All abuzzzz

I didn't get any scrappin done today, as you can see, but I wanted to share a couple photos instead. After I got done mowing this afternoon, DH was working on a gate, down by an old apple tree that was here when we moved here. He came in and told me that there were a bunch of bees in the tree, that is just COVERED with blossoms. So I went out and got a few photo's. I sent him a couple too, so its possible later on tonight...or whenever the next time he blogs is....that he will have a couple more on his blog. I think the blossoms are so pretty, especially when there are some little pink buds close by.

It was fun trying to catch the bees with my camera, especially with its lag...and it being hard to see for sure if I'm pointing in the right spot, on the little tiny screen, but I got several neat shots. I couldn't believe how much pollen some of the bees had on their little legs. You can see here, the big chunks of yellow pollen, on its legs. I think our tree...or trees, as there is another one closer to the creek but it doesn't usually have many apples on it...has more blossoms on it, than it did a couple years ago, when I thought it was covered, is just beautiful, and while I don't like bees, cause I hate getting stung, it was cool listening to all of them buzzing around the tree. They weren't interested in me at all, with all those wonderful smelling blossoms around.

My photo book news:

I do want to say that I'm impressed with the customer service of mypictales.com so far. I didn't have lots of time to be on the computer today, but the owner has contacted me, trying to set up a time when we can get together and try to work out my problem of not being able to upload my book to their site, so once we can get together, hopefully we can work something out. I sent them a list of times, so I'm sure I'll be hearing from them. They also assured me, that even if I miss the window of the 40% off coupon, they would let me have it for that, since I wasn't able to upload, so I'm not so worried about getting it done NOW as I was. I'm just really glad they are willing to help...my luck, it will turn out that I did something stupid, and caused a big ruckus for nothing. *giggle*

If you have hard water, you HAVE to try this!!

Speaking of being impressed....I read about a product on Pioneer Woman's blog a few weeks ago (I don't remember which section it was in, I used to just read her cooking blog, because she has some yummy recipes on it, but she pulled me in to reading the rest of it after a few weeks, so now I don't remember where I see what)that sounded wonderful, and like something that IF it worked, would be something that was a MUST to keep around. Its called Lemi Shine and is suppose to help get the hard water film off your dishes, in your dishwasher. I'm an extremely skeptical person, especially when it comes to removing hard water film/drops/stains from anything, I've tried things in the past, that said it would, but they didn't work. However since she was raving about it, an since I was having a HUGE problem with the film being left on everything I decided to try some this month. My poor plates had white film all over them, and some baking dishes I had, were grungy and never looked clean...I mean REALLY grungy, rather disgusting, which had I not been so busy working on my book, I would have broke down and scrubbed them to try to get at least some of it off....and I HATE scrubbing! LOL

Anyway, the first time I used the stuff, I noticed a difference in things, the silverware was shinier looking as well as a few other items. I then ran the dishwasher with nothing in it, but some of the lemi shine, to clean it, and then the next time I ran it, with dishes in it, I had my clear plastic steamer basket in it to wash. Now this poor thing looked pretty bad too, all cloudy and scratched looking, but when I opened the dishwasher to put the dishes away it was sparkling back at me from the bottom rack....REALLY actually sparkling!! I tell you, it looked like it was brand new!! I couldn't believe my eyes, and had to go running to tell my DH all about it! HE was even impressed!!

This last time I ran the dishwasher, I washed those baking dishes that I was talking about. I was busy so didn't even think about it, but when I went to put the dishes away, there they were....yep, sparkling like new on the bottom shelf of the dishwasher. They were SOOOO bad, I really thought it would take more than one time to get them back to looking good, but nope, they are almost all clear, and sparkly just like when they were new. Just a couple little spots, that didn't come off, but I'm sure they will next time. Again I had to tell DH, he is probably getting tired of me raving about how cool that stuff is, and saying how much I LOVE it! LOL My red and white speckled enamel plates that I love, that DH bought me years ago for my birthday, had a white film on them....but no more, they are pretty and shinny and new looking again! I'm so happy, that I can now love my dishwasher again, because I really don't like washing dishes by hand, and avoid it as much as possible.

I think Pioneer Woman mentioned using it for other things like getting the hard water stains out of your toilet and all, but so far I haven't managed to try it for anything else, but I'm sure I will. I found it at Wal-mart, but I think there are other stores that sell it too...or you can buy it online... if any of you have a big hard water problem, and want to try it. It really is worth it, even if you don't use it every time, least you can use it now and then, to get rid of that horrible white scale that likes to collect on your dishes. FINALLY something that is suppose to help with hard water problems that actually works for me!!!

