Dawn Knapp

Livvy

2011-11-11T16:06:00.002-05:00

My sweet Olivia...

Just sayin.

Freebie - Cool Yule Digital Paper Pack

2011-11-08T14:18:00.003-05:00

Hey peeps! Since my last paper pack freebie was a success, here's another for you! Download here. Please leave a comment if you do. Enjoy.

New Tags and Gift Card Holders

2011-10-27T11:35:00.007-04:00

I just added some new gift card holders and tags in my etsy store. Christmas will be here before you know it! I just love these little Mistletoe Mice! I used Mistletoe and Mice Stamp by Gillian Roberts; Nestabilities Die Cut Labels #17; copic markers; distress ink; and stickles on her shirt and to create the snow.

Be back soon with a new digital paper pack freebie!

Autumn Digi Paper Pack Freebie

2011-10-05T12:35:00.003-04:00

Fall is my favorite season, so I thought I'd share a digi paper pack for you all lovely people. You can use these papers for any personal or commercial projects. Hope you enjoy.

Please leave a comment if you download, just so I know I'm not talking to myself (I do that alot).

Download here.

More Tags!

2011-10-03T20:18:00.000-04:00

I'm on a tag kick these days! Here are few more Halloween ones I created.

I opened up a new Etsy store as well "Dawnie Chelle Designs". Michelle is my middle name so my friends have called me Dawnie Chelle ever since I can remember...thought it would be a cute store name. I still have my Memory Lane Studios store for the invitations/digital paper packs/announcements. I wanted a separate store for just the paper craft items. Go have a look see!

I also started on some Christmas tags as well (stop rolling your eyes!). It will be here before you know it.

Have a great week peeps!

Halloween Tags

2011-09-26T10:53:00.002-04:00

Hey all. I again am the blogger slacker, but in my defense I had good reason to be a slacker. I lost my dad on September 14th. It has just been the absolute hardest thing I've ever gone through. He was diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of last month and deteriorated quickly. I saw him on the 13th after I got off of work, and I'm so glad I did. I got a chance to tell him that I loved him and I got to hear him say that he loved me, one last time. On the morning of the 14th my brother called me at work saying dad wasn't doing well and that I should come see him. When I got to my mom and dad's house, the hospice nurse was there and they were giving him morphine for the pain. Needless to say, he was out of it but I knew he knew we were there. Both my brothers, my mom and myself were right by his side when he took his last breath later that day. It is something I will never forget for as long as I live. The following few days were just as awful making the funeral arrangements. At the funeral last Monday the most heartbreaking thing I'd ever witnessed was watching my mom say goodbye to my dad. They had been married for 47 years and together for 51 years. They were inseparable...always together....never argued....and not a day went by that my dad didn't tell my mom I love you. Actually, it was "Love ya honey-love". He was such a great dad, I'll miss him every day for the rest of my life.

Ok, so to get my mind off things for a little while, I made some halloween tags for my etsy store. I absolutely love the stamps from Waltzing Mouse. These are from the Midnight Feast set.

I used Nestabilities Labels No. 14 diecuts in my Cuttlebug; distress inks; Memento black tuxedo ink; and dark red ribbon. I have these same tags tied around mason jars filled with candy around my house! I love the way they turned out.

I used Nestabilities Labels No. 17 diecuts in my Cuttlebug; distress inks; Memento black tuxedo ink, and black ribbon. I think they would look cool tied around wine or soda bottles.

I've got a bunch more Halloween tags I want to make, then it's on to Christmas! I bought some great Christmas stamps at Waltzing Mouse and stamps that compliment the Nestabilites Label diecuts and I cannot wait to get into those. I'll share pics soon. Have a loverly week my friends.

Digi Papers

2011-08-24T10:23:00.008-04:00

It's been a while! This summer has had me busy with getting our house ready to put up for sale, work, kids, Olivia's 2nd b-day party and taking a couple little mini vacations with the family that I just haven't done much craftyness. But, I did manage to create a few new digital paper packs that are for sale in my ets y shop. Hope you find something you like!

I bought myself a be-lated birthday present and I'm so excited! I finally will be the proud owner of a Cuttlebug. I also splurged on some Nestabilities. They are suppose to be delivered to me today and I cannot wait to break that baby in! I have alot of Halloween projects that I'd like to do and put up in my etsy store, so stay tuned. Hopefully it won't be another four months before I post again! TTFN!

Pretty in Pink

2011-04-30T14:25:00.005-04:00

I finally got a chance to make a card. I colored this about a week ago but haven't had any time to put together a card. Today was the first day in about a week it's not raining and we actually have some sunshine. While hubby was outside rolling the yard, the girls couldn't wait to get outside and play. So as soon as I put Olivia down for a nap, I ran to my craft desk! Peace and quiet for about an hour!! Well, not really peaceful as I had MY music cranked. Usually the music around the house anymore is Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush or Taylor Swift...ugh!

Anyway, here's my card. I'm entering it into the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge and Mo's "Pink and Girly" Challenge

Hubby and I are going to a reverse raffle tonight. Wish us luck...would be nice to win something!

Cards for Twins

2011-04-16T22:17:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow we are heading to a twins 1st birthday party so I decided to make the cards myself. I'm no expert by any means and I'm still learning, but I think they came out dang cute. Both images are digi stamps from Mo Manning. I'm even going to be brave enough to enter them into the DP2 Challenge "Something New". I suppose a 1st birthday is new, huh?!

3 cards in two days...I'm on a roll peeps!

Ladybug Tilda

2011-04-15T20:43:00.010-04:00

Here's the latest card I've made. Isn't this stamp the cutest? It's from Magnolia Stamps from the Raising The Ceiling Collection - Ladybug Tilda.

Being new to card making, I'm finding that I'm having the hardest time coordinating papers. Is it just me?! Well, I just went online and ordered a buttload of more paper so hopefully I'll have an easier time. I also bought quite a few new digi stamps, so now I just need to find the time to get to play! Along with having a full time job, hubby has full time job and is also working on his master's degree; and throw in twin 6 year olds, a 20 month old; and trying to get our house in shape to put back up on the market to sell..its amazing I find the time for anything else but sleep! I'm sure there are plenty of you who feel my pain! =)

Be back soon! Hugs!

Friday Favorite

2011-04-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

This weeks Friday Favorite is the trailer for the movie Bull Durham. Absolutely love this movie and so started my infatuation with Kevin Costner. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend! Enjoy.

On a crafty note, I haven't had much time for crafting this week, but I did manage to crank out one card. I'll post later today.

TTFN!

Friday Favorite

2011-04-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

I saw on someone else's blog that every Friday they post a favorite song, video, movie trailer, tv show clip, etc. I thought it was kind of cool so I'm gonna do that too! My first "Friday Favorite" is a video from Bon Jovi. I absolutely love this song and this video. I've had a crush on this guy since I was 17 yrs. old. It's pretty pathetic, but what's a girl to do? He's just the perfect guy, in my opinion of course. I've never met the man, but in 2000 I got tired of waiting around for him, so I went ahead and got married to someone else. That'll show him, right?! For some reason though, I just don't think he loves me as much as I love him... Have a groovy weekend peeps!

Just Bee-cause

2011-04-04T20:52:00.008-04:00

When I saw this little bee bear, I had to have it. It's a digi stamp at The Paper Shelter. I have no idea how I stumbled across this store, but they have some super cute stamps. Go check 'em out! So here's my card:

I had to add some Stardust Stickles on his wings because I have Stickle OCD and I can't stop! I'm still trying to get the hang of card making. For me, it's alot harder than it looks! I'm still practicing hard with my copics and I'm finding out that the quality of paper is the key.

"Bee" back soon with another card. A new Magnolia arrived in my mailbox today and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Have a great week! =)

Attitude!

2011-03-30T22:24:00.005-04:00

I made my first card! Not the best, but I had fun putting it together. The image is from Mo Manning called "Two Jill". I instantly fell in love with her. How cute is she?! Having 3 little girls myself, I get this attitude ALOT! I'm not sure who the paper is by...I just yanked some from my stash.

