Monday, February 23, 2009

Winter Layouts

(my family minus son-in-law, Ray who took the pic)

As excited as I am about springtime, I must admit we did have a good time playing in the snow one afternoon for a couple of hours! Did you notice that: 1 afternoon, couple of hours. That's about my tolerance for the cold. I just don't have the clothes for it! I've been told that makes all the difference. However, what I detest more than playing in the snow is driving in the snow. I've had two (not so great) experiences in the last five years that brought me to tears because of driving ALONE in the snow without chains.... not fun but I can honestly say I certainly got close to my Lord during that time and as usually He saw me through (why do I doubt!).

So, while I'm thinking about snow I thought it would be a good time to post this years "snow fun" layouts.
Brrr... I honestly think the temp just dropped in the house.... I'm serious!



(I didn't take any close up shots of any of the details on these for some reason!??!)

I think this was Riley Ann's first experience in the snow, she took some really cute pics. All the papers and embellishments are from Scrapper's Edge's monthly kit. This is the January kit.

Here's me and my Ker-Bear! I have so many layers on I could hardly move!

SO Looking forward to Spring!

Blessings to y'all,

Natalie

25 Days Until SPRING!!

Spring is definitely in the air!
We are experiencing the tantrums of winter trying to hold on but spring is about to be sprung! I have the proof! Central Ave is lined with these beautiful flowering trees! Pink and white blossoms all over...
This little flower I found in my own front yard to bring me encouragement that warm weather is on it's way. (notice I said warm not hot...)

These blooming bulbs are definite proof that old man winter is about to take a hike! Unfortunately, we will have to endure a few more weeks of what I term "psychotic" Humboldt County weather, constantly shifting it's mood. Just this morning as I was leaving for work it was raining, windy and ugly out, but by the time I left for home in the early evening it was beautiful, sunny (Not warm by any means but comfortable). We know better than to pack our boots and scarves away! (we can experience snow in the mountain ranges around us throughout March) But it is a season of hope... warm weather is coming. I can hardly wait!

Encouraged,

Natalie

"How great You are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like You, and there is no God but You..." 1 Samuel 7:22




Sunday, February 22, 2009

Guess who is teething?

Hi Y'all,
(remember this Calif. girl is heading to Tennessee soon - got to practice! I'm so excited!!)
If you read yesterdays post you know how excited I was to be "grounded to my craft room."
Well, that didn't happen... even after I made Kerry read my blog BEFORE we went to breakfast! I thought for sure he'd get the hint how I wanted to spend my day but I should know better than that. (Even though I'd like it to be all about me, it's not!) I won't go into the details but suffice it to say I didn't get back to my little crafter's haven until almost 8p.m. And inspite of the lack of creativity in my little room I did manage to piece together a layout (Praise the Lord!) and almost finished it by 10p.m. only to be interrupted AGAIN! This time being "challenged" to a game of bowling on the wii by my dear hubby! Who of course, beat me 3 out of 3 games because he's been rated as a "Pro" now... (yada, yada, yada) You know I should challenge him to a scrapbook layout contest! That would be quite interesting, although knowing him (he's very artistic) before long he'd probably be published! So, I'll forget that idea, not that I'm afraid of a little competion.... anyway, I did finish this one today and here is my little granddaughter, hands in mouth! We were celebrating my birthday with dinner at Cinnabar Sam's in Willow Creek and this picture was taken after dinner. There is another picture of her with a carrot that is adorable but it didn't quite fit into this layout so I'll save it for another day.

