Whoohoo!!!!

Whoohoo....I just weighed myself and I lost 8 pounds since the last time I checked!!!

Blog Challenge

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This is Maya....isn't she a cutie!!!

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BrittBree is having her first ever CT blog challenge. You download the free template and make a layout using any of her kits and you will receive one of her kits free! Head over to the blog for more details!

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This is the layout I made. I used the kit Whispering Meadows.

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Painful teeth

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On the 19th they pulled all the top teeth and two on the bottom. They had expected the procedure to take about 40 minutes...but because my teeth were in such bad shape it ended up taking almost a hour and a half! The roots of 2 of my teeth extended into the sinus cavity and they had to put stitches in...they are hopeful that as the gum heals it will close the holes. I came home, took a pain pill and slept for 4 hours straight....woke up long enough to drink the broth of a can of chicken soup, take another pain pill and go back to sleep.
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The next day I went back for a post-op checkup and they said things look pretty good....but of course they took the dentures out several times and by the end of the appointment I wished I had brought a pain pill with me....needless to say when I came home I took a pain pill and went back to bed.
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Eating is still very painful and so I am mostly eating just soup & applesauce. I am getting quite frustrated. It has been several days and I didn't expect it to still be this painful.

Free kit

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BrittBree Designs (formerly Brittney Ferguson Designs) is offering a free kit to anyone to sends her a link to a layout they made using any of her kits. For more information head over to her blog!

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Ironic

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I have an appointment on Wednesday with the oral surgeon and I am having all my top teeth extracted....that is probably why I found the 'Ads by Google' at the left advertising tooth extractions to be so ironic.
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Dentist

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I really hate going to the dentist...but yesterday another tooth broke so I don't think I can put it off any longer. I called to schedule an appointment but they can't get me in until November 12th. So far it isn't too painful....it is more like a dull ache. Eating is going to be interesting tho'. I am afraid to eat anything more than soup and soft foods like pasta or eggs.

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Layout: Hunter

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This layout of my great-nephew Hunter was made using Fallin' For Fall Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs. Head over to Pretty Scrappy to check it out!

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Depressed....

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Friday night it got down to 20 degrees. We had to face reality and admit we were probably done camping for this year. We started bringing everything in from the camper and we winterized it. And that, of course, was depressing.
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Traveling

Later today we are driving to Massachusetts. My sister is getting married tomorrow. So I may be "missing" for a few days but I should have lots of pictures to scrap when I get back!!!!

blog contest

Are you ready for a blog contest? This layout was made using only products from kits by Paris Designs. To win all you have to do is identify the items used and which kit they came from. Head over to Paris Design's blog for all the details!!!
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Free prints

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Are you interested in receiving 1200 free prints and free 8x8 photo books? Go to ArtsCow and register. Registration is free and you get the free prints and photos books
just for signing up!!!

More freebie quick pages

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Wow....Paris Designs is giving away 2 freebies on her blog! Go to Paris Designs Blog to grab these freebie quick pages made using the Mother's Day Kit. Grab the kit at Deco-Pages while it is still on sale!!!

Freebie quick pages

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Do you want a freebie? Head over to Paris Designs Blog to grab these freebie quick pages that were made using the Ever After Kit. Then be sure to go to Deco-Pages and grab the Ever After kit while it is still on sale!

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Layout: You Stole My Heart

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This is Jeff and Lindsay. I met them at Emily & Jared's wedding and took this picture. I really liked the picture and they were nice enough to give me permission to scrap it!


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Journaling: You make me feel special. You hold my hand. You talk to me...you listen to me. You make me laugh and you pick me up when I am feeling down. You cook me dinner. You do things to surprise me. You serve me breakfast in bed. You make me feel loved…


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Credits: Backgrounds: brown background from Johnny’s Paper Pack by Kim’s Scrappin; pink background from Scrap Journal Blog Party by Booland Designs; overlay from Antiquing by Designs by Lauren. Elements: heart by Josephine Carson; staple from Tuscany by Retrodiva; frame from CT Call Grab Bag by Dana Conditt; word art from True Love Collection by Tina Chambers. Font: Verdana
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Layout: Bea & Jen

This is Jennifer posing for a picture with her Grandma Bea.

I made this layout for the Snap & Scrap Bird's Nest Challenge. The kit is September Spice by RoseMade Designs.

