tennislikethegame

Numbered Dresser...from Blah to Bam!

2012-02-13T13:39:00.004-06:00

I'm totally hooked on making my own chalk paint...all the furniture in my house better be on high alert...PREPARE TO BE ALTERED! bahahaha! I'd like to think I am taking old pieces from BLAH to BAM using my new found love for chalk paint.
My lofty goal is to make over my entire bedroom with what we already have or by making something rather than going out and buying new. We are preparing to move to a new home and I think like re-done pieces will be so fresh for our new Master Bedroom. So this will be our DIY master suite by Katie! Be watching for the bedroom to be made over piece by piece (slowly but surely???).

This is my hubs tall boy dresser, we have matching nightstands and a low dresser as well. It's all Ethan Allen sturdy solid wood furniture just out dated looking. I totally loved the stenciled number look from the Growth Chart (a.k.a. Super sized rulers) I made earlier this year and wanted to do something with those for this project. See BLAH...

With a little off white chalk paint (add 1 part Plaster of Paris to 2 parts paint) and some sanding you get this~! BAM!

Pin It

I love it - the hubs isn't so sure about the numbers though. Oh well, happy wife = happy life! Off to my next chalk paint project...a curvy little end table that is destined to be distressed in black paint.
Tennis

Creating Keepsakes Magazine...I'm published!

2012-02-13T10:04:00.000-06:00

In my hectic schedule I forever have a to-do list that is waiting to be checked off. I don't often get to those non-essentials on the list BUT I did find time to submit ONE scrapbooking layout to Creating Keepsakes back in June/July and it was selected for pulication. After a loooonnnngggg wait, it just now came out. Go me!

This is my first major magazine publication and I couldn't be happier. I am flattered that they chose me to be included in a magazine that I have loved for YEARS and that everyone gets to see my cute daughters face : ) It's a proud mama moment. If you want to check out the layout - see page 33 of the newest issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. It's the front page of the Readers Gallery!

Happy Scrappin!

Tennis - like the game

Screen door make over

2012-02-11T23:47:00.000-06:00

Let's be honest...I have a fascination with junk! I am forever picking up random old junk in the hopes of coming up with a creative plan to make something out of it. Not sure what my follow thru success rate it with that but at least I have one to brag about today...

I purchased this crappy old screen door for $15 at a garage sale.

It set outside for awhile...longer than I care to admit (see it piled among my other loved junking finds) but given the nice winter we are having here in lovely NW Arkansas, and overwhelming inspiration from Pinterest, I've been tackling lots of DIY projects! I decided to trasnform this old door into a message center for our hallway. Our family needs something functiontional to write family notes on, pin up school notes, and keep track of our life in general. Something function & cute to look at was the order...and a family project was what we got!

I had my 10 year old daughter sanding away the old chipping paint to give us a good surface to work with.

Then I painted it this cheery Red color and stained it with a Mohogany stain to keep it looking aged & distressed. I also painted a chalboard to go in the large end and stamped some burlap pieces for the smaller squares.

Pin It

Then I employed the hubs to help me put it all together. He routered in each of the elements as his contribution so we now have a large chalkboard area on the left, a skinny magnetic area in the middle and 4 burlap squares on the right side which are backed with cork so we can use push pins to them. I'm also considering add a clip to two of those area to function as a clipboard perhaps.

Can't wait toget this up in the hallway and get more organized!

Tennis

Father Daughter Dance

2012-02-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

My sweet daughter is growing in a(sometimes)sweet young lady. I love being her mama and feel blessed to be along for the ride with her. I am so thankful she has her daddy to love and adore her too. We each have our own special reltaionship with her. I look forward to drill weekends when he is away because it means a day or two for just Kaia & mommy doing girl stuff! But this Friday night it was all about Dad!

Thanks to my lovely friends Jenn for taking this sweet photo of my two loves!

New dress, shoes, jewlery plus some hair (dont' forget the tiara) & lil' make up and my little girl looks like a lady. She was swooning over the corsage - a special surprise from daddy from Bloom on the square in Bentonville (my FAV place for gorgeous flowers!).

The two danced the night away, learning the waltz and some line dancing moves as well. They came home soaking wet but with smiles on their face. - love them

Tennis

Crystal Bridges

2012-02-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

It's been a unique experience to see the impact of Crystal Bridges Museum opening up in our home town, Bentonville, Arkansas. It's an architectual beauty filled with American art and full of historical pieces. Our town now has tourist signs and new developments going up to support this attraction which has art lovers from around the world coming to gander at the collection it houses.

Our family made our first visit last weekend, I thought perhaps some of the traffic would have died down since it opening in November but it was a lively place full of patrons, young & old. The outside was as beautiful as the masterpieces on the inside - trails, waters & sculptures surround the museum.

Art time for the little ones in the hands on area.

Kaia & Daddy on the overlooking balcony.

My favorite piece of art...there also had this MIND-BLOWING piece made of thread bobbins of the Last Supper. WOW!

The little kiddos seemed to like the modern 3-D art pieces. Doesn't this guy look real?

My husband could read every plaque on the wall!

Overall our visit to the museum was eye opening and I'm already looking forward to hiking around the trails and really taking in all that the museum has to offer. If you are in the NWA area you need to go visit - a cultural experience & it's FREE too so it makes for a great day outing with the family.

Dreams do come true...

2012-02-01T11:26:00.005-06:00

This building may not look like much but I can verify that it is a dream come true!

We can't keep a lid on it any longer...WE GOT KEYS...to a 2400sq ft. shop/office/craft space building. This is a building for 2Katie Designs to do even bigger & better things!

We dream big and are looking forward to using this new space to do more for customers & bring more great ideas to fruition.

It also gets lots of business *JUNK* out of our house which I am also thankful for!

Right now we are using it to make lots & LOTS of frames...

better get back to work.

Tennis

2Katie Designs

www.2katiedesigns.com

Desk Do Over with Chalk Paint

2012-01-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

I'm on a bit of a painting kick right now, trying different techniques in re-finishing projects and such. Today I wanted to share my first attempt at refinishing furniture with make my own chalk paint. The great thing about chalk paint I heard is you don't have to sand or strip the projects before painting, saving lots of hard work. Sign me up for this short cut!
So I snatched up this old desk on Craigslist for $20 and went to work...if you know me, you know I went to work right away and didn't want to stop until I had a finished project but it RAINED which was so frustrating! Anyway, it did eventually get done but here is where we started. UG - ly!

Keep in mind when selecting peices to re-finish that you want a solid wood piece -not veneer - that is still in functioning condition (i.e. drawers open easily etc.).

I started by mixin' up a batch of DIY chalkpaint...2 parts paint ( I went with Valspar in "Man Cave" greyish color) and 1 part Paris of Plaster. Mix REALLY well so you don't get chalky white blobs when you start plaint. It will be thick and almost looks like rising dough - very airy & fluffy. Then get started painting...

This chalkpaint is so thick that it covers well in 2 coats and dries to a chalky matte finish. I let mine dry over night and then went to work sanding using a combination of our electric palm sander and 120 grit regular sand paper for the more detailed areas.

The chalkpaint worked like a dream for the distressed, slightly chippy finish I was going for! It exposed the wood along the creases and on the leg details. For my piece, the wood originally was a light Oak stain and I wanted something darker so I coated the piece with a Mahogony stain to get the darker wood look.

Lastly, I wanted a slightly shiney finish so I decided to have the hubs seal with a layer of Shellac.

(I don't have the patients required for spray painting anything yet!)

Here is what she looks like...sans handles which are still being painted.

Overall, I loved the experience of working with the chalkpaint and look forward to re-doing more Craigslist finds!
Pin It

"Super sized" Ruler...a.k.a. Growth Chart

2012-01-19T10:19:00.008-06:00

Pin It
So I've been inspired by a smattering of growth charts pinned on Pinterest. I had an "I can do that" moment so... I did! I took 8" wide pine board and transformed them into these keepsake growth charts I can measure my kiddo on each year, month etc.

This is such a better alternative to marking on a wall or door jam that is forever bound to a home that you may move from. I love it! I also love that it was a simple project - some stain, paint pen & stencils and in about an hour you can whip one up too. Here is my first version:

Pin It

For this second version I wanted something old looking, chippy paint - the junkier, the better was my thought on this one. So I stained & painted and sanded until it looked like this.

Pin It

Pin It

Tennis - like the game

Addicted to Pinterest

2012-01-03T09:58:00.000-06:00

Like the rest of the crafty world I am now totally addicted to Pinterest. This is a fabulous site full of ideas & inspiration on any topic you can think of!