Copic Practicing

2011-03-29T21:24:00.012-04:00

So I've been practicing with my copics and I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. I ordered a bunch more colors so I had more choices for shading. My advice to anyone who is thinking of purchasing some markers...don't buy the sets. Do some research as to which colors go together and build from there. My husband bought me a set for Christmas and even though I have 36 markers, I had to buy more individual markers to be able to blend. Anyway, here's a digi stamp I colored today:

I wanted to make this into a card, but I printed the stamp way too big and it won't fit on a card! Guess I should have measured before I spent an hour and a half coloring! Live and learn I suppose.

Here are the markers I used:

On the homefront....we had the Rockstar b-day party for the girls on Saturday and it was a success. The kids (and adults) had a great time. I actually came down with the flu last Wednesday and it turned into strep throat and bronchitis. I was so miserable at the party, but the show must go on! I'm feeling much better, but poor hubby came down with it today! I just pray the girls and the baby doesn't come down with it. Here are a few pics from the party:

Back Again!

2011-03-17T20:29:00.007-04:00

It's been a few months, but I lost my blogging mojo somewhere along the way. I finally have it back so here I am. Ashley and Emily are turning 6 next week and they wanted a Rockstar themed party so I've been busy creating table centerpieces and stuff for the kids. Along with the family and friends, the girls each got to invite two friends from their class. There will be around 30 people there and 13 of them will be kids. I'm stocking up on the Tylenol. Wish me luck.

Here are the centerpieces for the tables. I made 8 of these. The black little buckets are from Oriental Trading; I cut the stars and scallop circles on my Cricut; made the designs in paint shop pro, printed them out, punched out and added some stickles for a little bling.I made each of the kids backstage passes. I really love how they turned out. This is the front and back.

We're also going to have a tattoo booth, face painting and colored spray for their hair. We're also setting up the Wii so the kids can get their groove on with Just Dance. I think the kids will enjoy it.

And after the party, while the kiddies are heading to bed....I've gathered a bunch of the girls to hit the bars! All the guys get the honor of staying home while we have some fun. It's been so long since I've had a girls night out, I cannot wait. I plan on bringing my camera so THAT should be interesting. Every one of these girls hate when I point a camera in their direction....it's amazing how a few drinks change all that.

I've also been practicing with my copics. Hubby got me a set for Christmas and I LOVE them!! Here's one I thought came out kinda cute.
I've got alot to learn yet, but I'm having fun practicing. After the party is over, I'm going to start making cards and entering some challenges.

Talk to ya soon! =)

Silhouette Giveaway!

2010-11-22T10:19:00.003-05:00

Tatertots and Jello is giving away a Silhouette! Hop on over there to get in on it! I want one so bad!! =)

Craft Show Tags

2010-11-11T10:13:00.008-05:00

I'm doing my very first craft fair next month and I'm creating like crazy! I'm mostly going to sell gift bags, tags, post-it holders, journals, snowman poop treat bags, jumbo paperclip bookmarks, etc. Here are a few of the tags I've created so far.
Can you tell I've got a Stickle addiction?! I can't stop! I've also got these tags in my etsy store if anyone is interested. I'll post more soon.

The 3 Amigos

2010-10-26T14:34:00.000-04:00

Love this photo...had to share!

Copics

2010-10-22T10:30:00.003-04:00

I'm starting to get into stamping and card making and I'm thinking about taking the leap into buying Copics. I sooo want a set but they are so expensive! Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to get the cheapest ones? Also, what's the difference between Copic Sketch and Copic Ciao? I would like to maybe buy the set of 36 to start but have no clue which ones I should buy.

I'd appreciate any help! =)

Halloween Projects

2010-09-28T10:20:00.009-04:00

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year and Halloween is my second favorite holiday (Christmas is my favorite!). I created these fry box treat boxes for Emily to pass out to her classmates at their party. I had the template for the box and altered it using the Monster Mayhem scrapbook kit from Nitwit Collections. I also created some wrappers for the nugget candies. The printable template is available in my Etsy store if you'd like to make your own. I think they turned out super cute! I'm still working on Ashley's and will post as soon as they're done.
Here's a banner I made (also available in my store). I used my Cricut (Storybook and Plantin Schoolbook cartridges) to cut everything and the various ribbons are from Joanns. I put googly eyes on the spiders (from Dollar Tree).
Cupcake toppers are all the rage nowadays so I whipped up some Halloween ones. I used various cardstock and patterned paper and stamped the images.

That's it for now. Be back soon with more! =)

'Member Me?

2010-09-23T15:00:00.008-04:00

It's only been a year! I stopped blogging last year when I opened my Etsy store because it kept me so busy. But, I started missing my blogging friends so I decided to pop back in and see if anyone is still out there.

Just a quick update on things...Ashley and Emily started kindergarten this year and it went alot smoother than I thought. I was worried about Emily because she still had the separation issues and she has anxiety over anything she's not use to. They both did great getting on the bus and we met them at their school the first few day. Emily cried when it was time for us to leave, but after a few days she adjusted and loves it now. Ashley was excited about the whole thing and rocked it like a pro! As for me...I actually handled it alot better than I expected. I shed a few tears when the bus pulled away from our house, but I kept it together for the most part. Before I had kids I always wondered what the big deal was when I heard parents say how hard it was leaving their kids at school for the first time and how they just lost it. I now understand. Even though I knew they would be fine, I couldn't help but think that I was sending my kids off to strangers to watch out for them. It was a scary thought. But, they are doing great and even though it's only been about a month, they are already starting to read! I was completely floored. The only thing I remember about kindergarten is playing, snacks, and naps. Times have changed!! Here they are getting off the bus at school the first day.

Olivia turned one at the end of July. I cannot believe she's one already! She's just been a dream baby. She started sleeping through the night at 5 months and she's always got a smile on her face. Here's a photo of her at Ashley and Emily's birthday party back in March.
Here's another one of her from July.I'll be posting some of the projects I've been working on and things I'm adding to my Etsy store. Stop by and check it out (Memory Lane Studios). I started off creating customized photo invitations. A couple of months ago my hubby bought me a Cricut and I'm starting to expand into creating cupcake toppers, banners, favors, etc. Let me know if you need something and I'll be happy to do a custom listing for you.

Oh, I also changed the name of the blog to Tootlebug Creations. Tootlebug is my nickname for Olivia so there ya go. Please leave me a comment if you drop by so I know I'm not just talking to myself! =)

Do You Etsy?

2009-10-11T00:08:00.005-04:00

I finally do!! I opened my very own Etsy shop today called "Memory Lane Studios". I've been addicted to this site for a while now and I decided to give it a go myself. I've had alot of comments and emails from people who liked all my birthday invitations and birth announcements which I've made over the past couple of years, so I thought I'd open my own shop. Please visit me here. I'm working on a ton of stuff to be added to my store, so please check back often. I also do custom-made items so please email me and we'll work with you to create extactly what you need.

Headin' Back to Work

2009-10-01T16:24:00.008-04:00

Well, my maternity leave is over this week and I'm heading back to work on Monday. I think I'm ready. Being a stay-at-home-mom is WAY harder than working outside the house, let me tell you. But, it was fun spending time with my girls and watching them interact with the baby. They are such little mommies, always fussing with Olivia, making sure she's covered up, wanting to hold the bottle to feed her, kissing and hugging on her. They are constantly fighting over who gets to pick out her outfit for the day and what jammies she wears to bed.

Ashley and Emily started preschool last month and boy was that an ordeal. Emily was having some separation issues and just cried her eyes out the first day I dropped them off. It was awful. She's getting much better and even got an award from the teacher on Wednesday for "no tears at preschool today". She was so proud! We framed it and hung it up in her room. If you come over to my house for a visit, she'll immediately march you right up to her room to show it off. Ashley, on the other hand, walks into the classroom like she owns the joint and could care less if I'm there or not. I'm just so proud of both of them!

I've been a scrapping fool at night when everyone is sleeping. It's the only time I get to myself. So here are some that I've done.

Baby Layouts

2009-09-02T22:52:00.004-04:00

I finally had a chance to get back into scrapping so I thought I'd share them. Olivia is doing great...she's such a good baby. I told my husband that she's so good now, that she'll probably turn into a monster within the next couple of months! I hope not. I've certainly got my hands full with 2 four-year-olds and an infant. I've got another month before I head back to work and I'm thinkin' that it's going to be alot easier than staying home! I have a new found respect for stay at home moms. God love ya!

