mypictales.com

I managed to get a couple more layouts for my niece's book done, the past couple days. She was my flower girl, even though she was only 15 months old, and she did GREAT!! We had been told she would be to young, but my Mom and I knew she would do fine, and even if she had messed up, it wouldn't have mattered. However she almost did better than the ring bearer, and was leading him down the isle some of the time, instead of him having to lead her. The one photo on the journaling page, (One of my favorite photo's from my wedding, because of the delight on the faces behind her) shows my Aunt Betty, and I just love her expression, she was looking at Kali with a huge smile on her face, because she was doing so well.

Kit Credit: Fairytale Wedding, Victorian Wedding, Easter Basket kit, and Heathers Purple Rose kit ALL by Blushbutter

Well after lots of pulling of hair, and gnashing of teeth...its possible I may have my book uploaded. There is still a problem, it gives me an error message, when the book is 99% done uploading, but they said that its there, it just not showing up in my member area...but they are going to get with me tomorrow and see about fixing this problem too. Hopefully I'll still be able to use a coupon even though most of this has not been their fault. I had to finally call my phone company, and ask if the modem had a firewall on it, and how to turn it off. That seemed to do the trick, and let me finally start uploading. I tell you, I'm tired of messing with this for now!! LOL

My pic tales has been great, they tried to help me out alot, sent lots of e-mails, and called me a couple times trying to figure it out. Their customer service is wonderful, not many companies would try to do everything they could to help you figure out a problem, that was on your side, and not theirs!! I've heard their books are even better than the one I got from Shutterfly, which I was really happy with, so I'm sure I will be getting more books from mypictales.com because they seem to care about their customers. Granted, I haven't actually SEEN a book printed yet, so don't know for sure, but I would bet, from their standard of customer service, that their standard of printing is going to be top notch too. I'm sure I'll be all excited when I get my book, and let you know how it turns out!! I just wish I had thought to call the phone company last week, when I first discovered the problem, so I would have had a chance of getting my book by my Birthday...or shortly thereafter. LOL Oh well, least I should have the order process done by them...least I would think so!

The things I have liked most about this company so far is the fact that I can put as many pages as I want, in a book, that I can do a custom cover for the 8.5X11 books where with shutterfly I can't...only the square ones have custom covers there,the GREAT customer service that they have, AND last but not least the fact that each extra page is half the price of shutterfly's extra pages. All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing my book printed, and as long as I like the books...being able to order more later on, when I get more layouts done.

Anyway, I haven't gotten anything done that I needed to the last couple of days, except for baking some bread, and these two layouts, so I have to get off here, and hope I can get supper on time...or not to late. LOL Hopefully tomorrow I can catch up, and still maybe get a couple layouts done, we will see.

Template Fun

Today I played around with a free template that Blushbutter sent through the Blush~n~Dusty Yahoo group a week or so ago. I just love the looks of this, so had to look through and find some pictures of Kali, so I could use it in her book.

The first layout is Kali and I the spring before I got married. She really has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. The 2nd one is Kali taking a bath in my Grandma's kitchen sink. She was playing with a toy boat and having fun.

Kit Credits: Template, Baby girl heart strings kit, strip for note from Gentle kit, Bubbles overlay from Baby girl kit ALL by Blushbutter

Well yesterday I decided to go download the new version of the free virus program that I use, and get it installed. I went to the site, and clicked on the link that took me to download it on download.com, and once it was downloaded, I installed it and tried to get it set up. It was giving me some error messages, and I couldn't figure out why till finally last night I discovered it had a virus in it. I guess I trusted the download place, cause I've seen things about them before.

So anyway, I uninstalled the program, and went and downloaded it from the actual site that made the program, and it checked out fine, so I installed it, and had it check out my system. It takes forever to check everything out, because I have so much stuff on my computer, so I finally left my computer on, and went to bed...something I don't usually do. I ran another check this morning with another program, and I think I'm fine...still have to run spy sweeper before I breath easy again. I hate how slow it makes my computer when I'm running them, it takes so long to do anything on it, which has made it hard for me to get lots done, took me all morning to do these to layouts...even though they were with templates. LOL

I haven't answered e-mails, cause they go out so slowly I didn't want to sit there waiting for them to get out, before I sent the next. Nothing major urgent in the e-mail, so I guess that's ok. Anyway, the moral of my story is even if you trust the place where you get a program, you really should check it out, before installing it!! We will see if I remember that, the next time. Sometimes I'm kinda slow learning. *giggle*

Nothing else of major interest going on around here, it is warmer today thankfully (almost 70). Yesterday was a little on the chilly side. I hope all of you had a great weekend. Thanks so much for your comments!! :)

Making Cheese and Kali's cover.

Time got away from me again today. This morning we made our first batch of cheese out of Goats milk. It was kinda fun, because DH and I did it together. I didn't know that Mozzarella cheese had to be pulled like taffy, till I was reading the recipe the other day. DH's family used to make taffy at the county fairs around this area, and sell it, and were "famous" for it. We have made it since we got married, and it was good! Seeing DH "pulling" the cheese, made me think of our 4th of July party we had one year, shortly after we got married, and the fun everyone had making taffy. Several members of his family as well as mine was there.

