KRJ Benefit 2009 - WARNING! MEGA PHOTO HEAVY!

Spread the word!
This Sunday, August 9th from 2-7 pm, there will be a benefit for my amazing cousin Kaity. She has been aggressively battling a brain tumor that was found early this year. It has been a very difficult journey for her - and for our whole family. Of course, the medical expenses have been huge and we are hoping the community can help Kaitlin with some of this debt. It's pretty shocking how little support there is out there for someone like her. She worked full time, had insurance, and lived on her own, and there was no government aid for her. Pretty sad.
Please visit the website for all the details - www.krjbenefit.webs.com

I've been working furiously to get some pre-made scrapbooks ready for the silent auction, and I thought I'd showcase them here.
Here are some some Summer-themed mini albums, all made with 5x7 paper albums. They'll fit a 4x6 photo on each page.
This was has a girly Summer theme:



This one is slightly more boy-ish, but could work for a while family summer trip as well:



These two are 6x6, so some of the pages can be flipped to accomodate horizontal or vertical photos. Again, one is more boy-ish and one more girly.










I have tons more in the works and actually more completed. Baby, wedding, birthday....and on and on. Tomorrow will be the wedding albums - please come tomorrow and check it out, and please stop by the benefit or the benefit website to donate! ANY donation is so appreciated. Thanks for reading!

Cosmo Cricket Food Shelf Drive

Just a quick one today - and one you'll need to act fast on - but please go over to Cosmo Cricket's blog and leave a comment. They are raising money for local food shelves.

Cosmo Cricket Blog

Hope you have a great day!
I have a short day at work and then I'll be bringing Owen to his endocrinology appt. We are hoping for him to be able to do a trial without his thyroid meds.
Cross your fingers!!

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th from Owen and his mommy (his daddy and Sophie wish you a happy fourth too, but he was at work and Sophie refuses to participate in the picture). We are thinking of my brother Ryan especially today, and pray that he returns safely and soon from Afghanistan. I hate having my only sibling across the world in a dangerous place. Please pray that he will be safe and his wife and kiddos will be enjoying his happy face again very soon.
Our day will be spent for the most part at Jason's sister's place, eating lots, and shaking our heads saying "I can't believe how loud it is!", and "seriously! everyone here has got to stop having children!" We'll have fun for sure, but they kids get way crazy when they are together. Owen is still getting used to them....
Anyway, have a glorious holiday! Happy Birthday USA!

Making a Monster Birthday Party

I wanted to make as many decorations as I could for Owen's 2nd birthday. We tend to want to have big events for the little guy since his birthday is such a special day....plus, the more fun we have on June 14th, the more it makes up for how scary the day of his actual birth was.
After I saw this shirt, at the Carter's store, I knew exactly what the theme was going to be: A Monster Party for our little monster.

Then, my scrapper mind logically thought of the October Afternoon "Night Light" line, with all it's cute little monsters.
Then, with the help of the Wild Card and Celebrations Cricut cartridges, we made these invites:

The card and envelope. His picture and the details are inside.


Starting the assembly...


Daddy on the invite assembly line.


Paper lanterns from Oriental Trading Co. (we actually used them for his luau party last year too). Just added some circles to make some monster head lanterns.


I had fun with these. I played with craft foam hats and cut out craft foam shapes to make hats for the kids. I just drew the rest of the face on with a Sharpie.


I picked up these striped gift bags from Michael's and made stickers with cut-out monsters from the October Afternoon paper. They were filled with $ spot goodies. The little squirt guns were the biggest hit.


Another silly fun one. I covered half spheres with fabric and painted dots on them, then I drew on/stuck on faces with a Sharpie and craft foam again. I added wire antenae to some too. Then I put them on cardboard circles covered with white paper and a big orange paper dot. I made some of these puffy paper stars as confetti. I learned to make them in summer camp in 7th grade, and I still think they are uber cool.


Here's his banner, I made this using the Celebrations cartridge. Very fun to make.


Lastly, the cake made by Grandma Jeanne. I just gave her the pictures from the patterned paper and she took off with it. I love how it turned out, and it tasted so, soo good. Thanks Grandma Jeanne!

So, that's it. I plan to update with actual pics very soon.
Thanks for reading!

