A little piece of me and my peeps!

Who am I kidding...

2011-04-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

To try to keep up the store and 2 blogs and facebook and more important being a mom and a wife and a friend and try to find time in there to create.... Hahahahahaha...I do not use the word busy anymore... I think it is an excuse. You make your self available for the things you want to do... so saying to someone sorry I can't make it I am too busy or didn't give you a call friend because well I was too busy... We say yes to so many things we don't really want to do throughout the day... that when the one thing that comes up we would rather be doing we can't because the plate is too full... Well I am learning the "art" of saying NO.

My husband and I have agreed on a few things and that is Family first always and forever... no matter what. We are now proud business owners bringing art and music to the community. I followed my heart and the dreams I found hidden deep inside and opened Create 365. The place for you to find your happy place. I think it is so important in the hustle and bustle to find just a few moments or grab all the ones you can to create or do something that makes you HAPPY...

My husband has finally started Your Event Video. He captures just the right moments on your special day... wedding, graduation, events, meetings, Etc.... This is wonderful for him because he enjoys it. He has also been heavy into all the logistics and legal documents to starting a non-profit organization...
The Classical Guitar Society of Louisiana established October 15th, 2010... Jasin just took a trip to visit the Austin Classical Guitar Society where he saw first hand the impact the program has made on High School students. We are so very excited about the journey God has set us on. Taking a leap of faith is so worth it.

Alexandria is finishing her Sophmore year of High School... Where does the time go? She is a part of the Civil Air Patrol and has a desire to go to the Air Force Academy... My daughter is flying planes before she learns to drive. We are so proud of her...

The boys are just being boys... They all have their own sweet personalities and I enjoy every minute I have with them...

So now in a nut shell you are up to date on all our family happenings... now I wanna say... I am not going to be posting here anymore... I have been blogging everyday on the Create 365 blog... inspiration, devotionals and soon to be video announcements with tutorials, the latest products, shopping experiences and more... Same piece of me just different blog location. Hope to see you there. You know how I love comments! Create 365 is your home away from home... the blog will keep that down to earth home feeling. Just so all my far away friends know... We have the webstore site complete and now we have the camera...so Check the Create 365 blog... July 1st for the launch of our new webstore! Complete with kits, projects, handmade items, and of course scrappy goodness.

I just want to say... I know I have not been visiting my bloggy peeps at all... I want you to know I am always thinking about you and find seconds to swoop through your pages to stay up to date on what you are all up to. I miss the old days when I could just sit on here all day and feel like I am a part of your world... Life is a journey and this past year was one of growth... finding peace and now I am onto patient endurance... Hubby and I almost did not make it through this past year... lots going on... I would not take it back for anything... as rough as it was I learned so much. I experienced so much, I found love again, I found what it truly means to be a mother and I followed dreams...How amazing is that?!?! It is important to be sensitive to the fact that everyone is going through something and no matter what the degree that something is, it is rocking your world or theirs. Just be there. be a friend. Listen and wait.

Hugs...Amy

Fave Things...

2011-02-28T10:40:00.004-06:00

Are you taking the challenge at These Are A Few of My Favorite Things?

Create 365 has been taking up all my spare time. It is a great thing to get your dreams come true. So you need to baby and nurture it. right..?

Well you also need to take time to create for you!

So here is my take on the new challenge...

Fave Feature!

Alexandria has the most beautiful big smile... She will always be my baby girl. Her smile is like sunshine... It brightens my day... everyday!

Are you taking the challenge at These Are A Few of My Favorite Things?

Create 365 has been taking up all my spare time. It is a great thing to get your dreams come true. So you need to baby and nurture it. right..?

Well you also need to take time to create for you!

So here is my take on the new challenge...
Fave Feature!

If you join in the challenge I will have a little sussie for everyone... You just have to post it to the Fave Things site and the Create 365 Facebook Page!

Create....

2011-02-24T09:46:00.005-06:00

Wow... Soul Restoration was a ride for sure. What an amazing journey Melody Ross and her crew created for us... Now to keep the momentum going I am going to take the She Art Workshop E- Class with

Christy Tomlinson.

http://www.scarletlime.com/workshops.html

I am so excited to learn a few more Art techniques to use on canvas or my Art Journal...

In my Email box today was a message from Brave Girls Club... A Daily Truth!

Dear Creative Girl,

Did you know that being creative is simply making something that did not exist before you made it? We are ALL creative, and being creative is a very important, wonderful part of being alive.

You can be creative with your meals, with your clothes, with your parenting, and with your job. You can be creative in friendship, in gardening, in the books you choose. Anything!

Please don't EVER tell yourself that you are not creative, or that others are more creative than you are. Creativity is a tremendous gift that was born into all of us and that keeps our lives interesting. It is a gift that helps others because we can all think of new things that others would not think of themselves.

Share your creativity today. It is healing, it is exciting, and it is essential for forward progress. We believe in you and all that you do. Don't let the world miss out on your creative ideas!!! We need you!

xoxo

"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club - http://www.bravegirlsclub.com

So many times I hear ladies say I am not Creative... Well I say... If something in this wonderful world we live has sparked an interest in that sweet spirit of yours... You just need to get it and PLAY. You need to nurture your gifts... Explore creativity and do something that makes you feel GOOD.....Everyday! If you find your self always looking at a blank page... Throw some paint on it... Glue some paper... Don't think about it just do... It may surprise you!

Soul Restoration opened my eyes to see that I have not been spending much time creating for me. So Even though I finished the lessons several of us girls are going back over it on our own time and that includes me. I have officially started my Art Journal... Which has been on my list for awhile... Here are the pics of my first 2 pages...

Then Monday I decided it was time to get back in the saddle and create again for These are a few of my Favorite Things.... But I cant show you that layout for a couple more days... We have a few more girls to share inspiration with you so you should check out the blog and give them all a visit! Doing my page got me in the mood to create and I rocked out 2 more layouts. I had these pictures in a stack and slowly this week the stack is getting smaller.

This is Jacob my 8 year old... It was the day after Christmas and it was freezing cold but he was determined to get some use out of his new Pellet Gun! I used Bella Blvd...Mid Term paper and sticker sheet... The stars are painted old chipboard from Scenic Route!

So Alexandria turned 16 last September and Matt and Stacy blessed her with their SHOOT BOOTH for her Birthday. The kids had so much fun dressing up and taking pics... I love this pic of her... We have a rule at our house that you don't get a drivers license til they are 18, So she hopped on this bike... I thought Roll N Style was a great title for this layout. I used American Crafts, City Park Line of paper and embellies. So fun and bright!

So there you have it... A little update.

Have a wonderful weekend. Big Hugs.

I am Closed for Restoration!

2011-01-17T12:14:00.003-06:00

LOL. I found this postcard online...sorry can't remember where. So true. gotta love honesty...and stuff!

If you did not sign up for Soul Restoration it is super amazing and I want to tell you to start saving you money for April. You so need this. It is the Brave thing to do...

So I am closed for Restoration and I will be sharing little bits of life with you through this process... It is not fun for me to deal with my past! I am going to be a brave girl, put my big girl panties on and suck it up in a nice comfortable healing sort of way! I have peace and I am so excited already about where the year is taking me...

Wanna know more about the Soul Restoration class go to www.bravegirlsclub.com

The store got a write up in the Daily Advertiser... Stacey Judice painted a beautiful picture of my dream come true, giving God the glory cause without him I am nothing!

Check it out below!

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20110115/LIFESTYLE/101150301/-1/NEWS17/Create-365-is-place-to-learn--craft

Hope you all are creating everyday and loving it. Hugs,Amy

just an update!

2011-01-09T22:11:00.003-06:00

Happy 2011. Wow. Time flies. So this year should prove to be very interesting...

I have the Store, Create 365 { I am having so much fun but need to pick up the pace with some good ole ENERGY... I might take up drinking COFFEE.

Jaxon my little caboose will start preschool. My baby isn't a baby anymore.

He is gonna be in school.

Alexandria is gonna have her first solo flight...yes she flies airplanes and

she will also start driving.

Jasin has resigned from his job and is taking a leap of faith into Self employment which I could not be more thrilled. So if you need a website or a wedding videographer... give us a call. I can't wait til he teaches his first creating a blog class at the store. So cool.