Ashley and Emily are starting preschool next week and I'm sure I'll be just a blubbering idiot dropping them off the first day. You'd think I'd be happy to have a couple hours for some peace but I'm going to miss the crap out of them.

I'll be back soon with more layouts.

Introducing Olivia

2009-08-21T21:14:00.002-04:00

Nursery

2009-07-25T12:43:00.011-04:00

Here are a few pictures of the nursery. I only got a few before my camera died. This room use to be the office, but it's now "baby-fied". We decided not to repaint the room. It's kind of a rosy-pinkish color so we decided to leave it. Doesn't match the bedding but I don't think she'll mind. Only 2 more weeks.....(thank God!!) I can't wait to see her!

We've decided on "Olivia Grace" as her name. This is over her crib. I got the letters from Walmart (or "Satan's Warehouse" as Shaunte calls it. *har*) I painted them then glued the butterflies on them. I ordered the butterflies from Oriental Trading. A friend of mine gave me this cute little hook. I won the mini album that's hanging from it from The Hybrid Chick.

That's all I got before the camera died. I doubt I'll be posting anything more until after the baby is born. Think of me on August 5th!

XOXO

Summer

2009-07-12T19:08:00.005-04:00

The girls insisted on playing in their kiddie pool today, so we drug it out for them. I think they're ready for a new pool! I couldn't resist a photo op tho.

On the pregnancy front....one more month to go!! I'm scheduled to deliver on August 5th. I cannot wait. I'm ready for this part to be over. I can barely move and my feet are screaming for mercy. Cankles are a good look, aren't they? And as for sleeping...well thats just a sweet memory. The nursery is almost ready; I'll try to post pictures soon.

XOXO

New Layout

2009-06-01T11:41:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to share a new layout I did with my Summertime kit. Scroll down to download. I love this picture of Ashley even though her hair is a little wazzed out. Is it me or does this child have the most beautiful brown eyes ever?! I may be a bit biased tho.

Have a great week! =)

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-28T15:18:00.003-04:00

I'm on a roll people. Hope you like the new freebie. Download here. Please leave me a comment if you do.

I've gotton a few emails asking how the pregnancy is going. Well, its going. I'm starting my third trimester and I feel like a house. Other than being extremely tired and having the Fred Sanford walk goin' on, I'm just ducky. Although I've got to go this weekend for my 3-hour glucose test. The one-hour test came back with my sugar a little high, so now I've got to do the three-hour deal. Nice. The baby is so active and getting strong. I can feel her rockin' and rollin' around, especially at night when I go to bed. The girls are getting more and more excited for the baby. They are constantly kissing my belly saying "I love you baby". And no, we still haven't agreed on a name yet. I'm up for any suggestions. Only three more months....

Summertime

2009-05-20T11:08:00.004-04:00

I finally found time to create another freebie. Hope you likey! Download here.

It's been crazy around here lately. We've all been battling a nasty case of the flu. Plus, Emily has been having "night terrors" lately and its awful! Anyone have a child who went through this? It's really scary, not to mention you don't sleep at all. She's been on antibiotics for an ear infection and it seems like that's when the terrors started. Last night was the first night in nine days I didn't give it to her and she didn't have an episode. Don't know if that had anything to do with it but, thank God!! Hopefully she won't have anymore.

XOXO

Just Got Back From Doctor's.....

2009-04-23T14:39:00.003-04:00

Easter Pics

2009-04-15T21:06:00.012-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter. Our's was great up until around 2am Monday when I woke up to a VERY upset stomach, which turned out to be food poisoning. I've never had it before and it was the worst experience of my entire life. I threw up every half hour, like clockwork, until 1pm the next afternoon. I couldn't even hold water down. It was awful. I'm all better now, thank God. My whole family has been dealing with colds and the flu for the past 3 weeks. So anyway, thought I'd share a few pics from Easter and a couple of new layouts I've done.

Still no word on the sex of the baby yet =( We tried at my last ultrasound but the baby was being shy and wouldn't show the goods. The doc said its looking "girl-ish" but couldn't tell for so we'll try again at the end of this month. This is pure torture for me! I need to know!

Some New Layouts

2009-03-16T19:49:00.006-04:00

Here's a few layouts I did just recently... (all kits by Kay Miller)

Baby Frame

2009-03-07T15:25:00.006-05:00

Here's a frame I just made for my ultrasound. I bought everything from Michaels except for the rub ons are from Melissa Frances. I tried to keep it neutral colors since I don't know whether its a boy or girl yet, but somehow it turned out looking more boyish. Everyone keeps telling me I'm having a boy and according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar (very scientific by the way) it says I'm having a boy. We'll find out for sure on the 26th. I can't wait. It's killing me not to shop!!

Fresh Air Freebie

2009-02-10T14:23:00.004-05:00

Here's another freebie I put together for ya. Download here. I think I'm slowly getting my scrapping mojo back. I hope you enjoy.

Nothing really new on the homefront to report. I'm feeling better but still extremely tired. My clothes are starting to get a little snug so I'm sure it won't be long until I have to bust out the maternity clothes.

The girls are turning 4 next month, so we are having another party for them (at their insistence). Ashley wants a Spiderman party and Emily wants a Spongebob party so we're doing both. If anyone has any quick and easy table centerpiece ideas, please email me or leave a comment. I'd appreciate it.

First Sight Freebie

2009-02-06T09:46:00.003-05:00

I finally finished another freebie! Hope you likey. Download here. Please leave me a comment if you do.

XOXO

Baby Knapp

2009-01-28T15:09:00.003-05:00

I had my first doctor visit this morning and here is the first ultrasound. There's only 1!!! Ain't he/she cute?! It's kind of hard to tell, but the baby was just hangin' out upside down. Doc says everything looks really good and then I had oh, about a gallon of blood sucked from me for tests. Nice. I'm 11 weeks along with my due date being around the middle of August. I can't wait to find out the sex so I can start shopping!!!

The girls are psyched for a new brother or sister. Emily is always talking to my belly saying, "I love you baby". Although they are both adamant about naming the baby "spongebob". Uh-huh.

Hope everyone is staying warm. We're in the middle of a blizzard here. Life in Ohio....gotta love it.

Christmas Pics

2009-01-15T22:54:00.014-05:00

I'm a little behind the times here, but I thought I'd post some pictures of our Christmas.

We had my family over for Christmas Eve and I decided to curl the girls' hair. It looked cute for about an hour, then just completely fell.

Christmas Morning...

For some reason, the thing Ashley wanted most for Christmas was this ATM Machine.

Christmas Day at Grandma & Grandpa Knapp's...

I didn't take as many pictures this year because...ahem...I wasn't feeling very well. Wonder why that was...?!

I just want to thank everyone who left comments and emails congratulating me. The morning sickness is not as bad and I'm starting to feel normal (relatively speaking, of course) again.

I'll be back with some kits soon...check back!

In the Immortal Words of Frank Barone...

2009-01-03T21:13:00.004-05:00

Holy Crap!!! I just found out on New Year's Eve that I'm going to be a mommy again. I was completely shocked and a little freaked out! I had to take two tests just to be sure.

I've been feeling extremely tired and queasey for the past week and figured I was coming down with the flu. Ha! Around 9:30ish on New Year's Eve I was checking my email when I started feeling really sick to my stomach. I grabbed a pillow and blanket and set up camp on the couch. When my husband came downstairs I said, "Honey, I think I'm coming down with the flu or something." He asked, "You're not pregnant, are you?" I said, "Naw, I don't think so." But he needed to know for sure, so he ran to the store for a test. Lo and behold...... I was stunned. The first thing that came to mind is "I'm 40 and going to have a baby". That is what freaked me out the most. Now, after a couple of days of it sinking in, I'm thrilled! Another baby!! Maybe we'll get a little boy this time. And please God, let there be just one this time. God has a wicked sense of humor, so we'll just have to wait and see what he's got in store for us! Healthy is really all I ask for.

This pregnancy is definitely going to be different from the last. I'm so queasey and just want to sleep. Last time, nothin'! I kept taking tests to see if I was still pregnant because I didn't feel any different. BIG change this time! Saltine crackers have been my saving grace. God Bless Nabisco. Today is actually the first day in about a week and a half where I've felt half-way human. It's going to be interesting.