Happy 5 Month-iversary (a day late!)

5 months ago my best friend Sarah got married to her sweetheart Jonathan. It was the most genuine, intimate ceremony I've ever been to. I teared up even. And I never tear up at weddings. We won't mention how I blubbered through my "maid" of honor speech....
I wanted to wish her and her new hubs a happy first five months with this blog post. Plus, it's so hot and muggy right now, that I thought some winter wedding pics might put a bit of a chill in the air.
So, here's some pics from her big day - all taken by me, the very, very, very non-pro photographer.


Their gorgeous rings. That's right. It's a vintage diamond.


The bride and groom in their winter wedding finery.


Me, squeezing Sarah


Reception smooches. We are not above the annoying glass clinking, even at their classy reception. C'mon. This is Wisconsin people. Just be happy we didn't do the chicken dance, okay?


Their pretty cake. Red freakin' velvet.


A long shot of the couple at the end of the table.

Memorable moments and phrases (don't you hate it when people put inside jokes on their blogs?):

"It tastes like bandages." as said by Sharon

"Frankie says relax" as said by Rick

The giant tangle of lights that were somehow magically supposed to go onto the arch, on the floor of the Manie and Tina's livingroom floor. Jonathan trying to splice the wires to fix it, and then promptly going to the store to get icicle lights. Such a dear.

The hot waiter at Manny's.

Me wearing my giant, bright white Sorel boots, and then discovering that's all I had to wear, so all of us had to go to the mall so I could buy some real shoes.

Happy Month-iversary, my dear Sarah. May you have a lifetime of inside jokes, amazing food and wine, belly-laughs, and sweet, beautiful love with that man of yours. You deserve complete bliss.

2 Years Ago

Let's reminisce, shall we? 2 years ago on this day, I was un-blissfully pregnant. I was 25 weeks, my feet were swelling all the time, I went to the doctor every two weeks already, and my blood pressure was mysteriously out of control. Still, I had no idea Owen would be making his appearance. I guess all the signs were really there that I would be having a preemie, but Jason and I were both pretty naive about the whole thing. So, two years ago today, these pictures were taken of Owen with the clinics, brand-spanken new 4D ultrasound machine. I left work to be the guinea pig. There were all kinds of reps from the ultrasound machine company teaching my doctor to use it. Then, there he was. His little face, sucking on his tiny arms the same way he does now to comfort himself.

Pretty incredible. This same little person is nestled in his crib taking an afternoon nap right now. He runs now. He yells now. A LOT. He gets into everything, climbs all over, and jibber-jabbers constantly. He dances, and he sings even more. He signs for "eat", "more", and "fan". He has lots of scars marking his little body. Strangers have remarked on more than one occasion "he's so well-behaved". He's funny, he's smart, he's very loving and helpful. His mommy and daddy are very lucky people. What a difference 2 years makes.

Use It Thursday: Talkin' it up on the Sasha Gibb TalkShow

That's right! I'm back in action! Lots of action actually. Cleaning the basement out, calling around to find some temporary storage, putting up shelves in the garage, sewing pillows, chasing an almost-two year old, and now, posting in my ever-neglected blog! Look at me go!
Seriously though, I feel like we are making major progress on clearing out the house, and Jason has been an amazing help. The more stuff we clear out, the more I like it. It feels like I can breathe and move around. Hopefully potential buyers will feel the same way too....
So, let's get to it. I made this layout on my scrapping retreat at the end of April. It's all old, old, old stuff I've had just sitting. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's Urban Lilly patterned paper, Maya Road and Doodlebug acrylic flowers and leaves, Queen & co brads, some Heidi Swapp journaling spots, and a little square of some scalloped Bazzill. I journaled with Creative Memories pens too. I don't have any....I think I borrowed Julie's, but dang, they work so nicely. Fun colors too. The picture of Owen is from last May, on the day after he got his oxygen taken off. He still looks like a baby.



That's all for tonight. Until next time when we'll be talking about politics, chest hair, and crazy cool medallions. Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah. I know that's pretty random, but I'm been singing that song since I watched this....

The Barry Gibb TalkShow

Where have you been all my life?

