Tip of My Heart

I love BUSYNESS!!

2012-02-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

What happened to all my typing? It's gone... Well, here I go again.I have been extremely busy - Cade's basketball practices and games, Cade's soccer practices and games, my work, school, family, learning my new iPad, scrapbooking, working out, work - but I would rather be busy than sitting around.I bought a $25 keyboard off of Amazon.com It has bluetooth and is re-chargeable. It's amazing albeit a lttle on the small side. But you can't beat it for the price! Made by MiniSuit for Apple iPad.I have a few layouts to share with you that I haven't posted yet. o dear, I can't figure out how to get a layout from my photo app to blogger.I will upload it tonight on my laptop.I'm meeting Eric to go to Cade's Middle School tournament game in basketball. First game of the tournament. Maybe we'll win - if so, we will have another game with a higher seed on Thursday. The basketball season is such a LONG season! At least 20 games over 3 months. And it's not like Cade is very good. He's extremely athletic - just never practices shooting or dribbling... He says his game is soccer. He played Sunday in the Greensboro tournament and scored all 4 goals for the team. He didn't play at Saturday's 2 games because he was at our church's Middle School retreat.

Happenings

2012-01-19T16:59:00.001-05:00

I had to work overtime this afternoon - due to an open house at the school. We are trying to increase class sizes and draw in new, like-minded families. Deborah, the teacher I work with, presented some new ideas today that I really need to ponder and pray about. I can't share now - but I could be very excited about it!

I took my first picture with my new Instax polaroid camera yesterday! And I already put it in my Smash journal - FUN! That was the main reason I bought the camera - to have pics to smash it in my journal- pictures that aren't necessarily scrapbook page-worthy but pictures that are still of my real, every day life. And it is going to be so much fun - I really love instant gratification too. Take a picture, wait for it to "develop", glue it in my Smash book, and journal.

If you aren't familiar with Smash - you should be. Absolutely. I went to an Archiver's crop this weekend and found a much smaller Smash journal that fits into my larger purses. I also have a larger Smash journal that I have almost filled up already. And of course, I have all the elements that you can buy to go with it - stickers, journaling cards (every theme, of course), date stamp, paper clips, etc. Just visit smashstoriesblog.com and be amazed. Lots of ideas - and these books can be used as a journal but ALSO, as so much more. There's also no pressure whatsoever in how you decorate it or smash it in. It's so freeing to have a place where I can journal, create - so unlike my layouts which I try to have look very good and "artistic". So, if you need some down time and creative freedom, Smash is for you. I can't wait to start a second book!

Also, I have 6 layouts that are going to be published in 3 of the upcoming Cricut magazines! I'm SO STOKED!!! I have a 2 layouts and a home decor piece in the March, 2012 issue; 1 layout in the April, 2012 issue; and 1 layout in the May, 2012 issue. IF you haven't discovered the Cricut magazine yet, you are really missing out. It's eye candy from cover to cover and continuously inspires me. I was first published in the October 2011 issue and the November 2011 issue. I can't tell you how humbling, gratifying, exciting and encouraging to have your "creation" being published. My goal this year is to be published in the Scrapbook Trends magazine by Northridge Publishing. I'm working on it... I'll let you know...

Got to go, peeps!
Heather

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

sorry for long absence!

2012-01-15T18:59:00.001-05:00

I got an iPad for Christmas - it has been so much fun just playing with it! I have a few games, a few photo apps, twitter, etc. and I am still lookingfor some great apps. If you know of any I just gotta have - leave me a comment! I would love to play Words with Friends with you, also, so give me a holler.I just purchased a little keypad on Amazon so I can more speedily update my blog. I've been waiting for it so I can type with any kind of "speed" and agility. I spent Friday and Saturday at a crop at Archivers. The store was chock full of new product and I wanted EVERYTHING BUT of course, I had self-control and only spent $30 or so. What I love about attending the crops is the 20% off your entire purchase. And you can still use your 30% off one item coupon, also. I decided to totally free myself up from all my "limits" that I put on myself when I'm scrapbooking - like, the "rules" in scrapbooking. I decided to have FUN and play with my paper, embellishments and photos. Just been reading Ali Edwards blog. Talk about inspiring. Ali never shifts from her FOCUS - TO tell the STORY of your life through scrapbooking. And have fun doing it. I love that. So that is what I focused on on Friday and Saturday. I sat with three really nice ladies and we all got along GREAT.I will be posting pictures of my layouts later this week. Thanks for dropping by.

2011-12-14T14:28:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I have been so negligent on my blog. I think about writing on it every day... but then I get so busy, I forget to post.

I have a small "business" called Heather's Paperie. I sell handmade cards and other items using beautiful papers. I made some Post-It Note holders to sell at work. I really blinged them up with flowers - Prima flowers, or accordian-folded handmade flowers, rhinestones and jewels, ribbon, chipboard, etc. I sold about 20 of them at work and my husband is trying to sell them at his work. I really like how they look and for $5.00 - they are a steal!

I also made sets of notecards - 4 cards with envelopes - for $8.00. I spent so much time on them and loved the results. I sold only 2-3 sets. Most people say that they don't even send cards anymore! They only email or facebook people. I guess that's why the Postal business is going bankrupt... But it IS expensive to send a letter now - $.45 a letter! That's outrageous. BUT, anyhoo, here's a picture of about 6 sets. I used my Cricut on every one of them.

My favorite cards are the top, middle, pink, set in the picture. I used vintage lace on them, also.

Well, I will post more later...

my Christmas List

2011-11-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking of all kinds of things I really, really wish (ahem - NEED) for Christmas. Of course, I wish for world peace, peace in my family, good health for all loved ones, and Christ to reign in our hearts.

Now that I have stated the spiritual side of things - I will delve into the more, shall I say, lighter side of Christmas and state my wish list.

I have followed Elizabeth Kartchner's blog forevah and she is always sharing her Instax photos. I want THIS camera (pictured above) so I am going to have to send that link to my dear husband... He can use all the hints and help I can give him. In other words, I would rather get what I truly want rather than gifts that he "thinks" I want. He is really sweet and thoughtful... but sometimes, well, he truly just doesn't get what I truly want.

