Spring!!

Well it may not look or really even feel like it, with the dreary cold dampness outside, but spring is here! The Grass is SLOWLY turning green, the baby goats are scampering around the pasture....that is of course when its not raining, AND.....last night, DH called me outside to hear the FROGS!!!!! Yippee!!!!! *giggle* Granted its still more brown out there than green, and rather chilly, (only 41 F. right now) but there is real hope, now that I've heard the frogs, that spring really is around the corner. I so love the sound of the frogs, its a sound I grew up with, and the love for them has carried over into my adult life. I remember laying in bed at night in the spring when I was growing up, with my window open and listening to the frogs, and thinking how peaceful it was. Unfortunately now our window isn't on the creak side of the house, so hearing them at night isn't easy, but I still enjoy listening to them during the day.

I haven't managed to do much this week, not sure why, but I had a few extra things to do and somehow I just haven't had time to scrap. I sat down today and threw this layout together in psp, as I didn't want to take the time to learn more in pse. I was afraid I wouldn't get it finished if I did that. I really kinda like how it turned out, and at least I have managed to get one layout for Kali's book done this week....I really want to do at least one a week, two would be better! LOL Course I also would like to do some of my other photo's each week, but its looking like this week, that won't happen.

Anyway this layout shows Kali having a tea party with her Great Grandma, and her Grandpa. I thought those photo's were just to cute to be left out, and love little girls tea party's.

Kit Credit: Easter Basket kit with tags from Heart Strings baby girl kit by Blushbutter and the tea cup is from my own Precious Memories kit.

I hope you are all having a good week, hopefully more productive than mine has been, and will have a great weekend!

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!!!!

Memories

As therapeutic as Scrappin can be, least for me, it also can stir up memories that make you sad. I wanted to use this blue background with the lace, cause I love it, and thought this picture would work good with it. While scrappin it, I got to thinking about my Grandparents, and missing them. Especially my Grandpas smile, and chuckle, He has been gone for several years now, but looking at pictures of him, brings the memories back. Its been almost a year (on the 20th) since my Grandma died, and she is missed to, especially her hugs.

This photo was taken by my Uncle at their cabin in Minnesota, before they headed to church. That wonderful piece of land, beside the lake in Minnesota, still has my childhood heartstrings. I love where I grew up in Missouri, but Minnesota was my favorite place to go in the summer. Its memories are wrapped up with memories of my Grandparents and Uncle Orison, and while I haven't seen it for years, and probably won't ever again I can go back there in my mind, and feel the warm sun on my face as I lay on the dock, or hear the boats on the lake, or smell the wind off of the lake. I can once again be sitting at the table, enjoying playing Othello with my Uncle, or having a discussion with my Grandfather, which wasn't often, but did happen, or watching Grandma get a meal. I thank God for those wonderful memories.

I had to work with some pictures of my Doxie's next, as they never fail to entertain and lift my spirits. As you can see, I really LOVE that blue background!! *giggle* These are our two Doxie's, who fill our life with Delight!

Kit Credits for both layouts: Merry Christmas Kit, Creased Frames and Victorian Wedding kit on the first layout, and Alpha pk 1 on the 2nd ALL by Blushbutter

Yesterday morning, after I got the store opened, I went outside with my camera, and got some pictures of the ice. It was so beautiful out there, because the sun was shinning, and everything was covered in sparkles. It truly was a Crystal world, with everything covered in ice. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture the beauty with my camera, I think I only got one picture where a couple of sparkles actually show up (bottom pic with the grass, although it may be to small to see the sparkle). DH took me for a drive, and I got more pictures, some really kinda neat, but alas, the sparkles only wanted to sparkle for us, not for the the camera. We don't have real THICK ice, but its still cool how everything is covered. Course, that is, its cool for the pictures, not the people still without power! I can't wait to scrap the pictures...or at least some of them, as I took WAY to many as usual, but I have to figure out what kit to use first.

One of these days, I really would love to actually learn how to take good pictures of times like yesterday, where God has covered everything with one of the things I love the most....pretty sparkles! (I love almost anything sparkly LOL) Beauty, that I would love to capture with a camera, for later times, when I need a reminder that God is there, and can bring beauty out of pain....or in this case ice, that has created a lot of extra work for many people, and caused many to be without power, including my parents...who are STILL without electricity.