Okay, so I am still living.....work has been insane lately, leaving me with a lot less time for fun stuff. Oh, I'm still making things, don't you worry, I just haven't had the time to document them. I'm planning an uber blog-post with all kinds of things though. I bet you'll be on pins and needles until then :) But, for now, I'll leave you with some pics of the OG that we took in the front "yard". If you've never encountered a "little stinker" in your life, these should be helpful. This is what one looks like.

The Big One

Today, I turned 30. 30 years ago I was brand new and fresh to the world. I don't feel so brand new anymore...
I wore a yellow cardigan, a light blue scarf, and an orange bracelet to work today....because I can, and I thought it might feel spring-y. Plus, I figure I may as well, now that I'm inching my way toward crazy old lady. The day was okay, but I have to admit that I am bothered by that number. 30. But, what's a girl to do? They bought me Chipotle for lunch at work and decorated my cube. Mom and Dad gave me a "What was happening in 1979" book/card that was cute and vintage-y looking. That's right. Vintage. Jas worked, so we didn't get to hang out, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me that he had to work on my birthday evening. He got me some really nice gifts too....but it doesn't look like my dream lens - the Canon 50mm f1.8 will become mine quite yet. Bummer. Like a lot of things today, I'm gonna have to get over it.
I did have fun over the weekend at my "surprise" birthday party. I knew we were doing something, but not what, or where, or with whom. We ate at Ol' Mexico (holy yum!) and then went to Grumpy's for more cocktails and lots and lots of karaoke. The night itself was fun, but there were quite a few people that Jason had said were planning on coming that didn't show. I didn't really feel bad about it until the next day, and I know stuff happens. Whoa. I'll try to keep the self-pity in check for the rest of this post...
I sang lots of times. "Chain of Fools", "Proud Mary", "Wasted" -the Carrie Underwood tune (yes, I was quite tipsy to sing country), and "Summer Lovin'"with David. Karaoke is my new drug of choice. We actually closed down the bar - I haven't done that since college. Luckily, I felt fine on Sunday, otherwise I would have been really upset if I couldn't function. And I am so, so grateful to Jason for planning everything, and for my pals that partied with me. It was a momentous occasion that will not be forgotten.
Here's some shots of the evening - thanks Allison and Dave!

Getting Ahead of Myself

I read this post from Studio Calico April a few weeks ago, and it really has me motivated to get started on selling our house/buying a new one in the country. There is a house we have in mind (okay, we have a house that I completely have my heart set on, that is), and I couldn't be less patient about the whole thing. I can't stop the fantasies about decorating an old house, and gardening, and even coming up with a name. Something "acres", I think….(see. I'm getting WAY ahead of myself again).
I am really trying to stay grounded about the whole thing and be patient and practical. There's a lot of money involved, obviously, in buying and selling, so I can't let my emotions get me too worked up either way. But, to be able to give Owen and Sophie a yard, and Jason a place to garden and grill (oh, and did I mention the "man cave"), and a place for me to scrap and cook and decorate, is pretty overwhelming. I know there are going to be challenges….probably some pretty big ones, but I've gotta believe that the reward will be greater.
We had the place inspected last week, and it was VERY encouraging for an old house - really no major fixes. So now, we just need to get spruce up our place, get a realtor, and sell our house without taking a gigantic hit since the market has changed so much since we bought it. Easy peasey, right? We just really need to get on the ball.
So I am starting with our basement. All I have to say about that is "YIKES". Giving away/throwing away/recycling/shuffling around. I feel like I have a long way to go, and the icky weather is just so unmotivating...
So, if anyone has any suggestions about buying/selling/and living in old houses, please share. I need help.

Use It To Make Something Thursday (the Friday Edition): Using less than perfect photos

I wanted to challenge myself to use some photos that are not that great (and then take an even more terrible photo of the layout- ha ha) - but they are from a really sweet memory. The pictures were taken with my phone, which is all I had at the time, and they are pretty grainy. But, the point is that Owen was just so cute, having such a fun time at Buffalo Wild Wings, wearing his little "wild child" horns, that I just couldn't not make a layout about it.
I've had this paper sitting around a long time as well, including the bright orange Colormates cardstock - not exactly sure what possessed me to buy so much blaze orange cardstock…. So, the Fancy Pants patterned paper, and sparkly overlay, and some American Crafts vinyl stickers for the letters make up this layout. Some crazy journaling directly on the patterned paper, and that's it. Quick, easy, and all documented.