I also have a wish list at Amazon. Love me some Amazon. I want the Smash book and all the fixings! I would use it as a really cute journal and take it with me to work, to my kids' games, shopping, everywhere! I saw the cutest video (I can't find it now... boo hoo) about a really easy way to "decorate" these Smash book.

LASTLY but surely NOT least - an IPAD. I want an IPAD. I dream of an IPAD. I'll see. Eric knows. So he better... well, we will see.

I can't WAIT!

2011-11-07T15:09:00.005-05:00

I can't wait for the Cricut magazine's special issue called Home Decor! I have 2 projects in there under the "baby" category. I made these 2 framed creations as baby gifts so I guess I'll have to give them to my friends when Cricut magazine returns them.

I can't wait to see the magazine in the stores. I've been looking! But so far this special issue can be pre-ordered from the Northridge Publishing website: www.northridgepublishing.com. I will definitely download ther online version when it comes out so I can see my 2 framed pieces.

We had such a busy weekend! Noelle, our daughter (freshman at North Greenville University in Greenville, SC) came home on Friday. It's always a busy time when she's around. It was so good to see her. I miss her so much but I know she is loving the college life and her new-found independence. At least soccer is taking a break right now so I AM HOPING and PRAYING she's studying more... right. Her soccer team was 1 point away from making it to the conference play-offs. BUT, it's a young team with 10 or so freshman (including my daughter) so they can only improve. (The only direction they can go is UP... yes, it was that bad). Noelle has been playing since she was 4 years old. And at a very high level. So this team has been a definite learning experience, not only for Noelle, but for Dad and I. Whew. Sometimes it was so painful to see how bad the team played. Really. Well, on to more uplifting news.

Cade is now playing Middle School Basketball. He will have 2-3 games a week through February. So, the busy-ness never ends. But he is so enjoying the comraderie with the boys and enjoys the coach. Eric and I are just glad he is playing and CARES about playing. I will take some pictures of his first game soon.

Well, I'll post some "rejects" of layouts that didn't make the Cricut or Scrapbook Trends Magazine next time.

Having so much Fun!

2011-11-04T14:57:00.003-04:00

I just found out last week that I'm going to be published in Cricut Magazine again. April 2012 issue. 2 layouts exactly - about my role as a mom - and ALSO a framed piece. I really love how the framed piece turned out - I have it sitting on my foyer table. It says "Welcome" and the colors were perfect for our home.

I'm HUMBLED and SO EXCITED that I will be published again.

I guess I'd call these 'rejected' layouts`

2011-10-13T12:12:00.013-04:00

The first two layouts I submitted to Cricut Magazine. I thought they were cute...Oh well. They weren't chosen so I am now posting them on my blog.

I created the "Dark Time" layout when our family was going through a rough time. To journal about it was really therapeutic for me. I watercolored on the paper; I felt like it looked a little like tears.

I submitted a few layouts to Cricut magazine and Scrapbook Trends magazine.

This layout reminded me of the mountain stream when I stuck my toesies in the cool water. It was truly a refeshing experience!

The October 2011 issue of Cricut Magazine is OUT!

2011-10-04T19:35:00.002-04:00

I saw my layout in the issue.... page 77. I love how Northridge Publishing "staged" my layout of me and my 2 cats. Yes, I'm an avid cat lover. When I was growing up, my mom, brother and sister were SO allergic to cats and dogs - we had neither.

When Eric and I got married, I longed for a pet. Especially when we were going through infertility. Our first cat, Sorry, filled a real need in me to love on something (other than Eric). When we decided to adopt Christian from the Philippines (our first child), we had Sorry, the cat, adopted by a very nice woman and her son. About 8 years and 2 more children AND a new home later, a cat chose us. Navy, as we called this big cat, came to the back door and hit his head repeatedly on the window. Eric said we could NOT feed him. I put the kids to bed AND GUESS who gave the cat some MILK. Yeah, Eric. Well, Navy was ours from then on. One day, Navy went outside and never came back. I grieved for months. Literally. I was very attached to him.

Then a friend, Deborah, had a stray cat come to their door and since she already had a cat and a dog, she asked if we wanted her. So, Sophie became ours. She is a stub-tail cat, honey-colored, and so sweet. She loves to sit in my lap whenever I sit down and she's very verbal, always meowing up a storm.

How did we end up with two cats? Eric and I saw this beautiful white kitten with blue/green eyes in a pet store window while we were vacationing in Boone, NC. The store was closed but Eric wanted the cat. I figured that was the end of it. Well, the next day he suggested we go find out how much the cat cost. After picking myself up from the floor, I was all in. At the pet store, Q-tip because our second cat. She is playful, sweet and mischievous. Sophie didn't like her for about six months but now they are constant companions. Q-tip ACTS like Sophie is Alpha Cat - but we ALL know that Q-tip really is. Oh, the joys of animals. Actually, cats. I love cats!

I say all this because my layout is based on my cats. I have loads of pictures of my kids, my hubby, MYSELF, and this is the first layout ever published and it is about my cats. Go figure.

(but I am thrilled and humbled beyond belief!!)

OFFICIALLY published in Cricut Magazine, October 2011

2011-09-21T16:25:00.003-04:00

Well, I have finally been published. I haven't really tried that hard... I saw that Cricut was looking for some layouts, cards, etc. about pets. And I remembered this layout I had scrapped about 1 year ago using the Cindy Loo cartridge. I emailed it in to the magazine and was contacted about 3 weeks later that Cricut wanted to publish it. I am MORE than excited and happy about it.

So all of you - RUN and get YOUR copy of the Cricut magazine, October 2011 and look for MY creation on page 77. YAY!

The desire to be published has been on my bucket list for years. I am so thrilled and humbled to be in print.

If you see my layout - give me a holla!

Posting some older layouts

2011-08-29T15:01:00.003-04:00

I have been under the weather over the weekend but I'm feeling up to sharing some "older" layouts... not real old, just not real new (hee, hee).

The first layout is: the cover to a mini-album about our trip to Arizona. I really loved the paper shaped like a road sign and used it for the front and back of the album.

One of the pages in the album is the next layout. I love to cluster all kinds of embellishments and that's what I did for this layout with a picture of my daughter dwarfed by Montezuma's Castle in the background. We were in Arizona and really liked this picture.

Layouts!