So what does this year have in store for you? I can say I will be taking it minute by minute. Oh how things could change in an instant. I am excited to be starting the year off with the Soul Restoration class Melody Ross in doing online. We are doing it as a group at my store. Wow... we have 9 people attending. So cool. I am even more excited to just sit a get my create on.

So what gets you into a creative mood? What is your favorite time to get creative? If you are doing the Soul Restoration class... Let me know I want to see what you have been creating. Anyone doing a 365 project this year?

So my word for the year is Patient Endurance.

I am working on holding my tongue... See I have this "lovely" way of sticking my foot in my mouth and not thinking before I speak. So I will just find peace and patience in the silence. So far it is working wonders... I found this word while reading in Hebrews Chapter 10. Wow... Amazing.

So Just thought I needed to update the blog. I have been creating but it is classes for the store. Check it out at www.somethingsunique365.blogspot.com.

Big hugs...Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas..

2010-12-25T10:02:00.002-06:00

Tis the season for..... well what is your Christmas wish this year?

Hope you have an amazing day. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season... wait for those sweet special moments and cherish them. Hugs.

What do you do when...

2010-12-21T14:28:00.002-06:00

Believe me... this year was my year!

~What do you do when Your husband says...I don't know how to be married but you have been married for 7 years? Or when he says...I don't know how to honor you...or I don't respect you...

I...cry myself to sleep for days... but realize that doesn't make it better and begin to reflect on all the many choices I have made to bring us to a point of no return and turn that switch off...take a few steps backward and begin on a journey of making better choices, stop living in the past, prayer and healing.

Counseling helped.... bible study helped, prayer helped...Knowing what love really is...the cure!

The love of our heavenly father is the only love we can get that is unconditional and can meet all our needs. No man can. We are all sinners and we marry sinners and we expect them to be perfect and give us everything we "need".... Nobody is perfect. Not me, Not my husband... but together we worked it out with God as the center of our household!

That is real love!

~So what do you do as a store owner when the deposits are less than they should be...

Be thankful for the gift of a dream come true and know that God's in charge and all is well.

That is Inner Peace.

~ What do you do when you, at the time, thought something was all in fun then you insert your foot into your mouth to late and hurt someones feelings.... I promise it was not on purpose. In my heart of hearts I know it was not meant to hurt but it did....

Be thankful for grace and mercy and pray my asking for forgiveness will sink in sooner than later so we can get back to having fun again.

That is Forgiveness.

~ What do you do when your husband comes to you with tears in his eyes and says...Today was the worst day of the worst days and I can't stay at this job anymore...

You say... with tears in your eyes that Gods in charge and You already know what God told you to do.... And you both take yet another LEAP of Faith!

Have faith 365 days a year!

~What do you do when your mother who you have not spoken to for over 2 years...requests you as a friend on Facebook and comments on a post you just wrote about your new store...that you did not know she even knew about..."your store is so nice...I am so proud of you"...

What do you do if you have never heard the words I am so proud of you from your mother?

I embrace forgiveness yet again and

pray this is one baby step to having a relationship with my mom.

That is Restoration.

So in reflecting on this year I have found Real Love, Inner peace, Forgiveness, Faith strong enough to move mountains and restoration. This has been the best year of my life!

Next year is going to be even better....

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Ramblings....

2010-11-16T09:12:00.002-06:00

Where have I been....? I promised to keep my personal blog personal... This post is about as personal as it can get.

What a journey I have been on this past year.... If you would have asked me at the beginning of the year.....So. do you think you will have your scrapbook store, restored marriage and complete forgiveness of life to start over fresh by the end of the year.....? I would of said Hxxx NO. Sorry just being honest. My dream of owning a scrapbook store was the furthest from my mind.... My marriage was falling apart into so many pieces I did not think there was any hope and well I had so much baggage I was secretly carrying { well secret in my mind...I think everyone else knew but was afraid to talk to me about it. ha. kind of ironic} I think that baggage would fill up a couple of land fills.

The hardest thing in life is to turn the finger around and point it at yourself. It is easy to blame others for your hurting when you don't realize you are hurting YOU! Those lies in our mind are so real to us but not really what is truth...

I heard my husband say at times that he should have those men in white pick me up it was time for my straight jacket... Believe me at times I felt I was going crazy. In January I just took a step....A step toward healing... The hardest baby step I have ever taken and since I have been on a journey of growing up.... finding the true meaning of love.... realizing that I am so worthy and put on this earth for a reason despite all the lies I believed from the mouths of people I thought should love me unconditionally. I stopped and looked UP in the very moment I had nothing else.

You all know I am a faith driven woman but when you are hurting you feel like you are all alone and there is nothing that can comfort you!

I found comfort in the sweet little comments on my blog, the sweet surprises in my mail box, sweet emails of encouragement and blog posts from friends who were feeling hurt. We all have skeletons in the closet. All of them are different and valid no matter what they are.

Everything starts with a baby step, a lot of faith and courage....

So with one baby step I have a purpose....I am no longer defined by the titles the world puts on me.... I am just me...I am not Alex's Mom, or Jasin's wife or the girl who is so creative...... I am Amy. Who happens to love being Alex's mom, Jasin's wife and getting my creative on! I decide what is important and if someone does not like it... That is okay with me. I can say it is not selfish because I am not selfish but my time on this earth is precious to me. So each moment will be savored!

So with the second baby step I realize that I have the most wonderful husband and he LOVES me.... We all know our husbands love us but this to me is big because I actually know true love. It is a tough thing to swallow when I look in the mirror and see a little girl who never really felt love or knew it much. My mom and grandparents did the best they knew how but nobody was there to show them either. I am talking about true love, unconditional, the kind of love that you are forgiven for your mistakes, not disowned. Once I realized this love I could actually Love my husband and know his love for me.... I could actually love my children... Wow now that is deep.....

Now the third baby step.... { Let me just say that in between these baby steps you know we all fall down and have to start over again.... My tush hurt more than you will ever know cause I fell and got right back up so many times on this journey...} My dreams.... I remember saying to my grandma... one day I will have a store like this....while I was looking in amazement at a beautiful house with hand made beauties and a workshop with supplies to get creative. Well I got married the first time when I was 17 then my grandfather told me when I found out I was pregnant shortly after that I would never be able to go to school or do all the things I always talked about. I believed him...Since divorced and remarried and 5 children later, with the baby about to be in school...I had to do something.

When I started praying about it I began to realize that for the last 10 years I had been doing something about it but I was so blinded by all the hurt and junk I could not leave in the past that I did not see what God had been orchestrating all along..... He was here holding my hand. With a series of choices and paths that sometimes I had to turn and go the other way but found the right path in the end. My children are here to carry on the legacy being birthed in our family. I had to find forgiveness and leave this hurt in the past. I had to find what true love is. I had to realize I am so worthy, before I could continue this journey....

So now I am restored, my marriage is restored, my family is restored and I find joy everyday in the gifts God has given me.... My amazing husband and children, my wonderfully supportive friends and my dream come true... my store. a place where my girls and I can gather and love on each other. I never could understand why we are so mean to each other.

Dig down deep inside and find something nice to say to a friend today. If you can't, just try to muster up a smile. You never know what someone is walking through.... You never know how hard it is to take that first baby step until you take your first...

Well that is all for today. Remember at the beginning of the year I told you my word of the year was finding Peace....an inner peace. I posted a few months ago I had found it....I was so wrong...But today....right now....I find peace! There are so many more days ahead and I am happy to say I will fall and get back up and fall and get back up.... Nothing or no one can stop me now!!!!!

Love you all, Hugs.

Just some pictures....

2010-10-17T20:07:00.004-05:00

My Dad and Jaxon picking out a pumpkin.

Jesse found his pumkin!

Our family pic.... It is so hard to get everyone to look. This is the best out of 6.

Jesse had his birthday at Chuck E Cheese....He had a blast!

Jacob likes his bobble head Chuck E Cheese Cup!!!!

When we were painting the new store... Alexandrias friend Jordan took this picture.... My daughter is so amazing.

My friend Macklyn and I finished up painting today.... We had a whole crew of fabulous peeps on Saturday... I will share those pics soon cause I did not have my camera...