This afternoon after the fun with cheese, I worked on more of Kali's book. I finished the cover and the first page of the book today...although there IS a good chance the cover could change...not sure yet. Is it to "little girlish" for her picture, and the fact that its a graduation gift? If so, let me know, I like how they turned out, but it just may not be quite right...course it HAS to be pink, as that's her favorite color, but maybe it should somehow be different. That title is a working title too, anyone have any better ideas? LOL Especially for the "The first 18 years" part...my mind was blank so I just put that, but its easy enough to change later, if I get a better one in mind.

The first two pages, are of course the front and back page of the book. Since its a graduation gift, I wanted to have something about graduation there...even though she won't get it, till after graduation, so I can include graduation photo's in it. And I just love this paper, in pink, blue, or I'm sure any other color, so I had to use it for the cover.

I'm afraid I kinda shut my DH out of this first page (of the book, last page of the post)...(Sorry Galen!) I do plan on doing a couple pages at the end of the book that has a letter from us in it, and he will be included in that. I know he loves her a lot too, and the poem would work for him also, but I guess I was being a little selfish today, and wanted a page with her and I for the start, because she and I bonded when she was little, when I was able to spend more time with her, before we got married. LOL I suppose that page could change in the future too....we will see. This book really IS from both of us! LOL

Kit Credit for all: Baby Girl Heart Strings kit and Alpha pack 1 by Blushbutter

Anyway, time got away from me, while I was doing these pages, and before I knew it, it was past time for supper to be in the oven. *giggle* This is the 2nd day in a row, that supper will be a little late (although for different reasons). Thankfully my DH is a wonderful man, and doesn't gripe about it, although with him being diabetic, he really SHOULD eat at regular times. Hopefully a half hour off isn't to bad for him. LOL

I hope you all have a great weekend, if I'm lucky, and get to scrap....I'm hopefully going to work on prom pictures this weekend. I'm afraid of not making the page good enough for the beauty of my niece, so I've kinda put them off a little...but I did promise her I would work on them, once I got them, so I better get started. I have the feeling they will take me forever to do, just because I would really like them to show off the photo's well. I know they won't be good enough in my mind...but then we all KNOW how my mind works (or doesn't work) at times. *snicker*

Maybe next weekend I'll start trying to come up with ideas for a new kit...and maybe not, who knows. :)

Thanks so much for all of your comments & e-mails!! :)

The Call of the frogs

This was taken on our way home from my cousin's funeral last year. I loved the look of the sun, over the water. It was a very peaceful looking place. We had actually stopped to take a picture of the pink that was showing up, in the sky to the south, but this was actually my favorite picture, even though there wasn't any color in the sky. The other pictures didn't turn out as good as they should have, because the camera setting had gotten switched and I didn't catch it. But I was still happy enough with this one, I had to scrap it.

This is some of the family that was at the funeral, the cousin's daughter, and some grand kids. We had a good time, seeing family, even though it was a sad occasion. Jr (as I always knew him as) lived a good long life, and was loved by many.

Kit Credit: Sweet Surrender by Lauren Bavin

This is our nephew, his girlfriend, daughter, and girlfriends daughter (I'd say step daughter if they were married, but not sure how to say that since they aren't. LOL) They make a nice little family.

Kit Credit: Box of Quilling, Easter Basket kit, Baby Girl Heartstrings Kit & Cardboard Frames All by Blushbutter. The wordart was a freebie at DSP by Kerri Erickson

This is our house, as seen from the direction of the barn. The trees we planted out front a couple years ago, haven't grown all that much...hopefully they take off one of these days, and start looking like they will someday be big! LOL I love this old house, I never thought I would want a one story house, with some of the rooms being a little on the small side, but I fell in love with this one, the first time I saw it, and feel blessed to have been able to be the ones to move it to our farm, instead of someone else moving it to theirs.

This is the Barn, and DH doing a little dirt work, around it, with his tractor. The chickens were enjoying him digging in the dirt and uncovering bugs for them too. Its a wonder they didn't get ran over, they sure seemed to be in the way a lot.

Kit Credit for these two layouts: Summer Dreams by Blushbutter This is one of those $2.00 kits too, so better go get it!! Least it is for this month, not sure after that. The ink bottle in Our House is from Easter Basket kit by Blushbutter

This layout was going great, till I got done with the papers, and pictures, then I had to try to figure out what elements to use, and where to put them, and I stalled out. LOL So I didn't put much on this one either, I don't know if I looked at it to long, putting all the pictures and stitches on there, so I got used to having less on it, or what, but I finally gave up, and this is the way it will be I guess. I like it, it just seems a little bare. Oh well, anyway, this is my niece's school pictures from kindergarten to 11th grade. I'll do a page with her Sr pic's for beside it, once she gets them taken, and to me...later this year.

Kit Credits: Craft Scrapbooking Kit, Baby Girl Heart Strings Kit and Snow flakes kit ALL by Blushbutter. The Arrow I did myself.