I am using it for gathering future party ideas like this circus themed party from catchmyparty.com

I also of course love all the DIY projects ideas like these dollar store tiered trays from thecottagehome.blogspot.com.

There are also great gift ideas for teachers, family & friends! I've also made reading lists and pinned about vacations I'm dreaming of. It's also a great way to find amazing little blogs from all around the world who are interested in the same things I am intereted in.

Anyway, I'd love for you to follow me...and share your Pinterest link so I can check out what you are pinning too. Follow me here: http://pinterest.com/likethegame/

Celebrate Scrapbook Layout with Pink Paislee

2011-05-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

I haven't shared any scrapbooking layouts in awhile but I have been busy creating! Here is one of my favorite layouts. It features new products from Pink Paislee & House of 3 line "Soiree". Doesn't it just feel like a party when you look at it?

There are so many little finds with this line of products! The little banner pin flags & sparkly glitter elements.

I also love the tissue paper in the line - yes I said that right - TISSUE PAPER! It's perfect for creating ruffly edges and dimension without bulk .

Pin It

Now I'm just ready to add photos from our fun 1st birthday crop to make this layout about a bash complete!

Light it up Blue

2011-03-30T21:03:00.001-05:00

April is Autism awareness month and there are so many great happenings to share that will help promote the awareness of the affects of autism on individuals, families, your neighborhoods, schools and the world. For me and my family we live every day with the reality of life with Autism and how it impacts our daughter. While I am often hesistant to share "our story" as everyone has strong opinions and thoughts about the subject I will say this...it has been life changing for us.

We are okay with being weird according to everyone elses standards. We celebrate our childs differences & her quirky-ness. We advocate diversity & acceptance versus dwelling on differences. We try to empower her. We coddle her sensitivity and compassion for seemingly un-important things...we hope she holds this in her heart even as an adult. We do not think she needs "fixing" we are proud to call Kaia Allison our daughter.

Off the soap box...
One fun way to participate and show your support is by lighting it up blue...change your lightbulbs to blue as a show of support. It's like giving a great big hug to all of those touched by Autism ; ) Get your blue bulbs at Home Depot for $1.65!!!

Locally, here are some Autism related events you can participate in!

April 1st “Light it Up Blue” Campaign, Panera Bread Autism Fundraiser, Buy a Smoothie and proceeds go to Autism Speaks, and change your porch light to blue…

April 2nd-WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY & Sensory Sensitive Movie “HOP” at Fiesta AMC in Fayetteville 10:00am

April 8th – Autism Support Mtg. 6-7:30 Nancy Kay, Local Lifecoach/Counselor speaking about Stress Relief for the Families.

April 15th/15 - Crop for a Cause Scrapbooking Fundraiser Event, by 2 Katie Designs. Visit http://www.2katiedesigns.com/ for more information.

May 7th- THE EVENT!!! 2nd ANNUAL AUTISM WALK 6:00am setup-12:00pm clean up!!

June 6th NATURALS AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT 6:00pm. Tickets $8($4 goes to NWA Autism Support Group)

MORE INFOR ABOUT LIGHT IT UP BLUE:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/world_autism_awareness_day_light_it_up_blue.php

Autism Speaks Kicks off World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month Celebration with its Light It Up Blue Campaign

Over 500 Iconic Buildings and Landmarks Around the World will Shine a Bright Blue Light on Autism

Autism Speaks Launches New PSA Starring 5th Graders from Pelham, N.Y. and Introduces a FREE Light It Up Blue App Available through the iTunes Store NEW YORK, N.Y. (March, 24 2011) – Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced its 2nd annual Light It Up Blue (LIUB) campaign – a unique global initiative to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and help raise funds and awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis.

LIUB will begin on the evening of April 1 when more than 500 structures in over 120 U.S. cities and 25 countries will join Autism Speaks to shine a bright light on autism. Iconic landmarks around the world – including the Empire State Building and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, the Willis Tower in Chicago, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, along with the Niagara Falls and CN Tower in Canada, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil and the Sydney Opera House in Australia – as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, schools/universities, restaurants, and retail stores, will light up in bright blue to help kick off Autism Awareness Month and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The public can actively participate in LIUB by supporting the campaign virtually with the launch of a free Light It Up Blue iPhone App and new Build a Blue Website. The LIUB app is available at the iTunes Store and allows users to become part of this global initiative by turning their own pictures blue with a choice of five different style frames. Americans are encouraged to upload the photos to the live stream on LightItUpBlue.org. In an effort to help raise much needed funds for research, participants can also Build a Blue Website and ask friends and family to support Autism Speaks by making a donation to their personal page.

In addition, Autism Speaks will launch a new 30 second PSA starring 5th graders from Pelham, N.Y., singing an original song composed by one of their classmates for LIUB. The PSA is set to air starting March 21 on broadcast and cable television and SiriusXM satellite radio and is live on AutismSpeaks.org. As part of its ongoing, award-winning public service ad campaign, to promote autism awareness and encourage participation in the LIUB initiative, Autism Speaks has once again produced web banners that can be downloaded for free.

Individuals interested in finding fun and creative ways to participate in LIUB should visit LightItUpBlue.org. The website provides a number of ideas from hosting autism-themed gatherings to viewings of autism-themed films and TV programs to wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin or by purchasing specially marked blue light bulbs and LED lanterns sold exclusively at Home Depot to light the exterior of your house. The site also accepts donations to fund autism awareness and research efforts.

“We are very excited to see all these landmark buildings, some for the second year now, illuminated in blue as part of our Light It Up Blue campaign to support World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month,” says Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “We also want to give a special thank you to our corporate and retail partners for their dedication and the generosity they have shown to this cause. Together, we will light the skies like a beacon of hope and ensure that our message of autism awareness will reach millions around the globe.”

The following Autism Speaks corporate and retail partners will Light It Up Blue by raising autism awareness in stores starting on April 1 and 2:

Toys“R”Us

Casey's General Stores

Build-A-Bear

Dollar General

etnies

FelCor Lodging Trust

Gaylord Hotels

LAMAR Digital Media

Lindt

The Home Depot

White Castle

Zappos

Zale Corporation Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's

Coldwater Creek

Elizabeth Arden

Lord & Taylor

Neiman Marcus

Nest Fragrances

Ralph Lauren

Scentsy

The NBC Experience Store

T.J. Maxx

Walgreens

The Greate Create!

2011-02-10T19:46:00.001-06:00

It really is great to be creating! I get all in a funk if I go a few days without getting my fingers singed by a glue gun or having paint stuck under my nails so I have to tell you how excited I am about The Greate Create. The "gist" of it is a monthly craft round robin swap set up and it's created to get YOU creating more. It's a great motivation for me thus far and I am just excited to see what these crafty ladies are making each month. Come create with us if you need to get your mojo back!

Here is the info provided by our fearless leader, Melissa, at My House is Vanilla. This gal is a great supporter of 2 Katie Designs and just a cool chick, I wanna ring her like a sponge so I can have a drop of her creativity.

What is The Great Create?

Basically, just a small group of crafty girls who have committed themselves to crafting each month with the purpose of marking things off their "to-do" list and, at the same time, swapping items with each other.

Can I participate?

Fo shizzle. Email (myhouseisvanilla@yahoo.com) and you're in.
What are the guidelines?

Pretty simple. Choose 12 items that you want to create this year. Each month, you'll mark one of your items off the list by making TWO of whatever it is (two bags, two stuffed cats, two balloon paintings... um, whatever). You'll keep one - and the other will be shipped off to your monthly swap partner.

Who's my swap partner?

Each month, you'll get a new partner - the goal is for everyone to receive something from each person participating! I'll send out an email each month with the name of your partners... which won't be a secret because, well, that's just too many emails for me to commit myself to sending. I'm lazy.

JANUARY GREATE CREATE RECAP

So for the first month I had my BFF to give my creations too...spoiled her a bit with a Frame, a Super Glitter Cup and a glittery XO for her Valentine mantle motif. I recieved from Jessisa at Our House on the Hill an awesome Valentine garland which made a great addition to my own mantle when I added my personal photo booth pics. Sa-weet! Also she can SEW and I am SO jelous!

Did a mention children are involved here? They can join too! Great huh? We have a JV sqaud and I'm not sure if it was coordinated or not but it worked that Kaia had to send her Greate Create project to Kensey (Jessica's daughter) which was neat. Kaia was thrilled to see a pic of Kensey wearing her creation and thought it was cool that Kensey's daddy is in the military too. Kiddy connection.

