Happy New Year!!

I hope you have a happy and safe New Year!!

A great Christmas and some snow fun!

A wonderful Christmas and hopefully a wonderful new year! I had a great Christmas, I think what make is great for me is when I am a peace with myself and my family and I was. In between projects, cleaning, and everything else that requires my attention we managed to take some time to go to Big Bear. Let me tell you a holiday weekend is not the time to head up to Big Bear, it took us 3 hours to get up the mountain and 3 hours to get down. Morbid curiosity propelled us forward, we were already on the road and figured we would go all the way lol.

Before we could enjoy the snow we had to sit through 3 hours of this!

No MORE PICTURES!!! My Abby got a little sick of pictures.



 

Big Bear!

 

Aren't they cute??????

My girls are at my mom's house decorating her tree and my sister sent me this pic of them. Just thought I would share! Any day now I will figure start adding new pictures on here.

MAMMA MIA, I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!

I have been waiting to check this movie out for awhile, I finally purchased it for myself (a little early Christmas present to moi). It is sooo cute I love musicals and this one was sooo fun I loved the whole cast and the music, definitely worth checking out.

New Look

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short,
but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."

-Michelangelo

isn't this a great quote, I love it!

How do you like the new look, I found this template from this great site (click here), She has the coolest templates definitely worth checking out if you need to spruce up your blog. Anywhoo Abby is sick, yup has a nasty case of bronchitis. We had to rush her to the ER this past Saturday because she woke up wheezing, very scary. We are actually familiar with all of that my Madison use to need breathing treatments every time she got a cold, but Abby has been healthy since day one so it scared me. She is doing well, sick enough to stay home from school, well enough to get into EVERYTHING lol.


I have hinted at some of the things I have been up to, a new website, classes and a few new events coming in 2009 don't worry I will be unveiling them in the coming weeks.

And until I get my computer issues fixed limited pictures.

I also have some awesome classes coming up in January & February, you are not going to want to miss them, I will keep you posted.

Have a great day!

SOCCER IS OVER!!!!!

YIPPEEE!!

Don't get me wrong I actually had a great time with the girls, I had a team of 9 - 7 & 8 year old girls including my very own Madison. But it takes a lot of time and energy to coach so I am happy I had the expericnec and and happy it is OVERRRR!!

Now I can spend my time focusing on other tings like my family and um of copurse scrapbooking I have not scrapped a ting for myself in ages. Bummmer! I am hoping tonight i will get some time to scrap. So that is it for now, I am off to continue cleaning my office.

Have a great Sunday!!

No title today, I had no idea what to call it, since there is no real excuse for not blogging for over a month. But again I will try to keep up on it. It seems I never have enough hours in the day to get anything done. I use to be a total night owl , I would stay up until 2 - 3 in the morning now with my son having to get to the bus by 6:30 it seems that life has completely turned around, I have to get up earlier and then I am ready for bed by 11 or so. Plus my Abby had croupe for about 3-4 weeks so we kept her out of school and then she broke her leg, well not her whole leg lol, just a little bone in her shin area. Although to a 2 year old and to the mother of a 2 year old it is all the same. Point being I haven't had a lot of time during the day to get anything done, so hopefully now that soccer is almost over and Abby will be hopefully getting back to school I might find time to get something done. So that is it I leave you with a picture of my Abby in her BIG BRIGHT PINK cast. Have a great day!

Sad Week

It has been forever since I blogged, it seems time disappears in an instant. In those moments sometimes good things happen and sometimes bad things happen, yesterday my husband's grandmother passed away, after a week in the hospital her little body gave out. She was an amazing woman and I truly hope I have her zest for life when I am 89. Grandma Clark was always up for anything not to long ago she was down on the floor playing UNO with the kids, always smiling and genuinely a wonderful person.
I often joke that my family is a blessing and a curse, I love having them close and sometimes it feels like it is too close, but at the end of the day all of these people in our lives are part of a machine each a unique piece that keeps the others working in sync, the loss of one piece leaves the machine debilitated and never working quite the same.
The sadness of the loss is lessened in the knowledge that she was not in pain during her passing and that she lived a full and active life till the very end.
So remember to hug your loved ones and let them know how much you care and how important they are to you, because tomorrow quickly becomes yesterday.



I love this picture of Grandma, it was take this past April, we were having a BBQ at my Brother in laws place and everyone was eating those Popsicles that you throw in the freezer and can buy like 100 for 2 bucks lol. You know which ones I am talking about, anywhoo my hubby being the obnoxious grandson asked his Grandma, do you want one Grandma? And her response was OK, sure i'll try one. That was her in a nutshell always willing to try something new, i had to snap this pic of her eating her popsicle.


