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!!

Shadow Scrap's freebie, and PSE6

Since my friend, Jamie, just started her blog, she wanted to put her first freebie up, and I thought I would mention it here on mine, since her blog is new. Feel free to go download it here, if you want it...and leave some love on her blog if you can!

My PSP XI crashed one two many times this week, so I went around looking to see what people were saying about psp 12, and also looking into pse6. I watched some video's about pse6, and read a few threads on forums about it, as well as psp12, and broke down and tried pse out. I found out that the new version of 12, doesn't do the ONE thing that has stopped me even wanting to consider switching...which is allowing me to drag directly from the organizer, to my page that I'm working on, without that extra step in there, of taking the paper or element to the desktop with the layout, and then sliding it over onto the layout. I know that its not all THAT much more work, to do it that way, but taking it from the organizer, directly into the layout is so much faster it seems, and since that's what I have been used to, from the start, I haven't wanted to give that up. However when I found out, that psp 12 took that away, the decision wasn't as hard to make.

I have a month to figure out if I like pse well enough to buy it or not...if I like it, maybe I will ask for that for my birthday in May, if I can get enough money together for it...ok, not ask, just tell DH what I'm buying for myself! *giggle* Anyway I've played with it a little, and there ARE some things I'm not sure that I like as well as psp. (I do LOVE that it hasn't crashed on me yet though! LOL)

If anyone knows if the following things exist, or can be used as described, PLEASE let me know, either by leaving a comment, or e-mailing me!

Air brush - I didn't use it all that much in psp, however once in a while I did...and I wanted it tonight, but psp crashed on me, so I didn't bother going back into it, and tried to find it in pse. I couldn't find it, and I even did a search in help for it, and it couldn't find it.

Warp Brush - I LOVE this in psp!! I found Liquify in pse, which will work just as well, except for one BIG problem. In PSP I can do the same thing, but it leaves the element I'm "warping" in the layout, and I just work with it there, which is a must, if you are....say....working with a ribbon that you want to warp around another element on the page. So, I need to figure out how to use liquify with the other elements showing too....if that's possible

In psp if I'm playing with things on a page, and group several things together, and decide I want to save just the things I have grouped, I can go to the layer pallet, and pull that "group" off onto the desktop, and then save it in the grouping, either with the layers or in a png, for a "groupie". I tried pulling an element from the layer pallet to the desktop, (just one element) and it wouldn't work, then I tried pulling that element from the layout to the desktop....still wouldn't work....I couldn't even copy the element, as I couldn't find out how to. I probably was just doing things wrong, but that's the third thing I have found so far, that I need to figure out, cause I use that feature in psp quite often.

Last but not least are the dropshadows. I've gotten so used to the dropshadows in psp and like that I can go in and do a dropshadow several times. Like one time I'll do a really tiny one going one direction, then I'll go back and do it a little bigger the opposite direction so it gives definition around the whole elements...then if I want it to look like its off the page more, I'll go back a third time, using more blur. With pse, I think "layer styles" is the only way to do a dropshadow, and I think you can only do one. I need to figure out if there is any way to have more than one on an object....and which setting is for blur. LOL I do like the idea that you can go back and change the layer styles, later on, in case you want a bigger dropshadow...or smaller one. That's a really cool feature that psp XI doesn't have...although I heard that 12 does have layer styles now. However dropshadows are something I use all the time and are also something I'm kinda picky about for myself....not that I think mine are the BEST, but I'm not sure if I will like them in pse as well...I thought they looked a little more fake, although I do need to play with them a little more.

Those are just the 4 things I've found so far that I really would like to figure out. There could be more, but I went through psp trying to think of the things I would hate to live without, and those four things are the only things I couldn't find (so far)...since the drag from the organizer to the layout option isn't available in psp12, I'm not including that "must have" feature in my list.

I'm suppose to be finishing up my kit, but got slowed down, with psp crashing, and trying to figure out pse. I may have to go back to pspX tomorrow, just so I can try to finish a few things up, or this kit won't ever get done! LOL Then maybe I'll take a break, to try to figure out if I can live with pse, in the next month, before I even think of trying to start a new one. I would rather learn it by doing layouts, than trying to actually make something for a kit, least at first.

I have yet to try and see if I can make text go around a shape yet, I don't do that lots, but do like the option. Can't think of anything else yet, that I need to try...but I'm sure there will be something. I did check out the gradient tool....I like it lots better, its much easier to make your own gradient in pse, than it was in psp. Least to me it is. I also like the quick selection tool....I haven't used it much, just played with it a little, but it looks like it will be wonderful for extractions!! I will have to play more with it, and see if it will work, like I'm hoping. I also like how the crop tool works, how you can turn the crop box at an angle...I think I read that you could do that in psp12...but I know you can't do it in XI or before.