National Scrapbooking Day (NSD):

I hope everyone will have a great time celebrating NSD!! I didn't do anything here in my store, as I'm so small, I can't compete, and ummm I've been so busy working on layouts that I didn't try to think of what to do. Sorry!! There are lots of sales going on though, and I've managed to get in and buy a few things myself...I was planning on getting a few kits this month for my Birthday, so I just went shopping a little early. So Happy Birthday to me!! *giggle* Gosh, I had way to much fun, and got some beautiful kits, to many, as I hadn't planned on spending so much, (3 or 4 kits was what I was going to stick to) but just couldn't stop myself, I think I ended up buying 7 kits...if you count the two from Vicky as two, they are more like one BIG one, as they match. LOL. I had trouble deciding which of Manu's kits to buy, and which to wait for later for.

I bought Vicky Morrissy's Beautiful Blossoms Roses 1 & 2, its just beautiful!! I've been wanting it, but with not doing much with my heritage photo's, and figuring that's what I'm use it for the most, I put it off, but a couple weeks ago, I promised myself I'd get it for my birthday, even if I don't get to use it right away. LOL Course when I saw it on sale, I had to get it early, so I could save a little bit of money...and then end up spending it at Manu's store over at SBG. *giggle* Also I tried out a new designer, I saw her stuff a couple weeks ago, and while I know she isn't NEW she is to me. LOL I bought one of GiselaB Designs kits plus picked up her new cluster frame freebie while I was there. Needless to say, I'm broke now, but have more kits to finish my 2007 photo's with, and then some. LOL Speaking of freebie's, I got the add on to one of Manu's kits on her blog too, and she has a 2nd one, that hopefully she will tell us where is, once she knows. Also speaking of Sales, Blushbutter is having one too, so its a perfect time to go grab some of her kits, if you have been wanting them. You KNOW you want to! :)

Now whats going on with the weather?

DH sent me a link to a news report this morning, about some bad storm damage close to where we used to live in Indep. Mo. I still have some family down there, so hopefully they are all ok. I'm wondering if the house had any damage or not, it was Grandma and Grandpa's house for 60 years, so while we did buy it from them and live there for a few years, it's always Grandma's house to me. I saw on a video that just a few blocks away, a restaurant was totally destroyed...really hope we get to go to that family reunion, so we can drive by "Grandma's" house, and see if its still there.

In other strange weather news, Western Nebraska got more snow! I can't believe it, its just not suppose to snow, least not around here, in May!! Granted that's west of here a ways but still. Sure hope it doesn't come here, I know DH talks about there being snow on his oldest brothers birthday, which is in May, but I personally don't remember ever having snow in May, and would like to keep it that way! *giggle* Thankfully we didn't move west, when we were thinking of looking for a place in the country!

Its been beautiful here the last several days. We did get some rain in the night and today, but don't think it was lots. Its not been sunny much today, but after the last several days I don't mind as much, and after the news from around the Midwest, I really don't mind, because at least we didn't have snow, or high winds!

Moments like this (below) is one reason I LOVE the country.

Last night, I was sitting here at my computer, working on a couple of these pages, listening to the frogs sing outside my open window. It was just starting to get dark, and the longing to go outside and listen to them because strong, almost as if they were calling me. Now usually it takes a bit, to get me away from my computer, when I'm actually getting a bunch done, but I finally gave in, and went and sat on the patio for little while. It wasn't to dark out, so I could still see things, not just the outlines, but actually see them. But because it was getting dark, the sky was more of a gray blue, than a blue, with thin wispy white clouds in it, along with a few of the brightest stars twinkling already. I sat there listening to the frogs serenade me and smelling that cool night smell that was wafting towards me, on the slight breeze. I swore I could smell the hay field, even though there wasn't any hay down in it. It was pure heaven, and even Rascal sat and enjoyed it with me for a little while. Just before we came in, the coyotes started yipping in the distance, to add to the magic of the country evening. The coyotes are another sound from my childhood, that, while not as endearing as the frogs, it takes me back to my growing up years, and the happy memories I am so lucky to have.

Have a great weekend everyone, don't spend TOOOO much at the sales, and thanks for your wonderful comments.

Tornado Season

It's that time of year, when we have to be extra watchful for those nasty tornado's. While they can happen anytime throughout the year, around here, spring is the worst time. Last night we had one of those spring thunderstorms come through, and somehow the thunder didn't wake me up like it usually does (told you I was tired LOL). I remember DH getting up, asking which windows I had left open, but I rolled over and went right back to sleep. Next thing I know, he comes in and says we are in a tornado warning, and its right around our part of the county! THAT woke me up! With my heart pounding, and silently praying that God would keep us safe, and even keep the precious home that I love safe, I got dressed, and scurried around getting a few things gathered up, in case we had to run for safety, under the house. Had to keep my camera, purse, cell phone, and EHD safe at the very least, as I'm sure you all know, so I piled all those, and my shoes and a blanket on the washer, ready to grab, on my way by. Then we went and sat in front of the TV, watching for the news on the storm...I stopped worrying a little when we saw that it was most likely east of town, instead of west (we are two miles west). We still stayed up, watching till the worst of the storm was over. Here is a story of the damage that was done in a town to the east of ours. It doesn't sound like it is near as bad as it could have been, thankfully.

