I've got the BEST friends ....

About ten years ago, a group of women came together. We all had two common threads .. we were all members of Club Scrap, and we all shared the same passion for scrapbooking. We started meeting once a month, sometimes working on particular projects, teaching each other new techniques we'd learned, sometimes visiting stores together, and forming strong lasting friendships.

We've shared some amazing adventures together over the years and I treasure each and every one of them!

On September 11, my niece, Erin, gave birth to a healthy baby boy! What a great day .... but by that night Erin had developed some complications. Over the next two days, she had emergency surgery, and ended up on a ventilator in ICU in very critical condition. Yesterday we got the best news since all this happened ... she breathed on her own for 1 1/2 hours, and she recognized her husband and pictures of her kids!! This is the kind of stuff you read about in the paper, or see on TV, but not in your own family .... we are so thankful for her baby steps forward .... and the thoughts and prayers from so many people.

Erin is missing the first weeks of her new baby boys life, so her oldest daughter, Mallory, is putting together a scrapbook, so Erin will be able to see his progress through photos when she is feeling better. Mallory hasn't scrapbooked before ....

So back to my friends ...... Club Scrap donated several packs of paper perfect for a new baby boy, along with their famous ALSB (assembly line scrap book) instructions, so we had a gathering of the group at my house yesterday. We formed several "assembly line" lines ... and we pumped out a good supply of pre-made pages to help Mallory accomplish the scrapbook for her mom!






These photos don't show everyone that was there, but from the bottom of my heart I thank each and everyone of you for taking part in making this happen. Thank you Dinah and Tricia for supplying us with the perfect batch of goodies!

I really do have the BEST friends!

Happy birthday, Bug!

This is Vito, he's my baby! He's six years old today.

This morning was a perfect fall morning, crisp air, nice breeze, leaves blowing in the air ..... so big baby, tough guy got an extra long walk. He was sniffing, and rolling in all the wet lawns and scratching his back with the green blades of grass. Loving every second of it! Thats why he looks a bit "scruffy" and his curls are enhanced more than normal.

I think he'll get pizza for lunch, cake in the afternoon and balloons just for him, maybe some chewies, and a few more toys to shred .... whatever he wants!

Love you bug!

I love to make books ...

... I love how they come together and just feel so nice, so "book" like ... and to think I made it!

But I've never finished one ... from front to back, with photos and embellishments, I mean finished, filled .... until this past weekend!! This book is full of hidden spots and little books inside the big book ... must have 40-50 photos in it ... and the blues and browns just called out for my Bahamas photos.




I started with Carol Wingert's August Creatolgie kit. If you haven't experienced them, and you love to make books, you need to check them out. They come with all the instructions, the paper, the embellishments, and special techniques to complete it ... you just add your own touches and photos. This kit truly inspired me to finish one to the end! Thanks Carol!!

Where does a week go ....

... whoosh, and its gone!

Last weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) was Creative Escape. Wow! What an event. Close to 600 women at the beautiful Wild Horse Pass Resort, 8 very talented teachers bringing their varied styles into their workshops.

Each day was full of classes, activities and fun ... no one had a moment to rest. If you want a complete recap of the weekend, you can visit Carol Wingert's blog, Tim Holtz's or Heidi Swapp's.

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Carol Wingert this year. A great talent, a real sweetheart of a lady. Thanks Carol for inviting me into your world!

If you're not familiar with Carol's Creatologie kits .... click on her link to the left. Her September kit is up for pre-orders right now. All I can say is these kits are addicting! The September kit reflects Autumn ... anyone that knows me is aware of my passion for autumn colors and autumn leaves ..... I'm all over the September kit! And what perfect timing .... i'm heading to Wisconsin to visit Terri .. mid-october .... autumn colors, autumn leaves!!

I got to do my civil duty this week too ... called for jury duty ... and was chosen for a jury. I've been called a couple times before, but never was chosen. It was/is an experience to see our judicial system close up .... and I get to go back for a second day!

Now, its a nice three day weekend. Frank is in New York, and I plan on spending alot of time with my art supplies!

Hope your long weekend is a true delight!