better when choreographed

Creative Thursday ~ Winter in Fall

2012-01-26T10:56:00.002-05:00

(yes, this is the follow-up page to last week's Fall in Winter).

I used a darling sketch from some old friends at Creative Scrappers - I think I could use this sketch over and over again!

This was a freak snowstorm we had two days before Halloween. One of the highlights in my scraproom last week was going through some old winter stuff and actually finding orange snowflakes. Whodathunk?!

Winter in Fall by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: My Mind's Eye, Chipboard: Crate Paper, Letters: White Blossom, Paint: Making Memories, Apple Barrel, Glitter: Studio G, Markers: Sharpie, Punch: Creative Memories. Sketch: Creative Scrappers #191.

Some details about this page: I had originally planned on the two smaller photos as featured in the sketch, but I could only fit one for the size of the photos I wanted. So I punched out Matthew sledding and added it to the upper right hand corner. My Apple Barrel paint was almost empty, so I squeezed nearly a whole bottle of teal glitter glue into it and dropped it. You can't see the glitter in the white paint spot in the photo but it's really pretty on the actual page.

Musical Mondays ~ Fly, Fly Away

2012-01-23T08:42:00.004-05:00

Heard this song on the Sirius Broadway station last week and immediately fell in love with it. I'm so sad I missed this show, I think I would have really enjoyed it. From the Bible, the "rock" references hit home the most. From life, "fly" references click with me. My grandmother's favorite animal was the butterfly and she passed that love to the rest of her family way before butterflies were in fashion. I can't tell you how much I've learned from the traits of that butterfly. Ӝ

Fly, Fly Away sung by Kerry Butler from Catch Me If You Can

Men who you call real were really fakes who left me nothing
But this man you call a fake gave me something real
I've known cruel men with Christian names that taught me manners
But this man without a name taught me how to feel
People only saw the doctor, lawyer, Indian chief
But he was just a lonely little boy to me
With his sweet and gentle touch he sure unlocked my soul
So in return I surely want to help to set him free
Yeah, now I wanna see him fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

When I was a child, my eyes were clear, I saw the good side
That's the kind of second sight that doesn't last too long
But when I was lost, I heard a voice that brought me healing
That's the kind of special hope he brought me with his song
They only saw the magic tricks, the smoke and mirrors
Was I the only one to ever see the boy?
So now they want to clip his precious wings and bring him down
But in his heart and soul's the kind of good they can't destroy
Yeah, now I wanna see him fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Baby, when you're in the clouds, please keep a lookout
Maybe, darling, find a hideaway for you and I, you and I

And now I wanna see you fly, fly
I'll be your alibi, my baby
Fly, fly, fly away
We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day
Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

And I'll be waiting for you there
You'll fly back home to me one day.

Scripture Sundays ~ Ephesions 6:10

2012-01-22T01:00:00.005-05:00

I usually read & pray Ephesians 6:10 to guard against something. I love the references to different types of protective "gear". However, in preparation for a big weekend @GraceOC, I hear myself singing the good ol' kids' classic (think Veggie Tales):

♫ My God is so big! so strong and so mighty! There's nothing my God can not do! ♫

I felt the need to fast, pray and prepare, but not necessarily guard, for this weekend's big event at the Civic Center. All services @GraceOC are cancelled so that we can all travel to the "and beyond" in the church's mission statement for One Big Worship Event. I can't wait! I guess it's the 'big' in 'big event' that has me thinking about the size of God and what led me to Ephesians 6:10, but for a very different reason this time!

Ephesions 6:10 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (or in the strength of his might, ESV).

Seems this is contagious - I checked back to my friend Christy's blog and she had posted other parts of Ephesions 6 this week as well!

Eph 6:23-24
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Creative Thursday ~ Fall in Winter

2012-01-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, all you scrapin-istas, no making fun! I accidentally went all old school on this one. I found the background page (BoBunny) while rummaging through my autumn supplies. I intended on using this old vellum (K&Company) to stamp or paint images, but I decided to use it as because I loved how it complimented the BoBunny background paper. After I took that leap back in time, I resisted the urge to use flowers or bling and instead went with leaf stickers and sticker letters (Creative Memories), shaped buttons, and those round Doo-Dads (Colorbok). Those doo-dads were a rak given to me by a friend in our old Yahoo group some 7-8 years ago. And I had never opened them, lol! (Hey it took me six months to even open my first kit of Basic Grey!)
Hey, no use wasting those old supplies, right?!

Check out this layout in its sketch form from Love My Tapes. I think they do cards over there, but I really wanted to shape this photo (there was a lot of background stuff to crop out) and thought this would be a fun design.

Fall in Winter by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: Bo Bunny, Vellum: K&COMPANY, Letters, Stickers: Creative Memories, Round buttons (Doo-Dads): Colorbök, Brads: Making Memories, Ink: StazOn by Tsukineko USA, other: orange ribbon, star buttons. Sketch: Love My Tapes.

Musical Mondays ~ He Reigns

2012-01-16T16:19:00.001-05:00

I was blessed to sing on the worship team for one year at GraceOC before God gloriously rerouted me towards the children's ministry. As I mentioned before, I grew up singing in churches - I started when I was about 8 years old. Recently I shared with a friend how three musical ministers or worship leaders have played a mentor role in my life.

One of my favorite experiences was learning and singing this song. I just love how it encompasses and spreads love to many, many lands (Orange County and beyond, anyone?) I can listen to it over and over and over again, except for the fact that it might make me drive a little too fast. :)

p.s. I just found a kid version of this song via Group's vbs, Pandamania and will share it with the GL_at_GraceOC kids one of these weekends!

Newsboys singing He Reigns:

Short days and cold nights

2012-01-15T12:00:00.004-05:00

I'm sending this to my MOPs moms this week - this winter darkness is really getting to me this year. Maybe it's the lack of snow? Because cold and winter without snow might not be worth it!

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 NIV

way to go...

2012-01-14T21:15:00.001-05:00

Photography Fridays ~ the road to peace

2012-01-13T11:59:00.003-05:00

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ...

Creative Thursday ~ Adventurer

2012-01-11T23:11:00.002-05:00

I found this cute little blog, The Paper Bakery, through ScrapChallenge this week and used my day off to create.

Her sketch looked like this, but because of my picture orientations, I used it like that.

It feels great to create (2 for 2{weeks)) but then I feel like the house stuff I need to do before the kids get home is neglected. How did I scrap guilt-free for so many years and why can't I do that now? lol!

Adventurer by Lindsey Krauss.
Paper: Crate Paper, Bo-Bunny, Ribbon pleats: Pink Paislee, Blackboard: Cosmo Cricket, Rhinestones: Studio18, Rub-on: Karen Foster Designs, Ink: StazOn, Glimmer mist: Tattered Angels. Font: 2Peas Lighhouse. Sketch: The Paper Bakery.

Wacky Wednesday ~ I'm a reality star

2012-01-11T11:59:00.003-05:00

(...in my own head), that is.

I love to cook. I love to bake.
When cooking doesn't coincide with homework time, I am so on my own cooking show (in my head). Inner dialog leads my viewers in perfect sauteing, cook-top to oven techniques, delectable seasoning. I haven't thought of a title yet, but I'm on it.

Oh and in my craft room!
When I am putting together a scrapbooking page, I am all about teaching to the masses (in my head). Yep. I have my scrapbooking show, too. I can DIY right along with Sandi. I'm not sure who's watching this show, but I have fun making it nonetheless.

I love to sing.
I have my own band (in my head). We target the Christian audience because as long as I sang in church, people told me I looked so incredibly happy. They were right. My favorite place to sing. and praise. and worship. even before I knew what these were.

I'm a kid person.
I think my dream job would to be on Blues Clues. Just sayin'. I could do kid tv (in my head).

It's certainly not that I want to be famous. I never did, I hope I never will. It's just that I love to be on stage. Performing. Entertaining. Hopefully (and most importantly) teaching.

My favorite of all time is my Graceland gig every Sunday (not in my head!). I'm thinking it's because I can combine all of my talents (or wanna-be talents!) into one spot.
Blues Clues? check.
Kids? check.
Singing? check.
Scrapbooking? creative outlets, check.
Cooking? well, maybe not that one, but the track record was good up till now, right?
All that and to make a difference at the same time. It's so much more than me.
It's Him.
For Him.
To them.
My own reality show. (:

Musical Mondays ~ how it all goes

2012-01-09T09:21:00.016-05:00

It was a perfect morning. No request proved too difficult.

Where is my library book, I can't find it anywhere? On your desk.
Can you open my GoGurts? Without scissors, all 3.
Cream cheese on a bagel and lunch in a bag as he walks out the door.
Lunches packed, backpacks on, scooted out the door five minutes early.

Just to name a few.

The rest of the day might not have gone so well, including two sick dogs and an expensive trip to the vet, but still - if it had to be done, Mom got it done that day!

Made me think of all the Mom songs out there -
http://youtu.be/RxT5NwQUtVM is a funny one.
But we all love to feel appreciated so I'm posting this one for now:

Proverbs 31: 30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ...and read the rest of Proverbs 31, too!

Jeremiah on Sunday

2012-01-08T19:05:00.002-05:00

I am not a reader. Unless it is summer and we're off camping somewhere, I am not a reader. I wish I was!

A few summers ago, Mom introduced me to Karen Kingsbury. That summer I read more than a half a dozen books by her. Something just drew me in. I started with the Above the Line Series: Take One by Karen Kingsbury and I was hooked. I highly endorse Karen Kingsbury and her works - two of my other favorites are Like Dandelion Dust and Unlocked.

I still have my original note paper that I wrote this verse on. (I have 5 pages of notes from all the books I read that summer.)

