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GIVEAWAY and something new...

When I finished blogging yesterday, I had so many other 'random thoughts' pop into my head... I think I need to add them regularly - just to see if anyone else in the world can relate. lol

Okay, I wanted to add the giveaway is still up and running... and I'm going to include more than just the stamp. I don't know what yet, but it'll be a good prize, I promise! :)

Secondly, I decided I am going to do something new with my blog. I really don't talk about scrapbooking THAT much on here, and I don't know why... it's a pretty huge part of my life ... BUT... I have noticed there's a lot of contests and comments and calls that don't always go our way - whether in real life or online or magazine submissions or design team calls. I just think a lot of times we can get REALLY down when we don't get the result we were hoping for.

But you know, scrapbooking is supposed to make us feel good. This past week, I've been working on an article for the February issue of Memory Makers. And I have to tell you, it's really reminded me WHY I do this: To tell my stories. I LOVE the story-telling aspect of scrapbooking, and I never want to forget that. When I was in college I performed a portion from a one-woman show called "Blown Sideways Through Life..." I still remember so much of it, and one of the things the author (Claudia Shear) says is: "Everyone has a story. Everyone has at least one story that will stop your heart." I've never forgotten that - and I know I never will.

And that's what we are really, a bunch of story tellers - using our talents to tell our stories the best way we know how... so periodically on my blog, I want to highlight my favorites. People who inspire me to tell my stories or to scrapbook differently - to think outside the box. And maybe you'll discover someone you didn't know was out there or revisit someone you've forgotten about and you'll be inspired too.

I love to compliment people. So often, I think we hold our compliments back. And I realized a few years ago, when I think in my head "Wow, that's really cute hair that girl has..." I'm going to just tell her - even if I have no idea who she is and I'm so jealous of her dang cute hair I could spit. I'm going to tell her... you never know when it's going to make someone's day.

SO... the first scrapbooker I'm going to highlight is someone I do not know at all. I was at 2peas yesterday, and I NEVER look in the Peanut Gallery - don't ask me why... probably because once I start, I can't tear myself away... but anyway, there I was surfing through, and I stumbled upon someone I'd never seen before. Her name is Michelle Engel, and she's from Canada. It was this layout that drew me in:

Here is a link to her gallery.

There are so many things in it that inspired me. I absolutely LOVE her layouts!

I think this one is so clever, how the journaling is turned and there's just enough detail to give it a polished look. It's just a finished looking layout. (and I do have her permission to post it here! - just wanted to make that clear!) :)

So... that's the person who is inspiring me today. Go look at her gallery, I bet she'll make you want to scrap!! :)

Have a great Friday!!

Let's do a giveaway... and some thoughts to ponder.

Thought #1. Why is it that newly-4 year old boys cannot WALK anywhere? There's always a bit of a run going on when I follow Ethan, or at least a bounce... I have a feeling if I tried this, well, it would be frightening right now with my belly all bouncy, but I have a theory that this would help the ever-expanding lower portion of my body.

Thought #2: I think it's really sweet of my hind quarters to care so much about my abdomen. It's like, as the belly grows, the backside thinks, "I don't want you to be alone in this endeavor... tell ya what, I'll just start randomly expanding." Isn't that sweet of my butt?

Thought #3: Try to avoid catching a glimpse of said hind quarters in any reflective surface, be it mirrors, sunglasses or windows on the fronts of restaurants where you just indulged in french fries.

Thought #4: When you have a cell phone, expect your significant other to be VERY upset with you if you fail to answer it. If you enter the mall without the darn thing (because you inadvertently left it in the car) expect at least three messages telling you all the reasons you got cell phones and reminding you that you are paying for them so you can communcate when you are out and about. Or maybe just a short, sweet message like "ANSWER YOUR PHONE!!!"

Thought #5: When you enter your downstairs bathroom several days in a row only to find the LARGEST, NASTIEST, SCARIEST LOOKING SPIDERS on God's green earth happily camped out in the corners and crevices, do not panic. You must keep breathing. You must not allow the GASP to get caught in your throat because it will turn into a choke and your husband will administer the heimlich maneuver instead of doing his rightful duty: killing the BIG, FAT, HAIRY spider. And for gosh sake's, instantly PRAY that these little critters remain out of sight during all Open Houses and home showings. (Did I mention how large these spiders are? We're talking a quarter-sized body with legs expanding at least an inch in all directions.) 