Kaia made a headband (after spending an hour shopping for a fabric she liked, we ended up with 5 super cute Amy Butler patterns BTW) which she is seriously better than me at doing. Guess she doesn't over think it. She made a necklace as well from a rock she had been tumbling...and tumbling...and tumbling. Literally since Christmas I have had a low hummmmm huuuummmm happening in my garage waiting for these polished gems to emerge! They finally did and she fitted it into a necklace shown below on Kensey!

Kaia also received her crafty item for the month which was this one of a kind clipboard. The perfect motivation for homework in my eyes - anything to get this kid excited about writing or reading! yippee from both Kaia and mama.

Thx - Crafty Katie : )

The Great Create

2011-01-14T12:56:00.000-06:00

So if you're crafty and ya know it...but perhaps you supress that awesome part of yourself - STOP! Hit the link and join us for this year long journey of craft project swapping. So fun. : )

my house is vanilla: The Great Create: "What is The Great Create? Basically, just a small group of crafty girls who have committed themselves to crafting each month with the purp..."

Sharing the LOVE

2011-01-13T08:36:00.002-06:00

Just thought I would share a bit of the LOVE fest that is going on at my house right now...Valentine's decor has gone up and it's always a bit different from the year before. I have decided to focus seasonally on the mantel and entrayway table area to transform them with each holiday or season. So next up is Valentine's day!

The pics aren't the best because they are with the iphone and I'm too busy/lazy/whatever to actually upload from the "real" camera today so this will suffice...

although I will have to get the real camera pics because my husband ROCKED it, making me this 18" tall X and O to go on the mantle so it's already changed a little. I even glitter-fied them so they are over the top sparkle fab. So wait to see that soon!...sorry : (

Some of the details on the pics;
...Kaia my ever so helpful kiddo staple together doilies to make the heart banners in a jiffy!
...all the Zebra is crepe birthday streamers which make my heart so happy. Kaia also added various hearts to a few of those to hang the jumbo entry hearts.
...I have 5 pink feather boas laying around the house in various places to use for this...which was a bit disturbing. They are stuffed in the hurricanes on the mantle along with pink Christmas bulbs as well as the garland on the tree of love.

I love transforming the house from season to season, for me it's part of making each holiday special for my family. Hope this goes a little way in letting them know how much I love 'em! XOXOXO

ADDED - 1/14/11 Here is the XO I promised to add!

Good Riddance 2010

2011-01-02T19:06:00.000-06:00

I don't believe in dwelling on the negative but 2010 was one of the most personally difficult years of my life. I really struggled at times to find the balance and joy among the busy-ness and chaos of life. I am grateful and thankful for the blessing the year held but overall I am glad the year is behind us and I am ready for a FRESH start in 2011. So I say Good Riddance to you 2010 and...

here are some of my REsolutions for 2011...
I will
REcreate
REimagine
REinvent
REclaim
REnew
REstore
REenergize
REach
REad
REaffirm
RElax & REjoice.

These are the things I hope to REmember and keep in the forfront for 2011 and I hope to share with many of you as we start the new year.

Happy New Year! - Katie

How is it October in my Sweet Life?

2010-10-17T02:38:00.000-05:00

My mind is realing at the fact that is October 17th…apply all the cliche’s here about how quickly time goes by! Time really does fly.
In some ways that is frustrating when I have so many things to get done in the day. I want to clone myself and send each of me to take on different aspects of my life just so I can keep up & do all things well. Working, Creating, Wife, Mom, Friend, Auntie, Sister…finding the balance. The sweet spot where everything just jives is a hard persuit.
In some ways it’s exciting that time is going by so quickly. It means we are getting closer to the holidays (my favorite time of year) and also closer to vacation which is 33 days away! We have planned for a year for this family vacation. It is a treat we are so excited to give my parents & siblings – perhaps once in a lifetime trip although I hope it spurs a tradition! I am so looking forward to boarding the big cruise ship and checking out of life for a solid week. Just pure relaxation and family time. It’s so needed right now. I live a sweet life and I don’t spend enough time savoring that so I hope time sloooowss down for our vacation so we have loonnng days to enjoy.
I did take some time this week to do some creating which re-juvenates me so much. Here is a layout about one of the sweetest parts of my life, my amazing husband. It’s hard to remember my life before him, we met & started dating when I was 17 years old – just babies! Now he turns 30 this week which is just crazy in my mind…again time flies. I wish him a very happy 30th and look forward to making more sweet memories in years and years to come. XOXO

Me with my basket of sweetness & the Pink Paislee owner Rebecca

Back to my layout, which I couldn’t share without talking about the awesome product. 99% of the goodness I used for this page is Pink Pailee’s Sweetness line. It is a non-traditional mix of colors in a line about love & valentine’s day. There are amazing rub ons, papers, & stickers to coordinate. And guess what??? I WON ALL THE PRODUCT! I was the very lucky recipient of a HUGE Pink Paislee prize basket at fun scrappin’ event. Our LSS, Signed, Sealed & Delivered brought in Rebecca Cross who is the founder & owner of Pink Paislee to teach for a day. We all got tons of product for the great classes she taught and then to win was just the icing on the cake. Stick a fork in me I am done! She’s amazing… the entire day was amazing and getting to create with heaps of free scrappin’ product is amazing. Another sweet spot in my life this week

Echo Park Paper

2010-06-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

I think I have mentioned on the blog previous how blown away by Echo Park Paper's entry into the scrapbooking world. Now I wanted to share that you can get them for 20% off MSRP from 2Katie Designs. Please visit our blog at www.2katiedesigns.com/blog for details.

I am working on designing a mini album kit with their Summertime line that is full of pinwheels and bright colors which provide plenty of inspiration for summer fun photos calling to be scrapbooked. Anyway, busy busy bee here so I am off and running but wanted to share of few pics of our summer which is gardening, grilling and SMORES!

Graduation Album

2010-06-21T17:03:00.001-05:00

So I have the best 5 year old neice the world can offer. She is a living, breathing, walking, TALKING - miracle and I love her to peices. The little diva graduated from her pre-K program a couple weeks back and as a gift I decided to create an album of some of my favorite photos of her along with quotes. I think it turned out pretty cute. I used a lot of sparkly paper with flowers and girlie stuff because that's what a princess would want!

For Blaklie's miracle story you can view the link below too. HAVE tissues handy!

Blaklie's Miracle on Video

Teacher Appreciation

2010-06-15T19:16:00.002-05:00

The end of the school year is just a few days away and I haven't gotten to share the exciting goodies we gave as gifts to Kaia's teacher and staff on Teacher Appreciate a few weeks back.

They are too stunning not to share. My friend Becky who is an artist of everything baked was given the simple request to create something Chinese themed (to coordinate with the theme of the week at school). This is what she came up with! Over the top fortune cookies, personalize with my daughters names and other cupcakes that looked like chow mein and lo mein - it's kind of a mind freak!

I also just wanted to share a few photos from the actual luncheon set up for the staff which also reflected the Chinese theme. I can't take credit for any of it, just that I got to help set up which was fun. We have great teachers & staff along with very hard working volunteers at Elm Tree.

Toilet Paper Crtafts

2010-05-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

So maybe this is taking the whole up-cycling / receycling thing too far but interesting nonetheless. Us crazy scrappers are making use of what normaly would be disposed in the weekly trash pick up - empty toilet paper rolls. I have seen these rolls transformed into gift card holders, mini albums, seasonal decor and more.

Well now the joke is on me, because it turns out there are very fun to make...photos of my own toilet paper projects coming soon!

I am entering it in toilet paper roll mini album contest on http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/ so wish me luck!

Feels like summer

2010-05-26T08:48:00.001-05:00

Arkansas weather feels like we are just on the edge of summer. The season I love the most!

I love no school, which equallys sleeping in!

I love a sweating kiddo

I love big sunglasses and sunscreen

I love afternoons splashing in the pool & the smell of chlorine

I love having time to read (currently enjoying Jodi Picoult's "19 Minutes")

I love Watermelon and BBQ's

I love NO agendas, NO activities, NO sporting events

I love watching her jump in the sprinkler & eating popsicles

We are right there, so close! A few more weeks of school then we are home free. Awe

Of course we have to scrapbook all those amazing summer moments as well! I LOVE bright colors for summer and I have a few favorites I can't wait to use, they are really just screaming to have photos on them of swimsuits, beaches, big sunglasses and kite flying.

The first is from a new company Echo Park Paper Company. Summertime is their first and only line released so far and they have my mouth watering as to just what they will put out next. It is very bright and great for boys or girls. It features a lot of banners which are the "it" thing right now too.

The second is from October Afternoon and it's called "Fly a Kite". It is more muted but still summer ready and very kitchy which is totally cute. Good for far more than kite flying pics.