I had heard the Jeremiah verse before, of course, but something about reading it over and over in Forever Faithful Series: A Moment of Weakness made it really sink in.

Now I love that I "walk" with this "in my pocket":

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV

Photography Fridays

2012-01-06T12:00:00.047-05:00

We'll start by letting the photo stand alone and let your own thoughts precede my story.

This is my Sam-I-Am.

McKenna is at the age where she has just started reading Dr. Seuss books - the kinds with the real words, of course. The night before I took this picture, we read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

The next morning, feeling like a champion mother, I made sure to get out of bed early enough to cook breakfast for everyone - green eggs & ham. Surprise!

Daddy-I-Am liked them.

Matthew-I-Am liked them.

McKenna-I-Am... Well...

She refused.

I quickly asked, Lord, should I choose this battle? He answered yes, you should choose this battle. We had forty-five minutes until the bus arrived and my mood considered, I chose that battle. I had the time and energy (and therefore patience) so onward we marched. Trying to set aside the fact that I was utterly disappointed that my surprise fizzled faster than the bath salts the kids got for Christmas, without factoring in my own dissatisfaction from not feeling appreciated today, we began. I put the priorities in order: (1) You have to eat a good breakfast before school. (2) This is what I cooked, therefore this is breakfast. Period. These are normal meal rules around here, so I didn't make them up for my own satisfaction. (I was well aware of my own discontentment and I was reallllly trying to keep myself out of this situation - making sure it was a parenting technique, not something for my own gratification.)

By the way, she loves "regular eggs and ham. You know, the yellow ones, Mommy?"

Fast forward 45 minutes and I told her if she didn't eat her breakfast (after which she brushes her teeth, puts her shoes on, and gathers her lunch and backpack) she would miss her bus.

Well wouldn't you know it?

The bus picked up Matthew. Not McKenna. And man, did that set her into a tailspin.

However.

Ten minutes later, she ate almost all of her green eggs and ham, apologized to me, finished getting ready for school and I drove her to school (making sure there was no fun music or entertaining conversation in the car). Fortunately, she loves school and loves riding the bus even more, so using alternative methods for our morning routine did not reward her at all. I emailed and forewarned her teacher of our morning and her teacher replied saying she had been self-managed, good-mannered and all-around well-behaved that morning.

Perhaps it's generational.

Gee, Mom? Are you listening? Whatever that situation was that led me to be sitting at the dining room table unwilling to eat my spaghetti until at the earliest ten o'clock pm, I fully and wholeheartedly apologize for it.

*sigh*

Every day I question, analyze and review my thoughts and actions as a mom and man, do I have a lot to learn, a lot to practice, and a lot to fix. This was a battle not for winning. This was a battle so that one day she could remember what her mom taught her when her daughter is left sitting at the table refusing...

By the way, she loved the green eggs and ham.

For the weekend, a little light reading.

I am Sam

Sam I am

That Sam-I-am

That Sam-I-am!

I do not like

that Sam-I-am

Do you like

green eggs and ham

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am.

I do not like

green eggs and ham.

Would you like them

Here or there?

I would not like them

here or there.

I would not like them

anywhere.

I do not like

green eggs and ham.

I do not like them,

Sam-I-am

Would you like them

in a house?

Would you like them

with a mouse?

I do not like them

in a house.

I do not like them

with a mouse.

I do not like them

here or there.

I do not like them

anywhere.

I do not like green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Would you eat them

in a box?

Would you eat them

with a fox?

Not in a box.

Not with a fox.

Not in a house.

Not with a mouse.

I would not eat them here or there.

I would not eat them anywhere.

I would not eat green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Would you? Could you?

in a car?

Eat them! Eat them!

Here they are.

I would not ,

could not,

in a car

Creative Thursday ~ Tooth Fairy

2012-01-05T10:11:00.001-05:00

It's a fact that our son lost his tooth just last year, just before he turned 7. This little one always has to outdo - she lost during Fall Kindergarten - in an apple! She will no longer eat a whole apple and doesn't want to wiggle the other lost tooth.

The tooth fairy came (even though she forgot to put her tooth under her pillow, good thing Mom remembered!). McK got a $2 bill, like her brother did, 5 more $1 bills, and a picture of a little tooth fairy. It's what her brother got, too. Oh and the GLITTER!! Everywhere!! That fairy tracked glitter in the front door, up the stairs, in the hallway and ALL OVER McK. She was thrilled!

p.s. that's all the journaling I forgot to add before snapping the pic. (:

So this was designed with a sketch from My Sketch World ~ I knew I wanted pink, but finding mint green (not bright or any other shade) was difficult!

Tooth Fairy by Lindsey Krauss
Supplies: Paper: My Mind's Eye, Letters: Making Memories, Rhinestones: Kaiser Scrapbook, Bows: Offray, Sticker date: K&Company, Buttons: Bazzill Basics Paper, Other: paper flower, mesh.

Wacky Wednesday ~ secrets

2012-01-04T11:59:00.002-05:00

Wanna know a scrapbooking secret?
* I haven't bought any new supplies in over 6 months, other than 1 razor knife and a few letters on sale from Hobby Lobby. I've been using stash all year long and actually don't miss having the "latest and greatest" as much as I thought... at least, for the moment.

Wanna know a hygiene secret?
* I usually only wash my hair every other day. I rarely wash my face at night. I rarely use moisturizer on my face or self. I love to brush my teeth. I brush in counts of 8, like dancing or music.

Wanna know a spiritual secret?
* I always knew I was different. I just didn't realize it was the power of God that made me so until a few years ago. I always thought it was because I grew up with my parents telling me I was special. I bet that helped, though. :)

Wanna know a genetic secret?
* I have to eat m&ms two by two, same color. One for each side of my mouth. If I have a third, I have to bite it in half so I'm still eating symmetrically.
* I often bite the inside of my mouth. I found out my aunt does the same thing, as does my dad and several of his cousins. Genetic or community thing?

Hahaa. I told you Wednesdays meant anything goes. :)

Musical Mondays ~ It's okay not to be okay.

2012-01-02T11:29:00.020-05:00

I absolutely love how our pastor, Pastor Jarrod Jones, begins his services almost every single weekend
(paraphrasing, but it's close):
1. If you're a guest here, welcome. We prayed you here.
2. It's okay not to be okay. <-- this is my greatest favorite.
3. We love you enough to tell you the truth.

Oh, and you'll get it over here. From the Bible to his mouth to our ears.

So I felt compelled to share one of my favorite songs, kind of an oldie but a goodie - I've heard ladies older than me singing it, I've heard elementary kids singing it. I guess it's one for the ages. Oh, and I'm totally going to try to duplicate her pashmina look for MOPs on Tuesday...

Enjoy!
Francesca Battistelli singing 'Free to be Me'
(I don't know why she looks to forlorn in this preview, this song uplifts me!)

I have a blog... {and Scripture Sundays}

2012-01-01T18:01:00.008-05:00

...I guess I might as well use it.

I'm not much of a resolution girl, but I suppose there is no time better to get posting than January 1st. I guess I'm doing alright life-wise because I am doing everything I've resoluted prior to today and I have no new life resolutions. Could always do a little more of that, a little less of that, but for now I miss my scrapbooking and I miss my blog. I never post regularly because I wonder who my audience is and why I should blog. No more worries. My audience can just be me. And one day, if they wish, my kids can get to know me through my own silly words. Though I usually have nothing too profound to say, each day I'll share a little about me.

My plan, if I stick to it, is a little of this and a little of that (because, after all, this blog was originally called "Lindsey's Scraps: of the book and of life").
*Musical Mondays - music moves me, all kinds. I'll share my favs, new and old.
*Tuesdays I usually spend in prayer. Unplugged. MOPs in the morning, friends in the afternoon. No blog these days.
*Wacky Wednesdays - anything goes. Sometimes I just have these random thoughts that I write down on a post-it note that gets lost or recycled. Never know what you're going to get on Wednesdays.
*Creative Thursdays - my only scrapbooking resolution is one layout per week. Hoping to post these on Thursdays.
*Photo Fridays. I am not a photographer. I like to take pictures. I'll share these on PHridays.
*Saturdays - family days. No blogs these days.
*Scripture Sundays - I have several albums filled with favorite scripture on index cards, post-its and double-spaced notebook lines where I heard, was moved by or read and how verses move me. Sunday seemed like a good day to share these.

So, enjoy my journey. Glad to have ya.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Starting off Scripture Sundays was super easy. Here is how I live - always have, always will. I first heard this in a Bible study and that day was the day I realized this was my life's mantra. Dad's the same way, so I don't wonder where I got it from. Thanks, Dad. xo

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 4:6-7

New Month, New Year, New challenges!

2012-01-01T18:00:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! Here's to a healthy, happy 2012!

I challenged the Lipstick Chicks to the idea of ONE while designing their next layout. They took it to the limits and we were all inspired in different ways!

Take a look and don't forget to design and show us how we inspired you.

True XoXo Scrapbooking Blog

True XoXo

2011-12-17T13:08:00.004-05:00

another month, another fun challenge!

Take a look! The girls had a blast with this one - it inspired us all in different ways, and that's what I love about the xoxo girls!

Here is my idea - pretty literal, are you shocked? =)

Be inspired, create, enter for a chance to win a gdt spot with the True XoXo Scrapbooking Blog !

the ...

2011-10-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

Facebook post heard 'round the world:

**we've got snow!**

I love it. Our entire family loves it. The first snowfall is a day of celebration around here!

Not enough to get pics yet, but the puppy is barking like mad at the flakes! So silly!

Take a tour!

2011-10-21T22:28:00.003-04:00

...of my brand-newly finished scraproom. (= This post has been a long-time coming. With the subtraction of the desk that came with the house and the addition of a large table desk and upright bookshelves, the room is complete ~ clean and organized, too!

