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

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.

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!

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!:)

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!

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.

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!

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:

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

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:

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!

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!

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!

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....

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

Stitches lounging on the porch!

Me at 30!

Savannah and her new braces!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.