puppy love

Yes, I love Wolfie.  People would have bet against it since I am a cat person.  My friends are still in shock.  The mother-in-law was astounded.  But it is true.  She is my little girl.

I was playing in the grass with her yesterday and Allie grabbed the camera for proof.  Wolfie and I spend plenty of time together when the kids are off at school. And, of course, I am chief dog bather and toy buyer. 

 She is becoming a good running partner.  As long as I go full speed, she is happy.  If I slow down even a bit, she tugs and pulls wanting to sniff everything in sight.  Keeps me focused she does!

I cannot help but spoil her.  Everywhere I go a cute little toy just jumps into the cart.  I cannot help it.  I especially like blue ones that match her eyes.  Extra photogenic!

We are off to the vet again on Wednesday for more shots.  You know that will require extra treats and a new toy, too!

imperfect.

yep. I am.  shocker, right?  hmmm why are you giggling?

On an intellectual level we know there is no such thing as a perfect person.  And we can all certainly share in detail the flaws of those we love the most.  But share our own?  Ouch!  I like to think of them as "works in progress" because once I realize a flaw, I have to choose to accept it or change it.

Sometimes flaws are in the eye of the beholder.  A neighbor of mine asked me recently if there was anyone I would not talk to.  Nope.  I am chatty.  Ok, so I did not talk to him for a week since I knew he was not paying me a compliment.  He sees this as a flaw and I see it as a personality trait.

I am certain there are a wealth of personality traits that I have that irritate the people who love me.  Just as I accept that it is in my husband's make up to need to work the remote at lightening speed, he understands that I consider cleaning my own office to be optional.  These are not flaws--let's go with quirks.

This week the AAM blog challenge is to scrap a personal flaw.  Because I am diligently trying to include more of myself in my scrapbooks, I promised myself that I would play with them for 6 months.  2 layouts a month about me is not too much to ask, is it?  Of course this was before I knew they were going to play dirty.

But I did it.  See:

Keeper.  Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts, Ribbon: Pink Paislee, Alphabet Stickers: Jillibean Soup, Font: Cambria, Other: pin, thread, beads.  Tools: Other: sewing machine.

Journaling: I am a keeper and not in a good way.  I have not crossed into being a hoarder, but I still keep more than I should.  I convince myself that I might need this someday.  It is hard for me to let go of things even though I am now in a financial position to replace them.  I know it is a holdover from my childhood and I am taking steps to grow.  My closets are organized.  I actually light my candles.  I have stopped saving my scrappy supplies for the perfect shot.  Well, mostly.

Whew.  I survived sharing a flaw.  Wonder what the next challenge will bring?

Me Time!

I took some.  I took an hour and turned off the computer, ignored the chores, and scrapped for a bit.  I have been going full speed for a couple of weeks.  Research papers, traveling husband, new puppy, and the start of baseball season.  What gets neglected?  My scrapping!  Eeek!

I took an hour and scrapped a card using Kazan's Sketch 50 from 2S4U.  I grabbed some yummy Pink Paislee and played.

Thanks.  Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts, Tape: Pink Paislee, Bling: BasicGrey, Alphabet Stickers: My Little Shoebox, Other: sewing machine, thread.

Using this fun sketch let me zip this card out and still have time to start a layout with my 60 minutes of free time.  I am hoping to finish it up tomorrow.  Scrapping is important to my sanity!

Congratulations ScrapStreet Staff!

I have had the absolute best 24 hours!  Yesterday was invite new staff day at ScrapStreet.  This year, the editors selected the staff from an unbelievable pool of talent.  We did not let the current staff in on the fun--it was hard enough to get 4 of us to agree, can you imagine letting everyone play?  So many amazing applications to enjoy!

The team was so excited to find out who would be joining us!  There were new friends and old, scrapping crushes, lots of squeals and laughter.  Today we get to share the news with the world.  Woohoo!

Run on over to the ScrapStreet.com Blog and see our returning and new staff!  And then happy dance with me!

We now return to scrapbooking . . .

I am still madly in love with Wolfie who is lying here at my feet having a bit of girl time as I type, but my poor blog needs more scrapping fun!  I have indeed scrapped our darling pup already, but not to share yet.  Top secret mag work you know.

To ease back in here is a look at my Showroom items from the March issue.  I had such fun playing with BasicGrey Origins.  I really enjoyed working with the papers!  BasicGrey always challenges me as I am more of a simple gal than a patterned one, but I always love my layouts after I make it through.  The extra effort all pays off for me which is why they are one of my favorite companies.

Just Us. Supplies: Paper, Stickers, Chipboard Alphabet: BasicGrey, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Rub-On: Pink Paislee, Alphabet Stickers: My Little Shoebox, Font: Times New Roman, Other: buttons, thread. 

Journaling: Today you decided to stop holding my hand. I do not remember exactly how old Allie was, but I know it was her Kindergarten year. She calmly told me she was ready to walk on her own. But you, little man, would exit the car and reach out for me. I loved feeling your hand in mine. When you turned 6, I expected you to pull away a bit, but each time I shut my car door there you were with hand extended. Until today. I reached out. You looked up at me and stated, “I’m good, mom.” Most definitely. However, I get one moment of sadness before I celebrate you growing up.

Teddy Love. Supplies: Paper, Stickers, Felt: BasicGrey, Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Alphabet, Badge: American Crafts, Ribbon: Jillibean Soup, Font: Funnygirl, Other: staples. 

Journaling: Mom, meet my new favorite bear. I am calling him Cocoa. His eyes remind me of a chocolate bar. Will you sew him some clothes? And help me make him a bed? Oh, and he will need his own pet. I am thinking a lamb or maybe a bunny. And can you make me matching bows for my piggy tails?

Hi. Supplies: Paper: BasicGrey, Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Chipboard: Crate Paper, Brad: Pink Paislee, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Tools: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Dies (Spellbinders), Other: tissue paper.

Have a super day!

Easter shoot

What happens when you come home from church and want to take pictures of your darling children in their coordinating outfits but you have a new puppy who missed her family that morning?  Hmmm who wants to guess?

You get Wolfie sneaking up in between the kids:

And Wolfie running in to see if Allie needed a kiss:

And Zack needing to stop for a little snuggle mid shot:

I could not even begin to mind that it took twice as long to finish the shoot.  The smiles were certainly twice as wide as before Wolfie joined our family.