tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25975662235517684822024-03-13T09:37:43.779-05:00Organized Chaos...Paper-crafting with kids in tow!Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-59927225618550089232013-01-17T14:44:00.000-06:002013-01-17T15:49:47.533-06:0026 Random Acts Of Kindness in honor of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! Long time no see...I've taken a little break from the world of blogging and even from crafting for a bit. You know those times in life when "life" just keeps you busy?!? I'm in a long stretch of "life" right now! ;)</div>
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But I have been feeling compelled to post since the tragedy in Newtown, CT on December 14th. I have small children and perhaps that is the reason for my inability to "get over it", but I am still affected daily by this. I still cry, I still think about the beautiful faces in the photos I see everywhere, and I still wish there was something I could do to make a difference.</div>
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It's the desire to make a difference, and perhaps in my little way to honor those lives lost, that I have started my own 26 Random Acts Of Kindness in honor of the 26 victims at Sandy Hook Elementary. I saw the idea on a Facebook page and knew I had to participate.</div>
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I made up twenty-six tags to hand out or attach to the "acts" for the recipients. If you would like the document for yourself, in order to make your own tags, you can get the file <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/120859707/Sandy-Hook-Random-Acts-Of-Kindness-Tags"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. Just print, cut out and attach or give away when you complete a RAOK!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zMLAmQdbLI/UPhwTh_phdI/AAAAAAAACug/rhCLIynWeWM/s1600/23330_4057252072411_171616898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zMLAmQdbLI/UPhwTh_phdI/AAAAAAAACug/rhCLIynWeWM/s320/23330_4057252072411_171616898_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "<a href="http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js">http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js</a>"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>The photo is of the first tag I gave away, in honor Charlotte Bacon, with an Outback Steakhouse giftcard...placed it on the windshield of a car at the grocery store. :)<br />
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I just finished RAOK #11 this morning and it's honestly given me a sense of "healing"...and it brings a smile to my face and the faces of those that are the recipients of the "acts". If you are struggling to cope with the tragedy like I am, I would encourage you to give this a try. </div>
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Here are some ideas that I have done and am planning to do:</div>
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1. Pay for the person behind you in line at Starbucks/drive-thru</div>
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2. Place $5-10 giftcards in random places where someone will find them (shopping cart, windshield, etc)</div>
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3. Leave coins at a soda machine for the next person to come along needing a drink</div>
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4. Leaving a gift for someone on their windshield</div>
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5. Giving flowers to someone</div>
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6. Giving candy or homemade treats to neighbors</div>
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7. Leaving cookies for the postman or delivery person</div>
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8. Leaving tokens at the merry-go-round for the next kid</div>
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9. Leaving diapers/wipes at a public changing station for the next mom</div>
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10. Leaving surprises or coins scattered around a playground with a basket for someone to collect them</div>
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11. Plugging a gumball machine with quarters for the next person that comes along</div>
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12. Leaving coins at a parking meter for the next car</div>
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13. Hide dollar bills in the toy section of the Dollar Store</div>
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14. Purchase a pack of stamps at leave at the postage machine at the post office for the next person</div>
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15. Leave $10 at the gas pump or car wash for the next person</div>
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16. Choose a random name out of the phonebook and send that person a small gift</div>
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If you have additional suggestions, I'd love to hear them!<br />
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I'd also like to share a wonderful tribute page to the Sandy Hook Elementary victims, which I am following on Facebook. I am in no way affiliated with the page, but I wanted to share it so you can see the wonderful tributes going on around the U.S. and the rest of the world for the lives lost December 14.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EuxKj-kR_g/UPhs_FMoH2I/AAAAAAAACuE/q9Uw2A4jnq4/s1600/430844_125349424296275_1635126389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EuxKj-kR_g/UPhs_FMoH2I/AAAAAAAACuE/q9Uw2A4jnq4/s320/430844_125349424296275_1635126389_n.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-Memorial-Page-12142012/122075734623644">https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-Memorial-Page-12142012/122075734623644</a></div>
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Finally, I'd also like to share with you an idea for a tribute ornament...I made one to hang on the Christmas tree shorty lafter the tragedy. It will be placed on the tree every year from now on to remember those sweet children and remind me to hold sacred the time I have with my own children. It's a clear glass ornament with the name, age and photo of each victim of Sandy Hook rolled up and placed inside. Outside I've added tulle, feathers for wings and a halo made of beads, making it angel. Simple to make and a great way to remember to thank God for what I have.</div>
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My continued thoughts and prayers are with the families of the vicitms of this horrible tragedy and I pray that we never know anything else like this in our lifetime...R.I.P. sweet angels!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-13896548278550787512012-05-02T21:01:00.002-05:002012-05-02T21:04:40.061-05:00Race Car Birthday Party!<div align="center">
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It's been WAAAAAAY to long since my last post...especially since my last "crafty" post. Trying to do better! Life seems to have gotten super-busy lately and I feel like I haven't been able to spend nearly the time creating fun things that I used to. (sigh)</div>
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But a birthday party is a good (necessary) excuse to get my craft on! The Noise Maker, who lately has truly earned that name, just turned three years old. Can't believe it...my baby is getting so big! He LOVES cars. And when I say "love", I mean it's the only thing that holds his interest for more than about 5 minutes. The kid might end up being a mechanic he loves them so much. Anywho...</div>
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He specifically requested a "race car" party...not "Cars" (the movie) which would have been MUCH easier to produce given the amount of commercialized party goods out there! So, I decided to go with his favorite colors (orange and green) and searched the web for ideas. NOTHING. No one else's kids like orange and green I guess. So, I started from scratch.</div>
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One idea I did find online was the "street" table runner (above)...thanks Pinterest! I cut a black plastic tablecloth into thirds lengthwise (to use for three tables). Then I added pieces of white duct tape for lines down the middle. Instant race track! The party store had some inexpensive toy cars that I placed on the "road" for entertainment at cupcake time.</div>
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Laid over a bright green tablecloth, the race track really popped. I used black "charger" paper plates and topped them with black and white checkered flag plates. Orange napkins tied with checkered ribbon held the utensils.</div>
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We had the party at a park, where the kids could play on the plaground equipment, in the splash pad (it's already splash pad weather here in South Texas!), or run around in the grassy fields. We had several other activities for them to participate in as well...</div>
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My favorite were the race car stampers that the kids could run over the giant ink pads and print tracks onto paper with:</div>
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I got them from Orietal Trading. The wheels remove for easy cleaning and the kids seemed to really like them!</div>
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We also had a race car Bean Bag Toss game, which I got on clearance at Oriental Trading:</div>
