What was I thinkin?

oh my word "Interruptions" - Wednesday, April 4

oh my word - Interruptions

Some interruptions are welcome - some are not! 

 1. Snow - I love a good snow day occasionally. It is nice to take a "forced" day off and enjoy time with the kids.

2. TV Commercials - I don't love commercials, mostly because there are just too many of them! They are not a welcome interruption; however, Tivo solved most of that problem for me. :)

3. Illness - never a welcome interruption.

4. Phone Calls - these fall into two categories telephone solicitors and friends. The Friends are welcome interruptions, the telephone solicitors - not so much.

5. Alarms & buzzers - For the most part, I stopped using an alarm to wake up many years ago. So, the alarms in my house are mostly welcome. They are set up to remind me of activities & appointments or to let me know when the "cookies" are done. :)

 

Have you ever been interrupted? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

oh my word "Realizations" - Wednesday, March 28

Realizations

 

1. Everyone faces big challenges in their lives - I am always a little humbled as I get to know people, especially those who from a distance seemed to have "the perfect life." Without exception, life brings hardship, challenges, suffering...

2. I don't hate mushrooms - When I was a child I would not eat anything that included even the smallest bits of mushroom. As an adult, I am not a big fan of fresh mushrooms on pizza or in my salad; however, I really like well cooked (sauteed or stuffed) mushrooms.

Reser's Blog - Easy appetizer recipe: Baked Artichoke & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

 

3. You really do get what you pay for. Spending extra to get higher thread count sheets, for example. Totally worth it.

4. I don't like to argue or listen to others argue. I grew up with 5 antagonistic brothers who loved to argue about sports - and other things. (One of the blessing of having my children 7 years apart - they rarely argue.)

5. Men are from Mars. They don't think like women and they don't understand how women think; but, that doesn't mean they don't try.

 

Add your list of "realizations" to our comments, for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Transitions on Wednesday, March 21

oh my word - TRANSITIONS

Life is a series of transitions. We can choose to like it or not - either way change is going to happen.

BIG Transitions in My life:

1. Going from Grade School to Junior High - having a new teacher for each class and a locker instead of a desk. Being with a new group of students every hour of the day. My friends and I didn't have the same schedule - often not the same lunch period. It was a big adjustment.

2. Going to College - I left home for college when I was 17. I was excited to get started; but, when my parents dropped me off and drove away, I admit, my stomache sank just a little.

3. Getting Married - such a huge life changing event! But, during the weeks that followed the wedding, I didn't feel like a different person - it took time to sink in that I was "Mrs.Tami Potter." 

4. Having our first baby - Is there a bigger transition in life?  It took a few years before I figured out, once you become a parent you will ALWAYS be a parent.

5. Starting a business - from SAHM to savvy business woman (NOT!) starting a business changed my family.  There have been a lot of difficult learning curves along the way. There have been days I've wished I could go back to the way it was before, when life seemed so simple. But, then I remember all the wonderful blessings this path has provided, and all the people we've met along the way...

 

Add your list of transitions to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Determination - Wednesday, March 14

oh my word - Determination

Most good things don't just happen - it can take a lot of determination to make and meet goals.

Things that have taken determination in my life:

 1. Graduation from college - I started college when I was seventeen. I was 36 when I finally got my degree. 

2. Having Children - fertility pills, tests and more tests, feeling crushed over and over, then being sick for 9 months... All totally worth it. :)

3. Maintaining a business - even though I've heard over and over again that failure is part of success I do not like to fail. (Does anyone like to fail?) It takes determination to get beyond the mistakes and keep going.

 

BEYOND THE LIST!

We all have to be determined at one time or another - to achieve a goal, to overcome adversity... So Today, I have an extra challenge: use this list as a stepping stone. Choose one of your "determination" list items and share your story of DETERMINATION on the Journella Story Boards.

You can read my story "It Takes Determination to Become an official Pirate!" (just click this link.)

If you don't have a Journella account - it is free to register. (Or you can add your story to your own blog.) Be sure to share the link in our comments.

 

Are you determined? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

A.A. Milne Words on Wednesday, March 7

 

Creating a list of words or titles is a great way to prompt new page or journal entry ideas.

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Pooh inspired Page or Journal entry titles:

March is a month known for blustery days. When I think of blustery days, I think of Winnie the Pooh. I am a big Pooh fan - seriously, who isn't? So, I thought it would be fun to create a list of "pooh" inspired page/journal titles.

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1. Happy Winds Day!

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2. The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down.

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3. Tut, Tut, looks like rain.

