CindyLou

Joker

2009-08-26T20:27:00.002-07:00

Joker is what I titled this layout of McKenzie. She is our little joker.
I used Patty's Designs "Pocket Full of Posies" available exclusively at Plain Digital Wrapper.
I also used a template by the Ikea Goddess.

Hope everyone is having a good week.

Thanks,
CindyLou

Bad Blogger again!!

2009-08-16T16:03:00.003-07:00

Sorry folks got stuck on Facebook...thanks to my lovely friends and family. LOL!! Just giving you all a hard time.
One of these days I will find the perfect balance (NOT). Won't ever happen, but I could use a lot of improvement. I haven't done any layouts in a long time either. Kinda lost my Mojo for a while. Hopefully, I will get it back soon!!!

I have some awesome photos to scrap so now I just need to sit down and stay off of FaceBook!!

Here is a sampling of a few of the photos:

In this photo there are 4 generations! What a wonderful afternoon to enjoy with family.
This photo is the sons with their wives and children!

Thanks for listening to my rambling. Talk to all of you soon!

CindyLou

Time for challenges!!

2009-07-01T15:04:00.002-07:00

The way that I get most of my layouts done is by using the challenges at the different sites that I enjoy visiting. If you need inspiration just check out a few of the challenges at:
http://www.prettyscrappy.com/vforum/forumdisplay.php?f=7
http://kjoistudios.com/messages/index.php#3
and soon they will restart the challenges at:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=177

Hope this will help someone out of an inspirational rut!!

Have a great day!
CindyLou

Nature's Garden Blog Train!!

2009-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

We are doing another awesome blog train for Design's by Angel's newest kit
"Nature's Garden".
Here is a layout that I made with it from a photo from the Children's museum of my very happy great niece!!

Isn't this the cutest kit!! I had a lot of fun making the layout and also making a quick page for everyone. Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to stop by and see what the other ladies have for you!!

Angelhttp://scrappingwithangel.blogspot.com/">Angel>
Cindyhttp://cindylou333.blogspot.com/">Cindy>
Kayhttp://grandmaspixels.blogspot.com/">Kay>
Helenhttp://www.helenparker.blogspot.com/">Helen>
Kimhttp://scrapdreagonshoard.blogspot.com/">Kim>
Lisahttp://lifesjustlikethat-lisa.blogspot.com/">Lisa>

Here is the link to the QP, hope you enjoy and please leave a comment!
http://www.4shared.com/file/113300070/f7094a39/cyocom_natureswonder_QP1.html

There is a also a coupon to use for $1.50 off of this kit!! Just put in GARDEN_69 at the check-out.

Thanks and have a great day.

CindyLou

Nature's Garden Blog Train!!

2009-06-26T07:24:00.001-07:00

Big Thank You

2009-06-09T16:01:00.004-07:00

I would like to give a big shout out too all the wonderful designers that have given me and many other scrapbookers their wonderful kits to use. If you would be interested in winning some of these type of wonderful prizes just link here:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=31
It is the Happy Place at Digishoptalk and boy it can make you happy!!

Night and Day by Thaliris Designs
Available at:
http://digital-crea.fr/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=2650&zenid=8cf4899988f57f3f29b65499f8e38c98

A Better Day by Christie Lemmon's Designs

available here:
http://inspiration-lane.com/boutique/product.php?productid=17759&cat=0&page=1

Be Content by Laura M Designs
Available here:
http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/product.php?productid=779&cat=0&page=1

Clouds 03 and Wave Paper Template both by Designs by Ramona

Available at:
http://sweetscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_98&products_id=5536

Available at:
http://sweetscrapshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_98&products_id=5533

Crush On You by Jennifer Fox Designs

available at:
http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=21237&cat=0&page=1

Dragonfly Summer by Graham Like The Cracker

available here:
http://www.gingerscraps.net/shopcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=125

Wish Big by Jeanette Bollinger Designsavailable here:
http://www.enchantedstudioscraps.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1010&cat=0&page=1

All of these kits have been fabulous! I will have to quit entering for the drawings just so I can get caught up on the kits! They are all wonderful. I will post layouts as I go along!!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Hugs,
CindyLou

On A Roll

2009-06-06T20:57:00.004-07:00

I actually went to a chat tonight! Woohoo!!
Colin managed to turn my power source off in the middle of it, but who can resist a big green button when Mom didn't push it back far enough???
So I am actually in the middle of another layout right now. I'll have to wait until the kids get up in the morning to take the picture that I need to complete it. Daddy's Shoes is the name of the layout. Colin is obsessed right now with walking in anyone's shoes! He loves shoes so it will be perfect.
Artist in Training is a layout that I made for a challenge at K-Joi. Joi of Learning challenge asked us to make a layout not using any 90 degree angles, except for the background. I had a ball making this layout.

I used Patty Webb's aka Patty's Designs "Gone Buggy" available at ScrapOutsidetheBox.

http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=90&cat=0&page=3

I also used her template from when she was Designer of the month at ScrapOutsidetheBox.
It was a square template but I just changed it up a little.

The kids had a great time so it was a lot of fun to scrap this one!!

Hope everyone is doing well.

CindyLou

Trip to the Zoo

2009-06-06T15:49:00.004-07:00

The kids had a great time at the zoo! We bought an annual pass so we will be here a lot at least this year!

I used 2 different techniques for the challenge.
1. Dodge and burn tool for the pocket.
2. Clone stamp for the photo to the left of Amanda sitting in the gorillas lap. The lighting for the photo was very bright so I used the clone stamp to duplicate some of the backgrounds off of the other photos.

I used a sketch that was available for the Sketch challenge at K-Joi for the month of June.

Kit used:
A Frog in My Pocket by Patty Webb aka Patty's Designs
available at SOTB or K-Joi
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=977&cat=0&page=1
or
http://kjoistudios.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_495&products_id=2946

Layout finally!

2009-05-17T13:58:00.006-07:00

I finally managed to do a layout! Life is good!

I used "Floral Delight" by Patty Webb, available exclusively at Plain Digital Wrapper.
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=4261&cat=0&page=1

Text path by just2morethings.blogspot.com
Template by Fryske's Template Challenge for April

I also remembered that I had done a few other layouts for challenges at K-Joi.

My passed away about 20 years ago and she never did like her picture taken so this was quite the challenge. I loved to do this though.
Journaling reads:
Mom was always a puzzle to me. Here she is in her favorite chair sitting by the wood stove in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Picture taken in 1985.

Journaling reads:
All you kids had so much fun last year in the pool. I can not wait to have you all playing again. Another year older. May '08

Template#3 by MandaGirl
Text path by Kimberly Geswein

Both of these layouts are made with Laughter Therapy a collaboration kit from the wonderful designers at K-Joi.Here is my list of the good and bad things about being a Mommy.
I used the NSD Mega Freebie by PixieMama Designs.
Word Art by Lori Imel
It is amazing what a year can do in a child's life. What an awesome change in just a year.
Template by SandEz Creationz
Credit for both of these layouts:
Forever Bliss by April Dawn and Lizard Dau DesignsLook Who is Turning 90 is a layout I did for my DH's Grandmother. The absolute sweetest lady I have ever met!!
A super special thank you goes to SandEz Creationz for giving me the chicken wire that I just absolutely had to have to make this card.
I used White Noise by Lizard Dau Designs

I can't wait to go to Portland to celebrate this wonderful day with her and her family.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. We will talk to you all soon.

CindyLou

2009-05-16T23:35:00.003-07:00

The kids came to see me at work on this day while we were making projects for Earth day. Of course Colin is trying to eat the marker while McKenzie is running around telling everyone in the store that I am her, Mom.

McKenzie is getting so big. She put this whole puzzle together by herself. It has 32 pieces and at first she was a little intimidated by it, but now she asks for other puzzles to do from the store.

Colin is my little reader. He loves to read. And isn't that little dimple just the cutest! I love his little faces that he makes and he is getting quite the personality.

Ok, well I'm off to try to get some sleep once again. Having a hard time getting to sleep tonight, must be the fresh air from earlier today, playing at the park!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

CindyLou

Quick Hello to everyone

2009-05-16T23:11:00.002-07:00

I have seriously neglected my blog lately. A very dear friend found my blog and I am sad to say that they found it at the worst time. I have not updated it for 2 months so I guess I really should get on the ball and start documenting somethings in my life. I love to share my life with friends and family. So back to the grind stone for me the BAD BLOGGER!!
Good to hear from you also!