Well I have several things I need to get done around the house now, so I better stop rambling, and get to work! LOL Thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments, I'm glad your enjoying the freebies!

Lots of layouts

I did these first two last Friday, but didn't get them posted here. LOL Been busy but got a lot done, so that's ok, I guess. The picture on the first one has my Great-Grandmother some of her sisters, their friends and other family. They have ice skates in their hands and are standing on Clitherall lake in Minnesota.

This next one shows my Grandmother and my Uncle Sunny, and Uncle Larry when they were little. I think its cute how Uncle Sunny is going to give his little brother a ride on the sled.

Kit Credit for both of these is: Olde Winter Fun by Doxie Designs

This third layout is the first of a two part layout, showing some of our goats. One picture has some we sold, and the others show the two goats we bought with the money from selling the others. I love this kit, and while it doesn't scream "Goat" the colors in it do work great with the colors on the goats, so I decided I had to use it! LOL

The journaling for this layout is posted at the end of this post.

The 5th and last layout for today, shows one of our cats...my favorite one...feeding her's and another cats kittens. They were born close to the same time, and so when they were older they would just find the closest of the two moms, and start eating, so the Mom's would take turns feeding all of them. It was kinda funny to see.

Well I hope everyone had a good weekend, and will have a good week. Hopefully none of you get any of this ice that seems to be hitting a lot of the Midwest. Suppose to be getting more tonight and tomorrow, so be careful out there!

Kit Credit for last three layouts: A Tuscan Christmas by Teri Hanson/DZines

Journaling for the goat layouts: BTW I didn't take out any spaces that were on the layout or anything, so that's why there could be some strange ones on here.

Living on a farm, with animals, means you have to
get used to the fact, that you will have to say
goodbye to some animals, as you can't keep them
all. This spring we took Holstein and Blackhead
along with one of the spring babies, to the auction.

We want to get rid of most of the milk goats and get
more meat goats, so that means we decided to get
rid of the first two goats we had gotten from Dad.
They were kinda annoying because they would
butt other goats a lot, and made it hard for Galen
to walk, because they were always right there in
front of him, in the way. So he decided it was
time for them to go. We used the money we got
for them, and bought two new ones. We named them
Bossy and Chocolate. Bossy, seems to
have taken over being top goat, like
Holstein used to be, but she doesn't
try to trip Galen up, at least.
May 21, 2007

Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I have always loved the traditions of family get togethers, and wonderful foods, most of which you don't get to have but once or twice a year. Even in later years, since I've gotten married, if we aren't having a family get together I enjoy preparing our traditional Thanksgiving goodies for my wonderful hubby and I to enjoy. The last few years, we have had trouble enjoying Thanksgiving to the fullest, so this year, I'm hoping nothing happens to ruin it. My wonderful hubby and I will be alone this year, to enjoy it but that's ok, there are a few family members I wouldn't mind having come join us, but as they aren't able to, I'm thankful we can have some time to spend to ourselves, and enjoy the peace. I hope all of you are able to have a great thanksgiving too.

Last thanksgiving we lost one of our fur babies, she was a wonderful companion for many years, and has been missed. Last year was also the last thanksgiving with my Grandmother, we didn't know that she would go downhill so fast, after thanksgiving, although we knew she wasn't doing so well. She was gone by Christmas.

The Thanksgiving that I am most grateful for, is the subject of these two layouts. Its the last time I saw my Uncle Orison alive. We lived in Kansas at the time, about a half hour west of Topeka, and that year we planned on having Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Several family members were planning on coming, along with my Uncle and Grandparents. However a winter storm came that week, so we thought all was lost, and we would be dinning alone. I was so disappointed, because I was really looking forward to it. Thanksgiving morning my Uncle Orison gets up, and decides to load up my Grandparents and head out to our house 2 hours west of theirs, because he didn't want me to be left disappointed for Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful to God, for getting them out there safely, and letting us have a good visit, especially since as it turned out, it was our last Thanksgiving with my Uncle, as he died in Minnesota early the next year at age 39. It was the last time I saw him alive.