Anyway, I better stop rambling and get to bed. I told DH I would rather not milk in the morning, since the kids are still on the Mom's, we can take a break one day a week...and my wrists need it, cause they are starting to be achy. But its getting late, so even though I don't have to get up as early, I really should get some sleep! LOL I do have to say though, that I have really enjoyed having the milk (we have gotten just almost a quart each day this week)and I've had some on some cereal, and it hasn't bothered me. Our cereal is almost gone, so now we will start saving the milk, till we get enough to try making some cheese!! That should be fun! LOL

Have a great weekend!! Thanks for your comments, both here and in my e-mail!

The Newcomers

I managed a couple layouts today, with the photo's I took of our new goats, yesterday. I have to get caught up on this years photos! LOL course that means you will be seeing more goat layouts, cause I have some photo's of our new boar babies too.

Kit Credit: Junk Drawer by Shadow Scraps

Journaling:

We have been wanting some milk goats, and Galen heard
that there was a whole family of them for sale...one
billy, 2 nannies, and three babies. So we went and got
them, they aren’t Nubian like I would have liked, but we
will see how they do...they are Kinder goats. They
are cute although I still like our boars better.

In the large photo, two of ours are looking over the
pallet, to see the newcomers. I thought that
was kinda neat. LOL

Jamie, of Shadow Scraps now has a blog!! She just got it set up today, and has one post in it, but I thought I would put a link here for any of you who would like to visit it. I know she is planning on posting her newest mini kits in there, just for a start, but she hasn't had time yet. She still has some other things she wants to do to it, before it will be fully set up, but least she FINALLY has a blog!! *giggle* I've been trying to talk her into one for months, even telling her I would help her learn how to set it up....but she wasn't ready for one till now I guess!

Also all of her kits (and Lynn's too) are 50% off at Scrap Lair through the end of the month!! So don't forget to go check them out, if you have a little extra spending money. Shadow Scraps has several pretty floral mini kits, that are only $1.50 (as well as the kit I just used for these two layouts) so don't let your chance to get them at that price, get away from you.

Today has been a pretty nice day outside, its been in the 50's and not to much breeze, so while not able to be out in just your shirt sleaves, (well I couldn't anyway) I did spend some time outside, in the sun, with the goats. It was good to be out there.

We let the newcomers out to meet the others, and had to block off the barn, while we were out with them, cause they kept wanting to go back into it. They stayed away from our other ones, as much as possible, well except for the billy. The billy, had to go check some of the others out, and then hung around us bugging us. He is such a friendly billy, which in a way is good....except I don't want the billys, especially the milk goat billys, so friendly they want to almost be in my lap. LOL Anyone who has been around billy's in the fall, knows WHY I'm sure. I DON'T want to smell like they do...and the milk goats are worse, that the boars, and the boars are bad enough.

The billy...we don't know what we are going to call him yet, I said he looks like billy goat gruff, but I don't think DH wants to call him gruff *giggle* and I don't want to billy, cause he isn't like our last "Billy" soooo guess I have to keep saying the billy for now....kept bugging me, trying to taste my clothes, fingers, and even my hair (he gave it a good tug, till I yelled "Hey!!" LOL) till I got tired of it, and started shoving him away. Well hmmm that didn't work, he came back for more, only worse. DH tried to get rid of him, and pulled him back quite a ways, but when he let go, he went around him, and came right back to me. I don't know if he thought I was playing or what, but knowing how he would smell later, and knowing how some billy's can even butt you when you arn't looking, least some growing up would, I figured I better get the upper hand right away so I handed my camera to DH and tiped him (the billy, not DH!) over on his back. I didn't hurt him, but wanted him to know who was boss. He isn't big enough that it was that hard, although he is taller than our other billy...just not as wide. (course our other billy seems like he is rather short)