I will put in some new layouts and maybe a picture or two tomorrow!

Have a great night,

CindyLou

Looking for Brag Book page

2009-03-30T14:58:00.002-07:00

If you are here looking for the Brag book page just scroll down a little more and you will see it!! Thanks for visiting!!

Scrapbook Expo

2009-03-22T10:43:00.002-07:00

My sisters and I along with one of my great niece's went to the Scrapbook Expo yesterday. We had so much fun. It is one of the few times we can all get together and just chat. Life has gotten so busy for all of us that we rarely get together anymore. Between family, school, and scrapbooking life has just gotten a little crazy. I'm so glad that we had the chance to get together even if it was just for only one day. I will post some pictures later today (Hopefully)! I still gotta get back to cleaning the house. Took a day off yesterday now I gotta make up for lost time. LOL!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend,

CindyLou

Blog Train!!

2009-03-16T19:05:00.016-07:00

> Blog Addresses
> Angel
> Breanne
> Cindy
> Helen
> Kay
> Kim
> Lisa
> Melissa

> Coupon/Sales
Angel is also offering some great deals for purchasing this new kit! Check out the coupon code she is offering...Want more?? Want it for FREE?? Well, check this out.....Now, on to the BLOG TRAIN! How would you like to get enough Brag Book pages to make an album....for FREE? All you have to do is ride the train from one stop (blog) to the next and pick up your FREE BRAG BOOK PAGE. Each page is created using the Spring Awakenings Kit so all your pages will coordinate. Below my FREEBIE BB page are the links to all the stops. Hope you enjoy the ride....don't forget to leave some love in the comments section at each stop to say "thank you" to the ladies who worked hard to make this possible.

Here is my BB to download.

http://www.4shared.com/file/94349157/56372d78/Spring_Awakening_Blog_BB_copy.html

Enjoy the train!

CindyLou

Ocean Wonders

2009-02-23T17:46:00.003-07:00

I wanted to show off these layouts using Ocean Wonders by my newest designer, Angel.

We spent time on the Oregon coast when we lived in Portland. I just love the way these turned out with this beautiful kit.
It will be available March 1 at Pretty Scrappy and K-Joi. Go look and see what other beautiful kits that she has to offer.

I will post more later.

Love,
CindyLou

New Kit

2009-02-16T20:39:00.005-07:00

Long Ago is a brand new kit by Patty Webb at ScrapOutsideTheBox.
It is full of brown, orange, green, and yellow. Perfect for those heritage photos that we all have around to scrap.

I made a couple of layouts to show this kit off for Patty, plus it made me dig into my old photos.
This one I also made into a quickpage and I got permission to give it away to all my wonderful visitors. So please take a look and if you download it please remember to leave some loves.

Link to download is:
http://www.4shared.com/get/88041292/c0841809/PWEBB_LongAgo_QP_CinLou333.html

Also here is the link to the kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=790&cat=0&page=1
1/2 off for a limited time ((That means it is only $2.50)) So Hurry!!

Thanks for looking,

CindyLou

Freebie for you!

2009-02-14T14:02:00.002-07:00

I have a freebie for everyone that reads my blog that would like a quick page. This is a quick page that I created using Juicy Pop by Creations by Rachael B. It is available by going to Pretty Scrappy. There are actually several different quickpages and hybrid projects to get off of the gallery. You just need to log on and go check them out. There are two kits that the participants are working with for each challenge. We are in week 2 of the challenge. Hopefully, I will get to move on to the next week, but no guarantee. The freebies are available until Thursday so hurry.
Here is the link:
http://prettyscrappy.com/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/555

No Longer Available!

Oh and while you are there don't forget to vote! Vote for whichever one is the best. Don't feel obligated to vote for mine. Personally I voted for the Bee Coffee Tumbler!! Too cute now I got to get a mug to put it in.

2009-02-13T11:36:00.004-07:00

I had this passed on to me by Angel who is a designer at Pretty Scrappy. For anyone who reads my blog they have got some great deals and fabulous designers.

www.prettyscrappy.com

I started making layouts for Designs by Angel. This is a beautiful kit that caught my eye right away. She sells at Pretty Scrappy and K-Joi. I have the link to her blog on the right side of my blog so go check it out.
I love the dark reds mixed with purple in this LO! It was perfect for the quote and the photo.

This is probably one of my favorite layouts right now. It was simple but beautiful in expression.

Thanks for looking today and I will post more later.

CindyLou

A Freebie

2009-01-30T21:23:00.004-07:00

I have a freebie to give out.

Here is the link in 4Shared:

http://www.4shared.com/file/83359147/7b410b99/Tough_Boy_QP_copy.html

Quick page was made with Tough Little Guy.
Kit made by participants at Scrap Outside the Box's Friday Night Live Chat
Here is the link to the forum for more information and pieces to the kit.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6457

I do believe registering and login is required but it is an awesome site.

Thanks for looking!

CindyLou

I've been Challenged!

2009-01-29T12:56:00.003-07:00

I've been Challenged!

Ok, I have had someone challenge me! I saw this somewhere else and thought this was cool.

This is the challenge

Go to your photo folder in your computer.

Go to the 6th folder of photos.

Go to the sixth picture.

Put the picture on your blog and description of it.

Invite six friends to join the challenge.

Link them in your blog and let them know they have been challenged.

Ok, so here is my picture
This was one of Colin's first trips to the Children's Museum. 4/08/08 He couldn't get around too well (he was still crawling) so he mostly just hung out on my lap and watched all the people and activity.

I am tagging:

Patty Webb of Patty's Designs

Samantha Brown

DeDe Smith of DesignZ by DeDe

Thanks and have a great day!

CindyLou
Now he loves to go to the museum to just run around and play with all the other kids.

More Layouts

2009-01-26T15:57:00.007-07:00

Week 3

We have had a pretty uneventful week.

Again I used DeDe Smiths Digital 365 to make these layouts. I am trying to do one theme for each month. Hopefully it will work out at the end of the year to make a nice scrapbook.

This was a fun layout done in an hour. It was at a chat with Colie at Scrap Outside The Box. She is the Designer of the Month for January; boy has she had some great deals and giveaways too. I think I have picked up at least 1/2 of her store. Thank goodness for prizes that I have won and gift certificates that I have received for playing at SOTB.
The layout is made with Gabby's Dream by Colie's Corner.
She also gave us the template to use at the speedy crop.

I loved this template so much that I flipped it and did a matching layout of Christmas for Colin.
Again I used one of Colie's kits!!
Chill Out Remix is a fun and really boy kit; perfect for my guys.

Everyone is doing good today. Colin is feeling much better. He is getting into things just like the old Colin. Too funny!! McKenzie is playing her games on the computer. Amazing how quick they learn new things. (I wish I could learn new things that quick!)
Tim is sleeping, he has to work again tonight so he needs all the rest he can get for tonight.
I'm just happy scrapping away.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Love all,
CindyLou

18 Layouts done

2009-01-21T12:09:00.003-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I have gotten so many layouts done this month.
The inspiration that is on all the different sites is amazing. I love to go to different stores and galleries and see what everyone is doing. I am learning to try new techniques. I have completed all but one challenge at Scrap Outside the Box and have done several at K-Joi also. I really enjoy the time I spend on my layouts and seeing what I can come up with that is different.

This first layout is called Angels and Man. It was a scraplift challenge at SOTB.
I just love this word art and his photo turned out pretty good. I think!!

Credits for this one go to:
Stephanie Broccolo for her amazing kit:
Just Breathe available at SOTB

I used word art by
Annie's Little Footprints "Pooh's Promise"
JC Designs "Babies"This one was a Lyrical Challenge from K-Joi from a Nat King Cole song.
I thought the photos were very fitting to the Word Art.
Speaking of Word Art, it was created by TragedyScrapinAnne
Kit is Purple Green by Schappy's Designs both available at K-Joi

Resolutions 2009

In 2008 I have learned 2 things.
1. I've learned to be more relaxed when I'm away from kids.
2. To take more photos of me.