As soon as I get my pics on this paper I will share! Happy Scrapping.

Do over

2010-05-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wish for a do over with your life?

Wonder how you go to the place you are today?

I suppose everyone's life is different from how they invisioned it in some ways. I have just been wondering lately about the little descisions we make along the way that lead to massive impacts to our life path. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those moments and take a mullegan. A do over.

But then, what would I have missed?

Maybe it's like trying to "have your cake and eat it too" or "the grass is always greener on the other side".

I'm not saying I don't love my life. I have so many blessings.

Today I feel like it is me I don't like. That the events and choices along the way shaped me into something I don't want to be.

Strange.

I am a perfectionist, a very driven people pleaser who doesn't want to let anyone down. Doesn't want to fall short of someone's expectionations of me. Riggid. Hard. Wants to climb the ladder, achieve and conquer everything. Passionate. Smiling with a heavy spirit, because it is again what is expected. A care-taker. But that's not the me I was always going to be.

Is this me? Or did the me I could have been get squeezed out, squashed by those little choices I have made. Little by little until me wasn't me anymore. I don't feel like I'm a fake person. I just feel like I am not me...the me I am supposed to be.

I think the real me was supposed to be free. Passionate. A creative spirit without limitations and bounds. Smiling from a deep and light place. A dreamer. Unaffected by the pressure of society & life. Someone who loved like crazy, like it was the only thing that mattered. Because it is.

Maybe I need little of both "me's". I need to become the me I want to be.

I want a tomorrow that doesn't look like yesterday. So what are you going to do? When the rubber meets the road Katie, when you can't have a do over and things are what they are?

Are you going to fight like hell for everything that matters? Give up everything that doesn't? Do something drastic, or stay static?

2Katie Designs

2010-05-19T17:33:00.001-05:00

Chances are if you know me, you know my BFF Katie Tillman as well. Call us Thelma and Louise, Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dumb, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Dumb & Dumber...you get the point. When you get one, most of the time you get the other too. We work together professionally, our families hang out together, we scrapbooking together and now after years of dreaming and discussing we are entrepreneurs together with the birth of 2Katie Designs. Our friendship began with scrapbooking and I can't wait to see where it takes us in this new venture.

We didn't start this business because we think we are rock stars (that's just fact -j!), but because we see a lack of class options and scrapbooking events in our area of the woods. We hope to share or love and cultivate more scrapbookers to get into the hobby. It's a hobby that records our families legacy and it's an awesome creative outlet for us.

The business side of things has taken weeks but it feels good to be official and actually teaching our "students". We are glad to have all of you along for the ride with us. Join is at www.facebook.com/2katiedesigns or at http://www.2katiedesigns.com/.

Mother’s Day

2010-05-17T13:19:00.001-05:00

Do you here the angels doing an AAAAWWWWWW from heaven? They are at my house. A day just for me!!! And all the other Mama’s out there too I suppose. One of the things I wanted most for Mother’s Day was help cleaning the house – not the “picking up” kind of clean but the scrubbing, organizing, nitty gritty cleaning kind of help. Since I have gone to working more full time it is hard to manage this task. So Jon and Kaia chipped in. Kaia made my little heart flutter by organizing my shoes for me. This is the perfect task for her Obsessive Compulsiveness. All my shoes are perfectly stacked, matched and clipped together with clothespins. It is fun for her to tackle the task and I get to reap the benefits…I promise to try to keep up with it Kai!

I love this girl, and being her mommy is the joy of my life. She is growing up before my eyes, changing everyday. I love who she is – a creative, direct, unconventional, animal loving, sweet child.

Pink Hair

2010-05-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

Pink Hair
…yes I colored my hair pink. Well I added hot pink Peekaboo highlights in a few select locations on my head. I guess I am known to drastically change my hair from season to season but this is a new one for me. I needed to embrace my fleeting youth I suppose and what better way that to do something pure fun! So I chopped it off into a cutie bob, went blond and added the pink.
I am also still playing with making different hair things and such. As you can see I made this LARGE flower for my hair and put in on a ribbon. I wore it to a scrapbooking class I was teaching since our colors are black and white and teal so it went perfectly. Makes me smile.

Foods I love

2010-05-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

It’s no new news that I am a foodie. I love all sorts of foods – included in my hobbies are cooking, entertaining & trying new restaraunts so I thought it time to share some of those favorites…drum roll please. Now Katie’s top fav foods (from restaraunts) in no particular order please.
Salt & lime Chips, Table Mesa, Bentonville
Pork Carnitas with Pineapple Pico, Table Mesa, Bentonville
Bread Pudding, Famous Dave’s, Rogers
Fried Bowtie pasta & Spinach dip, Copeland’s, Rogers
Street Tacos, Yolos, Las Vegas
Spanish Fried w/ Onions & Jalapenos (w/ Ranch) , Ron’s, Bentonville
Tamale Cakes, Cheesecake Factory
Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice Cream & Mangos, Taste of Tai, Bentonville
Mongolian Beef, PF Chang’s
Cotton Candy Ice Cream with Reesies pieces

Things I love

2010-04-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

In trying to practice an attitude of more gratitude I have been pondering a lot on the things I love. Here are some of my favorites. Sorta my verion of Oprah's favorite things, except I am not giving any of them away : (

[caption id="attachment_305" align="aligncenter" width="140" caption="Twilight Anything"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_306" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="The colors Teal & Yellow"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_307" align="aligncenter" width="132" caption="The number 13"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_308" align="aligncenter" width="101" caption="Hair accessories from flowers to feathers."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_309" align="aligncenter" width="127" caption="'nough said"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_310" align="aligncenter" width="116" caption="All things vintage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_311" align="aligncenter" width="116" caption="Hobo International Wallets, Lauren Style"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_312" align="aligncenter" width="128" caption="Cupcakes!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_313" align="aligncenter" width="116" caption="Coffee with too much Vanilla Creamer"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_314" align="aligncenter" width="115" caption="Bare Minerals Make up"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_315" align="aligncenter" width="104" caption="Pedicured Toes"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_316" align="aligncenter" width="81" caption="Hollister So Cal scent...yummy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_317" align="aligncenter" width="107" caption="A good book (especially on a plane trip)"][/caption]

Easter

2010-04-05T19:22:00.002-05:00

All the Easter fun has come and gone but I would still like to share. A few of the things that made Easter great for me this year.

Decorating...I had so much fun bringing "Spring" into our new house. Literaly there was snow on the ground and I was willing Spring to Spring already with all the bright colors and decor. I couldn't take another flake falling from the sky. Here are some of my favorite Easter decor ideas.

Of course we also colored eggs which is in everyone's Easter traditions I think. We chose a tye die kit since Kaia is almost 9 she can handle something a little more advanced. Well it wasn't a "kit" really just a few baggies to put the eggs in to smear around the color but we still had a great time even though we had egg dye stains on our hands for 2 days afterwards.

We also had perfect weather on Easter Day and it was a great day to be our on the McMullen "farm". Kaia and all her cousins had an egg hunt with more eggs than they could fit into their baskets! Great food, family and fun sums it all up! We even enjoyed a walk down to the creek and saw some of the new critters on the farm.

SNOW!!

2010-01-04T12:53:00.000-06:00

I think in Arkansas the historical chance of getting a white Christmas is about 5%...well we must be lucky this year because we got a white Christmas and MORE SNOW already! You may sense the sarcasm about the snow because I really like only 1-2 good snows for the year, just enough to sled for a day, build a snowman and then be able to carry on my everyday life. But this snow made it impossible to get around Christmas day, and is keeping me walled in for the past couple days with more on the way! Ug.

Regardless of my lack of enthusiasm I do realize it is a highlight for kids to have SNOW Days and the excitement in our house with Kaia is no different. We purchased a sled before Christmas to be prepared with all the great sledding hills around our new home. We all ventured out to break in the snow first thing but all the excitement turned to pain...

Kaia went down a few small hills just in front of our house and Jon made fun of the in-adequate hill she had chosen to sled on, recommending instead that they sled straight down on the road. Leave it to Jon to choose the fastest and most extreme sledding path option. Jon prepped Kaia with a speech "bail off if you are going to fast because you will stop" which Kaia ignored on her first trip, rather opting to lay on her belly and drag her legs to slow down her sled as shown here.

[caption id="attachment_251" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="First Trip down the road."][/caption]

Then Jon decides the 2 should go down the hill together in the double tube. Perhaps not considering the increased velocity equal to the increase in weight on the tube...