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We also had race car sticker pages and race car tattoos for the kids. For food, I made green and orange cupcakes with checkered flag toppers (Oriental Trading), race car shaped pretzels (Wal-Mart) and apple and grape cars (idea found on Pinterest)...</div>
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The Noise Maker had a slight "accident" with his cupcake...he tipped the plate it was on and it actually fell onto his forehead where he got a tiny little burn. Oops...mom of the year, here.</div>
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I also wanted to share the super-cute car shirt my friend Shera (aka <strong><u><a href="http://sewsweetprincess.blogspot.com/">Sew Sweet Princess</a></u></strong>) made for him...how stinkin' cute is this? Thanks, Shera!!!</div>
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Despite the candle incident, he had a blast and I think his friends did, too. I forgot to take a pic of the party favors, but they were little baggies with a HotWheels car, mini play-doh, race car tattoo and candy.</div>
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Happy Birthday to my Little Man...I love you, buddy! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-53555994716613068232012-01-18T16:52:00.000-06:002013-02-22T14:27:48.929-06:00Meet Lucy, the Goldendoodle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a Golden Girl...I love Golden Retrievers! I've had them since I can remember, as a child starting with Lady Daffodil (Daffy), then Daisy, then Lilly, and then when I got married I got Duke (aka co-chairman of smelliness). Since losing Duke and Sammy (Pekingese), it's just been too quiet around here. At first I was excited that I didn't have hairballs around every corner. But a clean house is a boring house, right?!?! And that longing for a furry friend started tugging at my heart strings...</div>
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I did a little research and discovered a "breed" of dog called a Goldendoodle...part Golden Retriever and part Poodle. Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of poodles. But then again, I've never really known one either. :) We found a wonderful breeder and picked her brain about them. After speaking with her and seeing the adorable images around the web, I was hooked!</div>
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Goldendoodles are basically wavy Golden Retrievers that don't shed. YIPPEEEEEE! The coat depends a lot on the breed of the mother. I learned that breeding female Golden Retrievers to male Poodles will give the soft, wavy coat as opposed to a kinky curly coat. And the size depends on the size of the parents, namely the Poodle.</div>
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We couldn't be more excited to be adding a new member to our family...of the furry type that is! Lucy Rose is about 5 weeks old and will be ready to come home in a few short weeks. Since birth, we have received weekly updates and photos of our little cutie...can't wait to actually meet her n person!</div>
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Litter of Goldendoodle puppies, with mom Dolly...16 in all!</div>
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Christmas Photo: </div>
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2 weeks: </div>
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3 weeks:</div>
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4 weeks:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8yh0qyL4U8/TxdLS2cc1VI/AAAAAAAACr4/OMjYDB2EV40/s1600/232323232%257Ffp635%253B%253B_nu%253D325%253B_4%253B4__96_WSNRCG%253D374893%253B34832%253Bnu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8yh0qyL4U8/TxdLS2cc1VI/AAAAAAAACr4/OMjYDB2EV40/s320/232323232%257Ffp635%253B%253B_nu%253D325%253B_4%253B4__96_WSNRCG%253D374893%253B34832%253Bnu0mrj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5 weeks:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gr7g3e_w8I/TxdJIChVA0I/AAAAAAAACrY/dvcwtXkASbg/s1600/5Lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gr7g3e_w8I/TxdJIChVA0I/AAAAAAAACrY/dvcwtXkASbg/s320/5Lucy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cute, right?! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-68542262575740291532011-11-03T10:03:00.000-05:002011-11-03T10:03:04.639-05:00Thirty Days of Thankfulness Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aV9fwcLJ_M/TrKq1STy7uI/AAAAAAAACrQ/h68FwKNrHmI/s1600/393280_2096430333093_1315380236_1773145_354634360_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aV9fwcLJ_M/TrKq1STy7uI/AAAAAAAACrQ/h68FwKNrHmI/s320/393280_2096430333093_1315380236_1773145_354634360_n-1.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bunch of my friends are doing the "Thirty Days of Thankfulness" challenge, and I wanted to participate, too! This little project lets my whole family take part and my hope is that it will really help us concentrate on being thankful this month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This project is super-simple and SUPER-cheap! I found a vase in my cabinet and filled with little pumpkin vase filler (Target $1 spot). I collected dead branches from the back yard and put them in the vase. And the rest was done with my Cricut and about 12 pieces of carstock! The banner was cut from the Wild Card cartridge at 15". I ran it through my printer to get the text and then inked the edges. The leaves were all cut from the Doodlecharms cartridge at 3 1/2' and 4". Each family member has a different color, and one leaf for each day of the month. I punched holes in the stems and used twine to make loops to hang them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tree is a little bare right now (we'll do day 3's leaves tonight at dinner), but just wait until the end of the month! I'll post a follow-up pic to show how beautiful our Fall Thankful Tree will be!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking you could adapt this to work with different seasons or holidays activity...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Fall tree with colored leaves for Thanksgiving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Christmas tree with ornaments at Christmas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Eggs on tree for Easter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Hearts on tree for Valentines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Flowers on tree for Spring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Might have to get crackin' on the Christmas one!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for looking and have a creative day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-59488110195232790822011-10-12T06:00:00.000-05:002011-10-12T06:00:13.080-05:00Pampered Chef "Apron" Invitation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvutt5oXPd0/To8tdbwEbrI/AAAAAAAACrM/Yp2mpkzUtsw/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvutt5oXPd0/To8tdbwEbrI/AAAAAAAACrM/Yp2mpkzUtsw/s320/IMG_7266.JPG" width="247" /></a></div><div align="center">My sweet friend, Colby, is having a Pampered Chef party later this month and asked if I would make her some "cooking" themed invitations to send out. Um, YEAH! She originally asked for a chef's hat, but I only had one image in all of my cartridges and it wouldn't have worked well. Soooooo, plan B was developed...an apron!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">This apron is from the Country Life cartridge (LOVE!!!)...I cut the shadow at 5" in red cardstock. I cut the normal image at 5" in patterned paper and also in cream carstock (to mat on the reverse side with party details...not shown). To give the invites some dimension, I added plaid ribbon to the top of the apron and attached it with brads. I also added a paper flower and button, along with pockets that I hand drew stitching on to give them detail. To finish, I printed "You're Invited" onto cream cardstock, trimmed, and matted with blue cardstock, attaching it beneath the flower embellishment. These fit perfectly in a standard thank you-sized ennvelope.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Hope you like them, and thanks for looking! Have a creative day!!! :)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-61942390284758020512011-09-21T16:16:00.000-05:002011-09-21T16:16:24.655-05:00In Loving Memory...Round Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRUglgAX6o/TnpR4X6LkLI/AAAAAAAACrA/v7tNTGZTkU0/s1600/untitled3.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRUglgAX6o/TnpR4X6LkLI/AAAAAAAACrA/v7tNTGZTkU0/s320/untitled3.bmp.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow, what a difficult six months this has been for my fur babies. We lost Duke, our Golden Retriever, 6 months ago to lymphoma. And this past Monday, we lost Sammy, our Pekingese, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sammy was blind, possibly hard of hearing and his teeth were in bad shape, to the point that they were causing him pain and would need to be pulled. AND, he bit a very good friend that came over to visit. He wasn't always agressive, but given his health, we assume he was becoming increasingly confused and/or scared. On recommendation by our vet, and after much soul searching, we decided it was in the best interest of The Mess Maker and The Noise Maker, as well as the children and adults that come over to our home, to put Sammy down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuDOqS86Kss/TnpTW0YNvhI/AAAAAAAACrE/h6pMsJOuFDU/s1600/untitled2.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuDOqS86Kss/TnpTW0YNvhI/AAAAAAAACrE/h6pMsJOuFDU/s320/untitled2.bmp.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sammy's been around about as long as The Household CFO has been...he became a part of our family just one month after getting married and was my original "baby". We're missing you, buddy. I hope you're playing, eating LOTS of dog treats and loving on Duke right now!