Here we go!
((lots of pics here; bear with me if you're slow-loading))
Almost no one rings my doorbell, so please, just a quick knock, walk in the front door and turn left.
Go down the hallway, passed the coat closet and here is the view:

Now I'll take you from behind the door, on the left and clockwise around the room.

the rest of the left wall.

facing wall, left side:

facing wall, right side - workspace!

right wall,

my favorite storage find ~ bought @ Michael's, each with coupon:

inside wall; ahhh, the unexpected happy desk setup.

Today might have been one of the 100 most happiest days of my life; my husband called this, the "office", the scraproom. Can you believe it?! Well, he might have called it the *crap*room, but it was close enough!! lol!

Thanks for visiting! I'm hoping this room will inspire LOTS of craftiness to come... and maybe even a few unprompted blog posts!

Friday Freebie!

2011-10-21T21:02:00.003-04:00

at Webster's Pages.

Look at this amazing giveaway!
Are you kidding me?

Feather flowers, I can't say it enough... drool!!

click:
http://websterspages.typepad.com/webstershome/2011/10/wanna-win-websters-staff-favorites.html

My scraproom is completed, clean and organized. Now I could surely use some new stuff to stock it...

True XoXo's 1st ever Blog Hop!

2011-10-13T12:00:00.042-04:00

Hey Lipstick Chicks & fans! How is the journey? The team is just uber-talented and I am so proud to be a part of it.

If you're here today, you are XoXo blog-hoppin' and you should have come from Marie's blog. Marie won a guest design team spot last month and was invited to stay on for an extra month just to hop with us! If you just happened to stop by here today, please join us at the beginning at True XoXo's Scrapbooking Blog here! You could win your own gdt spot and lots of other prizes along the way. See the XoXo blog for details!

I was challenged by Marie to create my own embellishments or alter embellishments I have, with one handmade fabric flower! Had an MM Idol flashback there...

So I started a red and pink layout and finished with a little cd album for my McKenna. She wanted something to bring into school to show how she did her Pasta Pumpkin Project and the idea came to light when I was trying to think of a protected way to send the project - enter the cd case!

Hope this did Marie's challenge even a bit of justice! McKenna loves it!

xxxx

Thanks for stopping by! I'm going to send you off to Lisa Watson's blog now - or, if you like to copy & paste:
http://mypictures2pages.blogspot.com/2011/10/xoxo-blog-hop-authentique-and-rak.html
California roll, anyone? My mouth waters every time I read her post!

Thanks for coming. Don't forget about the ongoing monthly challenge also going on now. Check the True XoXo scrapbooking blog for more information!

p.s. xoxo

Lots of stuff going on!!

2011-09-12T21:44:00.001-04:00

...especially at True XoXo!!

Only 3 days left to enter our random drawing to be October's guest designer!
Check it out here!

Your next challenge starts right now! 'Like' our True XoXo Scrapbooking Blog page on Facebook for an opportunity to be our first guest designer - our designer for October. Winner will be randomly chosen (this month only) and will be announced Sept. 15th! Then she'll have two weeks to create a page along with our design team.
If you've already 'liked' the page, you just gotta tell us here.
Like there and comment here to be eligible to win!

Then there is November's guest designer challenge - use any design team's layout as inspiration, link us up!

Check that out here!

New look, new layouts, new challenges - check it out!!

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com

We will never forget.

2011-09-11T21:31:00.001-04:00

Shortly after 9/11/01, I was blessed to be part of a production of Godspell, where I was introduced to this song. Every year on 9/11, I share its lyrics.

BEAUTIFUL CITY by Stephen Schwartz

( sung by Jesus )

Out of the ruins and rubble
Out of the smoke
Out of our night of struggle
Can we see a ray of hope?
One pale thin ray reaching for the day

We can build a beautiful city
Yes, we can; Yes, we can
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But we can build a city of man

We may not reach the ending
But we can start
Slowly but truly mending
Brick by brick, heart by heart
Now, maybe now
We start learning how

We can build a beautiful city
Yes, we can; Yes, we can
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But we can build a city of man

When your trust is all but shattered
When your faith is all but killed
You can give up, bitter and battered
Or you can slowly start to build

A beautiful city
Yes, we can; Yes, we can
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But finally a city of man.

The Lipstick Chicks are back!

2011-09-02T01:02:00.001-04:00

I mean, I have several updates - even some layouts! But take this for now and I'll be back after the kids are off to school next week. Have fun, tally ho!

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-21-were-back.html

New look, new layouts, new fun!! And we're off!

Don't forget about our current 'like' and comment challenge going on now! You have to Sept. 15th to 'like' our True XoXo Scrapbooking Blog page AND comment on the Aug. 31st post ( http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-true-xoxo.html )
to be eligible to become a gdt member for October.

This month our team was inspired by the colors of their own or a favorite blog. Now it's your turn! How will you be inspired?
go to:

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/09/challenge-21-were-back.html

((Fine print:

The idea is to find inspiration, or scraplift, any of these layouts. Color, design, subject or wording - you may find inspiration in any or all of these. Enter as many times as you like.

Show your layout on your blog, and link its specific post in the comments section. -or-
Put your layout in your favorite gallery if you don't have a blog, post in comments. -or-
or Mister Linky is working below - yay!!

We'd love to know what inspired you, if you have time to write a little about that.

Layouts are due Sept. 30th, midnight your time.
The team will vote on their favorite and the winner will be announced September 5th.
Winner will be our November guest design team member; she will be invited to hang with us in our super secret True XoXo design team Facebook group during October, find out how XoXo designers get their inspiration and will have a layout posted for November blog entry.))

Goodbye, ScrapRoom...

2011-07-02T15:59:00.002-04:00

See ya in a week or so.

In case you're wondering what happens around here this time of year... we're gearing up for our free vbs, which we call SummerQuest - I have the delightful opportunity to co-lead a week again this year. We've been prepping and planning for months, but it's always the last week that brings so much work, leaving little time for anything else at all.

This year, I did learn to leave evenings and a weekend day with family - Tuesday evening we caught fireflies. Thursday we saw Cars 2 with friends. Friday/last night, we had our 2nd annual 4th-of-July party at Pop's shop with neighbors, family and friends. And today, the official day off, we're on our way to my mom's neighbors' house for some Fourth fun the Latin way: loud music, clowns, free ice cream truch, swimming, bouncing, volleyball, a live band, dancing, red, white, blue and LOTS of good food. Later tonight is more fireworks (I can't get enough) on the boat with my parents.

Tomorrow marks the start to SummerQuest, 75 or so volunteers show up to learn, run thru and setup for this week's - Backstage with the Bible by the Go Fish Guys. After using one of their songs to lead Sunday large group this year, I stumbled upon and fell in love with their music and vbs's.

Monday morning, 225 little ones show up on GraceOC's campus to live, learn and love Jesus. Prayers welcome!

So I gladly say goodbye to the scraproom for a full week, can't say I'll miss ya.

Oh! that's a LSS sneak peek. (= Full post on Sunday over there.

Little Shop of Sketches - winner!

2011-06-25T10:11:00.002-04:00

Didja see? Didja?

Take me to Little Shop of Sketches!

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri - PAUSE!

2011-06-17T14:25:00.002-04:00

Well, it turns out that if I put my camera in the shop for some cleaning and repair, it's a bit like cutting off my right arm. {Well, it is two days short of a MONTH, I guess I'm entitled to be a bit fidgety.} All mojo, all vision, all inspiration seems like it's on hold. I guess I'll either try again in July (or 1/2 July, 2nd 1/2 August) or pick this up in September. Look at me, planning!

In the meantime, I would love to spend my time scrapbooking the pictures I actually do have. In between year-end festivities and planning our church's vbs, I wish there was more time!

If you have the time, hop on over to xoxo - there is a new lift up for June and still time to enter!

This month's prize is a subscription to Scrapbooks Etc., magazine...courtesy of our diva donor, Charvonna Stackhouse!

p.s. I miss my camera.
xoxo

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri ~ day 1 & 2

2011-06-03T14:35:00.000-04:00

June 1

Posting a self-portrait. a late-in-the-day pic of me with no makeup, late in the day is kinda scary. Sorry about that, lol!

June 2My favorite shoes? $10 at Target, about 2 years ago. Not too crazy stylish or extraordinary, but the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned!
(Will install pic in a few...)

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri

2011-06-01T08:39:00.006-04:00

My friend Bri (who has long surpassed me in talent and popularity, haha!) is doing a fun 30-day Photo Fun project and I thought this was perfect for me to do alongside her in June. June is so so so busy I honestly don't have time to stop and smell the roses.Well, this way maybe I can at least take pictures of them. Wanna play?

I'll post my pics the day after, so stay tuned!!

xoxo

A blog a day in May ~ Camera Woes

2011-05-31T12:36:00.007-04:00

Well, it wasn't quite a blog a day in May, but it was close and more than I've ever done I think! Happy June, everyone!

Dear Camera:

I miss you. Please come back safely. You're scheduled to return tomorrow, but I haven't heard anything to back that up. I feel a bit depressed without you here. If I could pray for a camera, I would. Please come back to me soon, delivered like new (or new) by the Geek Squad - thank goodness for Premium Insurance!

xoxo
Yours in clicking,
Lindsey

A blog a day in May ~ Hate?

2011-05-23T17:21:00.004-04:00

Okay, I have to do it. I'm sorry, but if this is my journal, I have to write it down to get it off my shoulders.

**pulls over soap box, steps up**

Why hate? What good does it do?

I watched part of an afternoon talk show (which I so rarely ever do) and was kind of appalled. Now, the content was horrible. The situation worse. I understand this. However, Talk Show Host decided, instead of even fathoming forgiveness, to harbor the hatred. To fuel the fight of the haters. To provide details in accusation of the admitted felon, challenging with direct eye contact. The look in the hateful guests' eyes said it all. Decades later, there was no forgiveness, no healing.