My office and bathroom is a beautiful Tiffany Blue...

The store from the outside!

My pretty sunshine walls.... The color is Whisper Yellow! I love it...

Have a great week... More pics to come!

Store progress....

2010-10-12T22:15:00.003-05:00

Hello Ladies.

I know, all I have been talking about on here is the store but it makes me happy and with family, life and all the wonderful happenings with getting my scrapbook store up and running.... I really have no time for any blogging. This is a good thing cause you know when things settle I will have lots to share. Go check out the store blog.... I just posted pics of our sign and the floor is in...Paint this weekend and ceiling next monday. Moving in at the end of next week. woooo whoooo....Store opens November 1st.

http://somethingsunique365.blogspot.com/2010/10/2-steps-closer.html

Love you all bunches...

Hey tell all your scrappy friends about Create 365 even if they live far away. We are on Facebook too. Just search Create 365....

Boxes.....

2010-09-30T09:13:00.003-05:00

I know, I know I have been a very bad blogger lately. I am neck deep in boxes, paperwork, emails, construction, ordering....Oh and I am a wife and mother of 4...Since I have not cleaned in weeks cause... well what is the point. That is sort of what I am doing today. Also, Faith 365 will be October, 8th, 9th and 10th. I am so excited. It will be the first time I actually unlock the doors to the store and let people in. It won't be finished by any means but cool I get to unlock the door!

It surprises me when people actually tell me they miss my blogging. I know I have my supporters but people I did not know even looked at my blog.... I am so thankful to all of you who encourage me everyday. Without you I am sure my creativity would lay dormant. I have to admit there were many times ugly words of people got me down and in a funk but not no more! It is such a freedom to know who I am, Know what LOVE is and just be sitting and enjoying every minute of the life God has given me. My dreams are my dreams, Your dreams are your dreams...Do not let anyone take them from you! It has been put on your heart for a reason... Go with it even if "they" say not to. It is amazing the journey you will undertake!

I have a new little saying.... Life is a journey, Why not create along the way.... Here is a cool Scripture I just came across....

Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation)

¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Today be thinking of me as I sift through the huge mess I have made of my house.... Man...Cleaning supplies are more expensive than food! LOL.

Have a happy Wednesday. Love you all. Hugs,Amy

When will I create again???

2010-09-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

I have the tingly, itchy feeling to get my hands dirty with paint and glue. My heart beats super fast when I walk by my scrappy space that is all packed up and completely turned into storage... Less than a month away we will move into our new store and I am overjoyed.... Many people have asked me when are you going to have the time to create for you when you have the store..... I have pondered this thought and often found thinking I may not want to scrap if it becomes a job....Just as quick as the thought enters my mind it leaves...

All of this IS my creating.... Every idea that I have had for pretty much most of my life is now being brought to life. Working for other people I had to conform my ideas to what they wanted....not to mention all the nay sayers who told me I couldn't do it.... now my possibilities are endless and without boundaries... All those thoughts and dreams bottled up inside me are now bubbling to the surface... I must say the explosion will be amazing so I hope you are all around to see it. I have not been blogging much and the inspiration is not here...and we have yet another post with no pictures... just many words. I have started a blog for the new store because I wanted to keep my personal blog the same inspirational and personal place it has been for me and you... Some people journal... I blog... Keep checking back.... Soon we will be back to normal but better.... Love and hugs, Amy

Faith can move mountains!!!!

2010-09-15T01:22:00.004-05:00

What mountain is standing in your way???

I just walked up and over that mountain....

took me long enough....

Create 365, a dream...has now become a reality....

Just wanted to let you know that the new Store blog is up....

I posted a long wordy post.... Go check it out...

I have some very special news to share!!!! Maybe I will see some of you at my Grand opening!!!!

Go check out the blog....

Create 365

Shoot Booth and some new product!!!!

2010-09-09T23:50:00.005-05:00

What a blessing from some amazing friends. Matt and Stacy surprised Alex with their new Shoot Booth for her birthday. Ya gotta take a look at the pictures HERE.... Super cute. I am sharing one of me and my hubby.... Let's get deep for a moment... Anyone who knows me and has heard my hubby play knows that the music my hubby plays is amazing. I asked him what I should put on the card and he said" This Music Sucks"... What is so funny about this picture is he is playing away with that big grin like nobody else is there and I am just being silly.... Playing music is his passion and his God given gift... You should follow your passion no matter what anyone else says....

I got a surprise in one of my orders today.... Jenni Bowlin... of course was one of the first orders I made.... I love her products and I love her style and I love her! Well the girls who packaged up my order recognized me cause I have been getting kits from her for a few years now.... It is amazing to me that I am actually ordering wholesale now! Well when I opened the box.... I cried..... Happy, OMG tears...

Sweet little congrats notes and a special prize pack for the opening day of the store along with a layout sample to hang in the store!!! { the photo is one Matt and Stacy took of Jenni and her husband} I am having custom 12x12 old barn wood frames made to display the layouts in the store....They will also be an item for sale in the store... So perfect!

So that is all I have to share today! Have a great day. Hugs, Amy

Alexandrias.....Sweet 16

2010-09-04T23:22:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pics with you....

We all had a great time at Alexandrias sweet 16... So many amazing family and friends...We are so thankful to each and every one of them. Alex was blessed and says she had the bestest day ever and she did not want it to end.... Her true sweet 16 is on September 8th.... We love her so very much and I am greatful everyday for the life we have.

My baby girl....Happy Birthday My love!

Rocking in the tree house!!!

I made Princess cupcakes.

And Pirate cupcakes.

Then I whipped up this little cake....

{the 16 is a sparkler candle... So super cool.

Okay... Was not expecting that cake to light up like that. There were sparks flying in my face... But worth it all for my baby girl... The most beautiful, lovely, amazing, sparkly girl I know!

Alex has a smile to light up the world. Love you...

Happy Sweet 16.

Create 365....

2010-09-01T17:43:00.003-05:00

Okay.... I can't keep it from you any longer....I have been telling you I have some exciting news and I want to share a few of the details with you... I am bursting with emotions and almost can't believe it but it's TRUE.....so very true and so very amazing.

Today I signed the lease on my very own retail space....For what you might say?

Let me just say good things come in small packages and I am so excited to announce.

I am opening my very own scrapbook store... All of you who know me will totally understand when I say it will be a place for you to think outside the box. A place like no other around.

Our very own creative nook.

I can say since I was a little girl I always wanted my own creative store...

A place for people to come and be inspired...create beautiful works of art and

glean/glēn/Verb

1. Extract (information) from various sources.

2. Collect gradually and bit by bit.

from each others gifts and talents. For the past 6 years I have been collecting information for the store...praying...seeking wisdom in owning a business...praying...picking up furniture for the store..praying...finding inspiration for the store...praying...and in a constant search for the exact place God would put me to fulfill this desire of my heart.

I must say it is a dream come true but it also feels like I am in a dream, tucked all snug in my bed and it is the kind of dream you don't ever want to wake up from...

That is how much my God loves me... Cause it is real life and I am so thankful for my blessings everyday.

Doors will open to all who will be attending my Faith 365 event... It won't be finished yet but almost. Check out the Faith 365 Event tab on the top of my blog for more details on that event...Our theme is Follow Your Dreams and it is October 8th, 9th, and 10th.

I have only a few spots left.

Our first official day of business will be November 1st and our GRAND OPENING will be November 13th.

Check back for more details.....We will have our new website and blog coming soon....My techy hubby loves me so much he is working so hard...I can't wait for you to see it!!!

Love you all and thank you so much for encouraging me with your comments and with your amazing creativity. I love my bloggy friends. Hugs, Amy

Life!!!!

2010-08-27T22:56:00.003-05:00

......is going to get very busy. I am going to be thankful for every moment and cherish the time I have with my family. It is wonderful to figure out after 10 years you are married to the man of your dreams, your children are so amazingly intelligent and your friends who may be few are the best you could have ever dreamed of....

My good friends Matt and Stacy had a "gender" party for one of my bestest friends Heather and her husband Tommy.... It is a miracle she is pregnant and they just found out it is a girl....