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4. Is it raining in there? It's raining out here, too.

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5. I'm just a little black rain cloud!

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6. Weeds are flowers too. Once you get to know them.

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7. The spring has sprung, the grass is rizz. I wonder where them birdies is?

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8. “What day is it?" asked Pooh. "It's today", squeaked Piglet. "My favourite day," said Pooh.”

― A.A. Milne

 

Add your list of Pooh inspired (or another favorite story) phrases to our comments, for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Leap Words on Wednesday, February 29

Creating a list of words or titles is a great way to prompt new page or journal entry ideas.

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It's a LEAP YEAR - what are you doing with your "extra" day?  Seemed like a fun time to whip up some title ideas - using the word LEAP. :)

Phrases that use the word LEAP:

1. Take a flying LEAP! (This could be fun for trampoline photos.)

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2. Playing LEAP Frog (Trip to Sweet Frog - frozen yogurt - photos of the line to fill our yogurt bowls.)

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3. One small step for man. One giant LEAP for man kind. (Paije & Ryan's graduation this summer.)

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4. LEAP Year (I need to make a page to celebrate our "extra day.")

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5. LEAPing Leopards! (When we get tired of using cute frogs - we can switch to leopard print!)

 

Add your list of LEAP phrases to our comments, for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Presidential Words on Wednesday, February 22

Creating a list of words or titles is a great way to prompt new page or journal entry ideas.

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February 22, 1732 - George Washington's birthday - it seemed so easy to pick the first President of the US. If only it seemed that easy today.

 

Words to describe the President of the United States:

1. American

2. Patriot

3. Humble (George seemed like a really humble guy.)

4. Dedicated

5. Persistant

6. Intelligent

7. Leader

 

Add your words describing US Presidents, to our comments, for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Romantic Movie Lines on Wednesday, February 8

Romantic Lines

Lines I like from Romantic Movies:

1. “Listen to me, mister. You’re my knight in shining armor. Don’t forget it.” — Ethel (Katharine Hepburn) to Norman (Henry Fonda) On Golden Pond -1981

2. “Don’t forget I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”  — Anna (Julia Roberts) to William (Hugh Grant)  - Knotting HIll

3. “No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how. —Rhett (Clark Gable) to Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) Gone With The Wind (1939)

image source imbd.com

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4. “As you wish.” —Westley (Cary Elwes) to Buttercup (Robin Wright) The Princess Bride (1987)

5. “You had me at hello.” —Dorothy (Renée Zellweger) to Jerry (Tom Cruise) Jerry Maguire (1996)

 

Add your list of favorite "romantic movie lines" to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Endearing Words on Wednesday, February 1

Terms of Endearment

The month of February begins today and with with St. Valentines Day just around the corner I am thinking about love and romance. One way we express our love for each other is with personalized terms of endearment.

Our family words of endearment:

1. Sweetie - Kevin started calling me "Sweetie" after we were married. (I call him "Sweetie" too.)

2. Pumpkin Pie - this is what we called our oldest daughter when she was a little girl.

3. Princess - our 2nd daughter is still called our princess on a regular basis.

4. Handsome - "Good morning Handsome" is the way I greet Cole each morning.

5. Beautiful - "Good morning Beautiful" is how Kevin often greets me in the morning.

 

What are your terms of endearment? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Words on Wednesday January 25

Celebrating Words:

It is 2012, a brand new year and we have much to look forward to. There will be holidays and birthdays, weddings and baby showers. 2012 will include championship games, elections, and graduations; so, how do you "Celebrate" in many different ways?

My Celebration Words:

1. Confetti

2. Festival

3. Fireworks

4. Shindig

5. Red-carpet

6. Balloons

7. Bash

8. Streamers

9. Parade

10. Surprise

What words make you think about celebrations? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

 

Relaxation Words on Wednesday January 18

Relaxation Words:

We all have different ways to "relax" or ease the "daily stresses" etc. in our lives. Words that trigger calm or relaxing thoughts or memories in my mind...

 

1. Massage

2. Silence

3. Breeze

4. Sunshine

5. Meadow

6. Clouds

7. Peaceful

8. Walk

9. Nature

10. Nap

 

 

What are some of the words that trigger calm or relaxing memories in your mind? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Winter Words on Wednesday January 11

Winter Words:

It is January and if you live in North America you are surrounded by winter. When I hear some words they naturally make me think of winter.