He got right back up, and started toward me again, so I stuck out my finger and said "Hey, you want me to do that again, with all these Ladies watching?" because by that time, several of our other goats were watching him. He stopped, turned his head and looked at them, then came back for some more fun. DH and I had to laugh at that though, cause it was like he knew what I said, and had to look at them to decide. I tipped him over again, and he had a little harder time getting up, cause he was trying to roll downhill, as he was trying to get back on his feet uphill, so I nudged him so he could get back on his feet. He got up, shock himself off, looked at all the "Ladies" who were quietly laughing at him, and wondered off, not to bother me again, till I was leaving the barn, and he wanted a handout. I almost felt bad, cause I know he was probably embarassed, but I don't want him trying to be top goat, with me...or DH....or being so friendly, I have to smell like him this fall, cause he won't stay off me. DH said I may have to do it again, to "remind" him so we will see. He is kinda cute, although I think our other billy that died last year, was cuter. But in the Billy Goat Gruff way, he is cute. I don't mind them comming up to me, as long as they learn what no, and go away is....and stop trying to taste me and my clothes. LOL I may have to get a water gun for this fall, and see if it works at keeping him away, as well as it does for my parents goats.

Ok, I better get supper started, so I'll shut up now! *giggle* I promise, I won't rattle on about the goats all the time....they are just so fun for us! LOL I hope everyone is having a good day!

March's Layout Challenge on Blush ~n~ Dusty's Yahoo Group

Well with March here, and spring just around the corner (I hope!) I thought I would have this months theme be what you like the most about spring. I KNOW there are quite a few of you who are soooooo ready for spring, I know I am, even though with it comes the mud, especially after having so much snow. So come join us on the Blush ~n~ Dusty Yahoo group, and show us what you like the most about spring!! You can get the mini kit from Lara Payton FREE, by using the coupon code, that you can get in the group.

This layout uses that free mini kit, and I showed some of my favorite things from spring in it. The baby goats dancing around the pasture, the song of the frogs in the creek, everything turning green and the beautiful flowers.

Kit Credit: Flora Fun by Lara Payton Alpha pack 1 by Blushbutter

I think this spring, we are destined to not have those adorable baby goats dancing around the pasture. We lost the one that survived yesterday, last night. DH came in this morning and told me it looked like Mom crushed it. She was in a separate pen, and had plenty of room, but still had to lay down on it. I don't know if this was her first time having babies or not, because we just bought her last year, but I had really hoped that she would be able to raise that one up....I guess we aren't meant to have a reminder of Billy.

I have this problem with the tail's of the black and tan doxie's we have I think. I remember when we were traveling a lot with our business, I was holding the one we had at that time and had to get something out of the middle console in the truck, and didn't realize that his tail was hanging down so it was in it. I shut it when I got done, and got his tail, the poor thing. After that, he could be sleeping in my arms, but if anyone opened the console, his tail would tuck up against him, it was actually pretty funny. Anyway, last night Autumn came up and wanted one of the mint treats I keep in my desk drawer for them so I got the package out of the drawer and had it in my hand, with her standing on my lap with her nose as close to the bag as it could be. I reached down to shut the middle drawer of my desk...which has to be open just a tad bit, to open the side drawers...and all of a sudden, Autumn yipped, and jumped up into my arms. I had to laugh, cause it was funny how she did it, but the poor thing had her tail in the drawer, and when I shut it, it got pinched! I think our dogs, especially if they are black, should really watch their tails, when they are around me!!! *giggle*
Tomorrow is my Dad's birthday, so I thought I would show the card I made him, and wish him a very happy birthday. Happy Birthday Daddy!! I hope you have a great day!!!

The photo's on the card, are ones Dad took. I thought the fact that he caught the kid, leaping off the Donkey was cute.

Kit Credit: Junk Drawer by Shadow Scraps

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Junk Drawer from Shadow Scraps

I haven't made any layouts for several days now, I did actually work a little bit on a kit, I've been stuck on what to put with some papers I made, but finally did a little this weekend. However I'm now stuck on what to add again, and it still needs quite a few things, so needless to say, it could still be awhile before its finally finished! LOL Hopefully tomorrow I can get back to doing some layouts! I really need to get my creativity back!!

My friend, Jamie of Shadow Scraps managed to do three mini kits this last week. I just wanted to show you this brown one, because for some reason it keeps calling to me. It doesn't tell me what photo's to scrap with it, but I think I'll have to get it, if I can figure out what to use photo wise. I really like all the browns in it, a lot of times I like some other colors too, but this time the brown tones really look great and are calling my name! *giggle* The other two mini's have some beautiful flowers in them, (you can see them here in this forum post) so if you like flowers, check them out too! This kit is called Junk Drawer and can be purchased here. Its on sale for a short time! I think it would work great with heritage photos, men's photo's, and even my goat photos...hmmmm LOL that's an idea!

