Create Something Today

what have I done?

I stumbled across a site that sucked a good 1.5, 2 hours away from my life. But you know what? I can't say it's time wasted because I sure had a good time. I booked marked it and would marry it also if I wasn't already taken. Here's a little something you can DO with the site...

Now I'm in no way fashion oriented but I think these look pretty cool together   If only I had a gagillion dollars I can sport that outfit!!! Anyway...I hope you guys check this site out. It's SO much fun and know that not everything on there can only be purhcased my Paris Hilton. I found some neat-o stuff that I can seriously see myself getting. I never thought much about style in so long. It feels good to feel all diva again!

Have fun! And send me links!!!!!!

-out

30 weeks

I'm still truckin' along. I was anticipating this week. You know the big 3-0 :) About now everything is pretty chill. I still try and stay away from too much walking and standing. I'm retaining a little bit of water in my feet. Ok...ok...so they do look like chocolate marshmallows but hey, it comes with the territory. I'm sleeping good as long as I take my daily nap in the DAY! I took one later on towards the evening and it was not cool trying to sleep that night. But I do find myself taking about a two hour nap every single day. Can't seem to keep these eyes open. And I'm cussing like a sailor these days. It's outrageous!

I made a layout too

[supplies: PP: Foof.a.la, Provo Craft; Journaling spot: K&Company; Chipboard butterfly: Foof.a.la; Ghost clock: Heidi Swapp; Tag (count down): Making Memories; Number rub-ons: 7Gypsies; Crystal: Hobby Lobby; Photocorners: Unknown; Other: Graph paper.]

DerRick insists that I won't make it 2 more months. I try to tell him I'm a pro but he sincerely thinks the doctors are a month off lol!. See when I take my pictures I don't show you my back. If I did you might be inclined to shut your computers down and run for the hills. I'm a big one indeed. But the arm around the tummy like that and all makes it look less...less...painful

So yeah...Last Friday Kody went on a field trip the the Knoxville Zoo! I took these pictures before he left.

 

Ok...so I obviously was obsessed with his shirt or something because I did not focus on his face one bit lol! I still love the them though. He better be glad he's so cute because he woke me up 30 mins before it was time. Now you know how us moms adore our sleep. He comes in and says only two words "I'm exited!" I was like what? Dude....But I understand. It was zoo day and it was going to be a very good day. When he came home I asked him what his favorite animal was too see at the zoo. He told me the zebras. I was like "oh cool!" And I asked him why. He said because they had a lot of spots and their spots were blue.

...........

um??? Yeah. Well, after i paused and looked at him like he was nuts-oids he went on to tell me that he meant his favorites were the giraffs. But still, I never got to the bottom of the blue spots.

Alrighty folks, the pizza is here. I'm super hungry so I better skiidaddle,

-out

a special group

DerRick is 6 hours away taking a test in hopes he can pass and become staff Sgt. Crossing my fingers on that one! I only called him once last night to let him know his girl, Alicia Keys, was on Idol lol! He laughed at me but hey...anything to put him in good spirits for the test ^_^

I also got a letter in the mail saying that Kody's cross boundary application was denied. Which means he would have to go to a new school. I cried. And I couldn't stop. I don't know what came over me. But when I finally pulled myself together I made calls. As of right now they said they have all the first and kindergarden applications on hold and that they have to wait to see how it all pans out. All I can do is pray and be patient. I'm going to talk to the principal and be my boys advocate in the meantime.

He's having a blast at school though! This year's almost done and it seems like they are piling on the homework towards the end :)

Thank goodness he actually likes homework. Here he had to write about what he likes along with what the book, Brave Mary, was about. I noticed that when he wrote his report he wrote with a slight slant. He never used to but I love it! He was just like oh yeah...anyway....lol! As I watched him do his work I kept thinking about about the cross boundary situation and I felt I should talk to him. I asked him what he thought about going to a new school. I got the impression that he was thinking a new class and teacher. But I said no, a new school. Letting him know that instead of the one he was at he would go to whole other one. He said "Oh...that would be great!" I just looked at him thinking how did God bless me so? Then I wanted to make sure he understood that were a military family and asked him if he knew what that meant. He didn't so I told him "We are part of a special group that helps protect our country. And being part of that group means we have to get used to a lot of changes. Move often and even change schools. Are you up for that?" He said "Sure!" I left it at that and believe it or not, he made me feel a whole lot better.