 

 My Winter Words:

1. Glisten

2. Fleece

3. Marshmallow

4. Blanket

5. Frosty

6. Wonderland

 

What words make you think about winter? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win!

and... Check out our Mosaic Moment™ Design Team's Winter Wonder pages on the Journella Story Boards.

Happy Words - January 4

Happy Thought Words:

If you had a pocket full of pixie dust, what "Happy Thought words" would make you fly?

A few of my "Happy Words" are:

 

1. Bubbles

2. Sprinkles

3. Delightful

4. Magical

5. Fuzzy

6. Snuggle

7. Colorful

8. Dream

9. Laughter

10. Soar

 

What are your "happy thought" words? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

 

Oh My Word... Respect

Upon arrival at the Arlington National Cemetery a sign is displayed reminding visitors to please conduct themselves with dignity and respect. 

While we were in the Washington DC area, Kevin and I decided to take our children to see our nations most sacred shrine. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to teach Cole (5) and Alexis (12) about "dignity and respect"  as we talked to them about the cemetery, those who are laid to rest there, and how we can show our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice and service.

We walked through the cemetery to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched as soldiers performed a ceremony, "The Changing of the Guards." All who are present are asked to remain standing, in complete silence, for the duration of  the ceremony.

Cole is a typical 5 year old boy. He is a little on the wiggly side; but, he did a really good job during the ceremony. Kevin only had to remind him to be silent once, with a quick shush, when he started to make a little noise.

I hope you will find an opportunity to create a scrapbook page about "respect." Share your values with your loved ones. Tell them about something you respect and how you show your respect.

Oh My Word... Fearless

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When I was a child I loved carnival rides - the faster and wilder the better. I think The Zipper was my favorite. My friends and I would get the "cage" spinning around and around. We were young and we were fearless.

For the past few years, since she became tall enough, we've been trying to coax Alexis to ride roller coasters. She has refused all but two (The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens and Rock N' Roller Coaster at Disney Studios FL.) Much to my delight and surprise, and after much insistence on my part, she agreed to try out the newest Sea World roller coaster with me.

It wasn't like any other roller coaster I've ever been on. We got into our seats and pulled down the safety harness, just like any other roller coaster; however, in addition to the harness over the chest, our feet were locked in and before taking off they leaned us forward in our seats until we were facing the ground.

Alexis loved everything about it - even the parts where we plunged head first toward the ground! When we got off she was ready to go again. I said great - and, she should get her Dad to go with her.

So up they went...
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so happy, waving their arms - thinking this is going to be fun....

and then they went down, and around...and around...

When Kevin got off the ride he looked like the blood had been drained from his entire body. He said, "I've got to lay down."

I stopped worrying after the color began to come back into his face (it took awhile). He was really sick for the rest of the day. (After two hours of lying on benches, he finally worked up enough strength and balance to make it back to the car.)

Kevin has been banned from riding roller coasters.

Thank goodness I have Alexis "the fearless" to go with me now! :)

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When I was a child I loved carnival rides - the faster and wilder the better. I think The Zipper was my favorite. My friends and I would get the "cage" spinning around and around. We were young and we were fearless.

For the past few years, since she became tall enough, we've been trying to coax Alexis to ride roller coasters. She has refused all but two (The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens and Rock N' Roller Coaster at Disney Studios FL.) Much to my delight and surprise, and after much insistence on my part, she agreed to try out the newest Sea World roller coaster with me.

It wasn't like any other roller coaster I've ever been on. We got into our seats and pulled down the safety harness, just like any other roller coaster; however, in addition to the harness over the chest, our feet were locked in and before taking off they leaned us forward in our seats until we were facing the ground.

Alexis loved everything about it - even the parts where we plunged head first toward the ground! When we got off she was ready to go again. I said great - and, she should get her Dad to go with her.

So up they went...
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so happy, waving their arms - thinking this is going to be fun....

and then they went down, and around...and around...

When Kevin got off the ride he looked like the blood had been drained from his entire body. He said, "I've got to lay down."

I stopped worrying after the color began to come back into his face (it took awhile). He was really sick for the rest of the day. (After two hours of lying on benches, he finally worked up enough strength and balance to make it back to the car.)

Kevin has been banned from riding roller coasters.