Anyway, now that I've rambled on, I better quit, I need to go start some peas, for supper, as the rest of it is almost done. I hope everyone is having a good day!! Thanks so much for your wonderful comments. :)

Happy Birthday Jamie!!

First of all, I have to wish my friend, Jamie, a very happy birthday today!!! There is a post in her forum at Scrap Lair for birthday wishes, you can go here, to leave her your own birthday wishes!!! I'm sure she would LOVE to hear from you!!!

Kit Credit for the birthday card and the layout of my DH: Crumpled papers - Browns, Fancy Frames and Classroom Memories elements and papers (for the green paper, and the stitches)

Speaking of Scrap Lair, I want to remind everyone that the Grand Opening 50% off Sale is ending soon!! It only goes through the 14th, so if you want some wonderful kits, for cheap, you better hurry over and get some of them!!! Also don't forget there are some free qp's in the forum, but you have to be registered, and logged in to see them. And don't forget that every 50th person who registers in the forum, will get a free kit of their choice in the store!!

This layout is my DH planting his corn this spring. Mostly he was just having fun with his tractor I think! LOL He loves that kinda thing. Credits for what I used in the layout are the same as the card and are listed (and linked to) above! I did recolor the ribbin, that she had stapled to the frame so it matched the background color.

Well tomorrow is DH and I's 16th anniversary, so I doubt I will do much scrapping, which means I probably won't have anything to post. Our plans for the weekend are still on, so far, so will probably be gone one day this weekend....so may not post again, till next week!!!

Have a great weekend!

Scrapbooking news

Well, I managed to slip in a simple flower layout today. I used the kit I got free for playing the tag your it game on DigiZines Digital Den's forum. I should say I used a small part of it, because there are several more papers, elements and wordart I haven't used yet! There will be another game in July, if you want to play, so you can get another free kit, you have to sign up! Just go here to do so by the 5th of July!

If you haven't gotten Tina Williams Grandmother kits (she is just starting on the Grandfather ones and they are going to be great too!!!) she has them all on sale for 50% off (the grandfather one is 70% off)!!! You can see all of "Grandma's" kits here!! Just thought you all might like to know, if you haven't gotten them! I love them all, and got the last family tree one, and hope to get around to using it soon, hopefully this week if I'm lucky! I also hope to get in and get Grandpa's tool shed, while its on sale too....Hopefully I don't totally loose my mind and forget! LOL

Lara Payton is working on a beach kit...her heritage style promises to bring a unique kit, one that will be great for any of your old OR new beach pictures!! So if you have any that you haven't scrapped, you may want to keep an eye on her site in the next week or so!!!

Blushbutter is working on some more beautiful print n cut items!! All of you hybrid scrappers, will have to go check them out, she has the most beautiful lace, and graphics!! I used one of her things to make a card with the other night, I can't show it here, as the person I will be sending it to, reads my blog, but wow, it was actually fun!! It was my FIRST hybrid project, and while I won't be giving up digital (NO WAY) I wouldn't mind doing a few more hybrid cards, now and then. Cutting things out, makes my hands hurt, but I could probably do a little more digital and cut down on the cutting, yet still have a couple layers. I will have to see how it goes. I fell in love with Blushbutters digital kits first, but she has finally convinced me to try a little hybrid because all of her things are so beautiful!

That's all I know on the digital scrapbooking scene. I don't get out much, and with not being on J3 Designs team anymore (or a mod, as of last week) I don't get any inside info there now. (NOT that I get much anywhere anyway! LOL) Most of this you could find out if you were on their yahoo groups, or forums! LOL

Leave me a comment if you have any scrapbooking news I should know about! LOL Since I don't get out to look around a lot, I'm sure I miss LOTS!!!

Mom and Dad

This first layout is my parents in 1979. I had lots of fun working on this layout, and love how it turned out! The 2nd layout is a flower we had in our garden last summer. I love how I managed to catch the bee on it. It took me forever to find a quote to go on it though! LOL Nothing seemed perfect, although I finally found this one, and can live with it.

Kit Credit: Eventide by Lara Payton at Dusty Bear.


I just got a call from my brother, and he said my parents were in an accident, and he said, they said they were ok. He didn't know a lot about what happen, other than the fact they were on their way to the city, and a guy hit them just behind my Dad's door. They can still drive the truck, and went on down to the city. Last we all knew they had a couple more stops to make, and then would be heading home...so should get there before dark, if all goes well. I am praying that they do, and that they are truly ok. Any added prayers for them would be greatly appreciated. I will call them later, and talk to them myself, to hopefully put my mind at ease.