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9K4jiQcTl6o/TnpUFn-HuzI/AAAAAAAACrI/Gk_jPbywPsQ/s1600/untitled1.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9K4jiQcTl6o/TnpUFn-HuzI/AAAAAAAACrI/Gk_jPbywPsQ/s320/untitled1.bmp.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">In loving memory of our second furry friend...</div><div align="center">November 8, 2001 - September 19, 2011</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-43468137293128276442011-09-20T14:47:00.000-05:002011-09-20T14:47:56.250-05:00Bird-Themed Luncheon Table<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhakzSh1jYY/Tnjqtm7KqZI/AAAAAAAACqk/_O0Yy0Ra-78/s1600/317458_228418997206669_100001157102547_561626_1375714639_n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhakzSh1jYY/Tnjqtm7KqZI/AAAAAAAACqk/_O0Yy0Ra-78/s320/317458_228418997206669_100001157102547_561626_1375714639_n1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">I'M BACK!!!!!!!</div><div align="center">Wow, it's been a while since I posted, and I do apologize for the long hiatus...moving to a new home took over my life for a bit, but things seem to be settling down (finally!) and I'm back in the crafting mode! :)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Recently, I volunteered to host a table at our annual mom's group luncheon. Each "hostess" plans a theme for her table and decorates with whatever she wants. I chose "birds" because I have a slight obsession with them! Here's another pic:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTuAwnFZWVU/Tnjf2YxORpI/AAAAAAAACqE/WIw0ltuJySM/s1600/IMG_6939a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTuAwnFZWVU/Tnjf2YxORpI/AAAAAAAACqE/WIw0ltuJySM/s320/IMG_6939a.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div align="center">The "tree" in the middle looks a little lopsided in the picture for some reason, but didn't look that way in person!?!? Why am I posting this on my crafty blog? Because I used my BFF Cricut to make a lot of the little embellishments on the table of course!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bR-Jh6vXW6M/TnjgOFIYHhI/AAAAAAAACqI/dtJcYO7kXbo/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bR-Jh6vXW6M/TnjgOFIYHhI/AAAAAAAACqI/dtJcYO7kXbo/s320/IMG_6962.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><div align="center">These little favor bags are just tulle bags from Hobby Lobby, filled with birdseed and tied. I used my Storybook Cartridge "D (+shift+shadow)" for the bird base and "D (+shift)" for the top layer of the bird. I ran the birds through my printer after cutting them to print "Thank You" on them. You can see my tutorial on how to do this<strong><u><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/05/printing-onto-die-cuts.html"> HERE</a></u></strong>. Then I just hot glued them to the little bag!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyNcU9OoCos/Tnji-z6xFmI/AAAAAAAACqM/64LexjUlxrk/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyNcU9OoCos/Tnji-z6xFmI/AAAAAAAACqM/64LexjUlxrk/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">I also used the bird cut from the Storybook Cartridge for the tree centerpiece, adding about 8 birdies to the branches. To add a little more detail to the tree, I also cut about 35 flowers from the Florals Embellished Cartridge "Flower7 (+shift+Layer1)". I cut a slit in each one to the center, overlapped the cut edges and glued, making them 3D. Then I glued a pearl in the center of each and attached to the branches.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE1QTN4Iyu4/TnjjOrfb5hI/AAAAAAAACqQ/48J4QOzc6Fw/s1600/IMG_6964a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE1QTN4Iyu4/TnjjOrfb5hI/AAAAAAAACqQ/48J4QOzc6Fw/s320/IMG_6964a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center">For napkin decorations (instead of napking rings), I folded the napkins using a "bird nest napkin folding" tutorial I found <strong><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/03/bird-nest-napkin-folding-easter-table.html">HERE</a></strong>. I placed a twig in the center of each, and then a small grapevine birds nest complete with a little birdie (supplies from Hobby Lobby). Isn't he cute?!?!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVO9qFfUIgE/TnjkenRluYI/AAAAAAAACqY/mNSf1v0NGK0/s1600/IMG_6925a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVO9qFfUIgE/TnjkenRluYI/AAAAAAAACqY/mNSf1v0NGK0/s320/IMG_6925a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">And here is the table all set up! I used a bird embellished planter to hold the tree centerpiece, wooden birdhouses, framed bird prints, wicker decorative balls, bird embellished tea light holders and other bird decor from around my house. To finish the table off, and add a little "treat" for those sitting at my table, I made birdnest cookies!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXqI4R_taMg/TnjmMLe_VaI/AAAAAAAACqc/CJCNIwzm_78/s1600/untitled.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXqI4R_taMg/TnjmMLe_VaI/AAAAAAAACqc/CJCNIwzm_78/s320/untitled.bmp.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div align="center">I must say that I do NOT like coconut, but I made these and tried them and they were actually really tasty! You can find the recipe <strong><a href="http://brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=483">HERE</a></strong>. The "eggs" are Jordan Almonds I found at Wal-Mart. I put each cookie in a bad and tied with raffia.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The last crafty thing I did was to make prayer verse cards. I printed three prayer verses onto cardstock, trimmed them into rectangles, inked the edges and stamped a bird image on the center. These were displayed in a trio of birdhouse place card holders from Willow House (pg. 29 of current catalog). </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-891f9pBY4pg/TnjtSmII6UI/AAAAAAAACq8/pcGHXDoTMCQ/s1600/IMG_6925a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-891f9pBY4pg/TnjtSmII6UI/AAAAAAAACq8/pcGHXDoTMCQ/s320/IMG_6925a.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div align="center">So that's it! Here are some of the other FAB tables my girlies decorated...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Mari & Lindsay: Pink, Black & White</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLRJrlhRI6U/TnjrFH0b5QI/AAAAAAAACqs/fq0QdDIb9MA/s1600/315654_228419147206654_100001157102547_561629_1663920885_n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLRJrlhRI6U/TnjrFH0b5QI/AAAAAAAACqs/fq0QdDIb9MA/s320/315654_228419147206654_100001157102547_561629_1663920885_n1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Leslie: Picnic</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpyGWevTZsM/TnjrMatjmDI/AAAAAAAACqw/LkfQEgS-SsU/s1600/untitled1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpyGWevTZsM/TnjrMatjmDI/AAAAAAAACqw/LkfQEgS-SsU/s320/untitled1a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">Nicole: Black, White & Lemons</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa92opDEuY4/TnjrUZNW08I/AAAAAAAACq0/ln-z7IONfJA/s1600/292821_228418930540009_100001157102547_561625_876721499_n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa92opDEuY4/TnjrUZNW08I/AAAAAAAACq0/ln-z7IONfJA/s320/292821_228418930540009_100001157102547_561625_876721499_n1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Charity: Back To School</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ1LZRrUMew/Tnjrl0ZBuHI/AAAAAAAACq4/cqQjzZ495fk/s1600/291813_228419050539997_100001157102547_561627_1336100795_n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ1LZRrUMew/Tnjrl0ZBuHI/AAAAAAAACq4/cqQjzZ495fk/s320/291813_228419050539997_100001157102547_561627_1336100795_n1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">*I didn't get a photo of Gretchen's table because these were taken before hers was set-up. :( It was a great luncheon (with yummy food!) and we had 13 new moms attend! SUCCESS!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Thanks for looking!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-82759586246051111142011-06-08T15:15:00.000-05:002011-06-08T15:15:16.817-05:00A Dora Cake...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQIPFgCDvsg/Te_WBQbCYvI/AAAAAAAACp4/EuZSXFFJMpc/s1600/IMG_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQIPFgCDvsg/Te_WBQbCYvI/AAAAAAAACp4/EuZSXFFJMpc/s320/IMG_4994.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Going through some old photos, I found this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Never posted the good ol' Dora cake I made for the Mess Maker's 4th (family) birthday party. This was HARD! She wanted a "Princess" Dora cake, not just a Dora cake. The only Princess Dora they make is the one with the yellow dress... "But mama, I want a pink dress!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I made it work, but this took some real effort I tell ya! Fondant flowers, colored, cut and embellished by yours truly...over the entire dress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdJy0v3pdsI/Te_YEhZu9dI/AAAAAAAACp8/8esH-aW-L5E/s1600/IMG_5000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdJy0v3pdsI/Te_YEhZu9dI/AAAAAAAACp8/8esH-aW-L5E/s320/IMG_5000.JPG" t8="true" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thought when I finished that it was perfect...until I noticed a slight "lean"...and then a bigger lean...and then the whole thing looked like it was going to be one massive landslide.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S-8G6NnNMc/Te_YKMkLbhI/AAAAAAAACqA/QGPamAWo9ls/s1600/IMG_5007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8S-8G6NnNMc/Te_YKMkLbhI/AAAAAAAACqA/QGPamAWo9ls/s320/IMG_5007.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh well, lesson learned...