Kay-B-Kay

it's been a long time

2011-05-21T18:50:00.011-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I have posted here. I was going to close my blog, but I have shared so much about me to some friends on here and I get to share what is on my heart to people I want to share with. Soooo, I am not going to close my blog. I am looking for a way to update it a little. It is pretty plane. Just thought I would share afew layouts I have done as well. BTW, yes, I am loving our new house. I have just planted some bushes, a tree, and a mess of flowers. It is going to take a year or two, but it will fill in and be so pretty. I am still scrapping for Cinda and have just started CTing for Silvia Romeo---I am happy to work with Eva again.

OUR NEW KITTY--PATTY

LUCY LOO AND KC

FUN WITH KEVIN AND RYAN

WILD WILD WINTER

I MISS MY DAD

AND MY GRAND PARENTS

DID FOR A CONTEST--LOVE IT

SIGNING FOR MY NEW HOUSE

GOTTA LOVE THAT FACE

JACOB AND I BOTH HAVE GLASSES NOW

Good Grief

2010-04-28T16:45:00.006-04:00

Good Grief, I cannot believe it has been 2 months since I have posted here. I knew March was busy, but I did not realize April would be this busy. In the last 2 months I have:

***finished the ADSR with Cinda. That was a lot of fun. I am so happy that we finished. I really enjoyed making layouts with Cinda like this one using her Spring Break Kit available here: http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_175&products_id=4745 Cinda made the left side and I had to do the other. Cinda combined the sides in the end.

These are some of the other layouts I did with the kit (which was actually re-made into a QP--I love making QPs)

***I have been in my sister's wedding as maid of honor. I took my friend Debbie and really enjoyed having her there with me . She even helped with my sisters hair for the wedding--Thanks Debbie. Jacob had fun as well and even played a little air guitar for everyone. (whatever happened to my shy little boy?)

***I have also been working with Habitat for Humanity to get my hours in so we can get our house by this Christmas. I have around 120 hours now. Starting in May I will be taking some friends with me every week to help work and to help get more hours. God is good.

***Jacob has started his new adventure in Little League. He loves it and is a good player. I cannot wait to get some more photos and videos of him playing. He gets embarrased now that I take pics of him. I have to be a little more sneaky than usual.

Well, I guess that is it for now. I have to get ready for AWANA tonight. I will try to be back here in the next couple days for some more fun stuff I have been doing. God bless all who actually read this. ;)

JACOB WINS

2010-02-13T22:35:00.004-05:00

I am so excited for Jacob. He won the AWANA Grand Prix today. Not only did he win for the fastest car, he also won for the best design. WooHoo. He has a smile on his face that will probobly stay there for a good month or so. I think he is smiling in his sleep.

He made the design and painted most of it. I did a little touch up to straiten the lines a little. We had a guy from church put the wheels on and make sure they were working well. He has never won a race in the last 3 years and this year he took first. Here are some pics of his great day. BTW.....I did not win anything, but I love my ball pit car. I especially love the driver who looks like he is screaming down the track.

New layouts---so much fun

2010-02-08T23:12:00.005-05:00

I have been having so much fun making layout for many different things. Right now I am involved with the My Lifetime Story over at Faithsisters.

Yep, that chubby cheeked baby is me. Using Digital Compilations by Cinda: For Kay kit

Love to look at the difference between our 2 births. What a difference 34 years makes.Love my baby boyUsing Digital compilations by Cinda: For Kay kit

I have also been scrapping with Cinda's new kit called For Kay...heehee. I think this will quickly become my favorite kit. I plan on using this kit a lot for my Lifetime story pages.

Aren't I cute!! (lol)Using Digital Compilations by Cinda: For Kay kit
OH, I am also doing the ASDR season #5 with Cinda:

This is my ADSR first layout. Getting to know Cinda has been and is going to be a lot of fun. Cannot wait to meet her in person next weekend. Loved looking through Cinda's Gallery for this layout. Just loved how the picture was surrounded by the hanging elements and the journaling on the top and the sides. Her boys are too cute.I have used: Digital designs by Cinda,Spring, Summer, Fall kit (Box, flower, charm, twig, paisleys) Starfield sampler kit (preview page), Ocean Breezes Kit (sunset paper), Arts and Crafts kit (swirl)

I have also been busy with Habitat and plan on doing some pages soon for that. Just have to find some building type kits. I have 75 hours in already. I am so excited. I will post those as soon as I can. I just love being scrapping busy.

Football Frenzy

2010-01-05T22:46:00.004-05:00

You know, I never thought I would do a football layout...I do not even like football. So, when Cinda asked me to create some layouts for her new Football Frenzy kit, I was a little worried. Well, I did it. It worked great for some photos of Jacob's friend and his Uncle Ken. Here they are.

I just love these photos of Jacob and his Uncle Ken. I thank God every day for my brother and his influence on Jacob's life. God is so good.

I am doing a challenge over at Faithsisters using card designs for every letter of the alphabet. I make them into full-page layouts instead. I am doing a whole book of what Jacob is and what he means to me. You can find the other letters in my FS gallery ( http://www.faithsisters.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/439 )

Jacob and his friend Marcus playing a little football. I have actually made this into a Quickpage. My first one (aren't you proud LouAnn) You can pick it up for free on Cinda's blog Here: http://blog.digitalcompilations.com/

Well, I am off to make some more layouts. I pray you are all having a beautiful New Year.

I am on a new Creative Team

2009-12-01T22:57:00.003-05:00

Yay!!! I love to create layouts with kits before others get to see it. I really like Cinda's items. She has her own designs, Digital Compilations by Cinda at Faithsisters and at Divine Digital (both are linked in my favs on this blog).