Camping and Dancing

The nights are getting cooler which means that the 'camping season' is almost over. We are camping this week and although at night the temperatures have been in the low 50's they are projecting daytime temperatures in the 70's.

We have been watching Dancing With The Stars and I have to say I hope America votes Cloris Leachman off. Someone on the ABC Dancing With The Stars message board said it best..."I see nothing humorous or classy (at all) about her behavior. She's rude, vulgar and trashy."

I missed the pilot for the new series The Mentalist last night..but after looking at the TV guide I see that they are showing it again on Friday. I'll catch it then. I went to the CBS website and took one of the awareness quizzes....and I didn't do well at all on the first one! Guess I am not as observant as I thought I was!

Layout: Amanda - Class of 2009

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This is Amanda. I took her senior photos and these were a few of my favorite poses.

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite with Flutter of Spring by Paris Designs. Font: Tempus Sans ITC

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

I took the test and these were my results. If you want to take the test click on the link below!

What Your Fridge Says About You

You like to be surrounded by things you love. You aren't exactly greedy, but you can be materialistic at times. You tend to be a fairly thrifty person. You splurge occasionally, but you're mostly a saver. You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side. You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though. You are likely to be married - and very busy.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

Layout: Cedar Waxwing

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This layout makes me think 'Christmas' but actually it was taken in July. Rick and I were taking Devon for a walk when this Cedar Waxwing landed in this tree. And, of course I didn't have my camera with me. Rick headed back to the camper to grab my camera and the cedar waxwing stayed right in the tree watching us. He seemed to 'pose' for the camera and stayed in the tree for close to 15 minutes as I snapped pictures.

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I used Indulgence by Paris Designs.

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Layout: With This Ring

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After the wedding rehearsal, wedding, reception, pictures for 3 seniors and a football game I had around 5000 pictures to sort through, edit and upload. I have been spending every free minute this week on them and I decided to take a break and make this layout.

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Journaling: A wedding ring is symbolic of the bond of love and commitment between two people…a promise to love, honor and cherish. Jared & Emily 8-30-2008

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Credits: Background: yellow background from DSO April Color Challenge Kit by NB Digi Scrappin; overlay (color altered) from Antiquing by Designs By Lauren. Elements: sunflower from Sunflower Freebie by Amy C. Designs; ficus leaves from Bday Bouquet by nyka74; frame from CT Call Grab Bag Kit by Dana Corbitt; yellow stitches from Fernando Kit by Jill & Jack Scrap Designs; heart by Amanda Kay; silver staples from Happy Halloween Sampler Kit by Anita Stergiou. Scraplifted from The Look of Love by neeceebee. Font: PT Whimsy and Lucida Calligraphy
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Layout: Whisper In My Ear

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I've been busy taking pictures. In addition to Casey's senior pictures I went to Emily & Jared's wedding rehearsal, wedding and reception. And,I'm scheduled to take Sara and Amanda's senior photos later this week.

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My shutter finger hurts....can you get 'tennis elbow' in your finger? LOL

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Hannah is telling her Aunt Jenny a secret.
I started this layout for the August 2008 Color Line Designs lyric challenge and although I finished it in time I got distracted and didn't upload it! Oops!

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite. Background: orange background from Summer Heat Kit by Lindsay Jane Designs. Elements: heart (color altered) from It’s All About Love by Brittney Ferguson Designs; metal button by Sooze; swirl from Curl My Cues by Lorene Hill; bow & orange brad from Caramel Candy Kit by Rusty Puppy; straight stitches & flower cluster from Peachy Keen Kit by Butterfly Hollow Designs; staple from Falling For You Kit by Designs by Babette; journal tag from Morning Sunshine by Liz61. Font: Tall Paul

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Layout: Happiness is a Warm Puppy

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The decision to come home when we did was the right one....today it was in the low 50's and rainy all day. I tried to work on some layouts but nothing seemed to 'flow' so I ended up spending most of the day doing 'home from a trip' stuff like laundry and going through the mail.

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Since I don't have a new layout completed I thought I'd post this layout that I made for a quote challenge at Go Digital Scrapbooking last year.