</div><div style="text-align: center;">USE CAKE SUPPORTS!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-38179267392817285962011-05-29T22:44:00.000-05:002011-05-29T22:44:58.555-05:00Family Summertime Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6uwwe-d59o/TeMPkUpTLNI/AAAAAAAACp0/1QqRY3rg7eQ/s1600/IMG_6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6uwwe-d59o/TeMPkUpTLNI/AAAAAAAACp0/1QqRY3rg7eQ/s320/IMG_6581.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my new FAVORITE crafty blogs is "<strong><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/">Tatertots & Jello</a></strong>"...Jen has the most amazing ideas and inspiration, and she features awesome ideas from many other sources as well. I just love visiting over there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this project the other day, highlighted on <strong><a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/05/family-summer-bucket-list-ssg-idea-20.html">Positively Splendid</a></strong>, but developed by Jen at T&J...a Family Summertime Bucket List. Pure genius...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's basically a bucket (or other container...mine is an old Similac formula can I've had taking up room in my craft closet for over a year now!) that has cards with fun activities listed on them...whenever the kids are bored, have them draw out a card and complete the stated activity...everything from planting flowers and having a picnic, to going to the zoo and having a Bar-B-Q. Fun, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen has done all the work for us and has provided her pre-printed activity cards (along with some blank ones to add your own activities) and a label for your "bucket"...just visit <u><a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/05/family-summer-bucket-list-ssg-idea-20.html">Positively Splendid's feature of Jen's Bucket List project</a></u> and download the cards for yourself! I printed mine out today and got to work, creating an entire summer's worth of fun for my kids in no time at all, thanks to Jen's pre-printed activity cards!!! My container isn't very "pretty" as I am EXTREMELY challenged when it comes to Modge Podge...but it works for a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, right??? ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't wait to get started...thanks Jen!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-35822169548837968802011-05-25T21:39:00.001-05:002011-05-25T21:40:37.190-05:00Crayon Photo Frame & Teacher Gift Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q6yfN54CLU/Td260NFvqfI/AAAAAAAACps/8gqw6v4Tb2Q/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q6yfN54CLU/Td260NFvqfI/AAAAAAAACps/8gqw6v4Tb2Q/s320/IMG_6477.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">I made these frames for The Mess Maker's preschool teachers as part of their end-of-the-year gifts. There are LOTS of crayon art projects out there on the web, but I followed the tutorial over at <a href="http://mamamadeit.blogspot.com/2011/05/teacher-appreciation-gift.html"><strong>Mama Made It</strong></a> because it was the easiest to follow and I found the exact frames she used at Target. I used 32 crayons on each one...to cut the crayons, I used a sharp butcher knife and then glued them on the frame with a hot glue gun. When finished, I printed the sentiment and added it to the inside of the frame... Easy-peasy!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here is a photo of the finished gift baskets, with the crayon frames, the <strong><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/05/owl-pillow-box.html">owl pillow boxes</a></strong> (that have giftcards inside) and the <strong><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/05/teacher-appreciation-bookmarks.html">bookmarks</a></strong> with the students' favorite thing about each teacher printed on them:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLkpq5Av5Y/Td28PjDOEgI/AAAAAAAACpw/B_QqRFt1060/s1600/IMG_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLkpq5Av5Y/Td28PjDOEgI/AAAAAAAACpw/B_QqRFt1060/s320/IMG_6491.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">(Tin buckets are from the Target dollar bins!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Thanks for looking!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-15840823462104797172011-05-25T21:18:00.000-05:002011-05-25T21:18:37.436-05:00Owl Pillow Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucpg4oo1V0M/Td22g89tAZI/AAAAAAAACpo/z67rMf7ezbU/s1600/IMG_6481a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucpg4oo1V0M/Td22g89tAZI/AAAAAAAACpo/z67rMf7ezbU/s320/IMG_6481a.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">I saw these cutie-patootie pillow box owls at <a href="http://www.cardalacarte.com/2011/03/owls.html"><strong>Card A La Carte</strong></a><strong> </strong>and just HAD to make some of my own! I used my Cricut, though, and will share what cartridges/shapes I used...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Wedding Solutions Cartridge:</div><div align="center">*Pillow box was cut in "blackout" mode at 6"</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">George & Basic Shapes:</div><div align="center">*Circles (for body and eyes) at 1 1/4"</div><div align="center">*Hearts (for feet/beak) at 1 1/4"</div><div align="center">*Circles (for black part of eyes) at 3/4"</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">A little bling was added to the eyes for sparkle, and a tag with the sentiment, "From Owl Of Us" was attached with ribbon and a glue dot. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">These little cuties hold giftcards for the Mess Maker's preschool teachers for end-of-the-year gifts. They're part of a gift basket I'll be posting in bit...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Thanks for looking! :)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-56374392605060656462011-05-24T19:42:00.001-05:002011-05-24T19:43:38.833-05:00I was in the "Cricut Chirp"!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O6sis7RpG8U/TdxPBcyWxjI/AAAAAAAACpE/_vV7BmvJuCk/s1600/top_mast.jpg" t8="true" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I recently posted a bunch of layouts I completed at some weekend crops to the Cricut Messageboard. And I just found out a few days ago that I was highlighted in the <strong><a href="http://www.cricut.com/newsletters/volume.aspx?ID=320">May 2011 edition of the Cricut Chirp</a></strong>, Provocraft's monthly Cricut newsletter...WOO HOO!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So honored that they thought highly enough of my work to feature my layouts! Here is a sampling of the layouts...the rest can be found in my original blog post, <strong><u><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/04/lots-o-layouts.html">HERE</a></u></strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_u8CBOiQyE/TdxP0al7eoI/AAAAAAAACpI/KtcXNxGBBBI/s1600/IMG_6070a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_u8CBOiQyE/TdxP0al7eoI/AAAAAAAACpI/KtcXNxGBBBI/s1600/IMG_6070a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGW7_nBCWaw/TdxP4Psio9I/AAAAAAAACpM/gr0Av_oipP8/s1600/IMG_6063a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGW7_nBCWaw/TdxP4Psio9I/AAAAAAAACpM/gr0Av_oipP8/s1600/IMG_6063a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8uS8uwIfXA/TdxP8HJS9iI/AAAAAAAACpQ/fuhabp4wAMQ/s1600/IMG_6064a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8uS8uwIfXA/TdxP8HJS9iI/AAAAAAAACpQ/fuhabp4wAMQ/s1600/IMG_6064a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cok_vCUUT4g/TdxQAKzGpzI/AAAAAAAACpU/fx57ovPrjLc/s1600/IMG_6069a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cok_vCUUT4g/TdxQAKzGpzI/AAAAAAAACpU/fx57ovPrjLc/s1600/IMG_6069a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHLxl_bqxjw/TdxQESx4EnI/AAAAAAAACpY/2tdNc6cNIfc/s1600/IMG_6061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHLxl_bqxjw/TdxQESx4EnI/AAAAAAAACpY/2tdNc6cNIfc/s1600/IMG_6061a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFfX5HjxfUo/TdxQIH7cL6I/AAAAAAAACpc/M2bNSX7mgyA/s1600/IMG_6060a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFfX5HjxfUo/TdxQIH7cL6I/AAAAAAAACpc/M2bNSX7mgyA/s1600/IMG_6060a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAhHg7yyseM/TdxQNjx6CPI/AAAAAAAACpg/6m_iGIQBT3Y/s1600/IMG_6074a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAhHg7yyseM/TdxQNjx6CPI/AAAAAAAACpg/6m_iGIQBT3Y/s1600/IMG_6074a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfCLd0-04O0/TdxQRDX0xgI/AAAAAAAACpk/pYHHNHJRm6s/s1600/IMG_6062a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfCLd0-04O0/TdxQRDX0xgI/AAAAAAAACpk/pYHHNHJRm6s/s1600/IMG_6062a.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for looking and for all the kind words...I appreciate it! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-25440442923098066042011-05-17T19:34:00.000-05:002011-05-17T19:34:20.516-05:00Teacher Appreciation Bookmarks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51pLEh3EK_Y/TdMSRnRcIII/AAAAAAAACoY/CZcYi44m4nE/s1600/IMG_6353a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51pLEh3EK_Y/TdMSRnRcIII/AAAAAAAACoY/CZcYi44m4nE/s320/IMG_6353a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made these last year for the Mess Maker's preK teachers, and they really liked them. So, why reinvent the wheel??? :) These are the ones I just made for her teachers this year...same except for the kids' names and responses to the question, "I like Ms. _____ because...".