Thank goodness I have Alexis "the fearless" to go with me now! :)

Oh My Word... Perfection

I have always been a bit of a perfectionist. I didn't think perfection was a negative thing; however, wanting and expecting everything to be "perfect" did create a certain amount of frustration in my life. Over the years, I've changed. I still think of myself as a sort of perfectionist; however, I don't have a "problem" with that old "perfection stress" because I've redefined what perfection

means to me. For example, perfection no longer means the house is completely spotless. Perfection means the house is comfortable to live in (which includes a certain standard of neatness and order - but not the need to be "blemish free.") After all, those blemishes can add character.
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This layout is a great example of my new standard for perfection. The photos are not blemish free; but, I enjoy the sunspots across my daughters face. They remind me that the sun was low in the sky by the time we arrived at the orchard on that late November day.  It was beautiful and quiet and the orchard was not washed out by the sun (as it may have been during mid-day.) So, next time you are looking through your photos, ask yourself, " Are the 'blemishes' part of the memory?"

Enjoy your own definition of "perfection" as you scrapbook your favorite memories.

Oh My Word... Gratitude

Isn't it wonderful to have a special time each year to celebrate our blessings?  Thanksgiving Day reminds us to show gratitude 

for the many wonderful "nouns and verbs" in our lives.

When I think of Thanksgiving it reminds me to be grateful for my heritage and the freedom that I have enjoyed all my life. That in turn reminds me how grateful I am to those who are currently serving our country to keep us safe and preserve our freedom.

I was at a convention a few months ago and a sweet lady suggested that I create a page kit inspired by military camouflage. I thought it was a wonderful idea and I was determined to get it finished in time for our Thanksgiving Page kit Sale.
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Desert Storm available at snapncrop.com. Special price $5.00 (reg. $9.95)- during Thanksgiving weekend.)

I want to express my thanks to all of our wonderful customers who have supported us over the years and and a Big Thank You to our men and women in uniform. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Oh My Word... Miracles

As the holidays approach I can't help thinking about all the blessings and miracles

in my life. One of my favorite 'miracle stories' is the story of my little Nicholas.

Though Cole was born in 2004, the story really begins when a few months after Kevin and I were married we decided we wanted to start a family. I was very excited when I got pregnant right away. Three months later I was crushed when an ultrasound confirmed that I was in the process of miscarriage.

I was disappointed during the months that followed when I wasn't able to get pregnant again. The disappointing months turned into a disappointing year and then into two years. Kevin and I went to a specialist and began using fertility medication. Another year passed and I was ready to give up. It had been a very difficult time for me - each month hoping, and waiting, and each month being disappointed. When I got to "that" point, Kevin offered the extra love and support I needed to continue to hope. Finally, after 3 years my body began feeling the effects of that love - and continued to experience it - throwing up daily for the next 8 months.

It was a difficult process to get pregnant and it wasn't easy being pregnant, but, after hours of induced labor and a C-section, we felt so blessed to finally meet our first baby girl. We enjoyed every minute with her. Six years, another round of fertility, and 8 more months of nausea later we were blessed again - with a second daughter.

Of course we consider all of our children miracles. But, to get our little Cole, we needed an extra miracle.

In the course of becoming pregnant with our second daughter, the doctor gave me a bit of a scare, talking about the chance of multiples. I was very relieved when the ultrasound showed just one fetus. However, my fear of fertility meds was further enhanced, shortly after Alexis was born, as I watched the news about the McCaughey septuplets (born in November 1997.)

When Kevin and I talked about having a third child I was scared to use fertility meds again. (The McCaughey's had one baby - then 7!) I used fertility twice. It gave us two beautiful girls. I did want another baby - I just didn't think I could handle being pregnant with two or even more babies at the same time. The "what ifs" were a little too scary for me.

I hoped that somehow I'd be able to get pregnant without fertility meds. Six years later it hadn't happened. I felt very blessed to have my wonderful daughters. I expected our family was probably complete; but, there was one last thing I had to do...

In the middle of the day, when I was alone, I knelt beside my bed and I said a prayer, the most heart felt of my life. I explained my situation to Father in Heaven, telling him I was afraid and I didn't feel like I could use the fertility meds again.  I asked sincerely, "If it be Thy will, Kevin and I would like to have another child."

A couple of months later, shortly after Christmas, Kevin and I discovered that we had been given an additional unexpected gift that year. 

We scheduled a C-section for September 2. Sneaking our little guy into the world a week or so before his due date. When he was born, we named him Nicholas, after St. Nicholas. Because he was our miracle - the best Christmas present ever.

Cole's first photo with Santa December 2004

I am grateful for the "big miracles" in my life that help me remember to look at the many smaller blessings - the ones that remind me, each day, that God is mindful of us. He knows us, He loves us, and He answers our prayers.

This holiday season I hope you will take a few moments to write down one or more of the many miracles in your life and share your story with those you love.

