Such a SAD day.

So sorry to say that today is marked one of the saddest of my life. For someone who is NOT an animal lover, that's saying a lot.

In my haste to get my child to the doctors office, I ran over my fifteen year old baby, Mattie. She is the little furry dog on the right. Yes, my children saw the whole accident and were traumatized. I feel like complete and total CRAP!

This baby is what first drew my husbands attention to me. He thought she was such a cute puppy, he wanted to hold her. Never mind the saucy redhead holding her. This baby was with me when I was so sick, in the hospital, no friends because of a loser boyfriend, multiple moves, two births , and so much more than I can even remember. I am trying to take comfort in the fact that she was really old and probably not gonna be here much longer and had multiple health problems. Still, she always greeted me with love, even when I know it hurt her to get up. Loved me without conditions. Never expected anything from me but a little pat on the head. Some would call me stupid for feeling this way about a DOG, and I never have been a fan of animals, only this one. So, today the girls and I buried her under a Red Maple that Andy gave me for Valentines Day the first year we dated. We will plant some things there a little later in the Spring. I am sorry if this sounds crazy, I have been there. This is my blog though.:( Bear with me. I just don't know what else to say.

Thanks for listening.

NEW LOOK!

This my new SPRING look. How do you like it? I love my other theme, but wanted to freshen it up for a new season. I am so ready for Spring. I hope this change helps it along!;D

A Little Glimpse Into My ScrapFest Classes!

Finally, I get to show a little sampling of my ScrapFest classes! I am doing my three tiered hanger but with a totally different twist! It went over so well at my last event, that I wanted to bring it to a larger venue. The layout is the same, but all new ideas! Oh yeah, same pic. of me cause....uh...there aren't but a couple of good ones and this is one of them! I can't wait to show you all the whole project! The main theme is "Counting My Blessings!" If any of you are like me, sometimes you need a little reminder and I made this to hang in a prominent spot so that I can catch a glimpse of some of the little things I should be thankful for! You will learn tons of techniques and how to use a lot of unconventional "Scrapbooking" materials! OOOHHHH it's SO fun, I can't wait! Pop on over to http://www.scrapfestproductions.com/ and join us!

Creating Embellishments for ScrapFest!

Here are a couple of samples from the Creating Embellishments class I am teaching at ScrapFest. This class is gonna be SUPER fun! We are going to make six different embellishments that will be immediately ready to add to your pages AND you will take away TONS of techniques and ideas for using different household items in the scrapping world! I am so excited about this class because I love to see reactions when I show people some of the unique things we use. Definitely a class that breaks you out of that BOX! This class will also provide lots of little extras so that you can create more goodies on your own!

My Valentine Happy!

This is what I got for Valentine's Day. Don't get too excited. It's not brand new, but a precious thought nonetheless. This is my wedding ring that I have been unable to wear for the past nine years. Weight gain, babies, so on have made it too small for my finger. So for V-Day my hubs got it and had it resized to surprise me. Along with a poem he wrote me. We have been married ten years this year and this is one of my favorite happies so far!! So sweet. I love him more each day.

This is a cool little "thing" my friend Kerry showed me. This site took words from my blog and made this neat graphic. Not sure about some of these words!

Just Wanted to Say THANKS!

As I am sitting here this morning snuggling with Lillian and drinking coffee, I started thinking about how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. Being able to sit here with my baby is one of those. I get a little weepy thinking about her going to "BIG" school next year. She has so many questions about school.

Next, I was looking at a picture from an event I went to recently and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. The photo is of a group of ladies that I have gotten to know so well. They have become some of the closest friends I have had in a long time. They have brought me through many difficult situations by sharing their experiences and letting me be a part of their lives. I am so glad that God brought them into my life and showed me that I can have friends that don't live in the same town with me. They have given me personal advice, spiritual advice, creative encouragement, TONS of laughs, and just truly built me up and made me feel like I have self worth again. They are so open with love and encouragement. I have not had that in a long time.

I know I am getting mushy, and I have other friends that I love dearly, you know who you are without me even having to mention you;), but this morning I wanted to focus on these girls because one of these ladies has an adoption in the works and hopefully all is about to be complete. Your story amazes and inspires me. Truly Gods hand is on your family. M. you are on my heart and mind this a.m.

Thanks for being so genuine and letting me be a part of each one of your lives. Can't wait to see y'all soon and for our rustic getaway this summer! Love y'all.

AB

Saturday Class at Scrapalicious

BUSY does not even begin to describe what's been going on around here!! I have had so much fun creating things this week for three events I have coming up. I have had SO much help from my sweet girls too. They are so creative and LOVE being in the middle of our dining room with me while we work on "Scrap Projects".

This weekend I am teaching two classes at a GREAT store in Thibodaux, LA. http://www.scrapalicious.typepad.com/. I cannot wait to get there and check out all of Vera's new goodies. She already has stuff arriving from CHA! Can't wait to get my hands on the new Jenni Bowlin.

Here are a few pics of the Saturday class. For Photographing purposes, I did not attach the three pieces but it will hang as the picture shows. The original concept I saw in the recent Creating Keepsakes and of course I changed it and put my own spin on it. I look forward to seeing you ladies this weekend. Thanks for joining us!

oOps!

This is a page that was accidentally omitted by my friend Martha who did my photos. I told her no big deal, it would give me something to blog about today! WOW, two post two days in a row, it's a record! This page follows the acrylic cover. Most of the materials used were scraps from my Scripts kit, except for the background paper. GCD Studios, Scenic Route, October Afternoon. The rub on is from my stash as well. Thanks for looking, and please leave a comment.... Good or bad. I can handle it!

By The Way....

This was one of the original pages I started, but like I said, the project turned in a different direction. I will eventually add it as I add more from more recent years. The stamp behind Santa is a little Prima stamp from The Scripts kit, as well as the ribbons and fibers, Little polka dot envelope, and green Bazzill. I picked up the Hambly background paper when I was in Scrap Etc. a few months ago.

The slideshow below was my first attempt at such things and I noticed that some of my photo labels were chopped off. I have absolutely no clue why, but basically I am saying that alot of what I used on this project came from, and was inspired by The SCRIPTS December kit.

Ta DAaaa!

I am SO happy to announce that I am finally able to post a little project I have been working on for quite some time. This little book is a TRUE labor of love. "My Christmas Memories" book was inspired by old photos of me throughout the years. I originally intended for this to go a WHOLE different direction, but when I got started it took on a totally different theme. I also hope this will be an ongoing project from year to year. I have lots of memories from more recent years with my husband and babies!

The materials for this project came from the "MOST AWESOME" December Scripts Kit. I truly believe I used every single piece of goodness in that kit. So fabulous what those girls put together! Thanks Lucy for this opportunity! I also included alot of my own stash as well.

I hope you enjoy looking at my project as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Each page is like a mini canvas, telling its own story! THANKS!! I had SO much fun!