...the two went veering off the road creating a trail of "powder" in the air (now I know for certain why they refer to snow as powder). They headed in a tailspin straight for a forest of trees 50 feet from their original intended path. Then they SLAMMED right into the trunk of an evergreen. The tree poofed in a cloud of it's own white powder as all the snow was violently shaken from the tree. Jon had collided spine to trunk and Kaia was tumbled off the sled.

[caption id="attachment_252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Jon and Kaia spinning in a cloud of powder"][/caption]

Of course my camera read CARD FULL just a few frames before the collision so I missed getting the peak of their trip on film. So I was complaining about that, then in the seconds later Kaia was screaming. The kind of "I am in pain" scream every parent knows. So I am tramping down the hill in all my snow gear to see what's going on, considering what bones may have been broken. Jon didn't get up for several minutes, having taken the direct impact to his tailbone.Kaia was complaining about her back hurting and she wouldn't move from laying flat out on her belly. We finally calm the tears enough to get her to scoot onto the (completely DEFLATED) sled so we can carry her up the hill into the house. Now my crippled husband and myself (trying to keep my camera dry) have to drag the 100lb child up the hill! Ug. Both Jon and Kaia are sore and have taken pain killers but there are no broken bones, just bruises and scratching. No more sledding this year I suppose...snowman building is much more our speed in this condition!

At least someone had only FUn in the snow.

[caption id="attachment_253" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Snow dogs Buddy and Rosco wildly enjoying all the snow."][/caption]

Army Updates

2009-12-17T12:05:00.000-06:00

So my husband has been home exactly a year today from his deployment to Iraq. It's cliché but it's true, time flies! I can't believe it has been a year and I am so thankful as I reflect back over the last year we have had together as a family. I am guilty perhaps of perhaps not appreciating the fact that he was HERE as we live the past year, which is a shame because it was so hard when he wasn't here. I guess it was back to normal for me, but as a military family you have to be even more thankful for those "normal" times you have together because things aren't always that way.

Anyway, this post really isn't intended to reminisce but to provide an update on the status of our Army life.

We actually thought Jon was going to deploying with a small group of soldiers to Afghanistan in January but he was bumped from the mission. He of course is bummed and I am of course relieved...weird huh? So for now he is home but we will see how Obama's stance changes things in the year ahead, it's like we are braced for the orders to come at any time.

Also Jon got PROMOTED! He is now a Sargent in 142nd but he had to transfer to the Springdale Battery to accept the promotion. I guess that makes it bittersweet because he was just settling into his unit, but I know that making Sargent was one of his goals he has had since he enlisted 3 years ago and it means a lot to him to achieve it.

Can you believe he has been in for 3 years?! The 3 year mark also means his initial commitment is up, he would go into reserve status only in February if he didn't re-enlist. However, I am resolving to myself that he is probably in for life! He re-enlisted for 1 year, he would have done more but bonuses right now are pitiful which may change so this leaves him open to snag a better option if it becomes available.

Jon is also considering going to college using some of his military schooling benefits. We will see how it pans out, he hasn't been in school for a long time and he's not sure what he would go for yet. I think he will start slow and see where it goes.

Anyway, that is the udpate on the Military aspect of our life right now...we will let ya know if we get orders!

Christmas all thru the house...

2009-11-29T11:48:00.000-06:00

Christmas is of couse my favorite Holiday because I love Jesus! There are also lots of other reasons I love Christmas, a major one being how cozy our home feels during this time of year. So our decorating expidition began with decorating our NEW house...I have to admit it was a bit stressful adding Christmas on top of moving but it was worth it. Jon was actually gung hoe about getting the lights up on the STEEP roof peaks and they look amazing although I am not sure I agree with him risking his life for the beauty of it. I enjoyed decorating the mantle, staircase and big front window. Here are some photos to enjoy, we are sure ready to enjoy the holidays in our new home.

[gallery]

We are moving!

2009-11-05T11:57:00.000-06:00

: [gallery columns="4"]

Our new home in Bentonville.

So we have riden the roller coaster of trying to sell our home...

Are we going to stay?

Are we going to move?

We have lived in our home for 4 years and done lots of remodeling which was a huge amount of stress and the market is down...on and on...the bottom line is we are ready to move on to a house that better suites our long term needs so we are moving ahead.

We are taking the risk of moving without having sold or leased our exsisting home but we are relying on God that things will work out just how he plans and it will all end well.

We are very excited about our new house in Bentonville on 5 acres. More pics to come as we get settled.

Scrapbook News & Review

2009-10-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

So I am just tIcKLed and have to share with someone...or everyone...

I am going to have 4 layouts published in Scrapbook News & Review coming out October 24th!!! I recieved an email yesterday regarding the publication and while I am so excited to be a part of it, I am bummed because my husband is out of town for a 3 day drill weekend and left his phone behind. So of course the one person I want to share with most isn't here to cheer me on. Bittersweet I suppose.

Anyway, this is only the 2nd online submission I have made so I was excited to be selected for the issue. From my understanding it is for an article revolving around different scrapbooking styles from Modern Clean lined, to Shabby Chic, Digital or Ecclectic. I think I am falling into Shabby Chic, maybe Ecclectic though. We will just have to see. But they picked 4 out of 4 of the layouts I sent to them for consideration.

Like I said I am just tickled because I have won a few contests before but this is my first publication...look out Lisa Bearson here I come!!!

BTW, I of course can't post the layouts as they have the rights for them for the magazine but I will scan pics of the magazine once it comes out to share. Kaia is also excited to be the model in the magazine since she is in most of the pics but Blaklie, Boston, Chelsie and myself as well as a huge family group shot will be in there.

NWA Craft Fair Weekend

2009-10-16T00:21:00.000-05:00

It's official craft fair week in the Ozarks! There are craft fairs at Spanker Creek, War Eagle, Bella Vista, Embassy Suites, Clarion, and Frisco Station Mall. Definately enough crafts to keep anyone consumed for days browsing, seeking and being iNsPiReD. The website to get all the details is http://nwacraftfairs.com/. Of course beyond the crafts there is always the FOOD. You MUST buy a large bag of Kettle corn to share and bring home. You must consume a Funnel Cake while you are there as well as a jumbo corn dog. We also did yummy egg rolls at the Bella Vista Craft fair and Fried Pickles at War Eagle both of which we delightful! No "real" food I suppose, but great snackies.

One of my favorites this year was at Embassy...since I have a little girl I am biased because they had so many booths of frilly pink things it just made me hApPy! Check it out if you have a girlie girl for sure.

I also grabbed cards from some of my favorite booths so here are Katie's top 5 booth.

Tammi Crystal Designs (tammy crystal designs.com)

Trendy Glass Soldered jewelry - shhh...this is a secret I would rather keep to myself but I am going to share since they are so aWeSoMe! These items make fabulous personalized gifts for all the women in your family. Buy a few of the chains and you can buy the charms for all seasons and mix and swap them out depending on the time of year.

Southern Traditions Woodworking (southerntraditions.ar.com)

Furniture - I guess because we are considering moving to a new home and needing massive amounts of furniture this appealed to me. You could add personal touches to the furniture for your home at a very reasonable price.

Dumpster Divas

I got so many ideas while weaving my way thru these ladies little booth at War Eagle! They had lots of Zebra, Shabby Chic, Hot Pick, Repurposed items that were eye catching and well priced. My daughter was going nuts over the Twilight props they had on their vanities! Again if you have a girlie girl this was a place to be! They also had a massive antique trunk that would have loved to go home with me, but maybe another time : (

Cherry Apple Berries (cherryappleberries.com)

Clothing - These are trendy, affordable and personalizable items for everyone! Stocked with hit t-shirts and available to order any logos you would like.

Lollitops (lollitopsusa.com)

Children's Items - no matter how many times I see this product I can't get over how clever it is! It is a fashion invention for little girls, great for gifting and available in an array of options. Check them out for any little girl in your life.

Honorable Mention:

My Hodgepodgerie (www.myhodgepodgerie.com)

Gifts/Goodies - while there were several booths doing the embellished diaper wipe cases this booth also had some adorable wristlets I fell in love with as well as a tie tshirt for little boys that was rockin'.

Another Las Vegas Trip...part duex!

2009-10-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

Okay so a trip to Vegas would not be complete without the dressing up each evening to hit the town for the fabulous dining and nightlife! Here are some of our favorites...

We hit Freemont street one night which is so old school Vegas, and Jon's favorite...Andy got hit on (or made fun of, not sure which) for his BOLD paisley top! It was a biker rally in town too which made for a very interesting mix of crowds.

