My Sweetly Blissful Life

2011-09-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

My blog has found a new home!! I thought it was only fitting to start a new blog with a new journey taking place in my life. Jason, Carley, Gavin, and I are moving to a new home. Our first ever home that we will all be moving into at the same time...a new chapter in our lives. So, come follow me at 260 Lovers Lane. I hope to see you there!!!

2011-07-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

My lay-out for Carley's Award's Day was featured on the 3scrappyboys blog yesterday! Thank you for the love! It does my heart good!! =)

2011-07-02T05:56:00.001-07:00

I have been battling the itch to scrap all week and finally caved in! I really enjoy the monthly challenges at NoelMignon and InspiredtoScrap. Here are 3 new lay-outs from those challenges:
This is Carley at her 2nd grade Award's Day.

Sherry, Mom, and I at Walk-A-Mile for a child.

This is Carley, my step-sister Cheyanne, and my step-niece Trinity at the HHS Football Game, when Carley was a Flag Girl Mascot.

I'm working on two more today so I'll be back to share those soon!
Thanks for stopping by!!!

2011-06-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Carley is at camp and Gavin is at his Dad's for the week! I miss them so much!!! Jason came and picked them up last Thursday and this is the picture he sent me when they got home. It has made me smile a lot this week! I hope it does you, too.

2011-06-02T13:15:00.001-07:00

So much has happened since that beautiful day in March when Mr. Pharr and I got married. We had a wonderful time in the mountains and our cabin was gorgeous! As soon as we got back, we were planning a spa party for a certain drama queen who just turned 9....our Carley Nevaeh!

We celebrated Easter at our home church, Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy. We had no idea that just 3 days later our church would be destroyed by an F5 tornado that wiped out 80% of the town. It broke our hearts and so much loss was mourned but it bound together a community set forth to rebuild and carry on. It made me proud to be from Alabama and it still warms my heart to see so many from abroad that have reached out to help our community.

As a result of the tornadoes, I also got to meet a cyber friend from noelmignon.com, Virginia Tillery. We met at the Birmingham Mall where I picked up back packs to take back to the children of Hackleburg who lost everything they owned.

And so we began preparing for the end of the school year and all the events that take place before Summer vacation officially begins.
Carley was in the school play, Tom Sawyer, as a member of the chorus. They did such a wonderful job and Carley sang her little heart out.

My little man graduated pre-school. It makes me sad to think that he is starting kindergarten this Fall. He is my last one to have at home full-time. Next thing I know, they will be graduating high school!

Speaking of graduating high school, my niece Savannah graduated high school! This makes me sad, too. She was my first "baby." I was 15 when she was born. She would sleep on my chest at night, so her mom could sleep! She stayed with me more than she stayed home. Then, I got married and she got mad. After that, I wasn't cool anymore!lol But, I know she still loves me!

This brings us up to this passed Saturday where we celebrated Savannah's graduation party at the lake! Here are Carley and Gavin with their silly faces and a sweet smiling photo just for me!

Whew! I'm exhausted now! How about you? I'll leave you with pics of Carley and Gavin sleeping on the way home from the lake! I'll be back soon to post scrappy projects I haven't posted yet!

Until then.....

2011-03-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share some pics from our wedding!!! These are a few of my favorites. The wedding was simple but just perfect for us. It turned out to be such a wonderful day. I couldn't have asked for more. I made most of the decorations with help from my mom. My cousin, sister and I made the cake. My Momma 2, my mom, and my sister helped me with the arch. My cousin, the fabulous Angelia Yielding, took my pictures. My BIL married us and my SIL sang. My nephews ran the sound. My niece and lil' sis handed out the favors. Of course, Carley was the flower girl and Gavin the ring bearer. My BIL ushered in our parents. I just loved that it was a family affair. That meant so much to me. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

First off the pew markers made by yours truly!

My jewelry purchased from my dear friend, Doris Smith. She's on my facebook with more of her fabulous jewelry.

My bouquet made by me and my mom.

My fabulous shoes I found in Birmingham, after the ones I had dyed came back looking horrible. I liked these much better anyway! ;)

My dress

My wedding attire laying across my bed!

Mine and Jason's rings

Me painting Carley's nails

Carley wrapped in my mom's arms

Me and by bouquet

Me and my honey :)

Carley and Nana

Me and my babies walking up our driveway

Gavin and my new niece, MyliScott

Me and my mommy

Gavin and his pillow. I love his lips in this picture.

Carley and Gavin peeking through the door

Jason and I after we walked/rolled out. This picture really captured how happy I am! I tear up every time I look at it!!

My niece Savannah and my Lil' Sis Cheyanne

My family :)

Me, my mom, and my sisters

Me and my sisters: Melinda, Sherry, Me, and Cindy

Jason and his family: Linda, Deb, Jacqueline, and Juston

Us and our mommies

The cake...Butter Pecan and Cream Cheese Icing! We are by no means professionals but I really like how it turned out.

Me and Car Car

Me and the G-Man

I don't have to tell you what this is!!!!:)

Jason and I walking/rolling down the aisle.

Jas and I cutting the cake.

I'll be back with more pics from the wedding and our honeymoon!!! Thanks for stopping by and taking a look.
XOXOXOXOXOXO

2011-01-20T07:19:00.001-08:00

Yes, I have wedding on the brain! I am in panic mode cause we have 43 days til the wedding and still haven't found a place to have it. It's hard in little ole' Hamilton to find somewhere to have your wedding if the weather is not nice and you don't want to use your home church because you've both been married there before! So yes, I am in a panic. On the bright side, I have found my dress, and Carley's, and Gavin's outfit. I'm trying to find some comfort in the fact that we are trying to keep it simple...at least that's what Jason keeps reminding me. I found a few ideas I want to incorporate. Sorry I don't have the credits for these photos. I found most of them by searching Barn Weddings or at the Bride Cafe on Facebook.
I love these stars. I am thinking of putting these down the center of the table backed by a red table runner.

Jason plays the guitar! Wouldn't this be perfect for our guest table!!

I love this cake!

I am planning to do a set of these for the doors.

I am also contemplating a guest photo booth area and a candy table. Oh goodness, I have got to get busy!!!
I just finished up a Winter Whimsical Crop and Inspired 2 Scrap I did manage to get three of the challenges completed.
This is Carley and I on the Girl Scout Float at the Christmas Parade.

Gavin, as Ironman, at his Pre-school Halloween party.

This is a cookie sheet memo board I made for a friend of mine that lives in Colorado.

I haven't participated in an on-line crop in over a year, I guess. It was fun to get back to scrapping again!!!
I'm also super excited about the upcoming crop at Noel Mignon. Come join us! I can assure you there will be tons of scrappy inspiration and awesome prizes!!!

2010-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We did! It was one of the best I've had in a long time. We are finally settled in the new house. Our renovations aren't complete yet but I didn't want to spend our holidays working on the house. So, we got it livable and moved in! I will post before and after pics before long. I have to warn you this post will be photo heavy, so be prepared! Since I haven't updated in two months, I have a lot to share!
I got a huge part of my Christmas on December 17th. I was at Jason's place talking to his sister on the phone. We were getting ready to go Christmas shopping and I had called her for gift ideas. Jason had went back to his room and had been there for a while. When I got off the phone with Deb, I hollered back to him and asked it he was okay. He told me he had gotten himself into a predicament, so I took off back to his room. Him being in a wheelchair, I had no clue what might be wrong. When I got back to his room, I found him sitting on the floor. I was a little upset cause I couldn't believe he had fallen out of his chair and I didn't hear him. I asked if he was okay and if he needed me to help him. He said, "Probably so, but I need to ask you something first." He lifted up my ring and asked me to marry him. He had gotten done on the floor to ask me! Of course, I said yes! My sister took this picture of us when we came by to see her and his mom at work after he asked me!

We are planning a March 4th wedding! He has made me one happy girl!
During the holidays, I am always a day late and a dollar short, as my mother says. I didn't get around to taking pictures for our Christmas card til the Monday night before Christmas. Here are some the pics we took. We decided on the one with Sadie to use for our Christmas cards.

I was really dreading this Christmas because Carley and Gavin were suppose to be with their dad all day. We were going to have Christmas with Jason's family at lunch and my family that night and I was heart broke that the kids wouldn't be there. It ended up that he only kept them for a couple of hours so they got to be at both places. Here they are opening their presents Christmas morning and getting ready for our Christmas Day festivities:

We also woke up Christmas morning to a beautiful surprise...SNOW!!! We haven't had snow on Christmas in years. I can't even tell you the last time we have had snow on Christmas. We've only gotten a dusting of snow in January or February the passed two years, so this was a wonderful surprise. Everyone was so excited! It just seemed to make the whole day perfect to me!

I've also been creating again! I haven't done much in the passed year so it was nice to get out all my scrapbooking supplies and play. I uploaded tons of pictures yesterday to be printed so I see more scrapping in my future...this week, while I'm off work, to be exact!
Here is a pencil box I made for Carley to take to school:

This is a menu/to do dry erase board I made for my kitchen.

I made this photo/recipe card wooden frame for Ms. Linda, Jason's mom, for Christmas!

This is a hanging canvas I made for MawMaw Brenda for Christmas!

Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest. Some of these I took with my cell. I will take better pics and post later!
I just want to wish you all a Happy New Year! I'm praying for peace, happiness, and prosperity for each and every one of you! May God be more real to you this year than ever before!!!!

2010-10-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

It's been 5 years ago today since Daddy moved to Heaven. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him. His dinners under the tent, getting all of us together to do the twist in the living room, slow dancing with Momma, how he loved to cut up and play jokes and wasn't afraid to act silly to get a laugh, I miss him so much. I can just imagine him under his tent of gold having a dinner celebration with all of his friends and family in Heaven cause today was his Homecoming. I love you, Daddy! I'll see you again one day!

2010-10-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today, my little man, Gavin turned 5 years old. Time goes my so fast. It doesn't seem like it's been that long since I brought him home for the hospital.
Happy Birthday, my Little Man. I hope you have a wonderful day. I am so blessed that God chose me to be your mommy!

2010-09-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

Finally... a lay-out to share! This one was for the Summer Lay-out Tag done at noelmignon.com. These are Carley and Gavin pictures I had made just before Christmas last year. Yes, we are in need of new pictures! They have grown so much. This one is entitled "My Love Knows No End." Going through a divorce is hard and it's been a tough year, but I always hope that Carley and Gavin will always know that I love them more than anything in this world.