I hope you all have a good day :)

-out

inspiration from the www: 01

There are so many things to look at on the web. I think we all kind of gravitate towards certain things more that others. And often times find whole 'new worlds' that we find interesting and commit to explore from that moment on.

Wait...teee heeee.....ok what in the world did I just say? lol! I was half paying attention to this post and partly watching DerRick and the girls play way to close to my computer.....

Alrighty so yes, I'm inspired by so many different things on the WWW. I never went to designs school or art school but I'm super into graphic designs. I love the effort, the steps it takes to make something super neat-o, and the uniqueness of the artists. Digital/graphic design encompasses a lot of different things. Like text, photos + the manipulation there of, handmade design, logo design...... So I've got some art that popped out at me and I hope you like them as much as I do :)

                                                 Art: by tutcandy

This graphic reminds me of an extra juicy Fall day :) It's super fun. The colors and the way it flips upside down but not...I love it! 

                                                A Very Long Journey Part1: by Zutto

Wow...now this is so neat! It tells a clear story of this girl in the middle about to go on a journey through, what looks to me, like the most awesome other world ever ^_^ I love everything about this. So well done and such vision.

So ...tonight I just thought I would play a bit. And started on making the word 'play' a little more interesting...

Play by me :)

 

Well, yeah...this was just play. I was going to finish it but don't think I will. I was wanting to do a little something with one color. I chose green because of the vines. I really like making things look outrageous. I mean think about it...what if you could make anything in your mind come to life through art? ....anything....

I will be back soon with more of my inspirations from around the web :)

-out

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

Hello lovelies! I hope your day is going super special so far! I just got finished talking to my mom on the phone. She's in good spirits today so I'm happy about that. I really wanted to make something special for her this Mothers Day. I usually just do the minimal. Always procrastinating n' all. (I really need to work on that.) Well, this year is no different really. Seeing I'm just starting on it now  

I will probably get it done tonight. Mail it off Monday and in the end she will get it days after Mothers Day. But you know what? I think she's gonna love it anyway ^_^ Been a while since I made her something from me heart and me soul mate. So yeah...love you mom!

What are you all up to tonight? I know my girl Pam got a little tipsy last night. Her husband gave her some Arbor Mist and she was felling mighty relaxed lol! I told her to get off the phone with me. No need to wast a good night on the phone. I mean really ;)

So today Kennedy had one of my scrap pieces of paper that I've been scribbling notes on. She gives it me all crumpled. She said "Open it." So I did thinking that it's just my writing all over it but she had actually scribbled some lines of her own on the inside. I thought that was so sweet!!!!! I was very animated and told her thank you, hugged her and I saw from the corner of my eye that Chloe' was watching. So I said "hey, go find your sister and tell her to come here so I can give her a big hug too." Chloe' felt just as special. Ah...motherhood.....

Well, that's about all for now. I'm going to get back to this mini. Thanks again for all your love. It's going to take a year to get back with you all  I will be back in a bit!

-out

...and clarification

Wow...everyone. Like I can't even tell you how much I appreciate the support. You all seriously have my back and I really appreciate it.

I need to be totally strait with you. I was very upset yesterday and still am. I wrote that post thinking Ali said she had issues with blog similarities. I wrote that post wondering why I was let go for reasons that didn't completely make sense. With the participation issue...A5D and I were clear on where we stood with that. So that was not a concern in my mind at all....well, anyway....I will spare you a mile long post again.

Basically there has been a misunderstanding that has taken place and to be honest I can't fix it. Ali and A5D can only do that. I talked to Ali on the phone and not only did she say she never contacted A5D or said she had an issue with our blogs, she said she in fact has no problem with the way I do any of my designing. So...I'm sitting there on the phone like hu?

This is unfortunate for all parties. I really am speechless. I didn't intend for Ali to be a target. I did want her to know how I felt about the blog comment. But now it seems that it never was said. I didn't want A5D to be a target. I wanted to let them know my confusion about everything. I haven't got word from them so it's like I can't even say much more about A5D. I did make the post yesterday because my costumers needed to know what was going on. That and I wanted to defend myself. All this is really hard to follow for you all I bet. Me too. The bottom line is, I was let go for unclear reasons that may or may not have been true. All I know is that whatever threat there was based on my designs, was enough.

So, as crazy as this is I'm going to keep truckin' and do my thing. Ali said she didn't say anything. I hope Ali can get an explanation as well. I have to keep moving on. Above all, scrapbooking is meant to be fun and meaningful. Like in all things, it can get ugly, yes. I hope we can just freakin' forget it all. But other than that I wash my hands. I don't have a shop anymore and I can handle that. I don't, however, like lies.