She has a brand new kit out that I just love and will use many times over. It is called Contemporary Christmas and is now available at both shops. Here is a couple of the layouts I have made using this kit:

My Lifetime Story at Faithsisters

2009-11-07T13:19:00.002-05:00

To find out more about this challenge, just read below or follow the link From the "My Lifetime story" banner at the top of my blog.

As the year is coming to an end we are busy planning for next year. In 2010 we are going back to the basics of leaving a legacy of faith. This years challenges are all focused on YOU and your lifetime story. When you join us in this challenge you will be creating a mini-autobiography. We are counting down the days till January 6th because we are so stinkin' excited about the My Lifetime Story challenges!!!

Wouldn't you to know what your grandma's favorite toy was as a child, how she felt when she met your grandpa, her favorite scripture and the song that expressed her heart? Your children and grandchildren will have that treasure when you join us in this challenge!

We will start out with your family roots in January and move into your childhood in February. We will continue throughout the year with your teen and adult years as well. The last challenge of the year will be a letter to your future generations or anyone who reads your book.

Each of our stories is important. This is a book that everyone should create about themselves. It will be the most treasured album of your family. As you create this album about your lifetime story you will be leaving YOUR LEGACY OF FAITH. This is an album that can make an impact in your life as you create it, but it will also create a major impact in the lives of your family both now and in future generations. As your children read your story in this scrapbook that YOU created, they will take your stories to heart. Your stories may have more impact on them than even Bible stories, because they are personal and from someone they know and . When friends and neighbors pick up your storybook and look through it you will be witnessing without even saying a word. They will read your lifetime history and discover your of Jesus, and His forgiveness and faithfulness in your life!

The My Lifetime story challenges will begin the first Wednesday in January. A new challenge will be posted each Wednesday all throughout 2010. The last challenge will be posted the last Wednesday of December. Just because the challenge series ends at the end of 2010 doesn't mean your lifetime story album is finished. We will continue to offer periodic challenges to continue your autobiography and keep it current.

Please join us in this year long challenge! Some of these challenges may be layouts you have already completed. That is ok! We need to get these all compiled in your lifetime storybook. Everyone deserves to be the star of their own book, including and most importantly YOU! If you don't put some time aside to create your My Lifetime Story album now, you may never find the time. If something were to happen to you, would your legacy of faith be lost forever? Take action now, join us as we create our lifetime storybooks for the next generation to see the glorious work the Lord can do in the life of a woman that loves God!

Begin thinking about what size album you would like to use for your My Lifetime Story challenge. Michelle started hers in an 8x8 but now has decided that she needs more space so is moving up to a 12x12. Sunny is doing hers 12x12 also because she knew she had a lot she wanted to fit into this album. What size do you prefer? Start gathering your supplies now so you will be ready to start when we kick off the first challenge January 6th!

Next week we will post a Photo List so you can start gathering photos that you will need for this challenge.

Time has flown by

2009-11-04T23:22:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted here. My life has been on the fast track to everywhere for the last month. God is working in so many areas of my life, I cannot keep track of them all. Sure glad God can keep all of this straight and connected.

A few things have come up: for example the largest is my application to Habitat for Humanity was approved. What a huge blessing that I never thought I would get. I still believe that these kind of blessings are for more deserving people than me. I usually do not apply to these things because I do not want to be disappointed. I get tired of rejection after a while...so I just stop trying for my dreams. Well, God has seen it fit to allow me to have one of my dreams and that is to own a house of my own for Jacob to have when he gets older. I want Jacob to have the security of a HOME....a permanent HOME. We have moved 5 times since October of 2002. Jacob just wants a room to call his own that he can paint and decorate the way he wants. Thank You God...You are truly a grace giver and the best dream catcher I have. The picture below is the land that my house will be built on. I love the Habitat sign.

Oh, speaking of moving, we are moving again to a smaller/cheaper apartment (so that makes 6 times since 2002) this next week. I hate moving, but I am getting really good at it. Jacob is excited because he will be close to his best friends grandparents house so he will get to see Marcus when he comes to spend weekends with them.

I have some new layouts as well I want to share, but it is late and I need to go to bed. I pray for each of you that read this that you are truly blessed by God today. I know he can bless you if He can reach down and just touch one dream in my life and change my world. Love to all of you.

new layouts--just for fun

2009-09-12T12:25:00.005-04:00

This is my favorite photo from my toddler room:Using:Stickers, buttons, little ribbons, and papers:Eva Lindqvist/Baby stickers Boy & Girl kits (due out soon) Butterflies, string flowers, blue ribbon, lace: Belinda Scraps Designs/Colors of Day kitGreen ribbon and glitter: Chelly designs/Happiness kit Title font: Dr. Suess
I love these 2 pictures of my sister and I. Using: silver hearts:Eva Lindqvist Bed/Breakfast add-on. pink circles:Karma Spring Begins mini kit Everything else from Live Laugh Love FS colab kit

Using Unabridged kit by Crystal Longbrake Designs
Using ---- Of course the Adorable kit from Chelly Designs. The letter A is from Camie Designs: a Splash of Color AlphaThe flower is from: Eva Lindqvist's: Apple mini Kit

I just love this picture of my son watching baseball. He is so intense sometimes when we go to a game. Using: Paper/Eva Lindvquist--B & B Yellow and Green acre kit Baseball elements from Dielle/Pinch Hitter

Using: Eva Lindvquist's Apples Mini Kit and the swirls from her Bed and Breakfast kits

QP sale at FaithSisters

2009-08-10T18:35:00.003-04:00

This is a great sale over at Faith Sisters. There are a lot to look at. Just follow the link: http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=16