I adore this paper: the company is Imaginisce and it's brand new pattern paper just released! I used two pieces and they are doublesided. The line is "Fairest of Them All" isn't that the cutest!! One is Sweet Satin Ribbons and the other one is Magic Meadow which is my base piece of green with the pink flowers - so deliciously cute!)
I caught the progression of fingers to hand to fist in mouth! These pictures of the l/o were taken between rain showers in the backyard so I'm sorry the quality isn't the greatest.
I did a triple mat on this with pink c/s, pattern paper, lime c/s. The photo corners are from Paper Shapers : photo corner scallop (two designs in one punch)
I like to repeat patterns, elements or color just for interest. There is a decorating saying that I use even when scrapbooking and that is "one is nice, two is better, three is dramatic" and even when using a contrasting or accent color I use that same principle. Not always, but I do it a lot in my layouts. The flowers are from my stash so I'm not sure what company and it's the same with the flower stamp. Although, I'm pretty sure it came from an all occasion set from Inkadinkadoo. It kinda matched the "o" in "who" in the title: remember my repeat "thingy" I do. The title "Guess who is teething" took me forever to decide on!! Ahhhh!! And there are so many cute fonts out there but I chose this one called "Rebekah's Birthday" which I downloaded from http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ which has a lot of neat FREE fonts! Whoo-hoo we like free!! Thanks Kevin and especially Amanda! Well, it's after 9p.m. and I really, really, want to start another layout but dishes are calling me, ugh! However I may post some layouts that I did last month if I have time!

Hope you had a wonderful day and were able to be in fellowship with God's people and spend some time in God's Word and worship!

God bless!

Natalie

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Can I Please Be Grounded to my Craft Room?

Welcome weekend!!
I'm going to try and get a few words in before Kerry (my hubby) and I head out for breakfast (or rather brunch). He's been over at the church studying and preparing for Sunday service and I have been getting "ready" to go to breakfast and finishing up a layout to post (how spiritual of me, I know). He's been over there for awhile so I expect to have some good conversation over our meal. That is always a good thing!

I explained to him I wouldn't be doing much "creative work" in the next 3 weeks so I REALLY, REALLY NEEDED this weekend to be grounded to my craftroom! (now when I say weekend, I mean Friday night and Saturday afternoon and maybe if I can a couple hours Saturday night - I too, have to prepare for Sunday!) Next weekend our oldest daughter is coming home for Jakob's birthday party and then Monday our friend from Nebraska is coming to spend 4 days with us and will be ministering at the church each evening. Then the following week I'm heading to Nashville!!! My friend Donita and I are heading to the Minister's Wives Event!! We are so excited we can hardly contain ourselves. I'm going to be so busy between now and then!! (Perhaps I won't have time for craft withdrawls!) So, this weekend, as many hours as I can, will be spent at my craft table. But knowing my life of interruptions (not all of them are divine, but often times needful) I'll be curious to see what I accomplish! Here's the first (and only layout so far):
We were over at our son and daughter-in-laws just in time to see "bath time"

Here are some close-ups of the DETAILS:

The patterned paper (3) is from DCWV "Nana's Nursery" the cardstock is Bazzill (I believe this is wisteria and a teal). I used my Cricut (George cartridge) for the brackets. I tore the paper and inked them with Tim Holtz's Distress Ink "dusty concord" I stamped around the edges and I also stamped the little bird then added the teal wings. Sorry, don't know the source of the stamps. "bath time" is a transparency and the font I'm using is from http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ called, smiley monster..... (hey! My man better get over here soon my tummy is starting to complain, loudly!) A lot of my ideas start with the Friday Formulas from http://www.createmykeepsake.com/ it's a great source for creative inspiration or http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com is another one I check out often for inspiration. Here comes my hubby, hooray!!! I'm gone!
Have a good one and I'll talk to y'all soon (y'all is getting this California girl ready for Nashville)
Natalie



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Kissable Kid

Here is my finished layout with all the details added. I love the font! Definitely check out http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ for free fonts!

Hope everyone has a terrific Thursday. I'm in the "get this house cleaned" mood, so that's on the agenda for today. Perhaps later this afternoon I'll get to be back at the craft table. I hope, I hope!! Until next time...


Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him."

Lamentations 3:22-24


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

As Promised!

Good Evening!

