2 Page Lay Out: Nut Tree Park

This summer we took the girls to this cute little park that had a train ride and carousel available. We had such an amazing time. I was inspired to do a 2 page LO. So here it is...

Cool findings

Hi Everyone!

Couple things I'd like to share today.... First I found a few AMAZING blogs. The first is a flip book. Dorcas http://4craftyangels.blogspot.com/2010/08/flip-book.html did a fabulous job. I'm super excited to try it out. The other thing I came across was a book made of lunch bags. You can find out how to make it over at http://greenscrapinmachine.blogspot.com/. Finally, I also came across some more blog candy. Yes I know all I seem to post about is blog candy these days. I want to win something. Haha. I've never one anything and would love to finally win anything. I'd even be happy if it were just a piece of paper. I sound so silly. Oh well here is the link to the blog candy.http://allaboutmeandmyscrapbook.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

On to things I've done. I've created some super cute cards and layouts but haven't had time to post them. This past week has been so crazy and chaotic. I'm hoping to get them up this week since next week will be just as crazy as this week.

Inked Candy

Hi Everyone!
It was Jodi's birthday earlier this month. And in crafting tradition, she decided to celebrate by giving away some massive and super sweet blog candy. I'd def would love to win lots 1-5, lol. Below is a sneak peek of one of her lots. You can check out the rest of her lots and peruse her awesome blog (Inked Inspirations) and while you are there, make sure to wish her a belated bday.

Joy's Life Week Long Give-A-Way

If you just read the last blog you'd know about the week of give-a-ways going on over at joyslife.com Any-who you can go to about 5 other blogger's sites for a chance to win the same set of stamps. How cool is that? The link here... http://septemberninth.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-3-joys-lifecom-give-way.html you even get 4, yes I said 4 chances to win from one person.

More Blog Candy :)

While blog hopping today I came across some more blog candy. I'm a sucker for a chance to win free stuff. Although I have NEVER won a thing in my life I still give it a try. I suppose that's why I enter two times when I can. Haha. Any-who, back to the blog I found. It's this cute blog with lots of awesome ideas. Here's the link if you're interested. http://scrapbookaholic.blogspot.com/2010_07_25_archive.html

End of Summer Already

Where oh where has my summer gone? I can't believe I start work again on Monday. Summer vacation has gone by WAY to fast. I am happy to say that this summer was a blast! Spent lots of time with the family,went on a couple vacations, had family visit, and many trips to the zoo and Marine World.

Trip to Vegas with mom and friends

Pulled an all-nighter on my last night. We had such an amazing time! Mom came home a world dart champion. That was pretty cool to see! Met some family that lives in Vegas, met some new friends, learned how to gamble(I've never done it before)

Sacramento Zoo with Jake and the girls

Jake came to visit for 2 weeks

Collins Lake with the whole family

Road trip to Washington

4th of July block party

Point Defiance Zoo with Dad, Cathy, Sam, Alex, Autumn, and Jeff

Hanging at the grandparents

Marine World

Spent LOTS of time with the family,

Sad that the summer has come to an end, but definitely glad I spent it the way I did.

Blog Candy

While blog hopping today I came across this generous lady. She is not only doing one blog candy but two. You can check it out here... http://artfuldelight.blogspot.com

Layouts

Before we left for our vacation I managed to put together 2 layouts real quick. They turned out pretty simple. I like one a lot more than the other. That happens a lot with me. I'm EXTREMELY picky about my artwork.

For this page I plan on putting a picture of both the girls with their most cheesiest grins ever.

Road Trip

Tomorrow afternoon we leave for our nice LONG (15 + hour) road trip. I am excited about the trip itself but no so much getting there. I fear the worst with our girls. Being that they are both under 3, who knows how they will react to the long car ride. I am always prepared for whatever they give me but I'm still anxious about it. Hopefully the movies, books, coloring stuff, snacks, and random things I've picked up for $1 will keep them entertained long enough until they get tired, and fall asleep for the night. One can only hope. Lol.

Yesterday, when I went to get the mail, two cartridges were sitting there waiting for me. :) I was so excited I rushed upstairs and opened them right away. I'm such a little kid sometimes I swear. I did manage to do a layout yesterday and hopefully one more today. I'm also hoping I can get pictures up before we leave.