Another evening we went to dinner & show with the whole crew which was hysterical to use one word! Half of us stayed at the Encore (part of the Wynn) so we went there for dinner and to see Le Reve. The show was like nothing I have ever seen before! Amazing acrobatics, music and multi-faceted performers doing water trips, diving, gymnastic and more...blew my mind![gallery columns="4"]

Another Las Vegas Trip!

2009-10-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe we made it to Las Vegas twice in one year! I know we just went in June for our anniversary but we couldn't pass up a trip to go with the Tillman's on their anniversary as tag alongs...then our boss and crew decided to tag along as well so it was the whole gang! Here are some of our favorite pics from the trip. We did a lot of hotel hoping, great dining out, saw the show Le Reve, visited hoover damn as well as the Boneyard (the place where all the old Vegas neon signs go to die).

Hoover Dam & the Boneyard

[gallery columns="4"]

Hoover Dam was one of those "must see in this lifetime" places so I am glad we went. The views and lanscape were breathtaking. We could see fish from the top swimming in the crystal blue waters. We enjoyed listening to the Dam Gift Shop employees jokes about the dam this and the dam that...play on Vegas Vacation!...one went something like this...

"Did you know someone threw a dog of the dam yesterday?"

"No, really?"

"Yeah, they said it had too much dam mustard!"

haha...it was a great atmosphere and work enviornment I imagine getting to joke all the time!

As for Boneyards, it surpassed all my expectations! We got some amazing photographs, it was so insipiring and colorful. But we also learned a ton of Vegas history which was enlightening as well. It sounds like they will be continuing to work on establishing a more formal museaum for these signs (rather than the rough fenced parking lot it is currently housed in!). I would add this to your must to in Vegas list for sure!

I will work on a second post of other Vegas pics soon.

Enjoy

Acrylic Album

2009-09-17T09:18:00.000-05:00

My favorite gal pal, Katie Jo, did this AmAzzzInGG acrylic album for a baby gift for another friend. I think you will agree that any new mama would love to get a gift like this!

The album is over the top girlie with pastels, bling, butterflies, flowers and everything to showcase the perfect little girl poses.

Thanks for Katie Jo for letting me share with everyone on my blog as well![gallery]

Crafty Flowers

2009-08-30T03:08:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_163" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="My handmade flowery things"][/caption]

As usual when I find a new crafty thing I dive right in - buying all the necessary STUFF to conquer a new craft project. I've done it with paper-pieced t-shirts, tutus, haloween decorations...I just get myself into all these new things... and that is just what happened this weekend! I became obsessed with fabric flowerly things. It started when I saw these outragious flowers on a cardigan at NY & CO. and then my brain starts going...hmmm I could make those (and cheaper than buying them at $4.50 a pop). Then the next thing I know I am searching u-tube for "how-to make a fabric flower", "retro hair accessories" and anything related.

Nothing great there so I surf over to etsy.com and find some flowers I like and just start cutting out scraps of fabric and guessing how they made their lovely flowery creations. I used hot glue (cuz I am far too impatient for sewing!) and some scrapbooking buttons I had around, and before long I have some flowers of my very own.

However, my next trip to Hobby Lobby of course included Organza, Fabric Stiffner spray, fun fabrics, more buttons and various attachment devices costing me nearly $100 so my effot to save $ by making the flowers myself is shot down and I have a kitchen island completely covered in hot glue and fabric scraps but they are OH SO CUTE!

Obnoxious Shirts

2009-08-26T11:13:00.000-05:00

So I just have to add another pic from the CK Tulsa Convetion...this is actually in my driveway once Katie & I have returned home with an SUV jam packed full of scrapbooking goodies! We are worn out but still smiling. The big sunglasses are oh so typical of us and the Paper Ho shirts just top off the weekend. They make me laugh, while I am sure to others they are just obnoxious but OH WELL!

[caption id="attachment_158" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Paper Ho's are finally home...with more than 100 sheets of new paper each!"][/caption]

CK Convention Tulsa

2009-08-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_149" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Tillman driving...which is an adventure of it's own!"][/caption]

So Tillman (the other half of KT2) and I have made an annual trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Creating Keepsakes (CK) Convention for the past 4 years. We anticipate and plan for this trip for months! We have googled all the newest paper lines we want to search for, we have saved up extra cash, and booked a room & classes months in advance...all in preparation for "OUR" weekend away.

This year, some of the aspects of the actual convention were dissapointing BUT a weekend away with a great friend and more scrapbooking items than you can fathom always equals FUN! We left on Thursday and hit a local scrapbook store in Claremore, OK. This is a great little store and we found some great lines from Collage Press we hadn't seen before - so many cute CuPcaKeS!!! I was very inspired before we even got to the convention. Anyway, we got checked in at the Renaissance Hotel where the convention is held. We realized we are becoming PROS at this!!! We arrived before the crowds of scrappers showed up, getting a primo room with a refrigerator so it was a perfect start. After our smooth check in we hit some of the other stores in the area as well as Michael's.

[caption id="attachment_150" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Buffalo Blasts from Cheesecake Factory"][/caption]

One of our other favorites to do while in Tulsa is to EAT at Cheesecake Factory, so we did - TWICE! It was so yummy, everything they make is good. Perfection even. Our personal favos are Buffalo Blasts, Sweet Corn Cakes, Orange Chicken and Strawberry Shortcake. Those are our recos for your next visit to the Factory!

[caption id="attachment_151" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Very messy but creative class!"][/caption]

Back to scrapbooking...we took classes on Friday & Saturday and shopped the Vendor Fair filling our minds with new skills and plenty of ideas. We headed home Saturday afternoon after hitting "A Memory to Scrap" in Broken Arrow, OK, it was a fabulous store with a friendly and knowledgable staff. We purchased our last scrapping goodies before heading back to Bentonville, AR. Another great year of friends, fun and scrapbooking!

Las Vegas Album

2009-08-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

[gallery]

The Vegas trip I blogged about back in June now has an album to record all the great memories! It is a fresh and young album that is outside my own box. I went with an unusual 11x8.5 landscape chipboard album from Rusty pickle that I painted and then added my pages too. I used a lot of the "saved" items from trip like ticket stubs, napkins and cards, it was a challenge to incorporate them but I like the results now that it is all said and done. Enjoy the ablum!

Me

2009-08-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

I know most of us scrappers don't do many pages about ourselves, the one behind the camera taking the photos! I am in the same boat as many of you, I do try to include one picture of me at each event I scrapbook at least. However for this page I did it just about ME. It's simple and bright and there is a page two...maybe it will get posted when I get organized enough to photograph and upload it too.

Enjoy.

[caption id="attachment_97" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Me @ 25 Layout"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_98" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Close up of Layout"][/caption]

Pink Paislee Virtual Warehouse sale

2009-08-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hopefully many of you scrappers out there were able to take advantage of the virtual sale on pinkpaislee.com where they cleared out their warehouse in preperation for the upcoming launch of their new lines at CHA Summer 2009. The grab boxes were $55 and worth EVERY penny - here is just SOME of what came in my box:

[caption id="attachment_70" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Pink Paislee Stamps"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_69" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fascinating Line"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_68" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fetching Line"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_66" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pop Fashion Line"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_64" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Office Lingo Line"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_62" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Spring Collection"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_63" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Christmas Collection"][/caption]

Can't wait to get to scrapping with these goodies, which will surely be posted here too!
Enjoy.

Summer Vacation

2009-07-29T21:32:00.000-05:00

[gallery columns="2"]

So I can honestly say this was out FIRST all out Tennis Family summer vacation where we completely got away and just relaxed as a family. We have taken many small weekend getaways, visited family all over the country, and traveled to see Jon wherever the military took him before but this is the first time honest to goodness we planned and went on a vacation for ourselves and it was AMAZING!

We spend 3 nights in New Orleans, staying in the French Quarter (long story but we came in late Friday night to cop cars surrounding the hotel, not a great first impression but it turned out to be a great little place). We had been to New Orleans last spring for just one day and all loved the city so we planned to the 3 nights prior to the cruise there to explore. The first day we did a Airboat Swamp tour and it was so much fun. It's one of those things I did because I knew Jon and Kaia would really enjoy it and of course them having fun makes me happy but this one I ended up liking too! I learned bunches about the history of the Pirates of the Louisianna swaps, got an education of "Coonass", was 2 feet from a real like 'gator and much more. It was well worth the money and I highly recommend it for other families traveling that area of the country for all ages.

The only downside to New Orleans was that a chunk of the second was spent at their lovely Children's Hospital ER! ug. It a bad Mom moment I neglected Kaia's complaints about her ear bothering her the day prior and ended up with a night full of screaming and a sever ear infection. Being that we were out of state that left us with the option of the ER. Anyway, she did get plenty of meds and we spend the remaining mornings and evenings of our vacation creativly getting her to take them. No fun but she is 100% recovered now.

