Scraps of paper and string in the desert

Been away to long

2011-05-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

I want to begin my thanking Quick Quotes for making me get back to this blog. It needs some work and I hope I am motivated today but I have a feeling that some yard work first and then some creating in the scrap room may take over the blog.

If you are a fan of QQ or have never heard of them check out their new blog. I have taken a few of their classes and love their products. The canvas is to die for!

www.blogquickquotes.com

And of course while I am at it I want to share the latest layout in my etsy shop.

On the list of things to do....

2011-04-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Are you a list maker? I think most females are! There is just this great sense of accomplishment as you check things off each day. It is a great way to remind yourself what needs to happen, what not to forget. Well on the weekly list is to change up the blog. Looks boring, needs a name change and more.

Also on the list for the week is a couple of new apps. I am looking at free one's if possible and I want a Lose it one and a running one. If you could find one that will make my knees not hurt when I run I would prefer that please.

I have to admit though this morning I heard the birds singing, saw the sun rise and enjoyed the cool air. Putting in some miles each morning is a great way to start the day.

So if you have an app suggestion leave it in the comments.

I'm Back....

2011-04-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

It is so time to get back into this blog thing. I cleaned up the look of my blog. I still have more plans for it. Need a few photos.

I have a plan of such, a plan that I will post at least 5 days a week each day with some random topic but it must be always uplifting. Yes a positive spin on life. Inspirational! I love life so that seems only right. I want to post about gardening, food, embracing fifty, scrapbooks and cards, party planning,getting fit and loosing weight, and travel. Not a bad start I would say so if anyone starts to read my blog again after the neglect it has taken please post a comment.

Looking forward to this.

And now to share a little something this is a very old photo of my dd and middle son. I used the "Little Boy" kit from Echo Park found here: scrapbookdoodle.com

Road Trip Monday

2010-10-18T20:58:00.001-07:00

Yep we finally got away for a little road trip up north. We drove up on the rim to see just a few trees with golden leaves. Then we drove back to Payson and had a picnic and looked at some wood working equipment. I will post photos tomorrow.

It's Sunday

2010-10-17T21:39:00.001-07:00

I love Sundays. Some Sundays are filled with meetings. Most Sunday's are quiet. Sunday's means family time whether it here in our home or on the phone. Things have certainly changed from years ago when teaching kids about church, reverence, and more.

Sunday's also mean Sunday dinner here. Today ribs, rice, and salad were on the menu.

Sunday's means lots of church.

Sunday's means looking at the week to see what is in store.

Just a card today

2010-10-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

I hope this hasn't touched your life but I am sure it has in one way or another. My mil battled 3 times and won. sorry about the lopsided photo.

Five Friday Fun Facts Again

2010-10-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

The grass story continues and here it is.   I found it funny that some of the seed on top of the sprinkler head had grown.   The grass has really come in nicely and fast this year.   A lot of water, a lot of sunshine, and a whole bunch of stinkin manure and you have winter lawn.

Back to the Friday topic though.   5 Facts about me.

1. I lived in the same house all of my childhood.
2. We (friends and I) to school almost everyday.   It was about a 1/3 of a mile to school and it was the biggest social hour ever.   We would hunt horny toads on our way home. In the spring we would pick some of the wildflowers that grew up in the cracks and in the dirt lots that were waiting for houses.
3. I hate scary movies.   Always have and probably always will.
4. I love medical mysteries and other mysteries.   It is not a vacation or a get away without at least 2 books.
5. I am not facing getting older very well.   I still feel like I should be in my mid 30's and just cant understand why I don't look that way either.

Tag you it Thursday

2010-10-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Did you play tag when you were a kid? Do you play phone tag with friends? I love the name tag sale as opposed to yard sale. I just think it is quaint. Next I just love tags for scrapping and card making and I love making them so let me share a couple here today.

Hump Day

2010-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wow it is almost Thursday and here I am finally blogging. Nothing really new here just the fact that I had a regular day. We went to eat with friends tonight and ate outside enjoying the weather. Love Baja Fresh for some meals.

Well this post is just going to be boring and that's the way it is. So let me share with you this.....

and a promise to have a better blog post tomorrow.

Today's thought

2010-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have been looking over the college class schedule for my son since he will be home in Dec. As I scrolled through the list there were so many classes online. Why I don't just take the plunge. I have said for years that I would go back...take a few classes. Finish a degree. Wow what a commitment.