I'm already going thru crafting withdrawals and we haven't even left yet. Lol. On the bright side our time in Washington should be filled with family and friends and new experiences so that's good.

Throwback Thursday Challenge

I've been blog surfing(is that even a term?) for the past few days. I came across another challenge that looked like fun. I decided to enter it too! Yep, that's right, two challenges in two days. For me that's a lot, considering I'm still learning the ins and outs of my cricut. I've had it for a few months but have been working like crazy so I haven't had the time or energy to play with it. Since I'm out of school for the summer I'll have lots of time on my hands(I hope)

Any-who, back to the challenge. Its over at http://www.creativetimeforme.com This weeks challenge is to use the Doodlecharms cartridge (which I don't have) and make a scrapbook page. Since I'm new to this whole scene I don't have the cartridge so I used Paper Dolls and Paisley.

Spots and Dots Challenge

I entered my very first challenge today!I think it was a great challenge to do for a first timer like myself. It was over at http://madebymomo.blogspot.com/ I'd like to mention that this entire card was made from scraps! While I was cleaning/re-organizing my scrap closet I came across LOTS of scraps.

I used Paisley Cartridge for the sunglasses (cut at 2 1/2)

The fun & sun stamp is from the dollar bins at Target

Red rhinestones are from my stash

Scrap/Studio Closet

So I've been following a couple creative type blogs for a couple weeks now. They have REALLY inspired me to get creative again. I've gotten so caught up in being a mom I haven't really taken any time for myself to do the things I enjoy. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change being a mom for anything. I love it with all my life, but I also miss having Cassandra time. Anyways, I started cleaning out the scrap/studio closet this past weekend. Man there was so much junk/clutter in one closet. It is ridiculous! I really want to get serious about scrap booking again. Honestly, I haven't even started Leah's baby book yet and she's 8 months old. Man I have a lot of catching up to do. Yikes :( Hopefully I'll get it all organized and ready to use by this weekend.

Struggling with God

I am struggling with my relationship with God and it is really bothering me. Before I moved to California I was really involved with a church. I went on a regular basis, I attended bible studies and was very involved with the youth groups and whatnot. Since I've been here(almost 4 yrs) I have gone to church maybe twice. I can't seem to find a good church. Granted I've only visited two. Granted I haven't looked very hard. At any rate it is really starting to bother me. It would be nice to have Tim go with me and find a church but he doesn't like going to church. He thinks that your relationship with God should be personal, there is no reason to go to church. I on the other hand feel differently. I feel so awkward going to a church I know knowing about. I'm not a fan of walking into a situation I don't know much about. I don't know if I should take both girls and hope they have a good, clean nursery or leave them at home. Why does it have to be so difficult? I suppose I should just bite the bullet and try going every Sunday until I find one that fits. I'm not a fan of "church shopping" but at the same time my relationship with God is dwindling. Settling for a church I'm not happy with is just not an option for me. My ideal church would be...

• clean, well staffed nursery
• friendly congregation
• a pastor who doesn't "preach so to speak"
• this one might sound a little odd but, young couples with or without kids. (One of the churches I visited was mainly elderly folks. Man I felt so out of place. I was literally the only one under the age of 50)

Perhaps I was just spoiled with my previous church. Ugh I just wish I could find one and make it my new church.

Our Family in a Nut shell

It seems everyone in my family has a blog so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and do one as well. Bare with my while I learn the ins and outs of this whole blog thing. I feel like an old foogie (at the ripe ol' age of 23 lol) when it comes to this. I suppose having a blog is another way for all my family and friends in Washington to keep up with our life.

For those of you who don't know me or my wonderful little family let me introduce ourselves. Tim and I have been together for 5 years now! We have been engaged for three years. I'm hoping within the next year or so we will be husband and wife :)

We have two amazing little girls. McKenzie, who is two and Leah, who is 8 months. McKenzie is a carbon copy of me its crazy. I'm not just talking about looks either. I'm talking personality and all. Leah is just like her daddy. Kenzie is high strung and DRAMATIC. Leah on the other hand is so laid back. LOL its so funny how opposite they are. Kenzie takes such good care of her little sister. I LOVE it!




Well that's our family in a nutshell.