Credits:
Signature Collaboration kit here at ScrapOutsidethebox.
Template by jenjen sotbfab50_01

I have several other layouts but I will keep this post rather short. Just a quick update on the family. McKenzie is feeling much better. Her eyes are healing up beautifully. We have another appointment in about 3 weeks. She hasn't complained about them in several days and the red is almost gone. Woohoo!
Colin has had a little bit of a stomach bug the last 3 days. He seems to be on the mend now, but we had to reschedule his 15 month check-up until next week. I didn't want to give him shots when he was already feeling bad. Poor little guy, he has never been a baby that gets sick. This is the first time he has ever vomitted, so he was pretty scared. Other than that we have been healthy and happy.

I will have another layout for the 365 challenge sometime today or tomorrow. I really have been taking pictures everyday. LOL!!

Talk to you all soon,
Love,
CindyLou

365 Layouts

2009-01-14T16:28:00.006-07:00

I have managed to get the first 2 weeks of the year done so far! Woohoo!! Maybe if I can just keep up with it, I may just get it accomplished.

I managed to take a photo almost every day. It is hard to get into the habit of taking photos on a whim for no special occasion. I am having fun learning how to use my new camera that Tim got me for Christmas. I love the fact that it is soooo small.

The credit for these layouts really goes to DeDe Smith for her awesome new kit.
Digital 365 is an amazing kit that makes doing these layouts so easy (and I am all about easy lately!) Her kits are available at 3Scrapateers, Divine Digitals, and on her blog on my side bar.
Go Look!!

She is also a local girl! I have actually met her at an Expo. She is so sweet and kind. Go leave some love and check out her blog!!

Don't forget you can click on the phot to enlarge it to read the journaling.

Love you all,
CindyLou

Picture from the day after Surgery

2009-01-10T19:08:00.003-07:00

Here is a picture of my little one after her surgery.

Day one is a layout that I made to remember how miserable the poor little thing must have felt. This was actually her smile for the day. Most of the day was spent laying on the couch watching TV and just kicking back.
Credits:
Welcome kit by By God's Design at K-Joi Studio
and no I didn't change anything in the photo; her eyes really were that red.

I will post more pictures soon.

I am also working on the 365 day challenge using DesignZ by DeDe awesome kit.

Available at any of these stores or her blog on my sidebar.
http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=6432
http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13656
http://divinedigital.com/boutique/product.php?productid=9252&cat=395&page=1

Hugs,
CindyLou

Surgery

2009-01-08T08:45:00.005-07:00

I have forgotten to mention that you can click on the photos and they will enlarge also. I always forget to say anything and forgot to go in today too. But I came back just for all of you.

McKenzie had her eye surgery and all went well. She went to the hospital Tuesday at 12:30 and we were home by 9pm. The surgery went very well and she is up and running around. The doctor gave us some pain medicine to give to her, but she really doesn't like taking it. When she starts to get really irritable then I kind of force the issue, but there is no reason for her to be in pain. She looks horrible, but it really doesn't seem to bother her much.

We went in for the doctor to check her yesterday. The assistant was the one that we actually worked with on the check-up. He said that it all looked great and that we would see them next week.

My Girl was a super fun LO to make. I used a template by Garden Girl Designs available at:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?p=70143#post70143
Jill DZines Baby's First Year at NDISB available after the 9th of January.
Font: Rickles and Not His Angel
Journaling reads:
McKenzie grew up with me saying strike a pose. This generation is going to be photographed to the max. It is fabulous. hahaha!!
As a scrap booking Mom I think that photos are great but I have a feeling when the kids become teenagers they aren't going to think it is so great. I just can't help myself.
My Dad My Hero was another challenge at SOTB this was the ad challenge for January. I used Rugged from Patty's Designs available here:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=587&cat=0&page=1

Feel the Touch was a layout that I had been hoping to make. The lyrical challenge fit perfectly for the title. The song is Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band. It sounds like a horrible song but it really isn't bad at all. I actually enjoyed it. I just love this photo of us together. I used template5 by Choukette, Signature Collaboration kit at SOTB, Feel the touch a a precious child, Colin and Cindy at the Children's museum September 13, 2008

Link to Lyrical challenge:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6576
Link to Collaboration Signature kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=229&cat=42&page=1

Whew! It looks like I've been busy. This is taking longer than I thought it would.

Anyhow, the calender page is also a SOTB challenge.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?p=70110#post70110
Although I didn't use a kit from SOTB. I actually used Beary Be My Valentine by Nightbird Scraps
Template by Danielle Corbitt at Scrapoutsidethebox.

Winter Wonderland was a fun challenge to get outside of my box. I did a simple photo of the snow on the trees the other day. It evokes the feelings of cold, winter, crisp, and clean to me. How about you?
I used the posting bonuses for the month of December. (Gentle Winter to make this LO.)
I may even print this one and put on the wall.

I just love these papers they are so awesome. I used pieces of a huge collaboration kit that was given to the people that make layouts with all the amazing designers' kits. We are also known as the Creative Teams. CT's It was called Grateful 4U.
Patty put up a challenge for a healthy recipe.
Link to challenge:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?p=70089#post70089
I used a template from Scrapinge @ scrapinge.blogspot.com. The recipe was off of the Food Network. I really am going to this one a try. (Promise!!)

Recipe:
Healthy Carrot Muffins
3/4 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 C. whole wheat flour
2/3 C. dark brown sugar
2 T. wheat germ
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Pinch fine salt
2 large eggs
1/3 C. vegetable oil
1 T. pure vanilla extract
4 medium carrots, grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 C. canned crushed pineapple, drained

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line twelve 1/2-cup muffin cups with paper muffin liners. Whisk the flours with the brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, & salt in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl lightly whisk the egg, then whisk in the vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Quickly and lightly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir in the carrots & pineapple just until evenly moist; the batter will be very thick. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until golden & a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Turn muffins out of the tins and cool on a rack. Serve warm.

There is also a quote that goes around the edge of the layout.
Quote:
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution. Jay Leno

Anyway, that was a lot longer than expected so I had better get something done today! LOL!!

Love and hugs,

CindyLou

Been Busy

2008-12-15T12:05:00.004-07:00

It is cold out here Baby Girl.
Text reads:
McKenzie you have always been an outdoorsy girl.
No matter how cold it is outside you want to go play. Be sure to bundle up.
Checking out the path. November 27, 2005
I used:
Winter Warmth by Stephanie Broccolo
available at SOTB:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=649&cat=0&page=1

The challenge for this one was to find something warm and cuddly. Well, what better than my snuggle bug?
This is my Snuggle Bug. My DD laying on the couch with her favorite stuffed puppy.

I used Winter Warmth by Stephanie Broccolo. It is an amazing kit with all kinds of elements and beautiful papers.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=649&cat=0&page=1

This was the Stock Portfolio challenge. It was a picture of frost on a windshield taken by Sarah at: http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6552
Love this icy photo! First thing I thought of when I saw it was my DD coming in from the snow looking like an icicle!
I used the awesome December collaboration kit Christmas Cookie Jar!
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=638&cat=43&page=1

Journaling reads:
McKenzie when you see the snow and ice you go straight for the boots, coats, and gloves. 12/07

For the Ad challenge I made our family Christmas cards.

I used:
Christmas Ornamental by Jill D-Zines. This kit has a ton of brushes to use. It is also full of fun bright colors! It was so much fun.
http://www.scrapdish.com/store/product.php?productid=2768&cat=0&page=1

Art Deco Christmas
My take on the Art inspired challenge for December. I love the contrasting colors!

I used:
Christmas Ornamental Collection by Jill D-Zines
http://www.scrapdish.com/store/product.php?productid=2768&cat=0&page=1

I have had a lot of fun with the challenges this month. I have them all completed at SOTB except for the power posting which means I have to go leave lots of lovies for everyone.

Hope everyone is doing well. We are almost ready for Christmas. I still have a few last minute projects but other than that we are ready!! Woohoo!