Okay, those are just a few things on my mind as I wake up this morning. Had to get those out there. I didn't blog yesterday - the day got away from me - which means, I didn't do the giveaway of the Scarlet Lime logo stamp, which is absolutely sooo cool. I've already used the stamp on two other layouts. It's a great little journaling spot. Here's my layouts using the September kit, but it is SOLD OUT, so get in on the fun for October. (I think you can still get the papercrafting kit, which is primarily my new favorite color: ORANGE. I think Orange is so dreamy. And that kit is awesome. You don't have to make the paper craft with it - just play with it... it's so worth it!) :)

See that stamp?? That's the one I'm talking about! :)

Wow. This photo looks really green. Sorry about that. :) This is a simple layout, but I love these papers!!

I used the paper posie technique Christy linked from her blog last week. What a fun idea! 

Okay, so leave me a comment by tomorrow at midnight (that's Friday at Midnight CST) and I'll do a drawing for the logo stamp and some other fun goodies. We're moving, so I have to consolidate some of this stuff, ya know! :)

So, let's hear it, what's on your mind today?   

An eventful day. A tired mommy-to-be. A four year old boy.

Today Ethan is four. I cannot believe it. I just finished telling him the story of when he was born, which for whatever reason was oddly exciting for him. (All kinds of gasps and giggles - especially when I told him the part about how incredible large he was - 10 pounds, 2 ounces). (Yes, I am praying his baby brother doesn't follow his lead on that one!)

We had a good (but exhausting) day. It's amazing how running all over creation can wear a pregnant person out. I am so tired now, I think I could fall asleep - and it's only 5:30! And we have cake to eat.

The day started off pretty fun. I was hardly awake, but I heard these footsteps - not little tip toeing footsteps - these running-oh-my-gosh-it's-my-birthday footsteps. And he was excited. The presents (wrapped in Christmas paper) were piled in his room, and he wanted to OPEN THEM! I love how excited he got this year.

All that joy just for a few Thomas trains... :) (I love that he's so easy to please.)

And more joy for a 'blue Mater' and a 'metal Fillmore.' (Should've skipped the Leapster and just gotten him these and the bottle of Miracle Bubbles, which he just told me was his favorite present. lol Miracle Bubbles for 97 cents. (note to self: shop cheap for Christmas. He doesn't care!)

Anyway, I have to share a couple more. He was just giddy.

Last year, since we had to take Sophia to school on Ethan's birthday, we started a new tradition with him that sort of stuck. We drop Sophia off at school and all head out to IHOP for breakfast. This year, we picked up my nephew for the trip. It was really fun having them both out, though Cooper (nephew) only ate the chocolate chips on his pancakes and nothing else. ha.

That last one is my favorite. He was so good today, and we had so much fun. My mom came up for lunch (yes, it was like, the all-food day!) and we found Ethan a "blue Lightning with wings" and then ran out to our new house to check out our brand new appliances, which were delivered today. I am so excited because I'm getting rid of the side-by-side fridge and getting a bottom freezer. I wish I would've taken a picture of it - I love it so much! :)

Sophia starts her Christian Youth Theatre adventure tonight. She's in a musical theatre class (that's Adam's teaching) and she is so excited. I can't wait to hear about it when they get home. It's been a really long day already - all the running around we've done, and OH - we had a showing for the house in the middle of all of that - THAT's why I'm so tired! I was frantically trying to get the house cleaned up after the birthday adventures and still get to lunch on time.

So, we're praying whoever it was liked the house, though I sort of want to call these realtors and tell them I wish they'd turn the lights off when they leave (aren't they supposed to do that?)

In other big news, my friend Christy's brand spankin' new kit club debuted today. I'm really lucky to be on her artist team, and I am sooo glad because I'm telling you, this dang kit ROCKS. I'm going to do a giveaway tomorrow because she accidentally sent me an extra logo stamp, so she said it'd be okay to give it away (and I'll throw in some other fun stuff too!) :) But anyways, the kit club is called The Scarlet Lime (do you believe she actually EATS limes? I don't think I've ever really tasted one!) And it's awesome. Christy has a really cool style, so I'm VERY happy to have her be my personal shopper! (And proud of her for FINALLY doing this! She's been talking about it FOREVER!)