So, needless to say, I probably won't be posting a whole lot in the coming months, but I'm sure I'll pop in from time to time to give you all an update.

XOXOXO

~Dawn

Just a Few More Pics...

2008-12-18T22:37:00.006-05:00

This is probably my last post until after the holidays. So much to do and so little time! We took the girls to the annual VFW kids Christmas Party last weekend so I got them all gussied up. They couldn't wait to see Santa and tell him what they wanted. Naturally, as soon as he walked in they freaked. I took a few pictures at home and brought the camera to the party to take more. Of course, I forgot to put the card in it so I got na-da.

After the party they were pooped and just kicked back and watched Frosty...

Chloe wanted to get in the picture too.

I hope everyone has a great holiday! Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-07T21:51:00.005-05:00

Just a quick post to say hello and show a few pictures I took over the weekend. We made some sugar cookies on Saturday, but haven't gotton around to frosting them yet. It took forever to clean up the mess! The girls had fun with the dough and cookies cutters tho.

Emily hanging candy canes on the tree

And finally, I took their picture for our Christmas cards

The 2008 Knapp Family Christmas Card

Christmas Photo Cards

2008-12-02T15:24:00.007-05:00

A couple of people have asked if I was going to make up some photo cards this year. I hadn't planned on it, but since I was asked so nicely, I whipped up a couple! So glad you all liked last year's cards so much.

So here ya go. Hope you enjoy. The first one is 5x7 and the second one is
4x8. Download here.

I can't believe that Christmas is only 3 weeks away! We've got so many things planned, I just don't know how we're going to fit it all in. We've got a birthday party, my husband's family christmas dinner, a party for the girls, cookies to bake, shopping, wrapping, and the big christmas eve extravaganza at our house with my whole family. Which also means lots of cooking. I'm sooo looking forward to it though!

I'm also finishing up those calendars so I'll be posting that soon.

XOXOXO

Back!

2008-11-24T16:22:00.003-05:00

Phew...it's been a while...huh? Sorry for no new freebies. I've been sick, kids sick, etc. Just haven't had my mojo to create anything new. I've been working on a bunch of christmas projects and it's been taking up most of my free time. I'll post pics soon. I'm also working on a 2009 calendar that I may put up for sale. It's turning out awesome. I love it. I'm making a bunch for family and friends. Maybe you'll want one too! I'll get that posted within the next week.

I decided to drag out my christmas decorations yesterday. I thought I'd be smart and put up all the decorations then next weekend go get the tree and decorate it. That way I'm not spending the whole weekend decorating. Yeah, sounded good in theory. The girls were dying to help, and I thought it would be fun, so I put on the christmas music and started in. They helped for about...oh...10 minutes then decided they were bored and wanted to play in their room. No problem. After about 45 minutes I realized I haven't heard any commotion upstairs in their room. I went in to investigate. I found two little girls, in MY bedroom, with all their dolls and blankets strewn about and my two little angles covered from head to toe in Maalox. Yes people, I said Maalox. My husband had two bottles of it on his night-stand and apparently the girls thought it looked enough like milk to feed their baby dolls with it. This stuff was everywhere...carpet, bed, sheets, and caked in their doll's hair. I wish, now, that I would have taken pictures, but I just didn't see the humor in it then! I threw them both in the tub for a bath (which is no party either). After that, I went back downstairs to finish decorations. About an hour later, little miss Ashley had some funk comin' off her that made my eyes water. I've been trying to get these kids potty trained for about six months now, and they just flat out refuse. They will go no. 1 in the potty, but they just will not do no. 2. Now, she didn't have a pull-up on because that would have given me...joy. No, she's got on big-girl underwear and it was seeping down her legs and I'm not sure how this happened but it was also up her back. The kid defies the laws of gravity. I threw her back into the tub for yet another bath. After that, I said screw the decorations and quit for the day.

So, there's a quick update on how life in the Knapp household has been. Pray for me. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Dress Rehersal

2008-10-29T21:13:00.007-04:00

We had a dress rehersal for their halloween party tomorrow. They are so excited. We didn't do their hair or anything, but I couldn't resist taking a few pics. Check out how much taller Ashley is than Emily.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy halloween!

Treat Bags

2008-10-28T21:06:00.005-04:00

The girls go to "story time" at the local library every Thursday morning with Grandma. They're having a halloween party this week and everyone is to bring a treat. I decided to make it easy on myself and just make up treat bags. I used my "Spooktacular" digi kit for the bag toppers and threw in some clipart I found on the web.

They have both decided they wanted to be princesses this year, so I'll post pictures soon. Happy Haunting!

Spooktacular

2008-10-08T22:17:00.006-04:00

Ok, I won't lie. This is a kit I made a couple of years ago when I was a designer at Divine Digital. I completely forgot about it and when I came across it today I thought I'd offer it up as a freebie. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to create anything new, so here ya go. Download here. Leave me some love if you do.

Here are a couple of layouts I did of the girls from this summer...

I'm Bored

2008-09-25T10:31:00.001-04:00

78 words

Speedtest

78 wpm - 0 mistakes....why can't I do that at work?!

Emily Freebie

2008-09-12T15:25:00.003-04:00

I named this kit "Emily" after my daughter, who LOVES pink...anything pink. Download here. Please leave me a comment if you do. Have a great weekend. Looks like its going to be a soggy one here. =(

New Layouts and an Award!

2008-09-12T08:47:00.009-04:00

I finally got around to scrapping some of our mini-vacation pictures.

Kit by Kay Miller

Quickpage by Misty Cato

Kit by me

Kit by Nit Wit Collections (except the giraffe)

In other news, I received my first blog award! Thanks so much Linda. So the rules are that I need to nominate seven more blogs for the award. Here goes:

Sherelle Christensen
Jade Mingmei Designs
Greta Adams
Linda Albrecht
Cindy G.
Shaunte Wadley
Monica Evan

The rules for receiving this award are:
1) Put the logo on your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on yours.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Last, but not least, I'm finishing up another kit. I should have it posted by the end of the day today, or tomorrow. Thanks for all the comments and emails about my kits. I LOVE that you are diggin' my stuff!

It's All About Fall

2008-09-04T14:40:00.002-04:00

I tore myself away from my new tv long enough to finish another kit! It's no secret that fall is my very favorite season. I can't wait for all the leaves to start changing colors and the chillier weather. The past two days have been so friggin' hot around here.

Anyway, hope you like the new (mini) kit. Download here.

I'm running out of ideas for kits. If there is something you'd like to see, please let me know.

Merry Christmas to Me!!

2008-09-02T15:13:00.003-04:00

So, grandma and grandpa took the girls for the day yesterday. So peaceful. My husband and I didn't know what to do with ourselves. We decide to go to the mall and look around and price some things that we need for the house. Little things, like kitchen stuff. All my plates and glasses are all mis-matched from breaking them over the years so we just set out to see what was out there. No intentions of buying anything. What do we come home with? A 52" LCD high definition tv!
We're dangerous people when we are bored. This is our Christmas present to each other this year. I'm so excited...I think I peed my pants a little when we set it up. The picture is crystal clear. Life is just not complete unless I get a little Jon Bon Jovi in HD. Life is good my friends.

I'm working on some new kits, so hang tight...having a hard time pulling myself away from the tv!

WTF???

2008-08-18T14:11:00.002-04:00

Having testicle difficulties here. I'm trying to change my blog layout and it's pissin' me off!!! I can't get the background to show up and it seems as though I've lost all my sidebar links and stuff. Bear with me here folks.

I'm Back

2008-08-11T21:08:00.018-04:00

Well vacation is over and I'm sad =( The week just flew by and I didn't get to do all the crafty projects that I planned on doing. But, it was nice not to have to go in to work!

The girls had a blast at the zoo and they did so great being away from home for the first time. I figured they'd have a hard time sleeping in a new place and keep waking up throughout the night, but they slept right through. I, on the other hand, kept jumping up to check on them. We also took them to our county fair on Saturday and we all had a good time eating junk and riding the rides. Here's some pics from our mini vacation. I didn't get alot of pictures of the animals, because most of them were sleeping when we were there.

OH, and for those who've been asking, weight watchers is still going great. As of my weigh-in today, I've lost 14 lbs. Not bad for a month, if I do say so myself! I just hope I can keep it up.

What a Zoo!