Talk to everyone soon,
CindyLou

Christmas is approaching

2008-12-06T14:36:00.003-07:00

I'm finally getting excited about Christmas. Boy, it has been a hard season for me to get into this year. As a family we are doing great. McKenzie is her own very active little self. We have the tree set up so now it seems like constant no's in the house; even more than usual. Colin isn't quite walking yet but he is getting very close. If he would just let go he would be off and running. Then I would have to fast movers...Yikes!!
There are a few layouts that I have finished so this will be a post filled with pictures. I may have to break it into two posts so please read on!
The Parks family had Thanksgiving Dinner at our house. We had a total of 21 people in our house. It was a lot of fun, but boy was I wiped out for a couple of days after wards! The sacrifices we make for our families!! hehehehe!!

Family Treasures by Patty Webb is a beautiful fall kit full of color and texture.

http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=618&cat=0&page=1

I will probably get in all kinds of trouble for this photo, but oh well. Couldn't resist but grab the camera. I was helping McKenzie with something and turned my back for 2 seconds and this is what I found! He finally managed to climb up on top of the door! Silly boy. I superimposed the hat from this beautiful kit that Patty Webb made. It is called All Wrapped Up #1 available only at SOTB.

http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=643&cat=0&page=1

This was a fun challenge at SOTB. It is a Birthday Calender for next year. Each month they will add another month to the challenge, so at the end of the year you will have a new calender for 2010.
I used DeDe Smith's Winter Glistening. She has the funniest little animals in her kits!
http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=26_132&products_id=5084

This was just a fun card made for the Ad to Your Scrapbook Challenge. It was an ad that someone has us scraplift.
The beautiful kit Christmas 2 Go is by Jill D-Zines and will soon be available at AnnTheGran.
It has fun whimsical colors.

Text reads:
"This is so beautiful it reminds me of growing up in Wyoming and looking for a Christmas Tree."
My husband who is a city guy thinks that I'm totally crazy! That is what he gets for marrying a country girl! The best part was spending the day with my Dad on the snowmobiles.

I finished the Font Challenge with a beautiful photo that I found on-line.

I used All Wrapped Up #2 by Patty Webb and also a sampler available on her blog at:

http://pattysdesigns.blogspot.com/. Don't forget to check it out.

It is amazing it looks just like when I was a kid. My Dad and I would load up the snowmobiles every winter and go up country to find the perfect tree. I remember always trying to talk him into cutting down a 50 foot tree just for the top 10 feet. We would always find the perfect tree and get to spend the day together with Mom waiting in the truck for us with hot chocolate and hot coffee. She didn't like the cold so she would wait in the nice warm truck! Smart woman!

All Wrapped Up #2 is available at:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=644&cat=0&page=1

It has been so much fun to be able to actually sit down and do some scrapbooking! I forget how much stress it relieves when I take the time to do it!

Hope everyone is doing well and I still have more layouts to post but I will do that at another time. Children are getting restless!

Love you all,

CindyLou

I am still here!

2008-11-29T23:04:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still here. We haven't disappeared, just been extremely busy! Yikes!!
McKenzie is no longer in school so she is home 24/7, which is a huge change for me. She used to go to school 5 days a week for a 4 hours a day.
Plus the holidays are here and I had family in from out of town. We had the family dinner with 21 people at my house. Luckily I didn't have to cook all the food. LOL!!
I need to get to bed, but I just wanted everyone to know that we are doing alright. Hopefully, I will be able to give a better update in the next couple of days!
Love all of you,
CindyLou

Hubby Tag

2008-11-01T21:40:00.002-07:00

Hubby Tag

Dede tagged me on this one. This one is about my hubby and our relationship!

1. Full Name: Timothy Jon Yocom

2. How long you have been married? 3 years last August

3. How long did we date? We actually dated on and off for about 2 years.

4. Who eats the sweets? I eat the sweets. If I make a cake or cookies they sit around until I eat them. (Bad Husband) LOL!!

5. Who said I love you first? I'm not really sure.

6. Who's taller? Tim

7. Who sings better? Tim is the musical one!

8. Who is smarter? Tim is very smart. He loves his job as a nurse and is very into politics.

9. Who does the laundry? Me.

10. Who pays the bills? Tim pays most of the bills.

11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

12. Who mows the lawn? I love to mow the lawn. I mow so that I can go outside and get a little bit of a work out without having to worry about the kids.

14. Who drives? Mostly me

15. Who admits they are wrong? I still have a hard time admitting I'm wrong and Tim is seldom wrong. He is a fact person.

16. Who kissed who first? I think is was a mutual thing.

17. Who asked out who first? Tim

18. Who wears the pants? Tim

I'm going to tag Patty.

Life update!

2008-09-27T18:50:00.007-07:00

Falling Leaves is the name of this layout and also the name of the kit that I used to make it.
This layout was inspired from a challenge at Scrap Outside The Box. Inspired by the ART Challenge in the forum. This piece of art was actually a work of land art by Andy Goldsworthy.

Camping is a layout that I did to show off "Falling Leaves" by Patty Webb.
This kit is only available at Scrap Outside The Box and is 25% off for a limited time only!!
Here is the link to the kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=480&cat=0&page=1
Oh and I almost forgot here is the link to a free sample too.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=481&cat=0&page=1
You have to log into the site but it is so worth it! Go take a look.
I just love this beautiful colorful kit. It has a ton of leaves in it and is so versatile. I used a two-page template provided by Brandi White available in the Scrap Outside The Box forum under challenges (Twice as Fast).

PB&J is a layout that I made to remember exactly what McKenzie ate for her first year of Preschool. It was a challenge again at SOTB hosted by Patty Webb. She was asking what everyone did for lunches.

Patience was a layout that I made for the Scripture Challenge at SOTB. The story on the layout tells people a lot of what my biggest problem with patience is lately. Silly Bus!!

Both of these layouts were made from "Primary" by Steph Broccolo aka. Moosetrak Designs available at SOTB or Plain Digital Wrapper.
Here are the links for both stores:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=479&cat=0&page=1
or
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=3290&cat=0&page=1

Well that is it for layouts lately. Gotta get a few more done before the end of the month. Will be burning the midnight oil on some of these! Oh well. At least the kids when they get older will know all about their childhood and maybe just a little about their Mom and Dad too.

Hope everyone has a great weekend,

CindyLou

Oh almost forgot. The Scrapbook Expo was amazing as usual. I am still trying to make up for lost time though. I'm totally exhausted, but so are my sisters so at least it isn't just me. LOL!! We spent the first day as VIPs which means we were served breakfast, lunch, and a snack along with an awesome goodie bag when we got there. We had a huge table to work with and we all got quite a bit done. The second day we all three took two classes together. Connie picked the classes and they were awesome. In one class we made little animal books for the kids, which Colin is going to get as soon as I laminate it. In the second class we made a complete album in an hour and a half. The class was very fast paced but very organized. AMAZING!!

Can't wait until the next one in March!!

Scrapbook Expo-tomorrow!!

2008-09-18T16:54:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone,

I haven't written in a while. Things have just been too busy around here.
Tim has been sick so that makes a huge difference around here. He helps out so much and when he isn't feeling well we can sure tell a difference.

Well the Scrapbook Expo starts tomorrow. It is the Semi-Annual weekend for all 3 of us sisters to get together. September and April we manage to spend at least 1 day if not 2 paper scrapbooking our little hearts out. It is so much fun to get away from the house and just play.

Here are a few layouts that I have done since the first of September.

I love both of these LOs. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I got to pick out the colors for Patty's new kit. She called it "Cindy's Petals". I love how it turned out! So much texture of fun elements . Check out the appliquéd flowers. It is available at Scrap Outside the Box.
Here is the link:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=445&cat=0&page=1
Go check it out!

This is another of Patty's awesome kits. This is called Canine Love. Again it is only available through Scrap Outside The Box. The frames are just adorable, they are made out of doggy bones and the paper looks like leather.

Here is the link:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=435&cat=0&page=1
Great for those larger or just little, tougher looking dogs. Great masculine colors.

This is a fun layout that I did for the Movie Challenge.
My DD with her first attempt at rock climbing at barely 4 years old. Look close at the picture and you will see that her Dad isn't even holding her! You go girl!

Journaling reads:
Look, I don't mean to be rude but this is not as easy as it looks, so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't distract me. (From the movie The Princess Bride)
Picture taken 4/20/07

Country Time by Steph Broccolo is a beautiful soft kit with fun whimsical elements.
It is available at Plain Digital Wrapper or at Scrap Outside the Box.