Thanks again everyone and I'm not even kidding you. Don't ever think I will forget this. This is my last post on the matter. Thank gooness because my elbows are killing me!

Be back in a flash,
-out

An Explanation

This is going to be an outrageous post for some of you but I need to say what I feel. Please bare with me.

Tonight I was let go from After 5 Designs. Previously there had been an issue with people complaining about my packaging on my word brush kits being too similar Ali Edwards' packaging. My first thoughts were that they were not exactly the same nor did I know of any licenses on packaging. However, I gladly changed mine to avoid any conflict. Then I got pregnant with the twins. I took a long break from creating layouts, my blog, DT's, OLW and After 5 Designs. I came back and started to get back into things slowly. A5D has grown a lot. Many new designers. All very enthusiastic and able to participate on the blog,  in the forum and galleries on a constant basis. That was not in the cards for me. I have too much going on right now. So lately I've made some kit's here and there but my participation had not been up to par. I understand that. However, I had cleared all that up. I thought that it was understood of my situation at this point. So I get an email today that asked for my resignation on the basis of lack of participation and because Ali has been complaining about my blog looking too similar to hers. I was advised to get my own style and come back when I am ready.

I have e-mailed them both with my concern over this matter. I have not received any response from either of them as of yet. I'm not sure If I will. I can't speak for them but I do owe any of you who buy my kits an explanation and I feel that I need to defend myself in this situation.

First of all I understand that Ali and I have similar styles. Our handwriting is a lot alike. But I write the way I write. I can't just switch that off because it looks like someone elses. I love my handwriting and I will continue to use it in my designs. I work very, very hard on creating every single thing I do. I make things from scratch. I am an artist and I have visions. I have been creating the way I do since the beginning. I like to combine text with my handwriting since who knows when. I am inspired by many people, Ali and others alike. But I'm not trying to copy anyone.

As far as digital kits looking similar. Um? Most everyones kits look exactly the same. There are different color variations and elements but yeah...they look a lot alike to me. How come when I make a kit I'm punished. Because it looks like Ali's? I'm not understanding. I make paper, I create image brushes by hand. I have elements that are similar but they are not identicle. I'm doing what everyone else is. I'm just trying to be me and make kits for others to enjoy.

As far as my blog. I have two things that are like Ali's. One of them is a TypePad feature that I received information on in my e-mail. It's a new comment system that is offered to TypePad users through TypePad Connect. It is not produced by Ali. Nor does she lisence it. It's for anyone with a TypePad account to enjoy. The other is the little feature at the end of each post that shows thumbnails of previous posts of mine. She has the same thing. Again...this is not Ali's creation this is available to you all too. It's a great tool to get people more involved in your blog. It's available through Link Within. I've been making changed to my blog like these because not alot of you would come by anymore. I was trying to make it more interesting. More involving. Other than those two things I'm at a loss of how my blog can be so similar and why it's being discussed in the first place.

It's so sad to me because I've worked so hard for everything that I have ever accomplished. I do not copy, I do not steal material. The only thing I could be accused of is being inspired. And it's got me where? I've lost a spot as a digital designer at After 5. That was extra income for my family. not even two days before mothers day. And why? Because I have some digital knowhow. Because of the way I write. Because I have an interactive blog now that I love?

Wow...that makes me wonder what's next. Makes me wonder a lot of things.

So, to all of you who liked my kits I'm sorry. But I will tell you that I plan to create freebies here when I get the chance. So that's pretty cool. I also will Keep my blog the way it is. It's totally within my rights to do so.

I hope that any of you designers out there get the privilege of being informed of any issues as they accure before it's too late. I hope you're able to create without consequence. And know that until someone shows you proof of breaking any laws or licenses, keep doing what you do.

Peace to you all and have a wonderful Mothers Day,
-out

fellow inspiration: 01

I just love it when I see a layout or project that grabs at me. It's so cool to stop and click to view it closer. Checking out all the beautiful details. Often times wondering how in the world did they do this or that :) Inspiration drives us and nothing is looking at fellow scrappers put their hearts and souls in the creations they make. So...this is a place for me to share with you the art that pulls at me and makes me take a second look. I hope you enjoy!
..................................................................................................................................................

So without further ado...here is the first standout from Kerry Lynn.