We went to an auction on Sat, we went because we heard there was a Taurus on it, but we didn't get it, it went over what I wanted to spend, which I was kinda glad for, because when they started it, there was a strange noise, so I really didn't want it, in case there was something wrong with it. I want a good dependable car, and I know God will provide one in our price range, we just have to give him time. Other than the fact that I would like to take the car on our longer trips, like to Omaha to the VA, because it would get better gas mileage, I really don't HAVE to have one right now, because I am perfectly happy staying home!! The unfortunate thing is, we have to make at least one more if not two or three trips to Omaha, (surgery and post surgery appointments) so getting better gas mileage would be nice! LOL However God is providing, so for that we can be thankful!!

We were supposed to get snow this weekend, but thankfully it didn't happen, for once!!! :) We did get some rain, but it was just above freezing, so didn't change over to snow. We had it turning to slushy ice on our windows in the early morning, one morning, but that went away, when the sun came up. Our chances of snow, keeps sticking around, which is expected, but at least its getting closer to March, where we can have it warm up some. Granted it can still give us some winter storms, but they don't usually last as long then. I can't wait for that warmer weather!!

Our goat STILL hasn't had her babies! Poor thing, has to be getting close, as its been a week or so since her bag started filling with milk. I sure hope she does ok, I want to cuddle those sweet baby goats, they are just adorable! My Dad has had babies for quite a while now, so I'm feeling left out a bit! *giggle* You can see some photo's of them on his flicker account here.

Well I better get off here, and fix something for supper. It doesn't have to be major, since I made deer steak for lunch, (It was REALLY good!! LOL) but I'm sure DH would appreciate something! Have a great week and thanks so much for your comments!

Spur of the moment shopping & a layout

Well I only got one layout done today, because I had a dentist appointment this morning. I do hate going, but my teeth are so bad, I try to keep the appointments they give me. This time I had good news for a change, and no cavities, so that made me happy! LOL

This photo is my niece, from this summer. I just love the photo, but then most of hers I do! LOL I kept the layout simple, as usual, but loved that background, with the swirls and butterflies on it, so didn't want to cover to much of it up. This is such a pretty kit, with the swirls and lace and all. I love how this layout turned out!

Kit Credit: Purple Promise by Shadow Scraps at Scrap Lair

We had to go get a mineral block for our goats while we were out this morning, course they were out of them, but we didn't let that stop us! Nope, we still spent way to much money, although we didn't start out to do so! LOL DH needed some new insulated coveralls, and some leather gloves, for fencing, and we also ended up getting me some gloves and he talked me into a pair of bib overalls, you know the kind the old farmers always seem to have on in pictures...well they were only $15 instead of $25 so I finally said ok, pick out a pair, so you quit bugging me for some. I think they must be more comfy for him or something, but I never have been to fond of them. Like jeans better, but oh well, its been YEARS since he had a pair, and we do live on a farm now....so I guess he can be an old farmer if he wants to! LOL However since Jeans are still cheaper usually, he will have to still do more jeans, than bibs.

A day or two ago, I also had DH call and see if he could find out how much our property taxes were going to be this year. I kept worrying that the money I had saved wouldn't be enough, but thankfully it was, more than enough. Course now that we spent to much on clothing for DH, we don't have any extra play money left, but that's ok, its good that we had enough to get him some things to keep warm with this winter....that way at least he should be warm enough to go feed the goats, while I stay in the nice warm house!!! LOL The checker, said something about him being warm this winter, and DH told him I just wanted to make sure he would be the one feeding the goats in the cold, and the guy asked if it worked, which I thought was kinda funny, course I grinned and said yep! LOL Cause I'm not braving the cold, if DH is able to, when he has the nice new warm insulated overalls to do it in!! So now we ALL know why I'm more than willing to spend our extra money on stuff like that! *giggle*

Ok, guess I should stop rambling, and get this layout posted around, so I can finish supper! Deer Steak for supper! Mmmmmmm!! Gotta love that!

Thanks so much for all of your comments, here on my blog, and through e-mails! Oh and Kali, I'm glad you loved the layouts I did for you yesterday! Take Care everyone, and have a great evening...or day for all of you just starting your day!

Fall layouts

I did a couple layouts with some of the photo's I took yesterday. The first one here is just a couple of the trees. I love finding a hillside covered with trees that are turning colors, they are so pretty, and remind me of when I was growing up. Kit Credit: Fall Harvest by Shadow Scraps at Scrap Lair

Then I found this kit, I had downloaded a few days ago, and already forgot about! LOL So did the 2nd layout of a couple pictures with an old barn nestled in the trees...hard to see in this small version I know. Kit Credit: Harvest Spice by Shabby Princess. It was a free kit, so if you haven't gotten it, follow the link to it!

