I don't Want to be a South Pole Elf

Cold rain...today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HALEY...one of my awesome nieces!


***A.T.C.
I love A.T.C.s...Here is one I came up with:


Here are two oldies, but I felt like sharing them again:




*****Christmas Singing...

Eve yelled at Noah and me for not singing "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" correctly, so Noah called her a "South Pole Elf". This morning we sang "Jingle Bells" while I brushed her hair. No recriminations or chastisements of any kind. Things maybe looking North for our little South Pole Elf.

Have a great day!

Will Haunt 4 Candy!

I don't know how many of you remember Adam Sandler's bizarre Halloween sketch where he would say stuff like, "I'm crazy pickle arm! Give me some candy!" He would use other inane objects and then demand candy. I thought it was hilarious, so I present to you...Crazy Purse Head!


<sub>Sausan Designs: Oogelie Googelie
Needful Things 1 & 3
Brushit Up Striped Alpha


Darcy Baldwin: DJB Pookie Doo at The Digichick on sale today!
DJB ADEE1


Nancy Comelab: Vintage Frame grunge


*Ashley Olson's Doodle Word Frame modified to use only the doodled edge.</sub>


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It has been about a year since I made in Art Trading Cards and I really miss making them. What made me want to jump right in and create some more are found on Sandra Evertson's blog. I love the time elements she used. She also had a great art idea shown on her site that you could do yourself and get your kids involved too. She used ink blot art to make Ink Blot Characters. I thought this was so funky.

Here is an example of my ATCs that I have posted over time, but digging through the archives is a bit of a pain, so I will place them all in this one convenient spot:









::::::::::::::Swimming Lessons::::::::

Hopefully the kids will start swimming lessons this Saturday, but I haven't firmed up all the details, yet. The young lady teaching them was part of the lifeguard team that one a competition in our county.

I hope y'all have a great day!
Smiles!

Another Quirky ATC:

This is a challenge I completed using Sandra Evertson's artwork. Here is a link to her designs:>Click me!




_{Cookie:Agnes Lahur's Life is Sweet
Many elements from Susan Long's Crimson Christmas,
doll legs from Scrap Artist doll freebie,
Sparkly Red Alpha Freebie from Julie Howard,
Michelle Coleman's glitter stocking freebie,
Christine Honsinger's Fiddlette's Fabulous Fleamarket,
Christmas tree, doodles, presents and crystals from Michelle Coleman's Sweet Evangeline,
Soldier from Mo Jackson's Oak Knoll,
Pram from Flickr,
Face and arm doodles from http://www.alteredsouls.com/free.htm
beard and wig from the web,
Egg from Mary Fran,
Santa hat by Robyn Gough,
metal slide from Lisa Dozier's Just Dreamy Kit.}


:::::::::::::::Progress?:::::::::::::::

My dad showed up again today and was able to do a 1/4 of the siding on the back of the house and when Michael got home he finished drilling the holes and putting in the carriage bolts to properly connect the upper deck to the house. (You might think the people we bought the house from who built the deck might have attached it properly, but you would be so WRONG!). No, I'm not bitter...REALLY! Anyhoo, there is progress. Michael and I have made the financial decision to forgo the 10 x 10 addition and put our efforts in making the square footage we have better. I hold out hope for the future that we can add-on when we have paid this loan off. No use in being greedy!

Sea Princess:

I always loved to watch Jacque Cousteau shows and imagined swimming with some of the most gentle creatures, sea horses!


_{Scuba helmet by Maya,
leafy sea dragon and lion fish wings created from images from Stockexchange photos,
Shell Crown from Swimming Pixiebelles by Mo Jackson,
Glitter swirl from Birthday Elements, hands and feet are charms by Michelle Coleman,
Background paper from the Monochromatic Challenge by Jackie Eckles,
shells a freebie from Sunfluer,
Long Grass Stamp by Shawna Clingerman,
paper blocks modified from Hope Wallace's Collage Banner,
Soldier Charm by Jen Wilson,
Font: Typeset}

Abundance

This is an ATC for the Rain Challenge at Scrap Artist:

"Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger."
Saint Basil

Round 4 Doodle by Robyn England used as a "cloud"
Blueberry Doodle, swirls, raindrop doodles from Fall Doodles by Ida at Catscraps,
Background Paper from Angie Miner's Timeless Beauty Papers in the Scrap Artist Challenge gallery,
Zipper by Amy Martin

Breathings of Your Heart:

This is another one of my ATCs for the Altered/Collage challenge section at Scrap Artist:



_{wired-eyelet: Day Gallery by Robyn England,
Heart: Noni by Debra Tope
Rose Queen: Fairy Tales by Liza Dozier
Postcard: Letters Home by dbmiller
Vintage Tag: Charming Curiosity by Poppy Andrews
Vintage Journaling block: Autumn Splendor by PSpringmann
Paper: The Pembroke Collection by Ashalee Wall
Inked edge: Freebie from Nancie Rowe Janitz}

Text: Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

Writing is both mask and unveiling. ~E.B. White

Postcard says: Dear, You are always (in my thoughts)!