Just made me think. It is so past time.

Meet the enemy

2010-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yes my front yard has enemies. Meet them.

Birds. Birds right now are the biggest enemy that we have. We planted grass seed this weekend to have a beautiful winter lawn. But with it comes these....the enemy. BIRDS. They can drive a hubbie nuts. This morning I was forced to sit out in 73 degree temps and enjoy 2 hours of walking and then relaxing time. Now I know this sounds like a hardship but what can I say. We want the seed to grow.

I hope to have a post in about 2 weeks of my front yard with grass but if now you know who to blame....

THE BIRDS.

10-10-10

2010-10-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today's post is all about the ten.   Wouldn't it be cool to be born today. What a cool birthday.   I have a son with a 9/29/89 birthday which is soooooo helpful.   I might forget other wise. Enough blah, blah, blah...

Top 10 things I enjoy doing.   Not in any real order and there are some I may leave off the list because I can't think of them off the top of my head.

1. Spending time with my family. A dinner in the backyard enjoying the weather and visiting is so near and dear to my heart.
2. I enjoy church and church related activities. I can't imagine my life without the gospel. It does make me who I am.
3. Travel of any kind. I love the overseas exotic stuff who wouldn't but there is so much said for a road trip with someone you love. Kick back see the scenery and enjoy the talk.
4. Shopping with my daughter. Yep she is my favorite to go with but my niece and a sil are a blast too.
5. A bit of yard work    Not the heavy clean up stuff. The planting and nuturing stuff is what I like.
6.   Knitting....love the feel of the yarn in my hands.
7.   Friends.   Laughing,eating, chatting, laughing, scrapping, shopping.   Doesn't lunches with friends just lift your soul.
8.   On the other side I love the solitude of watching the sun rise.   I love mornings.   I read, I walk, and breath.   Mornings are just glorious and I find it a good time to think on my own.
9. Photos.   Not movies/DVD's.   The still captured moments.   Whether it be my own or of other people.
10. Christmas music.   Call me crazy but they can play Christmas music sooner most of the time.   I really don't tire of it.   I don't like it all but my own collection is FABULOUS.

So that is it.   My tribute to 10/10/10.

Just another dirty Saturday

2010-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Yep I have been playing in the dirt this morning. I have a front flower bed that I change out twice a year and so this year I went with some of the old stand bys that always do well. I prefer pansies but petunia's do so much better in this area. Add in some snapdragons and some sweet william. I add in some daffadills that I have never tried my hand at and one Jalepeno pepper. The basil is left over for the past year and just keeps giving. I need a few bags of red bark but all and all. Next Saturday the back....

A few pics.

Five Friday Fun Facts

2010-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to post a few fun facts on Wednesday but then decided it should become my Friday post every Friday this month.   So here are a few things about me you may not know and some you may not care to know.

1. I have been married almost 30 years now.

2. I love to garden and replant my front flower bed twice a year usually with a color theme and in row. I am thinking about changing that up.

3. I tend to be happiest when I am in charge.   Not always but usually.

4. I refuse to pick a favorite color.   I have been this way for decades.   I remember being a child and changing my mind on my favorite colors often.

5. It drives me nuts when my toenails are NOT painted.   You won't catch up without paint on them very often at all.   I don't mind doing them myself but they have to have some color.

Remind me to never mop the floor again

2010-10-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Yep that is what I am thinking this lovely morning. No more mopping. Who cares how sticky, muddy, and dirty it gets. Ok I do but after yesterday I am thinking that way. I started mopping the kitchen and saw around the fridge that the baseboard was pulling away from the wall. OH, OH...NOOOOOOOOO. Yes there is a small leak from one of the hoses going to the ice maker. There is so much more to the story including tree trimming, 2 trips to Lowe's, a flat tire on my car, and a friend who came over to help out. Currently I have water to the house (YES!!!!!) but no water to the fridge so no leaking now, and the spare is on my car. Let's hope today is better and less costly.

Pic from Tuesday during the day and then the hail storm at night.

Well I got what I wished for so what did I expect?

2010-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect hail and wind like that yesterday. Just a typical little rain storm. It was NOT like that at all. The rain kept coming in waves. The wind howled at times and then would stop and then yes a lovely hail storm later in the evening. I have photos but will have to post them later.