I'll post more about that tomorrow for the giveaway! :) Today had to be all about my big four year old boy! :) (And be thankfully NOT about my ever-expanding backside... oh the lament I could've written about that... three more months and then it's back to Weight Watchers! I cannot WAIT for that!) :)

Anyway, go check out the kit club - it's totally worth it - and so are the add-ons! :)

Happy Tuesday!

Memory Makers

This weekend, I found myself mentioned on a blog where there's lots of anonymous comments about scrapbooking. There were some sort of mixed things said, but none of it offended me because I agree with a lot of it. How DID I get to be a Contributing Editor to a magazine?

Hmmmm. Can I just say LUCK?

Truth is... (and I'm not trying to be super-spiritual here) but the TRUTH is... I prayed for something like this. I really wanted to write, but the thought of going back to the newspaper industry really didn't sit well, and plus, I knew I wanted to be home with the kids (which is my favorite job.)

So. I prayed. A lot. And then I was asked to write an article for MM during their transition. Actually, someone else was going to write the article, but she didn't feel comfortable doing it, so she called me and asked me to do it. I had loads of article ideas, so after I wrote that one, I sent in all my ideas, and thank GOD the editors liked some of them.

Fast forward to today when I'm working more regularly with the staff at Memory Makers, who I have to tell you, are some of the most wonderful people I've ever worked with. The only thing that could make it better would be for me to be able to meet with them regularly face to face.

Still, the comments challenged me. To find inspiration. To PURPOSE to be creative. I'd sort of forgotten that was my process... so, I'm so thankful I do read the comments there.  They've lit a fire under me that's got me headed to the book store to look at art books and design magazines (none of which will I buy because I am a total tightwad these days!) :)

So, I'm nothing special - and I know that. When it comes to scrapbooking, I am usually in awe of just about everyone out there! I love to look at new pages and get new ideas and just be inspired by true artists... people like Linda Albrecht and Lisa Garay and Ruth Akers.... just to name a few. For me, this is just a fun way to tell my stories... and I love working with the magazine because I get to write. That is my dream job.

And someday, I AM going to write all about that "Train to Winn-a-bama!" :)

For now... I'm going to the bookstore! :) 

I picked Sophia up on her first day of school and all my fleeting thoughts of homeschooling went right out the window. She LOVED it. Loved her teacher. Loved her new friends. Loved lunch time with no teachers in the gym. She was an absolute ball of energy. It made me feel two things: Mostly 1: Happy because I know we're doing the right thing and she absolutely LOVES school but still... 2: a little sad because I really, really miss her when she's gone.

I guess I'll adjust.

I've been reading this book of Joyce Meyer's every morning when I drink my coffee.

I picked it up sorta by accident in the midst of my near-meltdown a couple of weeks ago. I was so annoyed with myself for finding it so hard to trust God - I had to get alone for a little while. While I was at Barnes and Noble (my favorite 'alone' place) I picked up a lot of her books. Lots about worry and anxiety - and I thumbed through them... and even in little tidbits they made a difference in my mental state... but it was this one that stuck.

Anyway, it's written in bite sized pieces so if you don't have a lot of time to read or you just don't really like to read, it's still easy to digest. And what she says in here is so good. The one I read this morning was "Learn how to say no." Granted, this is a lesson I've been taught many times, but something I still find so hard to do. She talks about the difference between pleasing other people and fulfilling God's plan for your life. The thing that caught me though, was when she said, (I'm para-phrasing) "If you enter into something when your heart is telling you no, God can't help you finish it because he didn't author it." She makes the point that you really have to figure out if God wants you doing what you're doing... and if the answer is no, he gives you the grace to bow out of the request.

The other thing she said that JUMPED out at me was: "People who are only happy with you when they can control you are using you." And wow, what an eye opener that was. It puts so much into perspective. I have this wonderful way of allowing too much to pile up on my plate... I mean, don't we all? But this book is really helping me see things in a new light.

I highly recommend it. :) (and I'm not really much of a reader, honestly... so you know it's a quick read!)

I'm also about 26 weeks pregnant now. It's crazy - I'm starting to FEEL pregnant. I mean, it hurts to bend over, my belly gets in the way, I waddle... but this little boy KICKS me all the time - making sure I'm aware of his presence (as if I could forget.) It's kinda fun. In fact, there's a few things about pregnancy that I think are kinda fun:

1. I don't have to suck in my belly anymore. (I mean, seriously - that gets OLD.)

2. I get to think up baby names pretty much all day long (and even though I'm completely unsuccessful, that's still really fun!)