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for November 2007 Quote Challenge at Go Digital Scrapbooking. Background from Diva Kit by Amanda Behrmann. Elements: word art from Peanuts Word Art by Beckie Wallace; heart from 041307 Digital Freebie by Stacy Carlson; stitching & swirl (color altered) by Wendy Page; frame from Unadorned Freebie by ksharonkdesigns; bead from Forest Primeval Kit by Mary Ridgeway; bow from Country Potpourri Kit by Paris Designs. Font: PT Second Grader

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The next week is going to be busy. Saturday I am taking pictures at a wedding for a friend. Tuesday we have an appointment to get the oil changed in the truck. Wednesday morning I have an appointment to get my hair cut and in the afternoon we are taking our grandson to the DMV to take his road test. Thursday is Rick's birthday. Devon has an appointment with the groomer so we are going out to breakfast. Next Saturday I am going to Morrisville. My daughter asked me to come up to take pictures at a football game. And, Sunday there is an 'end of the summer' cook-out at my mother-in-law's house. Sometime during the week I need to plan some time to visit my friend Jenifer and I also want to visit my parents. Yep....a busy week!
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Layout: Yellowstone

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The furnace just came on....it is only 54 degrees out. Isn't that a little chilly for August? Well this camping trip is almost over. We were planning to leave Thursday but after hearing that they are predicting rain we are considering leaving tomorrow. It is much more comfortable tearing down, traveling and unhooking when it isn't raining. :)

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I made this layout for the 2008 Material Girl Challenge at Deco-Pages.

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Journaling: When we bought our camper it had these stickers on it. One day, after a closer inspection of them, I told my husband that if we tried to remove them we would probably ruin the finish on the camper....so I suggested that instead we should just go to the parks. He chuckled and agreed with my logic. I went online to do a little research on Yellowstone National Park and was amazed...I never realized how large the park was. My parents and I visited when I was 5 years old and I have a vague memory of watching Old Faithful erupt I never realized how many other geysers were in the park. And, there are lakes, rivers and waterfalls in addition to other attractions. So, I will definitely be gathering more information, requesting brochures, printing maps and looking forward to visiting both parks in the future!

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for 2008 Element Challenge at Deco-Pages. Background: green background from Indulgence Kit by Paris Designs. Elements: flower from Whispering Meadows Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; stitching from Rainbow Pixie Stitches by Wendy Page; notebook papers by RoseMade Designs; swirl from A Mother’s Love by Lauren Faczan and Amy Brever; pink flower cluster from A Mother’s Love by Franziska Altmann; ribbon & tag from Forest Primeval Kit by Mary Ridgeway; bow from Country Potpourri Kit by Paris Designs. Font: PT Daves Hand
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Caitlin, my tooth and a layout......

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Wow....I can't believe how bad I've been about blogging. Let's see....what has happened since my last post.....

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Rick and I have a new niece...meet Caitlin. This photo was taken a few hours after she was born...isn't she beautiful! I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more photos of Caitlin in the future.

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Oh, and remember that tooth I broke last month? Well, a couple of days ago the filling fell out...I guess I won't be able to put off that trip to the dentist too much longer. :(

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Today I saw the line-up of stars for this season's Dancing With The Stars and I can say I am quite disappointed. I guess my definition of 'star' differs from the producers...I'll watch the premier and then I'll decide if I'll continue to watch it for the rest of the season.

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I have finally finished a layout....the first one in over a week! I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms...haha! I made this layout for the Deco-Pages August Color Challenge.

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Journaling: Christian couldn’t wait to show us the new skill he had learned….and, after a few unsuccessful attempts he managed to get his hat on without any help! He was so proud of himself! What a cutie!
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for August 2008 Color Challenge at Deco-Pages. Background: Spring In Paris Kit by Paris Designs. Elements: blue button from I Dig My Garden Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; frame & button thread from August 2008 Color Challenge Starter Kit Retro Summer by Dana Conditt; blue stitching from Catch A Falling Star Kit by Mary Ridgeway; brown brad from Abby Kit by Digitreats. Font: PT Cuties Hand
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Oops....again

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Oops....I started several posts and saved them as drafts because I wanted to go back and edit them....then I never did. Sorry!


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We've been camping at Cardinal for the last week and later today are heading out to Lazy Lakes until the 28th or 29th. Ashleigh came home Friday and stayed until Sunday. Saturday we had my parents' and Lee & Ann Bennett up for supper. Casey came up yesterday and is going to camp with us until the 22nd.