So since I received my wish for the rain to stay awhile maybe I should wish for something else. I wish I would just drop 20 lbs overnight.

Rain, Rain, stay awhile

2010-10-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Though the rain cut my walk short today by about 2 miles (I choose to come home). But I am so happy with the rain. It is just beautiful.

Today I want to share my latest layout for Scrapbook Doodle. These are some of my favorite photos take by my lovely daughter up in the mountains near Salt Lake City. Autumn is soooooooooooo gorgeous up there. I love the colors, the chill in the air. Add to it a great visit with my daughter while there. I so want to take another trip up north.

It's National Walk to School Day

2010-10-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Let's celebrate National Walk to School Day. Who thinks up these days? I really want to be part of that brain trust.

Anyway are you going to celebrate National Walk to School Day? How would you celebrate? I celebrated by walking by local elementary school this lovely morning at exactly 6:04. No one was there and I didn't see anyone else walking to school. I just walked on by I mean the doors are locked and all.

So I encourage you to celebrate today and Walk with your child to school or take a walk with your sweetheart, dog, or friend and be sure and walk by a school.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh

2010-10-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's a lazy Sunday here which doesn't happen often in my life. I slept in until 6:15 which is sleeping in for me. It is cooler this morning. I will read the newspaper and just hang out until General Conference. Yesterday I was reminded that it is World Card Day. I love hearing about those things. I should look and see what tomorrows "special" occasion is and post it. I did get a few cards made and thought I would share one. This one is made from the One Fall Day kit at scrapbookdoodle.com.

Another fall day in AZ

2010-10-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yep it's still a triple digit day but that ok I pretended it was fall. Well almost. If I really thought it was fall I would be baking bread today but no way. Today I did pull out something I should have been working on for months. Though I am near the end. Think I finish this up before the end of the month. Any guesses to what it supposed to be?

Hello, Hello where are you fall?

2010-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

You would think after living in AZ all of my life I would be used to summer and the fact that it lasts forever. Nope I long for fall and start up around the 10th of Sept. So of course this year we are still in the triple digits and well in to them and I am sick of it. I want to open up the house in the mornings and fell the coolness and have the house smell fresh. I want to walk in the mornings and not sweat within 3 minutes of being outside. I want the go up north and see the leaves and I love the colors of fall. So bring it on I am ready.

The picture above is taken in Utah up one of the canyons outside of SLC. We were there about a year ago visiting E and took along the camera, talked and really enjoyed ourselves. I really should put in a call to my aunt and go again.

I took on Karen's challenge over at scrapbookdoodle.com to blog everyday this month. I hope I can do it. Tomorrow I will post the links to everyone elses blog so if you want you can check them out.

Time to get back to it...

2010-09-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Oh my what a long summer and I just haven't blogged at all. I still use this place as mostly a scrapping site but I have committed to blogging everyday in Oct so you may see some other things mixed in there. A recipe, funny story, just a photo of the sun rising here in AZ.

So with that said here is a little card that I just loved making with the harlequin dolls. It is currently in my etsy shop but I will pull it around Oct 25th if it doesn't sell and send it out to my dd. I should make more Halloween cards and send them out. I have this stamp set and love it and have friends who would get a kick out of a card.hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Another Beautiful Saturday Morning

2010-05-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yep it is beautiful and yet I found myself at the grocery store this early morning. I did get the garden watered and my flowers too. I wanted to share a card I made with some of the new October Afternoon paper found in the Scrapbook Doodle store. The sticker elements made it so easy and quick. I love the colors. Here is a link to the shop. http://scrapbookdoodle.com/ Thanks for looking.

HOP on by

2010-04-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's the first and hopefully not the last blog hop for Scrapbook Doodle.   My home for scrapping needs on the net. It is a fun board with some of my favorite people posting.   Yvonne has a great shop and has some of the best customer service around.   Here kits rock and one of the latest ones featured this Fancy Pants paper line.

This photo is one of my favorites from the many cruises I have had the opportunity to take. We are with our friends the S's who we always travel with and so enjoy.   Everytime you get on board for the first time you have to have a photo taken.   We decided that all of ours look awful from previous times so lets do something silly.   N and S have taken scuba lessons so we did the "shark sign" in honor of them.

