sunday . . .

Celebrating 34 . . .

I must say Ryan is a sweetheart - he is a true party planner - I think we have at least one pretend party each day - he always has something to celebrate :) When he asked what we would do for my birthday I told him I wanted a princess party - I don't think I ever had one - so of course - this little planner did some organizing with grammy and a princess party we had - cinderella plates and of course a gorgeous tiara :)

I have gotten a few emails wondering about the little one (since it has been so long since I have blogged - right????) - Nicholas is doing pretty good - we have had some ups & downs recently - that troublesome reflux!!! He is so stinkin' cute though & his smile - well I mean just check this kid out . . .

He's already an avid reader - hah!!!

And I am teaching him to hug - I tell him mommy wants a hug & he puts his hands out & then when I get close he puts his arms around my head & pulls my hair - we are still working out the logistics on that one :)

Being a mommy of one was hard & being a mommy of two is even harder, but day by day it is getting easier & I just love them both to pieces . . .

As I mentioned before - I turned 34 - today :) I am so thankful for my life & the people in it & it wouldn't be right to not acknowledge the two beautiful people who brought me into this world . . .

thank you mom for your kindness, your love, the Halloween costumes you handmade, the songs you sang us, always knowing just the right words to lift my spirits, baking cookies with us every Christmas, making me a Cabbage Patch kid doll when we couldn't afford to buy one, instilling in me a love of crafting, loving my children as if they were your own, talking to me every day, and for being not just my mom, but a true friend.

thank you dad for your protection & watchfulness, I have always known you would keep me safe, for believing in me, for carving pumpkins with me at Halloween, for dressing up like Santa every year when we were kids, for playing games with my children & loving them from the bottom of your heart, for instilling in me a love of education that made me want to teach myself, for being strong & gentle & caring & devoted to your family.

On to some long overdue scrappy shares . . .

First up, SEI - this month we were asked to showcase the White Elegance collection. I decided to use it as my background & for one of my embellishments & then also mix in some of the gorgeous Couture collection as well. Here is what I came up with . . .

I used the new Tim Holtz Accordian Die & the White Elegance paper to create this flower. The die-cut butterflies are also from the White Elegance collection - some quick zig-zag stitching helped accent the body . . .

Here is the sketch that corresponds with the layout - be sure to grab some SEI from your stash or invest in some of the new collections & see what you can create using the sketch. Then be sure to join us for the SEI link party at the end of the month - can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Next up - Jillbean Soup!!! This month is our first to share projects on the Jillibean Soup blog - I created this layout featuring the adorable Blossom Soup collection . . .

Broke out one of my Martha Stewart border punches to create this background - a perfect punch for this spring-themed layout!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jillibean's coordinating die-cuts & stickers - they are just the perfect touches on your layouts :)

I also created a card featuring the new Dutch Mustard Soup line - I'll be honest, cards are tough for me & I definitely struggled with this part of our assignment. No worries though, I am hoping to "rock" the card world this month - I have some ideas brewing :)

My final share tonight are the layouts for the June She Said Monthly Subscription club at A Page 4 All Seasons - this month I worked with Crate Paper's Emma Shoppe - what adorable paper & embellishments!!

You can find more info about joining the club & purchasing these layout kits HERE.

Thanks so much to all of you for still keeping up with me on this blog - even though I have been a bit of a slacker on updating recently :) Hope all of you are well!!

ttyl - julie :)