I can't believe it's already after 9p.m. Where has my day gone? It has been a busy one, that's for sure. Jakob arrived early (6:45a.m.) I'm so not a morning person, I'm pathetic. After breakfast and some serious playtime, {you should see him attempt to juggle, it's one of my secret talents and he is trying his best to copy me, it is hilarious}, we headed to the church for Ladies Bible Study. We had our last lesson in the Beth Moore study "Stepping Up" (I've probably already mentioned that in an earlier post), but if you haven't had the pleasure of listening or participating in a Beth Moore Bible Study you are missing out. I thoroughly enjoy listening to her teach. She has a way of teaching that will just bless your socks off! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be inspired and you will be challenged to grow in your knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Before the study and final prayers were over, Jake was asleep in my arms (that hasn't happened in a long time, I guess 6:45 was early for him, too!) So, I hurried home, got him in his bed and headed to my craft room/table! I knew I only had a good 90 minutes to create. I probably should have taken a nap, but my scrapbooking layout was calling my name!!! Can you relate??
It's amazing how I've learned to work under pressure! I enjoyed this layout, probably because of the sweet baby in this picture... and my dear daughter, Amy who was celebrating her thirtieth birthday, yes, I said it, 30th birthday... it just shouldn't be, she should only be twenty not thirty.
Nevertheless, it is what it is and if you must know she is now thirty-one! And she is Aunt Mimi to our little Jakob.
Layout details:

I used a red cardstock to mat the photos and it is my background piece. The patterned paper is from My Minds Eye "Star Bright - Paisley Pop" the paper elements (stars, file) are also from the MME line. The ribbon is American Craft and the buttons are from my stash. The above picture doesn't have the title or journaling on it, I was running out of sunlight before I finished but I did photograph them in the following "detail" pictures. And they truly do add the finishing touches.

This the the transparency I made on the computer using a font called "Not His Angel" I found it from a website called "Kevin & Amanda" Their web address is http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ the fonts are free to download and there are lots of them.

This is a side view of my journaling, which isn't much. I used the label that came with the file and so didn't fit much on mostly just who, what, where, and when. The little stars are attached with the 3-d adhesive squares that I cut down in quarters.

Tomorrow when I have some sunlight, I'll post the finished product in one final shot, so you can see all the "Delightful Details!"

Sweet dreams!

Natalie

He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

New Twist on IPod

My oldest daughter (Amy) misses out on a lot of family "stuff" because she lives so far from us. Well, four hours isn't real far but it's far enough especially when the road conditions don't always make traveling safe. So, Jake and I (mostly I) decided to send Amy a valentine via her email and here is the Valentine we sent her: (I can't believe I forgot to take pictures of my valentine cards! That's what happens when I do things at the last minute :-( Jakob was very cooperative, almost too cooperative. He now says "cheese" but his smile with the "cheese" is well... there is no other way to put it, "cheesy!" But I thought this one turned out pretty cute. Check out his shirt. I know the sign is in the way so I had to do another picture and here it is: Okay one more picture this one of Riley and I promise the next posting will be something I create with my hands! I've got to organize my space then I will be inspired!!

Are these two not inspiration enough!!! I have so much fun with them! Well, I'm off to organize, if I can keep from the TV (Idol's on!).

Have a super blessed week and be creative!

Natalie

PS Excited about tomorrows Ladies Morning Bible Study from Beth Moore: Stepping Up: Psalms of Ascent. It's also count down time for me : I'm heading to Nashville for the Minister's Wives Conference in March (21 more days - three weeks!!!!)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

BEST LOVE...

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day everyone!

I'm blessed with a wonderful husband who is not all that romantic but very practical (he gave me pots & pans for an anniversary once, and he still remembers that....ahem!) but in all honesty he would give me the moon if he could! I'm looking forward to growing old with him!

Here is the best LOVE someone could give to another it's called AGAPE - a love that is divinely inspired that truly only Jesus can fulfill but we are called to walk as He walked. You all are probably very familiar with this verse in 1 Corinthians 13 but I've used the Living Bible (Paraphased Bible) to make it a little easier to apply to our lives.

Love is very patient and kind,

Never jealous nor envious,

Never boastful or proud,

Never haughty or selfish or rude,

Love does not demand it's own way.

It is not irritable or touchy.

It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice

When others do it wrong.

It is never glad about injustice,

But rejoices when truth wins out.

If you love someone you will be loyal to him

No matter what the cost.

You will always believe in him,

Always expect the best of him,

And always stand your ground in defending him.

All the special gifts and powers from God will someday

Come to an end,

But love goes on forever...


Enjoy your chocolate today without guilt! (Okay, that part is not in the Bible, but it's my little gift to you today!!!!)

With Agape,

Natalie

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Big Boy - Gone are the Curls!