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Typography Notes:

I chose to use Fine Hand™ Plain to create the word "miracles" because of it's calligraphic handwritten qualities. British designer, Richard Bradley, created Fine Hand™ Plain in 1987, based on his own handwriting. It is part of the ITC collection.

Oh My Word... Schedule

Every year we wait with anticipation to get the new convention list from Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Expo, the Great American Scrapbook Convention (etc.) This is the list that will determine how we will schedule
our time for the next year.

After we get the schedule there are many decisions to be made. We have to determine which of the conventions we will attend, where will we offer classes, what the classes will be, etc. Once we make our decisions, contracts are signed, deposits are sent, class descriptions and images are created, and the process of making travel arrangements begins. It is a crazy and fun time for all of the exhibitors.

Mosaic Moments (Tami Potter) 2010 Convention Schedule:

• Jan 15 - 17                 Costa Mesa CA - Scrapbook Expo
• Feb 5 - 6                    Portland OR - CKC
• Feb 26 - 27               Louisville KY - CKC
• Mar 26 - 27              Columbus OH Memories Expo  (not confirmed.)
• Apr 9 - 10                 St Louis MO (Collinsville) CKC
• Apr 16 - 17                Mesa, AZ CKC
• Apr 30 - May 1        Manchester, NH CKC
• May 21 - 22              Buffalo NY CKC
• May 28 - 29             Orlando Scrapbook Expo
• Jun 3 - 5                  Arlington TX  GASC 
• Jun   11-12               Riverside CA  CKC  (NEW SHOW)
• Jun 25 - 26             Chantilly VA GASC
• Jul 9 - 10                 Des Moins, IA CKC (not confirmed.)
• Jul 16 - 17                Puyallup WA Scrapbook Expo (NEW SHOW)
• Jul 29 - 31              Valley Forge, PA CKC (NOW 3 DAYS!)
• Aug 6 - 7                 Santa Clara, CA (San Jose area) Scrapbook Expo
• Aug 13 - 14             Charlotte NC CKC
• Aug 20 - 21             Tulsa OK CKC
• Aug 27 - 28             Nashville TN CKC
• Sep 17 - 18              San Marcos CKC
• Oct 8 - 9                 Kansas City, MO CKC
• Oct 15 - 16              West Palm Beach FL Scrapbook Expo (NEW SHOW)
• Oct 22 - 23             Ontario CA Scrapbook Expo
• Nov 5 - 6                 Sacramento CA Scrapbook Expo
• Nov 12 - 13             Seattle WA (Bellevue) CKC

Of course the planning doesn't end with contracts and classes. I'll begin researching the areas for photo opportunities and fun stuff to do while we travel. You know what they say about all work and no play. :)

I hope you will schedule time to visit a scrapbook convention near you in 2010!

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Oh My Word... Time

Both love and money can be lost and found again. Time

on the other hand, is constantly flowing - like the water in mountain streams, it rushes by, out of our control. We have only the present moment - we can't get a minute back after it is gone.

The good news is, we can choose what will be retained from the moments of our lives. We can record them in journals, photos, scrapbooks, videos, etc. and remember them in as many "present moments" as we'd like to.

As a child I listened to a song by Harry Chapin...

A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."

listen on YouTube

This song made an impression on me, as I'm sure it did many who listened with determination - we didn't want to be "that dad."

I've made it a priority in my life to spend as much TIME as possible with my husband and my children. Of course, I have my busy moments and my children are generally pretty patient with me; but, I want them to know, that no matter what I am doing, they are important to me and I will always make TIME for them.

This summer was a busy one. Kevin and I were out of town a lot. We take the whole family when we can; but, we also want them to know that every trip we take with them won't be centered around "work" stuff. So, before my oldest daughter returned to college we planned a weekend trip to Washington DC. We spent our first day at the zoo.

click on image for larger view

It's been a long TIME since I made a page with photos taken at the zoo. I didn't want to let this day fade into the "digital files" and be forgotten; so, I printed the images I thought would best represent the activities of day. I always have so many things I want to fit into a "zoo spread." I decided to use a page pattern that would allow me do just that. (Mosaic Moments Page Pattern shown below.)

To create this page spread I used 17 photos, 2 sheets of 12x12 Mosaic Moments Cypress Grid Paper, ivory cardstock, sand cardstock, computer for journaling, and clear stamps.

Clear stamps used: I wish for you... and Clearly Autumn.

Because I did a double page spread, I altered my pattern a little - adding two photos to the center sections. I still had plenty of room for a title and journaling.