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used my Cricut A Child's Year cartridge to cut the kids at the bottom at 2 1/4" in blackout mode, trimming some of the bottom of the image off so it didn't cover any of the type. The base of the bookmark is 3 1/4" x 7 1/2". The patterned paper is 3" x 7 1/4" and the cream cardstock with the responses is cut to 2 3/4" x 7". The font is Chocolate Box (one of my faves!) downloaded from dafont.com. I added an eyelet and ribbon, along with some twine accented with wooden barrel beads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love hearing the responses from preschoolers as to why they like their teachers! Here is a sampling of what the students said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"She writes notes and hugs me"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"She opens things"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"She plays silly songs"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I like to talk to her"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"She listens to my stories"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"She gives me snacks"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Awwwwww....pretty stinkin' cute, right? :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These will be given along with a gift card to the teachers' favorite restaurants, from the whole class. Can't wait to see what they say!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-8764234759998940132011-05-17T11:30:00.001-05:002011-05-17T11:31:57.192-05:00Printing Onto Die Cuts!<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCg-Le-dbRA/TdKfM64grSI/AAAAAAAACnw/kWnLVkcgT9s/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCg-Le-dbRA/TdKfM64grSI/AAAAAAAACnw/kWnLVkcgT9s/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">I have had several inquiries recently about how I print onto my die cuts after they're already cut out (because if you're "Cricut Centerpoint Challenged" like I am, it just never works after your print and try to cut them on the Cricut!) I posted this tutorial a while back, as part of a Scrappin' Saturday feature at <strong><a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/">FCCB</a></strong>. But I want to post it again, for anyone that might have missed it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am featuring a <strong><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2010/05/monkey-birthday-invitations-create.html">Monkey Birthday Inviation</a></strong> I did for my neice's first birthday. You can use this technique for lots of projects, including adding journaling and printed text to die-cut journaling blocks, page accents, card embellishments, and any other shape you want to add computer-generated font to, AFTER they are already cut out: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. In your word processing program, type your text exactly how you want it on your die-cut, making sure to leave enough space between them if you're printing multiple journaling spots:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nbo6MK966I/TdKhgz44JQI/AAAAAAAACn0/74M7KejaY6U/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nbo6MK966I/TdKhgz44JQI/AAAAAAAACn0/74M7KejaY6U/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Print out your text on regular printer paper. At this time, I place my die-cuts (which have already been cut to the size I need for my layout) over the text and adjust the size/spacing of the text as needed to make sure it all fits nicely within the cut. I typically print out several pages until I get it just right:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOOUEtKrkpM/TdKhl3rcizI/AAAAAAAACn4/H1aMSN9SZFY/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOOUEtKrkpM/TdKhl3rcizI/AAAAAAAACn4/H1aMSN9SZFY/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Add a very small amount of adhesive over the center of each journaling spot:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOOFJhCTkDA/TdKhro9XtKI/AAAAAAAACn8/ddWc8wqWE6k/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOOFJhCTkDA/TdKhro9XtKI/AAAAAAAACn8/ddWc8wqWE6k/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Turn your paper over, hold it up to a light or window and take your die-cut shapes and center them over the journaling area. By using only a tiny amount of adhesive, you can easily remove the die-cut and reposition it over the journaling:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPox74j-K4U/TdKhyL54-YI/AAAAAAAACoA/5vcZdJjgGmI/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPox74j-K4U/TdKhyL54-YI/AAAAAAAACoA/5vcZdJjgGmI/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do this for each die-cut shape you want journaling on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Run your paper back through your printer, with die-cuts attached, the same way it went through before:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oXM6eKzDqE/TdKh4feE2lI/AAAAAAAACoE/DCrv-VAhRTw/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oXM6eKzDqE/TdKh4feE2lI/AAAAAAAACoE/DCrv-VAhRTw/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">6. When finished printing, you'll have perfectly placed journaling on your die cut:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ-iqOqRx1E/TdKh8vK3_qI/AAAAAAAACoI/FbBYlrSeo4Q/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ-iqOqRx1E/TdKh8vK3_qI/AAAAAAAACoI/FbBYlrSeo4Q/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Gently remove each die-cut shape and add to your project with additional adhesive:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ImImf9LCRI/TdKiBaJutnI/AAAAAAAACoM/idvfcXUYRWM/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ImImf9LCRI/TdKiBaJutnI/AAAAAAAACoM/idvfcXUYRWM/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJfglbDT4t8/TdKiGKuQZRI/AAAAAAAACoQ/i0lkv4U-L_k/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJfglbDT4t8/TdKiGKuQZRI/AAAAAAAACoQ/i0lkv4U-L_k/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's it! I've never had a problem with my die-cuts separating from the paper in the printer or my paper jamming in my printer when the die cuts are going through, but I suppose each printer is different. I just have a very inexpensive HP Inkjet printer from Wal-Mart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So that's my tutorial. I hope you found it helpful! Remember that you can do this on ANY shape your good ol' Cricut can cut...so experiment! And then let me know if you tried this and how it worked!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Scrappin'!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-69327350924673177552011-05-16T09:34:00.001-05:002011-05-16T09:34:42.310-05:00Mickey Mouse Birthday Invitations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qnAxhqOX-8/TdEwjaKRnDI/AAAAAAAACnk/O1CFR3WnOIs/s1600/IMG_5264a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qnAxhqOX-8/TdEwjaKRnDI/AAAAAAAACnk/O1CFR3WnOIs/s1600/IMG_5264a.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">I've had several inquiries on the Mickey invites I posted <strong><u><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/04/noisemakers-mickey-party.html">HERE</a></u></strong>. So here are the sizes/cartridges I used to create these:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">1. Black invitation base: Mickey Font Cartridge</div><div align="center">-Cut the Mickey Tag at 5 1/4"</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">2. Red "Shorts": Plant. Schoolbook Cartridge</div><div align="center">-Cut the circle with shadow feature at 4"</div><div align="center">-Cut circle in half with paper trimmer...this provides the front half circle where you adhere the buttons, and the back pocket where you include the party info.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">3. Buttons: Wild Card Cartridge</div><div align="center">-Cut the button (icon feature) at 9" (sounds huge, but they obviously come out small!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">4. Letter "K": Mickey Font Cartridge</div><div align="center">-Cut the white using the "shadow" feature at 1 1/2"</div><div align="center">-Cut the yellow in regular mode at 1 1/2"</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I glued the front red half-circle on with tape runner and then added the buttons with foam dots to make them look dimensional. On the back, I used Scotch Quick Dry to put a small strip of glue along the bottom edge of the half-circle, leaving the middle and top open to slide in the party details:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7cuh4b3Cpw/TdE1i9heZqI/AAAAAAAACno/jKBG3YY4JNk/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7cuh4b3Cpw/TdE1i9heZqI/AAAAAAAACno/jKBG3YY4JNk/s320/IMG_6349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">(I used the Mickey and Mouse Deco fonts, downloaded from dafont.com)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">At this size, the invitations will fit into a standard invitation-size envelope. There will be room on each side in the envelope, but the size was needed to acommodate the height of the ears. You could make your own square envelopes, but who wants to pay the additional shipping??? :)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-71992505174945344512011-05-14T14:58:00.000-05:002011-05-14T14:58:30.831-05:00My Little Astros...<div style="text-align: center;">The Mess Maker and the Noise Maker were invited to a birthday party today...at Minute Maid Park! What a fun time they had...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAMBmUgJ8Xg/Tc7dWnDdXrI/AAAAAAAACnE/xS7zhwRlLdA/s1600/photo1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAMBmUgJ8Xg/Tc7dWnDdXrI/AAAAAAAACnE/xS7zhwRlLdA/s200/photo1a.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKM1rEWaAc/Tc7dcufbE5I/AAAAAAAACnI/2iLIRgPGQSQ/s1600/photo7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKM1rEWaAc/Tc7dcufbE5I/AAAAAAAACnI/2iLIRgPGQSQ/s200/photo7a.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They both sported their new Astros gear!