Here are the links:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=315&cat=0&page=1
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=2868&cat=0&page=1

Farm Fun was a layout that I have been meaning to do for almost 2 years. Well I finally got around to it. I'm glad I waited for the perfect kit. I love the colors and the embellishments on this kit.

I used Pumpkin Passion by Moose Trak Designs aka. Steph Broccolo available at Scrap Outside the Box and Plain Digital Wrapper.

Here are the links:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=443&cat=0&page=1
http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=3197&cat=0&page=1

Anyway it has taken me like 2 hours to get this written so.....I think I will call it a night and try to get the little ones to bed!

Have a good weekend and I will tell you all about the expo next time I post!

CindyLou

New Layouts

2008-09-01T22:19:00.004-07:00

Dreamer
This was a fun layout that I made with McKenzie in one of her quiet moments. It always makes me wonder what she is thinking when she is being still and quiet.
I used Stephanie Broccolo's beautiful kit "Woodland Magic". I love the little fairies and the gorgeous papers in this kit.
Link to kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=38&cat=0&page=1
Link to layout:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52876

Nature Lovers
This was such a fun layout. I couldn't help but put this together after seeing the beautiful background paper!!
McKenzie was actually jumping off of a log and Colin was crawling across our living room floor.
I just love this kit from Stephanie Broccolo. It is called Woodland Magic and is only available at SOTB.
Link to kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=38&cat=0&page=1
Link to layout:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52883

In The Doghouse:
I love this layout also. It was so much fun to make. I don't think Tim has seen it yet, but I did tell him about it. Hehehe!!
I used another fabulous kit from my dear sister, Patty Webb. The kit is called Canine Love and is available only at SOTB. I love the crinkly paper and the doghouse is the best!!
Link to kit:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=435&cat=0&page=1
Link to layout:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52803

Road:
This layout was a hard one for me to do, but in general I think it was good for me also. It is very similar to the song "Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty. It a song in my Playlist. There is also "It's Been Awhile" by Staind that both fit this layout to a tee. It tells a lot about where I came from and where I have been in my life. It also says where I hope to be for the rest of my life. I love this kit by Lisa Majewski. It is called Boy O Boy. I also used Block-A-Bets also by Lisa Majewski. I just love her products. They are so flexible and usable.
Her products are available at 3 different sites.
3Scrapateers:
http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=6148&bc=no
http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=5613&bc=no
Digiscrapboutique:
http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/boy-o-boy-scrapkit-pr-4354.html
http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/block-a-bets-templates-pr-3419.html
Nuts4Digi is down at the moment with a server move but hopefully will be up soon.
Link to layout:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52779
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Talk to everyone soon.

CindyLou

More LO's for August

2008-08-18T12:00:00.003-07:00

Hello everyone I have been busy making more layouts.

I just loved this photo of the kids. They are both getting so big. Unbelievable!!

Journaling reads: You two know how to make your Mom’s day. This was just too cute. I couldn’t resist taking a picture. You both are just adorable Baby Girl you were 4 and Colin you were 10 months old.

I used: Mary Mary Quite Primary by Lisa Majewski available 3Scrapateers, Digiscrapboutiqe and Nuts4Digi

DSB http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/mary-mary-quite-primary-pr-3594.html

3Scrap http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=5717

Nuts4Digi http://tinyurl.com/5odfrc
This is an unbelievable layout if I don't say so myself! hehehe I love how this one turned out!

I used Patty Webb's kit, August Swirls available exclusively at ScrapOutsideTheBox.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=409&cat=0&page=1

Scraplifted Michaela Finds a Flower by doris32.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=175
Watch out kids on the loose is just a fun layout that I made using a quickpage. It shows Patrick and McKenzie riding bikes while we were camping. They were having so much fun.

I love how this layout turned out also! It shows the intensity of the children studying a new area. They looked at everything and learned so much.

McKenzie and Patrick at Mirror Lake playing in a field.
Kit used is: Sprung by Lisa Majewski
Available at:
http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=5392&bc=no and http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=5391&bc=no
http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/sprung-pr-3071.html and http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/sprung-paper-pack-pr-3072.html

Word Art by Amber Gray

Simple Stacks Template Freebie 33 by MaryAnne Curth
McKenzie and Colin were having a great time playing in the pool earlier this summer.

I Used: Mary Mary Quite Primary by Lisa Majewski available 3Scrapateers, Digiscrapboutiqe and Nuts4Digi.

Thank you Sine for the wonderful template available at ScrapOrchard.

DSB http://www.digiscrapboutique.com/boutique/mary-mary-quite-primary-pr-3594.html

3Scrap http://shop.3scrapateers.com/shopexd.asp?id=5717

Nuts4Digi http://tinyurl.com/5odfrc

Ok well enough layouts for now.

I hope everyone is doing well.

We have been battling the normal bugs here. Colin had a stomach bug for about 3 weeks, but he is finally eating regular food again. Yeah!!! McKenzie has a cold but is still going to school and seems to be on the mend. Tim has been working lots of hours so we haven't seen him much :(

Actually he had both kids yesterday and he told me to go find something to do outside the house. He didn't have to ask me twice!! I was out of here. I went to the Barnes and Noble bookstore near our house to read (peace and quiet) Woohoo!! I finished the book I have been trying to read for over a month(sheesh). Anyway I needed the next one in the series and they didn't have it at the store I was at but they had it at another Barnes and Noble. Well I rode my bike to the one so I hopped back on the bike and went the extra 4 miles to the other store. So all in all I rode about 10 miles. I'm so glad that I love to ride. It felt good to ride without pulling an extra 60 pounds behind me too.

Ok well enough babbling. Hope everyone has a great week!

Love to all
CindyLou

August is here

2008-08-05T21:26:00.005-07:00

I know that I have already posted once this month, but I think it just hit me today that it is the last month of summer. I'm so bummed!! I love summer. I have been doing so much better now that I can get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Eventhough, I was raised in Wyoming and the cold didn't bother me when I was young, now the cold is horrible. Oh well, I will enjoy what we have left of the sunshine and warm weather.

I did make a desktop calender for my computer screen for the month of August. I actually did this on July 31st at about 11:30 at night. I was determined to have it on the computer when I woke up on the 1st. These are pictures from a Scrapbooking retreat that my sister, Connie and I went to up in Eden, Utah. Beautiful area!! I will be going back up this fall just to take pictures. Just imagine all of these trees with the fall leaves! Wow!!

I cheated making this one. It was a quick page that all I needed to do was add the photos, but it fit perfectly!!This one turned out sooooo cute!! I love this kit for one. It is one of Patty's first kits that she made. It is named Baby Colin after our son of course...I love all the beautiful blues and embellishments in this kit.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=57&cat=0&page=1
Go check out her store. You will be amazed at what you see there. The link for the complete store is on my blog.
The template was provided by MrsLids at ScrapOutsideTheBox. Awesome lady with an amazing talent.

Crawling 101 is a 2 page layout for the Twice as Fast challenge also at SOTB.
This beautiful template is by Brandi White.
I used a Thank You Collaboration kit provided by several designers. It was given to all the Creative Team members. It was a huge, beautiful kit. Amazing work by amazing people. I am so proud of all the people I work with at all the different sites. They named the collaboration "Gratitude". I don't know who should be more grateful. Them for having us work on all of their beautiful kits or US for getting to work on all of their amazing work. Either way, I give a big shout out to all the wonderful designers in the digi world!!

OK, well thanks for reading all of my ramblings again today. Hope everyone is having a great summer. Enjoy!!

CindyLou

Colin Pictures

2008-08-04T09:31:00.004-07:00

I promised people that I would put up pictures of Colin crawling. This is the first week!!
He was doing very well for such a little guy. We had went to RC Willey and he had seen another 9 month old baby crawling all over the store. So I guess he decided that he could do it too. We got him home and put him on the floor and there he went. Yeah!!

I couldn't help but put up this photo!! Aren't they just the cutest!!
Here are some other layouts that I did for the month of July.