So now all these years later, I still have to pause each Thanksgiving, and send my thanks up to God, not only for all the wonderful things he has given to me during the past year, but also for the wonderful gift he gave to me that year in 1993, of allowing me one last visit from my Uncle. One last hug, one last time of knowing he thought I was special, one last special day with one of the most wonderful men I have known. There's really only two other men that are as special, my Dad, and of course my wonderful hubby.

Kit Credits: A Vintage Season 1 and 2 and also the 2nd layout used a frame from Crumpled Framers All by Lara Payton

Well its a beautiful day today, so I better get these posted around and go out and enjoy it. It could actually snow later this week I have heard, so I want to enjoy it while I can. Hopefully I can do another layout or so tomorrow, before I have to buckle down and cook for Thanksgiving! :) Even though I have pretty much said all that's in the journaling on the first page, I will post it below. Have a great Day, and thanks so much for your comments!!!

Journaling reads:

One of my most precious thanksgiving
memories is the Thanksgiving before
my Uncle died. Its the last time I saw
him alive, and we almost couldn't get
together that day, because of a winter
storm. However even though my
parents couldn't make it as planned,
Uncle Orison loaded up my Grand-
parents and drove the two hours out to
our house, so as to not have me totally
disappointed that no one could make it.

I have been so thankful to God, for that
last thanksgiving together. Especially
when it was looking like it wasn't going
to happen, till Thanksgiving morning,
when they decided to chance coming.
I praise God for those last wonderful
moments I had with my beloved
Uncle. Its a memory that I have taken
out over the years, and held close to my
heart. November 23, 1993

Join us at Blush ~n~ Dusty for a challenge!

I never did mention that a week or so ago, Blushbutter and Dusty Bear Yahoo Groups joined as one big group. This was great because there were several members (including myself) that were members of both groups, and we would send layouts through both of them, which really added e-mails, since we would get two copies of them. This way we can all be one big happy family! LOL If your looking for a group, that is really friendly, come join us!!

I was asked to run a new challenge in the group, so I thought I would share a little about it here and invite any of you who aren't in the group, to come join us!! The quick page challenge is still going on too, this is just an added one!! There is more info in the past messages (well today's messages) in the group, including the download link for the paper and element for the challenge. So come join us, and maybe YOU will be the winner!!! This round will run through till the end of the year, so even with the holidays, there is plenty of time to join us.

I managed to get my layout for the challenge done today finally (started working on it yesterday, but wasn't able to finish it). Naturally mine isn't eligible to win anything, but I wanted to do one anyway! LOL I used the green paper and then chose the blue one because for some reason after reading the quote I was going to use, the blue paper make me think of winter...especially with the white lace on it. Never had done that before, but....guess I was in a strange mood yesterday. Since we don't celebrate Christmas, which was the Theme chosen for this first round, I picked one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, to use in my layout! I really like how it turned out!!

Kit Credits for my layout: Victorian Wedding kit, Victorian Heritage kit, Digi Essential Frame Pack, Craft Scrapbooking Kit, Green paper from the layout challenge at Blush ~n~ Dusty ALL by Blushbutter

On another note I was reading in Luke yesterday afternoon, and found this chapter. I so wanted to put most of the chapter on here, because there were so many things in it, that I would like to try to remember, but this entry would be a mile long if I did, so I just picked a short part of it.


Luke 6


27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.



I hope to see you all at Blushbutters and Dusty Bears new combined group, joining in on the challenges!! :) Thanks so much for all of your comments ladies, they are really appreciated! Have a great day!

Challenge layout, and more for my parents anniversary album.

I am doing the tag your it challenge at DigiZines, and this first layout is for it. For this round, we were suppose to take the frame that she gave us (frame by Deanna Patterson) and make a cluster on it with any elements, then use it in a layout. So I used my mothers pansies kit and a picture from before DH & I got married. Kinda like how the cluster turned out...I'm not usually as happy with my clusters, so I'm glad this one worked!

The next layout has a 4 generation photo in it, with my grandparents, my Dad, my Brother, and My niece. Kit Credit: Eternal Romance by Misty Cato

The last layout shows my niece "helping" me do the dishes one time, when she was really little! LOL She liked to help do them then! *giggle* Kit Credit: Lilac Garden by Miss Mint at Peppermint Creative


I'm slow today I think, I haven't gotten much done (these three layouts I did last night, before I went to bed, I was on a roll, and hated to stop, but figured I better get to sleep! LOL) I have had e-mails to answer this morning, and other things going on, so haven't done to much that was worth anything on the computer.