Moving on...Monday mid-day after a horse and carriage ride around the French Quater we boarded the Carnival Fantasy!!! We had a great embarkation and were quickly on board eating lunch on the Lido deck. We set sail for Progresso, Mexico. Being a planner, I have been reading message boards on cruisecritic.com for weeks (okay, months) and got numerous recommendation to take the double decker bus tour thru the little port town. We did so, and other than very low hanging electrical lines it offered a great overview as promised by the other cruisers. We spent the remainder of our afternoon in Progresso on the beach, collecting shells and warding off all the salesmen and women! The beach was fairly pretty, not blue water but the ocean nonetheless which is much better than we get here in Arkansas. We then grabbed lunch at a quant little restaraunt and headed back to the boat off to our next adventure in Cozumel.

I can say that all of us were looking forward to Cozumel the most probably because we had planned and booked a Swim with the Dolphin adventure excursion. The Dolphin Swim didn't dissapoint, it was truly a highlight of the trip. We got to kiss, high five, belly ride, and boogie board with the dolphin which was a once in a lifetime exprience. The Cozumel water was prestine blue and breath taking...you could see to the bottom everywhere! We say a stingray and tropical fish whiel snorkleing around with the dolphins.

My only other note to self for future visits to Cozumel is to bring more $$$$ to jewlery shop! I had no clue it was a destination for cheap diamond and silver etc. There were jewlery shops everywhere.

Anyway, back on board we enjoyed our last day at sea & Kaia's Birthday! Kaia loved the Camp Carnival for kiddos as they were always doing something exciting like dance parties or exploding volcanos so she spent some of the day in there and the rest between the pool and water slides on board. At dinner we once again enjoyed a great meal with our 9 other table mates and a great Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate cake for Kaia's birthday. It was a great way to wrap up our vacation as it was already time to start packing up and dembarkation!

We have to remember to do this type of REAL vacation thing at least once a year.

Pirate Party

2009-07-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_51" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Close Up of Masked Skull on Wrapping paper"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_95" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Birthday Package "]

[/caption]

Just a quick post about a birthday party we are headed to this afternoon. It is a pirate themed party for a little boy named Parker, whose mom I am good friends with. She is definatly the modern mom and has great style. So maybe there isn't many mother's of 2 year olds that appreciate this but I think she will love it.

I used my faithful Cricut and the Indie Art cartridge to create a mask on the wrapping paper which I painted around and did some splattering on. It definatly pops with the lime green and black! For the card I used the same cartridge to cut out another skull and then I did his name on the Stamped cartridge to create a simply but dimensional personalized card. I added Crystal Laquer to the white parts of the card and a bit of Lime Green Stickles (again, my favorite product right now!) to the card for some sparkle. For the vellum envelop I did another mask with spaltters and rub-on of the #2 for his special day so they coordinate. It should be cute and I am looking forward to a fun party with Parker!

Mini Acrylic Album

2009-07-11T00:39:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_22" align="aligncenter" width="112" caption="Cover"][/caption]

This is a cute acrylic album I out together for some summer fun photos. I'd been dying to do something with acrylic and LOVE Stickles so much right now that I combined the two. I was amazed by how the Stickles look on the Acrylic from both sides, they are better than I imagined - DeLicOuS! I'll add some pics to the album soon and more ribbon to see how it all comes together...look for the completed album soon.

[gallery]

Life life. Scrapbook it.

CropChix

4Ever Layout

2009-07-09T01:33:00.000-05:00

[gallery columns="2"]

So this is one of favorite and simple scrapbooking layouts. I just wanted to post for your viewing pleasure. It features a photo of my hubby and I on the steets of downtown Chicago just after Christmas in 2007. It is muted and urban in feel, featuring Rusty Pickle paper, stickers & packaging even. I added some Say it in Crystals for dimension and bling.

Live life. Scrapbook it.

Cropchix

Twilight

2009-07-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

I haven't been into a book series so much since I was a teenager! This may be a series meant for that age group but I am addicted. Initially I wasn't really thrilled about it, didn't even see the movie in theaters but I did rent it later and I was sucked in. I adore the characters, (Edward is even MORE DelIcOuS in the book) the passion and love story plotted out in the story. I got the books a couple weeks ago and gobbled the first one up in 3 days. It provided the backdrop and thoughts behind the stares of passion in the movie. it was AWESOME. Now I am on to New Moon.

***Warning***STOP READING HERE if you don't want any part of the plot spoiled!!!!

New Moon starts out awefully slow. It's almost painful that the prince leaves his princess and the book draaaagggssss on and on. Come on! I get that Bella's depressed, hearing Edwards voice and enjoys Jacob Black already. I was just about thinking edward and Bella would never re-unite but I am not done with the book just yet and it looks like there is hope. It's heating up and I once again am being pulled in. I have high hopes for the movie too, coming out in November, which I already have plans to see with my sister for her birthday the night it comes out.

yes, it may be a weird teenage thing but I dig it.

[caption id="attachment_20" align="alignnone" width="435" caption="The poster for the first movie"][/caption]

Hello blog world!

2009-07-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

So after avoiding the blogging scene for years because of being intimidated by the whole thing - many blogs seem (not as a critisism to anyone, I just don't have to0 much to offer on just one subject) single focused - directed towards either family life, crafts, business etc. None of those single categoies seem to fully encompass the topics I'd like to address.

There was also this overwhleming stress of thinking I needed to capture EVERYthing that is me in one place...I am releasing that and jumping in! It may be scattere and random and touch on all sorts of things but that's me so oh well!

Las Vegas Anniversary Trip

2009-06-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_122" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="My hubby & I in Las Vegas"][/caption]

We had one heck of a trip for our anniversary this year!!! Jon & I have missed being together the past 2 years on our anniversary since he was deployed so we had to make up for those lost celebrations. So for our 7th wedding anniversary we took off for VeGaS!!!

We flew direct from XNA to Vegas on Allegiant Air's first flight which started off things right. "Elvis" gave away free t-shirts and decks or cards as we boarded the plane and there was even a showgirl there to greet us at the airport. We were so excited to get there! We arrived in Vegas about 10pm and took the shuttle down the strip to our hotel. The strip is so amazing and alive with all the lights and people and excitement, it was the perfect time to arrive. We were blessed with a anniversary gift of a swanky suite at the Palazzo for our stay which was so awesome. The views were of Treasure Island, the pools and strip. It couldn't have been any better!

I won't give a play by play of the entire weekend but just some of the highlights...

One of our families favorite things to do, especially me being in the food business, is try new restaraunts. Vegas did NOT dissapoint with providing tons of options for dining at new places. We did sushi for lunch one day at RA in the Fashion Show Mall and it was amazing. Great music, staff and vibe along with the BEST sushi we have ever had. Jon ordered their special Las Vegas roll which was better than any desse

rt you'll ever have! For an appertizer we had these one of a kind Spicy Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons which I am now struggling to re-create at home. Anyway try RA for sure if you are into Sushi.[gallery columns="2"]

My favorite place we ate the entire time was Yolos, in the Planet Hollywood Hotel. It was an upscale and super yummy mexican restaraunt. They had superior Chips and Salsa that were so beautifully presented as well. I ordered street tacos that were dIvINe! We MUST eat there again when we go back.

Overall, out trip to Vegas was a great trip exploring a city together just Jon and I. We have been together for 9 years total and 7 years of marriage...of course they haven't been perfect but I wouldn't want to share my life, or this trip with anyone but him. He's the best! I am so blessed and lucky (since we are talking Vegas) to be able to call him my husband. He is a great husband, always seeking to make me happy, but he's also an awesome dad, man of God, provider and a great soldier.

Deployment Letter

2008-08-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 5^th

Dear Jon,

So first of all I cannot believe it is August and Kaia is headed back to school tomorrow. In many ways this year as slipped right past me, but in others it has drug on and on. You being away from me has been the longest 4 months of my life I think. It is just still hard to go thru the day without my best friend. I have these moments when I am just sad that you aren’t here to help me carry in the groceries or silly stuff like that. Not that it sucks to carry in the groceries all by myself but the fact that we have built this life together and you are my best friend and I just want you to be here with me. To do the silly stupid stuff and the important family stuff too. We miss you and I know you are doing your best to get back to us as soon as you can but it still hurts to be away from you.