2008-07-25T15:31:00.003-04:00

I finally got a chance to create another kit. Hope you like (download here). I decided to do a zoo themed kit because next weekend we are taking a mini vacation to visit my girlfriend in Dayton for three days and on one of the days we're taking the girls to the zoo. I can't wait. This will be their first visit to a BIG zoo, and they are so excited. Not to mention this will be their first time sleeping away from home, so pray for me that it goes well. We're leaving next Saturday morning and we'll be back Monday afternoon. My husband and I haven't had an actual vacation since our honeymoon back in 2000. It's not a huge vacation, but hey, I'll take it!

OH, thanks to everyone for the weight watchers encouragement. There are quite a few of us! My first weigh-in last Monday was great; I lost 7.4 lbs. I'm shooting for another 5 lbs. come this Monday. The biggest thing is that I stopped drinking dr. pepper, which is HUGE for me. I was such an addict. I had a headache for the first three days; that was loads of fun. Now I'm drinking water until my eyeballs are floating. Plus, I've started working out and walking. I'm hoping by Christmas I should be back to my pre-kids weight. I've got a ways to go.

I probably won't be posting again until we get back from our trip, so have a wonnerful week!!

Looky, Looky!!!

2008-07-19T13:49:00.003-04:00

Looky what I just got in the mail!! I won blog candy from Melissa Frances. It's the complete collection of rub-ons; 42 packages to be exact. Go check out her blog, the stuff there is amazing. She's already got me in the mood for Christmas!!

I'm Hungry!

2008-07-15T16:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who sent me emails wishing me a happy birthday...I was overwhelmed. Yeah, so now I'm 40. Go me. As a birthday present to myself, I signed up for weight watchers. Since the girls were born, I just let myself go and I just can't believe how bad it's gotton. I went to my first meeting last night and I almost burst into tears after my weigh-in. I'm not going to tell you what it was...I haven't told ANYBODY...not my friends, my husband nor my mother who is my best friend and I tell her EVERYTHING. I'm so embarrassed by it. But, I'm on a mission to do something about it. I'm ready. I'm determined. I'm starving. If anyone has done weight watchers or is on it now, please email me.

I'll be posting another kit soon....

Weekend Pics

2008-07-06T22:01:00.006-04:00

Hope everyone had a great 3-day weekend. We took the girls to a parade on the fourth, which they really dug and got a ton of candy; then that evening we had a sparkler party out in our backyard. The girls loved it until Emily got a little too close to Ashley with her sparkler and burned her arm. Nothing major, she's fine. Not a big fan of sparklers anymore tho. Then on Saturday one of my girlfriends was in town visiting so we all went to her parents' house for a cookout, which was really relaxing just to sit around and let the kids play so we could talk. Then we went to see fireworks and didn't get home until around midnight. They were asleep before their little heads hit the pillow! Today was catch up on housework day =( Here's a few pics from the weekend...

This picture is fast becomeing one of my favorites! Ashley was in her "get outta my face" moods. No idea where she got THAT from!

It Could Only Happen To Me

2008-07-02T13:48:00.006-04:00

Man, I couldn't make this stuff up. As anyone who knows me would tell you, if anything embarrassing and humiliating is going to happen, and I'm within a 10 mile radius, it's going to happen to me. I'm lucky that way I guess. So today, I'm sitting at my desk at work, smartly dressed in gray slacks, a navy top, black trouser socks and black loafer shoes. Keep this in mind, it will come in to play later. I guess I should also mention that yesterday I started my...ahem...woman days...or, I got a visit from my Aunt Flo...or I fell off the roof (my favorite). Choose whichever expression you fancy...you get my point. So, mid-morning my breakfast of a 12 oz. Dr. Pepper kicks in and I head to the bathroom. To my complete horror I notice that "things" were not "positioned" correctly and a stain has now formed on my smart gray slacks. (I'm trying to describe the happenings as less "icky" as I possibly can, for your sake. Your welcome.) What are the odds that it was in a non-conspicuous place?! This is ME we're taking about here. I was mortified. I try and get myself together as best I can. I wash my hands and I try to check out my ass in the mirror. As luck would have it, the mirror is way above the sink and I can only see from my waist up. So I decide that maybe if I jump up and down all the while looking backwards, I would be able to see how bad the stain really is. I did catch a quick glimpse of said stain and so did the guys who were working on the road right outside the bathroom window, unbeknownst to me. I was puttin' on quite the show. So I go back to my desk and immediately sit down so no one would see. I get the grand idea that lunchtime is soon, so I'll tie my sweater around my waist to cover up the stain, I'll run to the store and buy some cheap pants to get me through the day. OH, that sweater that I put around my waist? Yeah, it's white. Naturally. So I practically jog to my car with this sweater around my waist, looking like a complete tool. Then I remember that the only store in this shit-hole town I work in is Dollar General. Now, it wouldn't have been so too awful if I had worn my cute little sandals and I could have bought some summery capri pants to wear. NOOO, I am wearing black trouser socks and black loafers and the only "pants" they had at this fine clothing establishment is black polyester grandma pants. I had no choice, I had to buy the polyester pants, which, by the way, I had to buy a size too big because they didn't have my size. Naturally. Quite the fashionata, I am. It's just so fitting. I'm having a really hard time with the whole turning 40 thing next week...and now I'm wearing grandma pants. Very roomy tho. So there you have it. I just felt the need to share with the masses my banner of a day. I don't mind. I have no shame.

Now I'm off to drink me a nice tall glass of Iced Metamucil and gum some prunes.

Under the Boardwalk

2008-06-24T09:18:00.003-04:00

I absolutely love these colors. So beachy-ish, don't ya think? Download here. Please leave a comment if you do.

I'm already wishing for the weekend. My brother and his friend are coming to visit and we are heading out to the casino baby! This will be my first time and I'm told it's just basically all slot machines. I hear they have nickel slots so I'm looking forward to winning tens of dollars. I'm getting cheap in my old age. And the cocktails will be plentiful my friends.

Speaking of old age...the big 4-0 is looming (ugh). July 8th to be exact and I'm thinking maybe giving out some blog candy. I've got a ton of scrapbook supplies that I'd like to clear out. Would anyone be interested in something like that? I need to make room for new stuff! My next post will have all the details.

For Sophie

2008-06-11T22:21:00.013-04:00

A friend of mine is having a baby so I decided to make one of these mini albums for her. I'm not quite finished yet, but this is what I have so far. The chipboard album is from Maya Road and I used a bunch of mixed papers and embellishments. The shower is this weekend so hopefully I'll get it done in time. I've only been working on it for two weeks now!

Sunset Harbor

2008-06-07T21:53:00.005-04:00

Hope you like it. I'm really into dark, warm colors these days, and these colors reminded me of a sunset, so there you have it. Download here. If you do, please leave a quick comment or just a hello.

I've gotton emails asking where I come up with the names for my kits. To be honest with you, that's probably the hardest part of putting a kit together for me. Most of the time, it's something that I've heard on the tv while creating the kit, or something I hear on the radio...like "Purple Haze" came on the radio while I was designing that kit, and David Lee Roth singing "That's Life" was playing when I was putting together that kit.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods? It's hotter than a mother here and I'm hatin' every second of it. I hate the hot, muggy, sticky, humid, crap. My husband bought one of those portable air conditioners for our living room (finally!), so my ass has been stuck in there for the last couple days. It's ridiculous. I wish the thing was smaller tho. That way, I could maybe strap it to my body. I hate the hot.

Princess in Training

2008-05-22T22:24:00.006-04:00

I couldn't resist taking this picture. It's so funny how different they are. Emily is such a girly-girl (and klutzy, like her mother);

while Ashley would rather be outside climbing everything and rolling in the dirt. Even though their personalities are so different, they cannot stand to be away from one another.

Finally!

2008-05-19T15:06:00.003-04:00

I caught on film both of them smiling! See, I told you Ashley can smile. Geez.

Fun With Bubbles 101

2008-05-16T23:20:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple short videos I took this week of the girls (no sound). We're in the midst of redoing our walkway, so please excuse the redneck-ness.

New Layouts

2008-05-12T22:18:00.005-04:00

How was everyone's Mother's Day? Mine was fantastic...the girls got me my very own mp3 player. I've been wanting one forever...AND it's hot pink. Gotta love that.

