Ring-bearer Extraordinaire

In May, Dylan served as Ring-bearer...he looks so handsome!

I used a brand-new kit from Hot Flash Designs, called "Up the Rebels". Originally intended for 4th of July layouts, I couldn't resist using it for these pictures of Dylan and the little flower girl. The blues in the kit matched her dress perfectly!

 The kit is available exclusively at A Cherry on Top.

Imagine - Five Rings

A few days ago, Alyssa and Jimmie took the boys to a friends' house for a pool party. Kaden decided he was a big boy and wouldn't use either his floaties or his swim vest. Dad was able to get pictures of him swimming underwater without any coaching. Guess we'll be watching the Olympic trials in about 12 years. 

Created using Hot Flash Designs - A Happy Place, available exclusively at A Cherry on Top.

My Hero - My Dad

This week, I created this layout using Hot Flash Designs newest kit called No Ordinary Man. How fitting for all of our military soldiers (ok, I know we have women serving, too). Last year, Daddy participated in a Veterans Day event where he was interviewed for his "war stories". The interview will be placed in the Library of Congress.

Thanks So Much

Yesterday, when I got home from a two day Staff Retreat, I found a surprise in my mailbox. A card, with a present inside from a very dear relative. I'll be sending this card to her, though I'll use it as a template for other cards that will go to Operation Write Home. This one has some paper that is embedded with glitter flecks, which can't be on the cards that go to troops (too dangerous at night - don't want to take a chance that flecks will stay on their uniforms).

Just Keep Swimming

How opportune that Marci's newest kit is called Here Fishy Fishy. You can get it exclusively at A Cherry on Top from Hot Flash Designs.

I created a double page spread, using a sketch from PageMaps by Becky Fleck.

Close up of the left side.

Close up of the right side.  That cool pattern paper that's blue and white?  Marci calls that a "lawn chair" pattern.  

The now, the rest of the story: Over the Memorial Day weekend, I stayed with my sister and her family in San Antonio. They recently added two betas to the family. Listening to the antics of the younger fish - the blue one - appropriately named Blue is so reminiscent of the Nemo movie, where Dori chants: Just Keep Swimming. The other one, named Slim is very laid back. My sister did an awesome job creating environments for them that are so pretty - and definitely worth capturing on film.

I'm back to blogging

So, it's been a really long time since I've been here.  I've had so many changes in my life over the past 8 months.  Not that I'll bore you with them, we'll just fast forward to today, and keep on moving forward!

I've been creating digital layouts for a new (to me, anyway) Creative Team.  I met the designer almost 3 years ago: Marci Parmeley with Hot Flash Designs.  She introduced a kit to A Cherry on Top that I liked called Mr Fix-it; all about construction and remodeling.  But it was definitely a guy kit.  Since I'm a member of NAWIC, National Association of Women in Construction, I asked if she could recreate it in PINK!  And she did!  I was so excited when she came out with Ms. Fix-it!  Now when I need something for NAWIC, I know I have it!

About Hot Flash Designs:  I love the colors and vibrancy of her kits.  She'll create "soft" kits every once and awhile, but what I really love is that even when they are theme-specific, I can still scrap with them using just everyday photos.  They are that versatile.

As part of my commitment to Marci's Creative Team, I will be creating a layout every week with her new products that are available exclusively (for now anyway) at A Cherry on Top.  I'll start posting here, but don't be surprised if you see them on Facebook as well.  I'll probably be able to say more about the story behind the pictures here.  :)

World Card Making Day - October 1

In honor of the day, yesterday October 1, I participated in a Blog Hop hosted by Operation Write Home.  This organization gets a lot of my attention, as they provide hand made cards to our troops deployed overseas. I was so inspired by some of the cards and blog posts.

I started this card in hopes that I could also be part of the Blog Hop, but life just got in the way.  So, I'm posting it here, now.

Thanks for stopping by.