Been Busy

I got this layout done of my baby lilac bushes last year and then started making little layouts for a baby book for our new great-niece. Kit Credit for the lilac layout is Lavendar Essence by Lauren Bavin. The layout was done with a Template from Tina Williams Designs

Yesterday when we went shopping for the month, I looked at baby things because we were expecting a new little niece any day. She was born today!!! I don't know when I will be able to see her, as her parents live in Kansas, but I can't wait! I found a book, for 6+ months (so she will have to grow a little before she will be able to have it LOL) but it has spots to put pictures and on the outside it says Who Loves Baby. So I am working on getting little layouts done for it, with pictures of her parents, big sister, grandparents, auntie, and of course DH and I and DH's sister. I will then print them off, and put them in the book under the plastic. So when She is old enough she can have a book with people who love her in it. Its one of those soft books for babies, and I just had to get it, when I saw it. I will try to post some pictures when I get it done. (IF I get it done) LOL I have a small problem....I don't have many pictures of DH's side of the family, soooo am running into trouble getting it finished, with not having even a old picture of a couple of the people I was going to put in it. Well I don't want to get to old of pictures! LOL Or the sweetie pie won't know them! Hopefully I can figure out something, because I am almost done with the layouts....so need the pictures so I can print them!

Anyway, I hope you all are having a good week! So far so good for me!! Thanks so much for all of your comments, I really enjoy reading them!!

Welcome to the family baby Trista!

Lots of fun.

I've had lots of fun working with Blushbutters newest kit today!!! I didn't use if for what it was intended for but like how they turned out. This first one is of my Doxies and the rose bush that is right outside my office window. The 2nd one is my Grandpa and my Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, and Great-Great-Great Grandmother. (I hope thats right! LOL Anyway its 4 generations, starting with my Grandpa, and working back) I get confused when you get to many "Greats" in there. The Wordart is my own.

Kit Credit for 1st two layouts: St. Patrics Day Erin Isle Kit by Blushbutter

I do love working with my heritage photo's!! I also did a layout last night, but it was late when I finished so didn't want to take time to post it, so it will be the last one on here. Its of our cats. DH was getting ready to go out and feed the animals and looked out the window and saw three cats sitting on a board that sticks out from under the roof on our barn. We managed to take a picture from inside the house because we figured they would move if he went out, and they did, because then he went out to try to get closer and get a better picture but they ran inside the barn, to wait by their food dishes. LOL Oh well, it was really neat, and at least we managed to get this picture to remember it by.

Kit Credit for last layout: Jan 07 Mega Kit from Digital Divas Designs

I have also had lots of fun reading all your comments! Thank you for them BTW!!!! I am really kinda surprised at how popular these frames have been! There have been well over 500 downloads already. I don't know if the link got pirated or if everyone has actually come through my blog, but I just can't believe a group of frames could have that much intrest! LOL There are quite a few comments over on 4shared, too, and I have enjoyed reading them too, although I have to say I wish you all could put them on my blog, but at least you commented! Thanks!!! Those will get deleted if and when the link does, which is why I wish they were on my blog.

I don't know if any of you have had trouble getting the frames but feel free to let me know if 4shared doesn't work for you for some reason, I could figure out a way to get it to you, a different way. This zip file could actually be e-mailed because its less than 2mb. So e-mail me if you can't get it, and I can e-mail it to you. That is if I still have the link active, otherwise you will have to wait for everyone else to be able to get it again. My address is listed on the "Contact Me" post that is linked to, at the side of the blog.

THANK YOU for all your comments!!!!

Funeral Pictures

I decided to do a couple layouts today of my Grandmothers funeral. The first one is the flowers that the kids and grandkids put on her casket...and then got picked up and we put them back on it in a bunch at the graveside. The 2nd one is those flowers as they were placed on the casket at the service. I have a few pictures of the different ones placing them, and if I have time I may work on that layout later, but if not, it will be there for the next time I want to work on these pictures.


Naturally the first layout, I just used the picture so there is no kit credit.

Kit credit for the 2nd layout is J3 Designs Granny's cats at Designs by J3

New Designer at DigiZines Digital Den

Well there is a new designer at DigiZines Digital Den now, so I thought I would try out one of her kits, and see how it went. Not real happy with the layouts, but....better than some I guess! I do really like the bow in here, and know that I could buy an "action" for photoshop to make my own, but I would love to be able to make them from scratch in psp!! The first layout, is some of our wild sunflowers that we have growing on our farm in the summer. The 2nd one is my brother and I calling home to check in with our parents, while we were on vacation in Minessota, helping to build the cabin.

Kit Credit: Sunflowers by Michelle Powell

Not much else going on today, so I realy don't have any other news!