$1.00 Alpha Sale

2009-08-03T19:47:00.002-04:00

You have to stock up on some Alpha. Everyone needs Alpha. Even the word Alpha needs alpha LOL

http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12

Birthday Bash Calender

2009-08-03T19:35:00.002-04:00

Here is the Calender for Faithsisters Birthday Bash celebration in about 20 days. WOOHOO!!

http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?board=394.0

Faithsisters is 2 years old

2009-07-29T17:27:00.003-04:00

I have so much fun at Faithsisters when we have a celebration. Come join the fun. Just follow this link and get signed up. http://www.faithsisters.com/birthdaybash.php

new layouts

2009-07-18T12:44:00.002-04:00

Here are a few of my newer layouts. Can you tell who the focus of my summer layouts are? :)I just love stars. Jacob is the brightest star in my life. When I saw this star kit from Eva, I just had to use it for Jacob. Using: Eva Lindqvist's: Star Charms Kit, B & B Add on Kit, and Guard Your Soul Kit

Using a scraplift from Livybug (

http://www.faithsisters.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/38849) with items from RJF melody alpha, Dielle/ Musical Recital, Krystal Hartley/Piano Room

We had so much fun this day. Mom got to see Jacob play baseball for the first time. He did great. We all watched the city fireworks after in our own driveway--can't get much better than that.Using Michelle Batton's Freedom Kit and July 9 template from TMA (Lynn) found Here

52 weeks of blessings

2009-07-18T12:04:00.002-04:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening, Days are going so fast now, I cannot keep up with them. I have not been keeping up with my blessings every week like I should, so I thought I would share the blessings of the summer thus far.

Let's start with family:

My oldest brother: I have enjoyed the blessing of reconnecting with Ken. Personality wise he and I are similar in the fact that we let things roll of our back and continue on with life. He is now dating a really nice Christian girl. I have spent some time with them together. They are so sweet. I enjoy talking Bible with my brother now. I laugh because his girlfriend and I will talk about the characters in the Bible and he just sits there saying "how do you know all of this?" heehee. Jacob really loves Uncle Ken. I need to get them together more often. In fact Jacob could tell Ken a lot about the Bible as well. Now that would be a blessing to watch my son teaching my older brother about the Bible.

How about my mom: She has said things to me lately making me think that God is talking to her a lot. We have had some good conversations about our dreams and what we actually have. I am a pretty optimistic person, my mom is pretty pessimistic so our conversations tend to be extremes of each other. I think we are learning to listen to each other better. What a blessing that is.

Jacob: well, he is always a blessing. He is growing up so fast in so many ways. Some areas he should not have to be growing in, but due to his dad, he is. He is 11 now and talks like he is 30 sometimes. He is great at reasoning things out in his head. He has come to realize this summer that some friends are worth keeping and some are just worth playing with. He has decided a couple of his friends are not doing nice things and has chosen not to play with them. This gives me hope for his teen years. He loves his baseball and was able to pitch and loved it. You could not wipe the smile off of his face for days when he struck out 4 players. (that is better than some of the Indians pitchers can do).

Work: let's just say that I have a job and leave the blessing at that. I have had some issues with the Asst. teacher I have, but I am trying to work them out.

Church: Going well. Our church is having some growing pains, but friendships are strong as well as our faith so we will rise above our issues and soar on the Eagle's wings.

Online: I am totally loving the time I spend on line now days at Faith Sisters. I will never meet most of these women her on Earth, but I love the time I spend getting to know them on line. If you have not been there, you really need to visit.

I pray you are all having a wonderful and very blessed summer.

Eva Lindqvist give away

2009-07-06T15:55:00.002-04:00

Eva is having a give away for a great kit over at DST: Here is the link: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=200065

Here is the layout I created with this great kit.

Time Flies

2009-07-04T09:23:00.004-04:00

Wow, I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted here. I guess Summer is keeping me busier than I thought.

Jacob finished his school year on the honor roll with straight As and Bs all year. I am so proud of my little man. He is full "SWING" into baseball this summer on the major league team here in town. He was so excited when they asked him to pitch several times. They seem to be encouraging him to pitch. Jacob's dream is to be a Major League Baseball pitcher. I have done a couple layouts from his games this year and last year:

Dielle designs--Pinch Hitter--found in the FS store/The clips and the star are from Claudi designs Personality Kit--also found at the FS store. Thanks for the great kits ladies

I used Dielle's Pinch Hitter Also used template created by Karla for Template Challenge

I have spent a lot of time with my mom this year as well. I think God is working on our relationship before it is too late. I have also been spending some time with my brother. Jacob just adores Uncle Ken.

Using Sweet Tomato's Humpty Dumpty templateAE designs: All Who Wander Kit

Blue papers, buttons, brads From ALS Forever family Basics/Tag is from AE designs Spring Has Sprung Kit/Ribbons and strings is from Eva Linqvuist Designs Favorite colors Kit/The Beautiful Gold paper is from Claudi's Remember Kit. All are found at FS shop

I used Kreative Karma's Graffiti Grunge (found in the shop at FS)

I pray you all have a blessed Fourth. Thank you to all who have served so wee can live in this great country.

You and Me

2009-05-17T23:13:00.004-04:00

I love pictures of Jacob and I together. I took these pics of Jacob and me outside of our house. The photo on the right was taken while the wind was blowing while i was using the timer. We had to follow the camera around....we laughed so hard. All of the layout papers and embellies are from Eva Lindqvist Designs at the FS store. I also used a template that she made for us to use.

http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=28&zenid=85f7ffdb4eae5db16cc4c8cef90e2e87

Jacob sings

2009-05-17T17:16:00.004-04:00

More layouts using Eva's kits

2009-05-15T19:59:00.006-04:00

I have to say I am really enjoying being on Eva's Creative Team. She is so sweet and patient with everyone. Anyway, if you have not visited Faithsisters and seen some of the creations that others have created using Eva's and so many other's designers kits, you really should visit soon. There are a ton of great sales on now and some fun events coming up.

