Thankful

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5

As you celebrate the new year, do not forget
to give thanks to the One through which all things were made. The Light, The Truth and The Way.

Blessings for the New Year.

Heidi

RAK and Happy New Year

It's New Year's Eve and me and my boys are spending a quiet evening at home. I visited with friends earlier this evening and now I have settled into my jammies and will wait for the midnight hour. My husband is working tonight :-( but we will be calling him at the stroke of twelve.

Today I received an amazing package of scrapping goodies in the mail from my new blogging friend Jenny. She made the sweetest card and sent me some wonderful Christmas Stickers, brads and epoxies from the Cloud 9 Christmas Is... collection, some really cool rock star chipboard which will work wonderfully on my son's guitar layouts and this wonderful Beyond The Page 2008 tabbed album. I was totally surprised by this wonderful gift. Jenny you are so sweet; Thank You So Very Much. Such a wonderful blessing to start this new year.

I pray that you all will have a wonderful new year; that it will be prosperous, be filled with much joy, good health, and all of God's Wonderful Blessings.

To all of you, Happy New Year!

Hugs,

Heidi

A Scripture for Difficult Times

Habakkuk 3:17-19

17 Though the fig tree does not
blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive
fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold
and there are no cattle in the stalls,

18 Yet I will rejoice in the
Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

19 The Lord God is my Strength,
my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet
and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make
[spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or
responsibility]!

Many of us are going through difficult times. Just pick up the paper or turn on the news. Times are tough. But whatever your situation may be, don't give up. Allow the difficulties you are experiencing to be your "hinds' feet" and push you to a solution. I know that when times are hard for me I have a tendency to become paralyzed in fear in the face of my problems, but if we keep moving we will make progress. It takes faith to hold on during the tough times. God wants to help you through your hard times. He wants to strenghten and encourage you through the storms.

Don't give up.

Hugs,
Heidi

Post Holiday Back To Work Monday Blues

I am back at the office today. BIG BUMMER! I was so enjoying my time off. Then, to top it off, I have had so many late nights these past few days that when it came time to settle in last night so that I could get to bed at a decent hour, I just could not sleep. I was wide awake. I tossed and turned. I guess I finally fell asleep sometime after 1 AM. So at 5:30AM this morning when my alarm went off, you can imagine the pain and suffering I endured as I slung my legs over the side of the bed. BIG YAWN. My boss is in the office too, but I hinted to him that I was not likely to be too productive today. He laughed and said "ok".

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. For New Years I am planning on staying at home with my boys; keeping it pretty low key. What are your New Year's Plans?

TIme For Scrapping

I got to do some scrapping today. I really needed the down time and since the boys are at Grandma's it was nice and quiet. I completed 4 very simple and quick Christmas Highlights layouts. I had so many photos that I wanted to scrap so I cut the photos 4x4 and assembled them in a simple format; I still need to add a date somewhere on the layout. Let me know what you think.

BLOG CANDY!!!

Check out Jenny's Blog for some great Blog Candy! Thanks Jenny you rock!!!!

Heidi

I Have Been Nominated for A Blog Award!!!

I am so excited!!! I was awarded two blog awards by Jenny B . My first ever! Thanks Jenny you are so sweet. I love your blog and I love that we have become great blogging friends!

I must now pass this award on to 5 of my favorite blogs and they are:

Wendy

Lizzie

Debbi T

Rhonda

Sarah

All your blogs are wonderful and I follow them faithfully!

Rules for the Kreative Blogger Award: The winner may put the logo on their blog. Put a link to the person who sent you the award. Nominate 5 blogs, with links to their blogs. Leave a message for your nominees.

Christmas 2008 Recap

Christmas is winding down; the New Year is on the way.

Our Christmas Eve was spent baking the last minute goodies, enjoying some delicious foods and exchanging gift with our wonderful friends and neighbors, Tim, Theresa and baby boy Matthew. We got to bed around midnight.

Our Christmas Day was wonderful. It started around 8AM with the sounds of footsteps racing up and down the stairs, followed by the sound of my oldest strumming on his new guitar! Even though the boys no longer believe in the man in the red suit, Christmas Morning is still magical.

We got up, put the coffee on and gathered in the living room to open gifts. Everyone had a wonderful time seeing what gifts had been chosen with love for each of them. The boys were excited to see that most of the items they wished for were under the tree. By the way, Mom loved her Christmas scrapbook and it brought tears to her eyes. When all the gifts were open we gave thanks to God for all of our blessings and for the ultimate gift in the birth of our Saviour Christ Jesus.