2011-08-24T19:23:00.005-04:00

Top layout is about my dear husband, Eric. The picture was taken on our 23rd wedding anniversary - and we just celebrated our 26th Anniversary. Oh well, I'm a little behind but I adore this picture of him. I journaled about: "Anywhere you are is home to me. And it's been that way for 26 years." I saw this Cosmo Cricket line of papers and fell in love with this line.

The purple and yellow layout (what a description) is first. I cut purple (and yellow) circles into flowers to make the flowers and added gems to the centers. I journaled about my daughter leaving for college. So that's all my posting of my most recent creations.

Thanks for dropping by!

Our Girl is in College

2011-08-17T14:14:00.006-04:00

Doesn't she look cute and happy? Well, she IS ready to be on her own. AND we are very happy that she's ready. It would have been hard to leave her if she was scared... or didn't really want to go to college. Eric and I have always said that Noelle was born ready to be independent. After we left her on Friday, we were so excited for her!! I mean, I would have LOVED going to college at NGU - LOVED IT - and so I am SO happy for her to be attending there AND playing soccer for them. She is going to have a fantastic four years there.

Eric and I plan to go see about 3 -4 of her soccer games. Since she's about 5 1/2 hours away, we won't be attending many home games but we will travel to Charlotte and Banner Elk for 3 or 4 games. I DO wish we lived closer... but there's not a more perfect place for Noelle. So... we'll go when we can. I am already missing seeing her practice and play soccer. I have been driving her all over the southeast for at least 7 years to play soccer games and tournaments. I almost don't know what to do with myself on the weekends without her. She kept our family hopping with all her activities and drama. Well, at least we can concentrate more on our 2 boys. I believe Cade is enjoying all the one-on-one attention from us. Since he's the baby, he has always had to share his parents' attention with either Christian (his older brother) or Noelle. He's a funny kid too, with a great sense of humor. At least he won't be graduation from high school for 5 years. We can enjoy him for many years yet. If Cade wasn't around, I think Eric and I would be so sad that Noelle left and Christian is mostly gone. Christian lives at home but between work, school, and friends (and the occasional girlfriend) we rarely see him!

Look at this picture of Christian hugging Noelle good bye. It looks more like Noelle is hugging Christian good-bye - he was so grumpy all morning while we packed Noelle's "things". Eric asked him why he was so irritable and Christian said he was upset that Noelle was leaving. He doesn't know how to show his emotions... but he is very sensitive inside. He and Noelle got a lot closer the months before she left.

Scrapbooking Fun at Fellowship Friday

2011-08-08T14:15:00.008-04:00

I had such an amazing time at Fellowship Friday's this past weekend! I sat with an old, old friend - I met her some 10 years ago at a scrapbooking weekend in Asheboro, NC! She cooked all the food and the other 40 or so of us scrapbooked all weekend. Well, Nancy and her daughter happened to sit with me on Friday and all day Saturday. We had a great time talking about our children - and she understood what I was saying exactly. I am so thankful I could re-connect with her. I had no idea we had so much in common... we didn't get a whole lot of scrapping done but we sure got a lot of chatting done!

I was also humbled and blessed to win the "best" layout contest for the weekend. I posted a picture at the top of this post with my creation. I had so much fun with the layout and it came together very easily. It was a 5 X 7 picture of my daughter, Noelle, and I. I scrapbooked about how her dad and I give her all kinds of advice... but now, she's flying from our nest and going to be making all her own decisions. Hopefully, all the love, hope, sweat and work we've poured into her life will start to come to fruition this year and all the following years. That's what Eric and I pray for. I used my Cricut Expression to cut the large scalloped circle in purple. I also cut out some light-colored banners with my cricut but the picture quality is so bad that you can't see them. I will try to post a better layout picture soon.

Some more layouts

2011-06-26T14:58:00.013-04:00

Well, the first layout here uses the Cricut Christmas cartridge cut out of white cardstock and backed with red paper. One of my all-time FAVORITE layouts that I've ever created. I don't know why. But I just love the detail on the ornaments.

A Christmas layout using the Cricut Christmas cartridge by cutting out a Christmas tree; then backing the cut-out with red ribbons (layout right above on right). Of course, I like using kraft cardstock and distressing.

The third layout using the Cricut Christmas cartridge could be called "Blue Christmas" since I used blue ribbon behind the tree cut-out. Lots of distressing and white pen. Lots of ribbon, too. I need to start using up my ribbon SO I can buy more. Great philosophy. I'll let you know if it works. hee, hee.

Well, I'll post more later. Noelle just had a soccer game - a scrimmage - and her team lost 0 - 3. She hadn't played soccer in 3 - 4 weeks so she just wasn't on top of her game. The temperature was a scorching, HOT 92*F. We sweated. A lot.

For my *&^%$*@# Birthday, Eric and the kids said I could get whatever I wanted. Whatever? Yes, whatever. Well, of course, I chose a new ZOOM camera lens for my "baby" - my Canon Rebel XTi. Eric and I bought the Canon 50-200mm zoom lens last night at Best Buy. It's amazing. I took about a million pics of Noelle on the soccer field. I'll have to look at them later. I could see her eyelashes on the other end of the field through this lens. Is that amazing? or what? Yes, amazing.

I AM GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!!

2011-06-25T15:28:00.004-04:00

I'm so giddy! I'm so excited!! I'm speechless!!! well, not quite. BUT I'm going to be published. YES! ME! I'm actually going to have one of my creations put in a magazine. PUBLISHED. I can't believe it. Having my "heart" creations put in a magazine has been one of my goals for 5 years. I can't believe it's about to come true. It truly is.

My first ever layout is going to be published in the October 2011 issue of Cricut Magazine. Everyone go out and buy the issue. NOW. Well, not exactly NOW. But when it comes out in September.

I will also have 2 creations in the Cricut Magazine special issue: Home Decor. Two creations, yeah, baby. I made two 8" X 10" framed layouts to hang in a baby's room. I would share them here, but can't until the magazine comes out - which I believe is in November or December 2011.

My newest goal and one that I am going to work like crazy at: to be published in the Scrapbook Trends magazine. I dream about that, and pray that I will get my layout published in that ONE magazine. I would be so giddy!!