Early Start

Wow I already have a layout done today, and its not even 10:30!! LOL It would be nice if I could do several today, but we will see. I will add them to this post if I do...so if there is more than one layout here, then I am having fun! LOL

This first layout is me, several years ago, having fun on the water even though I am not a good swimmer. I did it for the Thats Life crop with Teri, at Divine Digital.

Credit: To Dare, and the free Sept. Thats Life Crop Kit by Teri Hanson/DigiZines at Divine Digital


Our kitty, shows my niece Kali holding Uncle Orison's cat. He called it "Our Kitty" because Kali would carry it around saying "my kitty", so I guess he figured it wasn't just his! LOL Plus I am sure he was trying to get her to realize it wasn't just Hers too!

Credit: Helen's Roses and Lace by Blushbutter

Now this next one is also done with Helen's Roses and Lace by Blushbutter, I just didn't use all that much with it. I love how the picture turned out, and wanted to do a simple layout that would let the picture stand out....but the question is...Did I do it TO simple? Feel free to comment, and let me know!!

Its hot today!!

Wow, it got up into the low 90's here today!! And tomorrow its only suppose to be in the 70's, which actually I can't wait for!! I didn't turn the air back on, because it isn't suppose to be a long heat wave, but I sure could use it right now!! LOL Its also humid so I am hot and sticky, and I think I really need to go take a shower to cool off!! Unfortunatly I would just get hot once I steped out of the shower again, so guess I will wait a little longer! LOL Besides I have a chat to go to in 15 min. Its the Thats Life Chat at Divine Digital. I am not suppose to post this layout I did for Teri till after the crop, but figured since its only my blog and this close to the chat, it wouldn't matter!!

On that note, I did this All Dressed up with nowhere to go layout for one of Teri's challenges. She wanted us to do a layout with us in a hat. So I thought of this picture of me modeling the coat my DH got me just before we got married, and the hat my Uncle got me. Credit: To Dare Kit, and Thats Life Sept. Crop Kit by Teri Hanson/DigiZines at Divine Digital

The Summertime layout is three pictures I took this summer, that make me think of summertime. I scraplifted a layout at The Scrap Habit from Selana for the Scraplift Challenge. Credit: J3 Designs Sunflower Summer at Designs by J3

Tired baby and Fields of Sunflowers

Supper is almost done, so I am going to rush through this entry! Don't think I have any news anyway!

Tired Baby is a picture of my niece when she was a baby, with her Mom.

Credit: Subtle Skies by Deborah Vessels/Digital Designs at Divine Digital

Fields of Sunflowers picture is of me in a field of sunflowers.

Credit: J3 Designs Sunflower Summer at Designs by J3.

Oops there was something I wanted to say, LOL so I will add it now. I just wanted to say that one designer that I really like alot of her kits, is looking for Layout designers incase any one reads this who would like to try out. I would but don't want to get to much going on, since I do have other things besides scrapping to do. I could probably handle it, but don't want to push it!! LOL After all I haven't
been a layout designer to long! So if you like Lara Paytons work, go apply! She makes some beautiful kits, alot of heritage ones too! Click on her name and it will take you to her blog. You only have till the 20th!! Can't wait to see who she picks! I just hope if I get to where I KNOW I can handle more work, she will be looking again! LOL Good luck to everyone!

Two layouts.

Well despite everything being so strange, and off today, I managed two layouts ! Couse its now another day, time wise, but we won't think about that!! LOL It took me forever to finish the 2nd one, cause of TONS of interuptions, but I finally managed it!! LOL Oh well most of the interuptions were fun, because it was talking to people, so I can't complain!!

The first layout I did this morning, is Daddy's Girl. These are some pictures from when I was young with my Dad.

Credit: Simply Irresistible by Debbie Pearson


The second layout, I did this evening is my wedding bouquet! I wanted a colorful bouquet, of many different kinds of flowers, with roses mixed in of course, and thats what I got, I think it was so pretty!! The kit I used has some of the most beautiful lace in it!!! And lots of Roses, which hopefully I will use more of in other layouts! I will just have to find the time to do more in the next week or two hopefully, because there is so much more in the kit, I haven't used yet. I just had to do a quick (well it was going to be quick and would have been had I worked on it straight through LOL) layout with some of the beautiful lace!! I didn't have red in my wedding....except for some of the flowers, but I did have red in my going away dress, and I just loved the red paper I used under the lace frame, so I used red, even though it wasn't my "color" for the wedding!

Credit: Helens Roses and Lace by Blushbutter

Now I am going to bed and will post this around tomorrow!! LOL Hope you are haveing a great day/night!!