3. Adam rubs my stinky feet.

4. Every so often Ethan will come over to my belly and whisper "I love you, baby."

5. Sophia 'hugs' the baby - which means more hugs for me.

6. I can justify the cravings - even when they are a never-ending supply of Dr. Pepper. :)

Of course, there are some not-so-great things about this state too...

1. I cry a lot more. Yesterday, I stumbled upon a scrapbook page in a gallery that made me literally CRY - not just tear up - but CRY. That never happens.

2. I waddle. I mentioned that already, but it bears repeating.

3. I retain water.

4. Acid reflux. (my least favorite pregnancy symptom)

5. I am anything but agile so picking up the house for showings/open houses is HARD work.

That's about it. Oh, I guess I should add that my jeans don't stay up on my belly, which means they fall down, which means I don't wear them, which means I have no jeans.

:)

I think that's about all. I've been having a pretty good pregnancy so far, so I can't complain!

Hopefully the rest of your weekend goes well!

It's all bittersweet...

Ethan and I are lonely today. Sophia started back at school bright and early and she won't be finished for another couple of hours. I know a lot of people love when their kids go back to school - and while I will enjoy the structure of our schedule, I hate that Sophia is gone all day.

We went to Parent Orientation Monday night and her teacher introduced herself. Then she said, "And I'll probably be spending more time with your kids this year than you will..." and I thought, "Oh.my.gosh." But she's right. I mean, really - Sophia's gone the better part of the day. It's the kind of realization that makes me (fleetingly) think of homeschooling.

The "problem" is Sophia loves it. I mean, she was made for school - just like Adam and I. I would still be in school if I could be (and if I could avoid math and science at all costs.)

Anyway, she met her teacher yesterday and then today, she was off for a full day of FIRST GRADE.

It really, truly doesn't seem possible that she is in first grade.

Doesn't she look happy?

She was so excited about her new rolling backpack! :)

Anyway... next week Ethan turns four (all these big changes... I can hardly stand it!) and we've got a few things planned, though it won't be at our house which needs to stay mess-less. I am getting weary of the house on the market thing (no surprise) and I sort of just wish that part of the process could be over so we could move on. Even packing to move won't be this stressful (I think that will be more exciting than anything.)

So, we're praying... a lot... that the right buyer walks through the door.

Other than that, there's not a whole lot going on! Happy Wednesday!

I love this kid: Reason #52:

Me (in the middle of a REALLY bad day earlier this week): Ethan, will you be my Happy-Maker?

Ethan: No, but I'll be your LOVE Maker.

Totally made me laugh. Then, later that night, he was playing with his trains. This is a common occurrence around our house. He's always either got trains or cars lined up. So, we were praying before bedtime, which I tend to take a little more seriously than he does, and I said something like, "And please let Ethan have sweet, wonderful dreams of riding in cars or flying in planes..."

He interrupts with: "And TRAINS!"

Me: Oh, yeah, and riding in trains....

Him: Yep. 'Cause I gotta get to Winn-a-bama.

Makes me want to write a children's story: The train to Winn-a-bama.

lol.

Maybe I will.

Just when I most needed to laugh... :) I love this kid!

Imperfect.

I'm afraid I've neglected my blog because I don't really have anything uplifting to say. I've been cramming with Adam on this new curriculum and I have to say, it's really coming along. The stuff he's written has been amazing - and I'm hoping he can fix the stuff I've written! lol

Other than that, our house has officially been on the market just over a week. We had an Open House Sunday that went really well. Lots of great comments, some interest... but no offers yet. It's still early in the process, and while my brain knows that, the anxious side of me is really struggling right now.

I thought I shouldn't blog because to be honest, I am feeling like maybe I'm failing a little bit, in actually DOING what I know I should be doing (Trusting God, having faith, resting in his peace...) but then I thought, you know, that's where I'm at... and I'm not going to pretend I've got it all figured out when I SO don't. The truth is, I'm freaked out. Adam is soooo calm about the whole thing and I'm sooo freaked out. Why can't I just 'get it?' Why can't I just say, "Well, when it sells, it sells, hopefully before our closing on the new house." And be okay with that? Why can't I disregard the comments like "You know how slow the market is right now, right?" or "You already BOUGHT a house?" (insert disbelief and 'are you stupid' look on face of person saying these words)

The truth is, if we hadn't bought the house, we would've lost it. She would've sold it to a very nice couple this past Sunday who really wanted to buy it. We wouldn't have our new house. So, buying that house with a contingency wasn't an option. And we LOVE our new house.