I finally had a chance to get a few layouts done. I'd love to say that they were all made with kits that I created, but I'd by lying. They are all Kay Miller kits. Her stuff just rocks my socks. Check out her store, you won't be sorry.

Purple Haze

2008-05-05T16:32:00.004-04:00

Another freebie for you. I know what you're thinking....two kits in less than a week...I KNOW! I must be sick or something. I created this one in no time. I was in a purpley kind of mood. Probably from watching that damn Barney..ugh. Let me know what you think. Download here.

'That's Life' Freebie

2008-05-02T16:09:00.003-04:00

Here's the latest freebie. Hope you like. Download here. Please leave a comment if you do.

I'm so happy its the weekend. The days seem to be just blowing by lately. I'm thinkin' a vacation is in order. Right now I'd settle for my girls to have a weekend sleepover at grandmas! OOH the possibilities! Yeah, maybe I can recover the rest of the crap I accidentally deleted from my computer last week. Brilliant one over here deleted ALL of my scrapping stuff....layouts, kits, works in progress, and kits that I've bought from other designers. I was freakin' out. I finally...thru my tears... downloaded a recovery program and got most of it back except alot of my scrapping tools, tubes and sig tags. I have no idea where they went to. Narnia is my guess. Let this be a lesson to you all...NEVER try to "organize" your computer while all hopped up on Tylenol PM.

So Girly

2008-04-17T11:09:00.003-04:00

I made this kit a while ago, but it's always been a favorite of mine, so I thought I'd dust it off, update it a little, and offer it up as a freebie. Download here.

More coming soon....

Daddy's Girls

2008-04-11T15:44:00.004-04:00

Sheesh.....man has it been a busy week. I'll spare you all of the gory details, but I just haven't had time for anything (fun) this week. I did manage to bust out a layout. I totally lifted this layout from someone I saw on a blog, but idiot me forgot to write it down the name.

My girls have been watching the Alvin & the Chipmunks movie, oh, about four times a day, so I couldn't resist snapping this picture.

I'm desperately trying to get another kit together for you, so please be patient and I'll post one soon. Have a great weekend ;)

For Uncle Timmy

2008-04-06T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is their favorite present they got.

Party Pics

2008-03-31T21:42:00.000-04:00

We had the girls' party on Sunday and it was a success! Here are some pics...

The table centerpieces I made from chipboard coasters. Some of the goodie bags the girls gave to everyone.

Three Years Ago Today...

2008-03-24T12:16:00.001-04:00

My girls were born. Seems just like yesterday.

The first week of March, 2005 I officially started my maternity leave, on the request of my doctor; and for the fact that I gained a good 65 pounds, could barely walk a flight of steps and I could barely fit my belly behind the wheel of my car. Yes, I was ready to take a little break before the babies arrived. I had a relatively easy pregnancy...no morning sickness what-so-ever. It was beautiful. But on March 24, 2005 I started getting a sharp pain in my stomach, kind of like when you get the wind knocked out of you. Just a dull ache right above my belly button. I chalked it up to, well, pregnancy. I thought maybe one of the girls were in a weird position or something. What did I know...this was my first pregnancy! Well, the next morning the pain was still there and was getting worse. I called my doctor first thing and my husband took me to see him. I talked to him for a few minutes and he told me to head straight to the emergency room and he'd meet me there. Ok, I started freaking because I was only 32 weeks along. Twins are usually born around 36 weeks. As we got to the hospital and I was strapped up to a bunch of machines, I was told that my liver was swelling and the only way to relieve it was to have the babies. I so wasn't ready yet. The BABIES weren't ready yet. But I had no choice. The hospital where I live was not equipped to handle preemie twins so I was rushed to The Cleveland Clinic by ambulance about an hour away. What a joy ride that was. I got to the hospital and they put me on some friggin' drug that put me in a fog and made my face itch like crazy. I hated it. Especially because my husband went and picked up my mom so she could be with me. So I was there by myself, on drugs, scared to death. But they finally made it and I felt so much better with them both there.

After a very long day, at 7:40 p.m., my sweet Ashley came along, and at 7:42 p.m., my sweet Emily made her grand entrance into the world. They remained in NICU for a month, but did very well. My husband and I drove to the hospital just about every night after he got off of work. We put quite the miles on my new "mommy van". We brought them home a month later. After everything I went through, it was so worth it. Those girls are everything to me.

I came across this poem and boy does it hit home. I couldn't find the author's name, but in honor of my girls turning 3, and my 3rd year being a mom, I wanted to share it.

Before I Was a Mom

Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late
I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been pooped on,
Spit up on,
Chewed on,
Peed on,
Or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a Mom,
I had complete control of myself;
My thoughts,
My body,
And my mind.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so that doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't
want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew something so small could affect my
life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my
heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a
Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of
the night every ten minutes to make
sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
The joy,
The love,
The heartache,
The wonderfulment,
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so
much before I was a Mom.

**Happy Birthday girls...mommy loves you.**

It's a Party!!

2008-03-19T14:51:00.001-04:00

Just dropped by to show you the girls' b-day party invitations I made. Not my best, but I kinda did them in a hurry. As you can see, its a Mickey Mouse theme party. I'm almost done with the table centerpieces and the all the kids' goodie bags. I'll post pictures soon. They are so excited for the party. All I keep hearing from Ashley is "Birthday party NOW mommy....pleeeease?" So cute.

If I don't get a chance to post again until after Sunday...have a great Easter! Hope that Bunny brings you lots of goodies.

Miss Me?

2008-03-12T22:31:00.003-04:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth! LOL I've been so busy with work, the girls, the puppy, preparing for the girls' b-day party, and oh yeah, dealing with the Blizzard of 2008. THAT was a joy. We had almost 2 feet of snow last weekend. Thank God we had fair warning it was coming and I did all our grocery shopping on Friday night so I pretty much stayed in all weekend. EVERYTHING closed down around 6:00 p.m., which is unusual. Most of the county lost power but we were one of the lucky ones who didn't. My parent's didn't have power for almost two days. Can you imagine?! I'd go nuts. Anyway, I haven't scrapped much or been able to create a freebie, but as soon as things die down around here, I'll be able to crank one out.

This is the only layout I managed to get done. I'm desperately trying to get a decent picture of Ashley, but every picture I take of her, she looks stoned. I'll keep trying and Iwill get one if it kills me. Peace out homies...

Introducing Chloe...

2008-02-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the newest member of the Knapp family...ain't she cute? She's a 6 week old golden retriever and just about the sweetest doggy you'll ever meet. The girls are really getting a kick out of her. Ashley especially. Emily's still not quite sure about her.

Here's a short video I took with my digital camera (there is no sound)

Love & Romance

2008-02-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

I finally finished another kit. It's a little late for Valentine's Day, but there's always next year, right? Hope you all enjoy. Download here. Please leave me a comment if you do.

Hope you all have a great weekend...stay warm! I don't know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods but here in good 'ol Northeast Ohio, it's freeezzzzing! Just like Burgess Meredith says in Grumpy Old Men..."It's butt-cold out here and I'm fresh outta beer". I couldn't have said it better myself.

Two New Layouts

2008-02-14T22:32:00.000-05:00

Real quick post here...cause I'm tired and wanna go to bed! I managed to do a couple new layouts. I think they turned out cute. It's almost next to impossible to get a decent pic of these girls. I desperately need a new digital camera. The thing has such a delay on it....from the time they look at me and smile, I click the button, and the camera actually takes the picture, the girls are already in the next room. I have to take 150 pics and pray that one of them actually comes out. The poor girls are so blinded by all the flashes, they smash into walls trying to get away from me. I'm so over this camera...

Need Suggestions

2008-02-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

I'm making these coaster boxes for table centerpieces and I need an idea for what I can fill them with. I originally had planned to fill them with that paper filler stuff or easter grass then have these glittery butterflies sticking up out of the boxes but I tried it and it looked so stupid. Anyone have any ideas?

(In case you're wondering, the paper I used is from DCWV "Once Upon a Time" stack. So pretty!)

New Kit Freebie and The Hawaii Chair!

2008-02-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Download here...please leave comment if you do =)

Have you heard about the Hawaii Chair? No...well, let me tell ya, after you watch this, you'll want one too, just for the laugh factor, if nothing else. It's designed to keep you in shape while you sit...yes, while you SIT people. I went into a complete laughing fit watching this...raccoon eyes are a good look, aren't they?! I can't stop laughing!! Ya gotta love Ellen!