Here are some new layouts:

Template: Simply Susan template challengeEve: Mother word art Summer Forest Kit Loved Eva's mother word art, so I took a picture just to use it. Thanks Eva

OK, when you are done laughing at the perm my mom had me get, then you can read that the kits used in this are:Template by: Barb (Albums to remember) Template ChallengeKits used: papers by Eva Summer Sweet Smoothies Paperpack and elements by Eva Favorite Colors KitOK, you can stop laughing now. I am making my DS a book of his school pics along side of mine in the same grade. Very fun.

My granparents taught me so much. I pray I can leave such a legacy of kindness, Gentleness and patience. Kit used: Scrap Warrior's Fruits of the Spirit kit.

Journaling:These isires belonged to my grandmother. I dug them up from her garden. She has since passed on, but I have a part of her with me as long as they bloom. These have been in our family for at least 60 years. My grandma loved the gold and the pink irises. I used The April Showers Bring May Flowers Colab. Kit

These are my Grandparents. THey are all gone now, but I will see them all with Jesus one day.Border Cluster by ClaudiKit by Claudi: A Mother's Love

My Cat stared at my water bottle for the longest time and then layed down next to it. HeeHeeI used Emma Moore/Exquisite Notionalso used Ribbon from Paula P./A Mother's loving Touch.

NSD Weekend at FS

2009-04-26T23:23:00.002-04:00

Here are some of the rules for the NSD weekend crop. Please note that we may add more as questions come up and details need to be clarified. If you have any questions please post them in the FAQ thread. Thanks.Various challenges will be posted throughout the weekend. For each challenge you complete & post in the gallery by Sunday at midnight CST you will receive one ticket for the draw (excluding the speed scrap, you must complete that in the given time frame).All paper and digital scrapbookers are welcome to participate. We welcome newcomers.

COME AND JOIN THE FUN WITH ME AT

http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/

52 blessings Weeks 13-16

2009-04-20T23:14:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know...I have been behind on my blessings posts. It is not that I am not appreciating my blessings...it is more because my life is so busy I have not been able to get this done. I have to get this blessing though. It seems very cliche for a Christian to say they are blessed because of Christ's death and resurrection, but this year, I really am. I really enjoyed the celebration this year because my life has been so busy I sometimes forget the obvious. I loved focusing on the cross.

Well, here is the layout I did to go with my blessing. I love the 3 crosses we have set up in our church. They are at the top of the layout. There is also a cross we had for this Sunday with the purple material draped across. We laid pink carnations in remembrance and celebration of the loved ones who have gone before us. I look forward to seeing my Grandparents and my father again someday.

God bless everyone who reads this. Don't ever take your salvation for granted: Jesus paid a lot for you.

new layouts

2009-04-17T22:28:00.003-04:00

A couple of new layouts this week:

I got this in an email and just had to scrap it. It did not have an author. It made me laugh, I hope it brings a smile to your face.I used 4 shades of Blue EasterthingsTiki Mama designs/Spring Showers

When I returned home from my Dad’s funeral, I looked through some pictures of the day. When I saw this photo, I cried. It was at this time it really hit me that my dad was gone. When I saw this my first thought was it was missing someone...the photo was....Missing Dad...so was I

Template by Camie DesignsKits used: Claudi's Remember KitButterflies by TMD, Cre8tvlyYrs Designz, and Glayce Cavalcante

Lucky 7 (Tagged)

2009-04-14T22:20:00.003-04:00

I have been tagged by 2 people from Faithsisters:

Theresa (http://the-simpleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/tagged.html )

and Livy (http://livybugtheladybug.blogspot.com/ )

So here is my 7th photo find......looking......Oh goodness a very rare photo in our family. My mother, sister, and myself all together at my dad's in 2003/in case you cannot see it from the date on my 35 mm camera(the last time we had Christmas at my dad's house before he died 3/03/05). I look thrilled. We had a good time though. We do look alike in a lot of ways.

The tag how-to...
Go to the photos folder on your computer.
Go to the seventh folder of photos.
Go to the seventh photo.
Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.
Invite seven friends to join.

I am tagging

Cinda: http://blog.digitalcompilations.com/

Eva: http://everything-eva.blogspot.com/

LouAnne: http://louannt.blogspot.com/

Kristi: http://feelsliketurtles.blogspot.com/

Kris: http://www.scrapwarrior.com/

Monique: http://moniquedrost.blogspot.com/

Kim: http://redheadscrapper.blogspot.com/

Since I have no friends on the internet outside of FS, you can reply with your finished link here or on my PM in FS. Have fun.

Oreo

2009-04-04T23:12:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to post this layout. I am really liking this type of digi page where you use a shape to place a photo in. This is a photo of Jacob's little bunny Oreo. We saw her in a pet store and no one wanted her because she had a backwards foot. I guess they did not think she would be too lucky. LOL Anyway, we fell in love with her. She only lived a little over a year.

Using Eva Lindqvist's Funny Bunnyland Kit

My Heart Belongs to Jacob

2009-03-22T22:27:00.005-04:00

Eva Lindqvist made a new kit and had wordart that i just love so I wanted to use it. Here is what I created with it:

Template From: DigiscrapaliciousPapers from: Eva Lindqvist Cursory Cardstock & Touch of Cocoa KitWord Art by Eva Family PackSmall Hearts by Eva Faith, Hope and Love Kit & Rememories KitWhite Flourish by Eva Flourish stickersPink ribbon buttons:Claudi designs and Princess Sophie A Mother's Loving Touch

I love my boy. We have gone through a lot together and have a bond that I pray will last. He loves the Lord at 10 years old and my blessing for this week is that my son has the Lord in his heart and will be a family in Heaven forever. Maybe I will be able to chase his baseballs better in Heaven. LOL.