Now let me explain a few things.   This is a blog hop.   LEAVE a comment here please.   If you do leave comments at each blog in the hop you will be entered into a drawing for a prize which is top secret. PLEASE hop on over to Sherri's blog next, leave some love and have a great time.   http://myordinarylifemorrisway.blogspot.com/ Oh and I will be posting something new the next few days on my blog here.

Also the master list will be in the Birthday thread so if you get lost on the hop please check there.   Have fun gals.

WOW

2010-04-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's another beautiful spring day here. I love gardening at this time of year. Well my married kids took the plunged and moved south to the SLC area. They will live only a few miles from E. That is so weird to think they are that close now. Sure makes summertime vacations easy for us. Not a lot of variety though.

I have been biten by the vintage bug. I am loving anything vintage looking right now as far as card making goes. So here is a little Mother's Day card I have made up. I hope to make a Father's Day one here soon.

Oh be sure and check back here this weekend as it is the Scrapbook Doodle Blog hop and I will have a new post and there will be some great blogs to hop on over to from here.

Loving the weather....it's spring

2010-04-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Monday morning here. The air is cool, the sun is out, and my plants are growing as are the weeds. I will be weeding this week and trimming up the roses. Everything is so pretty today.

Thought I would share a photo of one of the roses from the garden.

Scrapbook Doodle is having a crop.

2010-04-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have blogged but what a great excuse I now have now that my favorite scrapbooking place on the net is having a crop. It starts on April 16th and runs for 2 weeks. There are challenges, games, and of course prizes. I hope to see some of you come and join in the fun. http://scrapbookdoodles.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=48

In the meantime here is a little something I recently made.

So it's been awhile

2010-03-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in the desert Southwest. I haven't blogged in forever. I really wish I could share with you the smells from outside my window. The oranges trees are blooming and the grapefruit will bloom next week. This week is gardening week. I have plans for peas, tomatoes, radishes, several different peppers, and flowers of course. I hope the yard is pretty for R's bridal shower that is next Saturday.

Here is a little card I made this week. I love this paper line. It is part of the Early Bird kit that you can find at Scrapbook Doodle. http://www.scrapbookdoodle.com/2010kitmarch3.html

It's 2010

2010-01-05T14:49:00.001-08:00

How did that happen. The year went by so quickly but I am glad to see that year go by. I wanted to share a layout using the January kit found here Scrapbookdoodle.com. Yvonne has a great shop and I love working with here. I will have some cards and a tissue box cover coming soon.

I have two winners and another little thing to share

2009-12-14T16:44:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all who "hopped" by this weekend. I appreciate all the kind words. With that said I have two winners from the comments....

Drum Roll please

The White Christmas paper packet is zoiHoku.

and

Star Rock for the Thriller paper.

Send me your address to my email and I will get these out next week. The PO is to busy this week.

Oh just look at these adorable Victorian cones to fill with Christmas goodies. I think they need bath salts or nuts. An easy way to wrap up something special for a friend.

2009-12-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome from Brenda's lovely blog. I haven't been blogging long so I am excited to have you stop by. I wanted to share you with a little stocking holder. Featured here is the White Winter Rusty Pickle paper line along with the chipboard star and trees. Wood, paint, trim, pearls, and Glimmer Mist found on the trees, and knobs are the extra's to complete this project. This is a cheap and easy gift or a great way to change up your own Christmas decor. The wood was $3.00 for 15 pieces and the knobs are .28 a piece. I used only a half sheet of paper and just used the reverse side. Most of us have paint and embellies so have some fun and make one.

Now what would a blog hop be with out some prizes. I am drawing for 2, YES TWO paper packets. It's all about holidays with my drawings. I am giving away a White Christmas paper packet and a Thriller paper packet. So be sure and leave a comment and check back here on Monday so I can get those prizes out before Christmas.

Now hop on over to see what the talented Julie W has waiting for you. http://seejuliescra p.blogspot. com/ THANKS for stopping by!!!! And if anyone knows where my knit stockings I really want to know but I dont where they are so this is the one you get in the picture.

2009-12-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

A Grandma Mistletoe Ball

2009-11-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

This ornament is beautiful and also can tell the stories of a special events from Christmas long ago. Give it as a gift or hang in your home so that you can reflect back on Christmas past. This one is from the annual family parent held at my in laws when the story is read from the Bible and the kids dress and act out the parts. Four sections hold photos and the fifth section has the journaling.