Well, we just got back from a week's vacay in the mountains of North Carolina. What a trip. I love the mountains WAY more than the beach and I love to spend time with my family there. I will post some pictures soon.

More layouts - Again!

2011-05-10T14:05:00.005-04:00

My two most absolute favorite people in the world. I love them so much. I don't know what I would have done if they weren't in my life. The have been two of the most steadfast people EVER - and I don't know anyone that loved the Lord Jesus more than them. And they love each other and take care of each other.

More Layouts

2011-05-10T14:02:00.002-04:00

One of the most beautiful pictures of Noelle that I have. I love this layout because I love this photo. I really haven't used so much bling on a layout in a long time but I sure enjoyed blinging it up here, it looks like.

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T13:39:00.003-04:00

Mother's Day was a very good day. I received the sweetest notes EVER from my 3 children. Even Eric gave me a darling note and he wrote a poem. I LOVE his poems - he hasn't written me one in SO long. I need to post it here... because if I put in our scrapbook, I'll have to find the scrapbook, open it up, then find the note, yada yada yada - when I could just type it here and voila! have it to look at whenever I get on the computer.

Also, my favoritest NEW toy- my KINDLE!!! Yay!!! Eric and the kids gave it to me for Mother's Day and I"m having a blast downloading my favorite books on it. So far I have downloaded about 25 books BUT I have only BOUGHT ONE book - all the rest (24 or so) are FREE downloads because they are classics. All classic book can be downloaded for free - but it's a pretty generic version. OF course, I could pay for the book that has been "kindle-ized" if I want - but I enjoy reading the free version JUST as much. So why spend all that $$??

The book I bought was The One Year Bible, New Living Translation. I have the paperback Bible but I like that I can just click on the Bible and my Kindle takes me to the very last page I read. I can also go to the date of any entry and start reading the Bible there. Awesome. Can I say it again? AWESOME!

I have all the Jane Austen classics: Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Emma. Also, Jane Eyre, Moby Dick, and Little Women - free classics. I just remembered: I am downloading "Dracula" - one of my all -time FAVORITES. I'm shocked at how much I loved this novel. There were so many Christian references and I was held captive by the story. REALLY well-written.

I don't know if I'll download magazines. I know that Eric liked Reader's Digest... I might subscribe to that.

Also, I have been scrapbooking my little heart out. Here are my most recent creations:

Today

2011-04-13T14:16:00.009-04:00

Eric and I in Arizona. He didn't feel well the entire time we were there. His chest felt heavy and he had a hard time breathing. We enjoyed being together there, but he felt bad... I wish we'd known that he could take diuretic meds to remove the water from his lungs and stomach. He would have felt so much better! We found out when we returned home and Eric spoke with a doctor about it. One good thing is that the doctor at Duke believes that Eric will be placed on the heart transplant list by next month.

Today I'm overwhelmed by many things. I wish I could understand WHY certain things happen. Or WHY certain things DON'T happen. I know that I am finite. My mind certainly IS finite and my wisdom and understanding of life is even more finite. I spend too much time thinking about what if we had done this... or that. Or what if I had chose a different major in college, where would I be now? I regret MY REGRETS. How about that? I feel uncommitted to anything. I want to sing in choir - I just don't want to go to practices! I want to work out but am SO tired of the stairmaster. I want to lost weight but I still like to eat chocolate. I am a mess.

Who I am today

2011-04-09T11:26:00.005-04:00

Today I went to work and met Eric at Chipotle for lunch. Today I hoped for more patience tomorrow. Today I dreamed of heaven. Today I forgot that I am loved. Today I heard boys saying boy stuff (hee, hee). Today I said I'm overwhelmed. Today I read a report on Bosnia. Today I watched the clouds cover the sun. Today I believed. Today I felt like running away to the beach. Today I wondered why God gave us the burdens we have. Today I bought Dunkin' Donuts large coffee, light on cream. Today I cleaned my body in the shower! Today I cried with Cindy Waters. Today I went quickly to carpool. Today I hoped for more grace. Today I dreamed that Noelle will one day be well. Today I forgot that I am forgiven and whole.

Summer Fun

2010-09-02T14:55:00.003-04:00

The most memorable part of my summer - it went so fast I can hardly remember it - was when our whole family went on vacation near Western Carolina University, Silva, NC. We rented a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. Cade took his friend, Ethan Fuller, so that he would have someone to hang out with while Noelle attended the soccer camp at WCU. Every evening Eric and I would go to campus and watch the girls scrimmage with each other. The fields are right in the valley and there's beautiful views of the mtns. all around. Noelle was privileged to stay in the newest dorm. She didn't have a roommate and as it turned out, was very happy to be alone. She slept well and didn't feel too lonely. Her bestest friends there were from CASL - Boop (real name?) and another CASL girl. Ashlyn (keeper with TUSA) was there also. Noelle must have played pretty well. The coach just said that he wanted to keep an eye on her and he'd like to see her play more this year. It was stressful for Eric and I because we had to watch her not play as well as she used to - before her tendonitis in her knees made her sit out for 6 months. She is still not quite to the level she was at before her injury. Maybe she'll never be that good again. Oh well.. the Lord will use it.
I want to post pictures of our cabin, the boys, the waterfalls we visited - but I'll have to do that later.

I'm embarrassed...

2010-09-02T13:54:00.007-04:00

that I haven't posted on my blog since March. I guess that so much has happened - I haven't even had time to think - much less sit and blog.

I do love blogging, though. I guess I've really missed it. It's so important that I keep this blog up to date - not just for myself - but for my family.

I have been visiting Craigslist way too much since the summer. We bought a king-size bed frame, large dresser, and 2 side tables from a girl in Fuquay in July. Our 16 year old 4 poster bed had a broken frame - and boy, could our bed creak. Eric and I have talked for years about a king-size bed and I saw this posting for a bed set in Fuquay- and I went to see it and it was really pretty. We have our queen - size mattress on the floor in our bedroom now because we want to research mattresses and get the best deal as well as good quality.

Then I came across the deal of the century. I've been praying about getting a Cricut EXPRESSION (I've had the baby Cricut for 6 years now) and a girl was selling one for $85 and 3 cartridges. The machine is practically brand-new! It was the best bargain and I'm thrilled with the larger size Cricut.