4 x 4 Book

2008-01-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

Here's a 4x4 mini album I made today. These are all digital layouts and I just resized them, printed them, then Mod Podged them to chipboard coasters. So quick and easy. I really need to take some new pics, these are all old ones. The girls' 3rd birthday is in March and so I'm already starting to plan for that. I think it's going to be a butterfly theme, and I've got some cool ideas for table centerpieces. I'll post pics as soon as I get them done. I'm also working on some new digital kit freebies and I'll be posting them soon. =)

Did You Hear About the Storm...

2008-01-27T23:08:00.000-05:00

For the first time in almost 3 years, I got to sleep in until 9:00 this morning. That is a HUGE deal for me. I actually woke up by myself...no alarm...no kids making a racket... it was beautiful. But, there would be a price to pay for sleeping in...I should have known better. I opened the door to greet my thoughtful daughters, and there I see them both looking at me with an expression on their faces like, "Ma, I don't know what the hell happened. I just woke up and some force of nature ripped through our room and emptied out every drawer and made a mess everywhere. I tried to stop it, cause I know you'd be mad, but there was nothin' I could do!" I'm starting to think Bill Cosby was right. That's why God makes kids so cute...so you don't kill 'em.

The usual suspects ----->

I even put locks on their dresser drawers so I could avoid this issue, but as it turns out, where there's a will, there's a way. They're geniuses I tell ya.

Two New Quick Pages

2008-01-17T14:22:00.000-05:00

I've been in a quick page mood lately so I thought I'd offer up a couple freebies for ya.

Download here <-----kit "Floret" by Iara Gomes-Baer at Scrapbook Graphics

(ribbon by unknown designer)

<---- Download here

kit: "Winterworld" by Angelica E.

In other news, the Knapp household is in full potty training mode, and it ain't pretty. Emily just can't grasp the "pull-up diaper" concept and has to get completely naked before she'll get on the potty. She'll sit there for about a minute, yell for either me or daddy that she's done (she usually hasn't gone), gets up and runs a couple laps around the house naked. She's exhausting to watch. Ashley, on the other hand, will sit on the potty when she damn well feels like it and nobody's gonna tell her different. Right now she's pretty happy just to keep checking in on sissy making sure she hasn't fallen in. I think this is going to take a while.

So Sweet

2008-01-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hope you likey! Snag it here. Please leave a comment if you do. xoxoxo

I'm off to take down christmas decorations...ugh...shoot me now.

New Layout

2008-01-03T22:47:00.000-05:00

Here's my latest layout. Well, it's a quickpage made by Monique G, but hey, I plopped the picture in there. I'm so far behind on scrapping. I've got a ton of pictures, but just haven't been in the mood. This cold is just sucking the life out of me. Blah, blah, blah, I sound like a broken record...but seriously, how stinkin' cute is that pic? I don't call her "cheeks" for nothin' my friends.

A new freebie will be up soon...check back!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T17:01:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and happy New Year. Mine was great except for all of us getting sick...yet again. Ashley started the whole thing on Christmas Eve day, and just got progressively worse as the days went on. Emily got the runny nose, but that's about it. Last Friday I got the sore (and I mean sore) throat, followed by congestion in my head and chest, and that wonderful hacking cough. Yesterday the hubby started exactly how I did. Ashley is still just miserable but I think she's getting better. Oh, if anyone knows who came up with the idea for nose spray, please let me know so I can send him a nice fruit basket. That stuff just rocks!! My kitchen and living room looks like a Pharmacy threw up in it. There's Tylenol, Sudafed Severe Cold pills, Vicks, Nyquil, Dimetap, nose spray, cough drops, and lets not forget the 82 boxes of Kleenex everywhere you look.

What did you all get from Santa this year? I must have been pretty good because I got a bitchin'...yes I said bitchin'...new computer with a flat screen monitor. Yep, about peed myself! Life is good.

So here are a few pics from all the Christmas activities. Ashley looks just pitiful. Poor kid. But, all in all I think they had fun and loved all the goodies Santa brought them.

Christmas Eve at my mom and dad's...

Christmas Morning...

The 4-Wheelers were a big hit!

Christmas Day at my in-laws...

Tis the Season

2007-12-20T11:45:00.000-05:00

We took the girls to a Christmas party last weekend and they were all about the candy canes. They were really good until Santa showed up and you would have thought an axe murderer walked in. They wanted nothing to do with him. At what age do they get over this? Geez. Anywho, this is a new page I did. I wish I could take credit for the layout but it is a quick page made by Weeds and Wildflowers Designs. They're doing a new quick page everyday for the 12 days of Christmas. They are so cute.

I want to thank everyone for voting for me in rounds 1 and 2 in the Stone Accents Studios designer contest. I made it thru to round 3 but with work and all the christmas festivities I didn't have time to design a new kit for the contest. It was fun tho!

So, I finally got all the shopping done, and presents wrapped so I have the whole weekend to just sit back and actually enjoy it. Some friends are going to stop by on Saturday so our kids can exchange their presents, so I guess that means I'll be doing some power-cleaning and the girls and I are going to make some cookies for Santa and that's about it. Christmas Eve we will be having a big family party at my parents' so I'm really looking forward to hanging with them with lots of food, presents, cocktails (oh yeah baby!), and laughs. Christmas Day we will be with the hubby's family. It works out really well. My hubby and I are dying for Christmas morning when the girls come downstairs and see all the presents and cool stuff Santa brought them. I think we're more excited then they are.

That's it for now. I'll be posting more freebies soon, so check back. Thanks to everyone who stops by and leaves me comments and emails. I've met some really great friends and I'm just having a ball with all of this.

I hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday!!!

Christmas Traditions

2007-12-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

I saw this on someone else's blog and thought I'd give it a go....

1. Colored lights or white lights on your house or not at all? white lights

2. Hot chocolate or Egg Nog? neither - dr. pepper please (or beer)

3. What's your favorite holiday dish? my family's italian traditional pasta with oil and garlic (instead of sauce)

4. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree? he'd better wrap them unless he wants to walk out of there with a severe limp!

5. Do you hang mistletoe? no

6. When do you put up your decorations? weekend after thanksgiving

7. What's your favorite holiday tradition? my family getting together on christmas eve for a big meal, cocktails, presents, and lots of laughs.

8. What's on the top of your tree? a big bow

9. Do you have a nativity displayed through the holidays? i used to put one on my coffee table but since the girls came along, i haven't in fear that a wise man may end up MIA

10.Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries? traditional

11.What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share? jello shots(!)

12.What's your favorite Christmas song? love those chipmunks songs or white christmas

13.Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? My side of the family opens presents xmas eve; then we hang with hubby's family on xmas day.

14.Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without? lights everywhere

15. Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few? just family and close friends

16.Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon? Definitely Christmas Eve

17.How do you decorate your tree? white lights and red and white decorations (next year will be different)

18.Snow? Love it? Dread it? Tolerate it? love it if i don't have to drive in it (or shovel it)

19.Do you remember a favorite gift? my barbie dreamhouse when I was about 9 or 10

20.Do you have a family get-together during the holidays with extended family? just close family

21.What's the most important thing that you must do each Christmas season? be with my family

22.Do you bake Christmas cookies? i usually don't because my mom makes the best; but I'm going to make a few this year so the girls can help decorate.

23.Do you leave cookies and milk for Santa? this will be the first year (the girls are adamant about it, even though they're scared to death of him...figure that one out!)

24.What's your favorite Christmas memory? When I was little we had a huge family christmas get together christmas eve over my cousin's house. My dad would mysteriously disappear for about an hour every year and I could never figure it out. When we got home there would be an explosion of presents everywhere for my brother and I and decorations knocked over looking like Santa busted up the joint. We'd stay up until 2 a.m. then be up by 7 a.m. to play with our new stuff! Yes, we were one of the weird families that opened presents on christmas eve instead of christmas day.

How 'bout you? Copy and paste on your blog. Let me know if you do so I can check it out.

Christmas Card Freebies

2007-12-07T12:03:00.001-05:00

Here are the christmas cards I promised, I finally got a little time to finish them. They are 4x8 and all you have to do is plop a picture on it and print them. Hope you like. Let me know what you think.