I'm so lucky to have a watchful DH, he usually gets up, and makes sure a storm isn't BAD, and lets me sleep (if I can), unless there is actually something to worry about. He is a great protector, at least as much as humanly possible. He doesn't sleep well, way to much of the time, but the nights we have storms, he gets even less. Did I mention how lucky I was? LOL He even tried to call the neighbor up the road, to warn them, but they didn't answer the phone, he worries about them, as they are an older couple, and we love them. I guess they slept right through everything...the storm and the phone, and didn't know there was a storm, or a tornado warning. DH talked to them this morning and found this out. LOL Its a good thing the tornado wasn't right here!!

While I was scrappin' this morning, I happen to look out my window, just in time to see some of the goats crossing the creek, that runs through the pasture they are in. I thought it was comical, how they would jump up in an high arch over it, especially the baby, that I watched. It was high jumping, to stay out of the water, and was really cute. Then along comes our little laid back billy, ambling down to the creek, I'm sure he must have gotten in the water some, cause he jumped a little, but not much, to cross it. While there has been a nice amount in it all spring, now I'm sure its bigger, after the 3+ inches of rain (according to our neighbor, as our rain gage still isn't out after the winter) we got last night.

Ok, guess I did my rambling first, instead of telling about the layouts! LOL These are all photo's, from last year. The first one shows our barn cats, sitting on a shelf, that's in the barn, waiting for their breakfast.

Kit Credit: Cherished by Lara Payton Sorry I couldn't find it in her store, so I can't link to it.

The 2nd layout is about finally selling our old house in Polk.

Kit Credit: Craft Scrapbooking kit by Blushbutter

The 3rd layout is about the death of an old family friend/babysitter of my DH's.

Kit Credit: Taste of Romance by Monica Larson

The 4th layout (5th one I did, but not going to post the 4th, as its of a nephew, and don't need to give his grandparents an excuse to complain, that I posted his picture on the net) is of a couple goats my Dad gave us.

Kit Credit: Happiness add on by Manu. It was a freebie on her blog. (One good thing about trying to catch up quickly with past years, is I'm using more of my freebie's I have gathering dust on my computer!!!)


The 5th layout here on my blog, is the chickens eating the cat's food. They aren't suppose to, and I shewed them away, as soon as I took the picture, but I just had to get one, because Galen has the cat's so well trained, that they don't keep them away from their food. He didn't want the cats to catch the chickens and eat them, so he would get after them, whenever he saw them stalking them, so now they usually try to avoid them...unless they are trying to eat, then they just share! LOL

Kit Credit: Sweetness of Smell add on and Happiness add on, by Manu. Again, freebie's on her blog.

The 6th layout is of a huge chicken we were given last year. When I cooked it, it was like cooking a turkey.

Kit Credit: Grandma's Kitchen, and Grandma's sitting room by Tina Williams

Layout number 7 (Home) is our Farm. Actually the view from the top of our hill (Hillbilly hill as some would call it). There may be a few changes, like different buildings or something, as we added on to the barn, since this was taken, but still the view, with all that green, is beautiful!!

Kit Credit: Twilight Vows by Irene Alexeeva She is no longer at DSP, and as far as I know, not selling anywhere else just yet. So instead of linking to her store, I'll link to her blog, so you can see what she is up to, if you want. She has some freebie's there too!!

Well I was hoping to do one more layout today (I know, 8 layouts in one day, however simple they are should REALLY be enough *giggle* Least I like most of these better than the ones I did yesterday!), but I had to catch up on e-mails, which took me a while, and now its 10 and a wall of tired just hit me, so I better quit, and go to bed. Hopefully we get to sleep all night tonight, and not have any storms keep us awake!!

I hope you all have a great weekend and thanks for your comments, both on my blog, and through e-mails!! :)

I had way to much fun, playing with these pictures.

I really LOVE this picture! I love that cute, adorable smile on my DH's face, (if you can see it, since the picture is small) and that wonderful laugh that Aunt Betty is in the middle of. Its really priceless, I don't know what they were laughing at, but I'm sure glad I caught it on camera, when we went to DH's cousin's wedding last summer. This is one of those pictures, that makes me at the very least smile, if not actually laugh, when I see it, because even though its just a photo, they make me want to join them, in their laughter. Oh, I had so much fun putting these layouts together!! I think laughter really does enrich our lives, and I'm blessed to have it in mine quite often.

The 2nd layout is at the same wedding, its Aunt Betty and her three kids. I had to fix the picture, because I took two about the same, and in each one one of the boys had their eyes shut! I couldn't believe it, so I decided to play around, and fixed it so they weren't. Then of course I had to have some fun with it, before I merged the two layers. I cloned the open eyes from the one photo, onto the shut eyes of this photo, and put them on a different layer...and then sat there clicking the layer off and on a few times, so he opened and shut his eyes....I can't help it I guess I haven't grown up yet. *giggle*

Kit Credit: Vintage Florals by Shadow Scraps. I really love this kit too, its so pretty!

Anyway, its late, so I better get off here. I still have e-mails to answer, before bed, but was having to much fun with these two layouts to stop earlier. LOL I hope everyone has a great week, thanks so much for your comments!!

Rain

Its been raining the past two days...well day and a half so far anyway. LOL It started early yesterday morning, and while its mostly not hard, or even ALL the time, its enough to make it difficult to do anything outside, without getting wet. Its also kinda chilly this morning. DH is over at the neighbors, since he can't be fencing...helping him, and yesterday we did some running around, since it was raining. I had hoped to get some more scrappin done yesterday, but with being gone in the morning, the day disappeared in a hurry, and I didn't get around to it.