I did go out and throw a hammer at my DH a couple times!! ROFL He was on the roof of the barn, with the neighbor, and since its hard for him to get up and down, I had to toss him a hammer. I couldn't see him, and can't throw worth a darn, especially overhanded, so was kinda worried about hurting him with it. I guess the first time I threw it, it hit him in the shin, and then bounced off the roof, so I had to try it again! LOL Brave man, my DH!! :) Anyway, the 2nd time he caught it, which was a good thing, as he said if he hadn't, it would have hit him in the face.

They are starting to put the tin on the barn now. Its used tin, some DH scrounged, but thats ok, once the roof is painted, it will stay dry underneath. Lots cheaper that way, thats for sure. Since we arn't rich, this is the only way we can afford to give the goats more room, which they really need, in the winter, when they want to stay inside. I worry more about them, than I do about old used tin, being put on the barn, even though I realize it would be prettier to use new, I won't go more into debt, to do it! Arn't I lucky, that I have a resorceful hubby!!! :) He doesn't care one way or another, as long as he gets his barn. I am SO blessed!

Have a great week everyone!!

Two part Layout, and computer problems.

I have been struggling to figure out how to burn the slidshows I made to DVD the past few days. The software I was trying kept crashing, and now today, after trying another software my DVD isn't working. I haven't called my warrenty yet, but will prob have to. I know it was working yesterday, so thats not why that other software kept crashing, because I did manage to do one dvd of kits, just couldn't do a show for my parents. I don't know if I am going to have to back everything up, and redo my computer, or what, but I am sooooo discusted, because I'm running out of time, need to do some layouts, and get the DVD's done, and don't really have time to be messing with my computer, as Sept 2 is comming up fast.

After figureing out something was wrong with my DVD today, I chucked it all, opened psp and did these two layouts. I really needed to get this kit used, as I've had it for a few days, and really needed a break from the problems, so while I finished downloading Blushbutters beautiful new kit, (go see it here!!) I worked with this one. Its so pretty!

The pictures are some I took when we visited my parents this spring, and are of some of the things in my Grandmothers old trunk. Mom, Dad, my brother and his wife, Kali, and DH and I all went through it together, to see what Grandma had "treasured". There were a ton of old letters from Grandpa when he was in the military, which will be so fun to read, when we get the chance to!!!

Kit Credit: World Traveler Kit by Teri Hanson/DZines of DigiZines Digital Den

Well I better get off here and start making sure things are backed up, incase when I manage to find time to call the warrenty department, they say I have to restore my computer. Thankfully its still under warrenty, incase its the DVD burner, like it was last time. Darn computers anyway!! LOL Course even with as much trouble as they can sometimes be, I sure love mine, so I suppose I will have to live with it! Hopefully I get to post in here in the next day or two, if not....well maybe that means, I'm still having trouble! Have a great week and thanks so much for the comments!!

A cousin

Well yesterday we found out a cousin died. When he and his wife would visit we always had fun listening to their stories. They were big into family history, and knew alot about it. He will be missed. So since the service is on Sat, we will be gone all day, because its in KC. I am working on some layouts for his wife, so will be busy doing that tomorrow, and probably on Friday too. Hopefully I can finish them!

I got a couple layouts done today with one of Tina's kits. The first one is my Dad in his workshop, and the 2nd one is my Grandpa in his. Journaling will be below the credits. Think I will make this a short post, so I can get back to my other layouts!

Kit Credit: Grandpa's Toolshed by Tina Williams

Journaling:

I remember how
grandpa would always go work
in his workshop every day. He
would collect junk from people
like old TV’s or other electronics
or old tools,...anything that he
could tear apart, and get the
metal out of. Once he got it
torn apart, he would put the
different kinds of metals in
their separate bins, and sell
the metal once he got enough
to take to the junk yard.

It always seemed like he had
junk around his shop, but
he was good at turning it
into a little extra cash.

More Layouts, finally!