Now I"m playing with the idea of buying the Cricut software OR another software for the machine so I can weld letters, cut shapes from my computer and free myself up from the cartridges. I'm still researching that part. I think I'll "probably " go with Make the Cut software because a friend said it was the best and pretty user friendly.

SO, I've been cutting lots with my Expression. Mostly shapes and such to make cards. Also, using the texture embossing folders from Tim Holtz as backgrounds on my cards. OH! and how I love using the "color core" cardstock. It's beautiful when embossed and then lightly sanded. I'll post some cards. Gorgeous paper!

Cade (12 yo and 5'7" tall) is playing CCS Middle School soccer. Only 20 boys tried out and 15 made the team (including him). It's been an interesting commitment - especially since he can't stay focused. He has to be out of bed by 5:30 a.m. and at practice at CCS by 6:30 a.m. Eric has been driving him that early and going to work early. Cade has a game every Tues. and Thurs. afternoon at 4:00 pm (usually) for the next 8 weeks. He plays center defense. He could be quite good - but he only expends as little energy as he can possibly get away with and still get the job done. He could be FABULOUS if he put some energy into it. He looks so lazy out there. I don't know if it is laziness ... but he sure looks relaxed out there on the field. Eric told me that he went to his club soccer practice last Tuesday. His team was scrimmaging against girls. He was center D and would NOT let the girls past him. He was amazing and worked SO hard. I believe that it was because he was NOT going to let girls beat him. He actually played HARD. I wish I could have seen that! You can see Cade in picture at the top of this post. He's with his team. He is so much more interested in socializing and talking with the guys. Go figure!

Ribbon Layout from Shimelle's class

2010-03-17T10:59:00.003-04:00

Here's the newest layout I created - using ribbon from my stash. I had a lot of fun with this.

What a day! Actually, what a week!

2010-02-25T14:03:00.006-05:00

Aren't these the 2 cutest girls? Amy (my niece) and Noelle (my daughter) last year before all the craziness that happened. I wish we could have stayed in the sweetness. But things went really bad a few months later after this picture. A year later and I'm still reeling from all the drama. I wonder when my emotions will calm down and I can relax. Maybe not for many more years to come. I'm learning to trust. Learning. Trust. Gratefulness.

I found some new albums and page protectors that I adore! I don't want to make a full-blown layout for every picture (or event) and the We R Memory Keepers had the solution I've needed. The page protectors fit in 12 X 12 notebook style albums. You can use normal top-loading page protectors OR divided page protectors. I love being able to slide my 4 X 6 photos right into a divided portion on the page protector. I'll have to post some of the pages I've done. It's especially working for all the soccer pictures I've taken over the years. I don't want to do a whole layout on one soccer game! So, now I can put a few details down and get the memory recorded without having to spend HOURS creating soccer layouts. Pretty cool.

This picture of Cade (above) was taken at a church retreat by one of the counselors. The pic is not great because it was taken by a phone.. but it shows Cade - the real Cade. He is so sweet and yet he can be very mischievous and playful. He loves to make jokes and play around - lots of rough-housing. But he is sensitive too. He hates arguing and yelling. He is gentle with our 2 cats and loves to hug. I'm so thankful the Lord put Cade in our lives. What would life be like without all his little Cade antics??

Loved this from another blog

2010-02-25T14:01:00.002-05:00

Isn't it just the best? It's so true...

Have a blessed day!
H

Neglected blog...

2010-01-18T15:03:00.003-05:00

Our Christmas 2009 picture for the Christmas card. It was sent over a week AFTER Christmas - but, hey, I did send a letter this year. I was quite proud of myself! And this was the only picture I took of the kids and it turned out pretty good. Again, I'm patting myself on the back.

I have so neglected this blog... I am actually disappointed in myself. I have thought about you, blog. But I just have not taken the time to give you the attention you need.

I will try more in 2010 to post more. I promise. I will put my thoughts into action and remember to visit you every day. Well, not everyday... I would like to visit you every day but I am not that ambitious. So, let's say, every other day, at least.

I scrapbooked all weekend. Actually, I scrapped quite a bit in between the never-ending piles of laundry (the pile looked like Mount N'Everest!) and dusting the downstairs of the house. I had fun because I decided to layer and layer stuff. I loved my layouts. Loved them. I want to be freer with my scrapping. Go with the flow. Enjoy it. And I think I did.

Also, we need to get a package to Christian in Texas. He wants us to send him his stereo. His stereo. Yeah... right. Not happening. Also, his lacrosse stick. What is he thinking??? Well, we CAN send him his alarm clock, football cleats, and CD's but the rest ain't gonna fly, dahlin'.

Ugh, gotta take Cade to Fuquay's soccer practice at 4 pm. We live in the boon docks (aka "the Quay") so it will take the full time to get there from 3:15 pm until 4pm

So, gotta go.

Right now.

'til tomorrow.

Kenner Road Layout

2009-09-01T21:39:00.001-04:00

trouble loading up

2009-09-01T20:45:00.003-04:00

I'm having a heck of time loading layouts onto my blog. For some reason, it turns the layout sideways!!!!!!!! Why?? If you know, please email me. SO, I have to upload each layout in a new post.

So here is my third layout!

Another Layout

2009-09-01T20:43:00.002-04:00

Studio Calico Layouts

2009-09-01T20:04:00.006-04:00

working at CCS

2009-08-21T14:43:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been an interesting 3 1/2 weeks of school. I am enjoying the 5th grade immensely! I love this age so much - before they become "cool", full of adolescent hormones, and still think it's cool to be friendly to their teachers. Yeah... I do miss the cuteness factor of the little kindergartners. But that's about it. I don't miss tying the 40 pairs of shoelaces daily, talking about keeping your fingers out of your nose, and the labor-intensive "crafty" projects that is part of the kindergarten curriculum.

I like grading. I'm getting so much faster at it! I actually had to look for things to do for 20 minutes this morning. Which was perfectly fine for me. I never even had time to think in kindergarten - so I'm very happy with 5th. Also, Mrs. Robinson is so sweet! She is polite and very nice - I can work with anyone that treats me nicely. I'm very thankful for the big change this year.