Jason and I are all the time taking pics on our cell phones. This one Jason snapped yesterday in between church services at his apartment. He made me lunch! :) I am so blessed to have him in my life.
Now for a house update: The renters will be out on Thursday, so I will finally be able to get in the house and start renovations. I am really excited but dreading the work. I just keep reminding myself that it will all be worth it! I know it is part of God's plan. I guess since it is getting closer, I am feeling a little overwhelmed, but still very excited. I know it will all come together. I just have to keep reminding myself to slow down and realize it's not all going to come together in one day, no matter how much I want it to.
Last night after church, Jason and I were talking to a dear friend of ours, named Rebecca. She was visiting our church, which she does from time to time, and sings with the Praise and Worship Team. She shared with me a song called "You are not alone" by Meredith Andrews. She said that while she was listening to it God brought me to her mind. She told me she had hoped they would get to sing it last night but didn't get to. She had the words and notes written down on paper and she let me read it. I was immediately touched by the lyrics and wanted to share it here. Thank you, Rebecca, for being obedient and for being a woman after God's own heart. I got the chance to listen to it today. It is beautiful! God is so good and He is so faithful! Over and over, I have found myself in worship or prayer just repeating the words, God, You are faithful! He is so faithful and so good to me. There have been so many times I wondered how I would ever make it through, but God always made a way. He has blessed me so much in my life and especially in the passed 6 or 7 months. I don't know where I would be without Him and I don't want to ever be without Him to find out.

I also heard another group this weekend sing a song called Did I Mention by The Perry's. The chorus to this song really speaks my heart right now.
Did I mention that I love him,
how I worship and adore him?
When I can see no way
He makes a way.
And did I mention he's been faithful
to every promise he ever made me?
I love him that's all I want to say.

Yes, I do love Him and that's all I want to say!
Until next time....

2010-09-23T06:49:00.001-07:00

After posting this week, I realized I never posted first day of school pictures. Carley entered the third grade this year and Gavin is enrolled at First Babtist for their 3 day pre-school program. I incorporate pre-school into my daycare program but I like to give them time away from me before they start school. Carley graduated from their pre-school program, too, so I wanted the same for Gavin. I love these first day pictures. It made me a little sad to see Gavin watching his big sister out the front door. He loves her so much!

Look at this kitchen I found! Doesn't it look Heavenly! I don't really think I would do this in my own house but this is so pretty. I am thinking of an all cream kitchen and distressing the cabinets to make them look old. This kitchen is courtesy of kitchensbykrengal.com. What do you think?

2010-09-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

Isn't this the most beautiful picture of Fall? I get so excited when the leaves start to turn and began to fall to the ground and I start to feel the crisp cool air first thing in the morning and at night when the sun goes down. Unfortunately, we haven't felt very much of that with 101 degree weather two days in a row. But, I am so ready for Fall. I crave it! This is my favorite time of year. It just makes me feel so good deep down inside.
We got a lot accomplished on the yard this weekend. It was such a mess. It made me really sad because it never looked that way when we lived there and Daddy was alive. You would think renters would have more respect for other people's property. Jason's dad came and bush hogged. Pee Wee came over with his lawn mower and mowed around the house. Colby and I picked up the yard and got everything in piles to be disposed of. The back hoe should be here this week to tear down a storage building that can't be saved. It looked so much better. You can actually see the house from the end of the drive. Jason and I rode the 4-wheeler and sprayed to kill the under brush we will need to clean out next to the tree line. I ended up getting one picture...Jason and Mom on the 4-wheeler.

If there was only one picture I could get, I'm glad it was this one. I was surprised she got on there. She said she realized he wouldn't want to do anything to hurt himself so she figured she was safe.
I am just so thankful for friends and family that are willing to help me. It's going to be a big project for sure but it is so worth all the time, energy, and money it will take to make it beautiful again.
I've been blog hopping to get decorating ideas. I haven't made it past Virginia Tillery's blog

I love this wreath! One thing I really enjoy about scrapbooking, other than making pages and preserving memories are the home decor items you can make for your home. This wreath is courtesy of capturejoy.tublr.com. Isn't it beautiful? I love the colors and the photo idea is so cute! I can't wait to make one for my front door.

When I saw this bench, courtesy of Funky Junk Interior, I knew it would be perfect for my entry way. I have a landing that stands about 4 to 6 inches taller than the rest of the living room floor and runs the length of the wall. Thank goodness I have a BIL that is good at making things with wood. I can't wait to show this to him and see if he can make it for me!

Check out this shower curtain! Isn't it beautiful? I love all the ruffles and how the colors fade one to another giving it such a soft feel! I'm sorry I didn't write down where this photo came from. I always like to give credit where credit is due. I'll see if I can find it and post the info.

I have a thing for turquoise lately. This room is sooooo sweet! I have plans to make some of these Pom Poms for Carley's room. This photo is courtesy of the-jessica-numbers.tumblr.com.
These are just a few ideas of inspiration I've picked up so far. I'll be back to share more. Let me know what you think!

2010-09-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Cyber Friends and Family! I am finally back to my blog. It's been way too long. I have been so busy since school has started back. Most of my time has been consumed with my children, homework, the daycare, church, and did I mention I'm moving again! Yes, you read that right...I am moving again. This time for good!!! I am super excited. Don't get me wrong, I love my rental house. It's beautiful and peaceful. You could still "lose the farm," as my mother says, sitting in the front porch swing, looking at the rolling green hills and listening to the cows moo. But, I am going back home to the very first place I had of my own after we moved back to Alabama from Kentucky. It is on my Daddy's land. It still has the cedar siding and front porch he built when he renovated for me to move in. It's been almost 5 years since Daddy moved to Heaven and it makes my heart swell when I think that I will be living on his land again, in a home he did work on with his bare hands. It's like have a tangible piece of him again and there won't be a day I won't walk out my front door and think of him. I can picture him now bush hogging, working in his garden, fixing up his 57 Chevy, or fixing dinner under his tent. I am just so humbled cause I feel I will finally be where I am suppose to be. It's like life has taken full circle and even though, I never pictured myself back in that house again, I will be. I know it is God's plan. He told me so even though I argued with him and told him flat out NO! Thank goodness, He doesn't listen to me! I feel such peace and happiness and anticipation. I can't wait. I get to start renovating and moving in October 1st. I've already had so much fun picking out colors and flooring for the house with this boy I really like! :) Carley will finally get her crystal chandelier in her bedroom. Gavin has already decided he wants a Cars room! Thank goodness, Jason and I have pretty much the same taste. I just can't explain how much peace and joy I have. Jason and I were on our way to Tupelo talking about the house and he started singing
Home by Joe Diffie.

The only the thing I see ahead is
Just the heat a rising off the road
The rainbows I've been chasing keep on fading before I find my pot of gold
But more and more I'm thinking, that the only treasures that I'll ever know
Are long ago and far behind and wrapped up in my memories of home

Home was a swimming hole and a fishing pole and the feel of a muddy row between my toes
Home was a back porch swing where I would sit and mom would sing amazing grace
While she hung out the clothes,
Home was an easy chair with my daddy there and the smell of Sunday supper on the stove
My footsteps carry me away but in my mind I'm always going home

Now the miles I put behind me ain't as hard as the miles that lay ahead
And its much to late to listen to the words of wisdom that my daddy said
The straight and narrow path he showed me turned into a thousand winding roads,

My footsteps carry me away, but in my mind I'm always going home.

Home was a swimming hole and a fishing pole and the feel of a muddy row between my toes
Home was a back porch swing where I would sit and mom would sing amazing grace
While she hung out the clothes,
Home was an easy chair with my daddy there and the smell of Sunday supper on the stove
My footsteps carry me away but in my mind I'm always going home

Yeah, the straight and narrow path he showed me turned into a thousand winding roads,
My footsteps carry me away, but in my mind I'm always going home.

I have felt in my heart for a long time a longing to get back to the basics, to provide what home really is to Carley and Gavin. One thing I feel blessed to experience by living in the South is what I picture as home. It's not a big house with all the grandest of material possessions. It's about being together in a home that is our safety and sanctuary where you enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Where it's natural and easy to sing old hymns and praises to God while doing the chores. Where your children sit and watch your example and can't help but see how much you are in love with God by your daily actions. It's about the impact you have on your children when you are inside those 4 walls that they will carry with them when they venture out into a life of there own. It's about family and being there for each other. You may not have a lot of money, you may not even have enough money to pay your bills. Lord knows I've been there many times. You may not have the latest gadgets or the best car. For me, I feel it's time to simplify and concentrate on what's really important....Home. Thank you Lord, I am going home! And thank you for placing someone in my life who appreciates the same things I do.
I'll keep you updated on the process with lots of before and after pictures! Thanks for taking this journey with me and keep me in your prayers! I'll remember you in mine, too!
XOXOXOXOXOXO

2010-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe two months have gone by and I haven't updated my blog! I promise to try to do better. A lot has happened in two months, I must say. We moved into a new home, which the kids and I absolutely love. It's located in such a beautiful place with barns and tractors and cows and rolling green hills. You could literally "lose the farm," as my mom says, sitting on the front porch, in the porch swing, taking in the view. I had so much worry and sadness leaving our old home. I wanted a place that my kids could play and I would be at ease at, alone the first time in my life, with two babies. God answered my prayer. I'll share pictures soon. It's been so busy, I haven't had a chance to take any. Now to catch you up on everything else! We had Carley's dance recital May 15th. She did such a good job. I couldn't help but cry through her performance. I'm so happy she is able to be a part of such a wonderful dance group.

I guess I need to back up to Easter. Here are me and my babies:

We also had an Easter Egg Hunt as Jason's Dad's house. The kids had so much fun.

Carley graduated to the 3rd grade. I am so proud of her. She was and honor student the whole year and has been one since she started school! Here are a couple of pictures of her and Jason at Spring Fling:

It's been a long few months, with lots of changes, but God has been so good to me! I'll be back soon to share some more!

2010-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

My princess Carley turned 8 years old on Monday! I can't believe she is growing so fast. Each and every day, she amazes me and I'm so blessed that God chose me to be her mommy! We celebrated with a Sunday evening Chuck E. Cheese party on March 21st. Then, Monday, we went to the park for ice cream and to feed the ducks. Afterward, we went to watch Alice in Wonderland at the movie theatre. She told me she had the best birthday ever! :)

2010-03-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

My niece Savannah had her Junior Prom last weekend. She just turned 17 on March 2nd. I couldn't help looking at her and thinking how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday she was that little 4lb. 11oz. preemie. Her mom and dad brought home from the hospital. All you could see when you first laid eyes on her were big brown eyes and blanket. She was the most gorgeous little thing I had ever seen. I was 15 at the time and Savannah should have been my little girl. My sister, Melinda, was blessed to have me, cause when she came home from the hospital, I took care of Savannah. I would even sleep with her on my chest at night to make sure she would be okay! I am so proud of Savannah. She is such a beautiful girl, inside and out, and she doesn't even know it!

Savannah, with her boyfriend, Michael...we really like him, too! :)

Savannah and two of her friends before prom

Savannah getting in to the car she and her friends rode in to Prom. The theme was 50s and 60s. Luckily, this car belonged to my BIL's Father, so they were able to get it for her to ride in.
I love you, Sannah Dannah, and I am so proud of you!