However I did manage a couple this morning, before I go do a little cleaning. The first one is our Froggy Haven...our creek. LOL The 2nd one is my DH building fence. He is much slower at it than most people, since he can't work on it ALL day without resting, with his bad knees and back, but at least he does manage to do some when its not raining. Its good that he does what he can, so he gets a little more exercise, as that can help his blood sugar too.

Kit Credit: Vintage Garden by Jean Daugherty Designs The little frog is from my Signs of Spring kit.

Jeans kit is only $2.00 right now, its one of the monthly specials they have so if you like it, better hurry before it goes off sale...least if you want it for that price. :) Jean Daugherty was the CT manager when I was on the CT team at DigiZines, but she has now moved on to designing. I really like her kits!

Not much else going on here. I splurged and bought a couple more African violets yesterday, I haven't bought any for a couple years, and now that I have my plant stand back, I thought I would add more to it. I'm not good with plants, but IF I'm going to manage to keep something alive, usually I can African violets. LOL My Grandmother loved them, and had some as long as I remember, so maybe that's how I manage to keep them. Anyway, I need to get those in different pots and get the kitchen cleaned up...that seems to be a never ending job around here, working on the kitchen. Probably cause if I'm not at my computer, outside, or watching TV with DH I'm doing something in the kitchen. So have a great weekend everyone, and thanks so much for your comments!!

Grandparents pages

I worked on Kali's grandparents pages today. The journaling isn't on the layouts because its private. I included each set of Grandparent's wedding photos, along with a photo of their kids, and of course them WITH Kali. I kinda like how they turned out.

Kit Credit: Vintage Vibrance and Rosey Recollections by Lara Payton I think Rosey Recollections was discontinued a while back.

We had a good weekend, and its lots warmer so far this week, than it was last week!! Course today, its windy, but that's not really unusual for Nebraska. Its sitting at 70 F. right now, so I'm going to have to go out and see if I can get some sun, without blowing away.

Kali said she had a good time at prom, although it was over way to soon. Once the professional pictures come in, I'll have to get those layouts done, but I'm waiting, so I can look at all of the pictures, and decide which to use. I have a ton left to do for the book anyway...just can't seem to get busy and get them done! LOL

When the Dr called DH last Friday, the first thing she said, was he could drop the extra med she put him on last time, since his blood sugar was way down, so I was happy we didn't even have to ask!! She was very pleased that it was down.

That's all the "news" I have, so I better get off the computer, I have to start some rice for supper, and go outside, till the bedding I've been washing is done, so I can make our bed. I hope everyone is having a good day.

Praise God and Thank you.

We had an appointment at the VA today for Lab work, to check and see how DH was doing after 3 months of less stress, and being a little more diligent on what he is eating (and I just have to say, I didn't nag him much at all...I did a little, but not all that much...you can ask him if you don't believe me!! LOL). We weren't suppose to hear anything until the Dr called on Friday to talk to us. This is something they do some, instead of having us actually see her, I guess it saves time, and lets them do a check on his blood work, between regular visits. So anyway, we were doing our monthly shopping...killing two birds with one stone, or should I say one tank of gas...when his cell phone rings. It was the nurse that was assigned to work with us and talk to him every week or two, to see how things were going. Now not expecting to hear from anyone from the VA till Friday morning, and just having had blood work done, getting an unexpected call from them was a little alarming for a moment, till we found out why...both of our minds went to the worst case naturally, instead of thinking it could be good news (shame on us).

Praise God it was Good News!! The nurse said she just HAD to call and tell him that his A1C (blood sugars) was down to 6.0....from 9.2 three months ago!! Yippee!!!!!! *giggle* Naturally the relief that it was good news not bad was wonderful. The knowledge that even though we ended up alienating a family member, when we " got rid of the stress" at least we know for sure that it worked, was good too.

His A1C being 6.0 is actually lower than it ever has been, since he first learned he was Diabetic, I think that's because of the extra drug they put him on, to help lower it faster, which we will request they take him off of, or at least drop the dosage this time and if he is still good in 3 months, then take him off it, because he hovered around 6.5 before the stress, and extra meds, and they always said that was good, so I would rather he go back to where he was and be taking less meds if he can.

Anyway, we are both REALLY happy about this news, we knew it would be down, because his morning sugars were down, however I didn't know they would be THAT low. To God goes the glory, and our heartfelt thanks!! Also I wanted to say Thank You to all of you friends and family members who have helped us pray for a good outcome!! Thank you so much, I know prayer is powerful, but I really LOVE it, when I get to SEE the results. Thank You so much.

Now I need to stop rambling and get on with telling about the layout! LOL This is DH's Grandparents on their wedding day...(almost sure it then anyway) and the couple behind them (we think) is his Grandmother's sister and hubby. Now I know, in family history research we should KNOW things, before we document them like this...however with Digital Scrapbooking, its SOOO easy to delete the existing journaling if we later find its wrong (since I keep the layered version of the file along with the flattened one) so I wrote it as DH told it to me, and if we find out something different I will change it. I don't have his family history as well documented as my side is, because no one on his side did as much...least not as far as I know, as my Uncle and other relatives did on mine. And naturally I haven't been concentrating on doing it either, since I discovered digi scrappin! LOL

I have to thank DH's oldest brother for this photo, and several more that he scanned in, and put on disk for us. I love this photo, and the coloring and shading on it. I did a few adjustments to it, tried to get rid of some blemishes, and took a little of the fog away, but I'm really not great at fixing photo's, so if you look close, you can still see some smudges, and or scratches on it. But still, its a beautiful photo I think. Thanks Bill!!