I know they are overjoyed and excited to hold their precious miracle in their arms.... Nanny Amy can't wait to spoil her rotten.... And Alexandria so wants to baby sit and Jacob Jesse and Jaxon will protect her from all those mean kids out there!

Here a pic of Heather taken by Stacy Landry Photography at the party....

Oh in case you are wondering what a gender party is..... Heather had an ultrasound and the results of what the sex of the baby is was concealed in an envelope and taken to Crystal Weddings Bakery...Crystal made a cake and the color of the cake... pink or blue would let all who gathered know if Heather and Tommy were having a boy or girl.... How cute is that???

Love you Heather I so super excited for you and Tommy. Congrats....

It's a girl!!!!

P.S. You better start sending me the decoration ideas for the room I so wanna create the super nursery! Hugs Amy

The Paper Tree House inspired...

2010-08-20T22:33:00.004-05:00

Thank goodness for rainy days... They always make me wanna create. Oh and sometimes curl up in bed and take a nap... which I did, also!

I received the new August My Paper Tree House kit the other day. Since I am on the design team, we get it a little early. There is nothing like new paper to spark your creativity and since my phone would not stop ringing while I tried to take a nap with Jaxon, I decided to use Jaxons nap time as a creative time for me... I whipped out 3 pages a 2 cards. I think there is enough stuff to create triple that in this kit.

See all the details of the kit HERE.

So I found this cool acrylic stamp set on clearance for $4.00.... I used it for my title by stamping it onto a separate piece of cardstock and cutting it out! I loved using the tickit smily face and the buttons for my "o".

How cute are those little houses and crocheted flowers! Scrap yourself cause when you are old and gray....your grand children and great grand children are gonna wanna know who created all those works of art!

I have had this photo of Jesse and I for awhile. Loved messing around with the fabric and buttons in the kit. Cut the frame from the sticker sheet to make the scalloped corners!

Have not really made any cards but wanted to try something with the lace and the doilies...

Use them as masks. I love how the glimmer mist over the lace and the doily gives such a cute little design.

Sketchy Thursdays came up with a very special page sketch to spark your creativity. Use the sketch with any paper you would like and submit it to win an August kit!

See all the details HERE.

Check out our Facebook page for all the latest inspiration from the fabulous ladies in our Treehouse Gang!

Check out the Facebook page HERE.

Have a great weekend... Hugs, Amy

Unfailing LOVE!

2010-08-18T07:54:00.004-05:00

My sister Kaitlin had her baby... they are very far away in Tehachapi, California so he will know his auntie from afar!!!! I am so proud of my sissy and her new family... Daxton William Ford is a lucky little boy and a miracle from God. My sister was told at a young age because of treatments she had for rheumatoid arthritis... That she would not be able to have children and now she has 2 beautiful little miracles! She has found the man of her dreams and she is such a good mommy. I am so very proud of her. She is the prime example of the quote.... When life gives you lemons make lemonade. No matter what sour nonsense she went through she still kept moving forward... looking at the positive...

My sister Casey took this picture. She is another prime example of making the best of the life she was given... She is a wonderful mother, educated and now studying to be a photographer. She amazes me everyday with her strength and constant drive. You can see her website HERE.

School is in full swing.... I am teaching Mothers Day out 2 days a week at church which means I have 6 little 1 year olds to tend to and love 2 days a week....My hubby is the love of my life and my beautiful children have their momma at their beckon call 24-7. I hope will help you to understand why I have not been around much lately. Thank you all for always leaving sweet comments and visiting my blog.

Even though I have been busy.... For the first time in a very long time I feel Peace.. At the beginning of this year I told you all my word for the year was PEACE... finding inner peace. My grandfather passed away, my marriage was lonely, My teenage daughter was trying to see how far she could push us and all my family was so far away. This fairy tale life I imagined for myself just was not what it was supposed to be. Wow... we tend to put pretty high expectations on ourselves and others. So when I stopped having my own private pity party reality hit and I could not begin to remember who I was or what I wanted to be and that began a journey of finding ME. Imagine 33 years old and taking a step to start it all over fresh. I am a woman of faith, a wife, a mother and friend. I am creative and crafty...I am so thankful for my faith, my wonderful husband and my beatifully amazing children. I am thankful to my creative friends and the true friends who stuck by my side even when I wasn't a very good friend back! But most of all I am thankful to GOD...that he sent His Son to die for MY sins! I have been reading my bible and so many times as I read thru it I see the words...

His Unfailing Love.

The definition of UNFAILING is...

1. Always able to supply more; inexhaustible

2. Constant; unflagging: unfailing loyalty.

3. Incapable of error; infallible.

I know the unfailing love my God has for me and with that comes PEACE! In my life there is peace. When you find peace all the things YOU make BIG in your life become small. Yes, I said....YOU make it big. We all have a choice... We learned it in kindergarten...Opposites remember.... Happy/Sad....Big/Small....Love/Hate....Good/Evil....Peace/worry.

So next time you are faced with a decision what will your choice be?

Seek your peace whatever it may be. Find a quiet place to reflect. It is so amazing to me that in the midst of a storm there is always something you can focus on that brings you joy...

Hmmm... Did not think I was going there in this post. I had to change my title.... It was Just Busy! Love you all bunches. Have the best day ever and may the next one be even better!!!! Hugs,Amy

I love Mondays!

2010-08-15T14:07:00.004-05:00

I know it throws you all for a loop! Yep you saw right. I love Mondays, and here is why...

* My Hubby has the day off and we get to spend all day together!

* It's a fresh new day and the beginning of another week in life!

* The kids start a new week of school and they are so excited to come home and share all the new things they will learn for the week.

* no matter what we always sit down to dinner together.

* It is the one day in the week I know I will be able to create.... Jaxon and Jasin always take a nap and I get a little me time in my scrappy space.

(I can't really tell you why there are lines under my words....) Gives this post a little character!!! LOL

So who wouldn't love a day like that. Tell us all about your favorite day of the week by creating a layout, card or scrappy project and upload it to These are a few of my favorite things! Our sponsor for this challenge is My Paper Tree House. The winner will get a kit. I can say the August kit just rocks this scrappy world!!!

My Sister...

2010-08-12T22:33:00.005-05:00

Since I am a Cali girl transplanted by choice to Louisiana...it is not very often I get to see any of my sisters... My sister Kaitlin got married last year and she is about to have a sweet little baby boy...could be anyday now. Well she posted a picture of her and my niece in her facebook gallery and I jacked it. The last time I saw my niece was when she was just a couple months old. I love the picture. My sister Casey took all the pics for Kaitlin's wedding and she did an amazing job!!!

I was inspired and wanted to scrap it!!!

Family is the most important amazing thing in the whole wide world. I love my sisters even though our relationship is very distant. I think of them often and miss them very much! Katie...Your sis is very proud of you and your new sweet little family. Emma is a precious miracle and I can't wait to see pics of baby Daxton. Love you bunches!

Oh P.S...

Just had to share but of all of us girls Kailtin is the first to give scrapbooking a try.... Check out her first page.

This really makes me happy. She even posted on facebook today she is going shopping to pick up some supplies....Hehehehehe. She is hooked. Yayyyyy!

A little Birdie Told me....

2010-08-07T08:16:00.002-05:00

If you have not signed up for the Melody Ross A little Birdie told me newsletters, YOU SHOULD!!!!! We are all on such a different journey and no matter where we are it is always good to be encouraged. So when I get these little letters of encouragement in my email box...it just gives me a jump start to my day... I wanna share the latest one with you because I think it is so true and so amazingly true to some things I am faced with lately.

Dear Uncomparable Girl,

You are beautiful. You are different than ANY person who has ever been born
or ever will be born. You do not look just like anyone and no one looks just
like you. Even though the media and society will try to tell you differently,
it would be absolutely ridiculous to think that we should all look a certain
way...be a certain size.....that there is an "ideal".

Somewhere along the way, things got really mixed up and made most of the
population believe that they were not just right unless they were some perfect
ideal of a human being that no one can achieve....or maintain for any period
of time.

You were created a perfect and one-of-a-kind masterpiece. You will never look
just like anyone else, and THANK GOODNESS for that...can you imagine how boring
and lifeless and soulless the world would be if we all looked alike? It is a
beautiful plan in the world that there are all different kinds of flowers and
trees and rocks and different colors of soil and a different sunset every single night.