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This cutie is the son of one of the girls that plays on Crystal's softball team! I made this layout for the Color Line Designs August 2008 Color Challenge. I couldn't get the layout to upload so I figured I'd post it here and try to upload it at Color Line Designs in a few days.

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for Color Line Designs August 2008 Color Challenge. Background: black background from Diva Kit by Amanda Behrmann; camo background from from Camo Mini Kit by Maddy’s Designs; light tan background from Khaki Paisley’s Kit by Nancie Rowe Janitzall. Elements: black prong from A Touch of Turquoise by Brittney Ferguson; black button from Buzz A Bee Kit from Tracy Collins; black stitching by Wendy Page; alpha from Camo Jungle Demo Alpha by iiRe; stitching from Spring In Paris Kit by Paris Designs. Font: Corbel

Random stuff

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Wow....I just looked at the clock and saw that it was almost 12:30 pm. Where did the morning go? Well, I suppose getting up 9:30 am and having your 'morning' only be 3 hours long might have something to do with it. Usually we get up earlier than that but we didn't get to bed until 4:30 am....I dragged Rick out last night at around 11:30 pm to go to Walmart. If I am going to go shopping I'd much rather deal with employees restocking shelves than crowds of people.
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But back to this morning.....I folded a load of laundry and gathered all the darks and started another load, took Devon for a walk, made a list of the stuff I'll need for Saturday (Crystal is having a cook-out for Casey's birthday and I'm making coconut macaroons, glazed oatmeal raisin cookies, macaroni salad and a vegetable tray) and sent Rick to the store, worked out for an hour, took Devon for another walk, downloaded our bank statement and started balancing the checkbook....and now I'm writing in my blog. I guess for a 3 hour morning I haven't done to bad! LOL
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Layout: Mabel & Genevieve

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This is Rick's great grandmother, Mabel (Welch) Marble and her daughter Genevieve. Little Genevieve died when she was just 4 years old and we think this is the only photo of her.
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For this layout I used Art Nouveau Surprise by Paris Designs at Deco-Pages.
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63 years.....

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Today is my parents anniversary. They have been married 63 years! This is a layout I made for them last year.

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Journaling: In August they will have been married for 62 years…and, they have experienced it all…richer, poorer, sickness, health, good times and bad. His eyesight is failing and her gait is unsteady but together they face life, gathering strength from each other, hand in hand.

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created with Mocha Latte Swirls Kit by Valeri Brumfield in Microsoft Picture It! Publishing Platinum 2002. Font: PT Orchid Light.

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Layout: Unique

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I made this layout for the Snap & Scrap Bird's Nest Challenge.
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for Snap & Scrap July 2008 Bird’s Nest Challenge. In addition to the Bird’s Nest July 2008 Challenge Kit by Veronica Hurly Designs the following elements were used heart button from Romance Me Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; staple from Delicate Blossom Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; tag & beaded circle from Forest Primeval Kit by Mary Ridgeway; flower from Art Nouveau Kit by Paris Designs; bow from Country Potpourri Kit by Paris Designs. Font: Corbel
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Layout: Beautiful Dreamer

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I made this layout of my great granddaughter Morgan sleeping using Catch A Falling Star Kit by Mary Ridgeway. This kit, which is over 700 MB, includes 90 papers and over 500 elements. Head over to Deco-Pages to check it out!
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite using Catch a Falling Star Kit by Mary Ridgeway. Font: Brush Script MT

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Layout: Vodka & Ice

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Several months ago my daughter gave me this photo to make a layout with....and I'm just now getting around to it. The quote, "Most little girls are made of sugar and spice but me and my girls are made of vodka & ice" is from her.
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite. Elements: red staples from Electric Urban Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; swirl dots overlay by Barb Derksen, overlay from Overlay Collection Volume 1 by Kris Myers; photo overlay by Lindsay Jane Designs; black ribbon from Embarrassing Kit by Kris Myers; red bow from Halloween Fun Kit by Paris Designs. Photo property of Ashleigh Bennett. Font: Andalus
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I'm not a dork.....