Yes, I understand how horrific it must have been. I understand that some people just aren't capable of forgiving, or so they think. (I can't empathize or appreciate, but I can understand.) But why should the hate be sensationalized? Is this what people want to watch?

Disgusted, I came to a conclusion that I can live with.

Hate doesn't heal. Hate won't ever heal. Hate only harbors hate. That hate may lay within a heart for a lifetime. Forgiveness, however difficult it may be, forgiveness opens doors to healing. So why waste time hating?

**shoves soap box back into the corner**

Thanks. TTYL.

But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you
Luke 6:27

A blog a day in May ~ Creative Memories

2011-05-20T23:59:00.000-04:00

I'm a fan.

I spent the evening at a friend's house watching a Creative Memories presentation and I have to say: Wow! They've come a long way. The products are updated. The paper is pretty. The digital is really, well, dummy-proof! Sorry... 'user friendly' better?

((Not to mention it's always fun looking for the work of the uber-talented Nicole Martel in the pages of the catalogs!))

I didn't get much - I got another pack of PicFolio photo pages for the Disney album I've yet to start. No it's okay! I just got the first set of pages a few days ago. Some really cute stuff, I tell ya!

It was fun going back to where it all began, I'm a fan!

A blog a day in May ~ Waiting

2011-05-19T22:32:00.007-04:00

I have nothing exciting to bring to the table today.
I've been too distracted for the last few days waiting for a response. You don't need details, you just need to know that waiting is just about killing me. And no, I'm not waiting for the nd of the world. Waiting for good, waiting for bad; honestly, I really don't know. I'm just praying it out. So, I Googled 'waiting' and this is what I came up with.

No lie. This blogpost was interrupted right now; the email I've been waiting on just arrived with the answer. I had to stop, pray and will read in just a minute. Here we go.
Waiting (the movie)
Waiting or The Waiting - Wikipedia
a couple more about the movie
Waiting the Book

Clearly, I'm not going to find anything helpful this way. Let's try Googling 'waiting Scripture'.
Waiting on the Lord - Bible.org
--- aaah, here it is:
Psa. 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psa. 37:9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.

Psalm 62:5 Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence.
Isaiah 30:18 For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy; he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the Lord is a just God; all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.
and the kicker:
Psalm 130:5 I rely on the Lord, I rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word. 6 I yearn for the Lord, more than watchmen do for the morning, yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.
some more:
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one who seeks him.
Galatians 6:9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

Don't even need to go back to the Google page. Thanks, God.
Father God, thank you for being here for me, thank you for bringing me answers. Please prepare and guard my heart for what I'm about to hear. Let my thoughts, actions and feelings be in Your glory and in Your glory only. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A blog a day in May ~ purple + pink = ?

2011-05-17T18:30:00.003-04:00

I think I have a problem.
I love purple and pink.
Is that a problem?
I'm pretty sure I know from where it stems. I distinctly remember small arguments with my mom over color choices. Those were in the days of dressing in royal purple + bright yellow. Hot pink with teal trim + floral leggings + teal socks, headband.
But of all the colors I wanted, she never let me have pink + purple.
So here we are decades later and my mom buys an outfit for my daughter: a purple shirt with pink flowers and purple leggings with pink trim to match.
But...? But...!
Now I collect. Can you collect for revenge?
My favorite sweatshirt I found upstate last summer - it's light pink with light purple writing on it. Just the other day I found a brighter purple sweatshirt with bright pink trim.
Yesterday, I was going through my scrapbook paper looking for teal, pink and yellow and I found at least 4 sheets of pink and purple patterned paper.
Funny, right?
I think a layout is on the horizon - there's even a crop challenge at Cocoa Daisy about what you're wearing now. Take a look!

A blog a day in May ~ Little Shop of Sketches

2011-05-16T21:12:00.007-04:00

How cute is this site?! Got an email today with this sketch in it, so I thought I'd see if I could work it out. Here goes!

Little Shop of Sketches
Sketch #82

just dandy by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: Pebbles, Inc., My Little Shoebox, Cardstock: ,Rhinestones: Recollections, Bazzill, Rub-on: Bazzill, Alphabet: My Little Shoebox, Flowers: Prima Inc., other, Brads: Recollections.

A blog a day in May ~ Not Guilty

2011-05-16T14:56:00.001-04:00

*bang*bang*bang*
Hey! Sooooo... I missed a few days. But ya know what? For the first time in my life, there are no apologies, no exceptions asked, no guilt whatsoever. It's been fun blogging - more like journaling - to clear my head. And with a day or two missed, it feels fine. Especially since I heard there were blogger bugs this weekend anyway...
*bang*bang*bang*
Hey ScrapStreet gals!
Hey True xoxo chicks!
Hey there Cocoa Daisies!
I know people are reading, even if they're not commenting. For some reason, though, a search must lead many, many people to a post I once titled "Live Your Life with Arms Wide Open" - guess many do a search about living that way. I can tell you how!
*bang*bang*bang*
Anyhow, Friday was nuts with the whole family home. Saturday was crazy with a 9am T-ball game, 12pm birthday party, 2pm baseball game and 5:30 wedding. Sunday? Well, Sunday I did absolutely nothing. I actually sat on the sofa catching up on the dvr for about 70% of the day. It was wonderful. (=
*bang*bang*bang*
Today, as you can tell from all the noise, my husband is working on the finished basement downstairs and I've been dilly dallying in my scraproom all day. Started a layout, hoping to finish. Will post tomorrow.
*bang*bang*bang*
*bang*bang*bang*
Aw, man. Got ear plugs?

A blog a day in May ~ Achoo!

2011-05-11T11:51:00.001-04:00

Allergy season is indeed upon us. Matthew's getting hit the hardest in this house, poor guy. Itchy eyes, cough, constantly runny nose.

Apparently I thought it a good idea to buy tissues on sale. Good tissues, ugly boxes. Our downstairs green & orange bathroom's tissue box needed a major makeover, so, well, I did!

McKenna now wants a purple one and I'm sure Matthew will put an order in soon as well.

God Bless You!

A blog a day in May ~ Jump!

2011-05-10T13:31:00.004-04:00

about the girl

This is my McKenna. Girl after my own heart. Interested in the girly part of life just enough to get by (nails painted - but usually yellow, hair down "like a big girl" - because she doesn't want it burshed, lip gloss occasionally, sparkley shoes but only if they're sneakers and hardly ever a dress to be seen). Much more at interest are: dirt. fun. dirt. school. playing outside. dirt. watching a little Disney channel. dirt. soccer, t-ball, swimming for sure. then dirt. I was that kind of girl, too. I did wear dresses though. In the dirt.

about the photo

On the day I was blessed to serve and hear Tammy Trent at GraceOC's Women's Conference, ten yards of brown mulch was delivered to our driveway. After baseball, the kids and Doug spent all day passing out this mulch into the garden that spans the front of the house and through the driveway. Apparently, jumping and playing in it weren't optional. Apparently, shoes were. At this point, it was senseless to get mad over a pair of socks and it was much more conducive to grab the camera and play. After some in-the-pile shots, I got down as low as I could to add drama to her flight and height. I love everything about her - the hair, the arms, the pointed toes (yay!), the fearlessness.

My girl.

A blog a day in May ~ The day after

2011-05-09T18:18:00.005-04:00

Sometimes the day after the main event is better than the day of. Maybe it's the feeling of expectations unmet, maybe it's feeling like you didn't do it well enough for someone else. Who knows.

But my day after was the best. With husband home, there was less stress of the daily stuff and even a little more "me" time. Entire family up by 7:15am. Everyone helping out this morning. Husband drove carpool to school today. Pedi's with a friend to start my day. Lots of outside sunshine. Husband cleaned inside and out of both cars and outside of the camping trailer. Deck cover went up, clean cushions on chairs, 2 of 3 meals outside. Husband even cooked dinner. Not sure where the day went but there was lots of light so it doesn't even matter, or I don't really care!
It was a good day. Strange prose in this post, but today was a good day.

A blog a day in May ~ Mother

2011-05-08T12:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day.
xoxo

A blog a day in May ~ Paula's Italian Pasta Salad

2011-05-07T08:22:00.001-04:00

Personally, I don't like anything with dressings or mayo, but when I agreed to make pasta salad for 40 people at a baby shower and Paula Deen had this recipe on the same day, I thought it was pretty much a message sent from above that this will do, without needing a taste test.

So 3 pounds of bow-tie pasta is cooking alongside 1 lb of baby bow-tie pasta (nice touch, eh? for the baby shower?)

Paula's Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1 pound bow tie pasta
1 cup store-bought balsamic vinaigrettedressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 (4-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
2/3 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/2 diced green bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan, for topping

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta cook it according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, mayonnaise, and sugar.

Drain the pasta well, transfer to a large serving bowl, and let cool. Add the tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, green pepper, salt, to taste, and the black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the cheese, toss lightly, and serve.

Enjoy!

A blog a day in May ~ Two in a day

2011-05-06T13:50:00.016-04:00

...not blogs, but the other day I got two layouts done in one day and best of all, both layouts were just for me!

No requirements, no dt work, no "work" involved at all.

Although, I did get a little inspiration from Faith Sisters' speed scrap for the digi.

Oh, that's funny - I just realized that I never took a picture of the paper page. Priorities, I guess!

Here it is ~

We Like Skype by Lindsey Krauss. Supplies: Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle, Transparency: Hambly Prints, Letters: American Crafts, Making Memories, Flower: Prima, Inc., Buttons: BasicGrey

Rhinestones: Kaiser Scrapbook, Other: cream cardstock, square push pin, tiny button.