Hanging at the Park
I used Jill D-Zines Airy kit!!
Available at:
http://www.gottapixel.net/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=22
http://www.scrapdish.com/store/product.php?productid=1880&cat=0&page=1
This is Colin in the park in July
Kit is Signature Collaboration only available at:
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=229&cat=0&page=1
Huge kit with tons of possibilities!!
Colin at the Park in July
Signature Collaboration only available at ScrapOutsidetheBox
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=229&cat=0&page=1
Awesome kit with tons of possibilities!!

Colin loves the water
This beautiful kit is Simple Pleasures from Patty Webb only available at ScrapOutsidetheBox.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=395&cat=0&page=1
This kit has so much texture and I absolutely love the metal frames.
Go check it out!!Jumping bean is also from that same kit of Patty Webb's Simple Pleasures.
I love the arch on the ribbon. It looks so real.

Well life has been very busy, but very good. I hope everyone is having a great summer.
Talk to everyone soon.

CindyLou

We have MUSIC!!

2008-07-27T22:51:00.005-07:00

I finally got brave enough to try something new. hehehe!! Not really, I finally got time to make some changes. I love being able to here my favorite music when I get on here to leave messages.

Anyhow, I have had a little time to scrapbook. I am also entering a contest for Digiscrapper of the Year for Scrapoutsidethebox. My ultimate favorite place to play. It is there that I really got my start with all of this digital stuff.

Here are the two layouts that I entered for the contest (with a little push from Patty). Thanks Sis!!
My Hometown:
This one was supposed to be for a challenge that was about our hometown. Well it ended up being the first of my entrances.

Journaling reads:
I grew up in small town America. My graduating class was 25 kids. There were advantages to being in a small town. Such as the policemen were a lot more lenient than in large cities. It didn’t help that they knew everyone and their parents by first name. We had a lot of area to run and play. We learned to be outdoors more than indoors. There were tons of places to explore- woods, desert, and water. What more could a child want?
The Big City

There were several disadvantages to living in a small town too. The police knowing your name could definitely be a disadvantage! The very cold weather that we had all winter. So was having so few children in an area. No activities for the children as far as gymnastics or ballet. Both of which I was very interested in at the time. I’m glad in the end that my family decided to raise me there, but I won’t raise my children in a small town.

I used Patty's Summer Play only available at Scrap Outside The Box
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=362&cat=0&page=1

About Me:

Is the other layout used for the competition. It isn't my best work, but I like it. The photo was taken up at Defa's Ranch in the High Uinta Mountains.

Text reads:
Avid Bike Rider
Lover of the Outdoors
Huge Flirt
Daring
Outspoken
Magazine Hound

For this layout I used Summer Play by Patty
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=362&cat=0&page=1
and also Summer Time also by Patty
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=195&cat=0&page=1

I figured it was worth a try!! Can't hurt right?

I made this layout for a challenge of an ad challenge. This picture reminds me so much of "Little House on the Prairie". We were just missing the costumes. They had such a great time.

Of course, I used Patty's Summer Time kit.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=195&cat=0&page=1

OK, well it is a little after midnight so I had better get off of here so I can manage to get some sleep!!

Talk to ya later!!

In Loving Memory of Aunt Jeanette

2008-07-21T22:50:00.004-07:00

Scrapbooking has become a way for me to deal with every day stresses. Our family lost a dear member last Saturday. Aunt Jeanette had been there for each of us kids in her own special way. I have wonderful memories of this woman. I am hoping that making this layout will help me to deal with some of the grief that I am feeling right now.
Please take a moment and pray for her family. They have been through a horrible ordeal. After years of suffering from cancer she finally left this world surrounded by her family in her home.

We will miss you Aunt Jeanette. P.S. While you are there please say "hi" to Mom and Grandma from all us kids.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-07-20T11:02:00.004-07:00

It has been a crazy summer. I'm not sure if it is because there are 2- 4 year olds and a 9 month old baby around most of the time; or if it is just an extremely busy summer. It is fun having the kids at the ages that they are though. Patrick has an awesome imagination and often gets upset with McKenzie. Eventhough there is only 6 months in age difference it is amazing to me to see the change in just that short time period. I think we tend to forget that they are learning so fast when they get a little older. It is easy to see the changes in Colin. His changes seem to be so dramatic. Teeth, sitting up, trying to crawl all easy to spot changes.

This summer has been a real eye opener for me with McKenzie. I can see what things that she may be able to do on her own in six months and it gives me hope. Sometimes it seems like she isn't learning anything. No, don't do that; No don't do that over the same things 20 times a day. But there is HOPE!!

Here are some LO's that I have had a little time to work on lately.Journaling:
Christmas of 2007 was the best Christmas ever. I had both my children and a great
husband to spend all day together. We enjoyed opening presents and visiting with
relatives.

Credits:
Lifesong Kreations Credits
Kit Title: Christmas In July Present

SCATTERZ BLOG FREEBIE
Created by DeDe Smith (Designs by DeDe)

This one was a quick challenge that I made for a crop at Digiscrapbookpages.com. It was a chat where we had to make a layout in 2 hours about what our best Christmas. I know it seems odd to think of Christmas in July, but it is a Digital Scrapbooking thing. They have forever been doing Christmas in July. It is probably since the scrapbookers are crafty type people that we like to make our Christmas presents for everyone. This gives a good jump start and helps remind us that it is already 1/2 way through the year. YIKES!! What a scary thought.

These are photos from our camping trip up to Defa's ranch for a campout that included around 400 people!

Journaling reads:
McKenzie & Patrick had a great time camping at Defa’s. They thought it was a lot of fun to run and jump on each other’s laps since we only had one small chair. McKenzie full force and Patrick very gently. What an amazing team these two make.

Summer Play by Patty Webb is brand new at Scrapoutsidethebox.
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=362&cat=0&page=2

Patty's Templates Curves 1 also by Patty Webb
http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/shop/product.php?productid=92&cat=0&page=2

Scraplifted from radmama_2001's Summertime Memories

I loved all the activity in the children, but boy was it a chore to keep track of 'em. It was sooooo much easier to camp when I was single! Hahahaha....That won't happen again for a while. Oops that sounds like I'm getting divorced, not a chance. I should have said when the kids have grown up and Tim and I can camp on our own again.

They had a great time. Both of them still talk about going camping again or when we were camping. I'm glad to be able to instill in the kids a little about nature. McKenzie was just fascinated with the stars. At first I couldn't figure out why, but then it made sense we can't see the stars from our house since we live in the city. It was great to see the wonder in her face!!

We have been busy camping, going to preschool, playing at the park where there is a lot of water, and we even managed to get a trip into the children's museum again. They spent 3 hours in there and loved every minute! We had to drag them out with a promise of dinner. They will almost always stop to eat lately. I think it is because they go so fast that they burn up all the energy in them.

Ok well enough blabbing for now. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

CindyLou
cinlou333

Bad Blogger

2008-07-16T17:53:00.004-07:00

It looks as if I am a very bad blogger!! It has been over a month. Yikes!!

I haven't had much time to scrapbook, but here are a few of my favorites that I have been working on as of lately.
You make me smile!

Journaling reads:
McKenzie you had a great time camping even if it was in the middle of the desert. I just love that grin. 6/8/08

Glitter Garden Collection by Jill D-Zines
Wordart - Smile! by Annie - AnnieslittleFootprints
Stitching and beads by DeDe Smith
Ribbon (recolored) by Patty Webb's "Dawn" kit
Template by Kimberly Lund (Cadence)

Yummy Sticky Smores

Journaling reads:
McKenzie sure loved the smores once she got a taste. Sticky hands and all. Took Mom lots of wipes to clean up that mess; but she had fun!!

Cinnamon Buns by Lisa Majewski available at 3Scrapateers, Nuts4Digi, or Digiscrapboutique
Template by Michelle Swadling

And finally here is the desktop that I get to look at everyday!! hehehe. Love that little grin.

Ok well enough from me for now!!
Hope everyone is doing well.

CindyLou

June Calender

2008-06-12T08:55:00.005-07:00

Ok, this is just sad. I finally made another layout. I haven't made anything for this whole month. Needless to say life has been a little crazy.

June calender is made from Patty Webb's newest kit "Dad Mini-Kit" available only at Scrap Outside The Box. I love this kit. It is the perfect for guys!!

I will update with more information on life happenings later.

Just trying to catch up!!