This is a picture of Grandma Clark with Abby when Abby was just 2 weeks old (my little munchkin is now 2)

Getting back into the routine plus I have been tagged!!

Well as many of you have all read I have had a heck of a time adjusting to my kids all going off in different directions, my baby started pre-school, my son started middle school, and my beautiful Madison stayed at her school, thank goodness something remained the same!! It has been chaotic getting use to this new routine let me tell you I am always running from here to there, but I love it! Yup if I wasn't busy I would be going crazy. So I apologize I have been neglecting my blog for almost 2 weeks now but it has been nice to find so many nice comments and I even got tagged by a couple of wonderful So Cal Girls, Ching and Trisha! So of course now its my turn to tag a few very cool people.

First I was tagged by the lovely Trisha, she runs the Yahoo group Who Gives A Scrap, this is a fun local group of scrappers who do all kinds of stuff all over So Cal and super fun to scrap with!!

Next I was tagged by Ching-A-Ling - This girl is a wonderful designer and very active in the local and online Scrap Community, if something is going on in the local community Ching knows about it!!

Ok onto 7 random facts about me, hmmmm ok:
1. I am terrified of zombie movies yet inexplicably drawn to them, Dawn of the Dead absolutely terrifies me and then I can't sleep at night.

2. I rarely wear white socks, I have worn white socks less than 10 times in the last 10 years. White socks have no character lol.

3. I am a Sci Fi Geek.

4. I am a total Fanillow (spelling?) and if you know what the means you probably are too lol

5. I was an Urban Planning major at Cal Poly, with an emphasis on Urban Re-development. Ditched the major when I realized I would spend 90% of my time behind a desk writing reports, although the whole subject is still completely fascinating to me.

6. I love the Harry Potter books, I was so sad when book 7 came out, not more HP for me. I have actually had long conversations about the books with other HP geeks like myself lol.

7. Believe it or not I am a total introvert, anyone who has ever scrapped with me is probably laughing in disbelief, but really I am. Here is the classic definition of an introvert:

Definition: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."

When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.

Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.

So there you have it 7 random facts about me!

Now onto my victims . . .

Kari - Kari is the owner of Urban Anthology a new kit club, be sure to check it out. Nice and tons of fun to hang out with. It has been great getting to know Kari more of the last few months!

Kristi - Super nice and talented fellow So Cal Scrapper and of course owner of So Cal Scrap as well!!

Robin Robin is one of the nicest people I have ever met! I have had the pleasure of scrapping with her on more than a few occasions, she also owner of So Cal Scrap online store, check it out!

Stacy C - Stacy is super talented and super nice, another fellow So Cal Scrapper! I love what she does with flowers!!

Sorry girls had to tag you!!

So much to report.

WOW my baby boy starts middle school on Monday, I know so many of you have been through this but I had to hold back the tears as we walked around his new campus. We picked up his schedule for Monday, he has spend the last 7 years at his elementary school and I just can't believe he has grown so much and now is ready to enter a whole new world full of many exciting things. I am so happy to see that he is excited to start middle school, today has seemed like such a blur. You never know how things are going to affect you and I am quite surprised that I am having such a hard time with this transition, but I KNOW that he is going to do great and have a wonderful 7th grade year.

If I am torn up about 7th grade, I am going to need medication to let him go off to college lol

My Baby Turned 2 Yesterday

Yesterday my little squirt Abby turned 2, I can't believe how much she has changed and how much our lives have changed since she came in it. I wouldn't change it for the world, my munchkin starts pre-school on Monday and it is bitter sweet, at times I can't wait for my kids to grow up and become more independent and at others I just want them to stay young forever (sigh) . . . Well I leave you pictures of my princess.


Abby - Less than 1 day old.


Abby 10 Mos. Old


Abby 18 Mos.


Abby just a few days away from her 2nd B-day



Abby 2 Years old - we took this pic at Build A Bear yesterday!!

So Cal Scrap CyberCrop!!

So Cal Scrap is Hosting there first ever FREE CybeCrop be sure to check it out, there will plenty of fun going with contests, challenges, classes, prizes, and games!! The fun starts on Aug. 15th, 2008 at 3:00pm! Check out So Cal Scrap.

Taking some time to breathe! Soccer, classes, retreats, Oh My!!