I love my grandson Jakob's curly hair and I about have a fit (inside) when I know he's about to have a hair cut! But I tell you he looks so much like a big boy now.


I hope this isn't a sign he's growing up, but today he wiped off my kiss. Oh no, that will not do!! So we had a little war of wiping off kisses as he was leaving today. I hope he forgets this little game by tomorrow....


Well, I'm off to our midweek Bible Study, the pastor is teaching on self righteousness... so you know I've been hearing bits and pieces this week about it! And of course have been under conviction on and off this week because of it!! Now, truly it's a blessing that he shares with me and it's a privilege to be able to encourage him. I can honestly say I learn a lot, he is a good teacher/communicator. He truly is gifted by the Lord in this area of teaching believe me when I tell you he knows God's Word! However, I am waiting on the Lord to gift him in the area of picking his dirty clothes off the floor! I just don't understand why this "gift" has eluded him? Hmm, I just don't know why the Lord doesn't answer this prayer of mine, I must press in!
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
Embracing my Savior's grace,
Natalie

Monday, February 9, 2009

Playful Poppa!


I just remembered I had these pictures in my camera and just "HAD" to share :-)

The grandbabies love their Poppa (they love me too, but I'm always behind the camera!) I'm so glad that their Poppa loves to be involved with them. He's always on the floor playing with them.


We have so much fun with our babies! This is Jakob on the way to Gee-Gee's (great grandma's)

This is our little Riley Ann! Isn't she just the cutest thing! She's been walking for just about a month now and is so adorable. She's very petite but absolutely fearless! Her momma and daddy will and do have their hands full... I must remember to pray doubly for her!

Abundant blessings!

Natalie



Sunday, February 8, 2009

What Does Love Have to Do With it?

WARNING!!! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE UNDER CONVICTION!

Okay, you've been warned....

James 4:17 (NLT) says: "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! That just gets me... OUCH again! I came across that verse as I was studying about Caleb in Joshua 15. Of course, I was off on one of my many "rabbit trails" which is what happens as I'm preparing for our Wednesday morning Ladies Bible study. The ladies will never know how many "trails" I take until I know "that I know" I'm on the right path for our weekly study! I learn a lot so I'm definitely not complaining (I love it when the Lord shows me things on those little excursions). But how did I get to the Book of James in the New Testament from studying abut Caleb in the Old Testament, you may ask? Good question! And I actually know....
It starts with Caleb setting a good example as a leader of his tribe, then as a father to his daughter Acsah and as father-in-law to Othniel. I believe it's evident by the fact that Othniel became the first judge of Israel after Joshua's death that his faithful influence carried over to the next generation.

Here is my observation: Caleb's godly leadership and influence to his family started early ( he had quite the extended family considering at the age of 40 he was chosen from his tribe to go out and spy the LAND with eleven other leaders).

Remember Scripture said that he had a "different spirit" and that he "wholly followed" the Lord. This influence reminded me of the Scripture in 1 Peter 5:2-4 (see how my rabbit trail takes off!!!) This is from the New Living Translation:"Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you can get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."

I really appreciate what the Life Application Study Bible says about this Scripture. "Peter was taking his own advice as he worked along with the other elders in caring for God's faithful people. His identification with the elders is a good example of Christian leadership, showing that authority is based on service not power." (NOW read Mark 10:42-45) It goes on to say:"Peter describes several other characteristics of good leaders in the church.

1. They realize they are caring for God's flock not their own.
2. They lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation;
3. They are concerned for what they can give, not for what they can get;
4. They lead by example, not force.

All of us lead others in some way. Whatever our role, our leadership should be in line with these characteristics."

"And when that Great Shepherd appears..." What better motivation for selfless service!!!

So, what does love have to do with it? EVERYTHING!

Galatians 5:13 says "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

So why the convicting verse at the beginning of this blog?I believe it was a reminder from the Lord FOR ME to serve Him well, without complaining or being overwhelmed because "there's so much to do and I'm only one person" (that's my victim mentality breaking through, can you relate? - I'm determined to get victory over that!). But God is so gentle and faithful in reminding me that I'm His servant, so I must serve His people and because I know what I ought to do and if I don't do it -- Scripture says that it's sin. Which means I'm missing His mark of perfection for me!