CindyLou

They grow up soooo fast!

2008-05-07T19:39:00.004-07:00

I love this screen saver. The kids are getting so big and this really shows how much they have grown lately. The layout is made with Patty Webb's "Don't Eat The Daisies" kit. It is so fun and colorful.

McKenzie had her first Soccer lesson outside last Saturday. We have her involved in 2 different soccer clubs. One is on Thursday and one on Saturday. The Thursday lesson will always be indoors and Saturday's lesson will depend on the weather. She had so much fun. We were surprised that she actually started listening to directions once they gave her the ball. More layouts to follow for this one. I think there will be many soccer pictures in the future.

This layout was a challenge at GottaPixel (Inspiration from an advertisement) and also the title is from a Lyrical challenge (Super Woman by Alicia Keys) at Scrap Outside The Box. It came together very nicely. The kit is Imagine, Dream, Believe by Patty at Scrap Outside The Box. Colin is definitely the Better Part of Me. He is so mellow (most of the time). I get upset about everything LOL!!

Scrapbook Expo was another challenge about serenity. This is when I am most relaxed. Thanks to Lisa Majewski's Quickpage from her kit Bouncy. (by the way the Quickpage is available on her blog). List of blogs on my blog. Go check it out!
Well now that I'm done showing off layouts, I can tell you about the happenings at home. We are in the process of remodeling one side of a duplex that we will be moving into the first of June. Woohoo!! I'm so excited. Right now we live in a 2 bed 2 bath apartment. The duplex is 4 bed 3 bath with tons of room. I can finally move the baby into his own room. No more waking up at every little sound. Now he will have to wail in order for me to hear him (no such luck I still have the Mom ear) LOL!! The kids will have their own playroom and I will plenty of room to scrap!

Tim has been busy working at the hospital and also helping with the remodel. He is tired but I think he is really excited too. We are both looking forward to being able to move around again.

I have a ton of layouts planned for this month. I am really enjoying doing different challenges at different sites. I love the inspiration and I have a ton of pictures to work with having both the kids. (Can't help but take lots of pictures)

Hope everyone is doing well and I will talk to you all soon.

CindyLou

Driving

2008-05-04T17:20:00.005-07:00

I loved this photo and Tim had been asking me to put a road as a backdrop!!
It turned out cute! Take a look..can you just imagine when she turns 15.
Yikes!! It is all up to him.
I had to come up with a recipe that you would take on a picnic. I remembered this one was a favorite. It is so rich that you can't eat more than one piece. (Well most people-but I can eat more; just because it is so good).

Here is the recipe if anyone wants to try it and can't read it.

Strawberry Soda Pop Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 1/2 cups milk

1 (6 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix 16 fluid ounces strawberry flavored carbonated beverage

Instructions

1. Prepare cake according to package instructions for a 9x13 inch pan. remove from oven and poke holes in the cake with a wooden skewer or toothpick.

2. In a medium bowl, combine boiling water with strawberry gelatin. Stir until dissolved and allow to cool slightly. Pour in the strawberry flavored carbonated beverage. Pour slowly over cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate until cool.

3. To make the Frosting: In a medium bowl combine pudding and milk. Beat until well blended and thickened. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. Spread on cake. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Thanks and have a great week.

CindyLou

Interesting little link!

2008-05-02T08:16:00.005-07:00

What Cindy Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.

You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.

A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.

You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.

People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.

You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.

You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Colin and I

2008-04-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

Natures Wonder by Patty Webb

2008-04-26T07:06:00.003-07:00

I love this new kit by Patty. It is beautiful. The colors are awesome. I used template #40 from Hummie. I love her and her tutorial too. If you want to learn anything about Photoshop Elements it is the place to look.

All of us girls came a crossed this box of photos. It has some amazing photos in it from before I was ever born. I love this photo. It shows all the kids before I came along. From left to right is Connie, Frank, Dad, and Patty. Don't they look happy. I also used a really cool template by Tara Dunstan Designs.

Ok, I really am off to get something done!!
Have a great weekend.

CindyLou

Scary night

2008-04-24T20:13:00.002-07:00

We had a kind of scary night last night. McKenzie fell off of the piano bench (of course she was probably standing on it). Well the bench somehow landed on her little toe on her right foot. I had my backed turned and was feeding Colin his dinner; so I didn't see what happened. All I know is I heard the piano bench crash and her scream. I looked at the foot and decided to take her to Kid's Instacare. Luckily, Patty was able to watch Colin so I didn't have to drag both kids to the doctor. Thank you Patty. It was so cute when we dropped Colin off though. McKenzie was saying "Grandma, Thank you for taking care of my Baby Colin." It was just adorable. Anyway, we got the toe x-rayed. Luckily it wasn't broken, even the doctor said it looked broken before taking the x-ray. What a relief.

Other news:
We have decided to take a week in July to go camping. It will be our vacation this year at least for the summer. We discussed it today and decided we will give it a try. The first 3 days of the camping is with a group of a couple hundred people which should be a lot of fun. It is a campout that has been going on for many years. I used to go every year until I had McKenzie. If we still want to enjoy the mountains then I guess I had better learn to do it with little one. Darn, I have to let them get dirty.

In June, I have a chance to go to a scrapbooking retreat with my sister Connie. She won her free retreat at the Scrapbooking Expo. But of course it was only for one person. LOL!! I can't possibly send her there by herself, so I guess I will suffer the consequences and just go with her. LOL!!! It should be a lot of fun!

Ok, well I'm going to get off of here. I will post more pictures soon.

Cindy

2008-04-20T18:53:00.007-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been so long once again. I guess, I'm just not a very good blogger. Oh well, at least I try. (hehe) There is so much going on all of the time lately. Kids are hungry, cranky, need a diaper change or in the middle of everything they both start screaming at the same time. (LOL)

I did get the chance to spend 2 whole days away from home last weekend. Tim got to be Mr. Mom. It was great. He was exhausted though. He always asks me after something like that "How do you do it everyday?" I tell him, "I don't really know I just do it and the time just passes". I'm exhausted too, but mine is a good exhaustion. I went to the Scrapbook Expo all day Friday until midnight and then back on Saturday until 6PM. It was soooooo much fun. It is the bi-annual event that both my sisters and I go to every 6 months. The expo is a great getaway for me. I learn new techniques and bring home all kinds of interesting projects (some are completely finished and some still need to be worked on).

Everyone is doing good the kids just had there check up and shots (ouch). McKenzie is healthy at 35 pounds. The doctor was very impressed with her vocabulary. She thought she had the vocabulary more like a 5 year old not barely a 4 year old. I was very impressed and proud of my little girl at that point. Yeah for her!! She received 5 shots. I rewarded her with playtime at McDonalds for that one. She cried, but did really well considering she got it in both arms and both legs. Poor little thing. Colin is 17 pounds and is also very healthy. The doctor said he is very strong for his age. He received 3 shots. 1 in 1 leg and 2 in the other leg. So needless to say neither one was feeling very good that evening. But no major problems, thank goodness.

Here are a few layouts that I have done in the last 3 weeks.

This one was a contest at a new site that I am just loving. The women that run it are awesome. They are really into participation. They have several contests, but I have only managed to get time to do this one. Bummer!!

This 2 page layout was done using Jill D-Zines template and paper. I have been working with Jill's products for quite sometime and still enjoy her work. She also did the clear acrylic alphabet which was a new for me. I have never used anything like this before and really liked how it turned out.

I used Patty's Camping kit for these two layouts. It was fun to make this with Colin's jacket matching the kit perfectly. McKenzie was having a great time at Silver Falls. I couldn't help but use Patty's kit with this layout also. It matches her hat so perfectly.
Ok well I think that is enough out of me for the day. Hopefully, I will be able to get back on here more often, but no promises.

Cindy

Playland Layouts

2008-03-29T14:58:00.007-07:00

Playland Layouts!!

We are having a nice few days of Tim not working at the hospital. It is a switch from what we are usually have with him working so many hours.
Today he helped Troy and Robin move into their new house. They had so much help it didn't take them long at all. So now Tim is moving my Grandma's secretary out to storage so that we have room to put a playpen up for Colin. He has officially grown out of his bassinet. So he will sleep in his playpen until we get moved into the duplex. Then we will be able to set-up a crib in his own room. Woohoo!! No more sharing a room with the baby!!