And just LOOK at that quilling!! LOL Can I gush, or would that be to embarrassing? Blushbutter just got her "box of quilling" into her store yesterday, and I downloaded it, and just HAD to do a layout real quick with two of the quilling corners she had made, because I knew we would be gone today, so I wouldn't be able to play. I didn't have time to try to put my own together with all the beautiful quilling pieces she included in the kit, but I doubt mine would have been as beautiful anyway. I also didn't have time to post it last night, so it had to wait till now.

What is it about quilling that I've always loved? I remember seeing some at some of the craft shows I've been do, decorating poems and the like, in frames, I never bought any, but I always admired it. Now I can make my own...granted you can't reach out and feel it raised on paper....but it sure looks like you should be able to, and if its behind glass in a frame, you wouldn't know it anyway! :)

Kit Credit: Quilling box of paper filagree, Victorian Wedding Kit and Digital Lace frames ALL by Blushbutter

I better get this layout posted around, and answer some e-mails, so I can get to bed, I was up way to early this morning (woke up a little after 5, and since I had to get up at 6 anyway, I just stayed up) and I'm really tired right now! Thanks again for all your prayers and your comments.

New Babies!!

Well here is the other page that goes beside the one in my last post. I had fun with it. I can't wait to actually get this book done, and printed!! I know it will be over a year yet, but I'm sure looking forward to seeing it in a book....and seeing how a thicker book looks. I think I'm going to have to save money, so I can get myself a copy, not just my niece! *giggle*

Kit Credit: Heart Strings baby girl kit and Silver Frame pk by Blushbutter.

We now have three new baby goats, God willing they will survive. We had one yesterday and then two this morning. Just as DH got out to feed the goats, he saw the last one born. They are all adorable!! The one this morning was finally Bossy, the one we have been thinking should be having them, cause she has looked huge for months. We only have a couple more goats we expect could have some, and one of them won't be till almost June if she does. We have two girls and a boy...so hopefully at the very least the girls survive, as I would like to keep them. The boys we would sell, for money for a new billy....but hopefully eventually we can get some money together for that, even if we don't have enough billys to sell, to buy another one. I got a few pictures this morning, of DH using my hairdryer on them, to dry them off, but have yet to get them off my camera. I'll have to try to do that, and get them scrapped soon!! LOL

I am almost as done as I'm going to be on a new kit, so hopefully I can finish that this afternoon. We will see if I manage to finish it, and get it in my store, if I do, I'll post it on my blog later today, or tomorrow. I have a few things to do around the house too, so better get busy! I doubt I will be doing any more layouts this week, as I need to work on some scanning, and also some other computer stuff, so have a great rest of the week, and weekend everyone!! Thanks so much for your comments!!!

I had so much fun!!

*giggle* Yes I know these two layouts are kinda showing our odd sense of humor, but I had so much fun doing them!! I love how I could drape my arm over the frame like that, and I think I managed to kinda make the layouts look hillbillyish, even though I don't have a "hillbilly" kit. DH thought of the title, which I thought was perfect!!! Cause I really do think our farm is wonderful, who cares if its hillbilly heaven or not! *giggle*

Kit Credit: Country Kits kit and Gentle both by Blushbutter

Journaling:

After receiving several things in the
mail addressed to Hillbilly Hills, and
then buying a new couch, and putting
our old one on the front porch
until someone came and picked it up,
I just had to do these two layouts.
I used a photo of me that was taken
the summer before we got married
(as a joke) and a photo of DH sitting
on the couch on the front porch,
before it got picked up.

Neither of us mind being thought
of as hillbillies, and think its rather
funny, and a good laugh is always
good, so I wanted to make sure
we remembered this!

We took the photo's of my DH on Sat, before someone picked the couch up on Sunday, I'm sure glad we did, cause these were to much fun, to miss the chance to do them!! I'm so glad we recieved the mail addressed to Hillbilly Hills, because it inspired me to do these! "Thanks!" to the one who started that mail coming to our house!!! You have given us some laughs, and I do LOVE a good laugh! (There is a little bit about our reciving this mail in this post here, if your interested.)

No baby goats yet, she will probably wait till in the middle of a winter storm! LOL Thats usually the way it goes. DH did take some of our extra hay to the auction this morning, so he can get a little extra money, to go to some auctions with. He loves his auctions...course I kinda like them to, now and then. Hopefully he can get a nice amount for the hay, and find some really good deals on things he is wanting at the ones he wants to go to in the next couple months.

Well nothing major going on here, so I better get off the computer and do a few things around the house. Have a great day!!! Don't forget to laugh, its good for you! LOL

New Furniture!!!!