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAnY0FEViIo/Tc7d6GuQLOI/AAAAAAAACnQ/QsT5nwRLDfI/s1600/photo3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAnY0FEViIo/Tc7d6GuQLOI/AAAAAAAACnQ/QsT5nwRLDfI/s200/photo3a.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRYXVLItMuI/Tc7d1gtH3EI/AAAAAAAACnM/jIfq2FGRG5E/s1600/photo4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRYXVLItMuI/Tc7d1gtH3EI/AAAAAAAACnM/jIfq2FGRG5E/s200/photo4a.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We got a tour of the facility (WOW!) and even got to go down to the field, where the kiddos were able to say hi to some of the players...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYBuxtKltCc/Tc7eJb4u_-I/AAAAAAAACnU/s877ngVwbsY/s1600/photo13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYBuxtKltCc/Tc7eJb4u_-I/AAAAAAAACnU/s877ngVwbsY/s320/photo13a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfneXm8E-H8/Tc7eekNCEyI/AAAAAAAACnc/Wp3vtiJublg/s1600/photo12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfneXm8E-H8/Tc7eekNCEyI/AAAAAAAACnc/Wp3vtiJublg/s200/photo12a.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKSPEbha3w/Tc7eYhQ6nEI/AAAAAAAACnY/PYlqpjf3rDw/s1600/photo11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKSPEbha3w/Tc7eYhQ6nEI/AAAAAAAACnY/PYlqpjf3rDw/s200/photo11a.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Such a fun time...the Mess Maker is super-excited about going to see a real ball game now! She might just be a softball player in the making...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8giy1DWkdM/Tc7ezGHq_gI/AAAAAAAACng/ALu7KDG4S7g/s1600/photo14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8giy1DWkdM/Tc7ezGHq_gI/AAAAAAAACng/ALu7KDG4S7g/s320/photo14a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-83129432146901861582011-05-09T21:05:00.000-05:002011-05-09T21:05:51.494-05:00Famiyl Game Night!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOFl78j7aAw/TcibpLdCdPI/AAAAAAAACms/zxhRZJJXUyQ/s1600/IMG_6326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOFl78j7aAw/TcibpLdCdPI/AAAAAAAACms/zxhRZJJXUyQ/s320/IMG_6326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We recently started "Game Night" at our house and the kids (all three of them... J/K Honey!) love it...can you tell?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">About 10 years ago I was working in the San Diego public schools as a speech pathologist. I was staffed at one of the schools by an outside therapy staffing agency and was given NO materials. So, I went to Goodwill and picked up anything I could find that might keep the kids' interest, including this game:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEob6Wpwy3s/TcicKMztHyI/AAAAAAAACmw/IqaJL8ikNcc/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEob6Wpwy3s/TcicKMztHyI/AAAAAAAACmw/IqaJL8ikNcc/s320/IMG_6332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never seen it on a store shelf, so I don't know if it's still available...but it's awesome! The kids can play over and over and over and never get tired of it. I don't have the directions, but when we play, we just try and place all the food cards down on the board before the ants pop out of the picnic basket...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTBkGaHyxI/Tcicf9_VSBI/AAAAAAAACm0/y8-rtI0L5m0/s1600/IMG_6320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTBkGaHyxI/Tcicf9_VSBI/AAAAAAAACm0/y8-rtI0L5m0/s320/IMG_6320.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEUTmrSQBwA/TcicmLklY7I/AAAAAAAACm4/vvy_AFOMsw0/s1600/IMG_6316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEUTmrSQBwA/TcicmLklY7I/AAAAAAAACm4/vvy_AFOMsw0/s320/IMG_6316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the ants pop out, it's hysterical laughing from both of them!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qq-GS-78rg8/TcicwZUhVNI/AAAAAAAACm8/pOvC1-qRygk/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qq-GS-78rg8/TcicwZUhVNI/AAAAAAAACm8/pOvC1-qRygk/s320/IMG_6331.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my friends told me the first photo looked like a Milton Bradley ad...um, MB if you're listening, I'm totally up for being paid!!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-31439269439615363392011-05-04T19:42:00.000-05:002011-05-04T19:42:08.653-05:00Teacher Appreciation: Thank You For Helping Us Bloom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIAALmdynKA/TcHvU5A9P-I/AAAAAAAACmg/oyjPrwEhubs/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIAALmdynKA/TcHvU5A9P-I/AAAAAAAACmg/oyjPrwEhubs/s320/IMG_6303.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's National Teacher Appreciation Week, and although the Mess Maker's preschool doesn't really "celebrate" the occasion (which I think is a travesty!), I wanted to do something for the teachers to let them know how appreciated they are!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The idea for this plant stake came from an original design by "Dimple Prints" <a href="http://www.dimpleprints.com/?p=1119"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. I designed a similar sentiment in Word, and then punched it out with a circle punch. I added a green and white circle mat (Cricut: George cartridge), and then a yellow scalloped circle (Cricut: Storybook cartridge) for the flower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdRs-Nne_U8/TcHwDRlnbAI/AAAAAAAACmk/56DFsnMkJRE/s1600/IMG_6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdRs-Nne_U8/TcHwDRlnbAI/AAAAAAAACmk/56DFsnMkJRE/s320/IMG_6307.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center">I attached the flower to a wooden skewer. But I wanted to make sure the teachers knew it was from the entire class, so I decided to add each child's name to a leaf (Cricut: Doodlecharms cartridge). The leaves were cut at 3/4", and then I ran them through my printer to print the names on them. I have a tutorial <strong><a href="http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2010/05/fccb-scrappin-saturday-feature-printing.html">HERE</a></strong> on how to do this if you're interested!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbUj4gTPo1U/TcHwwtJos1I/AAAAAAAACmo/8PwPS2MN8hw/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbUj4gTPo1U/TcHwwtJos1I/AAAAAAAACmo/8PwPS2MN8hw/s320/IMG_6301.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center">I hot glued the leaves to the skewer and added a narrow green ribbon. Mrs. S gets a green Hydrangea plant because green is her favorite color, and Mrs. T gets a Gardenia plant because that's her favorite flower. :)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">To all of the wonderful teachers out there who educate, nuture, entertain, shape and encourage our children...</div><div align="center"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>THANK YOU!!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-25828684475151334562011-05-03T21:02:00.001-05:002011-05-03T21:05:44.589-05:00My Cut Search...Cricut Cut Search!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mycutsearch.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Generated image" src="http://www.mycutsearch.com/images/MyCutSearchButton.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="MyCutSearch.com" /></a><br />
<br />
Ever heard of "My Cut Search"??? I hadn't until Kate over at <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/">Fantabulous Cricut</a> shared it with us today for her FCCB Quick Tip Tuesday. It's an amazing time saver!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">If you need to cut a specific Cricut cut/image, but can't remember what cartridges that cut might be on...this is your new best friend! It happens to me ALL the time, especially now that my cartridge stash is growing. Rather than pulling out reference sheets or searching in DS,<strong><a href="http://mycutsearch.com/"> My Cut Search</a></strong> allows you to type in the cut you want and a super-quick search engine pulls up any cartridge containing the cut searched for, along with page number and button/key on the overlay!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Cool, huh? Go check it out...you won't be sorry!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Kate is providing another tip regarding My Cut Search next Tuesday, so head over to FCCB next Tuesday to check it out. Thanks for this awesome tip, Kate!!! :)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-38196084170552480812011-04-28T14:49:00.002-05:002011-04-28T14:53:30.075-05:00Photo TV Choice Board<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOEQ68HJz8M/TbnDGR5AyYI/AAAAAAAACmY/BMVppbFoxDI/s1600/IMG_6297a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOEQ68HJz8M/TbnDGR5AyYI/AAAAAAAACmY/BMVppbFoxDI/s320/IMG_6297a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">I'll admit it...my kids watch entirely too much TV. Until today, that is!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">When I was a practicing speech pathologist, I made choice boards and picture communication boards for many of my students. Since these devices work for children who can't verbally express themselves, I figured, "why not use one with The Noise Maker?" (who screams in frustration when I don't understand which show he wants to watch)...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">How would this help cut back on TV-watching you might ask? Because each kiddo will get to choose ONE show to watch in the morning, instead of me just turning on the TV and letting it play. When their two shows are over, so is TV time.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Choice boards are very visual things...and my kids (as are most at this age) are VERY visual! These can work for almost anything...snack time, play time/toys, television, and even basic wants/needs for the non-verbal child.