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Oh My Word...Sneaking

Did you ever tip toe down the stairs in the middle of the night to snatch candy canes off of the Christmas tree? When I was a child, Christmas was a time for sneaking.

My mother had to be pretty inventive to keep my brother, sister, and I from discovering our gifts before Christmas morning. I was the worst at ruining the surprise. I'd search under the beds, in the closets -  no hiding place was safe from me. I couldn't wait until Christmas to find out what was in the boxes. I shouldn't admit this - you are going to think I was a terrible child - but, sometimes, I'd carefully unwrap an end of a box to see if I could get a peek at what was under the wrapping.

As an adult, I've reformed my sneaky ways and I use my experience as a peeker to ensure that my children are surprised on Christmas morning. 

1. Lock them up - Gifts are generally kept out of the house or locked away until they are wrapped. I wait until a few days before Christmas to start wrapping.

2. NO TAGS - my children don't know until Christmas Day which gifts are for them. Each year I pick 5 wrapping papers, one for each member of the family. I don't tell them until Christmas morning which wrapping paper their gifts are wrapped in.

3. Distractions - counting down the days of Christmas with little wrapped surprises helps ease the temptation to sneak.

I don't want to "ruin" all the surprises to come, but, sometimes, I still have a hard time waiting. Here is a sneak peek of what is coming in November...

O Tannenbaum CornerStone will be available in three colors.

Calvin and Hobbes font, shown above, is available FREE at urbanfonts.com.
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Oh My Word... Choices

We all have to make decisions in our lives. Some of the

are easy, others are more difficult. If you have ever taken a child into a dollar store and told them they can pick one item, you are familiar with the length of time it can take to make a decision when one is faced with too many choices.

The best way to make a decision is to narrow the options. Making a list of the pros and cons can be a great way to narrow choices; But, what if the choices are equally appealing? You can flip a coin, or play childhood elimination games. You can draw straws, pick out of a hat, or you can dig deeper, find out more, and make a more informed decision.

Back in August, Kevin and I were in Valley Forge/Philadelphia for the CK convention. I always try to plan some fun activities during the non-show hours. One of the things on my "fun stuff to do" list was to eat a famous cheese steak.

Pat's Restaurant

There are two famous cheese steak restaurants in Philly. One is called Pat's, the other is Geno's. They are located a stones throw from each other; so, obviously location was not going to play a roll in our decision.

When a choice is being made about food, the decision should be all about the flavor, right? Of course, both owners claim to have THE BEST cheese steak. So, how did I make my choice? 

From the time I was a child, presentation has played a roll in my food choices. I was never very interested in ugly, mushy, or mixed up food. I grew out of the notion that foods shouldn't touch; however, presentation still plays a roll in my choices. As a graphic designer, I couldn't help being more attracted to Geno's. (Sorry Pat.) He's done a pretty great job on his signage. It really grabs your attention.

Geno's Restaurant

We got there at a good time - (early evening on a Thursday) the lines weren't running all the way down the street as they often can.

The steaks were good and we had a great experience; however, I have to admit, we have a old favorite we like more.

Jim's steaks are not as well known as Geno's or Pat's; but, ohhh so good. There is very little parking available near Jim's South Street location, and it didn't appear to be the most 'family friendly' part of town. When we went, two summers ago, Kevin dropped me off and drove around the block several times while I ordered. The lines are long but they move quickly. It was well worth any hassle.

What was the difference between Geno's and Jims? I am a cheese wiz girl. Geno's spreads the wiz on the bread then adds the steak. Jim's poured the wiz onto the steak. The melty cheese dripped into all the crevices mixing it's salty cheesy flavor with the steak. My mouth waters just thinking about it!

May be next year we will try Pat's (across the street from Geno's) or may be we will go back to the familiar favorite (Jim's.)

Oh My Word... Story

 A few years ago I asked Kevin's brothers and Sisters to share the stories of how they met and married their spouses for a family reunion. When the reunion came, we set aside time to get together and read each story in front of the group. There were a lot of laughs and I learned so much about Kevin's siblings and their spouses - it has been one of my all time favorite family reunion moments.

Last June I started out to write a "happy anniversary tribute" to Kevin. It took longer than I expected to finish and ended up as a combination of 16 posts. (If you weren't able to follow along - you can always find the entire 16 posts under the category "Love Story.")  Now that I am finally finished I want to ask you - Where does your

begin? It may have been years ago, or it may be in progress now. I want to encourage you to pick up a pencil, or your key board, and write everything you can remember about those first days/months/years with that person you love.