2010-03-18T08:55:00.001-07:00

2010-01-19T17:36:00.001-08:00

Being from the South, we get really excited when it snows. Unfortunately, we don't see much of it around here. As soon as the weatherman predicts snow in the forecast, everyone runs to the grocery store to grab milk and bread. If we're really lucky we'll get a day off work and the kids usually get a snow day. They got two this time:). Then, everyone runs outside to take snow pics. Here are ours:

2009-12-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that 2010 is just around the corner. In high school, we were given a writing assignment about where we saw ourselves in 15 years and I must say, the place I am right now is not where I saw myself being. I have always wanted to be a wife and mother, since I was a little girl. That was my dream and it was what I wrote about in that assignment. But right now, I am going through a divorce and fighting for custody of my children. I had a feeling at the beginning of this year, that 2009 would be a much better year for me. We were finally getting back to normal after the death of my daddy and I felt like my life was getting back on track. But, here I am...32 years old and going through a divorce. I do have peace in my decision and I am fearful, sad, and a little excited about my future. I know that's crazy, but it's how I feel. I know this is a mountain I have to cross to finally find my happiness. The holidays were strange, just celebrating with me and my babies. We had a great Christmas. God really blessed me and I was able to provide a wonderful Christmas for them. I spent most of the day watching them play with their toys and thinking just how blessed I am in the midst of my circumstances. I am blessed! Even though, I haven't fulfilled all of my writing assignment of where I saw my self, I have fulfilled the most important part. I am a mommy, a good mommy, to two wonderful children.

Carley performed at Breakfast with Santa with her dance group with Grace School of Dance. They did such a beautiful job. She really loves her dance teacher, Ms. Jessica. They did numbers from the Nutcracker and Carley was in the Candy Cane group. I love to watch her dance. It makes me feel all warm inside that she enjoys dance as much as I do. Here are a few pics from her performance:

I can't post without sharing some of my scrappy projects I made this time for Christmas gifts. It's been awhile since I've had the time or the energy to scrapbook. It made me feel so much better creating again! Enjoy!

I hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and I wish you all a very, Happy New Year!

2009-09-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

A weekly stash challenge, issued by DT member Amy Cosse, is up at 3ScrappyBoys. You can view all of the details here. Did I mention that one fantastic prize pack is up for grabs? Come join us for your chance to win. I'll post my entry soon!

2009-07-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those moments in your life when it's seems control has been taken right out of your hands? When you realize that you have to depend on a higher power to get you through? I think God does this to me on purpose, cause I am a control freak. I don't like surprises. I like to know when things are going to happen and how and why and where. I like to know that things won't go wrong and they won't be hard and everyone will be blessed and happy and free. But, that's not possible all the time...hardly ever. Life is hard sometimes and you don't know the direction you are headed in but you know you are traveling down that road so fast and you can't control it. I don't like being in these places in my life. But like I said before, I think God does it to me on purpose so I will depend on Him. I want to be the one that says, "God, I'm not going to bother you with this today. I'm going to handle it, so You won't have to. Cause I can and I don't want to bother You." I know God is in Heaven saying, "Good Lord, Elisha. It's not for you to handle." My mom has a piece of paper on her fridge that says, "Hello, this is God. I just wanted to let you know that I will be handling all of your problems today." He does it because He wants to, so we won't have to, because He loves us that much. I know all of the scriptures about trusting and waiting and God leading you through and I don't know why I can't get to that point to just rest in His faithfulness and not get all worked up about it. I know that's what He wants from us. He doesn't want us to worry, or cry, or be upset, or angry, or have fear. He wants us to be at peace knowing that He will take care of it. He is our Daddy after all. I know I want those things for my children and He wants even more than that for me. I look back on my life and I see through every phase how God has brought me through. He never left me and most of the hurt I experienced I brought on myself. I don't know why I am sharing this. I am always so apprehensive about being transparent and posting things like this for all to see, but I know I felt lead to do it for someone. I know it's going to be hard for me to do, but starting now, I have got to let go and give it to God and rest in His faithfulness. I know His promises for me and I know He doesn't lie. I know He is faithful, even when I haven't been. I know He doesn't want me to push Him out, even in the bad times. I know He wants to be involved in every aspect of my life....the good and the bad. Mom was telling me about a book she was reading by Joyce Meyer. In the book, Joyce was talking about going bowling. She admitted she wasn't very good. Just when she was about to roll the ball, she heard God ask her, "Joyce, why don't you ask me to help you?" She said she kind of laughed and thought to herself, why would I ask you to help me with something as silly as bowling and God said, "Because I want to be involved in every aspect of your life." Isn't that the most wonderful thing, that the God of Heaven and Earth even wants to bowl with you. I made the decision then to be more conscience of God, even in the little things. Because that is how much He loves me and if He loves me that much, then He will get me through this.

2009-07-11T15:21:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July! Our night began and my Sister and Brother-n-law's for a cook-out, then we traveled to Guin to watch the big fireworks display. It was so nice. We were stretched out on a blanket and it looked like the fireworks were right on top of us....so pretty.
Here is Bryan and I:

Here's Bryan, Aricka, and Tim:

Here's Carley and Gavin in the back of the care waiting for the fireworks to begin:

Here's Gavin playing with sidewalk chalk on Tim and Aricka's front porch:

Here's Carley and her masterpiece:

Aricka and I sitting on the blanket:

Carley and Papa Terry waiting for the fireworks:

MawMaw Donnie, Carley and Gavin:

Papa Terry, again:

Carley and Terry leaned over looking at the fireworks:

I have some new pages to share!
I couldn't help but do a page for Queen Cleo. Here she is lounging on Carley's bed.

Yes, this is my man, Keith Urban. I got to see him for the third time in Huntsville on our anniversary weekend. This was the first time we took Carley with us though. She had such a great time. The concert was fantastic!

I took this self portrait at Tabatha's house on our girl's night. I like how this one turned out.

This is my friend, Tabatha, and I on our girl's night we had a few weeks ago. We haven't been out together, just the two of us, since we got married. We had a blast, I'll tell ya! We went out to eat and goofed off. It was a lot of fun.

Until next time....
xoxoxoxoxo

2009-06-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've updated. But that only means, I have a lot to catch you up on! I celebrated my birthday on June 17th. I actually got to celebrate the whole week...I'm a lucky girl! On Monday of that week, I got my first present, a 3 month old white Persian kitten named Queen Cleo. Bryan told me to go pick her up. She is absolutely gorgeous! So far Roxy, our English Bull Dog has done really well with her. She wants to play with her but Cleo takes off behind the couch. I really feel like, eventually once they get used to each other, they will be great friends.

On Wednesday, I was surprised with a half a dozen red roses from Bryan. He also had them bring me a box of rose petals with a card that said, "even a rose holds no beauty next to you." He also planned for all of our family to come over that night to celebrate with me, complete with an ice cream cake. Since I'm on Weight Watchers, he made a huge chef salad for everyone. He's so thoughtful! :) I guess he thought it would cancel out the cake! My family also showered me with more gifts. It was a special night just having both of our families together to celebrate with me. On Friday and Saturday night, I was able to spend time with two close friends, just to have fun with out having to worry about taking care of the kids. I don't do that often so it was nice to have some down time and catch up with my girls. I've got a load of new pages to upload. I will try and get those photographed and up this weekend! I have 2 hours of work until I am officially off for a week so I'll have plenty of time to get caught up and hopefully much more time to scrap!
Until next time....

2009-05-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

Today is my Anniversary! Bryan and I have been married 9 years today. It really doesn't seem like it's been 9 years at all! I am truly blessed that God chose him for me. Here we are the day after we were married, on our honeymoon:

Have a great day!

2009-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, I had a lot of catching up to do! I didn't realize I had so many creations I haven't uploaded yet! Where have I been? Here you go! Enjoy!
This is Carley and her friends from school that came for her birthday party.

My nephew Colby and Roxy. He always comes to my house and tells me my dogs are spoiled! I wonder why?

My Carley is like her Daddy and never meets a stranger. This little boy was playing at the park with his popples and she immediately went up and started playing with him. I love that about her. She isn't shy like I always was. They had the best time.

While my friend Kristy was in town, they had a little fun with a mustache Bryan brought to the park!

This is my best friend, Kristy, and I. She came down for a visit the end of March. I hate that she lives so far away but I love it when we get to visit each other!

This is another best friend of mine, Tabatha! We were goofing off with the camera New Year's Eve.

Bryan and I during our Texas Hold 'Em game, New Year's Eve.

Gavin is obsessed with Spiderman! Can you tell?

This is an old pic of my dad and his family.

Another old pic of my sister, Cindy, and I. This is one of my favorites.

This is Carley at the Zoo in Gulf Shores. This was for a scraplift challenge where I scraplifted Lisa Warren. Visit her blog here for a peek at her awesome creations.

When I was little, my Daddy used to ask me if I was his baby. I would always tell him no cause I was a major momma's baby. But to make him feel better, I would always say when he would ask me, "No Daddy, I'm Momma's baby but I'm your Sweet Thing." He used to ask me that up until I was grown.

Gavin at the beach.

Carley on her big girl bike!

LOVE DARE UPDATE:
I am now on Dare 19! I have so enjoyed this book so far. I have learned so much about myself during this process. I can see a change in myself and as a result, I can also see a change in how Bryan is responding to it. He still doesn't know I'm doing this and I really don't want him to right now. I don't want him to think I am doing all of this because of a book. I really think this has been the best book I've read on marriage and the relationship with your spouse. I've watched the movie three times already. I'm sure Netflix wants it back...he!he! Tonight's Dare is to make a candle light dinner for your spouse. If all goes well, I won't be scrapbooking tonight! ;)

2009-04-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

I just began reading this book, The Love Dare, after a friend of mine was telling me about it. It is from the movie Fireproof, staring Kirk Cameron. I haven't seen the movie yet but the book just drew me in. It consists of 40 love dares for you to do for your spouse for 40 days. The first day was on having patience with your spouse. Boy did this ever step on my toes. I am not a patient person at all. When I want something, I want it yesterday! So, I have spent the last three days not saying anything negative to my spouse, even when I am frustrated or upset. So far, it hasn't been hard since I haven't been upset with him for any reason. But, I'm sure I will have to exercise this dare really soon...lol. Day two was about kindness and show an unexpected gesture to your spouse in kindness. I baked his favorite cookies, Snickerdoodles, and left them on the stove for him when he got home. Day three was to buy something for your spouse to show him you were thinking of him. I didn't get to leave the house today so I made him a card and wrote him a juicy note like I used to inside. I plan on leaving it in his car tonight so he'll find it when he leaves for work in the morning. I am really excited about these. I don't really know if Bryan has noticed something is up yet but I can really tell that a spark has been lit in my heart toward him. I can't wait to see what the next 36 days hold for us! I'll keep you posted!

2009-04-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a very Happy Easter. I know I certainly did! Our Easter festivities began when Gavin woke up at 7am to see if the Easter Bunny had came yet. I talked him into waiting until Carley got up. The both found their baskets on the table. We got dressed and headed to the park for our Church Egg Hunt. We began by telling the true meaning of Easter. Then, we had the our egg hunt and had lunch of hot dogs roasted on the grill. We really had a great morning. Even the Easter bunny was there for pictures.

Sunday morning, we all got ready in our Easter duds and went to church. Pastor Mark did an illustrated sermon with members of the kid's church acting out the parts. He gave alter call and there were 6 who came forward and gave their life to the Lord, including Carley. I was so proud. She had already asked God to come into her heart but had never went up the alter and wanted to do that. I tell you, that was enough to make my throat close up and tears come to my eyes.
Here they are in their Easter attire before church:

After church, we went to eat with friends, came home, took a nap, then got up to dye Easter eggs.