I managed a couple layouts today, even though, I was beginning to think I wouldn't even get started! LOL I wanted to try a cake recipe that Lara Payton sent through her yahoo group, and make some wonderful frozen fruit salid, which I haven't made for years. Its that time of year, where it is wonderful to have a cold fruity treat now and then, so I thought I would finally make some of it again.

I did finally get to my computer mid afternoon, and got these two layouts done. The first one is my parents on their 25th anniversary when they had a booth set up at Santi-cali-gone in Indep. Mo. I do have other pictures to go with this one but will do them another time, I just wanted this one by itself. I LOVE their big smiles!! I kept it simple so the photo would stand out. I blended two papers to get the background paper.

The 2nd layout is an old picture of my Grandmother. We don't know when it was taken, and actually have never seen another of them, and this one was found in my Grandma's wallet after he died. It was really worn, tattered, and torn, and I tried to fix it some, but I'm not to good at fixing photo's so this is as good as I could get it. However I thought it was so neat, that Grandpa had an old photo of my Grandmother in his wallet, that must have been there for years, and YEARS!! Who would have thought it, he just never seemed the type.

Kit Credit: The Bride - April Club kit by Teri Hanson/DZines at DigiZines Digital Den.

While I was working on that layout of my parents, I got to thinking about the fact that we are less than 10 years away from OUR 25th anniversary. Wow, it doesn't seem possible, and in a way makes me feel old. I think about where my parents were in their life on their 25th, and where we are now....it doesn't seem possible that we are almost there. Ok not almost, we still have 9 years, but still sometimes it doesn't seem like 9 years is that long, although alot can happen in 9 years. Where have the years gone.

Well I've been working on more layouts not for my parents eyes (yet) so haven't posted here again. LOL And will be doing more this weekend so prob won't post till next week, unless something happens, that I just have to tell. Or unless I am able to get more done, than I think. Then maybe I will squeeze in another layout or two, that they can see now. LOL At the rate I'm going, just to get the ones I know I want to do done, it could be another two or three weeks of not posting all of them. Then of course it will depend on if I think of more that I want to do, that they can't see till their anniversary. The reason it is takeing me so long to do these, is because I am taking extra care with them, because I want them to be as good as possible.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Favorite Colorado Trip Growing up

I got a double layout done today, I didn't use near all the pictures from this trip, that Mom sent me, but I just didn't have room for all of them! LOL I'm sure I will be doing more layouts later, but for now, this will at least give an overview of the trip for their album. This was my favorite Colorado vacation! We got to see and do alot of fun things, and had a ball!! And thats even with having fallen and putting a big gash in my knee at camp, just before all the fun started! We went to Estes Park, The Garden of the Gods, The Sand Dunes and several places in between, and my Uncle was with us, so we have a LARGE number of pictures just for this trip!

Kit Credit: Northwest Casual by Misty Cato

I got a chuckle when I was reading Pickleberry Pop's newsletter this morning...ok skimming, LOL I didn't have time to fully READ it. They had a quote in it they called Scrapbooker's Eulogy which was contributed by Sharon Kenealy. "Now I lay me down to sleep, if I should die before I wake, please Lord, let them scrap my funerial great!" I thought that was kinda funny!

I have to get off the computer now, didn't get as much done yesterday, as I had hoped, so I'm off to do some of it today....hopefully! LOL Have a great day!!

Brothers Graduation

Well I'm kinda late tonight getting a post in here. I wanted to give myself time to try to think of a way to change the 2nd layout, but couldn't, so will post it. Feel free to give me any hints, if you have any!! Maybe I should have done two layouts with those pictures, I don't know. Anyway this is my brothers graduation pictures for my parents anniversary album! I do like how I have my brother stepping out onto his announcement on the first page...I always think those kind of pictures are cool. :) Or is that done to often anymore, to be very cool?

Kit Credit: Not Just For Graduation Kits and extra elements by Vicky Morrissey

I think I was crowing a little to loudly this morning, when the neighbor called and asked how DH was feeling today, and he asked if I had gotten what he had. I said no, I must have lucked out this time around....now I'm wondering! LOL I thought I was getting it a few days ago, but then felt better yesterday, and just fine this morning, but this afternoon, my throat started feeling strange, and even my tummy, and now, I'm hot...although I suppose it could just be because my window in my office is closed, but who knows. LOL Guess that will teach me to at the VERY LEAST say knock on wood, the next time! So time will tell, if he gave me what he had after all. I sooooo hate being sick, and I'm such a bad patient! LOL I'm sure DH is hoping I don't get it too, just for that reason. Poor man.