Why? Well, I am no Dr. Phil, and I am certainly not Dr. Ruth; but, I can tell you, with confidence, if you take the time to write your story it will be worth more than you can imagine. The process of writing "your story" will make you feel closer to the person you love. It will make them feel closer to you and those feelings of joy will return again and again as you read and reread your story.

So, you aren't sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas:

• Things that brought you together
• Who made the first move
• The day you met
• Your first date
• First impressions

Of course, it isn't as important where you begin as it is that you begin.

And if you feel like sharing - I'd love to hear your story or your thoughts about writing your story.

Happy Wednesday!

Tami

Oh My Word...Imagination

Imagination  ...is more important than knowledge.
                                                        - Albert Einstein

I found some wonderful paper and sticky embellishments from Basic Grey (one of my favorite decorative paper companies) and I knew it had a "Project for Cole" written all over it. One of the embellishments had the quote, written above, by Albert Einstein on it - a perfect place to begin!

I made a little 8 page book for Cole and he fell in LOVE with it. "He placed his claim immediately - it is his book." I decided I'd better take a few pictures before he "loves it to pieces." (though it has been holding out amazingly well so far.)
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front cover

page 1 - Imagination - love this quote. Cole is ages 3 & 4 in this little book - I wanted to celebrate him at this very imaginative age.
Page 2 - Children love to see their name - so I dedicated one full page to "COLE"
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pages 3-4 - playing is the foundation for imagination.
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Page 5 - Imagination is simple - just stop and let your mind wander.
page 6 - A good imagination is always better with support from those you love.
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page 7 - sliding down the tongue of a whale... great props are wonderful for assisting the imagination.
Page 8 - Cole's list - to remember the things he likes to do at age 3-4.
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Take a minute to imagine today!

NOTE: If you like this mini-book and you live in the Richmond, Virginia area I'll be teaching a class including a similar project (paper will vary.)  "READY TO CUT"  November 14, 2009 at Memories Galore.

oh my word... Squirreling

Kevin is off to the Tulsa Convention and I am here at home. What is a girl to do with the "extra" time?

Sometimes, when Kevin is out of town, I can't help... squirreling

around; but, I started out with the best of intentions today. Plans to be focused and highly productive were foremost on my mind; but, once again, those squirrels got the best of me!

After I said good-bye to Kevin I spent a little time working. Travel arrangements needed to be made and lesson plans (for my children) needed to be organized. There are some laundry bins calling my name and far too much clutter on my bathroom sink.

Once Cole woke up, he had a better plan for my time. He and I needed some fun time - playing with magnetic letters on our front door. He is learning to read and spell 3 letter words. Problem is we were a little short on O's. I decided to order some online - found a great new educational supply site called Lakeshore - tons of cool stuff!

Alexis is finishing up a unit about plants & photosynthesis. I sent her outside with my camera and an assignment to take pictures of vascular and non-vascular plants. (I didn't know my camera was capable of taking "bad pictures" until now - but hey, photo skills can be a lesson for another day!)

While she was busy outside, I was on the Internet and I came across this:

on the National Geographic site.

It reminded me of all those wonderful fall mornings walking to class on the East Carolina U campus. There were TONS of squirrels. I always wanted to do something artistic with those squirrels...

So...

I designed a new CornerStone.

this is a total sneak peek - I haven't even laser tested it yet, but, with any luck it will be available in time for those fall photos!

May be the squirrels aren't such a bad distraction after all?

OH MY WORDS!

Words are amazing and powerful things. They can make us laugh, cry, create outrage, or fill our hearts with compassion. Combine words with images and you might just have a masterpiece!

I have been sitting on this idea (designing a Mosaic Moments page inspired by word games) for awhile now. I knew I wanted it to be family related - I just had to settle on the right words.

To make the process a little easier, I made a Mosaic Moments Grid Planner sheet. It made it easy to test words for a correct fit. I decided to use our names and some words that describe family.

STEP 1- Create a plan

*Mosaic Moments Grid Plan sheet will be available as a FREE Download at snapncrop.com.

STEP 2 - Print letters onto cardstock

Once I had a plan I designed one inch squares, with the letters I needed, and printed them onto cardstock. FREE Download Available. If you don't have a printer available you could use alphabet stickers, stamps, or handwritten letters.

TYPE TIP: Make sure the letters are adequately filling the 1 inch square space. It will result in a more pleasing visual impact.

STEP 3 - (optional) stamp each square.

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STEP 4 - (optional) ink edges.

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STEP 5 - place letter squares on Mosaic Moments Grid Paper as planned.

