Monday, March 31, 2008

Growin' Wings

I wanted to focus on journaling on this layout. Something that I rarely do. I tend to ramble on. As you will soon see.







Journaling reads:
You are just two months away from being an official teenager. You are quickly transforming yourself into a young man. A few of those stereotypical traits kids your age possess have begun to surface. You yearn for independence and privacy. Your friends are beginning to take your focus from your family. You starting to question the decisions your dad and I make for you day in and day out. Yet, though all those changes. You are staying true to you. A bright, fun-loving, intelligent, person. Ever loyal to his family and close friends.

From our interactions these past few weeks, I fear that your transformation into a teenager isn’t going to be easy for either of us. But, as hard and anxious as this process may become, I have faith that you will be able to quickly transition from the amazing boy that you are , into the man you were destined to become.

The yearning to grow your wings has started to be met with a few challenges. First and foremost, is telling white lies to either get out of trouble or for no real reason at all. A bad habit that will be extinguished if you are to remain the wonderful person you have grown into. Not to mention, the unknowing disrespectful attitude. The constant eye rolling and tisking every time you don’t get your way. You are strong yet, defiant. Arguing when you feel life has become unjust. But, willing to stand your ground for what you believe in. Also, equally committed to making amends when you feel you were in the wrong. I am also impressed that you still openly express your love towards your family. A characteristic I hope you never let go of. A sign of a true man.

I, on the other hand, struggle with letting your new found wings grow. Life is not easy out there, and I want to make sure you have the skills to overcome any challenges you face. I want to give you every opportunity to make the right choices for yourself. But, am on constant guard when I see you get off track. I am trying to give you enough space to work through your challenges on your own. But, sometimes fearful that you may stumble in the same pitfalls your dad and I did when we where your age. For so long, we have held your hand so tightly, constant protecting you and encouraging your growth. Now, it’s counterintuitive to let go.

Intellectually I know you are smart, and astute at making decisions for yourself, but I struggle emotionally to let you fail when your decisions are based upon what you want to do, vs. what is right for you. So often, we have come to your rescue before you have made a bad decision. But, now the time has come where you must learn the hard way. You must make your own mistakes. And you must accept the consequences associated with them. Please know they may seem harsh for now. But, in time you will understand they are made out of love for you.
Through patience and faith, you and I will come through this journey strong, healthy, happy, and very proud with whom you turn out to be.

Grow Your Wings.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Goodbye dear sweet Flat Joscie.

Flat Joscie. You will be missed. Head and hands to the scrap heavens.. I pray that my Mr. Mojo isn't too in love with you girl.. that he packs his bags and leaves to follow you around the country!

Here's my omage to you Flatty bomba blatty..


Journaling reads:
Flat Joscie spent a marvelous two weeks in Colorado. She hit it off big with Mr. Mojo. They became fast friends. During the day, she hung out with me and Mr. M. at work. She even helped us lay a new font mine for the All Moments Remembered message board girls! At night, we scrapped the evening away. I know I channeled her voluptuous counter part, Joscie, as I have never been more inspired to scrap.

Flat J. was impressed with all the scrap joints around here. On our last day together, we hit most of the local scrap stores. (Names). If you hustle, you can hit all those places in about an hour.

My hope for you Flat Joscie is to have some wonderful adventures, where ever you go.
~Daisydo

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Ode to a Messy Desk.




My so called scrap cave, is wonderful. It's pink and black, and definitely reflects my personality. I love having a place that I can call my own. The Sterner boys, rarely enter my realm. Only to upload some I-Tunes, and off they go. I think they must worry that the pink wall may turn them into girls. What ever the reason, I can be rest assured that they don't linger here. The one thing that surprises me everyday, is the constant changing nature of my desk. It really is a reflection of my busy lifestyle. I live here most days from 7:30am to 5:30 pm. I work, and play in the same 12' feet of space. You can always look at my desk, and see my focus for that moment in time. Work time.. papers, scrap time, well.. paper, chat time.. wine glass, lunch time...food. It's command central for the Sterner empire. A lot happens here.

My desk is really just another extension of me. It's old and gray. Sturdy, yet flexible. Wide reaching and accommodating. Purposeful, yet cluttered. Vintage, yet modern. My desk. Is really me.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

POAD project day 26

Found a little gem of a picture from last years vaykay.

The pix of the layout is horrendous. But,you know what. I DON'T CARE. The mojo is in me.. so I have to keep moving.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Daughter.



Today's page. Holy Cow Rubon and Daisy D's "Daughter." Deja Veiws PP and AL big Flower stamps. Pink flowers are from one of the Studio G sets. And the dashed lines are Sassafrass Lass- Stitched boarders. Used SU Water Color Crayons to color in the stamped acetate.

Friday, March 21, 2008

definitely a City Girl

My kids aren't the biggest fan of the great outdoors. We live in beautiful Colorado..Rocky Moutain High; And yet.. they would rather go to the Hilton than to any mountain-anywhere. This saddens me to some degree, as I am a mountain kid. Part billy goat, believe it or not. Hubby.. would rather eat his own liver than to camp. So.. when we rough it.. it means No room service for us!

During last years vacation to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I dragged them hiking with the promise of a glorious waterfall at the end of a "gruesome 10 minute hike, on a well maintained dirt road. After about 30 seconds of looking at Gods wonderful creation, they all wanted lunch. Not 2 minutes after eating my well made sandwiches.. they all clammored to go back to the condo-Jeopardy was on.