Hi everyone,

I have been a busy girl as all of you are I'm sure, between some awesome classes and family it seems like I sleep less and less lol. So what does a mom who doesn't have time to sleep do, well she decides to coach her daughter's soccer team of course, actually I did not originally sign up or this lovely position but seeing as how the girls did not have a coach and they would be disbanded if they didn't get one, (I think they just say this to scare parents into doing it) I decided to do it.

Then oh yes I took on a part time job, non-scrappy related it is like 10 hours a week - in this economy who am I to turn down a job, especially at a mere 8-10 hours a week! I will be working at UC Riverside in the plant pathology department creating media, just an FYI media is the stuff that goes into the dishes to help cultivate different yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Wow you just learned something new, and if you already knew that then aren't you just a smarty pants!

So that is it in a nutshell, I can't wait for my kids to go back to school on the 25th, YAY!!! My baby starts pre-school in a few weeks, I am feeling bitter sweet about that one, I know she will love it and it is only for 3 half days, but she is my baby (sniff sniff). At lease I will be able to get some work done instead of the staying up till the wee hours of the morning.

Well that is the update on me, I will be listing all kinds of awesome stuff shortly so check back because I am going to provide you with a ton of fun scrapbooking stuff to do in the next few months! Have a great Day!

So Cal scrap Friday Freebie & New Forum Urban Anthology

It's Friday so that means the So Cal Scrap has another great Friday Freebie, check out the link below, who doesn't like FREE!

So Cal Scrap Friday Freebie

Also my friend Kari has recently launched her all new site Urban Anthology, if you check it out be sure to say I sent you (Jessica S), click on the lnk:

Urban Anthology

Upcoming class at the Scrapbook Garden

Disney Magical Memories
Date: Aug. 2, 2008
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30pm
Location: The Scrapbook Garden

Class Description:

Join me for a fun morning as we create an adorable 2 Page layout to showcase your Disney pictures! We will be using Creative Imaginations Disney Foil paper and Reminisce Paper and Die Cuts. This class is a must for any and all Disney fans, You will learn how to distress, create pockets, learn how to add faux stitching to highlight a title and layering. Hope to see you there!

Class Supply List:

Black pigment brush pad
Foam squares or pop dots
paper piercer or push pin
adhesive
black fine tip pen
fine tip adhesive

Family Is Everything Layout Class @ Scrappin In Th Hills

Join me at Scrappin' in the Hills as we create a 2-page layout to honor our family!

Family Is Everything 2-page Layout
Location: Scrappin' In the Hills - Anaheim Hills
Date: July 22, 2008 6 - 8:00pm
Cost: $25.00
Class Supply List: Chestnut Roan Color Box Fluid CHalk Inkpad, Black Color Box Pigment Brush Pad, micro tip scissors, adhesive, liquid adhesive, pop dots or foam squares.

Upcoming Classes @ Strictly Scrapbooking

Hi everyone it has been a couple of weeks since I posted, I have been busy putting together some totally fun classes, Check out these two classes I will be doing at Strictly Scrapbooking

Disney Princess 6 x6 Acrylic Album!
Strictly Scrapbooking Torrance Location
Saturday July 19th, 2008
11:00 - 1:00
$40.00






Disney Interactive Layout
Strictly Scrapbooking Cerritos Location
July 19th, 2008
3:00-5:00pm
$30.00

busy, busy, busy

I have been crazy busy and I wouldn't change a thing! This past weekend I taught a class at Strictly Scrapbooking in Torrance, it was great I had a great group of patient and fun ladies who I hope I get to see again soon. I also had the pleasure of teaching a Disney class last night at Scrappin' in the Hills - Anaheim Hills, this was a SOLD OUT class, again I had the pleasure of meeting another wonderful group of scrappers.

This Saturday I will heading out to The Scrapbook Garden in Huntington Beach for yet another Disney class, I am doing 6 x6 acrylic this time, this class is SOLD OUT as well, I am looking forward to meeting another wonderful enthusiastic group of croppers!!

I am going to be designing some awesome classes for these great stores so keep checking back for updates.

On that note I also wanted to add a HUGE THANK YOU to the owners of these 3 stores, they are to kind to come let me teach at their stores and I appreciate them for letting me do so.

So a BIG THANK YOU goes out to Sophia of Strictly Scrapbooking, Elaine & Cindy of Scrappin' in the Hills, & Melissa of The Scrapbook Garden.

Have a great day night!!

"I need some blog Luvin'" contest winner

Congratulations to Julia Hammond, she was the winner drawn at random from those of you who posted comments on my blog during the 1st half of June. I will be running this contest every week and picking a winner at random every Sunday. If your name is posted as a winner please e-mail me at rivpunk@aol.com with your mailing address. Good Luck!