That's the way people are too. We are meant to be a beautiful part of the
creation....in all of our diversity and variety and unique beautiful-ness.

Don't let anyone tell you or ever make you think that you are not a beautiful
masterpiece...and don't let anyone be in your presence and let themselves think
anything but that they are just right...just SO VERY BEAUTIFUL just the way they are.

Thanks for being so beautiful...for the radiant beauty that shines from your
heart all the way out of your skin. You make the world so much more lovely.

Don't ever forget it.

xoxo

Hope You have a blessed day and enjoy every minute and have the time of your life. Remember to follow your dreams and keep your chin UP!!!!! Love you and big hugs.

Bella Blvd.

2010-08-02T20:46:00.003-05:00

Wow.... All the new scrappy goodness has me in a tizzy. I am so excited for it to be in our local stores. Wooo Whooooo! Can't wait to play with it all.... Well I came across some Bella Blvd. paper at our near by scrapbook store a few weeks ago and created a few layouts with it....

Tell me what you think!!!

I know you all have seen these heart pics of Alex but I love them and wanted to use it with this paper!!!!!

Hope you had a happy Monday... I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow... Oh my little cell phone bring me some good news!!!!

Hope!

2010-08-01T07:40:00.006-05:00

I made this layout using the project kit for Jenni Bowlin but the metal bird and 2 flowers came from something very special my dutchie friend, Jenneke, sent me for my birthday.... It was supposed to be something to hang but I so wanted to use it on my layout.

I am a Faith girl... You all know it and I love it when God is up to something big.... Could not tell you how it is all going to come about but each day is a journey and full of surprises.... Good surprises.... { I am not telling because I need to keep it a secret but because I really do not know at this point} Just want to say that if you have the desires in your heart to do something, trust in the Lord and stay strong... I tell you the voices of those around you and the ones you battle in your mind are so strong but God is so much bigger than that. I may not be able to do all this but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me....

I just read a scripture in my bible this morning....

We put our hope in the Lord, He is our help and our shield.

In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone

Psalm 33:20,21,22

Put your HOPE in Him. You will find the most precious peace... At the beginning of this year I chose Peace as my word for the year. I have struggled with many things over the years...Hurt after hurt after hurt....Finding inner peace was a must so I could be a faithful servant to the Lord and an amazing wife for my amazing husband, a wonderful mother and a good friend! Little did I know that once all that fell into place God would bless me with the desires of my heart. We get all caught up in the fact that we have done wrong and we aren't worthy of those amazing blessings from the Lord but he loves me and I am his favorite!!!! Oh guess what SO ARE YOU!!!!!

Live your dreams!!! Enjoy your Sunday!

A little late and catching up!!!!

2010-07-31T01:22:00.003-05:00

Wow... There is an overwhelming excitement brewing around our house... Can't let the cat out of the bag quite yet, but soon really soon! So in the mean time here are a few bits and pieces of inspiration I put together!

First... I am so late for a very important date..... These are a few of my favorite things challenge blog posted the latest challenge yesterday.... Hmmm, Where was I... Frankly I don't even know what day it is. So I share it with you today!!!! Tell us what your favorite band is. Create a layout, card or project and upload it to the Fave Things Blog.... We have prizes... come on try it out... you will love it.

My favorite band is My 1 man band.....My hubby serenades me on the guitar and I just love to watch and hear him play. I know technically a band is multiple instruments but I can only say this 1 man band wins my heart every time!

In my last post I asked you to guess what you think the next picture I will scrap would be.... Some of you guessed sooo right!!!!!

The first one is a smiley picture of my Jacob...I love this picture... he either has his eyes closed or he does not want his picture taken so Yayyyy, I finally got you little Jacob!!!

I am so proud of Alex and this shot was my very favorite.... I wanted a simple layout with an american spirit!!!! She is such an amazing girl...

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Big hugs, Amy

I have my baby back...

2010-07-25T19:31:00.004-05:00

Alexandria is a volunteer for Civil Air Patrol. It is a civilian sector of the Air force....For the past 10 days she has been at Encampment in Shreveport! It is a meeting place to train and encourage the cadets. She had a blast and today was her graduation so... Jacob and 2 of Alex's friends, Cameron and Ari and myself.... drove to Shreveport to watch her graduate...It was a very nice ceremony and I am so very proud of her. It is a service to our country and now she says that she wants to look further into the Airforce Academy. She has always had a desire to become a military chaplain. It makes me proud she wants to do this. She is one amazing girl....She gave the boys a run for their money... There were only 4 girls and 50 boys....They did boot camp style excersizes and she kicked butt!!!!

They showed us a picture slide show and I loved seeing pictures of her in action! So here are some pictures I took of her after the Graduation.....

I thought this sign was cool cause it has Alex's full name. Alexandria is a city an hour outside Lafayette.

Finally a photo of Jacob smiling and with his eyes open!

Salute!

This is a piece or a model of an older plane!!! I loved it in all its vintage glory!

Holy moly, look at the size of this plane!

I took some amazing pictures of Alex on the flight line but uniformed men with big guns came and asked me to delete them off my camera... To be honest I did not even realize I was taking pictures of the Airforce Flight line... I know that is a no no!

This photo came out fabulous.

Jacob and Cameron...

Ari Alexandria's BFF.

Boys, Boys, Boys.... Alex made several new friends.... They all made sure she was going to text them... It is so funny to me seeing guys try to pick up on my daughter... I remember being 15 like it was yesterday.... But she gets way more numbers than me...LOL.

Can you guess which one I will be Scrapping next? I have a favorite....Give it a guess???

Happy Sunday. Hugs, Amy

Sketchy Thursdays.....I am trying something new!!!

2010-07-23T06:40:00.005-05:00

Sketchy Thursdays is a sketch challenge blog that I have just discovered and I am so excited to be able to participate in a challenge finally...Diana is the one who puts it all together and she is so super talented. I love her style and creations. { Edited.... So sorry but just wanted you to know this weeks sketch is by Heidi... I am sure she will be inspiring you with her talents... I gotta give credit where credit is due..LOL...} I did not think I would like sketches but they make scrapping a whole lot easier..... The design layout is right in front of you.... just choose your paper and a few embellishments and off you go. I finished these 2 layouts last night in less than an hour....

Jesse, my 6 year old dubbed last night "we love momma night"! My hubby cleaned the boys room, did laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and unloaded chairs out of my car ( I took all my stuff out of storage and now it is in my shed!) Because they did all of that I was able to get some much needed creative time in. Tonight he has dubbed,"we love daddy night"! I do not know if I can top what they did for me. Jasin has had a long week, he needs rest. I will keep it quiet so he can do that.

So here are the sketches and what I created. Try them out....you will be surprised how awesome it is!!!

This is the current sketch and must be linked to the Sketchy Thursdays blog by 10pm on Wednesday...7-28

This is my Brother in law John. We were on the 4th of July fireworks cruise in New York City. I think he is so handsome and he sure has grown into a mature young man. He is sure made to be a New Yorker. We had a blast.

This Sketch is for a Guest Designer Spot for August. Thought I would give it a try.... You had to use the sketch and incorporate yellow and a handmade embellishment with your design...So much fun.

My handmade embellishment is my ribbon ruffle and my paper flower.

This is my husband and his brother.. We only see John around Christmas so it was nice to visit him....The 2 of them in a photo together is a rare occasion. I love these pictures. We were bike riding in Central Park.

SO I hope you give the challenges a try. If you have never tried a sketch keep checking back at the Sketchy Thursdays blog cause they have a new one each week!!!!!

Faith!

2010-07-22T19:37:00.002-05:00

There is a scripture in the bible that I often look to when I see a mountain in front of me that I know looks impossible to climb but really if you just start walking up you will reach the top!!!

Philippians 4:13 (New King James Version)

¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The My Paper Tree House kits have a little Faith add - on kit. Nana sent me the bling in the bottom corner of my canvas to create something to encourage your faith.

Do you know the definition of faith....?

Faith is the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

We gotta have faith in something. My faith is 100% in the faithfulness of my God. Enjoy the wonderful beauty of the days we have. Live every moment like it may be your last....Don't sweat the small stuff and remember it is all small stuff. Big hugs...Amy

My Paper Tree House Inspiration...