Let’s get started. Please excuse the blurry photo and the glare because of the folds it was very difficult to shoot. Also the magnets that hold down the pieces in many of the photos appear in the photos. It just made it easier to shoot and hopefully make it easier to understand.

Step one cut 5 circles all the same size. I suggest that you cut them anywhere between 4 and 6 inches. These are 5 ½ inches. I cut mine from three different pieces of the Rusty Pickle White Christmas line.

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Sharing a few of my favorite things

2009-11-23T19:13:00.001-08:00

Over the years I have been blessed with wonderful friends and family who have remembered our family with goodies, treats and gifts at the holiday times. Usually these are small gifts that we enjoyed eating or have still in the Christmas boxes in the attic soon to come down. Does it really matter how much is spent? Does it matter if the cookies and candy came on a small plate? I loved them all.

With that said I have invite you to follow this blog for the next few weeks and enjoy a few of the gifts that I have been given or brain storm up a few "less expensive" ( wouldn't want to say CHEAP) to share with your family and friends your thoughts about them. Some of these I will make and give myselfwhile others will just be links for ideas and more.

So let's start with something to keep you warm. I have received several of these over the years and they get used. How about 4 hot chocolate envelopes with a small baggie of marshmellows stapled together. Add a simple tag and topper. Staple again since it is quick and easy.

Now for the challenge. If you make any of these "little gifts" that will be posted over the next few weeks post a reply about it and your name will go in a drawing for a paper packet of Rusty Pickle White Christmas full of paper, stickers and more. Want to get double the draws make any of the upcoming "little gifts" out of Rusty Pickle paper and you will get double the chance. Don't have any Rusty Pickle again post in your comment or e-mail me at jeethington@ gmail.com and I will send you a few Rusty Pickle scraps that will work for many of the upcoming projects.

My goal is to post something new every 2 to 3 days. There may not be anything new for some of you but it may jog your memory and make you think.

Oh.........Mistletoe for the next "little gift". It has a bit of a scrapbooking twist to it.

Well it's Friday

2009-11-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

Just a simple card for today. I love the My Little Yellow Bicycle Christmas paper.

Today I need to figure out the Thanksgiving menu. It will make shopping on Monday easier if I do. E gets here Tuesday and N will be off for 6 days.

Tonight I am going to Sandra's

Quinceañera Celebration tonight. It is a very large and exciting affair. Lots of good food and beautiful dresses for the girls.

Fall Colors

2009-11-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

So you were expecting leaves not flowers and bling. I couldn't help myself once I saw the fun stuff over at Prima. Love their product and they had a contest running so enjoy the beautiful yellow color and play along.

Head to the prima.typepad.com

2009-11-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

It's my first blog hop to go along with my first blog. Isn't this little birdie adorable. Be sure and go to digicatdesigns.com and look at all of the downloads. Great journaling spots and little figures to use on cards and scrapbooking layouts. The little saying is a download too.

I am the last stop on the blog hop so if you are coming in the middle or want to go back and have a bit of fun again start here. Vivian's blog is just beautiful.

http://dayhomemama.blogspot.com.

Finished with the blog hop and want to go and pick up this little bird or see what else there is...go here. Don't forget to leave some love your name will be thrown in the random drawing and you could win some FREEBIES. There is one FREEBIE a month so go get that beautiful fall download.

Most of the pattern paper is Rusty Pickle, after that my stash provided the rest.

Thanks for stopping by.

Memories and Nightmares

2009-11-13T17:30:00.001-08:00

Well the last 2 days remind me of the Amazing Race for Rusty Pickle. A 12x12 album in 2 days. This "was" my first consignment album. I really hope that J & S love it. They are an adorable couple and I would post a photo of one of the layouts but I feel like I should ask first.

Now I need to get ready for tomorrow's blog hop for Digicatdesigns.com. It is a fun little place with lots of cute downloads. There are a couple of freebies there too so check them out.

I need to get a card made and uploaded so I best clean up and get busy.

2009-11-01T20:18:00.001-08:00

Yep it is time. It is past time really. I am finally starting up my blog. The purpose of this blog (yes it has to have a purpose) is to keep track of interests in my life. My family, my knitting, gardening, recipes, and scrapbooking. I hope to make a few new friends along that way.

With that said be on the look out for projects that I have finished and a few freebies.

I do have a big announcement tomorrow. Hope someone checks in.