Here are a few other layouts I have recently done.

We hold to the hope that our children and grandchildren will not have to go through what we have endured. We pray that we will break any chains of abuse and disfunction from our parents or their parents before them. We no longer live in Earthly bondage, we hold to the hope that God is greater than the best we can do as parents.

Kits used: Kreative Karma Holding onto HopeAurda's Little Scraps Holding onto HopeEva Lindqvist White Dozen Paperpack

Kit used: Simply Susan Find her designs Here

This template is from JZ designs template challangeI used the Love My Pet Colab Kit Part 1 [url=http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=2170[Part 2[/url]We love our cats. They make themselves at home whether it is watching NASCAR, sleeping with Jacob's stuffed animals, and of course sitting in the window.

52 Weeks of Blessings--Week 6

2009-02-15T14:58:00.005-05:00

Well, it is Sunday....I have had 2 very busy weeks. This week looks to be no different. I have finished a couple layouts that I am very proud of. They are both digi. The first one started out to be for week 6 of my 52 blessings challenge.

I am so blessed to have my 3 kitties, especially Lucy Lu. She just loves to be with me. She waits at the door for me and jumps on my shoulders where she stays most of the evening. Every once in a while she will pick her head up and give me a little kiss. I do not know if it was God's original plan for the cat, but He has sure blessed me with a great little kitty. I also used this layout for Eva Lindqvist's monthly challenge found here: http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?topic=7955.msg84445#msg84445 You can get the kit I used in the other layout I have posted after this one.

I used 2 collab kits for this:Love My Pet part one Love My Pet part 2 Cuddle Up part 1 These can be found at http://www.faithsisters.com/shop/ Also used Kreative Karma Font

This next layout is for the 12 x 12 challenge at faithsisters here: http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?board=306.0 If you have not joined this great challenge, Please come and sign in at FS and be a part of a great group of ladies.

My 12th day of February, 2009 for the 12 X 12 challange.12 X 12 Challenge using Eva Lindqvist's"Touch of Cocoa"and Peach Melba kitAlso used JZ Designs Clipped Paper Templates Again, these can all be found in the FS link from the links above or the ones on the right side of my blog. Have a beautiful day in the Lord.

52 Weeks of Blessings--Week 4 & 5

2009-02-07T22:00:00.003-05:00

I think laughter is one of God's greatest attributes that He has given to each of us to use as we wish. My son has a great laugh. His laughter each week is my blessing.

Template: DigiScrapalicious designsPapers http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_147&products_id=1745 elements by Amie B designs

52 Weeks of Blessings--Week 3

2009-01-26T19:22:00.004-05:00

My blessing for week 3 would have to be my son Jacob. He is praying and loving God at age 10. We enjoy our drives together. This day was no different. I even took the long way to our destination so we could talk longer. He seems to be wise beyond his years. I pray he continues to walk with God through out his life.

JOURNALING:

Jacob, you and I had a day together after a little snow (8 inches) canceled school. We took a drive to Sandusky to watch a movie and on the way we talked about many things going on in your life, from your dad, school, church, and God. You are such an amazing young christian man. I am s proud to be your mom.BTW, you took the winter photo above out of the car window.

52 weeks of Blessings--Week 2

2009-01-24T01:11:00.004-05:00

We have had some snow over the past 2 weeks and I took this picture near my house. It reminded me of some of my favorite verses.

Psalm 72:19--Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

Isaiah 6:3--And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Isaiah 55:12--You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

I saw this tree and thought that I should be rejoicing as much as this tree is. It's beauty just points to God. No one else could make ice look that beautiful. What a blessing from God to remind us in the dead/cold/dark winter that all of His creation still praises Him. How can we do any less.

Made using QP by Tina Williams-Make a Joyful Noise

2009-01-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

I have the great thrill of being on Eva Lindqvist's Creative Team. She is designing for FaithSisters and haas made a beautiful new kit that is found at the current moment in her first grab bag at the FS shop ( http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97 ) This layout is done with the Celtic Wine kit:

52 weeks of Blessings--Week 1

2009-01-04T23:07:00.005-05:00

(see this challenge here: http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?topic=7313.msg79131#msg79131 )
Psalm 107:31 says: Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

When I was growing up in our church we had one Sunday night a month that we could sing whatever Hymn (back when all we sang was hymns) I always chose page 200--"Count Your Blessings". Little did I know, that song would impact my life more than any one song ever could. During times in my life when I could not see God (and wanted to) I would pull back and start counting blessings no matter how little they were. I would even have times when just the fact that I was standing was a blessing. I knew that if I could find any blessing in my life, then God was still there. I have this song memorized still (30+ years later).

I thought I should start out this 52 week challenge with one of the best blessings I have carried with me all of my life---this song.

Layout made using Willro&Co Designs/Melody line kit found here: http://faithsisters.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_128&products_id=1980

Merry Christmas to all my Faithsisters

2008-12-25T12:14:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of my Faithsisters. To those I have met, and to those I have not yet met. I pray that the same Jesus who guides your life every day is even more celebrated today. He was born withe the same 10 fingers and toes, wrinkly skin, and after birth look that every baby has been born with. He did this for you. God bless your day.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-19T21:53:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish anyone who visits here a very Merry Christmas. I pray you will find Jesus in the midst of the packages and bows.