We ordered a new couch and recliner a few weeks ago, and they finally got delivered this morning!!! Bright and early even, we had them by 7:30, which was amazing, course we were their first stop, but still. DH loves his new chair, AND the new couch, first of all cause its not pink, like our last one was (we got it at an auction, so didn't have a choice) and because the new one is more comfortable for taking his nap on. This is our very FIRST new couch and recliner, everything else we have had was used. Course we got them in the clearance part of the store, so they were cheaper, but that's ok, they are still new. Hopefully they will last for many years, so we don't have to replace them to soon. I had been planning on getting DH a new chair for several months, but figured we would make do with the couch for a while longer, but silly me, I found this one, and just had to get it, since we had enough in savings for it, cause it was so comfy, and DH takes naps on the couch quite often, and I like him to be comfy.

So anyway, I had to scrap a quick and simple page, so I could show you all our new furniture. Our Doxie's were enjoying the new comfort too! And the best part about it is, we had it delivered, so they did the carrying, and we didn't have to, we just watched, and then sat down and enjoyed! LOL We naturally had to pay a little extra for the delivery, but we talked them down on the price of the couch and chair enough, to more than cover the delivery cost.

Kit Credit for 1st layout: Stories of Yesteryear by Doxie Designs

The next two layouts are some of the photo's I took, of the shed getting moved the other day. Kit Credit: Autumn Beauty by Designs by Krista

As you can see, I am in that ultra simple phase of layouts again! *giggle* Or something like that, cause I didn't use all that much on any of them. I started the last two yesterday, but didn't get them finished, with doing other things too, so finished them real quick this morning.

We had to take a trip west this week, during the snowstorm we had, that didn't give us as much snow as they were thinking it would, but still enough to make the roads bad. I'm not real fond of driving long distance at 45 miles an hour (less at times)...but its better to do that, then end up in the ditch. Thankfully when we were ready to head home, the roads were clear again!!! I get really nervous traveling in bad weather, so ended up with a stress headache on the trip out. Something I had a lot of, there for a while, although thankfully not for the past few weeks. It's been so nice to not have them, even though I didn't really realize that I hadn't till I got one again (I guess I have been to happy, and busy to think about the fact that I hadn't had one! LOL). I Praise God for getting us home safely!!

I had to go help the neighbor this morning with his printer again. And I've managed to sweep most of the hard floors....and get these layouts done, so now after lunch, I can get some other things done. If I can keep on this roll I'm on, maybe I'll get quite a bit done today, we will see. I love it when I can get several things done each day, and still play on the computer too! :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and that the weather doesn't turn really bad for you!! Especially if it would be tornado's like went through several states this week. Take Care and thanks so much for the comments you leave me....or e-mail me!!

Layout Challenge for Feb. on Blush ~n~ Dusty's Yahoo Group.

Its that time again, already the 1st of another month, so time to share about the next Layout Challenge on the Blush ~n~ Dusty Yahoo group!! This month I want to see some layouts of something or someone that you love!! It can be your DH of course, or your kids, grandkids, other family, friends, pets...or maybe you want to show an heirloom you have had passed down to you, or something your sweetie bought you that you just love. Another idea could be something you love to do, such as a hobby, sport, or other special activity you get lots of enjoyment out of.

I chose to do a layout with my DH in it. (yeah, I know, your not surprised! *giggle*) I adore him, and just LOVE when he grins, so found a photo from just after we were married, and used the one I caught of him laughing last year, I wanted more than one time frame pictured, because I've never stopped loving him. I also made it a horizontal layout, because they work wonderfully on my computer desktop, and I wanted to use it for my desktop for a while, I love looking at large photo's of DH, when he isn't right here with me! LOL The background colors look great on my desktop too.

Kit Credit: Feb Layout Challenge kit and freebie rose by Blushbutter

Feel free to join us in the challenge, you must be a member of the Blush ~n~ Dusty Yahoo group to join, and to get the download link, for the free challenge kit. There is more info in the groups messages, and I will send reminders, or answer questions through the group, if you have any! Maybe YOU will be the next winner of a $5.00 coupon to use in Blushbutter AND Dusty Bear's stores (thats $5.00 for EACH store)!!

Well no rambling today, I'm behind, with being gone yesterday, and then this morning I had to run up and help our neighbor with his computer, so I have to get off the computer and get some things done!! That will make the back up I'm trying to do run faster anyway, so guess that's good. LOL I hope everyone has a great weekend, stay safe, and enjoy it!! Thanks for your lovely comments!

Finally got to work on my special project!!

Yep, this is the first page...well first page I have done, not the first page of the book....for that special project for my niece, and yes, its square!!! LOL Strange I know. I won't be doing the pages in order, just as I decide to! LOL These are several photo's of her, when she was 3 and under. I tried to pick some out, where she was with some of the many people who love her. This is a general one, Kinda for the start of a section on her younger years. I'm not totally sure how I'm going to set this up yet...I have some pages kinda figured out, but will just do most of them, as I go. It seems to be the way I work best! LOL Some of these could actually be used again, on a page with more journaling, if I want to do one, with more photo's of that kind. I have no idea how big this is going to end up....can't be more than 100 pgs! LOL I could have trouble, cause 100 pages, could add up fast!