I really need to go looking more through the kits on my hard drive, and hopefully find more autumn ones, cause I have a bunch more pictures from yesterday to do. I really need to work on all the pictures from last year and this year that I haven't gotten scrapped, and get them done, so I'm not so far behind. We will see if that happens! LOL Right now I guess I'm in the mood to do the fall pictures, so need to find my fall kits.....or at least a kit that will work with them, doesn't have to be a fall kit.

Anyway, better get some other things done, have a great day! Hopefully I can do more tomorrow! :)

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!

Scrap Lair is Open, and has freebies!!!

Its a day early, but hey, that just means you can get a head start on checking them out!! Come see all the wonderful kits in the store, and say Hi in the forums! There are some freebie's both places, so make sure you register in the forum, so you can see the ones in there!! Click here...or one of the Scrap Lair blinkie's in the left column to visit them! Oh and with the 50% off grand opening sale going on, the kits are super low priced!

Don't forget to check out the gallery and see what the creative team has been up to, and feel free to add your own layouts in there! If you have time, make a post for Jamie and Lynn, and let them know how happy you are they are finally open! I hope to see you there!!

I got a couple layouts done this last week, with a couple of the kits at Scrap Lair. This first one is one of our niece's playing the piano. She loves to play the piano when she comes to visit, and has pretty much gotten as much as I can teach her out of me, cause I'm not a teacher, or really all that good at playing. I've forgotten way to much over the years, as I haven't played as often as I should. But she really picked up, what I could teach her, fast, and hopefully someday she can have lessons from a real piano teacher. I wish she lived around here, so she could get lessons, and have my piano to practice on. Hopefully she can get a piano in the next few years, and is still interested in learning!

Kit Credit: Harmony by Shadow Scraps at Scrap Lair. My layout doesn't do this kit justice.

This next layout is my DH and I, when my niece came for a visit, she snapped a few pictures of us too. I used a poem that I think is neat, on it.

Kit Credit: L'Essence d'Elat by Zyrne's DeZynes at Scrap Lair. Again, I didn't do the kit justice.

Well that's it for today! I hope you are having a great weekend! Oh and watch for a new kit from me here, tomorrow! I may finally have one done, (at least as done as its going to get, since I can't think of anything else to add to it!)

CT Call Reminder!!

I just wanted to remind you ladies that the CT Call for Scrap Lair is ending on Thursday!!! So if you wanted to get your ap in, and haven't you better hurry!!!! Jamie told me she would notify the ladies she accepts this weekend, so you won't have long to wait to see if you made it!! Go here to see some of the kits that will be in the store.

My niece and I

First of all I have to thank Jamie for helping me with the title on this layout!! I was having trouble thinking of one. This is my niece and I when she came for her visit this summer. From the time she was a little tiny girl people have commented on how much she looks like me, and so far she still does, at least part of the time. Not exactly like me, as I can see her mother in her too, but its strange to see bits of me in there! LOL I think she is prettier than I am (lucky her! LOL) but its kinda cool how even though I am just her aunt, there are parts of me in her. Of course I look alot like my Mom to, so it actually comes from there, but her hair is like mine...well mine has darkened a lot more than hers is, but at her age, mine was lighter. I think my hair comes from my Dad's side, at least the color, because I think my Grandma had light hair...not that I could remember that, cause as long as I can remember, it was gray! LOL Anyway I really like this photo, at least I do, since I changed the color! My niece is so pretty, and I think you can really see how beautiful she is, on the inside also, in these photo's I took while she was here.

Kit Credit: Satin and Lace by Shadow Scraps. The kit will be in the store at Scrap Lair when it opens!!

I think I need to clarify something here...Yes I love being outside when its nice out....HOWEVER being out side and WORKING outside, are two different things!!! LOL Yesterday the neighbor and DH baled the last of our hay for this year. We got almost 150 bales!!! Course then came the really fun part...NOT....we had to pick them up, and get them into the barn. I don't have the stamina to buck bales a lot, I don't know how guys do it! I remember my brother used to do it every summer all summer with a friend to make some money. Wow, not me!!! I had trouble helping get our 150 into the barn.