My family came over for Easter supper. We decided to make deviled eggs since it started raining and we weren't able to go outside to hunt eggs again. We really had a wonderful weekend. The kids had a great time. Most importantly, they both understand that Jesus died for our sins and He is Risen and Alive and Well! Happy Easter everyone!

2009-04-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Joanieis giving away this awesome RAK on her blog! Go check out her blog now for your chance to win. Be sure to check out her awesome scrap pages, too. She is full of inspiration! Tell her Elisha sent you!

2009-04-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged...twice!
One by Joan
Here are the rules-

*
Go to the photos folder on your computer.
*
Go to the 7th folder of photos.
*
Go to the 7th photo.
*
Put the 7th photo on your blog along with a description.
*
Invite 7 friends to join.
I am tagging Lee, Ali, Nicole, Heather, Lynn, Mara, and Erica!

So, here is my 7th photo in my 7th folder...

This is my Carley on her first day of first grade. Wow, I can't believe how much she has grown since then!

I was also tagged by Erica
Here are the rules:
You must post a pic of yourself right now and tag 5 friends to do the same!
Here I am right now...UGH!!!!

I am tagging Ching, Jackie, Tricia, Joan, and Melissa for this one!

2009-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has taken me so long to update my blog...bad me! I have so much to share, I just haven't taken the time to do it. Have you ever had the feeling that good things are coming? Just that feeling that things you have prayed about or hoped for are really going to come to pass. I just feel that way. I don't know if it's because good things are already happening today or if God is really letting me know that good things are headed my way. Don't get me wrong, I am a very blessed lady. I've had my share of struggles and I am praying for some mighty things to happen in my life. But, I have a wonderful family, great friends, and the two most precious children anyone can have. I have a beautiful home and a wonderful job. Although we sometimes struggle financially, our bills are always paid on time. We are just so blessed. So, whatever it is that is causing me to feel this way, I thank God for it now in advance,cause He has always been so good to me.
My best friend in the whole world is on her way to my house to spend the weekend with me. She lives in Kentucky and I haven't seen her in a year and a half. I can't wait for her to get here. It's been too long and I have missed her greatly. Everyone should have a friend like her. She is so caring and always puts herself last and thinks of others first. She is the friend that you can tell everything to and not feel ashamed or worried that she is going to go tell everyone she knows this horrible secret you just told her. She always gives the best advice and her total support. I just love her greatly. Everyone should have a friend like my friend, Kristy! She'll be here in less than 5 hours and I am SOOOOOOOOO excited!
I haven't been able to scrap in a couple of weeks but I wanted to share my latest lay-outs. Enjoy!

2009-03-17T12:23:00.001-07:00

Mr. Mojo is still in da' house! Thank goodness, I hate going spells when I can't scrap! It makes me grouchy and Lord knows it's not pretty when I'm grouchy. Here's a few I finished this weekend:
I captured this pic of Bryan and Gavin snuggling last week. I love this picture! It is so hard to get pics of Bryan so when I get one, I treasure it!

Here's Miss Carley "modeling" for the camera! Some of her pics really blow me away though. She can make some of the most breathtaking pictures. It could just be me being bias cause I'm her Momma and she's just so beautiful to me! The one was made with the new March kit, Cherries Jubilee at Scrapperie If you haven't gotten your hands on one of Sandi's kits, you need to order one today! You won't be disappointed!

This is Bryan and I the day after we were married. I love this picture of us. He still gives me butterflies to this day. I am so lucky to have him as my husband. I can't say that the beginning of our marriage was all butterflies and roses but over the past few years, we have really grown closer as a husband and wife should. I love him so much!

We also have a new addition to our family! Bryan has always wanted an English bull dog. He found a breeder in our area and I finally caved in and let him get her! She is absolutely gorgeous. Her name is Roxy Delilah Drewery. She is the most playful, loving dog. She even slept in the bed with us last night and she snores really loud! Good thing I'm used to Bryan or I wouldn't have gotten any sleep...lol! I'm still wondering what we are going to do with her when she gets full grown. A 65lb. dog in the house just blows my mind! Here she is at 2 1/2 months:

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

I've been busy the past two Friday nights. I have just been in the mood to scrap, so I got Gavin's Auburn bean bag, pulled it up to the coffee table, popped in a few chick flicks I had been wanting to see and got to work. I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. I can't say I'm pleased with my photography lately, but oh well...Here they are, I hope you like them.

2009-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

You know you are getting old when you leave a Valentine Party with your honey to go to Wal-Mart and buy a Flat Screen TV. Yep, that's what Bryan and I did for Valentine's Day. We did have a great night though so that should count for something!
Here we are before we left for our date:

So, how was your Valentine's Day?

2009-02-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

Joan, over at Paper Popsicles posted about a new site called House of 3 that sells blog couture. So, I immediately hopped on over and feel in love with this background and banner! So what do you think? I think it suits me very well!

2009-02-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

“Technique Week” Online Crop at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse.

Scrapbooker’s Club House is hosting another fabulous WEEK LONG ONLINE CROP from February 9-15 2009!

Guess what?!! You’re invited to join us!!! Pop in whenever you like, and stay as long as you can! Look for the forum section called “Online Crop.” We’ll be there!

Come on over to the place where you can learn something fresh and new as you scrap those photos, memorabilia and stories. Expect the sharing of tips, tricks and ideas as you learn fun techniques that you can apply to your creations right away.

We’ve planned tons of fun challenges, games, prizes, laughs and the chance to share your creations. With “Make ‘n Take” projects, you’ll absorb at least two new techniques you can use over and over in unique ways—hey, who doesn’t love THAT!?! There’s a chance to win a special prize at the end of the crop… but shhhh! The prize is still a secret!

Soak up some ideas and inspiration from our community of scrapbookers and learn from our talented Design Team members as they share and scrap along with you! Canadian Scrappin’ Celebrity Andrea Wiebe will be joining us for the month, and she’ll be with us at the “Technique Week” crop, setting challenges, while she shares her ideas and genuine enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby.

The SBCH online store is fully stocked, so go ahead and shop for all your scrap-happy needs!!

Mark your calendar so you can pop on over to the week-long Technique Week Crop at Scrapbooker’s Club House!

Here’s where to find us: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm

There will be a friendly welcome awaiting you, so come join us: play and learn at the SBCH “Technique Week” Crop.

See you there!

2009-01-29T16:36:00.001-08:00

Come join me and the gals at Paper Popsicles for their Love is in the Air crop, February 6-8. You won't want to miss the fun, inspiration, and delightful ideas their crops bring, so head on over now!

2009-01-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

I was so excited for Friday to get here. It was our bi-weekly crop night, our first once back since the holidays, and I hadn't scrapped in a couple of weeks. I had all of my pics ready and my pages all planned out and every lady that comes to crop, had to cancel for one reason or another. So, I pulled all of my supplies into the living room, put in a movie, and had my own scrap night. I finished 3 lay-outs Friday night and another two on Saturday. It's funny how I'll go a couple of weeks and can't scrap then spend a night and crank out 3 lay-outs. I love it when that happens though. Saturday night, Bryan took me out to out at a favorite little Italian place we love and out to watch Mall Cop at the theater. Mall Cop was hilarious, BTW! While at the movies, I threw my back out. I have no idea how. But I got the strange urge that my back just wasn't right and needed to be popped. When we got home, Bryan tried to pop it for me but it just wouldn't pop. We went to sleep about midnight, then I woke up around 3am in horrible pain. I could lay down, it hurt to stand, and to sit. I googled pulled muscle and ended up taking pain meds and fell back to sleep laying on a cold pack. I felt a little better so we got up and went to church. Thankfully a dear lady, who is a nursing professor, asked what was wrong with my back. She did pressure points on me and discovered my back was out in 4 places. She took me to the back of the church and had me lay in the floor and popped my back into place. I THANK GOD for this lady! I woke up this morning feeling a little sore, but much, much, better! I am starting to believe that your body really does start going down hill once you hit 30!
Here are the lay-outs I finished, Enjoy!

2009-01-13T16:29:00.001-08:00

While editing my top ten post, I noticed there was quiet a bit of traffic coming from a site called Stampin' When I Can to my blog. So I decided to pop on over and see what was up. I was featured in her Newly Discovered Blog list today. This totally made my day to have my blog recognized by a fellow blogger! I am totally flattered right now! That is so cool! Thanks Allison! Be sure and check out Allison's fantastic blog and the others who were featured with me!

While we are talking about fellow bloggers, I would like to feature one of my own! Head on over to Paper Popsicles Blog
If you haven't registered for the site, please do so. Melissa and the gang are sooo nice. Not to mention, her store is fantastic and the gallery is loaded with tons of inspiration! Be sure and check them out today....like right now....what are you waiting for....GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-11T17:26:00.001-08:00

My Top 10 Creations of 2008!
Wow, it was really hard to narrow it down to ten, but here they are in no particular order.

Looking through all of my creations made me see just how much I have grown as a scrapper and how much my style has changed in a year. It's amazing. I am embarressed to even post a lay-out from the beginning of last year. I can't wait to see how much it changes this year!
Enjoy!

2009-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am finally here to share my projects from the fabulous Prudence Kit at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse I know, I know...I should've already had this up on my blog. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to update my blog regularly! I'm really gonna do it. I promise. So back to Prudence, this is a fabulous kit, one of the best I have worked with. If you are thinking of ordering it, you really should. You won't be disappointed!

I was so tickled with how many creations I was able to make out of this one kit! Thanks for stopping by to take a peek!

2008-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's almost the New Year and I am just now getting on here to upload my Christmas pics. It's been a busy couple of weeks even though I have been on vacation part of both weeks. We have also been battling the stomach virus (I had it Christmas Day) and both of the kids had bronchitis. But we are all feeling much better, so that's good. Don't want to ring in the New Year with the sickies!
We started our Christmas celebrations on Christmas Eve with Bryan's mom and Dad, brother and sister and law, and my mom. She joined us this year for Christmas dinner and presents.

Then, the children woke up around 7:30 or 8:00 ready to see what Santa had brought them. Carley was already awake at 4:30 after she heard "Santa" eating the cookies and drinking the milk. She ran into the bed room hollering, "Momma, Momma, I hear Santa." I told her we couldn't go see til it got daylight. So, she went back to bed with no fuss! I had to sit at the top of the stairs to watch them open their gifts since I had been up sick most of the night! Bryan was a trooper and took care of all of the pics and opening of the gifts. He even cleaned up some afterwards!

Then the Saturday after Christmas, we celebrated with my family, my uncle Pete, and Savannah's boyfriend Michael.
Here's Michael, Colby, and Austin:

Here's me and Bryan:

My sister Melinda and her husband Pee-Wee

And last but not least, Michael, Savannah, and Colby:

I will be back to upload some scrappy projects! I've been quiet productive this weekend. It really helped that I got to Guest Design at Scrapbookers Clubhouse
using the beautiful Crate Paper Prudance kit on pre-order now for January! I hope you all had a wonderful blessed Christmas and I wish you a happy, safe and prosperous New Year! See ya soon!