So, that leaves us with a month and a half to sell this house and move. Sounds like a lot of time, doesn't it? I thought so until the days started dragging on and one week on the market feels like a month on the market.

One good thing I've noticed is, it's really not that hard to keep your house clean. (who knew?) Of course, half of our stuff is in storage, but still... I wake up, make beds, load dishes, do a load of laundry, pick up toys and wipe down counters. It's so clean! That feels good... though it's wearing on me a tiny bit because to top all of this stress off, I've been having these great stomach pains. ugh.

So, see... that's why I've kind of stayed away from my blog. That and the busy factor. So much going on. So, I'm going to keep praying that God works a miracle... and in the process, I'm constantly reminded of my imperfections. Reminded of how far I have to go - how much I have to learn... and still struggling to find that peace, that faith that is so sure that everything is going to be okay because I know in my head it will be. God always takes care of us. When our bank account dwindles, suddenly Adam plays piano for a rehearsal that pays him just enough to cover everything or a check comes in the mail. It's always JUST IN TIME.

And I know this will be too.  That's how good God is. In just one SUDDEN moment, everything could change. My head knows it. My heart is struggling to grasp it.

Reminds me of this layout I did for my book:

It still rings so true. 

stressful peace...

I don't think in my entire 31 years I've ever had a week as stressful as this one. And yet, last night, in the midst of a math blunder when crunching 'new house numbers' I completely freaked out... only to have Adam point out my error and then find - finally - the peace I've been needing about this whole moving thing.

Moving is scary. And, it's hard work. Especially when your mom, your realtor and your banker all decide to go on vacation in the same week! The week you're signing the contract. The week you're getting your house ready to put on the market. ACK! It's crazy.

I've noticed these sort of waves of activity surrounding me. For awhile, it's quiet and it's okay to stay up til midnight watching episode after episode of '24'... and then, busy hits and '24' (and Kiefer) sit on the shelf taunting you as you are ridiculously tired and unable to keep your eyes open another second... even to find out who the latest villian is (or who in the world all these new people in Season Four are...)

Right now, we are frantically getting our house ready to put on the market Monday. I can't believe we're really doing it, but we are. And it must sell. And it must sell quickly. (Please God!) And while I found my fear a little bit overwhelming, a very good friend of mine reminded me of something today. She's recently been diagnosed with cancer and her attitude and positivity through this whole thing has been amazing. Absolutely inspiring... and she told me those feelings aren't necessarily a lost faith in God - or a belief that He won't come through, they're just human emotion... and sometimes you have to work out the human emotion before you can see the Supernatural coming through... God standing there with your miracle in his hand... (Thank you for that reminder! It couldn't have come at a better time!)

Anyway, I get overwhelmed in my house really easily, but I am so blessed in spite of all the work... yesterday, just when I literally knew I couldn't do another day of cleaning and purging and packing my mom called. Home from Vacation. Able to come and help. She always makes everything better. If that wasn't enough, our boss's wife came over, paint stuff in hand and literally painted everything in my house that needed to be painted... no more fingerprints on these walls. I was so thankful for yesterday. If it weren't for them, I surely would've ended up in a sea of my own tears.

Adam has been working like a madman to get the yard and all the little handy-man type projects finished up. We're almost done. Tomorrow the last of it. Then, I swear we'll move out until our house sells! Keeping up with it is a whole new ballgame!

In spite of all of this, I am so excited. I feel such a mix of emotions - and I know we're going to have so much work to do finishing up our curriculum (needs to be done early September)... but when things like this pile on, I just remember I cannot in any way get it all done by myself... and there God finds me.

It's like he has let me pile it on before I realize He actually wants to help... if only I'll ask.

Other flurries of activities... one friend about to give birth, another bringing home their brand new adopted son today... another has just found out she's pregnant with not one but TWO babies... due in March! It's crazy! I love it!

I hope to post some new pictures soon... have a great weekend!