Two flower layouts

I did two layouts this afternoon! They are both really simple and just one picture of one of my flowers, but I guess lately I have been likeing to do flower layouts! Don't ask me why!! LOL

Credit for both layouts: MayPoll Kit by Blushbutter

Flowering Trees and News

These pictures are of our trees this last spring. I love flowers of any kind, so naturally had to take pictures of the trees in bloom. I took one picture for the background and faded it some. The rest of the items came from Wishes, Hopes, Dreams by Blushbutter. I just love lace, so just had to have this kit! I think Blushbutter likes lace to, cause alot of her kits have lace in it!!! LOL Got to love that!!

Now for the news! Since I really haven't been working for Teri for a long time I wasn't even going to try for another CT job for a little while. I knew Shawn (J3 Designs) was looking for more to join her team, and I wouldn't have even asked her anyway, even if I was looking, because she is my friend, and I wouldn't want to put her in the position of having to either take me because we are friends, or having to turn me down, and worring that would affect our friendship. I just didn't want to go there! But she asked me this morning if I would join her team! And since I already work with her kits anyway I said I would! So now I am on two CT teams!! LOL And a month or so ago I didn't think I would even have a chance to be on any!!!

I figure that since (when I can afford them which lately hasn't been easy, or much!) I usually end up buying Shawns kits, this way I can save that money and still get the kits to work with!! And since when I do get the kits, and do a layout with them I always post them around to different gallerys because I want to help her out, it won't add that much more to always do a 2nd layout with the kit. So I should have time each month to do hers and Teri's! (I'm sure I could handle one or two more, but won't even try for a while cause I like to take things nice and slow, and have time to do things I need to do!) Maybe I won't even try at all, who knows. Its just nice to be asked, and be on two teams, of two Ladies who make kits I just love! It saves me money, and hopefully it helps them out too!!

So other than the fact that I have 11 pints of apple butter sitting in my kitchen hopefully all sealed that is all the news I have for today! I will find out tomorrow if any didn't seal. I had hoped to get another layout done, of another Blushbutter kit but I didn't get around to it. I still have another one of her kits I haven't managed to do even one layout with! LOL Thats sad!! It has some really beautiful papers in it!! several different colors even!

Ok now I have to shut up, kinda doubt any one much reads this except family, but if you do and you have made it this far, then wow, I am impressed!! LOL Sorry about boring you!!

If you want to be a layout designer for J3 Designs (just click on the J3 Designs link to the left to go to her store if you don't know her kits already!!) then e-mail her with a link to your gallery. I don't know what other info she wants, just ask her. Tell her you read about it here and I was not to informative!! LOL She will understand I am sure!! After all she knows me!! ROFL Have a good night!

Our Doxie's and some flowers

Well I did three layouts today, but will only post two, because I am not happy with the third one, so may redo it somehow. Hopefully I can think of something good to do with it, because its just not poping the way it is!

Anyway this first layout I did today is the one with our Doxies in it. I did it for a chat I went to yesterday at 3scrapateers. I have been wanting to try those frames that spell a word, and have to say as neat as they are, they are really hard to use, at least with animals! Landscapes would prob be easy. I love the looks of them, but.....glad I got one for free in the crop kit, cause would hated to have bought them with as difficult as it was to find pictures that would work! I finally just went and took some new pictures, and thats not real easy to do fast! LOL Our babies don't pose for use to well! Credit: Pampered Pets by Jennifer Maceyunas


The 2nd layout is a picture of our tulips this spring. I thought they looked good against the black and white of the kit. I did that layout with the 99 cent kit at Digital Scrapbook place so I could get the free add on! Its really pretty, more black papers with some red accents. Credit: A Splash of Color by Lauren Bavin

Flowers!!

Even with having to go get a window for the truck I managed to do a layout today!! I took a picture of my tulips yesterday, so had to do a layout with them!! I just love flowers, and these are really blooming this year!! I think its about time to thin them out, but I love it when they get thick because they look great wth lots and lots of blooms!! I will have to try to move them though, as these are up by my DH's shop (I planted them before we moved, and that was our little cabin we stayed in when we came down here) so I would love to get some of them down to the house. I love looking out the kitchen patio door, and seeing them bloom though so I won't move all of them! Hope you like the layout!

DH isn't feeling well today, I swear every spring he ends up sick, with a major sinus headache, (usually more than once). If the weather keeps going from hot to cold, he ends up sick. If it stays one way or the other he does better, although he tends to have trouble with his sinus's anyway. Hopefully he gets over it soon, and doesn't end up giving me something!! LOL I am a big baby when I am sick!