For my youngest it was another Indianapolis Colts Christmas and for my oldest it was his guitar. After gift opening we lounged around and snacked on German Christmas Stollen Bread fresh from the oven and watched the Disney Christmas Parade on TV. We got the turkey in the oven and prepared the trimmings.

Later we delivered some gifts to my dear friend Wendy and her baby girl Catherine. Her baby girl was so cute in her Christmas pajamas.

When we got home it was about time to take the turkey out of the oven and eat. Yum Yum. The meal was so delicious. We had a relaxing dinner, taking our time and enjoying the time together as a family. After dinner the boys cleaned up the kitchen and when it was all said and done, my Hubby and I put our feet up on the coffee table and relaxed for a while.

Then Hubby and the boys spent the rest of the evening getting ready for a road trip to see my in-laws. Since my father-in-law is unable to travel because of some health problems, the boys usually go to see them between Christmas and New Years each year. I stay home with my Mom (she really can't be left alone anymore) and the puppies.

Today I spent most of the day just resting and recuperating. Why, I even got to take a nap. Tomorrow, I plan on getting in some scrapping. With all this time to myself with the boys being gone, I would be a fool to waste precious me time. :-)

This has been a wonderful Christmas. Once again, we have been truly blessed.

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours

Well the kids are all nestled in their bed-byes with visions of Indianapolis Colts Memorabilia and Les Paul Guitars dancing in their heads. Hubby and my nephew are downstairs putting together a Colts Locker for the youngest and I am headed off to bed. No doubt the kids will be waking us up at the crack of dawn wanting to open their gifts. Last year it was 4:30AM. I sure hope they have mercy on us this year and sleep in just a bit.

Tomorrow's Christmas Dinner will be a traditional turkey and all the trimmings. Yum Yum I can not wait.

My prayer to you all is that your Christmas will be blessed with family and friends as you celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and God Bless You All.

Hugs,

Heidi

Twas The Night Before the Night Before Christmas...

...and all through the house, the wrapping paper is flying! My hubby and I have been frantically wrapping up all the gifts and they are all nestled under the tree. I think we used up every inch of paper, tape, ribbon and gift box. It's all gone. Even the stuff we had left over from last year. But IT IS DONE!

Tomorrow I have to work, just for 1/2 a day, and then I will be off for the rest of the week. I have gifts to deliver in the afternoon and then it will home to be with the fam. The kiddos are so excited about Christmas they can hardly contain themselves.

Tonight we made one last Indianapolis Colts purchase for my little Colts fanatic (man will he ever be over the moon for this gift) but ssshhhhhh it's a surprise. I will tell you more about it later; for now it is a secret!

It is going to be a wonderful Christmas and I can't wait to share all the details with you.
God Bless you all and I wish you Merry Christmas

Hugs.
Heidi

Blogging Buddy Christmas Card Exchange

I am pretty new to this blogging thing, but I have to tell you I have met some wonderful people through this blog. One of the them is Jenny from Scrap Happy Mama. She and I exchanged Christmas cards and when it arrived I was so excited that I immediately put it up on my door with all the other Christmas card I have received this season. I didn't even think to scan it in and share it with all of you. But here it is now, better late than never. Isn't it beautiful? I love the way she used the square brads for the tops of the ornaments. I never would have thought of that. I am so excited to have a new blogging friend. Thanks Jenny!

Hugs,

Heidi

As Truluck Would Have It!

My nephew Elgen turned 30 years old this weekend and we helped him celebrate by driving to Austin for a Surprise Birthday Dinner that his wife Jennifer planned. We all met at a restaurant called Trulucks in downtown Austin.

The meal was delicious and Elgen was very touched and surprised by the gathering of people that loved him. If you have never been to Trulucks in Austin, I recommend you try it. While on the pricey side, the atmosphere and food are wonderful. One of their specialties is the Florida Stone Crab. Living on the coast I have had lots of crab, but have never had the Florida Stone Crab. Its distinctive black tipped claws and delicious buttery flavor make it a big attraction.

But you better take some serious cash with you because one crab claw was a whopping $14.95. It was good I will have to admit, but whew the price was hard to swallow. They do make a delicious tender steak though, and my hubby had a wonderful Jalapeno Salmon.