I hope you are enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. It is crazy that you slept in until 8 something. I wouldn’t think your body would allow you to after being so programmed to wake up. I actually got to sleep until 9 which is the first in a long time. We are usually up before 8 to get to the gym. Tomorrow will seem like an early day getting Kaia up and ready for school. She is pretty excited I think and I am interested to get to know her teacher and stuff. I signed up to be the home room mom, there will be another one too so hopefully we can be more involved at the school this year. I think once you get home and things get back to normal for Kaia’s little world she will do really well in Kindergarten. We have already talked about the fact that I don’t want her to get sent to Mrs. Blair’s office so she better behave etc. I am sure it will happen at some point, I will just be happy if it happens LESS than last year.

Anyway, I am going to talk to you soon so I will go for now. I have to get all the thanks yous for Kaia’s birthday done and in the mail before it gets to be too late. I love you honey and I can’t wait until you are back home - where you belong!

Love, me

Autism Sucks

2008-06-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

So we had the school talent show last night which went well as far as the performance part. Kaia was so cute, all dolled up with make-up and she waited to go on stage perfectly with her class up in the balcony. She knew the whole dance and did great up there – I was so proud. Mom videod and I took pics. Kaia told me that evening she was nervous when she saw the crowd but you couldn’t tell! However, after the show was over was a different story.

The last number was a teacher finale and they released a bunch of balloons at the end. She really wanted to have a balloon and by the time I figured out what she wanted and we got to the stage they were all taken. Major melt down. Right in front of the auditorium, in front of the principle and assistant principle…crawling in the corner…totally embarrassing. I got her to walk out, half chasing her into the parking lot. Hearing several kids comment about how Kaia always gets so MAD at school. I finally had to throw her over my shoulder and pack her out to the car. Sweating my butt off and huffing and puffing.

It sucked all around.

I just kept you were there to help me, so I wasn’t dealing with the situation on my own. She is almost too big for me to pick up like that so I don’t know what I will do. It scares me to think of what she is going to be like when she gets older. Her temper is getting worse and I don’t know what to do.

Iraq Pics

2008-06-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

Getting stuff from my hubby is like Christmas, even photos are so awesome! Thought I would share a few.[gallery columns="2"]

Too much for too long

2008-06-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

I feel like a wimp as I know so many other wives have gone thru deployments and made it. Not with a smile on their face the entire time, but they were able to stand on their own two feet and take care of everything, support their husband and be mommies for their kids.

But I CAN'T DO IT!

I have really tried...I have gotten up every morning, gotten my little girl to school, put on the happy face in public, sent off the care packages and cried alone but I am not sure how much longer I can do this.

It is SO hard.

I miss hom SO much.

This may be TMI but here goes.

He's been gone a year already. With Basic, AIT and now deployment. Since last May I can count on my hands the number of times he has been home. It's hard hitting the one year mark. A year without him, my best friend, my love, my "person".

I made it thru Basic and AIT fine. I knew he was safe, and excited and I was so proud of him for making an unconventional decision to follow a dream of his, even though he was 26 years old and had a family already. I support him 100%. I can honestly say though neither of us fully processed the possibility he would deploy, especially so quickly. Then finding out the DAY HE GOT HOME from AIT that he was being deployed! There's no elequoant way to put it - it sucks! Deployment is hard for everyone, but piled on top of being apart so much beforehand, it's too much for me.

It's hard to be hopeful that our lives will ever get back to "normal" when I can hardly even remember what it was like to have him here. I know the damage that has been done can't be fixed. My poor baby girl has a mommy who is sad or mad all the time. She needs a chance to be a 6 year old, have someone to take her fishing and to ride a bike. I try but with the burdens I am carrying I can't get passed the sadness to even pretend sometimes.

Not to mention myself, I have given up my career - my sense of identity and importance. Staying home along all the time is painful and isolating. Where are all my friends? Where is the family that says they love me? They don't know, they don't ask...I don't think they truly care. Care that I am miserable, along and dying inside.

Anniversary

2008-06-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

June 1^st, 2008

Happy 6 year Wedding Anniversary to the love of my life!

[caption id="attachment_358" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My love in Iraq"][/caption]

I had to admit it has been a tough day to spend without him, and I have had way too much time on my hands to reminisce and sulk all day. I’ve tried to scrapbook but couldn’t get motivated so mostly I have been eating the pain away today – lotsa chocolate chip cookies. But no matter how hard this day is, we have a great life in-spite of the current circumstances and being separated for the most part of the past year. We have an amazing love and friendship that is enduring and even growing and thriving thru this deployment. I just wish he was here today, and every day to hold in my arms and to give kisses to show you how much I care about him. Rather than sending another letter…it’s just not right!

Honey, I trust you to love me for a lifetime, to never betray me or my trust, to put my needs above even your own, to never run from me. I trust you like no one else in my life, past or present. It’s a vulnerable state to be in. I can’t lose you. Please realize you are holding my heart and that it’s fragile and you have to honor it in all your actions. I don’t know what to say other than that, I come with baggage – and now it’s yours to carry too.

Arkansas Storms

2008-05-05T13:54:00.000-05:00

It was the worst damage we have experienced since we have lived here. Lots of wind based on how many limbs we had down. The trampoline is still stuck in the tree but we will figure out how to get it down. The swing set will just have to be hauled off. Sounds like mid-week this week we have another set of nasty storms coming thru. Gotta love Spring in the Ozarks![gallery]

Military Brat

2008-04-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_346" align="aligncenter" width="277" caption="Proud of her daddies boots."][/caption]

Kaia is ecstatic about her birthday and wants to invite all her friends to the swimming party and her daddy will be there in his shorts (her words there!). She is so proud of him, I think she wants to show him off. I am surprised she doesn’t want him to wear your uniform to the swim party!

It was funny the other day we went to Shogun (her favorite restaurant & she had been begging) and there was a dad and his college aged son sitting next to us and we were chatting away. He asked Kaia where her daddy was and she quickly responded, “Iraq”. He told her you were a hero, even though he didn’t know you. She was just grinning. I think she gets it, gets the nobility of what he is doing.

I know she misses her daddy like crazy and it pains me to see our daughter with a broken heart but I know it’s going right back together when he gets home. So hurry up and get back!

Proud Army Wife

2008-04-29T13:41:00.000-05:00

It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that we were waiting for the buses to arrive in Russelleville to pick up the soldiers to leave for Camp Shelby. Now he is in Iraq doing what he's been training to do for so long.

Things I wonder...Does it feel like a long time to you? Do you feel like you are making a difference over there? I really pray that this experience for you is fulfilling and you have found purpose in your time away from us. I know it is so tough for me, and Kaia as well, but I really think that the benefits in the long term will outweigh this trial we are going thru. I hope you have found a new confidence in yourself, not many can do what you have done! I hope you will have a new found enjoyment and love for your family and come back ready to embrace us.

I know I have learned so much about myself already. I have learned I am not as tough as I thought I was. I have also come to realize just how much I love you….I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. And those words don’t even scratch the surface of capturing all my emotions. I know that you are the only one for me, and I wouldn’t endure this hardship for anyone but you. I couldn’t do it if you didn’t love me. And I don’t say all that to get a pat on the back for what I have gone thru because I do realize that the challenges, stress and work you face is so much harder than what I deal with. I just say it so you know that even though it’s hard, I do it because I love you and I will always want you to pursue your dreams. Even now knowing what I know about how long we would be apart and how it would impact our family, I am glad that you have had the opportunity. I still want you to continue to pursue whatever dreams you have when you get back too. I think you worry about Kaia and I and want to do what is best for us but I would tell you that God put certain desires in you for a reason and you need to pursue them. You are the head of this household and we are following you in whatever direction you would lead us. I trust your judgement!

Behvior Specialist

2008-04-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

We have a meeting with the Autism specialist to discuss a behavior plan for Kaia on May 2^nd or so, the date isn’t confirmed but we have spoke and the work is in progress. I just hate making these decisions on my own about our daughters schooling and future. Deployment stinks and Autism sucks.

My Sweet Kaia & Autism Thoughts

2007-07-21T12:50:00.000-05:00

I hate to admit this but I haven’t prayed for you not to have Autism my sweet Kaia.

Sounds weird huh...coming from a woman who believes whole heartedly in the miracle working power of prayer. However, I am scared that Autism is so much of who you are that you wouldn’t be you if I asked God to take it away.

I must be demented to in some way to hold the key to your world but not want to free you…but I have to justify that with the fact that I know you are happy, you don’t realize (yet) that you are different and you are content with your life.

On the other side of that, wouldn’t a person who has been blind their entire life to suddenly receive sight be thankful and find more joy. I don’t know. These are the crazy things I ponder as I re-discover my hopes for you.

Above all things I want you to love God and serve God and this disability doesn’t hinder that or change that one bit.

Mama loves you Sweet Kaia.