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Supplies needed:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">1. Old cookie sheet or other magnetic surface</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q07iK68zM8Y/TbnCAVRYhUI/AAAAAAAACmE/POcd4IClYNQ/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q07iK68zM8Y/TbnCAVRYhUI/AAAAAAAACmE/POcd4IClYNQ/s320/IMG_6293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">2. Magnetic Tape (I got mine at Hobby Lobby)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r25ZuCOd9vM/TbnCT7bEWUI/AAAAAAAACmI/zlR9iG-wpNk/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r25ZuCOd9vM/TbnCT7bEWUI/AAAAAAAACmI/zlR9iG-wpNk/s320/IMG_6294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">3. Photos of desired shows (or foods, toys, etc.)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqHssHAjY8s/TbnCcUNP4dI/AAAAAAAACmM/oUJkZEIn7cM/s1600/IMG_6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqHssHAjY8s/TbnCcUNP4dI/AAAAAAAACmM/oUJkZEIn7cM/s320/IMG_6295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">I printed these photos from Google Images, adhered them to carstock for durability, and then laminated them.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">All you have to do is tear a piece of magnetic tape and adhere it to the back of each photo:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRTlJa_Tp18/TbnCuALkXcI/AAAAAAAACmQ/ZVTP43vgiv0/s1600/IMG_6296a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRTlJa_Tp18/TbnCuALkXcI/AAAAAAAACmQ/ZVTP43vgiv0/s320/IMG_6296a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Then place the photos on a cookie sheet and either attach to refrigerator with heavy duty magnets, or place in a drawer to store.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOEQ68HJz8M/TbnDGR5AyYI/AAAAAAAACmY/BMVppbFoxDI/s1600/IMG_6297a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOEQ68HJz8M/TbnDGR5AyYI/AAAAAAAACmY/BMVppbFoxDI/s320/IMG_6297a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I plan to keep mine in a drawer so that I can use the back of it to store photos of more shows:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hfjD-rH8Vg/TbnDCE3ROwI/AAAAAAAACmU/pI5btTEeI2g/s1600/IMG_6298a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hfjD-rH8Vg/TbnDCE3ROwI/AAAAAAAACmU/pI5btTEeI2g/s320/IMG_6298a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">To use, ask the child which show they want to watch and allow them to pull off the photo of the show, eliminating the need for a verbal response to communicate the need/want. The words will eventually come, but until then...no more screaming when I don't understand the Noise Maker's requests....AND I can easily teach moderation of TV viewing at the same time!<br />
<br />
TA-DA!!! :)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-82295125152920800252011-04-25T20:49:00.000-05:002011-04-25T20:49:23.926-05:00Happy Birthday Banner Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5PUTNdKib8/TbYjrIqubbI/AAAAAAAACl8/It5lhcYDhQw/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5PUTNdKib8/TbYjrIqubbI/AAAAAAAACl8/It5lhcYDhQw/s320/IMG_6292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inspiration for this card came from one in Paper Crafts Magazine (Jan/Feb 2011) <strong><a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/articles/Time_to_Celebrate_Card">HERE</a></strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdX_bw_7eic/TbYkDtn14aI/AAAAAAAACmA/KneWgNfd8II/s1600/Jan-Feb2011-C1ew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdX_bw_7eic/TbYkDtn14aI/AAAAAAAACmA/KneWgNfd8II/s200/Jan-Feb2011-C1ew.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used my Cricut and the George and Basic Shapes cartridge to make the banner, and the Accent Essentials cartridge to make the frame for the sentiment. The sentiment is a stamp set from CTMH (Card Chatter-Birthday).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for looking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-24365902355552533612011-04-25T20:39:00.001-05:002011-04-25T20:40:24.411-05:00Lollipop Card...How "Sweet"!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZe3vqSKDaw/TbYhCNeEDPI/AAAAAAAACl4/YgL-8mft6rQ/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZe3vqSKDaw/TbYhCNeEDPI/AAAAAAAACl4/YgL-8mft6rQ/s320/IMG_6291.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isn't this is sweetest card you've ever seen??? My sweet friend Robin over at <strong><a href="http://robinscreativecottage.blogspot.com/">Robin's Creative Cottage</a></strong> sent this to me and I just LOVE it...THANK YOU Robin! If you want details on how Robin make this adorable card, you can check out the info and video tutorial on her blog <strong><u><a href="http://robinscreativecottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/lolli-pop-shape-card-with-video.html">HERE</a></u></strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Robin is the creator of <strong><a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/">Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog (FCCB)...</a></strong>if you haven't already, please stop by and take a look at the amazing talent and inspiration over there! From weekly challenges, tips and tutorials to cartridge highlights and scrapbooking articles, you're sure to find something new and exciting to fuel your creative juices!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THANK YOU Robin...you're the "sweetest"!!!! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-74602799873362023252011-04-25T16:56:00.000-05:002011-04-25T16:56:08.864-05:00Amazing Bluebirds...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIjMxIUPKZI/TbXsuXZQ9ZI/AAAAAAAAClk/MSqc0tDgQmY/s1600/IMG_6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIjMxIUPKZI/TbXsuXZQ9ZI/AAAAAAAAClk/MSqc0tDgQmY/s320/IMG_6229.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Growing up, we called Blue Jays "bluebirds". It wasn't until I moved to Texas that I actually saw a true Blue Bird. How amazingly gorgeous they are! My dad told me to put up a special "Blue Bird box" (got ours at Lowe's) and they'd nest in our yard. And they did. They eat bugs which I LOVE, so we now have three boxes spread out over the yard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year, we added one over the back patio, mounted to the house. I wasn't sure they'd nest in it, but they did...we've been patiently waiting and we now have baby Blue Birds to enjoy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spvtdcWH_Uc/TbXtV6gupdI/AAAAAAAAClo/rJqktm3cskg/s1600/IMG_6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spvtdcWH_Uc/TbXtV6gupdI/AAAAAAAAClo/rJqktm3cskg/s320/IMG_6223.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t24UGMAS1Gs/TbXtaEFeoCI/AAAAAAAACls/EI98OHrL-x4/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t24UGMAS1Gs/TbXtaEFeoCI/AAAAAAAACls/EI98OHrL-x4/s320/IMG_6243.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OE4tGejj4HA/TbXteFfL6sI/AAAAAAAAClw/B_u37enmavA/s1600/IMG_6250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OE4tGejj4HA/TbXteFfL6sI/AAAAAAAAClw/B_u37enmavA/s320/IMG_6250.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvybcxWUJ8g/TbXthYWmTjI/AAAAAAAACl0/fH0uGtsslOk/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvybcxWUJ8g/TbXthYWmTjI/AAAAAAAACl0/fH0uGtsslOk/s320/IMG_6245.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Truly amazing, aren't they? Can't wait to see the little ones start flying and eating up those Texas-sized bugs! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-3428293345253948592011-04-25T16:36:00.000-05:002011-04-25T16:36:29.757-05:00Easter 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBsSi-l4DA/TbXoCLvU0LI/AAAAAAAAClU/KTAqSPAuAic/s1600/IMG_6089a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBsSi-l4DA/TbXoCLvU0LI/AAAAAAAAClU/KTAqSPAuAic/s320/IMG_6089a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, how I love Easter! For the obvious reasons...but also because I get to watch my children participate in the same traditions I did as a kid, and it's fun remembering back to when I was a kid! I think the kids are a little young to fully understand the true meaning of Easter, but The Mess Maker is starting to grasp a little.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The highlight this year was getting to dye Easter eggs! This was the first year we dyed eggs...we'd done the plastic ones before. But I wanted to start the tradition we had as kids and dye real eggs, so we did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIvSDOVqqgk/TbXos2gGiuI/AAAAAAAAClY/dlG_EwDkMc4/s1600/IMG_6081a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIvSDOVqqgk/TbXos2gGiuI/AAAAAAAAClY/dlG_EwDkMc4/s320/IMG_6081a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">The Mess Maker had a ball! We waited until the Noise Maker went to bed, so that we could let Katie have her first dying experience without any drama. :) </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The "Easter Bunny" hid the eggs and the kiddos found them in recod time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Leq3U7H39RI/TbXpEFqFclI/AAAAAAAAClc/HN2IhhTIRnk/s1600/IMG_6180a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Leq3U7H39RI/TbXpEFqFclI/AAAAAAAAClc/HN2IhhTIRnk/s320/IMG_6180a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tgujp63RB30/TbXpHWmxRJI/AAAAAAAAClg/Uz6ulepZDQw/s1600/IMG_6122a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tgujp63RB30/TbXpHWmxRJI/AAAAAAAAClg/Uz6ulepZDQw/s320/IMG_6122a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "Easter Bunny" carefully accounted for all eggs upon hiding and we still managed to lose one! Oh well...hopefully it fed some little critter in the middle of the night last night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Easter everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597566223551768482.post-4330027332824006392011-04-18T11:27:00.000-05:002011-04-18T11:27:21.667-05:00Lots O' Layouts!