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I was checking my email and saw that someone had left a comment about the 'Precious Little Girl' layout on my blog....the comment was "and you forgot to mention that I took this picture dork".
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Okay...I probably should have mentioned that Ashleigh took this picture but I'm not a dork...lol!
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Layout: Precious Little Girl

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This is Jenna....isn't she precious! I used the kit 'Spring In Paris' by Paris Designs. Several kits by Paris Designs are on sale now at Deco-Pages so be sure to head over there and check it out!
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite using Spring In Paris by Paris Designs. Font: Brush Script MT
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Reading

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The last few days I haven't done much work on any of my layouts. The weather has been beautiful so I've been sitting out in the screen house reading. Yesterday I finished 'Final Scream' by Lisa Jackson and started 'Vanished' by Karen Robards which I finished tonight. Now I am trying to decide which book to read next...I have 'Abandon' by Carla Neggers and 'Almost Dead' by Lisa Jackson.
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The weather forecast indicates that there is a 40 to 50 % chance of thunderstorms the next few days. If it rains I'll be inside and maybe I'll finally get a few layouts done!
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Barefoot

I like to go barefoot...but after seeing this beetle I think I will start slipping on a pair of sandals when I go outside. This ugly guy was on the ground just outside the door...and, although it isn't obvious from the photo he is about 2 inches long!
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Hot!

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We are camping again and instead of going to Lazy Lakes we headed towards the Catskill Mountains to a different resort. We got here yesterday and they sent us to site S14. We got all set up and discovered that if we had the refrigerator, hot water tank and coffee maker on we started to brown down. Knowing that they were predicting temperatures in the 90's (today in full sun the thermometer read 110 degrees!) Rick went over to the office this morning and left a message asking someone to come to our site and talk to us about it. Finally at 3 pm someone came and they said we could move and gave us a new site.....but we had to move right then. So, with temperatures in the 90's we packed up everything and moved to a different section of the resort and then set everything back up. It was inconvenient but well worth it.....now we can actually have the refrigerator, coffee pot, hot water tank AND the air conditioning on all at the same time with no problems!
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They are predicting thunderstorms for tomorrow so I will probably be spending most of the day on the computer.
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Layout: Michele - Class of 2002

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"Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference." ~ Arie Pencovici
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This is my niece Michele.

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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite. Background: June “Clutter It” Challenge QP (color altered) by Mamrotka. Elements: eyelet by Moon Catcher; tag from Whisper Softly Kit by Anita Designs; flowers from You Are Beautiful Kit by Verena Karolyi; swirl from Mother’s Day by Mary Ridgeway; ribbon from Totally Grungy Kit by Paris Designs. Font: Bickley Script
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Layout: You Make Me Happy

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This is Amy and her son, Noah. Amy plays on our daughter's softball team. I happened to snap this photo at one of the games and thought it would be a perfect picture to scrap!
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite
Background: blue background from NSD Challenge Participation Prize by Mandy Mystiques Designs; overlay from Antiquing by Designs by Lauren. Elements: heart from CT Call Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; teal flower, cardboard swirl, tag and teal button from NSD Challenge Participation Prize by Mandy Mystiques Designs; stitching by Wendy Page; white leather strip from Well Dressed Man Kit by Paris Designs; stitched frame from Mother’s Day Kit by Paris Designs; bow from The B’s Have It by Paris Designs. Font: PT Hand Label
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I'm back....

Paris Designs has a freebie!
Head over to the blog to grab the brag book page freebies made from the Mother's Day Kit!

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We came home July 6th, dropped the trailer off and headed over to my mother-in-laws house for a cookout.
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This week went so fast....our daughter Ashleigh was home on vacation for the whole week (which meant I ended up sharing my laptop with her so she could go online), our daughter Crystal had a softball game, several days were spent washing clothes from the camping trip, Devon had an appointment with the groomer, I had an appointment to get my hair cut and then I spent several days baking stuff to take to the Jewell Family Reunion.
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My brother Rick cut his finger Friday but refused (a perfect example of the Jewell stubbornness) to go to the hospital...by the time he finally did go on Saturday they told him that he had cut into the bone and it was infected. He has to go see a surgeon later this week.
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We are dog sitting for Monty & Betsy for a few days but then we are hoping that we can head back out camping. We are looking at possibly going to a campsite in the Catskills.