The most pitiful peas coming from dearest Lauren... I guess she's a city kid at heart.



Thursday, March 20, 2008

7 & 1/2 Ben

I rarely hand journal. I now realize why! My handwriting is terrible. If you haven't figured out yet. I'm sure I'm just being too self critical. But, my "designer's eye" wont let me take my eyes off of my poor handwriting. Oh well. another page done and in the book.




Journaling reads:

Benny, You are too cute for words. That face, those eyes, your smile, Oh the freckles upon your nose. When ever we go anywhere the first thing people say is, "Oh, my goodness, Isn't he just adorable!" I smile and agree wholeheartedly, But, really you are so much more than an adorable face.

You are amazingly funny, happy, tender, absent minded, inquisitive, quite, innocent, respectful, determined, ornery and gentle.

Everything a 7 1/2 year old boy should be.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

A visit from my friend. Flat Joscie.

She arrived today.. Hope her trip wasn't too bumpy. Looks like her ears stopped bleeding from spending a few weeks with Luv2talk! (wink)

I have a few plans for this girl. A trip to my LSS, Hobby Lobby, Super Jo's, Michaels, and Archivers all in say.. an hour and a half. Then maybe to the museum to see some GOLD and a quick trip to the book store, and maybe a soccer game in there somewhere. Definitely.. The mountains for sure. Wow... she'll be exhausted when she leaves Colorado.

P is for Perfect

So.. I think I found a little groove. I'm taking my lunch break and scrappin' a little something. Feels good to get some more pages done. Now, I'm not committing to everyday. But, am committing to making time for actual scrap scrappin'. I can organize my stash from here till eternity, doesn't get pages done though. That's the point right.



Supplies used: Bazzill paper, KI lace paper (I flipped it over to the white side, and inked it the color I needed) 7 Gypsies Perfect stickers, and Wild Asparagas clear border overlay. MM flowers, Half pearl bling.

Friday, March 14, 2008

"Just Good Enough"

My great friend Noel, has a saying.. "Sometimes, pages don't have to be good, they just need to be good enough."

Well, this is one of those pages. Let me tell you why. The picture itself, is just awful. The kids are cute, but the overall composition is horrific. What genius at Lifetouch decided that navy blue marble was the background of choice? And I won't even go into the positioning of the kids, or the crap in the background. I know this picture was only eight bucks.. but come on. These are supposed to be "professional" pictures.




I think given what I had to work with... I am happy with this page. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. But, it is done, and I scrapped a page today.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I've been tagged... yet again.

These questions are pretty good, so I'll play

What is your full name? Ann Marie Sterner

How long have you been married? 14 years on March 24th to one hell of a man. Patient, kind, funny, handsome. My best friend.

What is your dream job? I would love to be a professional sports photographer

What is your dream car? 1955 powder blue and white Corvette Stingray.

What is your claim to fame? Gee.. a mom of 4 who looks tired all the time? I have no claim to fame.

What do you like to do?
Scrapbook (of course), sports photography, read, hang out with the family.

What is your biggest fear? Something terrible happening to one of my kids.

What animal describes you? I think a dog. I'm very good friend, and very loyal.

If you could live in any era which one would it be? 21st century baby. I can't imagine life without the Internet, DVR's, and web-cams.

What is your goal for 2008?
I want to become healthier. Dang it why are hamburgers so damn tasty?

What is my guiltiest pleasure? Besides scrap supplies. I have a new addiction for camera equipment. Baby do I want the Canon 40D.. OK I want the Mark III, but who am I kidding, I'll never have a need for a body that nice. I'll settle for the 40D.

What do you love about your spouse? He is seriously funny. He laughs everyday. I love that he is always willing to laugh about everything. Never takes himself seriously. And lastly, I love that he is patient and kind. And is teaching our kids to be the same way.

Monday, March 10, 2008

POAD day 10 project

I finally got my ribbon stash back under control. Feels so good to have things nice and tidy again.

Before..


After..

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Update.

I messed around with the stamps I made last night and discovered a few things.

1. You really do need to trim the stamp pretty close to the image, or get get the dreaded "flash".

2. Staz-on. stains the stamps slightly. But, the stamps aren't perfectly clear like some of the commercial ones you buy, so I'm not sure it's that big of a deal.

3. Like any other polymer stamp, prior to inking for the first time, the surface of these stamps also need conditioned-so the ink doesn't bead a top the image. Just a quick rub down with an eraser did the trick.


Wednesday, March 5, 2008

JustRite Home stamp making kit.

This kit is pricey.. but it is fantastic. I have only tried one stamp. Making an alphabet from their included negatives. The instructions suggested you make one of theirs to before making stamps from your own images.

Other than the box being flimsy. OK, that's being a bit nice. My box keeps falling apart. But, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. My only other complaint is that the polymer is SMELLY!!

The instructions are pretty straight forward. The process is simple to follow and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. I'm sure there is a learning curve- but a small one at that.

The biggest struggle I had was with getting my lamp to adjust to the suggested height above the polymer packet that makes the stamps.

So far, I would give this a definite A+.





Saturday, March 1, 2008

The eyelet hinge



I use eyelets to hinge the two pieces of clear plastic sheets that house my clear stamps.