Then the wagon we have is a major pain, to back into the barn. The first time DH tried to back it in with the truck, but its the kind that when the tongue moved side to side, the front wheels also turn...kinda hard for me to explain, I'm not to into trailers...anyway its almost impossible to back one. I know, he prob likes his trailer, but really, WHY have one that is such a pain to back???? He says its so you can hook it up to the back of the baler and have it follow it around the field...he also said his dad had it so he could put a pin or something in so when you didn't need it to pivot like that, you could stop it. I told him he needed to do that too!! LOL

So anyway we ended up unhitching it from the truck and pushing it into the barn. I thought for a second that we weren't going to be able to stop it, and it would run into something, but it did stop. The 2nd load DH hooked it up to the loader on his tractor and it was much easier getting it in the barn that way...then the 3rd load, that was fun! It was dark, no lights in the barn yet, as its not finished, and we haven't got the funds for electrical wire yet anyway, so here I am with a flashlight, and the lights on the tractor, and we are trying to get the wagon in the barn, so the dew doesn't settle on the last of the bales. The door that seems plenty wide enough in the daylight, seems really narrow after dark, and the things that are in the barn already like to stick out in the way more...don't ask me why it being dark they like to do this!! LOL We finally got it in there, without hitting anything and got it unhooked from the tractor, however I wasn't about to unload it by flashlight!!! LOL I'm thankful for the hay, but I'm really thankful that that's over for the year!!! Now we have some we can sell, to get money for fence posts. Oh and another thing I am truely thankful for is it wasn't 90 degrees, so heat stroke wasn't a problem!!! Silly me, I was kinda complaining about having to do to much cleaning....I would much rather clean, than buck bales!!! :)

Speaking of cleaning... I guess I better get off here and see if I can manage some more! LOL Have a great day!

Scrap Lair's CT Call

Yep, as you probably have guessed, Scrap Lair is the name of the store that Jamie and Lynn will be opening soon. They are wanting to also get a CT Team going, so if you like their kits feel free to apply!! You can see the kits that they have finished so far here, in an album at my Picasa gallery. The Call is only open till the 20th, so you better hurry and get your application in, they will choose their team shortly after that. Good luck to any of you who apply!

I also wanted to tell you that my Dad posted some pictures I took this last weekend on his Flickr photo's site, if you want to see them before I get around to scrapping them. They are under Family, if he posts others in there before you get in to look.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm not sure how much I will be around this week, so have a great week ladies (and gentlemen, as I know at least my Dad reads this! LOL), and thanks for your comments, and your visits!

Big News

Shadow Scraps & Zryne's DeZynes are banding together to open a new store. They are aiming for an Oct. 1st opening, which is just a little over a month away! So if you have been wanting some of the kits I have shown from Shadow Scraps, stay tuned, they will be available soon!

This first beautiful Satin and Lace kit is from Shadow Scraps. Those satin papers are so pretty, the preview can't show how beautiful the satin look is. Of course naturally I love the lace (that's a gimme) and those pearls and tags are really pretty. The last kit, the music one, is also from Shadow Scraps. She just sent me that preview today, and I had to sneak it in here, because I love it too. Going to have to hunt and see if I have any music related photo's that I haven't used yet, cause I really want to use that kit. I just LOVE those round frames!!! And that tag she made is really neat, with the instruments in the corner. :)

Lynn (Zryne's DeZynes) made this Black, cream, and red kit, which is the first kit I have seen of hers, since we all three left J3. I had to sit and stare at it for a little while because its so pretty! I have always loved red and black together, and so that in itself would have made me stop and take a 2nd look. However, then you have to keep looking at all the beautiful elements she put in the kit, and the papers she made. I love those red flowers, and that fan. The cream paper with the lace and red roses on it, is so pretty. Of course you should know by now that I also love books for journaling in, so the open book is a wonderful addition. I can't wait to get time to use it!!

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you may remember The Mod Squad of which I was a part of for a short time. It didn't last all that long, for several reasons, but Jamie, Lynn and I were the mod squad, who would do a kit to give away for doing a challenge on the forum at J3. Well as you can see, with Jamie being Shadow Scraps and Lynn as Zryne's DeZynes, 2/3rds of the mod squad are partners in this new store. I still have no desire to sell, I have trouble thinking of things to make, so couldn't really help fill up a store, so they are going it with out me!! LOL Well not totally, I'm here if they need me. Plus I brainstormed with them to come up with a name for their store, which will be unveiled at a later date!