You see, God gives each of us gifts so that we can serve Him fully and encourage the spiritual growth of the body of believers.

My hope and prayer is to lead by a faithful godly example. (I'm so not there yet but I'm pressing on and I'm grateful God's not given up on me!) As I pursue Him and make Jesus my focus in every situation I know He will lead me and help me! He just likes/loves me enough to do that. I am a blessed woman! And another wonderful thing about my Savior is that His mercies are new every morning!

I do hope that whoever reads this will find themselves seeking to know the Lord, desiring His Word to be active in their life and to have a burden to serve in the local church by using the gifts God has given because the Body of Christ functions best when the members work together for the common good.

Where there is unity in the body I believe, (actually I know) the Lord is pleased. So, just like Caleb we have an opportunity here to influence the next generation by walking in love and serving one another in love. You see, love has everything to do with it!

Standing Firm in His Grace,
Natalie

PS If you are desiring a deeper understanding of leadership and influence in the body of Christ, may I suggest doing a word/scripture study on "love one another" it will truly be an eye-opener and a blessing in your life.

Don't be upset with me, I warned you not to read this blog! :-)

(1 Cor 4:2; Luke 12:48)
Abundant blessings as you seek the Lord and grow in His Agape!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

2 Cool Dudes...actually Three!





Hello Friends!
I can't believe how fast the day is going! I had a nice breakfast date with hubby and we picked up Jakob to give Kelly & Ray some alone time... well actually alone time so they can finish cleaning up the old house and turn in the keys to the landlord. They are now officially homeowners!! We are so excited for them and I get to spend some extra time with our little guy. He is growing up so quickly, his vocabulary is expanding and it just amazes me how he can comprehend and carry on a conversation! I know, I know, I'm prejudiced but I still think he's doing really great for his age.


If you are like me once you get started on a project (or anything you enjoy) and you are really into it, you don't want to stop. Well that happened to me last night! And it wasn't until 2:30 A.M. that I finally finished. (I did get a late start 'cause I was working at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with only a break for a Costco run and to pick up my paycheck) I have some really cute pictures that I've been wanting to scrapbook and I finally found just the right papers for it. It all came together and I had to finish it! When I do a l/o I try to tell a story and then the journaling just adds the details but it's written to the subject of the l/o. In this case, Jakob.





Are these guys not cool?? or what?? (I've been informed I use cute too much). Especially my hubby in his tie and slacks.... where's the leather!! At least Ray and Jake are cool with the shades on! But I insist as long as Jakob isn't it school,
he can be "cute" I'll be careful after that.

Here are some of the detailed work:




The paper I used was a coordinating set from My Minds Eye called "Star Bright Shooting Star" I used American Craft ribbon, the lettering for the titles on each page is from my "stash" so I'm sorry, don't know the manufacturer, the cardstock is Bazzill. The layout was a sketch from Create My Keepsake's Friday Formula for 2/6/09. http://www.createmykeepsake.com/

Hope you all enjoy the rest of the weekend. We are off to my mom's for a family potluck. We have some celebrating to catch up on. Sean & Amy(DIL) and Bobbi (my niece) had birthdays in January, Sean passed his contracting license test last week, Nicki (my sis) & Bobbi ran the Clam Beach Run this morning, Ray & Kelly are new homeowners and although we really don't need to have a reason to get together, we are just making it a day of celebrating the blessings!


Rejoicing in God's grace!

~Natalie~


"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sweet smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Scrapper's Edge - Eureka, Calif.

Good afternoon!

I have a fun job working at our local scrapbooking store called Scrapper's Edge www.scrappersedge.net . Our owner, Sondra Kirtley is great! She is so creative and I've learned so much while working there and it's really expanded my knowledge and love for paper crafting.
In January, she attended CHA and we were so excited for her! She brought back some "make and takes" and catalogs of new companies merchandise, it was great to see the new products. While she was gone she gave me the "chore" (hardly the right word) of making layouts for the store to feature some of our paper lines. So.... here is an example of my "hard" work during a two day crop!









































I was like a little kid in a candy store!
So many papers to choose from and
so little time!!!

Thank you Sondra for allowing me
to add some of my creativity to the store!

It was fun...


