2010 Agenda...

Every year I make my own agenda. Well, at least since purchasing my Bind-It-All. I have made 3 so far and this year is no different. In the past my agenda's have been very simple with just patterned paper on the cover and back. But since I am housebound and still recovering from my recent surgery I have stepped it up a bit with Studio Calico's Home Front Collection. The papers were perfect for the "home" theme and I loved adding the special touches with the little "extras" that go with this collection. If you have not found Studio Calico's debut Scrapbooking Collection the Home Front, you can purchase it here at 3 Scrappy Boys. They are having a fabulous sale and I believe Home Front by Studio Calico is included in the sale as well.

2010 Agenda Front

Cover Close up for detail...

Inside Calendar Page-I always add more pages for writing behind the calendar page. This year I took the lazy way out and printed my calendar page from a free site online @ FreePrintable.net

Back Inside Cover with Studio Calico Paper and Fab Rip for Spine

Back Page Spine using Studio Calico Fab Rips

Just thought I would share. I really think the walls are closing in!
2010 is almost here...

Fresh Start is on the Horizon!

Christmas time for many seems to bring things to a close, but for me this year it is the beginning of a NEW FRESH START! I am not nostalgic for 2009. I am ready for for the Double Digit year to begin. So, with this said...I will not reflect on 2009 with teary eyes I plan on to move forward to brighter days and clean slate memories.
Yes, I have some good memories of 2009; I really rather they stay just that...Memories.

Each year I usually set goals for a New Year. I rarely stick to the list. So, this New Year I am not setting goals but plan to live my life as full as possible. Roll with the punches, laugh at the impossible, and dream the dreams I have always had. I plan on making fresh memories that make me smile and make the new year as POSITIVE as possible.
I think this is the way it is supposed to be. I will not set myself up with a list that will for whatever reason not be completed. Yes, a Fresh Start is on my Horizon and I just know that the New Year of 2010 will be wonderful.

I have been scrapping for the past few days. Playing with new scrappy toys and enjoying playing with paper and glue. I simply love those days of crafty play. I would like to share a few items I made with the Art Freckles December Bird Cage Kit. I really love the fact that Shannon the owner did not do a themed/traditional December kit. After all, it is about FRESH STARTS!

*click on image to view closer*
You can view more creations with this fabulous kit at the Design Team Gallery over at Art Freckles.

Merry Christmas!

Today is the day that is a day of a miraculous miracle come to life in history. We have all heard the story of the Christ Jesus born from the Virgin Mary. Still, when reading the Book of Luke I am amazed and the story is never boring or "over" exaggerated for me in any sense. I love the story of Christmas and I love what it does to the hearts of mankind. This year is special indeed. For we have and continue to love, share laughter, and of ourselves with one another. Once again, I am blessed by my family. My Christmas was perfect although a few of us were in different States. Nonetheless, a JOYOUS Day I will always remember.

This Christmas, I am Blessed Indeed.

O' Little Town Bethlehem...

Bethlehem is where we went a week ago. Yes, here in Bowling Green we entered the town of Bethlehem to be counted in the Census and pay our taxes. Yes, even we "Gentiles" were counted and in the town was a buzz about a baby being born a few nights prior to our arrival. As we made our way through the streets and merchants we could feel the energy of LIFE! A renewal of Hope, Love, and Celebration. They told us a King had just been born. We were anxious to sign our names, pay taxes, and listen to the telling and showing of all of the traditions that have been passed from generation to generation and then finally have the incredible moment of meeting the baby that was born in a stable where he was being watched over by a shepherd boy and his flock. The baby lain in a manger and though it seemed his parents were of medial means their hearts lit up with joy. There was hope and love in the stable that we never felt before. It was and is an experience that all should share and take part in.

Below you will see our Bethlehem experience where a local church transformed their fellowship hall into Bethlehem. They were all in character and made us feel like we belonged even though we were just visitors. I think that is the greatest message of all really. There are no visitors. For the Birth of our Savior is much to be celebrated and adored.

This was more than just a Live Nativity. It was more than just knowing the story before entering. It was more than countless people coming together in a community to spend an evening of story telling. It was truth revealed in our modern day world. For one hour, we were taken to the place where our Lord was born.
For one hour, we were blessed with the re-telling of a remarkable miracle.
For Unto Us A Child Is Born.

This is a night that will enter into our yearly traditions
in celebrating the Birth of Jesus the Christ Child.

12 Days of Christmas...

Yes, over at 3 Scrappy Boys in the forum, today is the first day of crafty inspiration to help with your holiday crafting. The ideas can be used anytime and not just for the Christmas Season. So, be sure to check out the 12 Days of Christmas Thread in the forum as you will have 12 days of ideas and classes to inspire you to create!

Be sure to check back each day as the Design Team at 3 Scrappy Boys have been hard at work. Here is a sneak peek of today's crafting brought to you by MOI!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead...check it out!

Have a Blessed Sunday with your family...
Remember, create a package that SHOUTS that YOU CREATED IT!

Preparing ahead...

Preparing for Christmas is what I have been doing. I am trying my best to make things simple for my husband this year. He will be doing most of the cooking if I am not at my best after surgery, therefore, I have been doing what I can to make Christmas special for us as well as simple for him to help us celebrate. I have biscuits made and frozen, I have yeast rolls prepared with cream cheese filling and frozen, I have the makings of a Gingerbread House that he can create with our daughter, and most importantly...all gifts are purchased, wrapped, and they await their debut for Christmas Evening and Christmas Day. This year our table is set for just 4 as this will be all we will have for Christmas Day. We have part of our family coming the weekend before Christmas and the week after Christmas. I have made the executive decision that my crystal will not be used this year as I have a fear that it will get broke or not properly cleaned. I think this is the anal side coming out.
In any case, my husband is relieved that I am making things simple for him. Men are like that unless you are blessed to have a husband like Eddie Ross!

A simple centerpiece. I am sure he can light candles.A simple Christmas place setting that is displayed so he can replicate it after cleaning the plates for Christmas Evening dinner. I am sure he can add the silverware! *laughing* Because, I am sure we would have BOUNTY TOWELS for wiping if left up to him. He did mention using Chinette Paper plates, though. What is he thinking?! I know...we have been here 5 months and I have yet to find window treatments that rock my world. This is a project for the New Year.

I am nervous as I am sure I have forgotten some detail. I have gone over my list and I believe I have everything ready...but you know, it can be something as small as leaving the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator and finding it when the left overs are put away. In any case, I am ready for Christmas. A smaller scale of Christmas but the meaning is still just as GRAND!

Christmas Bustle...

As many of you know...my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday of next week. I have been super busy in getting all of my gifts purchased, wrapped, and shipped. I have also been making sure that my daughter has plenty of things to do while mommy recovers. Our traditions will change a bit this year as I will be less mobile and will not be able to lift much during the holiday season. With this said, I want to share a sneak peek of what I have been doing...

So, be sure to check out Art Freckles' Blog to get the "skinny" on the above picture. I hope you are enjoying the hustle of the season and be sure to take the time to enjoy yourself as well.
Hard to believe...our year is almost over.

Happy Holidays to all of my creative friends!