Digital page:
down & dirty by Lindsey Krauss. Credits: (papers, tags, clip)
Green Grove Mini Kit by Dora Phillips for ScrapStreet.com,(tie & ribbon) Artistic Fall by e-scapeandscrap, (fonts) Rage Italic, Baby Kruffy.

A blog a day in May ~ Cinco de Mayo!!

2011-05-05T12:34:00.001-04:00

Yeah, Cinco de Mayo means nothing to me. Other than the fact that I coincidentally made chicken fajitas and yellow rice for dinner last night, I mean. Sorry.

But what did mean so much was spending time with my daughter, having a Mothers' Day Tea Party at school with her. They did it up - tablecloths, china, tea and cookies, gifts and flowers. I am blessed.

We were going to get dressed up (McKenna & I), but the morning got away from us. While every other girl in class had a dress on, McKenna had her favorite brown sweatshirt and lots of yellow (her favorite) on. I figure if she had worn a dress, no one would have recognized her anyway, so we're happy with casual for now. ;-)

No progress on Operation Scraproom. Sometimes we have to clean the rest of the house, too. (=

A blog a day in May ~ Tomato Soup

2011-05-04T13:16:00.001-04:00

That's what's for lunch today. Good ol', super-plain, out-of-a-can, Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup. I know. boring. But it's only 90 calories per serving so I can have the whole can if it's with not much else. I mean, I love to cook and blend ingredients and spices, but not my tomato soup. And that's my nugget of information today.

What?

I can't write a 500 word blog every day, I'd lose ya. I'm sure I'll still find a way to overtalk this one.

Oh! made with milk. The tomato soup, that is.

Here's a story. One of the very first things I made on my own was - you guessed it - a can of tomato soup. Mom watched as I read each step in the directions, made it slowly and perfectly, poured it into a bowl for myself, tasted and promptly spit it out. I was so upset that I cried for what I remember was forever. It tasted terrible. Then Mom clued me in to the milk instead of water and my culinary confidence was restored.

Today's lunch: pic of a phone pic. Emailed photo taking too long!

Made with milk.

And serve it with Ritz crackers and an ice cold glass of milk. I reached in today to grab some Ritz and the box was *gasp* empty!! So today, it's Cheez-Its. Yum.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Project Scraproom Overhaul: Corner is complete. Clean! I even started on my desk, here, next to me.

What's different? No unfinished layout!

Do you see something else different here?

I got a digi and a paper layout done, both yesterday! (My Facebook status says: Finished both a digi layout and a paper layout in one day. Universes must be colliding somewhere.) The digi was a speed scrap for Faith-Sisters and the paper was a page I started about 7 weeks ago inspired by a ScrapStreet magazine call - gadgets. It's called I Like Skype. Will photo and post later.

A blog a day in May ~ Hey, I made it back!

2011-05-03T13:34:00.006-04:00

Okay, even I didn't think I'd write two days in a row. And this is live writing - not pre-scheduled. AND I've even got a list of things to blog about in days to come.

Wait, is that what scheduled means? Pre-scheduled? I don't know, look it up.

So, after getting home from MOPs (Moms of Preschoolers) today - never heard of it? don't have one? Google it - if you're a mom, you need it!

Anyway, today Miss B (names and faces have been changed to secure identity) spoke to us mainly about encouraging following through at home with what happens in church. Ah, Miss B. If you're a @GraceOC'r, and if you know her as I do, you'll agree that she is a God-sent angel walking this earth, if there is such a thing. Although, she'd deny it and give it back to God, she's good at that.

Anyhoo, I'll try to add some references at the end, but on my slow-drive home, it dawned on me that there is one thing that I am absolutely, positively sure of that is about me. I am a kid person. That's it. That's today's revelation, apparently. I've always had kids in my life, from babysitting at a young age, to co-coaching at age 13, to running a youth gymnastics program at a local school near my college, to be on a cognitive psychology lab team having to do with - yes, you guessed it - kids. Teaching preschool out of college, coaching again and again... and ultimately home with my own.

I remember when my now ten-year-old nephew was born, I flew down to take care of him for a week while his mom went back to finish school. Man, I used to just sit and stare at that tiny jelly bean while he was sleeping and sound. I find peace in children.

4/18/2011 -- hike lookout overlooking the Hudson

Today I was visiting with my mom in the one-year-old room during MOPs and a few were teary so I let myself in, plopped on the floor and got to playing. Phones, piggy banks, a big ball. Even got a known-crier cutie girl to stop crying and talk to me. It's like a magic. God has built me with some kind of kid-magic, I guess.

Let's pause here for a moment. Two of my own is perfect for me. For some reason I have a ton more patience with others' kids than I do with my own and I'm fully aware of my limits. So no, there will not be anymore kids added to our family. Maybe just dogs.

So while I'm not entirely sure what I want to do with my life, I know it will have something to do with kids. Hoping from here, God will lead me.

Rick Warren

Raising children is one of God's primary ways to teach you unselfishness.

A few at-home references:

The Jesus Storybook Bible

Amber Sky Records

My First Look << and by the way, the creature from this site inspired the walls in our very own Pre-K Promiseland walls!

Project Scraproom Overhaul: today is get that floor corner cleaned up, as seen in the post below this one, photo #3. 'after' pic coming in a few!

A blog a day in May ~ In the beginning

2011-05-02T20:23:00.001-04:00

I think this is my last-ditch effort at a blog. I'm terrible at blogging and quite frankly, I'm tired of apologizing every time I do get to the blog. Honestly, with so much inspirationality (no, it's not a word, look it up) around me, I usually feel like I have nothing to contribute to the world of blogging. Hmmm, maybe I'll point you in those directions... So for each day in May I'll try to post something - anything - to see if this blog can be saved. Yes, I know it's May 2nd so you may say I'm a day late; I can say 'no I'm not!' because what you don't know is I wanted to do this in April so I'm actually a month and a day late. *big grin*

I'm not going to stick to blogging about scrapbooking because honestly, I don't think I even remember how to do that anymore. I still think of layouts to create as I snap pictures, but rarely are my hands in paper. This layout on my desk I started over 6 weeks ago. I've only completed eleven (yes 11) layouts so far this year - I kid you not - and no digitals. And I am totally and completely in love with exactly zero of them. They always do look better on paper than posted on the net; but still, I love them not.

The other thing I'm working on is Project Scraproom Overhaul. I don't need to add much, I just need to complete the organizing I started when we moved in recently a year ago. the only thing I foresee buying is a few more Cropper Hopper vertical paper holders for some theme-y stuff (boy, girl, wedding, dog) on the floor. I've got a good start, but lately this room is a dumping spot. Right now I only use it once a week for Sunday school prep. Oh, and last month I glue-dotted an orange flower to a black headband for family fun night aka JUMP ZONE at Grace. I do want to use the room for scrapbooking again. If I can snap 124 pictures of my kids in 2 days, mostly having to do with dirt piles and building stuff, I certainly can find an hour or two to scrap some. I mean, look! Here I look more like a hoarder than a scrapbooker. Although I've heard, in some circles, those two are synonymous. (=

So... here we go. Bets on whether or not I'll follow through? Yeah, I'm with you.

la-la-la-la-lift!

2011-04-14T13:21:00.001-04:00

Time for some true girls time - true xoxo! In the mood to lift? The options this month are GORgeous... Take a look!

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/04/challenge-18-sponsored-by-candy-shoppe.html

Your challenge should you choose to except, is to scraplift one or more of these April creations by the Lipstick Chicks. When you are finished, link up your scraplift below and make sure you leave your name with it (just so we can mention your name if you are the winner/honorable mention).

If your link(s) lead to your blog, please make sure you have mentioned our April Sponsor - Candy Shoppe Designs and our challenge blog "XOXO" with a working link leading back to us. Don't forget to include the names of the Lipstick Chicks you scraplifted in your posting to give them proper credit.

Scraplifts will be accepted until Saturday, April 30, 2011. The more you scraplift, the better your chances at winning. This months prize is coming from Candy Shoppe Designs once again. Have fun playing and good luck!

Life needs a lift

2011-03-16T14:39:00.002-04:00

...the Lipstick Chicks sure can attest to that! So here is Challenge #17, ready?

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/03/challenge-17-sponsored-by-candy-shoppe.html

Didja see? I think I might do some lifting this month! The pages are so gorgeous this month...

Sponsor this month is
Candy Shoppe Designs
Check 'em out!

(=
xoxo

fizzy lifting drinks

2011-01-09T20:05:00.006-05:00

...or another Lipstick Chick xoxo LIFT!

Go check us out here:
True xoxo Girls Blog

Lift, post, repeat as necessary.

You can see my little creation this month. Sooooo incredibly *not* wht I had planned for the page, but it's fun nonetheless. You don't get extra credit for lifting me, but I probably would give ya a blog mention if you do. (= Props!

This is the January lift -
Prize is from SWEET PEACH CROP SHOP and it's to die for! You'll have to check the link to see the "Second Semester" kit prize. (=

Have fun!

Butterflies Fly by Lindsey Krauss.
Supplies:
Paper: Pink Paislee, Flowers: Urban Lily,
Bling/Pearls: Heidi Swapp, MME, Kaiser, Bazzill Paper, Prima.
Flocked Lace: WRMK, Letters: AC Thickers, White Blossom,
Journaling spot: Maya Road, Ink: Staz-On.Rub-ons: Bazzill, Pen: Sharpie.

Ok, in case you missed it - I was lifted last month! This contributing chick Mrs. Green lifted so well, it could have been sister pages to my soccer layout (as the matter of fact, I think I like her soccer ball better!) Can't wait to see it with pictures!

uh oh

2011-01-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

Some local friends found out I have blog.