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Challenges

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Yesterday I took a break from scrapping and read a book.....Carolina Isle by Jude Deveraux. It was pretty good. The July Quote Challenge at Snap and Scrap is to use one of the quotes provided and scrap a layout about your favorite book and/or author. Ummmm.....yea that will definitely be a challenge for me. I have so many authors that I like....Jude Deveraux, Catherine Coulter, Lisa Jackson, Nora Roberts, Amanda Quick, Christina Dodd.....I could go on and on.

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Another challenge that sounds interesting is the Life Less Ordinary Challenge at Digital Freebies....the subject is toys. Do I have a favorite toy or one I still someday want to have? And, like all great challenges this one is going to require some thought.

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I'll probably be spending most of the day jumping from one scrapping website to the next to find out what the rest of the July challenges are going to be!
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Yet another layout!

I made the layout on the left for the June 2008 Element Challenge at Digi by Design. The quick page was provided and we had to use it 'as is'. Then we had to add a few specific elements. I liked the layout but since Heather's dress was blue I decided to change the color of the quick page to see if I liked it better. What do you think? Do you like the layout on the left or the right better?

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Credits: Background: QP 1 from Heritage Kit by Rose Made Designs. Elements: tag from April Surprise Kit by Dana Conditt; flower from Annikas Dress Kit by Samara Gugler; eyelet by Marie Stones; laced up alpha from Designs by Sarah; bow from Country Potpouri by Paris Designs. Font: Verdana

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Another layout

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This is a layout of my nephew and his wife....you can just tell by the way they are looking at each other that they are in love.

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I made this layout for the June 2008 Material Girl Challenge at Deco-Pages.

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Credits: Background is QP 2 from Heritage Kit by RoseMade Design. Elements: flower from Delicate Blossom Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; tag from Forest Primeval Kit by Mary Ridgeway; staple from America Kit by HM Scraps Design; alpha is Pawn Shop (color altered) by Ditters Doodles; bow from Country Potpourri Kit by Paris Designs. Font: Kunstler Script

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I think I get more accomplished....

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I've read 2 books, taken long walks with Devon, baked gingerbread, cleaned the camper and made some quick pages & brag book pages from one of Paris Designs Kits (I'm pretty sure you will see them offered as freebies on her blog in the next few months). And, I've made several layouts (below)......haha....I think I get more accomplished when I'm camping.
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This cutie is my great granddaughter, Tessa. I used Paris Designs Mother's Day kit which is on sale now at Deco-Pages.
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This layout I made for Color Line Designs June Color Challenge.
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite for June 2008 Color Line Designs Color Challenge. Background: Awaiting A Princess by Sheana Whittaker. Elements: blue button from I Dig My Garden Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs: pink button from Butterfly Dreams Sampler by LB Creations; frame from CT Call Grab Bag by Dana Corbitt; blue title block from Color My World Kit by Rhonna Farrer; doodle (color altered) from Doodle Delight by angelfaye; flower from Footnotes by Dynamis; pink gem from Lucky In Love Kit by Mary Ridgeway; bow from Country Potpourri by Paris Designs. Font: Rockwell Extra Bold (title) and Edwardian Script ITC

Camping again

Yep...we are camping again. Shortly after we got here yesterday there was a thunder and lightening storm but today was beautiful! I spent some time on the computer and took some long walks with Devon. Tomorrow I think I will work on a few layouts and then sit outside and finish my book.

Paris Designs Blog Contest

Want to win a free kit? It is really quite simple. Study this layout and then head over to Deco-Pages and check out all the previews of the kits that Paris Designs has for sale. Be the first person to email PatinParis@torchlake.com (be sure to put 'layout info' in the subject line) with the correct list of what items (hint....there are 7) were used in this layout before June 30th and you win a free kit from Paris Designs!!!

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Explanation and New Layout

I know it has been a while since I last wrote anything in the blog. Several times I have started to type something to post but I couldn't bring myself to click that 'publish post' button. We have had a little (okay...more than a little) bad luck lately and I figured if writing about it was depressing then reading about it would be too. We try to remain optimistic and continue to be thankful that the black cloud over head has a silver lining but after a while that becomes really quite difficult.

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But enough of that.....here is a layout I made using the Mother's Day Kit from Paris Designs at Deco-Pages.