When the dessert tray came around the kids jumped up and down and we had to get at least one to share. We settled on the Chocolate Bag. Now that was a treat. A solid chocolate bag stuffed with strawberries, pound cake, whip cream and nuts, topped with hot fudge and caramel. With 5 spoons we devoured one dessert. It was delish!

After dinner I was able to present Elgen & Jennifer with the baby scrapbook that I made them and they loved it! This is why I scrapbook! This is why I spend the time, effort and money making memories. They were so excited to receive it and that warmed my heart!

When all was said and done there were many hugs and kisses and we all jumped back in the van and headed back to Houston. It was a wonderful evening.

Rockin' Christmas

My sons play the guitar and take private lessons from a phenomenal guitar instructor, Eric Tatum. So when it was time to make out Christmas cards, I knew that his card would have to be very special. Here is what I came up with. Let me know what you think.

They Will Always be My Babies

My two boys are growing up way to fast. My oldest, who is now 14, got his football pictures the other day and when I saw them I started crying. I cannot believe how big and how mature he is. It won't be long before the girls are beating down the door and one wisks him away. He is so handsome. It seems like yesterday he was starting kindergarten, now he is in the 8th grade and we are looking ahead to high school. Whew! Where did the time go.




My youngest is 11. He is also growing up fast, but for a little longer he is still my baby. He is somewhere between being a baby and being a teenager. He still has the emotions of a baby, but wants to be more mature like his older brother.






This is a layout that I did a few weeks ago. These photos were taken around 2000. These are the cute baby faces that are forever embedded in my mind. This is the way I will always think of my babies...even if they are almost grown up and know everything!

Great Stamping Blog

If you love stamping, you need to check out this blog. There are tons of wonderful card samples. This stamp shop in El Paso is where I first fell in love with paper arts so many years ago.
Hugs,
Heidi

This Man

This Man is my blessing from God.

This Man is my strength.

This Man is my reality check.

This Man is my sanity.

This Man is what hold me together when I feel like I can't go another day.

This Man makes me see the humor in life.

This Man can make me laugh like no one else I have ever known.

This Man knows my strengths.

This Man knows my weaknesses.

This Man's hugs are the best EVER.

This Man makes me feel safe.

This Man makes me feel loved.

This Man can get on my very last nerve yet make my heart melt as soon as he smiles.

This Man is the reason I have two beautiful boys.

This Man gives me everything I want and need; selflessly.

This Man has taught me not to take myself too seriously.

This Man is courageous.

This Man is giving.

This Man is loyal.

This Man is kind.

This Man is loving.

This Man is my husband, and I adore him.

Happy Anniversary Baby.

Thank you for giving me 14 wonderful years.

I Love You!

A Love Reminder

"The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing"

Zephaniah 3:17 (Amplified)

Remember, no matter what has happened to you in your past,
God loves you and is proud of you.

It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas

Well tonight I finished this little Christmas album that I was working on that is a Christmas Gift for my Mom. When I saw Rhonda's Design Team project from this month I had to get one of the nifty Bare Elements albums and do one too. I dug out a bunch of old Christmas photos and used the wonderful Christmas stack by K & Company. There are additional photos in my slide show. Let me know what you think!

Hugs,
Heidi

A Word For the Day

Psalms 40:4 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which you have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.

I have been busy making Christmas gifts but thought I would share one of my latest layouts. I hope that you will enjoy it.

Blessings to all.

Heidi

La Bella Luna!

Take a look at the beautiful moon! The full moon tonight will be the biggest one of the year as it reaches its closest point to our planet.

We shot this photo with my Canon 40D.

As My Scrapping World Turns: Final Episode

“What do you think Honey? Can I convert the game room into a scraproom?” I waited for an answer. There was silence. That’s when it happened. The stare. The blank stare. I knew that stare. I had seen it before. I got that stare when I tried to convince him the first time that I needed a room for stamping. I got that stare at the airport coming back from Minnesota when I told him that I had to buy another suitcase to get all the rubber stamps home. I got that stare when I told him that my Mother was moving in with us. The stare made me a little uncomfortable. It wasn’t an angry stare or a cold stare. I don’t really know how to explain it, but I know that when he looks at me that way he is very deep in thought. It is like his mind disconnects from his mouth. He says nothing. He just stares. It’s the stare of a man that is retreating deep into his man-cave. It is almost like the stare of an animal that is in about to meet his prey. He knows that I am determined. He knows that I have given this a lot of thought. He knows that I have looked at this from every angle. He also knows that he has been ambushed and caught off guard. He knows that it is likely a losing battle on his part and he knows, as many men do, that there is a razor’s edge that you must balance on when you get between a woman and her heart’s desire. It’s a “Grab your butt, she’s at it again stare.” A “How do I get out of this one stare.” “Well, what do you think?” I asked again. “Can I have the game room to scrap in?”