Here's hoping, that none of you all reading this are sick!! I'm going to get off here, check my e-mail, and get to bed. Maybe rest is all I need! Have a great night/day!

My Graduation picures

Mom sent me some of my graduation pictures a while back, for their Anniversary album, so I finally got around to scrapping them today. They aren't really involved, I probably should have tried to think of something cool to do with them, but I didn't, and after the past few days, am just happy I got some scrappin done! I did 4 layouts, because I didn't want to scrunch the pictures up and wanted to use my announcement, and diploma, too, so that's why I ended up with so many.

Kit Credit: Not Just for Graduation kits and extra elements by Vicky Morrissey at Scrapbook Elements.

I took some of the papers, and elements into PSP XI and changed the color on them, to the brighter "gold" color that matched our school colors. That's the thing I love the most about the newest version of Paint Shop Pro. Its SOOOOOO easy to change colors of things, to a specific color. One of these days I will have time, (and remember at the same time) to check out what I can do to make it run faster on my computer. Then I can use it all the time, instead of still mostly using X. I think part of the trouble with XI is the new browser or organizer. I don't like it near as well, and it really slows the start up time of the program down.
I drove DH over to pick up his tractor that was over across a creek toward the back of our property today, so he could take it to a neighbors house, and drill some holes with the post hole digger. And the way back, I stayed at the gate, so I could close it behind him, so he didn't have to get off the tractor, and stood admiring our scenery. Its so much greener this year!!! We have gotten a lot more rain, which is why, but its so pretty. The gate is on top of our hill, so we can look out over others pastures, and fields, and see other farm houses from up there. Its not the same lush green as where I grew up in Missouri, but still really pretty. I was almost sorry DH came along, so I had to shut the gate, and drive on. LOL I know I could have sat longer, but was needing to get back and finish some things in the house, so I didn't.

We had a rain shower come through this afternoon! (I remember those, afternoon showers, but its sure been awhile since we had them!) I can do without the storms but the little showers, are wonderful. We went out to the front porch to sit and enjoy it, but naturally it quit, its so nice to sit and smell the rain, and watch it come down, so maybe the next time one comes through, we can go enjoy it.

Sorry if I rambled a bit, I wanted to fill in the spaces around the layouts! LOL It looks better if there is writing between them all, and this lets my family know whats going on here! Course as you can see....not all that much! DH is feeling much better today, which is wonderful, and I haven't gotten sick yet, so hopefully I won't.

I hope everyone is having a good week! Maybe I can get my brothers graduation pictures done tomorrow, and then move on to another subject! LOL

Layouts and an early birthday gift

Well here I am eating lunch at the computer again! LOL I have 4 layout ready to post already today. So that means, I can get off the computer this afternoon, and do some other things I need to do. One of the layouts I actually finished last night, but the other three I did this morning.

The first layout here, is part two of the one I posted yesterday. It has two more pages from my Uncle's baby book, and a couple pictures of him. The 2nd layout is my Grandpa in his first year.

Kit Credit: Heart Strings Baby Boy Kit by Blushbutter

The third layout has photo's of one of my Grandma's sisters, when she was a child. I just love the lace, and colors in this kit. Those dried petals, and leaves are really nice too. The last layout, is my niece again. :) This is her school picture taken last fall. She is her Grandmothers treasure....but she is also her Aunt Deb's treasure! LOL

Kit Credit: Grandma's sitting Room by Tina Williams

I have had so much fun this week, trying to catch up on my scrappin! LOL I think I am managing to, I just have 4 more layouts, I for sure want to get done this week. So two a day, may do it. Maybe then I can get a little more done around the house! This poor place, gets what it has to have, and that's about it! LOL Good thing none of us are total slobs, or I would be in big trouble. While looking for a title for one of these layouts this morning, I happened across a poem, that fits me so well...well except for the fact that I have no children, but still...