Use It To Make Something Thursday

Just a quick one tonight, as my computer is being a total jerk.....

This is one of my favorite photos. The patterned paper, rub-ons, and title are all MME. The vintage dictionary paper is from a Studio Calico kit, and then some random buttons. Also, I think this is one of my very few layouts with no journaling - totally not my style, but it's kinda nice to just focus on a favorite pic speaking for itself.

Well, we have a huge day tomorrow - so hopefully I'll update tomorrow night. I hope all of you are well!

Use It To Make Something Thursday

Just a quick one today. Things have been a tad crazy in our house....hopefully I'll have time to elaborate tomorrow. Anyway, here's one I made with some Heidi Grace paper that I've had laying around forever and some random elements from some Studio Calico kits. Oh, and can I point out the older-than-the-hills Basic Grey word pebbles?! I think they are from the very first line. Crazy, right? But, I still really like them.

Thanks for reading. I hope all of you are well.

Use It To Make Something Thursday

This installment of "Use It Thursday" has a bit of a different spin than last week. I was looking through the clearance paper at Archivers the other day for some specific paper for a paper album - didn't find it btw - and I couldn't believe how many pieces of clearance paper were in there that I paid full price for, and now still have used. So, this week, I used the Crate die-cut paper, and the Basic Grey patterned paper, and flower stickers that are fairly new, but already on clearance at Archivers. On one hand, this market turns through product extremely quickly, always releasing something new based on season, and CHA. But, on the other hand, I have so much of it, there is no reason to hold onto something for the "perfect layout". If they tell even a tiny part of my story, it's perfect, right?

Thanks for looking - and I'd love you to link me to your "Use It Thursday" projects. It could be for anything - paper crafting, knitting, needlework, quilting, embroidery....you name it.

Thanks for reading!

Use it to make something Thursday:

It's not a mystery. I have tons of scrapbooking supplies. My mom says "it's like a store". A very messy, messy store in a basement anyway. I like the things I buy, but I do donate things a lot just to clear my head and the space. It feels good. But during the cleaning up/donating process, I always run across something that I really want to use but I just haven't found "the perfect layout" yet. For me, "the perfect layout" just does not exist. If I held on to products until the perfect subject, or perfect photo came along, I wouldn't have anything scrapped in the last 10 years. Hence, "Use it to make something Thursday". I'll take some things I've been holding onto, and simply use them to make something. Anything. But, usually a layout.
So, here's the first installment. The "Use It" products in the first layout is the Luxe round rub-ons. Very cute, and they've been laying around forever. So, I layered the black and white circles on top of each other on the new Colorbok patterened paper from Michaels "Forest Friends". Presto! A layout about Owen staying with Grandma J while I was at my first scrapping retreat.
Other products: Bazzill Cardstock

For the second, there are a couple "Use It" products…..the tiny frame from Pebbles, the Basic Grey, used for the frame and base, and the old MME stripe patterned paper covered with paint and glitter to try to make it look vintage-y.
Other products: Bazzill Cardstock for stamp cut-out
American Crafts glitter Thickers
Studio Calico journaling stamp
Jenni Bowlin glitter paint
Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch
Silver glitter

I *heart* Smartwool.

Ok, so maybe this stuff was originally invented for the outdoorsy-types who ski and such, but now there are super cute hats for little boys like Owen (with matching mittens that don't have thumbs - which is great because if you've ever tried to wrangle a 19 month olds thumb into the designated place on a mitten, you know how worthless it is), and stripey socks for cold-feeted mommies like me. I do love the outdoors. Just not for 6 months out of the year in WI - the dreaded winter. I skiied once. It was awful. I could be convinced to sled and skate though….. I digress.
Thank you to my cousin Kaitlin who not only introduced me to Smartwool, but also is my supplier of it.

So sorry.

Oh poor, neglected SC feb. kit. It's just been sitting all alone in my scraproom. It is chock-full of scrappy goodness, and I just haven't touched it yet. Too many other projects to finish first. Hopefully this weekend.....