I had already thought this through. I thought about my youngest son, who is sharing a room with his hormonal preteen older brother, and how he really should have his own room. I figured that if I could convince him that the kids needed their own rooms and that I would be willing to “sacrifice” my scrap room so that this could happen then I would get my wish and everyone would be happy. If I move into the game room, then I will have to have my stuff organized so that it will look neat and uncluttered. If I am going to be organized then I will need cabinets. If we put cabinets in here then we will have to get rid of the couches and the chairs, and the toys and you see where this is going…. Ahhhhhhh hahahahhaha (evil laugh)

After a little arm-twisting, much hard work, sweat and tears, my wonderful husband and family caved in and helped me reorganize and moved things around. We worked hard setting everything up. It was no easy task.

First we had to clean out the gameroom and find a good home for the furniture we had no place for. We sacrificed an entire living room set, in 90's pastel colors (so sad to see it go...NOT) with matching white washed end tables. The furniture was in perfect condition but we could not get a single person to take it. It wasn't ugly, just out of style.

Then we had to assemble the cabinets. I would have liked to have had custom cabinets built, but I wasn't going to push it. That would have been asking way to much. So instead we bought some cabinets at Lowe's and assembled them ourselves. 2 drawer units, 2 large wardrobe sized units and one utility sized unit.

Then we had to unload the old room. That was quite the task. There was stuff everywhere. Down the hall, in the bathroom, in the game room, in our master bedroom.

E V E R Y W H E R E!!

Believe it or not but I actually ended up with less storage space than before so I had to creatively consolidate and purge much of my goods. As we unloaded the old room I put boxes and boxes of papers, embellishments, stamping and scrapping goodies in boxes to give away. The stuff I wanted to keep got sorted and reorganized and loaded into the new cabinets. I had to conceal as much as possible so that it wouldn’t seem cluttered. I sorted everything by color: paper, brads, eyelets, prima flowers, and ribbon. Then I sorted all my stickers and embellishments by theme. I cut 12 x 12 plastic envelopes in half so that each envelope's contents would be contained but accessible. Those got stored in the drawer units, similar to a vertical file drawer system. My photographs got stored in rolling towers with 4x6 drawers, sorted by subject. I still had tons of stamping stuff too that I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of. My paper stayed in my paper rack that I fashioned out of wire cubes. It works great. I got to buy a White Trestle desk from Target to match the white cabinets and was able to set up an extra table for a scrapping guest.

In between sorting and organizing we cleaned the old room and moved my youngest son's stuff into the old scrap room. My youngest decorated his room with Indianapolis Colts gear and my oldest turned his room into a hip preteen rock and roll crib.

The entire project was quite the challenge; one that took us about two weeks to do. But man was it worth it. I now had the the “Scrap Room” of my dreams. And guess what? It really did work out best for the kids. They are much happier in their own rooms and now with the added space they are each able to have a desk in their room to do homework. Their grades have come up and there is no longer the battle of distraction at the kitchen table every night during homework. They no longer stay up nights talking when they should be sleeping. They are happy. And so am I. My hubby, well, when Momma is happy, everyone is happy. Right?

My room, while it isn’t perfect by any means, it is a wonderful space to create. The furnishings semi-match (most of them are white) and everything is organized and has its place. I can now invite a couple friends over and we can scrap comfortably. It is well lit and spacious. I can spread out and my computer and phone are all right there. It is upstairs and out of the way and if it get’s messy, no one has to see it but us. It is where I create. I can watch a movie with the kids and scrap at the same time. My son can watch the Colts play and I can scrap and watch at the same time. My kids can play the Wii and I can play along or just watch them have fun. It is where I spend my time preserving memories for my family.

My “Scrap Room” is where I hang with my family and friends and do what I love. It doesn’t always stay clean. In fact it rarely is clean, but it is where we live. All of us. The kids, the dogs, my hubby, Grandma and friends. This is where we laugh, relax and enjoy life. It is where we celebrate being a family. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing and supporting family. My husband and kids are the best. My family knows how important scrapping is to me and they support me 100%.

Life is so good….scrappin’ good.