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This morning Eve and I are going to the Emory University Department of Child Psychology. One of the students is doing a study on how children categorize objects. Hopefully Eve will be up to going. I think she may be getting the Croup. Her cough was rather chunky, but not to the barking stage. She also has a husky voice when she speaks. She was miserable, but refused to take any medicine, so we both ended up rather sticky with Tylenol Nighttime cold medicine. So far, Rachel is my healthy one...Yeah, for small miracles! Hopefully I'll have something cool to tell you about Eve's experience at the Child Study Center later on today!

Here are a few layouts I've Done Lately:

I tried to get his taped effect. This is very different, but it is always fun to try new things. Thank you ladies!

_{Photo from Flickr
tape and crumpled overlay from Mo Jackson's Primitive Scrapbook
Fonts: Nail Scratch, Dirty Ego, and Misproject
Inked Edge by Nancy Rowe Janitz}





This is a scraplift of Dagmar's http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/s...;ppuser=3 319

This is a photo of my nephew, Alfredo, who was recently adopted into the family!

_{Fonts: Mouser Outline/ Pea Martha
Kits/Papers/Elements: Michelle Coleman's Art Papers II, Leather Rose Trim and paper from Gypsy Rose Kit, country wire from Indian Summer Elements Kit by Jen WIlson, Stitched Frame from Emma's Sundress by Michelle Coleman, Leather stitch from Authentic by Sara Carling
Extras: Stamp from Gina Cabrera's Lucky Star Kit, Grunge frame by Jessica Sprague, Tag from Dream for you elements by Jen Wilson}




This is one of my new nieces. She was adopted last month, along with her 3 siblings. She was diagnosed with A.L.L. right after Halloween last year. She has 2 more years of chemo, at least. She is a brave girl!

Text:
Teresa and Mama Shelene have their photo taken by a group called "Flashes of Hope". The photographers take professional photos for the sick children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

_{Family Ties Kit by Sandra Boddington and Suzy Nunes at Sweet Shoppe Designs
Fonts Used: Oldstyle Italic}

Aaron's Homeschool and a Werewolf

This is for the homeschool challenge at 2Peas:


<sub>Seventies kit by Tia Bennett, Dinner Party Kit by Sara Carling and Shabby Princess, Textured Notebook paper from New Growth Kit by Tia Bennett Torn Paper from The Ultimate Torn Paper pack by Fhung Lie Font: Angedawn/Artistamp Medium/Chalkdust Key by KimL


Paint Brush, Snap Frames, Rockstar Kit, staples and "explore" sign by Rhonna Farrer French Laundry Alpha by Sande Kreiger Seventies paper by Tia Bennett Inked Edge by Shabby Princess Fonts: Ash 94, School Script Dashed</sub>






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This is another idea for the Outrageous Lyrics Challenge at Scrap Artist:


_{paper from Wicked Garden by Iron Orchid Designs, photos from the internet}


Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon

I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
walkin through the streets of Soho in the rain.
He was lookin for the place called Lee Ho Fooks, gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein.

Chorus:
Aaahoo, werewolves of London
Aaahoo(2x)

Ya hear him howlin around your kitchen door, ya better not let him in.
Little old lady got mutilated late last night, werewolves of London again.

Chorus 2x

He's the hairy, hairy gent, who ran amok in Kent.
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair.
You better stay away from him, he'll rip your lungs out Jim.
Huh, I'd like to meet his tailor.

Chorus 2x

Well, I saw Lon Chaney walkin with the queen, doing the werewolves of London.
I saw Lon Chaney Jr. walkin with the queen, doin the werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinkin a pina colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect.

ahhhooooo, werewolves of London
Draw blood

Don't Make a Spectacle of Yourself...

...just wear them! Rachel is officially nearsighted (20/175). Genetics at their finest! She has completed her new chrysalis phase of her transformation. She will now enter the very delicate phase of morphing into a beautiful butterfly. This transformation will take time and, I believe, a large quantity of estrogen! She was so excited to show of her new specs that we drove over to show them off to Grandpa Towhey. On the short drive Michael said Rachel was reading every license plate and street sign. Happily, Grandpa Jim was home and he was excited to see Rachel's new look. Here is Grandpa's blog comments and photo: Click Me!

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My husband suggested this oxymoron so this is what I did. I kept thinking about the new "Grillz" in the news (the braces with all the bling).

_{Tire Swing, Shirt collar and die from Stockexchange photos
Jewels and Monogram Alpha by Shabby Princess
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz
Leather Alpha by Christie Lyle
Background paper from Monkey Doodle Doo by Christie Lyle and Robin Carlton (modified with a dry brush filter)
Braces a web freebie (modified with jewels by S.P.)
Monkey from Monkey See kit freebie on the web
Sunglasses by Dani B.
Grunge frame by Jessica Sprague}

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Good news: Noah is beginning to read better everyday! The school identified him for a special reading program and he comes home everyday and reads a book to us! YEAH!