You can download here.

Round 2....

2007-12-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

Hey all! Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the designer contest over at Stone Accents Studios. They had some problems with the voting so everyone is going thru to the next round. Apparently someone accidently reset all the votes and it cleared everyone's votes, so I don't know exactly how many I had. But judging from all the comments, you all seemed to like my kit. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!!

Now, on to Round 2. We had to create a holiday themed kit using whatever colors we wanted. Here's my entry ----> What do ya think? I had such a rough time with this one; I've been so busy lately that I just haven't had alot of time to put it together. I think it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself! I'm diggin' those trees.

Voting starts Friday and will run thru the weekend. You can download my kit (and all the others too!) here.

Hope you have a wonnerful weekend. Talk to yas soon!

Voting Has Begun...

2007-11-30T15:35:00.000-05:00

Voting is now open in the Stone Accents Studio designer contest. Head over here to check out all the entries and download some free kits! If ya like my kit best please vote for me (no pressure!). Here's a preview of my entry ----->

We had to come up with a kit using only these colors. Hope you all likey! =)

OH, if anyone is planning on sending out photo xmas cards this year, wait'll ya see what I've got for ya. They are going to be 4 x 8 cards, and all you have to do is plop a picture on them, print 'em, and send 'em.

I can't wait to get mine done. I'm having a photo session this weekend with my girls in their xmas outfits for our cards. Hopefully they will cooperate. I'll post some pics next week.

Speaking of the girls...Ashley has discovered the fine art of cussing. Yesterday, my mother-in-law heard her say "Oh sh*t". Isn't that just delightful. She was told that was a bad word and we don't say that. Well, Emily heard it and decided to join in the fun and said "Oh sh*t" too. Nice, huh? I've got a couple of truck drivers on my hands. And yes, I'm sure they got it from me. I've been known to throw down some "Oh sh*t's" (and worse).

Don't forget to vote *nudge nudge* ;)

Designer Contest

2007-11-28T21:10:00.000-05:00

Stone Accents Studio is looking for 4 new digital scrapbook designers and I decided to enter. I just submitted my first round entry. There was a certain color pallette that we were to use. Voting starts on Friday and you can go and check out all the entries and download kits for free, then vote for your favorite. I'm really excited about this. Winners will get their own store at Stone Accents Studio to sell their designs. Go here to check them out. Go me! Let me know what you think.

Dear Santa....

2007-11-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

I was flipping through a Christmas catalog last week and I came across a cute little santa sign. But of course I thought, "Hey, I can make one of these myself", so here's the result. I used DCWV paper from last year's Christmas Stack and printed out the text on my printer; ribbon is from Joann's.

Not a whole lot happening around here to report. We put up the xmas tree on Saturday which was loads of fun (being sarcastic, of course). We have one of those fake pre-lit trees, and, well you pretty much need an engineering degree to figure the thing out. I couldn't get the bottom part of the tree lights to go on so after about an hour trying to figure it out, and using some pretty colorful language, I decided, screw it, and I ripped down the lights I put around one of our living room windows and wrapped it around the bottom of the tree. Then I started smelling something funky...I checked the girls first (always the go-to first), then noticed smoke coming off the top of the tree. I'm not kidding, I couldn't make this stuff up. So I immediately unplugged the top portion of the tree, went to another living room window and ripped those lights down and wrapped them around the top of the tree. There you have it, the Griswold, err, the Knapp Family Christmas Tree. Had to throw in a little Christmas Vacation reference for ya there. The girls were a big help...yeah, they were trying to find out if ALL of their toys could fit inside the tree box. As it turns out, yes they can, and boy were they pissed when I made them put them all back before they could watch Caillou. I wish I would have taken pics of that, but man, I just wasn't in the mood (go figure).

So here are a couple of pics I took of them this morning playing with thier farm thingy toy. I love the pigtails.

I'll have a new freebie soon. I seem to have lost my mojo, but I'm sure it will be back soon (I hope).

Have a great week ;)

Quickpage Freebie

2007-11-18T23:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA lately. The girls and I came down with yet ANOTHER cold last week, so I haven't really felt like doing much of anything. But we are all doing better now so I did another quickpage for ya. Not sure if I really like this or not, but if ya want it, grab it here. I don't know who made the kit, so if it's you, please let me know and I will give you credit.

I also "re-decorated" my page. Do you like? I really like the way my new banner turned out. It took me all weekend to get the animation going.

I'm going to try to get a new kit done soon, so be on the lookout.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Gobble 'til ya wooble my friends, and for God's sake, pace yourselves.

Jack Frost Kit

2007-11-03T23:02:00.000-04:00

I finally finished another kit. Geez, thought I'd never crank another one out. I've had "designer's block" (if that's what you want to call it) and I just couldn't come up with anything until I heard on the radio that we're going to have our first snow fall on monday or tuesday. *yikes* So, here's what I came up with. Hope you all enjoy. Snag it here. I'm taking my last vacation week from work this week so wish me luck (dealing with the twins all week!) I don't have a whole lot planned...mostly catching up on household stuff. I'm dying to put up all my christmas stuff, but when I mentioned it to the hubby, he looked at me like I had three eyes, so I'm going to try like hell to contain myself. I know alot of people hear the word "Christmas" and they immediately get stressed out and would rather stick a fork in their eye than think about it, but I can't wait. I love everything about it. Especially now with the girls...everything is new to them and its so much fun. Daddy taught Emily "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" so that's what she's been running around the house singing for the past week. So cute!

The Cutest Bumble Bees Ever!

2007-10-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

The girls went to their cousins' birthday/halloween party on Sunday so they got to wear their costumes. I didn't get alot of pics because they get shy when alot of people are around and they just flat out refuse to take a picture. Here are the only semi-decent onesI got.

Ashley took a liking to Mr. Skeleton here whose eyes light up and had a wicked laugh. Notice her holding his hand?!

Emily and Grandpa Knapp

Couple of Questions Answered

2007-10-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

Real quick post here....a few people have been asking what software I use to create my kits and I use Paint Shop Pro. I have Photoshop Elements too but I haven't had time to teach myself how to use it.

Also, someone emailed me and said that some of the past kits I've posted cannot be downloaded. Kits are only available for a short time, then I take the link down to make room for newer ones. If there is a specific kit that you want and the link isn't working, email me and I'll make sure you get it.

That's all for now.....busy, busy, busy!! xoxoxoxo

Nighty-Night Kit

2007-10-16T14:02:00.000-04:00

I'm back and feeling much better. Thanks for all the emails...you guys crack me up!! I still have that wonderful hacking cough and I sound like Precious the dog when I laugh, but other than that, I'm pretty much back to normal.

I tried on the girls' bumble bee costumes over the weekend, well, I tried Emily's on. Ashley was having NONE of that! She just refused, but Emily looked so friggin' cute!! They have twin cousins who are turning five on Sunday and are having a costume birthday party. Hopefully Ashley will cooperate and wear her costume. The kid can be such a diva when she wants...I have NO idea where she gets THAT from ; )

So here's another kit for ya...I really liked this color scheme and for some reason reminded me of babies sleeping, so there ya go. Hey, I'd love to see the layouts you create with my kits. Please send me a link to your gallery or just email them to me, I'd love to check them out! Nighty-night....

Grab it here

2007-10-10T21:29:00.000-04:00

We decided to let the girls carve their pumpkins last night. What a friggin' mess!! These are the only pictures I took of the event because I was so over the whole thing by the time the first pumpkin was carved. I guess I shoulda waited until I was totally over being sick. But, they had had fun sticking their hands in the goop and scooping it out. We got their costumes for trick or treating this year and they are both going to be bumble bees. Can't wait to try them on.

Feelin' Icky

2007-10-09T09:51:00.000-04:00

I came down with the flu on Saturday. Thank God for Columbus Day on Monday and I didn't have to go in to work. Just your basic achy all over, one minute freezing, next minute sweating buckets, no appetite, head feeling like its going to explode, just want to sleep. My husband took over mommy duties for a few days...bless his heart. I'm back at work and not exactly feeling great, but better than yesterday, for sure. Just wanted to pop in and say hi. I'm working on some new kits, so as soon as I'm back to normal (relatively speaking, of course), I'll be posting them.