This is my 6th year at CCS working. 1st year: Mr. Hollowell's Administrative Assistant in Middle School (grades 6-8); 2nd year: Administrative Assistant (part-time) for the front desk; 3rd year: Kindergarten Assistant for Nancy Mundinger and Birgit Hering in the mornings. Tutoring for David Lewandowski in the 5th grade in the afternoons; 4th year: 6th grade tutor (full-time) for David Lewandowski; 5th year: Kindergarten Assistant for Birgit Hering; 6th year (now) I'm a 5th grade assistant for Mrs. Robinson in the mornings. M.S. and H.S. Study Hall proctor in the afternoons. I'm here right now in Study Hall and I can at least type on my laptop here. That makes Study Hall at least bearable. Otherwise, I do NOT enjoy proctoring the Study halls. At all. I can at least check on my emails in here.

Well, I'm slowing down... It's almost over. I'm going home.
Looking forward to being with Eric all weekend. I love him...

Christian's Future plans

2009-08-19T14:43:00.005-04:00

Christian will be leaving for Texas in THREE weeks from today. I always thought I'd be ready for this. But I'm not. I'm really, really having a hard time in my heart letting him "go". I mean, he's 19 years old and not dependent on me at all; works at the ice cream shoppe, drives everywhere, and has graduated from high school. BUT, in my heart, I still cherish the little boy and he'll always be my first son. I am so sad just thinking about not having him around. He has such a great sense of humor. And he can be so funny - he really makes me laugh alot. When he leaves, I think then I'll realize in new ways how much I depended on him. His greatest gift (among his many!) is his servant heart. He will serve and not complain. He'll do anything around the school. He's humble and works HARD at everything he does. I asked him to load up a computer desk (free from work!) and he took it apart, put it in the van, took it out of the van at home and put it all back together in one afternoon. He NEVER complained - and he seemed to enjoy doing it. Wow. I'm really going to miss him. I know he'll come home in December. But once he leaves, he won't ever be the same.

Granite. On to another subject. Looking at quotes and trying to decide what color to put in our outdated, 15 year old kitchen laminate counters. Anything would be an upgrade, I can tell you. Then we will use a remnant piece of granite for our master bath. They just really need to be updated. The best quote is for $4,000... I am leary about using a company that we know nothing about. So, I'll wait for Eric to be happy.

new year in School!

2009-08-12T13:40:00.005-04:00

Isn't my nephew handsome?? I'm so very, very proud of him! He went on a missions trip to India for 6 weeks over the summer. He lived with shepherds most of the time, slept in a tent, and basically got to know the mountain Indians of the Himalayas. He came back a different man... he was awesome before the trip but now he's even MORE awesome! My sister, Jennie, was so worried about him going to a third-world country but God took such good care of him. I'm glad he's back safe and sound though. ( I guess I was a little worried about him too. I guess Christians aren't supposed to use the word "worry" cause that means we're not very spiritual... hee, hee.) I'm going to visit my sister, Jennie, her husband, Fred, Ian and Amy (my nephew and niece) in 2 weekends. I know that Ian took a ton of photos - I can't wait to hear all about it!

Am I as smart as a 5th grader?? Well, I'll find out this year! I'll be grading all their math, spelling, grammar, history, etc., etc. and will test myself on my knowledge. I hope that I keep my brain working all my life - I think it helps you not get alzheimers. I let my mind get lazy over the summer and I stopped working on crossword puzzles daily. That's not a good thing. I should definitely go back to that. At least one puzzle a day to keep my mind sharp.

I found tons of pictures in the attic. I didn't even remember I had some of them. I'm so glad because there are pictures of my 18th birthday... church camp at Ridgecrest... a trip to Maine one summer with my dad, mom and Jonathan (brother)... I felt "wierd" afterwards. Almost sad. It was like I was looking at someone else and not myself... but I had all the memories of that person but I didn't feel like that person in the picture. Wierd. Really. I want to start scrapbooking them. I think it will be therapeutic for me to dredge up all those old memories and see how far the Lord has brought me. He has really done some good things in my life. He is good. I know He's good but when I see these pictures, I have proof of His goodness in my life if I'll just concentrate on Him and not forget. He has done miracles!

Well, I'm lovin' my 5th grade class and working for Mrs. Robinson. Wow! I had no idea how hard I had it last year. I'm so thankful that the Lord moved me. I have such peace working with Debora and we get along well. I really enjoy grading papers too. Once I learn how to do it all, then I can get speedier. Shurley Grammar takes a long time but hopefully I'll get faster and faster. I don't even mind going out for recess or P.E. Well, P.E. would have been really hot yesterday since the outside temp was 102* but thank God our class had P.E. today and it's around 85*. That feels like fall weather after Monday and Tuesday~!

4 new layouts

2009-07-16T23:24:00.005-04:00

I've been a busy scrapbooking girl. Here are some recent layouts. The top one is the cover of a mini-album of Noelle's and my trip to Arizona and Las Vegas. The Play Nice layout was an "older" layout that I did in the fall of 2008. I used only the kit from Scarlet Lime. I love her monthly kits. The kits are so packed full of stuff - more than any other kit company and she includes so many beautiful embellishments - and even has her own paper designed in some kits. "Cool Dudes" was another fall 2008 creation but I really liked the monkey cut from my Cricut. The last layout caught too much of the flash from my camera. In real life, the beach pictures are really pretty.

I love scrapbooking. I love preserving memories. God is so good to me!

Pictures of Boone 2009

2009-07-16T23:04:00.005-04:00

This was our really pretty cabin in the mountains. The only negative was NO view of the mountains. So it wasn't that much fun watching the sunset because you couldn't see anything! But the inside was very cozy and had the hugest T.V. in the famly room I have ever seen. Each kid had a T.V. in their room and that kept them all very entertained. Maybe too entertained?

We were at least a good 4 or 5 miles up the mountain from Boone so we weren't really able to walk to Boone. That's o.k. because we could drive wherever we wanted to go.

We ate a Dan'l Boone Inn which has family style eating. It didn't seem to be as good as I remember it... but I also can't eat that much and they sure do bring a lot of food. We went to the movie "Up" after our huge meal. What a cute movie! I can't believe I cried at an animated movie -but the beginning was VERY sad. I think Eric and I liked the move more than the kids!

