

Hey, I have a question for you. I think my sewing machine is on its last leg. I recently had it serviced. But the bobbin thread keeps bunching and pulling with up to five threads getting caught on the bottom of my stitching. Any ideas what might be going on? I've adjusted the top tension. I've switched to different thread. I've flipped the bobbin over. I just can't figure it out, and I'm DYING without my machine. I've really come to rely on it. It's not an expensive machine, but I would really like to not have to purchase a new one. This one has been just fine both for scrapbooking and sewing. If you have an idea, please let me know.

I have one more layout from Little Yellow Bicycle's "Free Spirit" line to show you. I thought the little chipboard van matched perfectly with the cardboard box my daughter made for a church activity. Such a fun, happy line. You can find the items for purchase here at 2Peas:

I'm enjoying my photography class with Karen Russell. We've recently started learning about the photographic triangle, which has stumped me for years. I'm trying to take my camera out and just play and practice as much as I can. It's amazing how much you can forget in just one day. I can tell I'm close to my "ah ha" moment, but I haven't reached that point yet. At least I'm not afraid any more to push buttons and try things. I think this will be a class to which I refer often and it will take years of practice for everything to really click. And every time I get frustrated, I just keep thinking that I reallly do care how my photos look. And that I really wish I had more and better photos of Joey. It's what makes learning all worth it. More memories to preserve.

Here are a few photos I've been playing with. The first is with aperture as my focus. The second is just with an automatic macro setting (which I'm trying to learn how to do with my aperture settings):

Someday I hope to look at all my photos and feel happy about them. LOL!

Feeling Groovy!

Finding a line that works perfectly with teenagers can be difficult, but when I opened up my product box from Little Yellow Bicycle and my daughter got all excited I KNEW I had a winning product line. She finds these funky colors and designs perfect for her personality.

So when I took these photos of her dawing a St. Patrick's Day wig, I knew what papers I had to use. It amazes me (and freaks her Dad out to no end) to see that even in these photos she's gorgeous! Lucky girl. We found out at the dentist yesterday that she needs an orthodontist appointment. I'm excited for her. Not about the braces part, but knowing that she will have beautiful straight teeth when she's done. How fun is that?!! I know nothing about braces because neither me nor my husband have ever worn them. This is going to be interesting. I see many photo ops ahead. LOL!

In honor of her grooviness, I used the "Free Spirit" line on this funky page about Kate:

Supplies:
* Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View, Prism
* Pattern paper: Blue Geo/Green Peace Dots Free Spirit Collection Paper, Peace Out/Orange Geo Free Spirit Collection Paper (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Fresh Verse Cardstock Stickers (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Clear Cut Shapes (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Journal Tablet (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Chipboard Frames (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Chipboard Embellishment Stickers (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Free Spirit Words Canvas Stickers (Little Yellow Bicycle)
* Yellow mini brads (Karen Foster Design)
* Flowers (Making Memories, craft supply)
* Bookplate (JoAnn's)
* "Capture the Moment" digital brush by Ali Edwards from her Everyday Brush set for www.designerdigitals.com

I am hoping that this weekend proves to be somewhat relaxing after my day yesterday was out of control with work, volunteering at the school, prepping for church activity, soccer game, church activity, and then home to finish taxes (yes, we left it to the last minute and we file in two states so YIKES). I really need April and especially May to settle down a bit. Good grief!

On the Better Side of Things

What a difficult day yesterday was. Most of the time I can keep a positive attitude and rely on my faith. But I think I've been doing so much and working so hard that I was already worn out so my protective "wall" around those very painful feelings just came crashing down and then all that pain was exposed and I felt it ALL. Any little thing would set me off crying again. And the hurt is too large to describe--so agonizingly empty. But we had to make a stop at the dentist yesterday, and I couldn't exactly fall apart there and while sitting in the chair looking out the window I knew that he wouldn't want me to be unhappy. It was a beautiful spring day, and he would want us all to celebrate him in a happier way. So I sat outside for a while afterwards and absorbed the sun and felt a great deal more peace. His passing date is in two weeks, and I'm a little bit nervous about my reaction for that as well. I hope it is better than yesterday was.

Thank you for all of your sweet e-mails and kind responses. They really do help in making me feel like it's ok to mourn him and to help me remember that he was an important part of my life and others' lives. So thank you!

I thought I'd share some of the photos we took going to his gravesite last night. Each year we put a new Clone Trooper on the back of his stone to "guard" Joey throughout the year. Joey was a huge fan of the Clone Troopers. Unfortunately last year's clone just recently disappeared. All that was left was a little helmet. There is writing on the back of his stone that has special significance for Joey and his Dad and is perfectly appropriate for the clone guarding his stone. It was a great experience being there. We typically find little toys from other visitors. I have no idea who they are, but it always means a great deal. You can see a little car on top of his stone in the second photo.

Happy 16th Birthday, Baby!

Well, it's here. What would be your 16th birthday, Joseph. I wonder how you would spend your day? Probably getting your driver's license. Most likely hanging out with your friends. Maybe something deliciously cheesy from a Mexican Restaurant. And definitely some video game time with your Dad and your brother and sister.

I miss you, angel. And I hardly know how to spend this day without you. I don't really even know how to celebrate it without you. I feel really lost on days like this, son. I wish I could find a tradition that would bring us all peace and yet celebrate you. But it feels a little bit empty, and there really is no guidebook for things like this.

I suppose I will just try to think of you all day, and send you love, and tell you that I miss you like crazy; but that I'm super proud of you. And that I cannot wait to see you again because we owe each other a few thousand "I love you's" and a million hugs.

I hope you're having a wonderful day, my sweet boy!

All my love and Happy Birthday!

Mom