Kit Credit: Gentle by Blushbutter

I really like how this page turned out! It took me long enough, so I should, but that doesn't always mean anything! *giggle* I love that gemstone heart I put around the title, I think it makes the page stand out more. The swirl that I put right on top of the background, doesn't show up all that much, but it did add something to the page, when I added it! I do love this kit!! The only question I have about the layout is...do the names and dates distract to much from the general layout? I like to have names and dates on all photo's....but when you have one like this with lots of photo's, it becomes hard to do it, and not make it look strange. If anyone has any opinions...or ideas how I could do it differently, yet still have them on this layout, feel free to let me know!

We got our enclosed porch back this weekend...after scrubbing (and scrubbing, and scrubbing some more) we managed to get it so I might actually go out there without shoes on...maybe....and then again, maybe not. Sorry to say, it was rather disgusting! However its nice to get it cleaned up...we are thinking about looking to see how much it would cost to buy paint that will seal the concrete though, so the stains don't show, and any smell left in it, will not keep annoying me. Once it totally airs out, we can get the daybed back out of the attic, and out there, cause Rascal used to love to sit out there on it, in the sun...and it was nice to be able to go out there and lounge at times. We need to finish the drywall...at least get it put up, whether we get it taped and mudded or not, so the drywall isn't sitting in our way. It seems there are always way to many things to do around here, but it makes life interesting I guess!!

Anyway, I better get this posted, so I can post it around and answer e-mails before its time to go to bed! LOL Thanks so much for your comments, and I hope everyone has a great week!!!!

Prayer Request

My DH had a dr appointment today, just a check up that he has to have every 6 months or so, because he is diabetic. He has been diabetic for several years now, and had it under control, with just one pill a day for quite a while. Under control, meaning his A1C (3 month range of blood sugars) was normal, not high, but normal, naturally only because of that one pill a day, but still it had been normal for several years without to much effort on his part...easily able to work in those special treats like apple pie, or chocolate cake, not that they were a daily thing by any means.

The last time he got checked it was higher, but we figured it was because he had run out of his meds and had trouble getting them refilled, and was completely out, not taking them for a month. So today we get told that his blood sugar is out of control, and they wanted to put him on insulin. Not what we wanted to hear, going from normal a year ago, to out of control, and the highest it has ever been makes me worried.

We were also told that stress raises the blood sugar (which we knew anyway, it was just confirmed), and after hearing that he has been under quite a bit of stress lately, they told us to get rid of it, and work hard to get the numbers back down, or he would have to go to insulin. Granted this isn't the end of the world, and a lot of people take it, but it doesn't allow as much freedom as the pill he has been taking has, and makes it harder to get to far from your next dose. He would also have to watch for low blood sugar lots more, which can be deadly. Frankly I'm not thrilled with the idea (as you can tell) and he isn't either, cause of having to "stick" himself everyday. So now we have to reduce stress, and get back to eating better. Hmmm the eating better thing could be the easiest of the two.

I think I'm going to have to be the one to try to reduce the stress level, as trying to reduce it himself, may not be as effective as me doing it, because I am a bit more stuborn than he is...plus it could cause him more stress, so I guess I will have to get started on that. One guess as to what is causing the most stress around here....and no its NOT the shortage of money...or me! I have really tried my best to avoid causing more stress, by staying out of "stress's" way, but when it comes down to the health of the wonderful man I married, I don't mind stepping in, and putting a stop to what is causing it. Its gotta get a better attitude, or leave, that's all there is to it. No ifs, ands or buts will be tolerated. So any prayers you can send up, would be greatly appreciated. I would like my wonderful hubby to live a long happy life, and the longer he can stay off insulin, the better.

Thanks so much for your prayers, as I know several of you will be there praying for us. They really are appriciated a lot!!

New kit by Blushbutter!!

Blushbutter just put a new kit in her store yesterday, and I have had way to much fun playing with it today!! *giggle* Its a "Christmas kit" but as you can see, it can be used for more than Christmas!! I just love that she made it so I could use it too, since we don't celebrate Christmas. I'm sure it wasn't done especially cause I don't celebrate it, but I've been so lucky this year, in that both Blushbutter and Lara Payton put out Christmas kits, that weren't JUST Christmas kits!!!

This first page is my Sweet, very beautiful Niece again. I love the green background of the picture with the pink, and of course with her loving pink, I just had to do a pink page for her, since there was so much pink in the kit. I REALLY love the raffia things that Blushbutter put in this kit!!! I have to admit, I've been searching for a tut, to show me how to make the stuff, and haven't found any, so when I saw it in the kit, I was extremely happy, cause at least I would be able to play with some!!

This next layout is my niece with three of her cousins. I think this is such a neat photo, so even though her cousins are on her Mom's side, and not related to me, I had to scrap it!

The next two layouts are our chickens, and my DH. His oh so tame chickens, who sometimes bug him for extra handouts! *giggle* As you can see, in the first one, he gives it to them too! In the 2nd one, we are taking a short time to sit outside together, for a moment alone....well except for the chickens! LOL That's OK, we both enjoy feeding them, and watching them. I guess we are sometimes fascinated by the simple things in life, which is good, and its really relaxing, which is something that's so nice to be able to do. It helps with the every day stresses, to be able to take time, and enjoy nature.

Kit Credits: Merry Christmas kit and the Alpha's from the first two layouts are from