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STEP 6 - add photos.

 

I used a couple of 4x6 photos (cut to fit the grid) to block in the larger spaces; but, most were printed as thumbnails - 9 up on a 4x6 sheet.

Using a one inch square punch makes it really easy to create one inch squares out of thumbnail prints.

Don't you think this idea will make a fabulous gift? Just change the words & photos to create custom designs for your favorite people, new moms, newly or to-be-weds, sisters, friends, spouse, neighbors...

I love the finished results. I decided to make another for my friend Jaime -

her birthday is coming next month. Won't she be surprised? : )

OH MY WORD! ... Sprinkles

While we were in Atlanta I had time to go to the Cake Art Party Store. They have... sprinkles

- LOTS of them!

We decided to try out our newly purchased sprinkles and food colors on some cupcakes.

Cole mixed the batter.

Cole made green frosting. I found this plastic decorating tube at the dollar store - it worked great!

Alexis made purple frosting.

 
Paije took a little time away from work to do some decorating.

Cole was "King of Cupcakes." He ate the top off, added more frosting, and offered his bitten masterpiece to Alexis. She declined - so he ate it himself.

 

I think it may be impossible to be anything other than happy when you are putting sprinkles on stuff.

OH MY WORD! ... Happiness

Coke's 2009 ad theme is Open...Happiness

It seemed like a good time to visit the New Coke World and we just happened to be in Atlanta - home of Coke.

They have some great "Coke Art."

 

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They have a 4-D movie. The story was cheesy; but, the chairs moved and we got to wear these cool paper glasses. That made us happy.  : )

 

We got to meet the Coka-Cola polar bear. (S)He was a Happy Bear!

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and we tasted soda from all over the world - some are not so tasty, but we tasted them anyway.

This Apple drink from China wasn't too bad.

I hope you will have the opportunity to visit a "Happy Place" this summer.

OH MY WORD! ... Secret

I've discovered the secret

to a fabulous Anniversary. The best thing is, you don't need time or money for a fabulous gift or weekend get-a-way.

The discovery began when Kevin and I were scheduled to work at the Chantilly GASC on our anniversary. We tried to think of something we could do in the evening, after the convention, but, it came down to knowing how tired we would be at the end of the day. We didn't want to "force" a celebration; so, we decided not to make any big plans.

Kevin had a wonderful gift for me. His part was done. I, on the other hand, had no gift.  My mind was in a bit of a frenzy trying to think up something special, but, nothing seemed to be coming to me. In the meantime, I had an "Oh my word..." post to write.

With our anniversary on it's way, I decided to use the word "remember" and write a little something about the first time Kevin and I met. At the end of the post I couldn't leave the story "unfinished"; so I decided to continue, and then continue, and continue again... okay, I am actually still not completely finished with the story.

So, how does this all relate as "the secret to a fabulous anniversary?" All the time I've spent thinking back, writing the memories, remembering how completely wonderful Kevin is, etc., has been better than the best gift I could have ever dreamed up.

Writing our story, a little each day, and sharing it with Kevin, just one "chapter" at a time, has made this the best anniversary week ever. I get tingly just thinking about him!

So there it is, the secret - spend time writing your love story. Remember every detail you can (as you write, more details will come to you.) You may not want to write everything down; but, write everything you can. Then, share it with your significant other. Enjoy the smiles and laughs that will come. Embrace the memories that brought you together. It will be worth it.

OH MY WORD!... Impression

The first time I stepped into the lobby of the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas I was mesmerized. As if the gorgeous fresh flowers aren't enough to wow you  - when you look up at the ceiling there it is... Chihuly's amazing work of art! It made quite an impression

on me. I took tons of photos - none of which really do justice to the fabulous ceiling. I had no idea, when I saw the ceiling, that it was the work of a famous glass artist. I just knew it was phenomenal. Over time I learned more about Chihuly and his work. Then, while I was in Arizona last spring, a wonderful lady told me that there was a Chihuly exhibit at one of my favorite places - the Desert Botanical Gardens. 

To tell you the truth I still can't believe I got to see it. I took about 900 photos. The cactus were blooming and the Chihuly exhibit was amazing. My eyes and my fingers just went crazy!

I finally got a chance to put together a couple of pages. Here is one of them:

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Take a moment this week to write or scrap about something that has made a lasting impression on you.

Typography Note:

ITC Tiepolo was named after artist Dominic Tiepolo by the design team at AlphaOmega Typography. They describe their font as a sans serif with serifs. Tiepolo offers personality that does not detract from the text.