Did you see our new kitten, Q-tip?? We adopted her in Boone. Long story which I will share later. She is a doll baby and we all love her. Our other cat, Sophie, on the other hand, is not handling this new "intruder" in her life very well. Poor Sophie... her life really blows now. But I love her just as much and try to show her all the time.

Gotta get to bed.

Friday in the Mountains

2009-06-13T15:11:00.004-04:00

Yesterday it was raining some when we woke up and was a tad bit cooler. It felt really good. Later in the a.m., the sun came out fully and Christian, Noelle and I headed out to shop. Eric was excited to stay home, take a little nap and spend time with Cade. We ended up downtown. We walked down the main street of Boone, stopping in a bead store/coffee shop. I enjoyed an Americano while Noelle had a white chocolate caramel coffee, nonfat milk, no whip (doesn't sound like too much fun to me.) But she is trying to lose any weight she gained in the hospital and get in shape for Dallas Regionals (in 5 days!) We went to the mall (again) where Noelle and I headed to the SALE items in Belk. She got the cutest white shorts; I picked out 3 really pretty shirts with out trying them on. MISTAKE! Only 1 looked good; the other two made me look a lot wider than I am naturally.

Christian drove back to the cabin to pick up Eric and Cade so we could go to lunch. After much discussion, we ate at The Daily Bread restaurant for the 2nd day in a row. I had a salad with apples, cheese and walnuts on it. Noelle had a tuna salad; Eric (& Christian- who has become the world's pickiest eater) had grilled cheese while Cade had a jerk chicken sub. We all left happy and full. We came back to the cabin and all rested. If Cade could he would spend 24/7 on the Wii. He earned an Indiana Jones game (with his grades) and plays it constantly. If he's not doing that, he is playing gameboy. He needs to get more exercise. So does Christian.

Last night, Christian and Noelle went to see "Terminator: Salvation". Eric, Cade and I went to Makoto's for dinner and sat with a really nice family from West Virginia who were in Boone for Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie this week. Sadly, Cade feels too old for Tweetsie now. I"m so sad... it was a tradition for our family. I know it saves us lots of $$ not to go.. but he was our baby and LOVED going. He'd deck himself out in his cowboy boots, sling on his gun and holster and go around Tweetsie looking like the cutest darn cowboy YOU HAVE EVER seen. Awwww... it really makes me want to cry. I know kids have to grow up. But WHY SO FAST!????

Well, gotta go.
Ciao!
Heather

Vacation Tidbits

2009-06-13T10:58:00.002-04:00

It's already Saturday? No way! Where did all the days go? Some of things we've done so far:
Thursday we ate a HUGE lunch/dinner at Dan'l Boone Inn. We ate family style which means you can have as much as you want of whatever is on the table - they'll bring out more. Ham biscuits, biscuits, steak and gravy, fried chicken, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw, and for dessert: either banana pudding or strawberry shortcake. Pretty good.

Then we walked up the hill and I took pictures of where Eric roomed his last 2 years at Boone. A picture or two of my apartment my senior year; a picture of my apt. my sophomore year and summer school. All a serious walk down memory lane. I am going to scrapbook these pictures because I wasn't serious at all about journaling about my college years too much. I wish I had - I could see all that God has done since then!

We walked through the Student Center and I was seriously green with envy. The school has put in a really cool, large coffee house - I don't even think I knew what a latte was until after Eric and I were married! BUT, I would seriously have used that place if it had been there in the 80's. Also, the school store is really cool with all the books and then a grocery/food store on the other side. Also, there was a small cafe where you could sit inside or out. Awesome. Can I say AWESOME - really cool. Word!

That's about as far as we walked around since it was time to go to see the movie "Up", we walked back to our car sitting at the Dan'l Boone Inn. "Up" was really cool. I cried - AND IT"S A DANG CARTOON! Yes, I'm woman enough to admit it. I cried. His wife died and he was left all alone. But that's when the action picked up and he left on an "new" adventure. Really cute. And of course, the bad guy loses and the good guys win. Gotta love that - which I do. I go to movies to leave feeling good. Why don't they make movies so you'll feel good about life when you leave? I don't want everything to be about their so-called "reality".

Anyhoo, we got out of the movie and I could NOT even think about eating after our lunch. So we went to Panera to get coffee (because the streets roll up in Boone around 7pm). We shopped a little in the mall. I got Cade some new basketball shorts that fit. After seeing his shorts looking pretty tight and too short, I knew it was time for some new clothes for him. He could care less what he wears and how it looks on him. So, I need to buy more clothes for him so he doesn't look so "funky" (nice word for it)!

YAY! We're on Vacation in Boone!

2009-06-09T17:19:00.003-04:00

Wow. It's so beautiful in the mountains. I had totally forgotten how gorgeous it is up here. And the weather in June is perfect. I think the high today is 84*. It doesn't get much better than that. Our cabin is a log cabin nestled on the side of a mountain and trees everywhere. Only 2 negatives: no view of the mountains (boo hoo); AND the floors and walls are SO thin that when the kids walk into their bathroom on the 2nd floor, our master bedroom is right below it and it sounds like they are RIGHT in our room. Made for a very interesting night of sleep (or should I say, lack of sleep). Eric found a fan lurking in some closet and we are using it tonight for some "white" noise so we can sleep and not hear everything going on from outside to upstairs. Hopefully tonight will be a better sleep.

Other than that, we have 6 more nights of mountain bliss. We took Noelle over to the ASU soccer training fields where she worked out for 2 hours. I ran this black-top course nearby in the park. I think I ran about 30 minutes or so... a girl told me she thinks the course is over a 1/4 mile long. I don't know. It seemed a little longer than that... but I don't know nuthin'! Cooled off with a little lunch at Jersey Mike's, ran errands and headed back to our cabin.

Eric and I do a lot of reminiscing while up here. This is where we fell in love. This is where we were engaged. This is where our lives intertwined forever and it holds such a dear spot in our hearts. I guess it's been 25 years since we committed our lives to each other in Boone. Where has all the time gone? BLINK. There it went. But I guess I'm still happy we CAN remember what started our twitter-pation and that we can still laugh, cry and hug together. We're still together. That's awesome. More than awesome. I know we would NOT have made it without Christ. Never in a million years. And all the pain and heartache - and joys and triumphs - have made it all worthwhile.