2008-12-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

I have been trying for the past week to get our family pic made in front of the tree. Sadly, we haven't had a family pic made since Carley was 2 yrs. old, except for the occasional snap shot at birthday parties or the beach. It also doesn't help that Bryan loathes family pics. He hates having his picture made for any reason. It also didn't help that my good camera tore up on me a few weeks ago, so I had to pull out my old digital camera. Well anyway, we survived and here are our pics:

I have more to edit and upload so be on the look out for those!

2008-11-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

I've spent most of the day preparing for our Thanksgiving dinner today and reflecting on all I have to be thankful for. I have a wonderful, loving husband, two beautiful children who are my joy, a wonderful, supportive family. I have beautiful friends, both here and on the net. I have been blessed with my dream home in a wonderful neighbor that my children will love growing up in. My husband and I both have steady jobs that provide what we need. I also get to work and stay home with my babies. We are all healthy and thriving. I am a saved, sanctified, filled with the holy ghost christian who is in love with my Savior. He has blessed me with so much more than I deserve. I have so much to be thankful for. We are having Thanksgiving tonight with my family. My family and I have been through a lot the passed few years but I know that we are getting better and moving on to a restored, healed life together. God is so good! I can't thank Him enough for all he's done for me.
Speaking of my cyber friends, I have received tons of kudos from them the passed couple of months. You can view them here and read all of the wonderful comments they have given me on my scrapbook creations:
3 Scrappy Boys
Not A Happy Camper
Scrapbooker's Clubhouse
Boy on a Mission
Remember Dec. 25th 2002

Where the Wild Things Are
Card Set
You all really know how to make a girl feel good! :)
Paper Popsicles and 3scrappyboys both hosted holiday crops the passed two weekends. Here are some creations I made from that:

I also altered these boats to hang on Gavin's wall in his bedroom!

I entered these in the December Guest Designer Contest at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse and won! So, I am their Guest Designer for December. I am so excited! This will be my first time to design with them again since I was on the design team last year! I am so looking forward to it.
Gotta go finish up Thanksgiving preparations for tonight! See you all later. Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-10-31T16:46:00.001-07:00

SCRAPBOOKER’S CLUB HOUSE ANNOUNCES:

THE NOVEMBER 2008 “CHALLENGES BY DESIGN” COLLECTION!

November 1, 2008 will bring a “Challenges By Design” Collection to Scrapbooker’s Club House.

We can’t wait to reveal the challenges that the SBCH Design Team has planned for November!

Come over to the Club House and see what the Design Team has in store to challenge you and get your mojo goin’! You’ll be getting layouts done and cards made…Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Come join us and be inspired & challenged: meet new friends, too. We’re the friendliest scrappin’ spot on the ‘net and for your convenience, we have a fully stocked store just stuffed with scrappy goodness!

Here’s where to find us: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm

And here’s the Challenge Forum: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=13
The Scrapbooker’s Club House store: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/oscommerce/catalog/

2008-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween tonight. We took the kids trick or treating last night. With the ball game and my two sisters in nursing school, we decided to get all of our festivities over in one night. We took the kids to family members houses for candy, then took the to the trunk or treat at an area church. They also had the Fall Fest at the Elem. School but we didn't have time to get there before it was over. We ended up at my in-laws house for supper and were all in bed by 9pm! Carley was a tiger, complete with an orange and black tutu, and Gavin was Spiderman, of course! We also took our nephew Matthew. He decided to wear a bloody skeleton mask that scared Gavin the whole night! They all had a great time though!

Aunt Cindy came over Tuesday night and brought a Halloween Gingerbread house for the kids to decorate! Carley was quiet proud of it. As you can tell, their Aunt Cindy spoils them greatly!

Tonight we will be taking it easy and handing out candy to trick or treaters who didn't go last night! Happy Halloween to all!!!!!!

2008-10-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I've updated! I've been so busy getting stuff ready for the booth we had at the Fall Fest this past Saturday. We really had a lot of and enjoyed meeting everyone. Then, my computer mouse was on the fritz! Bryan fixed it last night, Thank goodness! I am so glad. I've missed all of my cyber friends. So, I am here finally getting Gavin's Birthday party pics uploaded. He had a spiderman party at the park. I wish you all could see him shooting his web! He is soooo funny! He goes around shooting his make believe web at everyone who crosses his path. Here are some pics I took from the party: I am really super excited that we finally got a decent family picture taken!

Today, I get to submit my projects for my opportunity to be Guest Designer at Paper Popsicles. You can view my guest designer gallery starting tomorrow. You definitely want to pick up this kit. I have had a blast working with it. Melissa really knows how to pack a box full of goodies and at prices that can't be beat! Here are a couple of sneek peeks:

I'll be back later to post my projects in full after tomorrow, so be sure and visit again soon! Happy Monday!

2008-10-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last night, while I was scrubbing Gavin's head (he still gets cradle cap), Gavin's nose started bleeding. Carley walked in because she heard him crying from me scrubbing his head and told me about his nose. I didn't realize it was bleeding at the time. She ran and got him a bath cloth for me to clean him up and was hugging him and talking to him to get him to calm down. His nose has been bleeding for no reason here lately and it really scares Carley. I didn't realize how much until I went to tuck her in later on last night. She was laying in her bed with a sad look on her face. I ask her what was wrong and she said, "Mommy, I just prayed for Gavin. I prayed that God would heal Gavin's nose so it would not bleed anymore. And I'm gonna hold on to my pray real tight cause I know sometimes the devil gets our mind off of our prayers and makes us drop them. But I'm not going to. I'm gonna hold on to my prayer, Momma, cause I know God will answer it." By the time she was finished, I had tears in my eyes. Not just because she loves her brother so much, but because she had reminded me that often times I get discouraged and drop my prayers. I remember some very dear saints of God talking about holding on the horns of the alter until they received their breakthrough. I think sometimes God is sitting up there wondering how bad we really want it. How bad do we want that loved one to be saved or how bad to we want a healing in our marriage? How bad do we want our country saved and our economy to grow? Are we willing to hang on to our prayers and pray without ceasing until we receive our breakthrough? I know I have been wanting to see God do things in my life, for my marriage, for my church, but I haven't made it a priority to pray without ceasing or hold on to my prayers until I received my breakthrough. But, Carley reminded me last night that our time on this Earth is limited and it's time to get serious about what we want to see God do in our lives, in our homes, in our country. It's time to hang on to our prayers and stop letting the devil lie to us until we are to discouraged to hang on anymore. Because actually our prayers are our promises from God. He's already made those promised to us and He is not a God that He would lie. I thank God for my Carley, that she has a love and a belief in God. That she has faith, the child like faith we are all suppose to have to see things change in our lives. I know that from now on I will hold on with all my might, expecting and believing and praying without ceasing for what God has already promised me. I am will also be back to report on Gavin's nose bleeds. I have a feeling that Carley's prayer will be answered!

2008-10-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

It was a busy weekend for me this week. Friday night was scrap night. I just wasn't in the mood to scrap and only got one page done! Now I want to scrap and don't have time...Go figure. Saturday morning was Carley's cheer competition. They did such a good job! I am so proud of them. Here's my little cheerleader:

After competition, Mom and I took Carley to her favorite place to eat...McDonald's. We ate outside and she played on the playground. It amazes me how she never meets a stranger. She knew the names of and was playing with all of the kids before we left. She definitely takes after her Daddy. I love it that she can make friends so easily.
Saturday night was the Calendar Girl Pageant. I am not one who is too crazy about pageants. I don't really like that they are judged on beauty and I didn't want Carley to feel like she was not pretty enough if she wasn't picked. It would break my heart if she was upset or felt she was second best. When Carley came to me about wanting to be in the pageant, we had a long talk about it before I let her do it. I explained to her that being in a pageant was about having fun and I didn't want her to be upset or feel bad about herself if she wasn't chosen. She assured me that she wouldn't be upset at all. So, I agreed to let her be in it. So, she asked my nephew Matthew to be her escort. This was the first pageant Carley had been in since she was a baby and I think I was more nervous than she was. She did a great job and she looked so pretty. We had so much fun curling her hair and putting on her make-up.
She really had a great time and wasn't upset at all that she wasn't picked. I was so proud of her. Here are her pics from the pageant:

So, now we have the homecoming parade and Gavin's birthday party to look forward to so I'll be back later this week with more pictures to share with you!

2008-09-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Guess who is Guest Designer at Paper Popsicles for the month of November???? ME!!! I am so excited! I received my e-mail from Melissa this morning. Yay!!!!!! I can't believe it! I love it there and I can't wait to design for them!

2008-09-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to say I am not moving on to the next round of Top Designer at BadGirlsKits. :( Oh well, here is my entry anyway:

I am happy to say that my peeps at scrapbookersclubhouse.com still love me! They gave me kudos for my card I made at our Scrappy Island Adventure:

As well as my peeps at 3scrappyboys.com, they still love me, too! I got kudos for my lay-out Under a Shady Tree!

Thanks gals! You all sure know how to make a girl feel good!
I'll be back to post some more of my creations from the crop after cheer practice!
Until then~

2008-09-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Check this out:

You do not want to miss this sweet deal! Stop by the message board while you're at it! Everyone there is sooooo nice and the inspiration is always overflowing! See you at Paper Popsicles

2008-09-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

I got Lay-out of the Day over at 3ScrappyBoys.com. I was so surprised! It really made my day!

You can read all the wonderful comments the wonderful ladies gave me on my lay-out here.
Carley cheered her second game last night. I am so proud of her. She is doing such a great job and is really enjoying herself. Her cheer coaches are doing a really great job for their first year. It is so much fun watching them cheer and watching the PeeWee football players play football. I think even Bryan enjoys himself, though he doesn't want to admit it.
Here's some pics of her:

Bryan is a huge Auburn Tigers fan. He had to tell Carley yesterday that it was okay to cheer for another team besides Auburn. She was dead set on supporting her daddy's team and insisted on yelling, "Go Auburn" at the game, instead of "Go Aggies!" Bryan explained to her that Hamilton was the school she attended and she really needed to cheer for them while she was at their ball games and when she grew up and went to college at Auburn, it would be time for to cheer for their team. She is just too funny and when she believes in something, she believes in it with all of heart! So..Go Auburn..I mean, Aggies!

2008-09-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have done something I don't usually do, I have joined the Top Designer Contest at Bad Girls Kits . I don't usually participate in contests because I am so intimidated that my work will suffer by comparison. I don't know what possessed me to start with this one! You will have to stop by and take a look at all of the awesome entries . These ladies literally blow me away! So I took the pludge and here is my first entry for Miss Cari Fennell's Layering Perspectives Class!

Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that I make it through to the next round!