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Paris Designs Contest

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Do you want to win a free kit?
Head on over to Paris Designs blog...check out the layout that is posted there and get the details!
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The 13th and a Layout: Lilacs

Friday the 13th....are you superstitious? I am not normally but I have to say this hasn't been a very good week for us. And, because it is depressing to think about I'm not going to write about it.....instead I will just move right along and show you a layout I made recently.
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I made this layout for the Stone Accent Studio Freestyle Challenge. The challenge was to make a layout using flowers....but the catch was that it had to be about flowers that were your favorite as a child.
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Journaling: I love lilacs. Lilac trees lined the property that I grew up in and I would play in them for hours. I would pretend that they were my house. Two of the trees had branches that came together to form an ‘arch’ and that was my front door. The paths and gaps between the trees were the various other rooms. Now when I smell them I think I associate it with a simpler time and the innocence of my youth. When my husband and I bought our home one of the first purchases we made was a small lilac tree. We planted it outside our bedroom window. My favorite time of year is when the lilacs are in bloom and I can open my window and smell them.
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite. Background: Circus Brights Kit by Kate Hill. Elements: prong from Electric Urban Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs; x stitches from Love and Life Kit by Melany Violette; charm from Sunshine Sweets for Easter by Shawn; purple brad from Darcy from the Ninety Nine Names Collection by Phreyfall; bow cluster from Sunshine Sweets for Easter by Adriane Richardson; ribbon (color altered) from How She Shines Kit by Ellie Lash; staple from Garden Party by Kathie Woolery; ring from Well Dressed Man Kit by Paris Designs; bow from Country Potpourri Kit by Paris Designs. Font: PT Diploma (title) and PT Opals Hand (journaling)
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Home

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Well....we came home yesterday. And, I swear it was the hottest day of the year so far....the thermometer in the truck read 97 degrees. Needless to say, by the time we had unhooked the trailer we were hot and sticky. A shower sounded like a great idea until we discovered we didn't have any hot water. The house smelled musty from being closed up for 3 weeks. And, while eating supper I managed to break a tooth (thankfully it was a back one) so I visit to the dentist is probably in my near future.
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I hate going to the dentist.
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Layout: Renovations

I made this layout using Brittney Ferguson Designs Home Sweet Home Kit. Be sure to go to Studio Style Designs and check out this and some of her other great kits!

Journaling: We bought the house knowing that we would be doing a few renovations. We planned on starting by remodeling the upstairs apartment.....updating the heating system, buying new appliances for the kitchen, repairing the plumbing and replacing the bathtub & sink. It wasn’t until after the tenant moved out and we got a closer look at things that we realized that there was no insulation in the walls, the windows all had to be replaced and the lathe & plaster walls needed to be torn out. After that it became almost a daily occurrence to find something else that had to be replaced or repaired...the roof needed to be reshingled, the stove in the downstairs apartment was condemned by the gas company, the furnace failed an inspection because it was emitting carbon monoxide and was shut down until we could have it serviced.....and the list went on. For two and a half years we stuck with it...we worked almost every free moment remodeling, repairing and renovating until we finally ran out of money and patience. We put the house up for sale and within two weeks it was sold. We found another house...it had sat empty for almost a year so it needed a few small repairs....or at least that is what we thought. But that’s another story....
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Credits: Digital scrapbook page created in Microsoft Digital Image Suite using Home Sweet Home by Brittney Ferguson Designs. Font: Segoe Print

Layout: Female Baltimore Oriole

In the three weeks we have been camping I have taken a picture or two.....haha! I managed to get a few good photos of this female Baltimore Oriole.

Journaling: It was fascinating to watch this female Baltimore Oriole try to unravel our rug to get some string for her nest. She eventually got frustrated and flew away. We cut a few strings and left them next to the rug in case she decided to come back. The next day they were gone so we assumed she had come back and found them.

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Credits: Background: Booland Designs Color Challenge Starter Kit. Elements: ribbon with eyelet from Booland Designs Color Challenge Starter Kit; embossed stamp (color altered) from April Surprise by Deb Ammerman; button from I Dig My Garden by Brittney Ferguson Designs; bow from Country Potpourri by Paris Designs. Font: Blue Highway Linocut

Layout: Wherever You Go

As many of you know, Rick and I have been camping for the past 3 weeks. We have to head home Monday. I'm not ready to go home!


I made this layout using The B's Have It by Paris Designs. Hurry over to Deco-Pages and grab it while it is still on sale.