2010-07-21T23:57:00.003-05:00

Right now I am on a natural high of fabulous, wonderful things... But I can't tell you yet.... It has to stay top secret. Soon.... Very soon....

Spending the weekend with friends and the fabulous Nana Campana was so awesome.... I was sad to see Nana go but she is one busy lady and she will be back in October! Yayyyyy. It was amazing to spend the weekend in the presence of our Lord!!!! Can't wait til the next event!!!! So today I have a bit of inspiration for you. Since I am on the design team at My Paper Tree House, Nana sends me the fabulous kit to play and create with.... Julys kit is sold out. I am telling you, these kits are amazing! So stay tuned for the date the August kit will be revealed!!!! You don't want to miss it!

Happy day! Hugs, Amy

You have CAPTURED my heart!

2010-07-20T07:53:00.004-05:00

Wow, this weekend was so amazing. What a sweet spirit of the Lord was present. Our Faith 365 event in Breaux Bridge was this weekend. We had so many surprises and a few glitches but everything was perfect.

Nana Campana with My Paper Tree House came to speak and she taught a mini book... It was a journey to get here... She almost missed her flight... they let her board 5 minutes before the plane was to depart, she was not finished with her class sample because her product did not come in but I had ordered all she was missing not even knowing what she was teaching. I wanted to teach a mini book but my mojo was lost.....it was because she had put together the most amazing class... God is Good and all the ladies loved it! In the picture above you see flowers. They are from Nanas husband. He sent them to her because it was the first time they were apart since they were married and the first time she spoke! The butterfly page and the 2 page is the front and back cover to her mini book. Isn't it beautiful.... Everything had a meaning and it was part of her teaching. Just amazing!

Me with Donna and her daughter Ashleigh. Such sweet girls. I love them!

Me, Nana and my BFF Heather. She is going to be a momma....I am so excited for her it has been a long journey for her and her husband. But so worth it when you are holding your little miracle!

Roomies.... I always get a hotel room and I never know who God will give me for a roomie....This time Nana stayed and Jaime and Marty. Love these girls. It was there first time to the event and they left knowing everyone and began a friendship that will last a lifetime. God is Good!

We took this photo Sunday afternoon... Some of our girls are missing but they are stamped on our hearts... Beautiful women!!!

Embellishment bar!

Deanna, Christie and Jamie! You girls are always the life of the party and I love that about you. You keep me smiling and laughing all weekend long. Love you all!

Mr. Grace shopping in Scrapbooks and More. Our very own store for the weekend!

My husband came and played his guitar and sang a little serenade. This in itself is a miracle....We begged and pleaded last event and he did not. Everything has a time and season.

Matt came and taught a photography and editing class...He shared a testimony of his life and his daughter. It has been an amazing journey for him and his wife. They even took a stroll around the town of Breaux Bridge to take pictures and have individual instruction on the camera you brought to use! It was awesome when everyone came back into the event, they had great pictures of the sites around town... Stay tuned to Matt and Stacys blog....We had a contest at the event. We had to take pictures of what would become a texture for photos.....We are posting them on Matts blog and you will have to vote for your favorite!!!! How fun is that!

My dear Mrs. Lynette shared how we need to be captured by the love of Jesus! Tears and laughter filled the room for an amazing time with the Lord. She is such an inspiration and I am so thankful she is a part of my life and yours. I can't believe in the last 3 months... she just started scrapping and she has completed 2 beautiful books of her new grand baby. She is hooked!

I taught a wall hanging class. I picked these hangers up about 6 months ago.... it was a perfect addition to the event! We made several different fabric flowers... just like the ones Prima makes. We created a Flower pot full of blooms and used the I Top tool and the Chip Art tools by Melody Ross... Thank you to Artsy Findings for sending us some awesome product for prizes and demos. We made cards, played with the Gypsy and just enjoyed inspiring each other!

Sunday came and flew by. I think I blinked and it was all over but to me it is just the beginning. God has some huge blessings in store for all of us! My journey over the past 6 years has been full of twists and turn. My dreams and my hearts desire is right in front of me. I am so thankful to my new friends and to the ones who have been right by my side since the beginning! God has truly blessed me.

Our next event is in October.... Details will be posted soon so come back for a visit later this week! We will have big news to share! All my love to you and thank you all so much for encouraging and inspiring everyday!

My Favorite Website!!!

2010-07-17T22:03:00.003-05:00

How about a CHALLENGE!!!!!

The latest challenge is up at

These are a Few of my Favorite Things....

Be sure to check out the blog for more inspiration from the girls on the design team.

Do you have a favorite website or blog?

Well I have to tell you my favorite Website is Etsy.com... All the way, totally, love all the fabulously different, handmade and vintage items on Etsy. I can look for hours at all the beautiful creations.

So play along with us. Have a great day. Hugs,Amy

Look how ca-ute!!!

2010-07-12T16:06:00.004-05:00

So my Etsy shop is open and I received my first special order for some burlap flowers....I was messing around with burlap at a crop and came up with these..... You all know that Prima has gorgeous flowers and I love them to pieces but I love to make my own embellishments too. So Thank you Prima for inspiration...

Well I just had to show you what the person who bought the flowers created using them. She is using them for her wedding. I am pretty excited about what she did so I had to share it with you!!!!

Love the frames with the wine corks.... I think the flower adds the perfect touch...

Look at the cool watering can... Love that. The flower makes a sweet addition!

Have a fabulous Monday!!!!!

Big Hugs, Amy

Wanna Shop? Win? Challenge?

2010-07-09T22:16:00.007-05:00

Hello to all my scrappy friends....

There is a new online scrappy store open and waiting just for you!!!! My Paper Tree House has opened a store online...

Have you seen the new Echo Park paper....

They have it. Check it out HERE!

Just so you know these great papers will be in the August Kit for the month at My paper Tree House! Check out the details HERE. I am so excited to be able to be on the design team that gets to inspire you with projects created using the fabulous products in the kit.... Last month I made 6 layouts and a mini book. That is a lot of product.

Now I have a challenge for you up on the My Paper Tree House blog.....

Use this Picture below...

The hottest scrappy page embellishment is the cute banners across the page. When I saw this picture I thought what a great sketch for a layout!

So your challenge is to use the picture as inspiration and create a page. Link it to the Tree house blog HERE. I am giving a prize to everyone who participates and you have until July 15th...

That is when Nana will be here visiting me and all our girls at the Faith 365 event. She is speaking and teaching. How cool is that? I can't wait!

Okay now... Would you like to win a Cricut Expression and a few cartridges.... Go HERE and follow the instructions.... There is so much going on at The Tree House you gotta become a follower to stay updated. Sneak peaks of new scrappy goodness arriving at Summer CHA and in stores soon, New Kits and fabulous inspiration from our Tree House Gang { aka: all the fabulous girls on the team} Check them out HERE.

I have found so much inspiration online, made sweet friends and found scrappy products I might have never seen. Hope you have as much fun as I have checking out all this scrappy goodness. I have a beautiful kit waiting in my scrappy space. So many ideas and fabulous pictures from my trip to New York to scrap... Have a fabulous weekend. Big Hugs, Amy

Brave Girls Club....Daily Truth

2010-07-08T23:05:00.003-05:00

Do you subscribe to the daily truth by the
BRAVE GIRLS CLUB? Well, you should.

Email...kathy@bravegirlsclub.com

What an encouraging word.... Today was full of ups and downs, I have been on a long journey to get here and I am so faithful to what is in store for the future but along the way there are mean people....I truly pray God blesses them. I know what my purpose is and I am going to persevere. So are you! Have a fabulous weekend... So excited about next weekend. It is going to be amazing. God is Good!!!

Dear Persevering Girl,

It might not look like it, it might not seem like it....and you may
even feel like giving-up.....but that BIG THING that you are working
on, that you have been working on for SO LONG....that you have put
your heart and soul and wishes and prayers into.......it really is
happening. It might be going slower than you want it to go, but it
IS HAPPENING.

Be inside of THIS PART of the journey today. What will happen when
you get there...to that place you are working to be?

