New Paper Company- CRATE PAPER

One of the amazing perks from being on the Design team at Croppin Paradise was being able to preview this BRAND NEW paper from a BRAND NEW company called Crate Paper. They are debuting this week at CHA and let me tell you... this paper is AMAZING!!!! The texture and quality of the paper is incredible. Here is a Layout I did using the Taylor Collection:

This paper will be available through Croppin Paradise soon!

I also was sent some of the brand new Basic Grey. I am hoping to play with some of that this afternoon. It was like Christmas when my package came. Be sure to check out more sneak peaks at Croppin Paradise!

Design Team Dreams... :)

I am so speechless right now... (hard to believe!) I have been applying for DT for almost a year now. I haven't been fortunate to be selected. Now, in the matter of two days, I have been chosen for two teams. I couldn't be more thrilled! The two sites are very different, and I am so excited to be part of BOTH teams. Looks like I am done applying for DTs! :)

I was feeling pretty crummy lately, and threw myself into my scrapbooking goals. I am feeling so fortunate to have these two opportunities. Now I need to get back in my scraproom and get to creating!!!! :)

DESIGN TEAM DREAM!!!

As some of you know, one of my goals for 2006 was to on a Design Team. This is something that I have wanted to do for sometime. I have applied here and there... but not consistently. Over break, I decided I was going to start submitting more. Looks like it paid off...

I am so excited to be part of the team! There were many talented ladies who applied. I don't know all of the details just yet... but I am hoping to have a great experience! I can't wait to get started!

Another Layout

Just thought I would share a quick page before I head out for the day. Taking Kat to get her hair cut and to Build-a-Bear. Kristen is coming with us... so it should be a fun day!

Creative Juices are flowing!!!

So I LOVE being a teacher. I mean I really love it. I also really LOVE winter break. The holidays are almost over, so I have time to just create. Chris has been off the past few days too, so he plays video games and I play in my scraproom. It has been awesome! Now reality is starting to set in... lesson plans and a yearbook deadline are calling my name. But I am not giving in just yet. I still have a little more time... and how much will I really be able to get done with the kiddos the first day back anyway? :-)

So here are two of my creations from today. I am in LOVE with this paper from KI Memories!

Now back to my scraproom for some more creative time. School will be here before I know it! :)

Just the two of us

Here's our Christmas photo taken yesterday. We didn't even plan the red and green sweaters! :-)

We may or may not be heading up to Chris' parent's house. He isn't feeling great, so we'll see what this morning brings. It would be nice to have a few days to ourselves here at home. We'll see.

I did work on a scrapbook layout last night. I am hoping to put the finishing touches on it this morning. That's the first thing I have created for myself in a *LONG* time. I'll post photos when it is done.

I am also going to get back into submitting my layouts to magazines and other calls. One of my personal goals for last year was to get published. I don't think I put the right amount of effort into it, so I am going to renew my efforts and continue to submit. I scrapbook for myself, but it would be incredible to see one of my creations in print. My friends are always so complimentary of my work and have encouraged me to continue working to get published. So here it is in writing. One of my goals for 2006 is to get a layout published in a magazine or other publication.

With that said... I am heading into my scraproom to create! :-)

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Last night was great. We had my immediate family over and we had a great time. I love my niece and nephews very much. I ended up opening the toys that Mommy and Daddy said no... LOL. We played with the play-doh right on my dining room table! What are aunts for anyway?

Thought I would share a few photos of our Christmas decorations this morning:

This is our tree. We decided to go artificial a few years ago... but I wanted to make sure it looked real. We're pretty happy with this one!

This is my table set for dinner. We really don't have room for any more at the inn! :-)

Here is my nativity set... LOVE it. It is from Willow Tree. Each year, I try to add a piece to it.

I am awake early this morning... it seems that I never can sleep in on Christmas morning. The magic of waking up knowing that today is Christmas is still alive and well. We are heading out to my Aunt's later this morning to share the day with my extended family.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!