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There will be a viewing for our little friend Tommy who passed away. Michael and I read his obituary and thought it would be appropriate for Michael and the boys to wear these:



Tommy's parents listed that he loved Spongebob, so we felt it was a simple gesture to let his family know we loved Tommy, too!

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I mowed the lawn...front, back and sides today. My stepdad, Jim, gave me his old push mower because he wanted to get a new one. I suppose he felt sorry for our needing a mower EVERY YEAR! I think the mowers we get are really made by some cretin in the pantyhose industry that moonlights in mower parts for a cheap thrill. In a bit of a pleading tone and in a bit of a snit I asked that my birthday gift, which doesn't come until May, be a self-propelled, easy start motor. I would like either a Honda or a Toro. I think I'm leaning toward a Toro (But don't tell that cretin in the pantyhose industry. He just get a promotion, or a job moonlighting in the Toro factory).

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Tiger Cubs and Girl Scouts are starting in the next week, so I will put on my chauffers hat and gas up the Queen Victoria Family Truckster. Gas prices have moved down to $2.46. When we use our local grocery store loyalty card and spend at least $100, they take an additional .10 off per gallon.

Fall Homeschool Bowling league starts soon too. Aaron looks forward to seeing his friends again.

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SMILES!

Voodoo Science:

Scrap Artist Altered/Collage Challenge. The theme for this week is: Oxymorons.


My husband just finished a book by the same title, so this is what I came up with for the challenge. The words are: Reason, Theory, inquiry, laws, logic and hypothesis. I put Einstein next to his birth country of Germany. The clock reads 5 o'clock, because as the lyrics say and I believe Einstein may agree...it is 5 o'clock...somewhere!

_{Background paper: War Kit by Happy Robyn
Clock brush and clock face: Happy Robyn
Frame: Rhonna Farrer
Font: Janelleshand/Chalkdust/Futura MD
Paper Heart: Zazou's Avec amour
Alphas: Sande Krieger's French Laundry Alpha, and Sara Carling's Dinner Party
Doll face, swirly hat and muslin body: Maya
Hand brush: Maya's Weird and Wonderful
Pins and stitches: Mo Jackson's Stitches One}

::::::

Michael and I took Aaron, Rachel and Noah to see the movie, "How To Eat Fried Worms". If you have read the book...don't worry this movie doesn't have much that resembles it's namesake...well,...except...a kid eats some fried worms. The plot line and characters might as well have been named something else all together. I kinda of wonder why anyone bothered to get the rights to the book? The kids laughed, but spent more time telling us how the book was different from the movie.

E is for Explorer:

I really like ATCs...Can you tell?!?

_{Background Paper: IOD's Adelaide's Letter
Frame: Rhonna Farrer
Fairy: Hope Wallace
Carpet bag, Flying hat, and hot air balloon from the internet
Stamp: IOD's Felina
Postmark: JennV
Font: Marginal PX
Alpha: Century font with a IOD's San Salvatore paper then color burned.}

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My explorers are canoing today with the scout troop. Michael took the troop to Stone Mountain for a practice run with the canoes and two boys baptized themselves because they stood up in the canoe. It should be interesting to see how the campout goes.

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<sub>This is a photo of my two sons, Noah and Aaron. They rarely get along, but when we went to Six Flags Over Georgia they rode most of the rides together because they wanted to.


"Homecoming Kit", "Florist Kit", "Persimmons in Summer" designs by Sandra Boddington


Font: Pea Alesa


Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz</sub>

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My stepfather, Jim, sent me some photos of my brother doing his sweeping thing, so I will scrap them in a couple of days with his story. Another fun layout I'm trying to figure out is Eve's retelling of the story of Jesus' resurrection. Eve has replaced the angels with fairies that roll away the stone, so I will scrap it like I think she thinks about what happened.

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I need to go make a smoothie and mow the lawn now that it isn't raining and the sun isn't to high over head. By the way on the smoothie...i've been adding frozen peaches and they are so mild they don't seem to change the taste much, but for some reason it lends a "clean" taste to the flavor. Don't know really how to explain.

Have a lovely weekend all!

Trying My Hand at a few ATCs:

These were done for the Altered/Collage section at Scrapartist. The idea seemed pretty cool so I've joined in. See what ya think?



_{Jumping Jack doll parts from Maya
Background paper is "Lola" form IOD's Room at San Salvatore
Font: Hello Sark
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz}

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_{Background paper and alpha made from Savage Florals by IOD
Slide holder frame by Sandra Boddington from her blog
Doll Charm Parts by ScrapArtist
Flower Charm by Michelle Coleman
Mirror by Bri Ryan
Font: Century}


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I thought this one with the fairy listening to the bird would be cool!

_{Background paper: "Adelaide's Letter" by IOD
Frame: Rhonna Farrer
Fairy and bird banner: Hope Wallace
Font: French Script MT}