Another snow day

Like a good part of the country, we were hit by "Snowmageddon 2011" (I've been laughing at all the different names I've heard for this storm).  This is a picture I took yesterday afternoon....we live on a main thoroughfare and it was pretty quiet except for snow plows and the occasional car. 

I took this picture this morning. The sun is actually trying to peek through and I think most of the snow is over. I've heard anywhere from 13-16 inches in our area, but nothing official. I'm just glad its over! 

I had meant to update sooner than today but sickness has been going around our house. Our son had the flu, followed by our daughter having strep.  Then, Noah had the flu again!  Yikes. I seriously need a hazmat team to come in and disinfect the house! I've been Lysol'ing the heck out of everything. Let's hope its over with and everyone stays healthy until spring. 

I also had to have our beloved 12 yr old cat, Roadkill, put to sleep this past week (yes that was his real name). Roadkill was diagnosed with cancer last April and in the last month or so, his health has gone downhill. It was a hard decison, but I know he's up in heaven chasing butterflies and having tuna fish every day.  And I know my mom is taking care of him. I was with Roadkill when he passed and I told him to go find his grandma.    I know I'll never have another cat like him. 

A week and a half ago, my friends and I went to a scrapbook B&B in Bourbannais, IL called Let's Get Croppin'.  All I can say is WOW! We were so spoiled and pampered. The food was excellent and we had more than adequate amount of space to crop.  Plus, Susie and Steve are just so friendly and accomodating!  We are hoping to go back this summer! So, if you live near Chicago (or even further), its worth the drive! 

Here is a layout I did using Imaginesce's Teacher's Pet line:

I used some stitching on my journaling.

I have more to share but will get them on here soon! I have a few layouts I created that I absolutely love!!  And I'm hoping to do some creating today! But, we'll see..the kids and hubby are home so who knows :)

Garden Party

I will admit, I am not a big fan of winter. The snow is pretty for awhile, but I despise the cold. I am already dreaming of warmer weather, green grass, and blooming tulips and daffodils.  The wonderfully talented Amy Coon at The Paper Life gave me Imaginisce's new Garden Party line to play with as an assignment.   I had so much fun creating with the papers and embellishments. I especially loved all the flowers, as well as the mesh brads, and Snag 'Em stamps.  Be sure to check out Garden Party as well as the rest of their cute paper lines on the Imaginisce blog. 

First, I created a one-page layout using a picture of my niece, Sidney, when she was 2 yrs old:

Garden Party has so many fun embellishments, including this cardstock sticker tag, as well as coordinating ribbon and flowers.

I used the new Quickutz Lifestyle Craft Essentials to make this cute banner

Love all of the flowers and brads..especially the mesh brads!

I had fun using my new toy I got for my birthday: my sewing machine! Now, I want to stitch everything! :)

Using my leftovers, I created a mini-book using the Maya Road chipboard scroll book and pictures from this year's Easter.

The Snag 'Em stamps are ideal for journaling!

A huge thank you again to Amy! It's fun to take a break from Christmas and do something different :)

Well, I'm off to do some present wrapping and addressing my Christmas cards! I feel so far behind but that's ok. It'll all get done sooner or later. The most important thing is that my kids will enjoy Christmas. Everything else is just a bonus. 

Hello Monday

It definitely feels like a Monday! Definitely does NOT feel like the end of November! We are having very warm weather in Central IL today! It's quarter til 1pm and 65 degrees! Such a tease since snow is forecasted for later this week. 


Have been trying to squeeze in some creating time between all the busyness!  Here is a layout I just finished, using Imaginisce's "Teacher's Pet" line. I bought it last spring while in Northern Indiana at a scrapbook store! Love it! 

I also took some pictures of a mini book I did for my wonderful husband for Father's Day. I admit it just recently was finished! Oops!  My friend, Malika, gave me the idea of asking the kids questions about their dad. Pretty funny answers, if you ask me! Especially from Noah, who is 4. 

I'm SO BLESSED to have such a great husband!! He is a wonderful father to our children!

Getting ready to head to the store to finish cutting for my Christmas class coming up on the 4th.  :)