So if you have missed us at J3, stick around, we are still here and there, and before long, I will be telling you where you can go find the other two, of the 3 mods! LOL Course they have moved on to bigger and better things, but they are still the same friendly ladies, you grew to love. Me, well I'm still here, having way to much fun, with scrapping, and eventually may actually get myself in gear, and make you a new freebie! LOL

I haven't done any scrappin today because I guess I got my mind set into the sewing mode, so I started a skirt. I am not major fond of sewing although it is better than it used to be, because I invested in a better sewing machine a few years ago. However after putting off making some new skirts (which I live in at home, cause they are so comfy, and even away, unless its really cold, then I will wear jeans) for a year or more now, so I really have to take the time to make some. They aren't anything fancy, cause I just don't need fancy, and don't want to take the time and effort for fancy, but at least they will be a little better than some of what I have now.

I hope you will stay tuned for more news on Jamie and Lynn, as I will try to keep you updated now and then, with any news that I can! Feel free to leave them any message in the comment section, and I will make sure they come and read it. Thanks for the comments you have left me, either here on the blog, or e-mails. I appriciate them. :)

Freebie from Shadow Scraps!!

Here it is! A Freebie from my friend Jamie (Shadow Scraps). It makes me think of those hot summer days, we are in the middle of right now. I remember seeing fields of sunflowers on our trips to Minnesota, and how my Uncle would stop and take pictures of them, and want me to stand at the edge of the field so he could get some pictures of me with the sunflowers. I just love seeing the fields full of them, with their heads pointed toward the sun. They are so beautiful!!

Download Here

For now the link will be on my blog. Please read her TOU and don't try to pass her work off as your own, by taking her name off the files and reuploading them and giving them away. If she finds out that happened, she may not be willing to ever share anything again, or if she does, only through my google group...or her store, if she gets one. Also if you want to give a link to someone, give my blog link please, not the download link!! This is actually an add on kit, to a bigger one!

Don't forget to leave her some love on my blog!!! I would like her to be able to come read the comments, and know that you like it!!! This is the first time she has had a giveaway for everyone, so leave her some LOVE!!!!

Two of our Nieces

I just had to use that princess kit after posting the preview in yesterdays post, so I played with it this morning. I think either I actually do really girly layouts better, or I just like them better, because I am drawn to the girly things more! LOL But I think these turned out really cute. Course the subject matter helps!!

Both of these have our newest niece in them, and the first one also has her big sister holding her. We were giving these photo's when they came for their last visit!! They are just adorable, I think. I have always loved the princess and the pea story, and so I thought I would use this title, since it fits.

Kit Credit: Fairy Princess by Shadow Scraps

Well not much exciting going on so far today, course its early yet! LOL Hopefully things keep going well like they have so far this morning, because in that case, I will get lots done! However I won't hold my breath, because something usually comes up. Least I did get a couple layouts done.

Its really getting kinda dry again here. We haven't gotten rain for at least a couple weeks, granted this isn't unusual for July, but DH is trying to dig holes for the poles for the barn, and is having trouble as the ground is so hard. He has a post hole digger on the tractor, and yet still has some trouble. Thankfully he doesn't have to do all the holes by hand!!! He is soaking the area with water, and letting it set, just to get them done. I guess its ok to be slow, since he can only do so much at one time anyway, but its to bad it has to fight him. It would be nice if it wasn't so warm too, as neither of us really like the heat, especially me, but I'm thankful its not worse! LOL

More from Shadow Scraps

My friend, Jamie, has been busy making some more kits. I will show you a couple more here today, along with a couple layouts I did with one of them. I'm not sure that I really did justice to it, because my mind was wandering a bit, but by putting the previews here maybe you can get an idea.

First the layout, this is my parents at their 30th anniversary party. We had one for them and my Grandparents 60th anniversary at the same time, and several of our friends and family came.

Kit Credit: Butterfly Garden by Shadow Scraps.

The two previews below are so pretty. The first one is the kit I used for these layouts, and the 2nd one is a princess kit!! Ohhhh I do love that one. I always wanted a bed like she has in the kit. Course now that I have to clean house myself, I know better than to have one, as it would probably be hard to keep clean, when I don't want to have to clean house all the time! LOL

Just so you all know, Jamie is working on a freebie, that she will send me the link for, and I will have it on here for you. It will probably be August before it gets put up. However I'm sure you all will LOVE it!! Let her know if you like these kits, by leaving her a comment on my blog! Last I asked her, she is still considering opening a store, but won't even start thinking seriously about it till school starts. With her son out of school, she wants to be able to spend some time with him, not learning how to get a site open. However for those of you wanting to buy any of the kits I have posted here that she made, let her know you can't wait, by leaving her a comment on my blog!!