It said it was a new version of an old poem:

Cleaning and scrubbing
can wait 'til tomorrow
For babies grow up,
we've learned to our sorrow...
So quiet down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
I'm working on scrapbooks
so memories will keep.

Don't you just love that!!! It says it all for me! LOL Cleaning, is just not something I do a lot of, and cobwebs, well I hardly EVER manage to get rid of all of them! But hopefully I will have a lot of beautiful scrapbooks, that will tell our stories, (ours and past generations) for future generations. Even though they will be nieces and nephews instead of our own children. If I had children, I doubt I would have the time to do much scrappin. Although I wouldn't complain to much about that! LOL

DH gave me my birthday gift today (early as its not really till Sat). I had forgotten about the fact that I wanted what he got me too, so it was a nice surprise! He got me two more bread pans, to match the ONE I had. Red and white splattered enamel. I love that red and white enamel stuff, and need three bread pans, when I make bread, so have just been using my glass pans, but they were kinda small, so now I have three nice big pans to use, the next time I bake bread!!! Thank you Galen, I love them!!

Layouts and a Poem

I managed to get a couple layouts done today, with the help of some of my country music. LOL I love some of the older songs, and have a bunch of them on my computer. Sometimes its to distracting, but today, I needed it. The first layout is my niece on my shoulders when she was quite young. The poem I used is so true. I didn't give her the gift of life, but am so thankful God has her in my life, as she brings sunshine into it, when I get to see her. I have always loved her as much as I would my daughter, if I had been lucky enough to have one, so she is the next best thing. I love you Kali, and I am so proud of you, even if you hadn't just gotten into the national Honor Society!! Although I am really proud you did that too, I wasn't that good in school. Congrats!!!!

The 2nd one is my Beloved Uncle, and Grandparents in Minnesota. They really loved it up there (so did I, and I miss it) and spent as much time there as they could.

Kit Credit: Amid Memories by Lara Payton

I have been rereading the few Essie Summers books (I LOVE them, and sure wish I had all of them!!) that I have and just have to share this poem I found in one of them. I have loved it for years, and actually memorized it one time, when I had to have a poem for English class, in High School.

Planning

I had planned the meeting of us,
Glad beneath a starlit sky,
Swift compelling arms around me,
While enchanted moments fly.

I had thought of things to tell you,
Only you could understand,
As we walked our way together
In a rare enchanted land.

But you came an hour to early,
And the kitchen floor was wet,
I was elbow deep in dishes
And my hair was in a net.

As I wrong the soapy dishcloth
My romance was all a wreck,
And for one hot bothered second
I'd have rather wrong your neck.

~ Sonia Hardie'

Its Beautiful outside!!

I spent a little time outside already today, out in the barn, with DH, the cats, and the goats. I think we are going to have kittens sometime soon...well maybe not real soon, but I am almost positive my favorite cat is with kitten, and I think her sister is too. So hmmmm anyone want a cat? LOL In a few months, we could be over run. The Star of the barn, is starting to get her bag too, so maybe in another 2-3 weeks we will have another baby goat. Just in time for us to be away prob! LOL Doesn't that just figure! I wonder if she would like a road trip??!!! LOL Take our two dogs, and DH's favorite goat. Yep, that would go over real well! As it is, we will be bringing one home with us. Dad is giving us a full blood boor billy...course he is only 2-3 months old, so won't be giving our billy a run for his money quite yet, but he will grow! However, I really love our billy, cause he is just adorable. Maybe we bonded with him, when he was so sick or something, but he is just to cute....can full grown billys be cute? LOL

Anyway, I got a couple layouts done already too (although I will admit I started the first one last night, but didn't finish it LOL)!! I was looking through a box of pictures yesterday, and found this one of my Mom and I that I used on the first layout. It was taken as far as we can tell in Dec. of 1991, after DH and I got married in Oct. The journaling reads: "Ever since I got married, when we visit each other we talk a lot. I remember many times, we ended up in my bed room, me laying across the bed, and you either standing, sitting on the bed, or like in this picture, on my cedar chest, and talking for hours. I know a lot of the time when I came home for a visit, you would stop by my room to say good-night, or something, and end up not getting to bed till much later, because we got to talking. Those are some wonderful memories for me, especially since when I was growing up, we didn't always get along. Me being a moody teenager and all!! LOL I am very thankful we can now talk about anything, and everything and have a close Mother/Daughter relationship." Thanks for hanging in there Mom, through all my grumpy teen years!! I love you!