Jacob and his new little kitty--Lucy Loo

Our little Tree It had to be kitty proofed with unbreakable ornaments

I always love the glowing tree look

Love ya Sis

2008-12-09T00:51:00.004-05:00

I have been in so much thought about my family tonight. I found this picture of my brother giving me a hug. I had been away for a while. During my time away all of the abuse in my family came out. My brother and I were the only children my mom physically abused. I think my brother and I have a bond that is not understood by our other siblings. I am closest to my oldest brother. I remember feeling very protected and understood at the moment in this photo.

Layout made using Krystal Hartley's Piano Room (Available at FS shop)

Just wondering

2008-12-08T22:20:00.004-05:00

I am just sitting here at my computer just wondering. Wondering about what? Family, future, friends, finances (did not plan the whole "f" thing there). I do not have a lot--I do not want a lot as far as that goes. I try to be the best mom I can, I pay my bills as I am able to, I keep my house as clean as possible, I go to church, lead worship, teach AWANA, work full-time at a daycare, and go over-the-board with my scrapping sometimes. I trust God fully, believe in Him faithfully, and call on Him frequently. All of that said----I am still missing something.

I think I am still missing a "parent". I spent most of Thanksgiving week with my mom. She tried her best to be my mom. She bought groceries, gas, Christmas presents for Jacob and me. We played games, watched movies cooked and baked together. Even with all of that, I still saw her as the person who yelled at me, disowned me, beat the snot out of me, made my years at home miserable. I still live in those moments when I am with her. How do I ever let go of that? Do I want a mom so bad that I have lost sight of what I want instead of what I have?

I want to be able to have time with my mom and not see her through my "child's"eyes. I just do not know how to do this. This is my goal: to figure out how to see my mom for who she is now, and not what she was back then. She may still be the same person, but I want to really see her through God's eyes, maybe then I will see her without my child's eyes. Does this make any sense.

2008-11-13T22:12:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I have posted here. I have been busy finding a job, leading worship, having my scrapbook group, taking care of Jacob, teaching Sparkies at AWANA...phew, I am tired typing this.

I did get a chance to visit a Faithsister (http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/) and she introduced me to digi scrapping in a higher form (PSE 5.0) How fun is this. Here are a few of my digi layouts. (All the kits I used for these layouts are available at: http://www.faithsisters.com/shop/

This is the Faithsister I visited. I had so much fun with LouAnn. I cannot wait to go again. I just have to remember to bring all of my clothes back with me. Gotta love LouAnn. (red spiral/red/blue papers-Amie B.: Embellishments-Digiscrapilicious/birthday bash colab kit: Letters-celebrate alpha/birthday bash colab kit-Boyerville scraps)

These are a few of my AWANA Sparkies. (Heart:Krystal Hartley/True to Youself: Staples, Ric Rac, background (red and blue)Simply Susan Designs)

I love this graduation picture of my dad from 1953 (This layout uses Eressea "My Heritage" Kit)

This last layout is for the "True Meaning of Christmas challange" at Faithsisters. (http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/2008/10/true-meaning-of-christmas-challenge.html) You can still join in the fun of making your own Christmas story book. (Black paper/Staples-Eressea: My HeritageRed paper--Eressea: Autumn WalkBells/Green ribbon--DBalance: Paper Pierced Christmas)

Faith Sisters Birthday Bash Cyber Crop

2008-09-24T16:43:00.003-04:00

Join Faith Sisters for our Birthday Bash Cyber Crop!

Who: YOU are invited!

When: September 26-28th

What: Challenges, Prizes (traditional and digital,) Sales,Chats, New Goodies and MORE!Where: http://www.faithsisters.com/

Why: To celebrate our 1 year birthday!

Earn points toward winning prizes by doing challenges, purchasing digi kits from our shop, and more! Earn an EXTRA 5 Points for inviting a NEW friend to the crop and have them sign up and participate in the forum!

Where did September go

2008-09-24T16:16:00.002-04:00

Wow, where has September gone. So many things have happened in September.

I am still working at the factory, Jacob is back in school, I am on the Creative Team on Faithsisters, I am back to being the worship leader at church, and I have gotten some really nice scrapbooks started. I am making a couple special scrappbooks to eventually give to my son when he has a family. I am making a book about my favorite songs and one abbout my Christian life stories so Jacob can see how important God is in my life. I have made a few pages and will continue to make them every now and then until I run out of supplies (which will never happen).

Just a few more LO's

2008-08-29T18:14:00.002-04:00

Just a few LO's I have made. Our first picture with Jacob together as a family.

Home Grown Good. We used to have a pear tree in our front yard and when we would come home from the daycare Jacob would say, "want one, peeez" He would sit on the chair (usually with a towel under him) and eat the ENTIRE pear. Very fun.

Lollipop boy. What a fun time to watch. We had given him his first lollipop to him. He had so much fun. The lollipop went with him all over the room. I think he ended up with cat hair and who knows what on it. We must have cleaned it 50 times before we finally got it away from him.

Creation Challange at Faithsisters

2008-08-10T21:06:00.002-04:00

I love this song "In the Secret" I want to know you more should be our daily prayer.

I Love the ocean. When I am at the ocean, I spend the entire day looking in amazement at God's creation. I cry to Him and He brings the waves to comfort me. When I talk to Him He brings the seagulls to answer me. When my feet touch the ocean: I touch God and He touches me.

What is Freedom?