Once you are there, you will look back and wish you would have savored
each moment of getting there, because there's so much fabulousness wrapped
up inside of every step of difficult, long journeys. So many lessons, so
many miracles, so many new and wonderful people that show up exactly when
they are supposed to show up. So many tears and so many hard days.....so
much FEELING. You can't REALLY feel the good stuff unless you know what
the bad stuff feels like. Good days feel SOOOOOO beautiful after a string
of really hard days, don't they? You sure wouldn't appreciate them as much
had you not had that string of difficulty. Life is so cool that way.

Keep going. Don't you DARE give up. You are closer than you know.......
look around and see just how far you have come.

You are absolutely phenomenal, and THAT is the truth.

xoxo

T-shirts....Faith 365!!!

2010-07-07T14:44:00.004-05:00

Our summer Faith 365 event is quickly approaching. Join us July 16,17 and 18 for a wonderful time with friends. Your hearts will be captured and memories will be made! We will create, encourage and grow our faith. I am so excited about our t-shirts I had to share the final picture!!!

The event theme is Captured. Part of our project demos will be a few lessons on photography and editing by my sweet friends Matt and Stacy with Stacy Landry photography.

Our guest speakers are sure to encourage.... I am so excited to have Nana Campana from the new paper kit club My Paper Tree House joining us to share some heartfelt words and creativity.

Scrapbooks and More, an awesome store from Denham Springs will be joining us for the event. They will have all our favorite scrapbook supplies. I am so excited to have them with us!

There are a few spots available, so go to the Faith 365 tab at the top of my blog and check out all the details. Email me at amyrmuffoletto@gmail.com if you would like to join us. It is like no other event you have ever been to.

P.S. If anyone wants a T-shirt and you will not be attending the event. Let me know... You can have one for $12. any size available. I can add it as a special order to my Etsy shop.

Leave me a comment and tell me one thing that captures your heart!!! I will give away a t-shirt to one lucky commentor.

Have a great Day. Hope to see you soon!!!

Happy 4th of July....

2010-07-04T23:57:00.003-05:00

Our day started off with surprise birthday wishes for Jasin at Langhans...It is a really nice irish restaurant in Time Square. Wonderful...John had the waiters come and sing Happy Birthday and bring Jasin some New York Style cheese cake....Happy Birthday Honey.

Then we made our way to the pier to board our evening cruise. Look at this seagull.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!
We were in line and I took a picture of this boat.
Funny it is 1 of 6 and it is actually the boat we boarded.

I love this picture of the Empire State building with the flag and the sign for the paper the New Yorker.

Jasin and I at sunset on the boat. Jasin said he had a great birthday and Independance Day.

These boats sprayed out huge spouts of water and it was colored Red, White and Blue.

The sky was gorgeous.... This is the Jersey side. Beautiful view.

Fireworks!!!!!

What is your fave store???

2010-07-04T11:50:00.002-05:00

The new challenge is up for These are a few of my favorite things. Have you seen it? The challenge is all about your favorite store... I think Target wins with most of the girls on our team. Go to the blog to check out all the fabulous layouts from the fave girls.

My favorite store is not one in particular. It is the sweet little shop hidden away that looks like nothing from the outside but you feel inspired to step inside and find yourself in your own personal heaven. The cute mom and pop shops where the people are so friendly and everything inside is so special and unique!!! Antique flea markets, gift shops and cafe's. My friend took this picture of me... I have no makeup on and my hair is not fixed. The reason I chose that picture is because usually when I find these great shops I look just like this and have escaped the hustle and bustle of our home and the kids and I am off on an adventure by myself. What is your favorite store? Share it with us.

Here is the layout I made.... Just dry brush a little paint in the center of you page... I used some of the new American Crafts Dear Lizzy line... rub-ons, felt bird, background stamp, K and Co letters and Thickers for the title, The Girls Papperie die-cuts, Jenni Bowlin shaped mini paper and a maya road chipboard house that I hole punched in the middle to look like a bird house....It is fun to cross lines and use a bunch of different scrappy stuff. Happy creating.

Uptown Tour!!!!

2010-07-04T09:59:00.006-05:00

Wanna see a video....Go HERE.

We took the double decker bus on the uptown tour yesterday. Just fun and relaxing. I have a whole new respect for the life of a New Yorker. So much different from our southern comfort. Hustle and bustle all day long, walking, subway and bicycles. People, People and more people.

Jasin and I went to the upper west side to check out a scrapbook store, we found an awesome burger place, Big Daddys, walked through St. Johns Cathedral and the garden, then back into Time Square. We met up with John after he got off work and walked through East Village and found this cool Piano. Artists have painted them all over the city and they sit outside for people to play. Jasin played and John did a little tap dance on top.... It rocks!!!!

So here are some pics for you!!!!

This is John texting in Time Square....I have seen taxi cab drivers and horse carriage drivers texting while driving. Even the police officers were playing with their phones at the stop lights. How do they do it!

Gotta have Starbucks in Time Square. I love this pic of Jasin.

This Statue is in the garden at St. Johns Cathedral. So beautiful and peaceful.

Look at how grand this church is. They say it isn't even complete but the money that comes in now goes to repair the existing building. It is so magnificent.

This is a fabulous scrapbook store. It is called The Portrait Bug. They also have a portrait studio inside. We met Shannon. She was painting the cute little frames on the window. Very friendly, great ideas and awesome embellishments.

I got the cutest crocheted flowers made by a local artist...

Shannon recommended we go to Big Daddys for Milkshake happy hour. Yummy! Their burgers are super yummy. Definately the place to go your next trip to NYC!

Have a Happy 4th of July. Today is also Jasin's Birthday. We will be eating awesome food and taking a special night time 4th of July Cruise. Be back tomorrow to share pics.

Hugs, Amy

Bicycle ride around the city!!!

2010-07-03T09:22:00.006-05:00

Yes... You saw right. We rode bikes with Jasin's brother as our tour guide. My behind is so soar but well worth it. If you are a brave soul. I recommend you ride bikes thru Manhatten next time you are here. You see so much more than when you are stuck on a tour. We borrowed a bike from one of Johns friends and the rented another bike for me. We Started in Queens, went over the Pulaski Bridge into Brooklyn, rode around Brooklyn and the over the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhatten...Then around Manhatten into Little Italy for some Gelato, then we rode this awesome bike trail up along the Hudson River all the way to Central Park, we ate some Chicken over rice from one of tha street carts and then we rode over the Queensboro Bridge and came back home. All in a hard days work.

This is the one picture that Jasin took of me on the Queensboro Bridge. Okay so I started out flying up this incline.....Then I got off and walked then I got back on and rode all the way home. Hey we started at 2pm and this was on the way home at around 8:30pm.

Jasin and John in Central Park. This is the part of the park that the movie When Harry Met Sally was filmed. Love that movie and so does everyone here.

Behind jasin and I is New Jersey and the Hudson River. It was such a perfect day for bikes.

I love this picture....Jasin and John in Sheeps Pasture in Central Park. Johns phone dropped out of his pocket and while we were eating on the other side of the park Jasins mom called and told us someone had his phone. We called the guy and went and met them to get his phone. There are nice people in this world.

Love the flags all over... Little Italy was awesome. We sat at Caffe Palermo and Jasin and John had coffee and I had a water and Cherry Gelato. Yummy.

Jasin had to take a picture by Lafayette St. It was a crazy track to get there. The traffic was crazy and our wonderful tour guide...Jasins brother always took us against the traffic....

Today We are headed to Broadway and 91st street to a scrapbook store. You know I gotta check it out. Actually we are doing the uptown doubledecker bus tour and it is on the way.

More pics tomorrow. Have a great weekend. Hugs, Amy

New York City...

2010-07-01T21:25:00.003-05:00

Jasin and I are in New York.... So We did a double decker bus tour of Downtown New York today. Here are some of the pics I took.

Jasin and I sitting on a bench by the Statue of Liberty!

Loved these flowers and when I got up to take a picture,

I realized there were bumble bees on them...

Jasin had to have an I LOVE NY t-shirt. He bought it by the Statue of Liberty

and put it on right there.

This picture was taken at the entrance to Trinity Church. I love how Jasin took this pic.... So gonna scrap this one first...