The 2nd layout is my Grandparents holding my niece. I think I have used both of these pictures in a different layout...actually two, one for Grandma and one for Grandpa, but wanted to have a layout with Grandma AND Grandpa together on the layout holding her. I think this is their first time to see her, because they were in Minnesota for the summer, when she was born. I'm sure Uncle Orison sent them pictures, but actually seeing her, and holding her, this would have been the first time.

Kit Credit for both layouts is Yesterdays Remembered by Tina Williams

Last night between downloading Blushbutters newest kit (plan on playing with it next, if all goes well!!!!!) and working on this layout, I had an e-mail conversation with a lady who has been a paper scrapper for years. She had a few questions about Digital Scrapbooking, mostly about if it looks "real" once you print it. Not being a paper scrapper, thats kinda hard for me to say. I know I have printed some out, and then wanted to reach out and feel the textures, because they looked like there should be some, but I don't know if it looks like real paper layouts, without all the lumps. If any of you has an answer to that question I would love for you to leave a comment, so if anyone ever asks me that again, I would be able to answer it better!! I don't really know much about paper scrapping. I know I don't think I would want to have to always clean up, after I was done, and wouldn't like the lumps as much, cause they make the book not close right, and the glue isn't really my thing. I really love the undo button and the fact that you can reuse supplies....thats my two favorite things about Digital. Course the fact that its on the computer, no cleanup, and you can make as many copies of the layouts as you want, are close favorites too!

Well I better go post my layouts and try to get some more outside time in!! LOL I guess today will be my outside day, cause I just feel like being out there, and enjoying the fact that its not to hot, or to cold! I hope everyone is having a great day!

Finally got this layout done...

I tell you, sometimes I just CAN'T find the right poem. I worked off and on on my 2nd layout for two days...most of today between doing other things, was trying to find the right poem. I was actually looking for one that described her (my Grandma) but I just couldn't find one that fit, so when I finally stumbled onto this one, I used it because I liked it, and would kinda think its something I would say myself, and she might too. (I am alot like her in some ways) I will post the poem at the end of this post, if I don't forget.

This first layout is my niece last year. I used J3 Designs April Club kit for this one. The 2nd layout is my grandmother and I used Fairy Mist by Tina Williams

Thanks to all of you who have commented (or e-mailed) on my kits, and sent me a link to your layouts! I love seeing them!! You are really nice, to take the extra time to let me know!! Thanks!!! Also for those of you wondering when some Links will be back, all I can say is to keep checking, I really don't know, just when I want to add them I guess. I'm glad you like my things enough to ask for them!

Ok the poem I used on the layout with Grandma is below. I found it here. I have read several neat poems today, while I was looking through books, and the net trying to find one. I may have to make a post every now and then, just with a poem or a quote, that I love in it. Maybe for those times, when I don't get a layout done, I can still post with a poem....if I would remember anyway, not sure if thats possible! LOL Enjoy it!

Remember Me This Way

(Mrs. Lyman Hancock)

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

Thanks for your comments!

Thank you so much for your comments! I really appricate it when you take the time to let me know you like my kits!

I did a couple layouts today, the first one is with pictures from last Spring, of a grass fire just to the west of us. The pictures were taken at night, and I thought it looked really neat, although I was a little worried about it getting away from the firemen, and getting one of our neighbors houses, or even comming over the hill and getting us. Thankfully it didn't! Kit Credit for this layout is Fire Kit by Tina Williams.

The 2nd layout is my Mom (and grandma is off to the side, bent over) helping my brother when he had to soak his foot, after stepping on a nail, when he was 7. Kit Credit: Mothers Pansies by Doxie Designs (yep, my newest, that will be here Mothers day weekend).

We lost our baby goat, that we were trying to get to eat extra. She must have been sick, and not just not being allowed to eat. The poor baby, and she was my favorite. Oh well, I guess thats part of life on a farm! Hopefully we will have more babies this year, because that just leaves us with two.

Better get off here, and get some things done...Catch ya later!