<div align="center">I've been to two weekend-long scrapbooking retreats in the past several months and I actually almost completed the Noise Maker's baby scrapbook during those two weekends (only two pages away!). </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here are the one-page layouts I've done:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">"Laugh...It's Contagious"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26WrHap1sJQ/TaxgqyGhMkI/AAAAAAAACjY/3a134sbOFDE/s1600/IMG_6045a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26WrHap1sJQ/TaxgqyGhMkI/AAAAAAAACjY/3a134sbOFDE/s320/IMG_6045a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Bumbo Buddies"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYMBFz9WZIE/TaxgzqA21BI/AAAAAAAACjc/YuTx4bHusq8/s1600/IMG_6046a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYMBFz9WZIE/TaxgzqA21BI/AAAAAAAACjc/YuTx4bHusq8/s320/IMG_6046a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Splish Splash"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQGqPf3cuDg/Taxg6uLfGnI/AAAAAAAACjg/_qo1YpKNQtE/s1600/IMG_6047a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQGqPf3cuDg/Taxg6uLfGnI/AAAAAAAACjg/_qo1YpKNQtE/s320/IMG_6047a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Learning To Walk"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yufcKs9-pQ4/TaxhB0lyYJI/AAAAAAAACjk/DQcBjQf8G6Y/s1600/IMG_6048a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yufcKs9-pQ4/TaxhB0lyYJI/AAAAAAAACjk/DQcBjQf8G6Y/s320/IMG_6048a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"1st Hair Cut"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPePB9rNKd4/TaxhI0j9btI/AAAAAAAACjo/ubJBuqvwUh0/s1600/IMG_6051a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPePB9rNKd4/TaxhI0j9btI/AAAAAAAACjo/ubJBuqvwUh0/s320/IMG_6051a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"So Happy"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKunxdOY1OU/TaxhOhhg0wI/AAAAAAAACjs/-PE4Xnvu5mQ/s1600/IMG_6052a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKunxdOY1OU/TaxhOhhg0wI/AAAAAAAACjs/-PE4Xnvu5mQ/s320/IMG_6052a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"My Little Monkey"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1F0fNTRgx6k/TaxiFVFMucI/AAAAAAAACjw/JHm2EiznO2Y/s1600/IMG_6053a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1F0fNTRgx6k/TaxiFVFMucI/AAAAAAAACjw/JHm2EiznO2Y/s320/IMG_6053a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"All Boy"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4K9aPLtDoL0/TaxiNd4ziSI/AAAAAAAACj0/sQDdWJcBKG4/s1600/IMG_6055a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4K9aPLtDoL0/TaxiNd4ziSI/AAAAAAAACj0/sQDdWJcBKG4/s320/IMG_6055a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"8 Months"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwUjSda-bfo/TaxiTmxWOYI/AAAAAAAACj4/asU-fotkSmk/s1600/IMG_6056a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwUjSda-bfo/TaxiTmxWOYI/AAAAAAAACj4/asU-fotkSmk/s320/IMG_6056a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Gone Bananas"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqBXXJZ4qF8/TaxidPwhQkI/AAAAAAAACj8/th9XtboI2nw/s1600/IMG_6057a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqBXXJZ4qF8/TaxidPwhQkI/AAAAAAAACj8/th9XtboI2nw/s320/IMG_6057a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Siesta Key Beach"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEBFPv1Jjq8/TaxijQWFKLI/AAAAAAAACkA/mjGjetIC-nk/s1600/IMG_6058a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEBFPv1Jjq8/TaxijQWFKLI/AAAAAAAACkA/mjGjetIC-nk/s320/IMG_6058a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Happy New Year"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGEwzWKOWA/TaxiqQnsPpI/AAAAAAAACkE/0nZbCx9EeT0/s1600/IMG_6060a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGEwzWKOWA/TaxiqQnsPpI/AAAAAAAACkE/0nZbCx9EeT0/s320/IMG_6060a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Dino Baby"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8mhwiILbJg/Taxivkb1ReI/AAAAAAAACkI/k34N_9gscic/s1600/IMG_6061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8mhwiILbJg/Taxivkb1ReI/AAAAAAAACkI/k34N_9gscic/s320/IMG_6061a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"First Trip"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Di1cEhdeNI/Taxi0TjztCI/AAAAAAAACkM/BN3br9xZ3Hs/s1600/IMG_6063a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Di1cEhdeNI/Taxi0TjztCI/AAAAAAAACkM/BN3br9xZ3Hs/s320/IMG_6063a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Summertime"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQigJuRkznQ/Taxi7BbGHBI/AAAAAAAACkQ/aqNdiblFHc4/s1600/IMG_6064a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQigJuRkznQ/Taxi7BbGHBI/AAAAAAAACkQ/aqNdiblFHc4/s320/IMG_6064a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"The Poop Face"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJdJiG1CM1w/TaxjCG0mEGI/AAAAAAAACkU/y2VYUF1UXVU/s1600/IMG_6065a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJdJiG1CM1w/TaxjCG0mEGI/AAAAAAAACkU/y2VYUF1UXVU/s320/IMG_6065a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Happy Father's Day...NOT!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyTy1pYfOBM/TaxjIYqco5I/AAAAAAAACkY/_zqCDS1HrzI/s1600/IMG_6066a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyTy1pYfOBM/TaxjIYqco5I/AAAAAAAACkY/_zqCDS1HrzI/s320/IMG_6066a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Daddy...You Hung The Stars"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu6JjSt9rxY/TaxjZSvmy-I/AAAAAAAACkc/Gy8mIw215DY/s1600/IMG_6067a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu6JjSt9rxY/TaxjZSvmy-I/AAAAAAAACkc/Gy8mIw215DY/s320/IMG_6067a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Great Expectations"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg95zlb4P1k/TaxjpkNjMgI/AAAAAAAACkg/lrwP0FTS7Jk/s1600/IMG_6069a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg95zlb4P1k/TaxjpkNjMgI/AAAAAAAACkg/lrwP0FTS7Jk/s320/IMG_6069a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Baby Cakes"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yb8-uu5e-I/TaxjwCJixAI/AAAAAAAACkk/LG0LJTcpB2E/s1600/IMG_6070a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yb8-uu5e-I/TaxjwCJixAI/AAAAAAAACkk/LG0LJTcpB2E/s320/IMG_6070a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Sweet Dreams"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm7t4owPbtE/Taxj1wfCoEI/AAAAAAAACko/7WKo0uzPH2E/s1600/IMG_6071a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm7t4owPbtE/Taxj1wfCoEI/AAAAAAAACko/7WKo0uzPH2E/s320/IMG_6071a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">" I (heart) You"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNas8-IYh_M/Taxj-BBASvI/AAAAAAAACks/hFHjtqWL1GA/s1600/IMG_6072a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNas8-IYh_M/Taxj-BBASvI/AAAAAAAACks/hFHjtqWL1GA/s320/IMG_6072a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few of these have been inspired by some I've seen in magazines and online ("Happy New Year", "8 Months", "So Happy"), but most are my own! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are my 2-page layouts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Who Loves You...Sissy Does"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hi81Dsf_SeU/Taxk_l85FzI/AAAAAAAACkw/WGmjU6BNIWs/s1600/IMG_6049a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hi81Dsf_SeU/Taxk_l85FzI/AAAAAAAACkw/WGmjU6BNIWs/s320/IMG_6049a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Happy Birthday Monkey"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JF3T0fdPnQ/TaxlGmPz14I/AAAAAAAACk0/f1fxTnOsXlc/s1600/IMG_6054a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JF3T0fdPnQ/TaxlGmPz14I/AAAAAAAACk0/f1fxTnOsXlc/s320/IMG_6054a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Grandparents"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4hrVgQN9ew/TaxlNDiGOTI/AAAAAAAACk4/dd30yKFgKQI/s1600/IMG_6059a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4hrVgQN9ew/TaxlNDiGOTI/AAAAAAAACk4/dd30yKFgKQI/s320/IMG_6059a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Family"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KL91iZkq-hM/TaxlS8UGmEI/AAAAAAAACk8/VQQPRBkQvKs/s1600/IMG_6062a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KL91iZkq-hM/TaxlS8UGmEI/AAAAAAAACk8/VQQPRBkQvKs/s320/IMG_6062a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is my "Flip Flap" layout:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Baptism"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OOFxkF-BWE/TaxlsYGPOpI/AAAAAAAAClE/Oxp5W78Ffwo/s1600/IMG_6073a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OOFxkF-BWE/TaxlsYGPOpI/AAAAAAAAClE/Oxp5W78Ffwo/s320/IMG_6073a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bottom photo is actually the front "page" of a series of photos, attached to page with CTMH's Flip Flaps...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmgXyE1nHSE/Taxl4v8Dd4I/AAAAAAAAClI/1SYh8MvOq_A/s1600/IMG_6074a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmgXyE1nHSE/Taxl4v8Dd4I/AAAAAAAAClI/1SYh8MvOq_A/s320/IMG_6074a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Journaling is hidden behind! All I have to do is cut a slit in my page protector, and you can flip through the photos while it's in the album...cool, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for looking! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/270/9872A99BD2467DA8769C3E8CC73AB5C6.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a></div>Lori (THCEO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16636603103006856928noreply@blogger.com12