Reflection...

This layout was done for a Quote challenge at CCAS . Since we added our moderators, one of the new things that we have added are daily quotes and quote challenges. I, for one, am not great at finding quotes, but usually can find a picture to match a quote when one is thrown at me. This quote was an easy one for me. I had taken this picture of Bailee on Thanksgiving weekend at the woods and new exactly how I wanted to use it. Apparently, all reflective layouts require the use of old Basic Grey papers! LOL Either that...or this just proves how stinking much of the stuff I own! Stop over and give the challenges a try!

To answer everyone's questions on the holiday photos...I used my Kodak Easy Share camera on landscape mode with no flash. We were pretty far away, so I zoomed in and tried to be pretty still...but we were in a car, so a tripod was impossible. The other trick...I took a TON of pictures that night and chose the best ones. I think giving some distance made a big difference as the camera didn't pick up the blur as easily.

Oh Christy...thanks!!! LOL

Moving on...

It's been a rough few days, but this layout symbolizes growth for me. I am moving on. I am still very saddened by the loss of my dear, sweet doggie, but I am trying to move on and enjoy the season. I used a sketch to get me inspired. This sketch is a Becky Fleck sketch and is one of the December Page Map sketches. I wanted to focus on the things that I love about the season and this is the very thing I love the most. I love the lights and designs of the season. I also LOVE these snowflakes! LOL These snowflakes were custom made for me by Christy from 1 Creative Bug . I have used them on tons of pages and these are the last. Um...Christy...LOL So...as Christmas draws closer and only a week left...best wishes to all my wonderful blogger buddies. And thanks so much to everyone for all your kind words and support during my sad times.

In Memorial

Today is a very sad day for our family. I don't usually post bad news, but today I had to put my dog, Amber, to sleep. She started having severe problems yesterday and we learned that she most likely had advanced liver cancer. We have had Amber for almost exactly 12 years. Shane brought her home to me after many long months of trying to have a child and coming up empty. So in a way, she was our first baby. She was such a great dog and will forever hold a special place in my heart. The tears continue to flow as I write this as I just miss her so unbelievably much. I know that she is in a better place and is no longer suffering and I know that God will heal our family in time. I just wish it didn't have to be so hard right now. I love you Amber.

Can we fix it...Yes we CAN!!!

I had been struggling with these pictures ever since I got them developed. Then I got the idea that I would crop them all down to 3x4 and make a collage of pictures and just add my title over the pictures. I really wanted to use as many pictures as I could because this display at the Children's Museum was so cool that I just couldn't part with any of them. I loved all the bright colors. Now that I am home, I am hoping to have time to put some actual albums together. This will be its own album as we go to the Children's Museum a LOT! But it will be fun to add to it and look back at all the colorful exhibits. We will be going again in a couple of weeks. I guess I'd better charge my camera batteries!!!

He looks like ME!!

OK...so Logan and I were goofy off...imagine that??? and we decided to take a picture of ourselves. Well...I didn't think much about it until I had it developed. Holy Cow! That kid looks like ME!! Everyone had said he looked a lot like me...and honestly I thought he and his dad were more similar, but looking at this picture...wow...we even hold our mouth the same way! So...my little buddy is also my little clone!

How exciting!!

I got an e-mail last night from Memory Makers...they are featuring my layout in their featured page of the day today! It was the one that I did recently of Logan's "thankful" quote. Woohoo!!!

Here's the link if anyone wants to check it out! The link will probably only work for today. Apparently it was also sent as an e-mail to all the subscribers as well. How cool!

What's really important...

Today is my 2nd day of unemployment. So far so good! LOL Yesterday I worked on this layout. I love the quote by Erma Bombeck. That woman was a very profound writer even through her use of humor. We took this picture on Thanksgiving. I love how Logan is holding my face. He does this once in a while and it just melts my heart. Such a sweetie. Bailee is also holding her doggie, Ashley. This is the newest member of our family. She named it after her aunt Ashley who recently moved to Florida. Needless to say, Ashley II goes everywhere with us. And of course, that handsome guy beside me is Shane...my sweet, tolerant hubby! (well...most of the time). This was such a good day for my family despite the fact that Bailee was sick and Logan was tired and sick of pictures! LOL I look at us here and can't help but think...this is what is important in life. If I lost everything I had, but still had my family...we would make it through. We could survive on the pure support of one another. For that I am SO grateful. I am SO grateful that I get the chance to be home and spend more time with them. I am SO grateful that I am able to recognize what is important in my life. And I am SO grateful that I am loved.