Here is a couple of layouts that I have made using Patty's new kit "Gone Buggy". The color scheme came right off of the toy they were playing with so I couldn't resist making these.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Thanks for looking,
Cindy

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T11:12:00.002-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!!!

I finally got around to making a couple of layouts for McKenzie's Birthday.

Thanks to Lisa Majewski at Digiscrapboutique and 3Scrapateers, I got to make these layouts with kits that match perfectly to McKenzie's Birthday party. Thanks, Lisa!!

Have a great week.

Love,
Cindy

New Layouts

2008-03-20T18:02:00.004-07:00

I hope everyone is doing well. We have been doing good this week.
Colin is starting to get teeth so he is a bit grouchy!!
McKenzie wants to continuously ride her bike.

But here are 2 layouts that I made using Lisa Majewski's Blue Acres kit!! Love this one!

Have a good week. I will post pictures and layouts of the birthday party very soon!!

Love Cindy

McKenzie's Birthday

2008-03-17T09:49:00.003-07:00

It was McKenzie's Birthday on Saturday. I haven't had the chance to look through the photos yet, but I'm sure we got some cute ones. She was such a cutie. As soon as I get a chance to look through them I will put some up on the blog. I won't even make everyone wait for me to do layouts (which you all know may take me a while lately) hehehe. I will just put the pictures up here and send some out to people also. I will post more later.
Love, Cindy

Finally Getting Back On Schedule

2008-03-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We have just been busy or sick the last couple of weeks. It is really hard to get on the computer when you have a cranky baby that wants to be held all of the time. It takes forever to type one handed.

First, Colin had his 4 month check up 2 weeks ago. The doctor told me that he is a perfectly healthy little boy. He is growing in the 30% growth rate. That is about the same as McKenzie grew. The only problem that he had was he had a cough, but she said to wait another week to see if it got any better. If it didn't get better to bring him back in. Two weeks later after Tim and McKenzie both had really bad colds, Colin wasn't any better. I took him back to the doctor yesterday and she gave him some amoxicillin. She said she thought it was probably turning into a sinus infection. Poor little guy!! No ear infection so far; so we are lucky.

McKenzie still has the runny nose once in a while but other than that she is feeling better. With her therapy classes that we have been going to it seems to be helping. Her attitude at home and at Patty's house seems to be better. Her temper tantrums seem to less frequent and not so severe. I spoke with the therapist teaching the class on Monday, she said "McKenzie was doing really well interacting with the other children. She did have to be redirected on a few occasions or reminded of what they were supposed to be working on for that day." She also informed me that she hasn't shown any aggression towards any of the kids or teachers. I told her having her there for only an hour a week was not enough time for them to really see how she acts on a daily basis. She agreed with me and is looking into putting McKenzie into a specialized preschool that they have on-site. It is run by professionals that understand children that have ADHD or temperamental problems. We should find out more next Monday.

Tim has had the same cold as McKenzie and Colin. He is still congested but is doing alright. He is still working the extra hours on the 7th floor of the hospital for a couple more weeks. He still seems to really enjoy working at the hospital. He definitely enjoys the kids. Who would have ever thought of Tim as a Dad?? I wouldn't have!! But I sure enjoy having him as a husband and a Dad to the kids.

As for me, well I just add a little more stress to everything else. I have been having pain in my leg so I went to the doctor to get it checked out. His first thought was blood clots. Talk about stressed. I went in for the ultrasound yesterday after I took Colin to his appointment. Anyway, long story short, they can't find anything. Doctor isn't sure what is wrong. He said maybe I pulled the muscle and to give it time to heal. Boy is that a relief. Now we just get to wait and see if the pain goes away. Hopefully soon. I avoided the cold and got the leg stuff instead. I think, I would have rather had the cold..

So HOPEFULLY everyone is on the mend!! I did manage to get 3 layouts done so here they are!

Tim and McKenzie both had a fun trip to the Children's Museum here in Salt Lake. I love the look on Tim's face. I can just imagine what it is going to be like in another 12 years!!

This came from a lyrical challenge at a website that I frequently participate in the challenges. The song is from Phil Colins and is very fitting for the kids.

This was another challenge from the same website. We were supposed make a layout using our favorite restaurant or food. I couldn't resist this older picture of McKenzie for the layout!!

By the way, all of the layouts are made with my sister, Patty's kits that she is designing to sell at Scrap Outside The Box. Isn't she amazing? I'll leave the designing up to her. I'll just use all the fun stuff!!

P.S. Sorry for the grammar errors. English was not my strong subject in school.

Colin's 4 month Check-up

2008-02-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!

Colin had his 4 month check up today.

Dr. Vierra said that he is a completely healthly little boy.

He weighs 14 lbs 4 oz. and is 24.5 inches in length.

Here are a couple more layouts that I did with another of Patty's kits.

I hope that everyone is having a good week. I will talk to all of you soon.

Love,

Tim, Cindy, McKenzie, Colin

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope everyone has a Great Valentine's Day!! We are probably going to have a pretty normal day. Tim has to work the night before and the night of Valentine's Day so nothing to special. But that is ok. We don't usually do anything to dramatic for the holiday anyway. I did make a special holiday card for him this year. Patty made a set of templates for me to try out before she put them in the store to sell. One of them was perfect to make the card with for Tim. I also used a kit that she had made earlier this year so it is all due to her that he got such a cute card. Well and the kids had something to do with it since it has their adorable pictures in it..hehe!!

Hope everyone is doing well.

Love,

Tim, Cindy, McKenzie, and Colin

Look a Likes

2008-02-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun layout that I did comparing Tim and Colin at about the same age.

Aren't they both the cutest??

We are all doing good today!! Tim worked last night and is sleeping today. Colin slept through the night last night waking up one time wanting his pacifer. He went right back to sleep. Yeah!! Even McKenzie slept through the night. It was so peaceful! We woke up around 8 this morning and we are just enjoying a nice quiet day at home.

Patty has a new kit that she has been working on and I can't wait to work on it. It is purple with all different papers with swirls on it. Beautiful! And of course since it is from Patty is has flowers with it too.

The other kit that I'm working with is called Cherry Cheesecake from Lisa Majewski. The kit is as pretty and yummy as the real thing. I'm so excited and pleased to still be accepted by such wonderful designers to work with their kits.

Hope everyone is having a good day,

Love,

Cindy

Favorite Women

2008-02-06T15:24:00.001-07:00

Both of these layouts of are women in my lives that influence me very much.

They have all given me great advice and held my hand through some difficult times.

I would like to thank them for being there for me and for my family.

Thank you Barbara for always being there for my Dad when none of us kids could be there. Thank you for taking such good care of the man that took such care and love in raising us kids.

Kay and Marge, you are just in a league all of your own. I do not know how anyone keeps up with either one of you. You both have so much energy and love to share. Thank you for being there for me and our family.

Both of these layouts of made from Jill D-Zines Whisper Soft kit. Available at Scrapdish.

Layouts made lately

2008-02-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

These are my sweet adorable kids. O.K. anybody that really knows them knows that they aren't allows sweet and cute, but they were for this photo. McKenzie loves Colin sooo much. Sometimes so much that it scares Mom and Dad a little, but it is all with good intentions.

I made this layout using Dawn by Patty's Design's available exclusively as Scrap Outside The Box. She is a new designer and is awesome. Here is the link to her store http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=191&zenid=45577e430c90262197d20abde0279555

This was a fun layout for Scrapkitty's Crazy In Love kit for Valentine's Day. It was too irresistable to miss this picture.

I'm currently working on a layout using Lisa Majewski's newest kit Sprung available at 3Scrapateers and Digiscrapboutique. I will have the layouts for this done soon.

Well better get busy.

Have a great day.

CindyLou

Welcome

2008-01-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new little part of the world. I have decided to let people see what my life is like in my home and in my head, just a little (don't want to scare everyone off just yet). HAHAHA!!!
Anyway, I would just like to have this to share my layouts with family and friends. I also want to have everyone know where I get all of my awesome products from that I work with to make my layouts and other projects. So I will set up a list of blogs that I visit and also the sites that I frequent.

Thanks for looking.

CindyLou