Now, I'm not denying the fact that I am not a very good blogger, so let's start there. Most of the time I just don't feel like I have anything important to say, especially when reading blogs of others who blog for real reasons or with real talent. However, I like pointing out pretty things, so that I will do.

Originally this blog was named 'The Midnight Scrapper' as I would stay up scrapbooking all night when Matthew was super young and Doug worked midnights. After that, I stayed with the 'Lindsey's Scraps', of life and the book. Just to give me an out to talk about anything I wanted. Wasn't there another title after that? The title 'Choreographed' you can read about here.

I think it's easier to blog for strangers, maybe I wouldn't have to worry about face-to-face criticism (although I doubt any of my real friends would criticize me unnecessarily anyway). My mantra about scrapbooking is do it only if I'm having fun. I was unnecessarily and meanly criticized once when I first started scrapbooking and showing online. It was right there and then that I decided I would scrap for myself and only for fun and that I would learn to appreciate ALL scrapbookers and scrapbooking. Was it worth it otherwise?

Lightbulb.
That must be why I stick to small and welcoming online scrapbooking sites and design teams. hmmm. Interesting.

But I think all readers need to know something about me:

I am a master of nothing.

You know that saying, jack of all trades, master of none? That should be my tattoo. But, listen. I'm so okay with that. I've realized now that the journey God's taken me on is happening for a reason. A very special reason. I'm gathering that sometimes it is better to be well-rounded in many things so that you're well-equipped for certain jobs (for example, working with kids, *wink, *wink).

So, not to belittle myself, but in an effort for readers to get to know me better, I'm going to have a little fun "rating" myself. Feel free to talk to me about anything I'm about to mention. It's like a star-rating. One * is not so good, 5 ***** is really, really good (or, however you word that).

Ready?

Working with kids: **** -- by far my greatest talent. I'm not at 5 because I think as a teacher you will always have to learn. You have to be willing to accept the fact that you don't know everything and have to constantly look for guidance and wisdom.

Singing: *** -- (5 if you ask my mom). lol. I have a pretty voice, but I have to be so practiced and rehearsed that I just can't hack it on-the-fly. I would love to have an ear to figure out harmonies and not to have to read and learn them as written. I'm working on that. In my car. (-;

Taking pictures: *** -- but I have so much to learn. I think I have a pretty good eye. and yes, Erin, I *LOVE* my details. Ever since I was engaged and especially after I had Matthew. Just have to learn the camera better. Working on that!

Gymnastics: *** -- (formerly). Now I'm only 3*** if I'm on a trampoline. My oh my has gravity and age set in. However, in my mind, I'm a 5*****! I can still do all my skills in my head, and better than I ever did them in person!

Cooking: *** I'm going with 3 on this one. I love recipes. I love doing my own thing. However, there is more risk of things not going my way since the move to the electric stove/oven. Grrr. However, I'm a whiz on the grill and on my old gas stove. Hungry?

Scrapbooking: **1/2 -- I don't know. Sometimes my pages are phenomenal, sometimes they bomb. As long as I have my Dad around to brag around about me, I'll stay at 2**. (=

Dancing: **1/2 -- here's the thing. I was a power-gymnast but had grace in my hands. When I got on stage, I learned how to fake it really, really well.

Driving: **1/2 -- I drive too fast sometimes. I've gotten better since moving to the country country, but still have my moments. I'm safe. Just fast.

Piano: * -- I used to easily be a 4****, playing key contemporary duets with my teachers and crazy Rachmaninoff solo pieces, but now? I only have part of one Scott Joplin song left. )= Oh, and Twinkle/ABC.

Cleaning: * -- I just can't stick to a schedule.

Phone skills: 1/2 -- I'm terrible at it. However, Facebook skills are near-reaching 5*****. *wink

Ballet 0 -- I only made it 3 weeks.

Flute 0 -- I only made it 6 weeks. or was it vice versa?

Hmmmm... I'm sure there is more. There may be a second post about this. It was kind of fun, getting to know myself on paper.

So howdy, friends, near and far. I'll be talking to ya soon. <3 xoxo

XOXO to you...

2010-12-20T09:58:00.002-05:00

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2010/12/challenge-14-sponsored-by-candy-shoppe.html

Hey! The new True XOXO Lipstick Chicks' blog layouts-to-lift are up under November's winners! This one is sponsored by CSD. Lots of fun stuff to look at, to lift. New girlies on next month so stayed tuned...

Here is the layout I did - way different for me.

imaginisce, imagine that!

2010-12-09T13:48:00.002-05:00

I saw this sketch while browsing the blogs of a few of ScrapStreet's newest staff and just had to try. It was so much fun - and, not surprisingly, quite literal after being turned upside-down (quite like my life usually is...) I used the MLShoebox line I received as a prize and polished off some late summer pics of hubby & the kids. It's fun and bright and is one of my favs of the year, I think.

Sketch:

My take - I saw this sketch printed and laying upside down on my table and that's when I put green hills in where the banners should be (and exactly where my journaling landed - look closely!). I couldn't bring myself to banner anyway, it's one trend I'm hoping to steer clear of. :) I like your banners, I just don't want to do mine!

Paper: My Little Shoebox
Sticky stitches: ColorBok

Pen: Sharpie
Other: Felt rickrack, pop adhesive

So I guess the sketch (for me) should look a little more like this:

Wecome December!

2010-12-01T09:58:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, it's 60 degree and raining - if you know me, you know I WANT MY SNOW!! Soon enough, I'm sure.

I love the business of December. All focused around the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Can't think of a better way to spend a month. or a year. or eternity!

So I'm just sitting down to write up my December calendar and I get to start with the announcement of the new staff at ScrapStreet! Check out this link for the official announcement!

I received my goodies from My Little Shoebox - the entire GREEN collection! They must have known how I loathe double-sided papers because they sent me two of every paper! It's a bit summery for a rainy December day, but I don't think that'll stop me from digging in...

I have no closing! Can't think of a way to say goodbye ... so ... gosh, I better get to work so I have some actual scrapbooking to show ya. I'll be back!

Magistical Memories

2010-11-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

Back a long, long time ago (like 2 weeks), I actually had the chance to create a page for myself (before I realized that all these deadlines were upon me). I used a Magistical Memories sketch and was inspired. Although I normally seem to reach for the Mag Mem chipboard first, today it was some Twiddleybitz leaves that fell on the autumn floor. Simple, fresh, and yes, I stamped - willingly, with no one forcing me or otherwise tying my shoes together. I can't believe I had these Inque Boutique and had never used them. (See what unpacking into a new house has done to me?) That and the reallllly old Junkitz that I saved (aw man, do I miss that company...)

Finally a page, I'm really happy with - you may know by now my favorite season to scrap is autumn and I love anything with circles on it. :) Anyway, back to work before my editors realize I was having fun. ;)

My Little Shoebox

2010-11-17T21:35:00.002-05:00

I temporarily interrupt this design team call to woot!

I won @ the My Little Shoebox blog!
So exciting. :)

So... which MLS line would you choose?

Lifted!

2010-11-15T00:23:00.005-05:00

You know, for XOXO.

I'm honored. I wasn't sure what it would do to my normally-low self esteem if I wasn't lifted on my first time out. However, not only was I lifted, but I think I like this layout better than my own, and I think I'm fixin' to lift my lifter! =)

Take a look at Tracee Provis (aka Fluffy)'s lift layout TRUST! It is so sweet! I just love the colors she chose. (Actually, they've been my chosen colors for Christmas this season. More on that in the December issue of ScrapStreet...)

Mine:

Hers!

ScrapStreet Magazine Staff call!

2010-11-12T17:53:00.006-05:00

ScrapStreet is looking for digital, hybrid, paper and magazine writers, too!

Okay, so the first call is actually for the new partnership GingerScrapsStreet magazine ...

(info for ScrapStreet Magazine is below, also in this post).

Some super exciting news happening over at ScrapStreet. Read all about it, the staff call and new magazine submission calls here!

Or, here is the info:
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between ScrapStreet.com Magazine and GingerScraps.net. As we roll into the new year--and our SIXTH as a magazine--we have joined forces to create a new digital and hybrid ezine called GingerScrapsStreet Magazine!

Some of you may recognize Ginger's name from her many years with us as a ScrapStreet digital designer. Others will know her name and those of her talented Gingerbread Ladies from their amazing work in the digital scrapping world. We could not have wished for a better partnership!

As of today, we are closing our own digital store and moving everything to GingerScraps. You can see my LemonLove Creations available starting today. Katey will be moving soon with a brand new designing name and a fabulous new look. Keep an eye out for her announcement soon!
Would you like to be a part of our new venture? We are now accepting applications for staff AND we have brand new submission calls! Here is all of the info you need.

Do you have a passion for all things digital or hybrid? Do you love sharing new ideas and hot trends with your fellow scrappers? Are you interested in increasing your online presence reaching thousands of subscribers each month?If you are selected for our new digital team with GingerScraps, you will write a monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your deadline. You will receive products from GingerScraps and other industry designers as a thank you for sharing your talents. It is an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping community while having fun.

To Apply:

Send the following to digistaff@scrapstreet.com

1. contact information
2. a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
3. a link to your blog.
4. a link to your gallery.

Would you love to see your art featured in GingerScrapsStreet Magazine? Check out our current calls:

January Calls:
Each month we will choose one layout to grace our cover and that designer will receive a wonderful package of goodies as our thanks. All layouts submitted for our article calls are eligible. Good Luck!

Hybrid: Are you a hybrid scrapper? Submit your layouts that use any hybrid technique and tell us what you love about this style of scrapbooking!

Digital Designers: Would you like to be our featured designer for an upcoming month? A kit made by you will be the central point of our magazine and we will show off you and your work to all of our subscribers!