Have a wonderful evening!
Natalie

Psalm 139:16-17 layout

So, I'm still at the beginning stages of blogging so please forgive the "backwardness" of this post. I'll learn the order of things as I go but for today I will show the details first then the final product! I was excited to try my hand at more of the shabby chic look and here is my "feminine look" featuring our little sweetie, Riley Ann.

I used a transparency under the embossed vellum so it's not the clearest on here but you get the idea. I wanted to put a Scripture with nice lettering so I did that on the computer font: ck curly cursive.
Distressed the bracket ("naked" chipboard) painted it Deep Coral (Making Memories) first, then added Distress Crackle paint (Tim Holtz) then used the Pink Sherbert Dabber (Adirondack). Lots of steps but it was fast (used my hair dryer to quicken the drying process)



My patterned paper is double - sided. A new release for 2009 from Imaginisce called "Fairest of Them All" this is the Enchanted Garden. I love every piece in that line!!! The cardstock is a cream and a pink sorry don't have the actual color names.
Distressed the pink cardstock with Antique Linen (Distress Ink from Tim Holtz) then add white dots and doodles with a white sharpie.







I love how this turned out! I used EK fiber instead of thread on the button. (see how "chic!") Ribbon is American Crafts.
I used a tule blossom from MM Paperie Greenhouse which went over a scalloped circle that I punched from the patterned paper. The larger blossom and button was from my "stash" not sure what company.





(ok, is she not adorable, or what?!! I just want to pinch her rosy little cheeks!)

Ta-da! The end result. I do want to share that I used another tulle blossom and sprayed it with Pink Taffy Glimmer Mist as well as the pink (which was white) larger blossom underneath.
Then sandwiched a yellow blossom between and added a button with yellow fiber.

My photo corners (which aren't used around my photos!) are from my newest punch from EK Paper Shapers: Photo Corner Scalloped.

Well, it's off to cleaning my house, I neglected it yesterday so I've got to make up for it today!

Have a blessed day!

Close-up of details


Here's a close up of the "distressing" and embellishing of one of the photos.

I've done some stitching, some tearing of the paper and inking of the photo corner. I had fun adding the buttons which seem to be quite the trend right now. I'm also learning to be better at the jounaling. I've started writing to, in this case, Jakob. I want to leave a written history as well as a pictoral.

Babies, Bible Study and all things Beautiful!

Hi all!
I'm new to blogging so it may take me awhile to feel real comfortable with this new way of communicating. It may just be me talking to myself! Who knows? I just pray your day will be filled with all things good!

I've been busy today! Jakob who will be 2 in March arrived bright and alert at 6:30a.m. ready for Grammie to watch him and ready to play! (I'm not quite that enthusiastic to play at 6:30a.m. but how can I refuse?) He is such a delight. We are so blessed to have such a loving grandbaby in our family!! He is definitely a gift from our Lord! As the morning progressed and with no nap in sight, we got ready for Ladies Bible Study. We are watching the DVD series of Beth Moore (http://www.livingproofministries.com/) called "Psalms of Ascent" what a wonderful study! (that's on Wednesday mornings) and we are finishing up "Believing God" which we only do one lesson a month on the first Monday evening. I'm so glad the women enjoy these teaching series, it truly challenges us to get into the Word and start wielding the Sword of the Spirit (in love of course!!) I need to let you know my little Jake watches the teachings right along with us. He even was trying to sing along with Travis (http://www.traviscottrell.com/) this morning and I want to let you know that just blessed my socks off!

With naptime underway I headed to my little table and started designing two layouts of the grandkids. I wanted to try to do some "shabby chic" and so I started with a piece of FancyPants patterned paper 4 photos of Jakob and the rest is history. Tomorrow I will post a picture of the layout of Riley Ann. Another "shabby chic" L/O and I used one of the pattern papers from "Fairest of them All, which is the latest from Imaginisce.

Still not sure what my scrapbooking style would be called. I love trying new things and just enjoy the time creating! To God be the glory!!

I was able to capture in this layout how Jake loves to hang out with his Poppa and play music! Here is Poppa giving Jake a lesson on the drums! Is this not a beautiful sight? (makes my heart swell!) You should see the two of them now, Poppa on the guitar and Jakob on the drums!

Have a beautifully blessed day!