2008-09-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago today, a horrible tragedy effected our country forever...9/11. It's a day I know I will never forget. I remember sitting with my mom watching the coverage on Fox News. We were glued to the TV in between taking care of our daycare babies. It was so weird because all of our babies were so quiet. They weren't allowed to watch and most of them not old enough to, but it's like they know something horrible was taking place. My heart goes out to all who lost loves ones that day. I know that each 9/11 for them hurts so much worse than it does me. I still cry when I watch movies, documentaries, and commentaries of that horrible day. I worry about what our world is coming to and I don't know what our future holds but I will forever be proud to be an American. Thank you to all who serve or have loved ones who serve our country. I am forever greatful that they risk their lives for my freedom, for our freedom.
I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today,
cause there ain't no doubt I love this Land.
GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!

2008-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a really fun site, http://yearbookyourself.com Colby, my nephew, and I played with it earlier. It is hilarious! Here is my yearbook photo:

Isn't that a riot? I just can't stop laughing at it! You have to try it! Can't wait to see yours!

2008-09-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

NOTE: I am reposting this which was featured on the Scrapbooker's Clubhouse Blog for their scrappin' green series. Enjoy!

I am always looking for ways to repurpose or reuse an item. Since I am a self proclaimed ribbon addict, there is no shortage of ribbon spoolies at my house. I am also a lover of mini albums. So when I discovered this idea of using ribbon spoolies to create a mini album, founded my Vicki Chrisman, I had to give it a try! This ribbon spoolie album was created for my Mom and hangs proudly in her home!

To create a ribbon spoolie album separate the outer circles from the inner ring, sand the inner ring to remove any leftover glue or paper, then cover all sides with your favorite patterned paper.

Next use tacky glue to attach the inner ring back to the bottom circle, then punch four holes as shown to run your ribbon through, to attach the top circle back to the spool.

Run your ribbon through the holes, tie into bows and you will be ready to embellish!

To complete the album (shown in the top three photos of this article), attach a 12 inch ribbon to the inside bottom of the inner ring using glue. Cut 12 circles the size of the inside of the inner ring and glue the circles front to back with the ribbon sandwiched in between the circles. You will now how 6 circles, front and back, to attach your photos and embellishments to. I also tied a knot in the bottom of the ribbon and added a loop to the lib of the album so I could close the album for display.
It can also be used as a trinket box, as shown.

I also took it one step further and used the top and bottom circles of ribbon spools to create a circle mini album. I covered both fronts and backs of the circles with patterned paper and bound them together with a metal ring embellished with ribbon.

Ribbon spoolies, once taken apart, also make great circle templates.
Thank you so much for letting me share these tips with you today! I hope it gave you new ways to turn a ribbon spoolie that would have otherwise been thrown in the trash can into a treasure!

2008-09-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

How exciting! I got an award from Jackie I am so honored because I am a huge fan of Jackie's work and her blog! Thank you, Jackie!
Here's my award!

Here are the rules:

1. Pick 7 of your favorite blogs (that's hard there are tons!)
2. Winners can put the logo on their blog.
3. Link the person who gave your award to your blog.
4. Name the 7 that you are giving the award to with their links.
5. Leave a message on their blogs so that they know they've won!
Here's my picks (in no particular order):

1. Nicole
2. Ali
3. Lee
4. Lynn
5. Michelle
6. Laura
7. Mara

2008-09-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

I finally got my pictures of our vacation to Gulf Shores uploaded to share with you all! I apologize that it has taken so long. Hopefully it will be worth the wait! We had a wonderful time, so much so, that none of us wanted to go home. Gavin still looks at the pictures and says, "Go beach!" We stayed in a beautiful condo courtesy of Cockrell Banana Co. It was right across from the beach and had "an awesome pool," as my nephews would say. We got in Sunday night around 7pm, unpacked the car, and got groceries. We picked up buckets and nets so we could go crab hunting. The beach was so nice at night. There was the most refreshing breeze and you could hear the waves crashing against the shore. It was so relaxing. I could've pulled up a chair and sat out there all night. We got up the next morning and headed over the beach again. Carley and Gavin loved playing in the water. Gavin was a little scared of it so he would have to sit in my lap and let the water wash over his legs. Carley wasn't afraid until she fell face first in it and the water snatched her goggles off her head. She just cried. We ate at some of the best seafood restaurants, Mikee's, Great American Oyster House, and another one I can't think of the name of, opps! We visited the zoo. It was so hot the animals didn't even want to come out from under the shade, but the kids enjoyed seeing them and having Daddy pull them in the wagon. We played miniature golf, too. I wasn't sure if the kids would enjoy it but they had a ball. Carly like posing with the statues. Gavin would pick his ball up, drop it in the whole, and yell, "yes!" It was so cute! Carley got a hole in one, Bryan got a hole in one, Gavin, with Bryan's help, got a hole in one. But I, however, didn't get a hole in one! Cindy, Mom, Austin, Colby, and Matthew joined us on Friday. We went and got them boogie boards so they could ride the waves. We had so much fun watching them. Matthew was a natural! He was hitting those waves one right after the other! We also ate at the Giggling Grouper and went school shopping at the outlet store! We had so much fun! It was so relaxing getting out of bed when we wanted, lounging by the pool, watching movies, and most of all, feeling the sand between my toes, the breeze in my face and warmth of the sun on my skin! I can't wait to go back. If it wasn't for the hurricanes, I'd move there right now!
Here's some pics of the beach: It was so gorgeous!

This was our beach access from Sea Oats Condos!

This is the pier behind our condo. Bryan would go fishing here at night while the kids were asleep and I was up in the condo reading. He would always find people to fish with. That is one thing I admire about Bryan, he never meets a stranger!

Here's Nana and her grandbabies: The only one missing was Savannah. She had band camp and couldn't make it.

Here is me, Nana, and Cindy: Cindy has been in nursing school, so the weekend was a nice break for her!

Here is my Pirate Carley:

One of my favorite pics of Carley and Gavin!

Here is Gavin and his pirate gun: He looks like he is going to shoot the bird. I couldn't resist snapping a picture!

Here's the Boys of Summer: Austin, Colby, and Matthew!

Miniature golf! I told you Carley like posing with the statues!

Here's Bryan and I snapping pics while Carley and Gavin were playing on the slides behind the restuarant.

Here's my shrimp and alligator at the Original Oyster House: Behind the restaurant, you could feed the catfish. Carley and Gavin had a ball. It reminded me of when we would feed the catfish in Owensboro at the Go-cart track. Fun times!

Here is Carley flying her kite: She would get tired and zip the handle of her kit in the cooler so she could go play and keep her kite flying!

Here was our trip to the zoo:

This was our first night of crab hunting. Carley and Bryan caught 5 crabs! Gavin and I followed behind watching them. Gavin would shine his flashlight on the sand, say "Oh my gosh, Crab!!!" Then he would take a shovel full of sand and dump it in his bucket! He was so cute!

Another thing I admire about my hubby, is how he is always teaches Carley and Gavin new things. Here he is teaching them about Coral!

Here is Carley with her airbrushed Tattoo: She wanted one like Daddy! Thank goodness this one washes off!

Here's Gavin flying the pirate kite:

Here is Gavin: This is the first moring in the condo.

Here's Miss Carley, all ready to go to the beach:

This is me, Gavin, and Carley! He is sitting in my lap letting the water wash over his legs!

Here my Gavin: I loved taking pictures of him enjoying himself!

2008-08-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is now a first grader! Where does the time go? She started the year off right by getting in trouble for talking too much in the classroom! I was hoping she would at least make it through the first week without a note home but nope, she got one sent home the second day! Hopefully this is not a sign of what the whole year is going to be like! Anyway, here she is her first day! Mr. Mistoffalees, our cat, had to get in the picture, too!

We also learned a beautiful song tonight at Praise and Worship practice. It is called Amazed by Jared Anderson. God is so amazing. To think that he dances over us and sings to us and we don't even realize it. There is so much about God that we do see but just imagine the things we don't see. I can picture Him in Heaven laughing when I laugh. I also know He cries when I cry. He finds so much joy when my thoughts are upon Him just because I missed Him. I love that He loves me and I love him! Enjoy!

2008-08-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my first pair of painted tennis shoes. I'm not sure if I like how they turned out or not but Carley loves them. I got the design from Carley's Gymboree outfit she wants to wear her first day of school. Let me know what you think of them, just go easy on me! These are my first pair and all!

2008-07-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment before I called it a night and wish my Daddy in Heaven a Happy Birthday! He would've been 65 today. I know if he were still with us we would've celebrated with dinner under the tent and lots of cake. I miss him terribly but I know I will see him again one day. Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!

2008-07-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some goodies this week. I did 3 altered clipboards, a picture frame, 4 cards and a daddy mini album. I hope the recipients will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them. These will be going to my sister's nursing instructors:

This one will be going to my other sister's friend who found out her Dad has Alzheimers Disease. My sister has such a big heart and wanted to give it to her to preserver her memories of her Dad since it will be hard to communicate with him as the disease worsens. I really hope it will bring her comfort and peace.

On another note...It was Christmas in July at my house Tuesday night. I participated in a Christmas in July swap at 3scrappyboys.com. My SS was Tammy, aka. ScrappinNana. And boy was she good to me! I can't wait to start scrappin' with my goodies. Here's a pic of what I got:

Now I'm off to clean up my scrap space.
Elisha

2008-07-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a Monday I've had. I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I managed to finish the last lay-out to give to my sister for her birthday. Now all three sister's each have a lay-out, except Melinda, she won't get hers til the 26th;) Here is Cindy's:

Now I'm off to finish 3 clipboards and a picture frame and four cards for my sister and her friends to give their nursing instructors for end of the year gifts! Happy Monday all~
Elisha

2008-07-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I woke up to a nice surprise this morning! My lay-out Sherry Dear was voted for Lay-out of the Day at 3scrappy boys.com you can see the thread here It always makes me feel good to know that others enjoy my lay-outs! I made this one for my sister Sherry for her birthday on Saturday. It was the first time I have ever done a circle lay-out and the first time I've every used angel wings. I really hope she likes it!

Have a great Friday all! Come visit me again soon! :)

2008-07-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

I found my way over to Paper Popsicles Monday and boy am I glad I did. I participated in their July Fresh Start Crop and had a blast. Everyone is so welcoming. Here is the link! Go check them out!
Here's what I got accomplished yesterday!

2008-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! I know I sure did! I got to be lazy and hang around the house most of the day, then I was ready for some of Bryan's mouth watering BBQ and fireworks with the family! We had a great night and the kids had so much fun with the fireworks. Here are a few pics of our night:

2008-07-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Carley had her dance show with The Dance Place called A Time to Dance! It was a great show with 26 numbers. Carley was in 5 of those! She did such a great job! We all really had a great time watching our little dancer perform. Here are some pics from her performance:

2008-07-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

I have really been busy! Bryan and I moved everything out of the store an into our scrap/poker room! I have worked all week getting everything cleaned and organized and I must say, I am pleased with how my new space has turned out. We moved the bar and put it up. We almost thought about selling it but I just couldn't part with it and now I am glad I didn't. I love working at the bar and it will really come in handy for all of our crops. I have all of the store product organized and put up until I can get it all sold. I won't be needing any scrap stuff anytime soon! I strung a clothesline to hang my most recent scrap pages on! It turned out really cute! I love being able to display my pages as I work on them! Here are some pics:

Let me know what you think!
I'll be back a little later to post pics from Carley's dance show! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

2008-06-25T17:03:00.001-07:00

Sorry it has been awhile! I don't know why I have such a hard time updating here! I promise I'll try to do better! I have some exciting scrappy news to share. It always does my heart good for my lay-outs to get noticed! It means that others enjoy them as much as I do. My lay-out "Wonder" received Kudos at http://scrapbookersclubhouse.com for kudos of the day! Here is the link to the thread! It really made my day! I was not having a good day so it really made me smile! Thank you Heather for picking my lay-out!