Resolutions: Do you have one big one or whole list of changes to make? Resolve to scrap them and share the layout with us!

Fonts: Are you an addict? Do you love to mix and match and create with typography? Show us your layouts that are in tip top type shape.

Girls Night Out: Show us anything and everything that says Girlfriend time to you. What do you do when you can ditch the menfolk and head out? Coffee? Cocktails? Creativity? We would love to see.

Confetti: Nothing says party like a handful of confetti! January starts off with a party. Toss some confetti on a layout and send it our way.

Organization: January marks the sale of organizers as everyone insists that this will be the year that they perfect the todo list. We want to see your layouts using any and all office supplies. Bonus points if you scrap in a nice todo list or calendar.

Color me WHITE: In the month that tops the snowfall across the country, many of us look outside to see white day after day. How can you make WHITE sing on your pages. Show us your creative uses of white!

Deadline is midnight November 29th ... for all calls.
Please send your work to gsscalls@scrapstreet.com.
Please send a separate email for each submission you would like to be considered for publication. Please keep the image size around 600 x 600 pixels. Thank you!

Are you ready to be a part of this fabulous new magazine? We cannot wait to see everything you have to offer!

The 2nd call is for one of the best teams you'll ever work on!

Here's the link to that call!! Or, here is the info:

Call Title: ScrapStreet.com EZine Team Call
Ending Date: November 29, 2010

Note: ScrapStreet.com EZine is looking for fun and creative designers who
love to scrapbook to add to our team. Layout, card, and altered artists
are all encouraged to apply.

The Job:
Our team publishes a monthly EZine with thousands of subscribers and a 5
year history. We love finding and showcasing talented scrappers and
beautiful products. If you are selected for our team, you will write a
monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of
designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your
deadline.

You will also receive products at least 6 times a year from a variety of
manufacturers and will scrap several items to showcase their lines. It is
an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping
community while having fun.

To Apply:
Send the following to staff@scrapstreet.com
contact information
a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
3 of your favorite creations showcasing your style.
a link to your blog.
a link to your gallery.

End date: November 29, 2010
Link www.scrapstreet.com

Need a Lift?

2010-11-11T14:19:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'm brand new at this - but I think I've got it.
See, I'm creating for this blog's dt - I create, you lift. It's called truexoxogirls (it's rated G, I promise!) What you do is go through the layouts, lift and link and you're entered to win a fabulous prize.
See last month's winners and then layouts to lift here:
http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-13-sponsored-by-scrap-attack.html
So go lift, me or someone else on the blog (there are lots to choose from).

And the prize? Check this out: A huge kit from Scrap Attack!

Scrap Attack Scrapbooking is an online scrapbooking store & community. They have a wonderful store that is stocked with beautiful scrapbook supplies all at 10% off MSRP everyday – {no} coupon needed! They pride themselves on having a great selection of scrapbook supplies with competitive prices, fast shipping and outstanding customer service. Scrap Attack Scrapbooking, otherwise known as SAS, also “rewards” you for shopping with them. For every dollar you spend you are rewarded with points that can be cashed in on your next shopping visit. They also have a fun and friendly online community, creative gallery & monthly challenges. To join in the fun please visit their site atwww.ScrapAttackScrapbooking.com.

Creative Peace

2010-10-07T14:54:00.005-04:00

Aaah, bliss.

My scrap room is in complete disarray. My fingers are marked with blue ink. I didn't get enough sleep.

But what is that feeling? Ahhh, it's my creative soul at peace.

When I started my pages last night, my husband came home and came in to say hello. I told him I didn't even think I could do this anymore - to scrapbook successfully, that is. Too much stuff and not enough inspiration.

What was borne from that is a simple two-pager. It's not ground-breaking. It's not state-of-the-art. It's not even all that current. But when my four-year-old picked up the pages to take a look (okay, downright pushed me out of the way of photographing them!), it made my heart beat a little warmer.

After all, that's what counts, right?

If you're coming here from the ScrapStreet blog, hello, welcome! Here are the pages that used my shadowboxing technique and calmed my creative being. =) If you're here visiting me, visit the ScrapStreet blog to read more about how I framed my photo and treated my corners.

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy. I did!

choreographed

2010-10-05T21:03:00.009-04:00

–verb (used with object)

to provide the choreography for: to choreograph a musicalcomedy.

to manage, maneuver, or direct: The author is a genius atchoreographing a large cast of characters.

(thank you dictionary.com)

A discovery. Not another reinvention of myself (laughing out loud). But a discovery (realization, comprehension, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, grasp, recognition, understanding, thank you thesaurus.com).

That's who I am. I love to be choreographed.

See, there was this article in September's ScrapStreet titled "My Style". But I think I was pouty from the beginning because we had to define ourselves with stamps and stamps are literally the last supply I use. Doesn't matter how super cute stamps are (and those digital stamps by Phindy's Place were super cute!) they just don't agree with me. And I don't like the way I sounded when typing, nor did I love my projects. Chip-on-my-shoulder scrapbooking, if you will.

Now, I don't mind the page I wrote. I even had opportunity to read it a month or so after I wrote it and I still didn't mind the article. My favorite part is in the design notes of the second project that says: "I found this project much like myself: imperfect, challenging, and sometimes better on the second try."

I've had very little scrapping time lately, but very much time to really think about myself, my life, where I am and where I'm going. As the kids get older and define me less, I guess I'm in a state of rediscovery. I'm not sure what started my train of thought, but it went something like this:

In music, I played piano, but I had to be extremely practiced and was only a concert pianist. I couldn't play from mere chords. I needed pages and notes and lots and lots of practice time. I still sing the same way.

When acting on stage, I have to work very, very hard at memorizing my script (and still usually forgot plenty). Forget improvisation - it wasn't for me and I usually made an ass out of myself. I needed to be first scripted and then extra rehearsed.

In gymnastics, I didn't get good at covering mistakes until I was late in college. As the sport went, I did better when I was choreographed, practiced and in control. In control enough to go out on autopilot or, as we liked to call it "Going Brainless". Perhaps that's why my best event became floor, where I could perform but only when extremely disciplined.

My favorite way to be led is by the Bible. (= Certainly don't mind following there!

Seeing where I'm going here?

Well, heck then, doesn't that explain a lot when it comes to scrapbooking? My favorite layouts come from sketches. See the similarity? The basic groundwork is laid and then I get to elaborate. The only things I like better than scrapping from sketches are scraplifts - using others' pages as inspiration. I've tried not to make this habit, I've only done less than a handful; but the pages that result are, by far, my favorite pages. Again, it's because I got to turn something scripted into my own.

I guess I originally had trouble with this realization because I remember growing up being told 'be a leader'. 'Be a leader'. 'Be a leader'. But I never was. I was always better on a team. It wasn't until lately that I realized that I need to teach my kids not necessarily to be a leader, but to have a mind of your own. Make your own decisions. Follow what you think and know to be right. Not what the crowd is doing and certainly not what any ol' leader is doing.

Wait? What does that have to do with being better off as choreographed? Oh yeah, back on track. I constantly feel bad about not being innovative. About not being unique. About not having a style. About not being the first to do this. Or not being the one that thought up to do that.

Choreographed. That is me. Practiced. That is me. Scripted. That is me. Sketched. That, too, is me.

You're about to see my blog title changed. I'm still me, just morphing and getting to know myself better. And finally coming to terms and being happy with the fact that I live and create better...

when choreographed.

If you give a mom a mop...

2010-09-30T10:19:00.002-04:00

(inspired by Laura Numeroff, written by me)

If you give a mom a mop,
she'll want to wash the kitchen floor with it.
But before she can wash the floor,
she'll have to put the basket of shoes away first.
After she puts everyone's shoes away in the garage,
she'll want to clean up the outside toys.
After skillfully tossing the last bike helmet into the bin,
she'll return the empty shoe basket inside to the laundry room.
When she gets to the laundry room,
she'll see a few loads of laundry that needs to be folded.
When she brings them to the living room to fold,
she realizes there's a little dusting to do.
While admiring the dust in the living room,
she'll realize that she really doesn't like the layout of the furniture.
In order to redecorate the room she has to unwire and rewire the tv, cable, dvd and Wii.
So she decides to rotate the rest of the furniture forty-five degrees
which, in turn, uncovers a whole new layer of dust.
On her way to get the rag and dust spray,
she stumbles on the kitchen chairs that
were left in the dining room
(to be able to clean the floor).
She pushes past the kitchen chairs, grabs a glass of wine,
pushes the folded laundry aside,
and sits down with a little Food Network.

The next morning, while making the kids' lunches,
she'll see the mop & bucket...

I have a plan, really I do...

2010-08-09T21:43:00.003-04:00

It's mid-summer here in gorgeous New York. VBS completed. Got a couple trips to the beach in. Went on our annual 2-week camping trip. Still have twenty-four lazy days left.

And as much as I don't want summer to end, I'm looking forward to a new beginning. And herein lies my plan. You see, Matthew gets back on the bus this year, for second grade and to his new school. He gets on super early, near eight o'clock (yes, that's early for me!) Now McKenna has school at about nine pretty close in town. Figuring I'll have both kids dressed, fed and packed up by eight o'clock, that leaves one whole hour.

Here's my plan.

As soon as Matthew's on the bus, I'll let McKenna have an activity of her choice. Either it's tv time, puzzles, my dsi or whatever. Some alone time for her. What I'd like to do is hop on the computer with a bowl of cereal and a hot cup of tea every morning and spend a good forty-five minutes with my ScrapStreet girls and this thing that's been long-called the "breakfast club". You see, even though I'm one of the first North Americans awake on ScrapStreet, I'm rarely there early. Ok, so lately, I'm rarely there at all.