Mothers Day Bragging Rights- miniBOOK




[You can view more detailed images here]

This mini is just super delicious! I never thought I would use that word in referring to a scrap project but how could you not here? I really do love everything about it, the way the cover is shear with a bunch of goodies on top. And the different shaped chipboard pages in the inside!!! That is a neat way to add dimension and mystery. The mommy is sure to adore it! She even has a tutorial on how to make it here. Score!!!!

Here is some beautiful packaging from Jaqueline Yo.

Birthday Pressies!- gift wraps

[you can find more detailed images here]

Ok...she really worked it for these little guys. How special are they going to feel when they get these??? I love how she used the left overs from a chipboard die cut sheet, The kraft wrapping paper is classic and gives any project or layout a perfect base to create on. (looks cool too!) I'm really digging the fat silk ribbon right now. Love how she used it here...just all around inpiring for me! ....ah....the goodness.....

Well everyone...this post was petite and nothing short of sweet! In both projects they clustered elements on top. This is such a neat idea. And a good way to use scraps! I hope you are inspired like I am!!!! Thanks ladies for sharing and I will be back soon with more standouts!

-out

blog changes and a snack

Hello everyone! I've been giving my blog some thought and I would like it to be a place not not only for me to rant and rave and show off how absolutely fabulous my children are :), but I want it to be a place for you all too. I've been making some changes so that I can be more in touch with you. As you know, before I was having trouble with my email. Now that's fixed but I wanted to make things better still. So now you can comment and I can reply, You can reply back or even reply to someone else' reply....it can be a massive conversation up in this piece lol! No but I hope you all find it useful. I love hearing from you guys :)

I've also added more pages which I'm super exited about. If you look over to the left you will see them listed under Be Inspired. I will be posting about things that inspire me, peoples layouts and projects that grab my attention, free giveaways from me or others, little tips on how to do things the digital way, new digital shop releases and also there will be a page that showcases my favorite photos of my family and everyday. Here I might play with enhancing or take a picture of my big toe. Whatever I'm in the mood for ^_^ in any case...these pages you can refer to when you need a little inspiration and recource in your day.
..................................................................................................................................................

My girls are in a hungry stage right now. Well, actually I can add Kody to that too. It's just he's gone most of the day at school. But anyhoo...yeah...How come  I barely wake up in the morning and I have little people swarming around me talking about "Can I have juice? Can I have some fruit snakes? Can I have some marshmallows? Can I have a banana? Can I have a cookie?......" I mean I haven't washed the sleep from my eyes and the crust from my mouth yet you hear me? My voice sounds like a 10 pound frog as I so politely reply "No." The crazy thing is that they just turn and go do what they were doing. At least for a little while until round two comes like 10 mins later. But see, all this wouldn't bother me so much if they actually asked for real food. Like dude...asked me for some pancakes or some eggs. WHY must it be snacks. It's always snacks! Admittedly, I just figured out this whole pattern. Because I would give them a snack when ever the asked for one. Yep, I sure did. I thought if they were asking then that means their body needed it lol! And two things happened. 1.) I would always make little pit stops to the store for more snacks. and 2.) They would never eat all of their real food I made for them. It took me a while to figure out why. I was like man...my kids will shrivel up and grow up to be bean sticks if they don't start eating more. It's like no...just stop giving them the sugar snacks lady.

Ok...I can't believe I just  wrote all that about snacks......

Well, you get my point. It was just on my mind   You all have a good rest of the day :)

-out

..................................................................................................................................................

A little reminder: You can keep up with One Little Word on Facebook and on Flickr!

a little adult humor

Ok...so my sister, Chelsea, e-mailed me this evening and it was pretty darn funny. She just wanted to lighten up my night and I'm sending her a big thank you and a

Moms in Group Therapy

A psychiatrist was conducting a group therapy session
with four young Mothers and their small children.

"You all have obsessions," he observed. To the first mother, Mary, he said, "You are obsessed with eating.You've even named your daughter Candy."

He turned to the second Mom, Ann: "Your obsession is with money. Again, it manifests itself in your child's name,Penny."

He turned to the third Mom, Joyce: "Your obsession is alcohol. This too shows itself in your child's name, Brandy."

At this point, the fourth mother, Kathy, quietly got up, took her little boy by the hand and whispered, "Come on, Dick, this guy has no idea what he's talking about. Let's go pick up Peter and Willy from school and go get dinner."


I needed that...

-out