I have been busy so haven't managed a post the last few days. Yesterday I was working on a project that I will tell you more about, when I can give you a link. I will be working on it for a while, but will be scrapping in between, if I can manage to get in the mood! LOL Today I received a package in the mail that I have been waiting for for a little while. I can't tell you about it, as its for my parents anniversary, but wow, I was very pleased when I saw it, and will share more about it in Sept!!!! Somethings that you see online, look great, and then when you get them, they aren't as nice as you had hoped, but I have to say, this didn't give me that let down feeling. I had a hard time getting anything done actually, because I had to keep going and looking at it! Ok Mom and Dad, no more hints!! LOL


We had a good trip down to my cousin's funeral. Well other than the pain my DH gets in when he has a road trip. Its one reason we don't go to many places, and its a shame this month, will be full of trips. My niece is going to come for a visit, and we have to pick her up in St Joe Sat evening. I am so excited, and can't wait to get to spend some time with her!!! Course that also means I won't be getting much done on the computer! LOL But she is so worth it!! She will be here till the 26th! Then the 27th we have a wedding to go to. Summer seems to be such a busy time.

I think I got sidetracked. I was going to say how much it seems that Indep. MO has changed. We got down there really early, so were going to go to Best Buy to get some ink, and we drove to where we thought it was. Naturally they had moved, and so we ended up driving in a big circle around town, to get there. We had passed it, on our way to where we thought it was. LOL Then we decided where we wanted to eat, so drive back across town, to where it used to be...yep, it wasn't there either! Thankfully the next place we try is still there. Granted its been awhile since we were down there, but still! Being there, even for the short time that we were, sure makes me thankful to be living here on our farm, in the country! How we managed to live there for two years I don't know!! For that matter, how Grandma and Grandpa managed to live there for 50 some years, I will never know, although I realize it has grown a lot since they first lived there. I am so glad Mom and Dad moved out when I was almost two, so I grew up in the country!!

Have a good week everyone! At the rate I am posting lately, I should just say have a good summer! LOL Things will slow down eventually I'm sure. But don't be surprised if I don't post a lot till the end of the month! (And maybe August, depending on whats going on.)

Please leave Jamie a comment, if you like her kits!!

Shadow Scraps

Hi Ladies, I decided to take a short break this morning from my special layouts for my parents to do a couple with a couple of kits from a friend of mine. She is just starting with designing, (the 4th of July kit was her FIRST full kit). The cat kit (preview below)she did, because I asked her to do one for me. I had, had this picture since last thanksgiving, and hadn't gotten it scrapped, so told her she had to make me a kit for it! LOL She was nice enough to do so. As far as I know, she hasn't decided what she is going to do with her kits...she has toyed with the idea of selling, but I think she wants to wait a little while, to see if she can keep making kits, or if she just wants to now and then. But on the off chance that she just doesn't think they are very good, I would like to ask all of you who like what she has done so far, to come leave a comment on my blog, and tell her!!! I will then make sure she comes and reads them!!! Maybe if she gets enough comments about her kits, I can convince her to make you all a little freebie!! *giggle* Oh and just so you know, the name she is designing under is Shadow Scraps, but you may know her as jamiedustin on the forums! So come on, and leave her some love on my blog!!! I put the previews of the 5 kits she has done here so you could get a glimpse of what she is doing.

The first layout here with the cat has a picture I took last thanksgiving at my parents house. The kitten is sitting on my Dad's boot, playing with his hand. I thought it was just so cute. Kit Credit: Country Cats by Shadow Scraps

The 2nd layout is a picture of a little boy we saw at the parade last year in town. He was running back to his Mom after having grabbed as much candy as his little hands would hold. I thought he was just adorable!! Kit Credit: 4th of July kit by Shadow Scraps.


Well now I better get back to my last two "special" layouts for my parents, at least I think they are the last two, you never know, what my mind will think up to do, that I want to save for them as a surprise! LOL If all goes well, and I don't have to fiddle with them to much, I should for sure be done by the 4th!! LOL I am behind on some others I need to do, so hopefully these go well.

I hope all of you have had a great weekend, and those of you who have been getting LOTS of rain, hopefully your not under to much water! Jamie said they have gotten over 15 inches in the last 4 days! Wow, that's just way to much, nothing like going from a drought to, to much rain!

Anyway, don't forget to leave Jamie some love if you like her kits!! You never know, it could convince her that people would buy her things, and that she shouldn't just hid them away, only letting a few people have them!! I'm trying to convince her to start her own blog, but until then, I guess I will show you what she is doing on here! LOL