2008-08-10T20:58:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking on this question for a long time in my life.
Freedom as defined by the Dictionary:
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: As a child, this meant freedom from my mother and father's abuse
2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. As a young adult this meant freedom from rules at college and government
3. the power to determine action without restraint. As an adult this meant coming into
my own self and taking a stand without remorse or even concsience
As I have grown as a Christian, I have wondered what this word "Freedom" means as a child of God: We have the Ten commandments, the beatitudes, the phrase WWJD and more rules to govern us. I have never been one to willingly follow rules set upon me, and then I read this:
Romans 8:20-21 (New International Version)For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated (freedom) from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
How awesome! The perfectness of God's creation was subjected to the imperfections of another's will. We, as God's creation, have been subjected to other's imperfect laws. We are too often held captive by others will's forced onto our lives. This bondage lead to decay or ugliness and imperfection. Through liberation (Jesus Christ) we are now brought out of bondage and into freedom in Christ.
Freedom as defined by Christ's blood:
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: As a child of God, I know that all of my past wounds from my parents are healed, and taken to the cross with Christ so I can arise not with wounds that have dissapeared, but with scars that have been transformed into grace and all consuming and forgiveness.
2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. As a child of God: I can rise above the laws of Satan: distruction, lies, anger, contempt and all other things that can lead to eternal death
3. the power to determine action without restraint.In Christ alone I have the freedom to grow, forgive, give grace to others, testify to His , rise above myself and soar on eagle's wings.There is no greater freedom than to live in and through God.
He is above all else, there is no other like Him. My saviour, redeemer, friend, healer, and my FREEDOM

Jacob's friends

2008-07-04T18:03:00.002-04:00

New digi at FS

2008-07-01T20:02:00.002-04:00

Draw Me Close

2008-06-25T23:01:00.009-04:00

I have been wanting to scrap some songs to hang on my walls. We had a challenge at FS that allowed me to get that started. It was titled Draw me close to you.

There is nothing more I want to do than to draw closer to God. To crawl up into the safety of His arms is what I long for. We should all be longing for this very thing. It is only when we are focused on Him that we can follow His will.

DRAW ME CLOSE TO YOU-KELLY CARPENTER

http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/2008/06/draw-me-close-to-you-challenge-winner.html

Draw me close to You

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

to hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire

nothing else will do

'cause no one else could take Your place

to feel the warmth of your embrace

Help me find a way

Bring me back to you

You're all I want

You're all I've ever needed

You're all I want

Help me know You are near.

Ephesians 3:20

2008-05-19T09:55:00.004-04:00

Wow, I figured since I was going to link again to my blog, I had better update it. I have just added ( thanks to Kristi D.--thank you) a permanent slide show so I can put my newest LO's on here. It is kind of funny, because I will watch it a lot and I have the originals.

I have picked up my mother for a week-long visit. I have stated before that we do not get along well. I do believe that God would want me to continue to make an attempt while she is still here. She is now the oldest in our immediate family still around. My son loves history, so I want him to hear as much of it as he can stand while he can. I will continue to cling to Ephesians 3:20 that God can do (restore even) immeasurably more than I can even imagine---because I allow Him to work through me. He has restored to me a family through my church family. I may not ever get many things restored to what it should be, but He has made even better what I have. God is always good, God is always here, God will always restore--if we let Him--in His own unique and gracious way.

Thanks for visiting. Come back and I will try to be better at updating. God has given me so much to share--I just need to be better at doing so.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-14T13:47:00.000-04:00

Mother's LO challange

2008-04-22T22:49:00.003-04:00

A challange was given of Faith Sisters this week. It was doing a LO about your mother. I just cringed and put it off as another LO I would not be involved in. You know what, it is the first full-page challange I have done in the 6 months I have been there. It seemed to be a small part of my healing process. Here is my LO and short story:

http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/2008/04/focus-on-mothers-challenge-winner.html

I always have a hard time doing anything related to Mothers. I realize that the phrase "abusive home" get used a lot, but I grew up in one at the hands of my mother. We have always had our differences. We verbally fought to the "death" and I was hit with a board on a sometimes daily basis. I left home when I was 18 never to return. God has chosen in the last 10-15 years to start working on this relationship. I do not think our relationship will ever be good here on Earth, but in Heaven there will be no sorrow---I am looking forward to hugging my mother in Heaven and not having all the pain associated with it. God is a gracious God. My mother and I have done a lot of talking---not quite sure how much listening---and have come to an unspoken conclusion--we have my son in common and we have to start there. I tell her what I go through as a parent and we somehow find common ground on that. My heart breaks when I see other daughters getting along with there mothers. I so long for that. I am holding God to His promise of Heaven.

Winter, Winter, Winter

2008-03-09T11:33:00.004-04:00

Oh my goodness, will winter ever end? Ok, I know Spring is March 20, but it normally does not snow this much in March. The last 4 weeks we have ended up with snow delays and cancelations. AAAHHH!!! Anyway, I have a few pics of this weather and what we did to bide our time.

A few things to thank God for during this time:
*Friends who have big trucks to pull you out of a ditch.
*A safe car to drive into a ditch with and be totally safe.
*God's hand in my friends safety during the past 4 storms.
*A wonderful son who takes care of his mom when she is sick.
*A neighbor who loves to use his snow plow.

You cannot see Jacob very well, but you can see the snow drift outside his window. Around 41/2 feet high. He is currently making 2-inch snowboards and is going to have a competition leaning out his window. He is very creative. I will have to get pics of that.

Peace--Week 6 Faith Sisters scripture challange

2008-02-28T22:37:00.001-05:00

2008-02-17T17:21:00.002-05:00

These are some of my favorite Christmas pictures of Jacob. He is 1 1/2 years old in these pics. The pics were taken at our family Christmas get together. I love using ribbon and this was my first try at wide ribbon. I love the look and think I will use it often. I also used my Big Mouth Crop-o-dile a lot for this project--very easy to use.