So, I guess this post is to say that I'm thankful that Eric puts up with me. And amazingly, he still loves me. AND we're still friends. After all these years... Good memories.

Summer is here for us!

2009-05-30T13:36:00.005-04:00

I feel like summer is truly here because I had my last day of work at school this past week. Officially, Thursday was my last day but it didn't "feel" like it because Eric had to have oral surgery. So, up early, to the oral surgeon, 2 hours waiting, roots extracted and an implant later, we were headed home. Eric did very well and is just tired today from the surgery. I hope it's the last time he'll ever have to go through that! Then Eric's sister and brother-in-law from California came to visit for a night. Amy is a social worker in CA, a mother of 2 boys, and a good friend to me. Kurt works for a company who is having a conference at their headquarters in Fayetteville. What a place to have a conference. Why can't it be in a nice place in Cary?? Aw, well, at least we got to spend some time with them. We were very thankful for that. I think it has been almost 7 years since the whole family had seen them. Soooo good to be able to just hang out with them.

Here's a picture of Amy (Eric's sister) and Josh (her son, our nephew).
Love you guys!
Over and Out!
Heather

Last 3 days of school

2009-05-19T14:24:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that I'm almost done with this school year... working in kindergarten. Noelle is going into 11th grade! When did my kids grow up? Cade will be in Middle School - 6th grade! Now we have NO one in the lower grades. Ugh. That makes me feel old. Along with having teenagers and all that comes with that.. I AM OLD! My years used to bother me as they increased. But not so much anymore. This is life. I wish I knew then what I know now. I can see some days why Solomon wrote in the Bible that all life is vanity. Recently I have been feelin' that. Really feelin' that. And that's o.k. because I need to focus in what's important and not be so shallow and living in the moment. There's a lot to learn and I want to grow in wisdom. All these problems and issues should be teaching me to not take life for granted and to enjoy every moment.

Here's another layout I made recently:

Mountain Love Layout

2009-05-17T23:12:00.002-04:00

Hey, I do scrapbook! I finished this layout recently. Enjoyed doing it for a challenge on a website. Had to hand-doodle AND use all the materials that were sent to me in a package. The bottle cap was part of the package.

State Championship yesterday

2009-05-17T22:48:00.004-04:00

Well, it was a hard-fought game but Noelle's team lost 0 -3 against a Winston-Salem private school. That team just played better. We were out-played, out-coached, out-everythinged at the championship game. This was Noelle's 4th time being in the semi-finals for our state 2A championship. She's been playing on the Varsity team since the 7th grade (and now she's in the 10th). Her team has come so close to winning every year for 4 years. And since CCS actually won the state championship last year, I guess it would be VERY unusual to win it again.Last year CCS had an exceptional team but we lost 5 seniors. This year 2 graduated this past Thursday. So, the Varsity team will only have 1 or 2 seniors next year... The team will just not be as talented for next year. So this might be the last year that CCS even makes it to the semi-final game. Well, Noelle will need to learn how to give to a team and push on even when her team loses.

Colonial Baptist had a senior banquet tonight and our whole family was privileged to be a part of it. There must have been 200 or more people there. Don Sandberg gave a great talk on the pricelessness of our faith in Christ. I had never even thought of that before. God highly values our faith in Him. He marvels at it. I want to have a faith like that. I pray that all of our children have a strong faith in the Lord and live in Him every day. I long to see Christian standing firm in his faith and loving the Lord with all his heart. That's my prayer.

Only 4 more days of kindergarten. I can't believe the year is over (well, almost). I should get my contract this week as to what I will be doing this coming year. I am tired. I need a summer of rest and cleaning my house. I really desire to move, Lord. Please, please help us to sell our house soon.

Nighty night!
Heather

New Era in our Lives

2009-05-15T22:28:00.002-04:00

Christian graduated last night. Bittersweet... that's the perfect word for what I feel. Christian is a man now. On his own - yet not all the way on his own; he'll live with us until he has 2 years of college credit at Wake Technical College. Then he'll go to a four-year college for the last 2 years of college. He is going to try to get a National Guard scholarship for the 1st two years and an Army ROTC scholarship for the last 2 years. This plan is his plan. I'm praying that he'll change his mind and go to His Hill in Texas for a year. THEN he can pursue his dream to go into Basic Training through college. I'm hoping and praying.

I want to upload some layouts but I'll do so tomorrow. I'm just too tired tonight.

Noelle's Varsity Soccer team advanced to the FINALS tomorrow. We're all so excited!! The 2A State Championship will be played at 5:30 pm. I hope they win for the 2nd year the 2A STATE Championship! I'll let you know.
'Til tomorrow...

2009-05-14T22:50:00.002-04:00

Christian is Officially Graduated!

2009-05-14T22:38:00.003-04:00

Yes, we now have a son who is officially a graduate of his high school. Congratulations Christian for finishing and congratulations to Eric and I for surviving his 6 years at this school! I remember his first day at this school in 6th grade. I drove him to school, took pictures of him sitting at his desk, and feeling sick about him being there. I cried all the way home that day. But he made it... can you believe it? He doesn't know what to think. I think it hasn't sunk in that he doesn't have to go to school tomorrow. He's done with High School. He has no idea how much he's going to miss everyone and desire to have that same comraderie ever again. After the class' missions trip to Costa Rica, the whole senior class became close... like a family. Brothers and sisters in Christ. So, now, they all go in their separate directions and they will never be the "same". But that doesn't mean it isn't good; it is but in a different way. Here's a picture of Christian graduating: CLASS OF 2009!!!!!!!!

Blink! and he's gone

2009-05-14T14:32:00.004-04:00

What do people say on their first post? Something very creative and interesting, I guess. I will try to meet others' expectations and set the bar higher for all the other bloggers out there that THEY, TOO, can have a great blog like this one (in the future).

My Eric and I have a son graduating TODAY. Blink. He was just 16 mos. old looking up with his big brown eyes at me in the Philippines... at the orphanage. He was the cutest boy I had ever seen. And he was tender-hearted and sweet. He has been SO special - and still is. In the picture above, he is 18 years old standing with me at the school's Senior Banquet. Eric and I are SO proud of him. Truly proud and humbled that he has turned out to be the son and man that he is. His future is really bright and we're looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses his life in the future.