But that's not it. If I can find a way to scrap without chatting (fat chance), I can also use this forty-five minutes in other ways in my scraproom during the week. Actually scrapbook, perhaps? Clean? Chat? Sketch? Whatever my scrappy heart desires.

The thing is...
It seems whenever I make a plan and say "definitely", it never happens. Ever.

However, I miss scrapbooking so. Just for the pure joy of recapturing memories and chatting with cyber-friends. Just for the feel of photo and paper. I mean, look! I designed one - yes, just ONE, scrapbook completely by and for myself this summer. And it was back in June. And I *love* it. I can do this. I need to do this.

Little Sunflower by Lindsey Krauss.

Supplies: Paper: Basic Grey, Lily Bee Design,

Tags, button: Basic Grey, Rhinestones: Recollections.

So, on school days, I'm putting off the toilet-cleaning and house-tidying and meal-planning till after the kids are gone and I'm taking some time for myself. And that's the way it's going to be.

And now, I'll take bets from y'all - who's betting with me (that I can make this work) and who's betting against? *sigh*

Operation Write Home bloghop

2010-05-29T10:00:00.029-04:00

You've finished the OWH blog hop!!!

link up! for now, go back and visit Operation Write Home as your last blog stop!

http://www.owhhomefrontblog.org/

Welcome to my blog! Read to the bottom for a sketch and a chance to win a package of Thickers!

I can tell you that I participated in Cards for Heroes last year and won a totally amazing photography workshop with Karen Russell. I'm in that now - and wow! - so much to learn!

But it really wasn't about the prize for me. I'm not a card-maker by nature. However, a project like OWH just inspired me to create for someone else. I'm looking to top my number from last year - 22 - and to get them all sent out in a timely matter this time!

Blessings to you, fellow card makers and supportive scrapbookers. I'm glad to see you hopping, hope to see you creating for OWH, too!

I found these awesome tips on the OWH website homepage:

*No glitter.
Sparkly messes can make heroes visible at night - so please don't use glitter that flakes off the cards.
*Themes.
General are best for flexibility! Thinking of you, birthday, love, miss you, holidays are also loved.
*Size.
The best size that allows the most cards into a box is 4.25" x 5.5", fitting into standard A2 envelopes.
*Handmade.
Handmade cards are loved by our heroes over storebought, so we only send crafted cards.
*AnyHero cards.
Write a short note in one of the cards you send in and encourage a hero far from home!

I'd also like to offer an extra special thank you to all of our American families that have sacrificed for our freedom. I was in Army 'brat' myself, I lived the life for 12 years and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Blessings to my own Dad and thoughts to all of his fellow soldiers lost in fighting.

This is a scan of something my Dad keeps framed in his house. This is a moment years ago - 1991 - of my Dad rubbing of his best man's name at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (Rafael A. Chavez, 1947-1970). If you look in the middle of the photo, you'll see the reflection of American Flag flying high - what an amazing capture. The photo itself is stunning.

Leave me a comment, just to let me know you were here and so I can go out and visit you. It's all about community support, after all.

Yours in Faith,

Here is a quick card sketch to get you rolling. To win a brand new package of Thickers,
1. Follow me!
2. Comment and I'll randomly choose a winner.
3. If you post a link to a card using my sketch by midnight your time on Monday (eta: extended! I'll draw sometime next weekend, so get your sketch interpretations in by Friday, June 4th, midnight your time) I'll enter you twice! Happy Scrapping!

Still setting up house...

2010-05-20T23:46:00.000-04:00

...and while I am, enjoy a quick post over on the ScrapStreet blog!
http://scrapstreet.blogspot.com/2010/05/symmetry-me.html

Blessings,
Lindsey

ScrapStreet NSD blog hop challenge - calling all bookworms!

2010-05-01T08:00:00.008-04:00

Next blog stop!! Next, please go visit my dear talented friend Bri: http://www.briannenevill.com/

Hey hoppers!! Enjoying yourselves? Well I did, while working with my last Top Shelf kit - I was a little afraid of it at first, robots and all, but I had a blast making some cute little bookmarks.

Now, assuming you're not e-booking these days, don't you need a bookmark, too? Your mission is to create two new bookmarks - one for you and one to give away to a friend - and then move on to the next blog!

Don't forget to link back your bookmarks here in my comments section. If you do, I also have 2 bookmarks to give to friends! My kids chose theirs and I'd love for you to take one home, too. Just leave a comment or a bookmark link!

eta: Just read that the ScrapStreet forum will be filled with challenges and prizes! Seems to be the place to be!! I'll be there in between the busy day's activities!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day - shouldn't every day be NSD?!

                    *waves!*
                       xoxo
           <3 Linds

the business!!
ScrapStreet Blog:
http://scrapstreet.blogspot.com/
ScrapStreet Challenge Forum:
http://scrapstreet.com/MessageBoard/index.php?board=169.0
ScrapStreet Gallery:
http://scrapstreet.com/gallery/index.php
Next blog stop!! Go to my friend Bri:
http://www.briannenevill.com/

Top Shelf Memories

2010-04-12T14:35:00.001-04:00

Wait - you mean I forgot to tell you?

New design team! New kit club!

Yes! I'm designing and sketching on the premier team for Top Shelf Memories!

Find your Top Shelf Memories
on Facebook
on the web

And my first layouts are in!

this one is my sketch:

"a is for apple"

"blue-eyed beauty"

"the simple life"

"wild things"

"gift box"

...and life goes on.

2010-04-12T09:57:00.001-04:00

Nothing new to report, here. Daily chores and activities are piling up on moving in, but we're managing renovations and baseball, soccer and work, work, work as well as we can!

I've got lots to post: Nikki Sivils sneak peaks. House renovations. Karen Russell's Photographer's Workshop practice shots. Upcoming ScrapStreet free digi kit sneak peaks. Even a pic with the Easter Bunny. :)

Delighted to be on the returning staff of ScrapStreet, of course. BLOG (They'd have to fish hook me and drag me off of that stage.) Looking forward to the changes in my writing duties. And don't forget to drool welcome the rest of the staff, returning and new alike! Are you catching ScrapStreet on Twitter?

Stay tuned!

time for a lift

2010-03-30T16:27:00.000-04:00

Just looked at my own blog and my oh my, must I apologize!! I'm in need terrible of a lift! My blog as much as myself. Will be working on a new header, background and design in the next few weeks - hang tight.

some friends of mine...

2010-03-30T09:55:00.001-04:00

Street gals are in a card contest. Would love your help as they need votes! You vote by typing something like you have to actually type--this is my first vote, my second vote, third vote in the comments section. Would appreciate your vote, but why wouldn't you vote for this cutie anyway? http://www.thegreetingfarm.com/galleria/showphoto.php?photo=13084

Thanks for your help!

of house and home

2010-03-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm still super busy making our new house our home. At the same time, daily activities and chores have caught up with us. So lately, I've been trying to balance the old with the new. Successful, just busy!

Meanwhile, on the scrap table, I have two adorable lines just waiting for my new house. That's My Little Shoebox on the left and Nikki Sivils on the right, and then there is a little Jillibean Soup mixed in with some adorable farmhouses. We've moved near many horse farms, so I can wait to get good pics for Chicken Noodle!

But alas, work comes first. It's work I love - more Nikki and my first kit from Top Shelf Memories which is all about Basic Grey and Crate!! Off to "work" I go!

better when choreographed

Creative Thursday ~ Winter in Fall

Musical Mondays ~ Fly, Fly Away

Scripture Sundays ~ Ephesions 6:10

Creative Thursday ~ Fall in Winter

Musical Mondays ~ He Reigns

Short days and cold nights

way to go...

Photography Fridays ~ the road to peace

Creative Thursday ~ Adventurer

Wacky Wednesday ~ I'm a reality star

Musical Mondays ~ how it all goes

Jeremiah on Sunday

Photography Fridays

Creative Thursday ~ Tooth Fairy

Wacky Wednesday ~ secrets

Musical Mondays ~ It's okay not to be okay.

I have a blog... {and Scripture Sundays}

New Month, New Year, New challenges!

True XoXo

the ...

Take a tour!

Friday Freebie!

True XoXo's 1st ever Blog Hop!

Lots of stuff going on!!

We will never forget.

The Lipstick Chicks are back!

Goodbye, ScrapRoom...

Little Shop of Sketches - winner!

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri - PAUSE!

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri ~ day 1 & 2

June: A pic a day with my friend Bri

A blog a day in May ~ Camera Woes

A blog a day in May ~ Hate?

A blog a day in May ~ Creative Memories

A blog a day in May ~ Waiting

A blog a day in May ~ purple + pink = ?

A blog a day in May ~ Little Shop of Sketches

A blog a day in May ~ Not Guilty

A blog a day in May ~ Achoo!

A blog a day in May ~ Jump!

A blog a day in May ~ The day after

A blog a day in May ~ Mother

A blog a day in May ~ Paula's Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Directions

A blog a day in May ~ Two in a day

A blog a day in May ~ Cinco de Mayo!!

A blog a day in May ~ Tomato Soup

A blog a day in May ~ Hey, I made it back!

A blog a day in May ~ In the beginning

la-la-la-la-lift!

Life needs a lift

fizzy lifting drinks

uh oh

XOXO to you...

imaginisce, imagine that!

Wecome December!

Magistical Memories

My Little Shoebox

Lifted!

ScrapStreet Magazine Staff call!

Need a Lift?

Creative Peace

choreographed

cho·re·o·graph

If you give a mom a mop...

I have a plan, really I do...

Operation Write Home bloghop

*No glitter.

*Themes.

*Size.

*Handmade.

Still setting up house...

ScrapStreet NSD blog hop challenge - calling all bookworms!

Top Shelf Memories

...and life goes on.

time for a lift

some friends of mine...

of house and home