When I saw this picture taken by my sis, Cindy. I fell in love with it! This is so Carley. She was frustrated because she couldn't get up in the swing. Her expression and how beautiful she looked in her frustration just took my breath away. I antique the photo using Photoscape. I really think it turned out so beautiful! My darling Carley always makes my days!
My Full of Spunk lay-out was chosen as the winner of the blog sketch contest #17 at http://scrapbookersclubhouse.wordpress.com (scroll down a little on the blog to find it!) This is of my sis, Melinda's kindergarten picture. I made it to frame and give to her for her birthday! It's okay. She already knows about it! You can see it here on my blog if you scroll down.
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to be a blog sketch designer for Noella Arsonault's new blog http://creativelyyours.wordpress.com She is such a wonderful sketch artist and I am honored that she thought of me to design using her wonderful sketches. Be sure to visit her blog for awesome sketches and lots of scrappy inspiration!
I guess I have been in a funk lately. We have officially closed the store. We will have everything out by Saturday. I feel sad about it. I guess I had thought about it more before I jumped in head first. We really put a lot of work into the store. My reason for doing that was to share this wonderful hobby with more people in my area. I'm not sure why it didn't go over so well but at least we tried.
So enough of that...thanks for visiting my blog and leave me a comment so I'll know you stopped by!
xoxo
Elisha

2008-05-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

My baby just boarded the bus for her last day of kindergarten! Time flies so fast. I can't believe she will be in the first grade next year. She has grown so much. She even made her own cinnamon sugar toast this morning. She just needs to slow down, cause I'm not ready for this. Next think I know she will be a teen-ager! I am so proud of my Carley! She is a beautiful, tender hearted young lady, that will push you out of line if you get in her spot and won't move...LOL! Yes, she is a little like her daddy, but that is why I love her even more! Here she is before she got on the bus this morning:

I love you, Carley!

We have had a blast the last 11 days at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse. We had celebrity sketch artist that made appearances each day through out the week. It has been so much fun. I do believe my scrapping has gotten better just in these past 11 days! Thanks to Ali, Nicole, Noella and the gang for a fabulous week. I am so blessed to have them as my cyber friends! Here's some lay-outs from this week:

Bryan has taught Gavin how to say he his handsome while rubbing his chin! I was able to get a pic of that and couldn't resist doing a lay-out about it! Too cute!

This is Bryan and I when we were dating in 1998!

I found these self-portraits of Carley on my camera few days ago. I couldn't resist doing a lay-out about my sassy girl.

Here's my school girl!

Here's my Savannah! I confiscated these photos off of her myspace. She really is 2 kool 4 skool!

My sister Melinda, she's the spunky one of the bunch! She will kill me when he sees this.

Little Girls Are...(Carley playing dress-up at Pre-K. Check out the blond wig..lol!)

Carley's Pre-K Year in Review

Carley and Gavin

Here's Mr. Gavin hamming it up on the potty!

That's about all for now! I have to go get my daycare babies! Have a great day!

2008-04-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

National Scrapbooking Day:

Scrapbooker's Club House invites you to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day with us!

The Design Team has a WHOLE WEEKEND of fun challenges planned May 3-4, 2008. Come join in the fun; you'll discover a friendly place where you want to hang out!

Our theme for the weekend will be "Scrapbooking Trends" and is sure to inspire you in the creation of some SMASHING layouts! There will also be a fantastic prize draw to cap things off!

Grab a friend and come on over to the Club House! We're waiting to welcome you!

Scrapbooker's Clubhouse

2008-04-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, when I was pregnant with Gavin, I went on a spiritual retreat called the Walk to Emmaus. It was a weekend where you left everything behind and drew closer to God. We sat through a series of talks and were pampered and waited on. The lay people were there to serve you all weekend. It was a weekend of tears and discovering who you are and what you mean to God. It was by far one of the best weekends of my life. Toward the end of the weekend, we were given love letters written to us by our family and friends. I was in the closet today and stumbled across my love letters. I haven't read them in a long time. I have really been stressed and bogged down with life the passed few months. We have been through so much the passed few years, Carley is misbehaving at school, and now that I have devoted the passed few months to opening the scrapbook store, I haven't had much time to myself or had much quality time with my family. It makes me wonder if I made the right decision, opening the store. My soul purpose was to began building a business so that when my mom retired from helping me with the daycare, I could leave the daycare business all together. With all of the work getting the store ready to open, custom orders, advertising, planning the Grand Opening and other events, printing flyers, the mailing list, staying in contact with customers, recruiting new customers, bookkeeping and repairs to the store, etc., I have come to realize that I now have two full-time jobs. So in the midst of worrying about all of this, I really felt like I was going to lose it. And lose it, I have. I have lost myself. I don't recognize the person I have become. All of the family trouble, death of my Dad, and now this has made me someone that I am not. I really felt like a couple of days ago that I needed to go get meds for anxiety and stress. So as I was saying, I stumbled across my love letters in my closet and sat down right where I was and began to read them. I began to cry as I read letters from friends, daycare parents, my family, my husband. I read about how I inspired a daycare parent to be a better person to her family and about how others could tell from my spirit that I totally relied on God and that there was a peace about me, that I was person that just kept going no matter how hard the times were I was going through. I read one from a daycare parent that said I spoke things to her that brought her out of some of the darkest times in her life and I didn't even realize it. I read one from my sister about how I always took things as they were and always looked for the good in every situation, even as a child in a messed up home. I read one from my husband about how he believed in me and about how I was the piece of the puzzle that held him together, and his friend when when no one else was, and his listening ear when there was no one else to talk to. I read these letters and bawled because I am not the person I used to be. I have quit getting close to people because I have been afraid of getting hurt. I have built up walls to protect myself but instead I have just closed myself in. I stopped looking for the silver lining in every situation because I told myself that stuff like that would never happen for me. After all I have been through, I guess it shouldn't be a suprise that I feel the way I do. But, reading those letters made me want to find myself again, to find hope in the future, to see how blessed I am, to trust that "God is in control." I have a really big decision to make and a tough situation I need to take care of and I know the trials in my life are far from over. But no matter what I go through, I don't want to lose myself again. I want to continue to be the peace in the midst of the storm, to have others look at me and see what it is really like to have a relationship with my Father in Heaven. I want my husband to be proud that I am his wife and my kids to be happy that I am their mother. I want to be a good sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. I want to inspire others to remember that no matter what they are going through, it is okay to hang on to yourself and believe in happy endings.

2008-04-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I'm actually posting twice today, but I have to tell you what Carley said a few minutes ago. We were watching the advertisement for the Country Music Awards and Carley heard them announce Keith Urban's name. She said, "Mom, we have to go!" I told her we couldn't because you had to be famous and it cost too much money. She said, "But mom, I'll wear something famous!" Everyone knows how she is about the clothes she wears and believe me, she could definitely come up with something famous to wear! She's so cute!

2008-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Long time no post! I am such a bad blogger, I know. I have so much going on though, it's just impossible to keep up with everything...but, I'm trying! I just wanted to let everyone know that Scrapbooker's Clubhouse is hosting a Challenge Week this week. Each day, from Monday to Saturday, a challenge will be posted. You will have Sunday to catch up on any challenges you were unable to finish during the week. For each challenge completed and uploaded into your personal gallery and linked to the challenge week thread, your name will be enter in a drawing for a scrappy prize from the SBCH Store. Here is the link to the thread: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7576
I hope to see you all around the clubhouse!
Be sure and check out our store blog: http://paperlegacies.blogspot.com We have gotten loads of new product in. We are so pleased with the support we have received at the store and we have met so many great people. If you haven't stopped by yet, please do! We would love to meet you! We will also be participating in the Hamilton Aggie Band Festival on April 26th from 9-3 in the new gym. There will be lots of vendors and concessions so stop by and see us!
I'll talk to you soon and try to do better with my blog posting!:)

2007-12-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! The File Folder Card I made for Bryan got pick for the Basic Grey gallery! Basic Grey, for those of you who don't know, is a very popular scrapbook paper and embellishment company. You can submit for their gallery but not every piece is selected. You can see my card, Sweet Love, by going to Basic Grey and clicking on their Gallery link!

2007-11-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome time in Owensboro last weekend. We got to visit our old house. The lady that owns the house just happened to be there when we went by to see it. I told her who I was and she took us inside the house and showed us what their plans are for it. They are going to put a 5 star restaurant in it with a pub in the basement. It will be called The Miller House. It is going to be a destination restuarant that will seat 150 people. They are restoring the house back to the original condition, as much as possible. All of the beveiled glass window are being redone. She did tell me that the house was known as the "Jewel of Owensboro" because when the sun would shine through the beveiled windows in would leave prisms of color all around the room. I am so glad that they are continuing on with the restoration. She was impressed with Bryan's restaurant knowledge and wants him to come apply for a chef's position when they get it ready to open. Wouldn't that be something? Bryan working in the house we used to live in. We had a wonderful trip. It was great to go up and look around the town and spend time with my friend, Kristy and her family. I am looking forward to our next trip later this year.
We had a nice Halloween with the kids. We took them around to the relative's houses and to McDonalds for supper. Carley was a princess and Gavin, a cowboy. He was walking around shooting everyone with his gun! He is so funny! They had a great time and got tons of candy. Here are some pictures:

That's all for now. We are getting ready to play some Texas Hold 'Em. I'll update again soon! Thanks for visiting.

2007-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here's somemore photos of our old house, thanks to my friend, Zachary Anderson. I guess it will be up to the owner and the insurance company on whether it will be a total loss or not. I hope they can fix it. Please continue to pray for all who have been affected by this!

2007-10-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

My heart is just broken. Thursday night our old hometown, Owensboro Kentucky, was hit by a tornado. It hit in our old neighborhood and damaged our house really bad. I am afraid that it will have to be torn down. I am so sad because my family and I loved this house. We have always been really attatched to the house and to Owensboro ever since we moved. We had so many wonderful memories there. I went to school there and countless friends came and stayed the night with me there. My two sisters met their husbands there and had their children there. It was just such a huge part of our lives. We even tried to get the house back after Daddy died but another man bought it and was in the process of restoring it to put a restaurant in it. I can't help by cry when I see the photos of our old house and think of how all of the residents of Owensboro were affected by this. It almost seems like it wasn't real looking at the photos and all the devistation. I am sure it is even more tragic in person. My best friend and her family who lives in Hartford was also affected by this. It just breaks my heart and I am so thankful that they are okay. I haven't heard from some of my friends there but I am praying for them. Please do the same.
Here are some photos of our old house before and after the tornado:

2007-10-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am in the spotlight! I have been spotlighted on the SBCH Blog this week! Go here to see it!