Jacob is 13 months old here. He had to get tubes put in his ears at Bellevue Hospital. Afterwards wewent to Cedar Point. We had a lot of fun, but Jacob was tired. I have just started to use flowers. I love the flowers in the LO's above and under this pic. The flowers above are all cut out from cardstock.
I wanted Jacob to eat his yogurt. He decided I should try it first. He finally did end up eating it.

Wait (FS--challange week 4)

2008-02-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

When I heard the word this week was WAIT, the first thing I thought of was clock and time. I tend to be an impatient person when it comes waiting to hear what the Lord wants. I so want to be someone who is patient and can wait for the Lord's answer--In His time--he makes all things beautiful. Amen!

Beauty (FS challange--week 3)

2008-02-03T15:56:00.000-05:00

I thought the word beauty could not be better defined but by the cross. He had no beauty or majesty that would attract us to him, nothing in his appearence that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and WE esteemed him not.

Please back up your computers

2008-01-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

My computer recently crashed. I lost about 6 months of pics--Birthday, Holidays, School, work. I am so disappointed. Please remember to back up and save your pics. I have found a few pics here and their on different sites, but nothing compared to what I had.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-20T21:08:00.001-05:00

2008-01-20T19:37:00.000-05:00

This is Jacob and his new kitty K.C. (short for Kitty Cat)

Kindness (week 2 FS scripture challange)

2008-01-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

Week 2 of FS scripture challenge. I came up with the verse for this because of a conversation with my son. I asked him what he thought kindness meant. He said "Well, kind means being nice, if you add the "ness" doesn't that make it an action word?" I found Ephesians 2:4-10, if not for the expressions of God's kindness to us through sending us His son, we would not have eternal life through Jesus Christ.

2008-01-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

I love the Brad Christmas trees and had been wondering how I was going to use them.
I am sure some day Jacob will get upset about his very bad hair day this Christmas morning. I also love our new cat, KC (short for Kitty Cat) she kept rummaging through the paper.
Notice the floating/glowing Christmas tree
Jacob and his dad--his first car building days
Never leave a tissue box alone with a toddler.

Faith (week one FS Scripture challange)

2008-01-15T20:30:00.000-05:00

I have read a lot of scripture during the week for the challange. This one stuck out the most. To have the kind of faith to follow Jesus no matter how much pain you are in, no matter how long it takes you to get to Him, even if it's just to touch Him for a moment. I want to see Jesus look at me personally and say, I see you, I love you, and I will heal you.

Christmas Day 2007

2007-12-25T20:36:00.000-05:00

Merry CHristmas all.

2007-12-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Get Your Free Christmas Countdown

2007-10-30T00:18:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my grandpa and I about 3 years ago. My grandpa died last Monday, October 22 at 1am. I was supposed to spend the day with him in Toledo just holding his hand. he went to sleep Saturday and never woke up. I spent last week with my brother Ken working out the final details of the funeral. I feel like a generation is forever lost in our family. I love my grandpa. He was so much fun. I remember he used to show me all of his pennies whenever we came to his house on holidays. He and grandma made lots of crafts together. I have a green chair that he made. I also have a yellow plant hanger grandma made as well as many other little items. They will always be treasured. My grandparents were married for 64 years before grandma died December 3, 2000. I guess grandpa is walking around in Heaven holding grandmas hand right now. I wonder if he is talking with my dad--or maybe his daughter, Beverly, which he has not seen for 43 years.

I sang at grandpa's funeral. In the Garden and Blessed Assurance. I hope he liked it. He would stand next to me in church and put his ear close to my mouth when I sang next to him. He said he loved to hear me sing.

I miss him.

I love you grandpa!--Your Casey Girl

2007-10-14T15:58:00.000-04:00

A lot has happened in the last month. Jacob has finally learned how to ride a bike. It took him about 15 minutes after his dad and I convinced him it was OK to ride. He has always been so worried about getting hurt. He was too scared to ride. He is so proud of himself. Him and Marcus ride together to the park now. It has given him a little more self confidence and independence. I am so glad Jacob has a friend. They have been friends for 2 years now. They may argue a little and they are completely different in size and personalities, but they enjoy being together. They like to spend the night here. They play their Gameboys, video games, cars, baseball, kickball, and watch movies. The other day they carried on our tradition of a potato chip party on Friday nights. Jacob and I started having these little parties when I was working evenings at Flat Rock Care Center in 2005. I would come home late on Friday night and we would sit on my bed and spread different kind of potao chip on the bed and we would eat and watch movies. We had so much fun. So now Marcus has joined the circle of potato chip partiers.

I have a few scrapbook pages to post. These are some of my favorites.

This is a picture of Jacob and his dog He named him "Dog". He tried to get away from "Dog" by hiding in the ice chest. Dog climbed in with him.

Jacob wanted to take "Dog" for a walk. Dog was not helping. He tried to put the leash around Dog's neck. Finally Dog bit the collar and Jacob draged Dog around while he was biting the color.

Well, we know where the tissues went.

Jacob's first try at baseball. It was in the Spring of 2003. He had a lot of fun, even though he got frustrated and quit after about 20 minutes. He still likes baseball now. Cleveland Indians is his favorite team.

Jacob was very happy when he turned 8 years old. He got a Bible at church from Pastor Andy Winters. He also had a birthday party at the race track in Bellevue.

2007-09-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

Well, I hope this picture came up. This is our new house. We moved August 29, 2007. I hope to buy this house in the next year. I am so excited because we can paint our rooms however we wish. I love that Jacob has a room and I have a room of our own. We have lived in a one bedroom house for 2 years. I feel like I have accomplished something. God is good though. We could not have done this with out Him.

2007-09-18T17:36:00.000-04:00

Hey, I did it, My blogger life has started.