That LOOK!!! and a couple of other photos.

I don't know where Joshua learned to give me these looks. They sort of crack me up but I try really hard not to laugh (even though everyone else who sees him does.) Here's Joshua and Abby about two days ago. have I mentioned joshua is completely obsessed with Thomas and his Friends? OBSESSED.

Is this kind of like when the paparazzi has outstayed her welcome?

A few pictures

Sorry, we have been super busy lately and I just haven't had a chance to get many pictures posted. Here are a few from the last few weeks. My dad's birthday, my mom's birthday and a visit with grandma L.

Another paint class layout

Thought I'd share another layout from the paint class last month at Feeling Scrappy. We used paint as "glue" around the edge of the transparency...worked like a charm. No more hiding adhesive with this idea. Hope you like my layout!

Sketch class!!

The sketch class (Sketchapalooza) starts in just two weeks at Feeling Scrappy. You can find the details here- http://www.feelingscrappy.com/class_details.html
I loved the first sketch class when I took it last year and this one is going to be even better! Tons of original sketches-you are sure to get a ton done in this class. I hope you'll check it out and join us. :)

Fabulous photos!

I wasn't thrilled with the pictures we got a couple of weeks ago of Abby so I went to another photographer and she's posted a few sneak peeks on her blog-
http://www.nicolebulkleyphotography.blogspot.com/
I love these!!!

Layout and a sketch

Finished a layout this morning...Looks painful doesn't it??? He's ok, though, so don't worry. ;)


And a new sketch for you. I used this for the layout above (even though I made a lot of adjustments). :)

A question for you...

I think most of you know I have two blogs (if you didn't know, well, I have two blogs. :) ) One for family related stuff and one for crafty and scrapbooking stuff (www.stacey-scraps.blogspot.com). I didn't start the scrappy one til much later and figured not everyone would want to see it. What do you think? Should I combine them? I know there are a lot of family members who read this and never comment (do I need to name you and call you out? LOL He he he...) but I would love to get your input as to whether you think I should keep the blogs separate or combine them. Feel free to check out the crafty blog to see what kind of stuff I post there before you comment. Don't feel bad for having an opinion either way. Hope you are all doing well and I hope you all leave me a comment. :)

Kitchen Keepsakes

Here's a page I did for my Kitchen Keepsakes book-it's all about food, traditions and recipes in our family. Such a fun book to work on. This was a breakfast challenge on Feeling Scrappy.
Now I've got to get back to working on samples for Sketchapalooza in March-hope you'll be joining us in this class!

Eat your veggies!

We started giving Abigail veggies last week. Green beans for a few days then we started carrots. Here's a picture from the first day. She wasn't sure at first then decided she liked it. She likes the carrots even more.

Cool!

How fun is this? I was featured today at http://sisterhoodofscrap.blogspot.com/ as a sketch artist! Check out their site-lots of great stuff over there!

Scrappy stuff

Got two layouts done today just for fun! Hope you like them..I had fun making them. Played around a bit with some different shapes.

Another paint class layout

Here's another layout I made for the paint class at Feeling Scrappy. I painted the chipboard twice and sanded some of the top layer of paint off. I really love how it turned out. Such a fun and easy technique. Do you use much paint? I didn't use it much before the class but now I love it and reach for it a lot! Have a great Friday!

Blog challenge-recipe

First off, I have to say that I have been awful about Suzanne's weekly blog challenges. Sorry!! Some of them have just required a lot of thought or writing and I just haven't had time. I will try to do better. :) Here's her current challenge-

Blog challenge # 6 from O' Scrappy Day by Suzanne
Share a recipe that you're "famous" for and a photo if you can. Write about how it became yours and any other story about the recipe that you'd like to share.

Ok, I don't think I have anything that I am famous for. But a few people really love my garlic butter (which I haven't made in ages since we have been eating healthier.) One of Jeremy's good friends, Jeff, claims he only comes out to visit for the garlic butter and went on and on about it to another friend on the way out here. Then "apparently" that was all they could talk about on the way home. LOL Who knows if that's true...but I thought it was funny. Oh, and he told me he tried to make it at home by just mixing up butter and garlic and he said it was disgusting (but he ate it anyway! LOL).

So the history is....
A few years ago(hmmm...at least five maybe more), we had some garlic butter spread at a seafood restaurant in California with my parents and my mom tried to recreate it. I loved her version and have been making my own version ever since. It is a little bit different every time I make it and it probably doesn't even resemble the original inspiration. I really don't have a recipe for it (neither does my mom...we totally wing it every time). The basics are butter (I use about a half container of Country Crock and whip it right in the tub), fresh garlic, a little mayo, a small splash italian dessing, some parmesan, a little parsely, a dash of paprika and whatever other seasonings sound/taste good at the time. I think I usually add some roasted garlic powder and some Old Taylor Street seasoning (from thespicehouse.com-they have the BEST spices). It always turns out great (except for the time I tried to make it with fat free I Can't Believe It's Not Butter....YUCK)and I think most people usually like it. Unless they are only being nice which is entirely possible. But we love it. :)

Ok Suzanne, that's all I could come up with for this. Sorry I have been a blog challenge slacker!! (See what time I had to post this to actually get it done?? LOL)

Noteworthy Monograms

Noteworthy Monograms! February 8 to February 16

This class was developed and will be taught by yours truly through Feeling Scrappy!
During this project based class you will be creating a custom set of 6 monogram note-cards and a beautiful altered box to hold them all. This makes a perfect gift set! As always, you will receive complete instructions for completing the projects. The class was designed to use items you already have in your stash so there will be no additional costs!
See above for a sneak peek of the project (of course you will be able to personalize yours with the colors you love!)
I am excited about this class and I hope you'll join us!
Go here to find out more and to register- http://www.feelingscrappy.com/class_details.html

Layout-Abby

Here's one of my layouts from the Feeling Scrappy paint class that just ended. Hope you had a gerat weekend!

Cropperbowl!!!

Cropperbowl is about to begin over at Feeling Scrappy!!! Lots of challenges, games and prizes! I hope you'll check in and play. It's pretty much all day so head on over when you can. See you there!

My middle name

I was tagged by Stacey to do this little game.
Here are the rules: 1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers. 2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name). 3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers. 4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

So, my middle name is Lynn, after my mom's middle name. And we gave Abigail the middle name of Taelynn-a combo of both of her grandma's.

L- Lucky to have such wonderful family and friends
Y- Young at heart
N- Nearsighted (I hate that I have bad eyesight!!)
N- Nice??? I try to be anyhow. ;)

I'll tag Emily, Michelle and ?? Most of the other people I can think of already did this or hate these. So consider yourself tagged if you haven't done it! LOL

First portraits

I finally took Abigail in to get some pictures taken.