Freebie: Darcy

A special thank you to everyone out there who has patiently waited for me to post this freebie I promised a week ago.


Click here to download.

Layout: Sweet Crab Apple Blossoms

I made this layout with The B's Have It Kit by Paris Designs. Head over to Deco-Pages and grab it while it is still on sale!

Quick Page Freebie using Hope Chest Kit

Do you like quick pages? You can grab this quick page freebie at Brittney Ferguson Design's Creative Team blog.

Paris Designs Information

Paris Designs is going to be having a contest soon! I can't tell you the details but I can assure you it sounds like it is going to be fun!
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Do you like brag book pages? Here is the preview for two freebie brag book pages that use the kit Sun Kissed Kit by Paris Designs.
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Be sure to head on over to her blog to find out all the details on the contest and grab these brag book pages!!!

Freebie and Layout: In A Word

As my way to apologize for neglecting my blog I thought I'd make you a freebie. This one I call Darcy and it is part of my Ninety Nine Names Collection. If you click on the preview below you can grab the free brag book page and if you download please leave a comment. Be sure to check back later in the week to get the full kit!

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I made this layout using Brittney Ferguson Design's new kit called Hope Chest. You can find this kit at Digital Arts Cafe and right now it is on sale!

Cell phones, moving and camping

The cell phone issues are resolved.
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We rented a U Haul trailer to take Ashleigh's stuff to her apartment....now she just has to find time to unpack everything!
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It started to sleet yesterday when we were packing stuff in the camper but by the time we got to the campsite and got set up it was about 50 degrees...and they are predicting higher temperatures for later in the week. So....three weeks of camping. I have my camera, I can get baseball games on my cell phone, I have a box of books to read, I have my laptop and I can connect to wi-fi...life is good. :)
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I can feel myself starting to relax already!

Can you hear me now? Cell phone drama

It seems lately nothing is as simple as it should be. Ashleigh and I needed new cell phones. Go to the store and buy new phones...simple...right? Not for us...so this is a story of cell phone drama.
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Monday Rick and I headed out to our local (I use the word 'local' but I have to laugh...it is 35 miles one way) Verizon store. We had decided we were going to upgrade our plan so that both Ashleigh's phone and mine would have the 'navigator'. We managed to find a phone for Ashleigh but since she is still away at college we had to make arrangements for it to be mailed to her. I picked out a phone for myself and was excited to learn that I'd be able to subscribe to MLB game day audio so I'd be able to listen to baseball games (I love baseball!) on my phone. Because Ashleigh's old phone wasn't capable of the premium plan I couldn't upgrade until she got her new phone and activated it. With that done I'd be able to go back to the store and change to the premium plan. Ashleigh got her phone Thursday and called to activate it. Friday morning Ashleigh called to tell me the new phone wasn't working right....it didn't ring when there was an incoming call. Grrrr.
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So, that afternoon we headed back to the Verizon store. After we explained the situation to the salesman he said Ashleigh had to call customer service and they would help her troubleshoot to see if they could find out why the phone didn't ring. If it still didn't work after that she would have to either mail it in or take it to a Verizon store to exchange it. Grrrr.
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I upgraded our plan and asked the salesman to show me how to subscribe to the MLB game day audio. And, he discovered that my new phone didn't offer the option of subscribing to it. Now I had a decision to make...just forget about subscribing to the baseball or exchange my phone for one that had that option. Since I hadn't expected that I might be exchanging my phone I hadn't brought the charger. And, if I chose to exchange it the Verizon store didn't have any of the specific phone I needed so I'd have to go down the road to Circuit City. Grrr.
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So we drove home, grabbed the charger and headed to Circuit City. I exchanged the phone and we headed back home. I spent the rest of the night trying to familiarize myself with it.
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Ashleigh called customer service and they did figure out what was wrong with her phone.
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Last night I got to listen to a Braves game!!! Whoohoo!!! So I guess all the drama was worth it.

Layout: Heather

I made this layout using the Time Flutters By Kit by Brittney Ferguson Designs.
The kit is only available at Digital Arts Cafe
and right now it is on sale so hurry over there!

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I made a brag book page using Brittney's I Dig My Garden Kit. She is giving it away as a freebie but you have to head over to her blog to get it!