2007-10-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Gavin! Yesterday was Gavin's 2nd birthday. Wow, I can't believe how fast he has grown. It seems like only yesterday I was getting all packed and ready to go to the hospital to have him. He is so beautiful and learning so much. He is really starting to talk and say words and he has even said a couple of sentences. He is the most amazing little boy and I am so blessed to have him in my life.
Here are a few photos from his birthday party last Saturday:

2007-10-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Pam!
Here are the rules!
1) You link to your 'tagger' & post the rules
2) Share 7 facts about yourself - random/weird
3)Tag 7 people & link to them
4) Leave comments on their blogs, so they know they've been tagged.
Okay, here we go!

1. When I was little, I used to dance in front of the mirror with a hairbrush and tell everyone I was a solid gold dancer.

2. I was so attached to my mom that she would have my sisters drop me off for kindergarten. They would fight over who would take me because I would hang on to them and cry and beg them not to leave me.

3. I have OCD when it comes to my house. I can not walk by something that is out of place without putting it back in it's place.

4. My first kiss was when I was 5 years old and it was by a boy named Kevin. We went to church together and we would hide behind the tombstones and kiss.

5. My first lead performance in the dance company I was in was to "Billy a dick" by Betty Grabel. If you have ever watched "Beaches", it is the song the movie opens up to. I was so excited!

6. When I was in Kindergarten, I had a friend named Jessica. We were going to get new shoes just alike. She had picked out a yellow pair of tennis shoes. I really didn't like them but we were going to be alike, so I begged my mom to buy them for me. I really wanted a white pair that had all different colored shoe strings in them. Well, the next day Jessica showed up with her new shoes, the white ones with the colored shoe strings. I was so mad but I learned a lesson that day, to never try to be like anyone else, but to be myself and buy what I like!:)

7. I love 80s band like Heart, Journey and Bryan Adams! I blame it on my sister Sherry! That's why I have a Bryan Adams video on my page. He was my first crush I ever had on someone famous!

Okay, I'm off to tag Nadine, Martina, Noella, Terrie, Vicky, Mara, and Nicole!

2007-10-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

I am such a bad blogger! It's like I can never stay caught up. I guess that is my life at this moment! I just can't seem to catch up! So bear with me and leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by! I love to see who comes by to visit me! So I am going to try really hard to catch up now!
First off, I have to tell you what is going on at Scrapbookers Clubhouse! Nicole and Noella have began our November Guest Design Team Contest! It is a super cool challenge that is going to be a lot of fun. So if you want to be SBCH next guest design team member for the month of November, stop by and check out the contest thread. You'll be glad you did! We also have a new blog, scrapbookersclubhouse.wordpress. com. I will also have it posted in my link here, so you can always find us. There will be a design team member and a forum member highlighted each week. We will also be sharing lots of tips, techniques and challenges. You will definitely want to bookmark this site. You won't be sorry! So come on by the clubhouse and visit us! Here are some lay-outs I have been working on at the clubhouse! I hope you enjoy them!
Here's one of Carley and Gavin, using the August SBCH kit:

I have been working on my Dad's Memorey Book quiet a bit. Here is one from it:

A friends mini album from the September Kit

That's all I have time for right now! I've got to get the babies ready for bed! I'll update more tomorrow! Have a good night!

2007-08-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it been a week...and not a good one either. My grandmother, Vera Louise Yielding, died last Saturday night. She had been unresponsive since Wednesday. We were able to stay with her most of the day Saturday. With all the family turmoil we have been having, I am truly thankful we were able to have that time with her to say good-bye. I'll miss you Grandmother!
I have also been working on more design team lay-outs with the September Kit from
Scrapbookers ClubHouse.com. The kit is totally awesome. Nicole has such great taste. If you haven't come by the clubhouse yet, please do so. Everyone there is so nice and welcoming and you won't find a better on-line store to order from. Nicole really goes out of her way to make sure her customers are completely satisfied!
I finally did it! I traded in my Land Rover for a Dodge Durango. I totally love it. It better suits my needs and I am more comfortable driving it. It is safer that the Land Rover and has 3rd row seating. Although I definitely miss my Land Rover, I am happy I traded for the Durango. Here are those lay-outs I have been working on! Enjoy!
This is Daddy at Million Dollar Lake

Here is my Grandmother that just passed away and Gavin

This is a picture frame I altered. The photo is of all my family except for Bryan. We took Mom to Graceland for Mother's Day!

2007-08-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Carley's first day of kindergarten. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. She is such a big girl! It's just me that's not ready for this. She has a great teacher that we know personally, which is a comfort to me. She goes to church with a little girl in her class and made a new friend this morning when I dropped her off. I know she is having a great day and will do just fine. It's just me, I'm worried about. It's been unbelievably quiet without her and I feel lost. But, this is part of it and the first step in letting her go be her own little person without me. Here is her picture from this morning:
You can bet I'll be waiting outside by the mailbox to give her a great big hug when she gets off the school bus. Just two hours til then....

2007-08-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Some new lay-outs! Yes I've been busy!
Gavin

Stitches lounging on the porch!

Me at 30!

Savannah and her new braces!

2007-08-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am so behind on my blogging and I have a lot of updating to do. First things first, I am happy to announce that I a member of the Scrapbooker's Clubhouse Design Team! I am so excited! This is my first design team ever and I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies. So come on by the clubhouse at scrapbookersclubhouse.com and be sure and visit the design team page to meet the fabulous ladies I get to work with. Nicole, Noella, Dawn, Nadine, Tammie, Laura, and Heather are the greatest! I look forward to the next four months working with them.

2007-06-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I have been asked to be a guest designer for Scrapi'Tudes Design Team for their Patriotic Launch taking place on Ebay from June 18th-25th. Here is all the info:Scrapi'Tude design team is having a unique guest launch. We invited over 100 members from paper piecing to scrapbooking to children's clothing designers. First of it's kind on ebay!!! Tons of listing starting on Monday June 18th and running for 7 days long. Check back daily for all the great auctions!

Here is my submission to the launch!

Here is the link to my auction: http://tinyurl.com/3e4ly7

2007-05-19T15:03:00.002-07:00

I finished a new lay-out. It was a Circle Journal for a friend's album but I made it the wrong size, so I gave it to my mommy. It is about "Capturing Beauty." The journaling reads, "When I think of beauty, I not only think of outside appearance but I look at what is on the inside. To me that is where true beauty lies. When I think of capturing beauty, I think of my mother. Not only is she a beautiful woman on the outside, she is also just as beautiful on the inside. She is never boastful or vain. SHe never demands attention from those around her. She is always meek and gentle. She is always honest and true. She has never tried to be something something she's not. She always puts others first above her own wants and needs. My mother has dealt with my obstacles in her life, from poverty to abuse. But she has always possessed a strength from the inside, that comes from her faith in God, that has helped her through. So, when I think of beauty and how to capture it for myself, I think of her and try to follow her example. I try to live each day from my heart, because that is where true beauty lies." Enjoy!

2007-05-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

I took a trip down memory lane this past weekend. We went to Owensboro Kentucky. I used to live there from the time I was 11 until I turned 19. We got to see our old house and went down to the river for the BBQ Festival. It was so crowded that we didn't stay long but we got a few pictures anyway. We stayed with my best friend Kristy and I got to see another best friend, Tonya, that I hadn't seen in a long time. We had a great time. So much has changed since our last visit, but no matter how much it changes a piece of my heart will always remain there.

Our old house, I miss it here...

Bryan

Lean on me, Savannah and Matthew

Savannah, Cindy, and Carley looking out over the Ohio River.

Baby you can drive my car

Carley

Carley, Gavin, Matthew, Savannah, Colby, and Austin in front of the Owensboro sign.

2007-04-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here it is, another two months and I am just now blogging again. I promise when thing slow down around here, I will blog more often. We are still working feverishly on our garage room, or poker room, as Carley calls it. We have everything finished but the floor and nailing up some trim. I will be so glad when it's finished and I'll definitely post pics when it's through.
We had a great Easter! Bryan bought two ducks for Carley and Gavin. Carley named them Ming Ming and Tuck from the Wonder Pets. They are so sweet and love to swim around in my garden pond. I just wish they weren't so darn messy, but Carley abslutely loves them, so that makes it all worth it. We also had a cookout and egg hunt with my family on Saturday and dinner with Bryan's family on Sunday after church. It really was a great weekend.

2007-02-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

I know it's been 4 months and I haven't blogged. I wasn't so sure I would keep up with it. But I have read and seen so many awesome blogs, I just have to have one of my own! Let's see...In 4 months I have been through a lot of ups and downs, but it's been a good 4 months. We, of course, celebrated Gavin's first birthday with a "Cars" party. It was a nice get together with close family and friends. We also endured the first anniversary of my Daddy's death 4 days later. It's been hard but we are pressing on and getting through it. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. Carley got "everything" she always wanted. I bought Bryan an accusitic guitar and he bought me a new sewing machine for my scrapbooking and an electric razor. It was so nice to have such a nice, relaxed, unrushed Christmas. I definately needed it after the past few years that we've had.
Another thing I haven't shared, but I am estatic about, is that I was asked to be a member of the Paper Piecing Artist Guild. They are an awesome group of ladies that I absolutely adore. They have made me feel so welcome and have become great friends of mine. They are a talented group of ladies. Feel free to visit us at PPAG. They are such an inspiration to me and I have learned so much from each and everyone of them.
Our new venture is closing in the garage for a game/scrapbooking room. I am so excited but I will be so glad when it's finished. We are still in the process of trying to agree on what colors to use. Bryan wants grey and I want it to flow with the rest of the house. I will definately take and post pics this weekend. I will just be so happy to have my own scraproom!!!!! and so happy when it's finished!

2006-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Went to see Cats this Saturday. It has been 13 years since I saw it in Louisville for my 16th birthday. I have always loved Broadway and dance. I was in a dance company for 4 years. I miss those days. I was happy I could share this wonderful experience with my 4 yr. old daughter. She loved it! She sat right up next to me and would whisper to me all during the show. She was soooo excited. I couldn't resist paying $45 for the DVD so she and I could watch it over and over again. This was a good day!

2006-10-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog site. I'm not sure how I feel about a public journal but I thought I would give it a try. It's been a pretty average day. I lead a pretty average life but I feel I am a very blessed individual. I have two beautiful babies, a wonderful husband, a job that allows me to be with my kids each and every day, a wonderful family and a Father in Heaven that loves me very much. Anyway...back to my average day. I got up and took Carley to Pre-school. I know it doesn't make much sense to some that I run an in-home daycare but I send my child somewhere else. Well, Carley starts school next year. She doesn't feel this is daycare or pre-school. She considers this home. So, I thought it would give her a chance to be away from me. She's been very jealous since Gavin came along and I wanted her to have something for herself...just her. Then, I came home and worked and all the kids have just now left for the day. I am waiting on my hubby to get home from work. All in all, it's been a pretty average day.