We made a visit to ground zero... where the World Trade Center was. I have to say when we started to walk up to it I could feel the tears well up inside me. It is a sight to see. Because of the 4th of July there are flags everywhere. All of the cranes that are doing construction have flags hanging from them.

This is just a shot of the gorgeous sky. The weather is beautiful.

We are having a blast... So relaxing and much need time together. More pics tomorrow....

Hugs, Amy

New York bound....

2010-06-29T22:28:00.003-05:00

With my hubby.....no kids......for 6 days. Need I say more. My husband has traveled all over the world and his brother has lived in New York for 10 years and he has never been. It should be exciting and much needed. So I am bringing my camera and I will be posting pics of our journey... This is a journey of restoration. Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July....It is also my hubbys birthday... If ya need me I am just an email away. Big hugs, Amy

My quiet time...

2010-06-28T07:58:00.004-05:00

I have found the last couple of days to be very stressful..... It is what it is. So in the midst of all the crazyness, I have found my quiet place. I have shared before that my 6x8 walk in closet in my bedroom is my scrappy place. Well now it is my quiet place too. I have done a little reorganizing. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed I just step into my "closet" and take a moment.... All the stuff in there inspires me. I can pray, read my bible or another good book, listen to the radio and just create.

Do you have a quiet place?

So last night I was able to scrap a little.... One I will share in a couple of days when our challenge for Fave Things goes live... You have just a day left to get your Fave Toy submitted, If you need inspiration go check out the blog....our design team has posted all our favorite toys...

Here are 3 little bits of inspiration for you!!!!

This is my friend Thuy {twee} and I. She is the friend I stayed with in Texas. Such a sweetheart for opening her house to my daughter and I. We had a wonderful and relaxing weekend.

Thank You again Thuy! P.S. Thanks for the fabulous BBQ. I want some more Brisquet Tacos.

There are so many butterflies flying around. I took these pictures the other day and I love them. The black rub on words and butterflies are a Jenni Bowlin kit exclusive but it was all one big piece. I cut out what I wanted to use and the words I wanted to use and made it perfect for me. That is the cool thing about rub ons. you only have to rub on what you want on your page.

Jaxon loves to swim... I know you probably think I am crazy for always putting pictures with their eyes closed.... But I love this picture... He loves to just jump in the water... no fear at all. I love the drop of water coming off his ear. To me it is a perfect shot and perfect timing!!!! The "stuff " I used on this layout is from the project kit for Jenni Bowlin. The only thing that did not come in the kit is the pom pom ball ribbon. The sun in the bottom corner is actually a star, I just used 2 and layered them.

Hey.....You gotta go check out My Paper Tree House.... It is a new blog...Not only do they have fabulous paper crafting kits but they also have tutorials and challenges with prizes....And so cool on Saturdays they share a little faith with us. The girls on the team are super talented I am so excited to be a part.

So hope you all have a wonderful week...It is a new day. Seek happiness, have fun, enjoy life....LIVE!

Hello Julie....

2010-06-26T10:35:00.003-05:00

Remember when I showed you pictures from my trip to Texas a couple weeks ago. I told you that I was so excited to meet Sarah De Guzman...She is a fellow design team member for Fave Things { only a couple more days to submit your fave toy layout}... Well let me just tell you...

Julie our boss for Fave things was just a phone call away so we decided to call her. We took pictures of the phone cause it said her name and now all 3 of us have created a layout using those pictures. Each one is so unique. I love to see all the pictures created on a page so differently....

Here is mine!

Oh well, we made her a little note telling her she should be there with us and then we got this crazy idea to use our chinese noodles from PF Changs and glimmer mist them on the page...worked great for a crazy mask. Okay.... you all know you have done crazy stuff with your misting sprays. Don't lie. It is fun to experiment.... So on my layout I laid some random string with little fuzzies on it and I love how the glimmer mist sprayed normal then caught some of the string piece. Makes it look like the noodles in the picture.... Hahahaha... hey, if I had chinese noodles I would have so used them as a mask on my layout!!!

So here are links to the other layouts.... Go check them out and share some fab comments while your at it... Encouragement is good. It keeps us "creatives" working hard to inspire!!!!

Julie Tucker Wolek..... { She posted her layout for Bluemoonscrapbooking.com }

Sarah De Guzman.... { she emailed Julie and I her layout and will be posting it on her blog soon }

Have a great weekend!!!! Big hugs, Amy

I have been holding onto these....

2010-06-23T08:01:00.004-05:00

Just have a few minutes this morning so I am sharing them with you. Goodness things get so busy we can hardly breath.... Oh wait that is the 47% humidity and heat index of 104.

Weather is crazy, life is crazy and God is GOOD.

I have had these layouts finished for a few days now. I have popped in and out online this past week but I have over 50 prizes to make for These are a few of my Favorite Things, Etsy orders, Layout kits for a store I am teaching at, my Faith 365 event to prepare for and we are having a Womens Conference at our church, I am doing the stage set.

Is it Summer time or what? Don't worry my children are having a blast, Swimming, ice creams, evening walks, fishing, going to the park and just plain having a good ole' time.

How is your summer going? I hope all your summertime dreams are coming true....

So are you ready for a few layouts. Hope you like them... Tell me if you have a favorite.

Jenni Bowlins new release and it was all in her June Kit. Love it!!!

A little My Minds Eye. Love the Maya Road Bird cage and take a close look at the sewing... I zig zag stitched and did not cut the string for the next stitch. I love how it came out!

Similar design to the layout above. This is Jacob when he was a baby. I old you all I was behind in my scrapping!

I love this line from American crafts. This picture of all the kids telling me Happy Mothers Day out our upstairs bedroom window was perfect.

Don't know what to do with the Jenni Bowlin mini calendars. Alter them. June, July and August was perfect for this summer page. Jacob was playing at the park.... It is so so so so hot here!

Have a great week. Hugs, Amy

P.S. Stage set goes up today I will share pictures soon!

I love dirty laundry....

2010-06-19T09:18:00.003-05:00

It would seem as such because we have a big issue with laundry around here. It is my least favorite chore. So when the laundry comes out of the dryer it gets put on my bed and then pushed off the bed in a huge pile when it is time to sleep then the bed gets made and the pile of laundry gets put back on the bed with full intentions of folding it and putting it away.... Hehehehehe. it does but it a about a 3 day process.

So why am I telling you this. Just came across this cool blog. It is called Dirty Laundry. Go a take a peek at the blog. Beth just cleaned out her stash and WOW. What a giveaway.

It is so stinkin' Hot here in Lafayette, Louisiana. I do not even want to go outside! Scrappin for me today. I will have a big post later with a bunch of pages I have been working on...

Have a fabulous Saturday and Big hugs, Amy

What is your Favorite Toy?

2010-06-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

Who is ready to scrap their favorite toy? Is it your i phone, a stuffed animal, memory of something special you no longer have or a toy your child won't let go of.

First things first.... we just gave away over 80 prizes on the Fave Things challenge blog.... Can you believe that. We had 28 sponsors..... and I told you I would give something to everyone who played and we had 80 players. WOW.... The post office is gonna love me. I am so excited we had so many play along. Let's keep it up.

The next challenge is What is your favorite toy. When I was very little my grandfather gave me a yellow Kaleidoscope. I wish I still had it. I remember the minute I would walk into my grandpas office I would ask to play with it. Well my younger sister got a hold of it one day and shook it too hard and it broke... well at least that is the story my grandpa told. Well a few years back I received a package in the mail. It was 2 Kaleidoscopes. There was a note attached that said " to replace the one your sister broke".... the one in the picture is my favorite because it has 3 different viewers that came with it. I love all the colors that show up when you turn it. Now it is something my kids enjoy.

I was so excited to find some Nikki Sivils paper today. You need to get some sweet cherry pie!

Here is my layout.

Hope to see you playing along. Be sure to go and check out all the inspiration the rest of the design team members have for you right HERE.........

Hugs,Amy

Punky Sprouts and Melody Ross....

2010-06-09T21:52:00.004-05:00

Can I just say that meeting some very special ladies this past weekend was so awesome.... Shelly Mitchell, Owner of Punky Sprouts gave me a Punky Sprouts book and some Melody Ross paper to create a sample! First let me tell you how freakin' excited I was about this..... Second, I love these books because they have chipboard, acrylic and canvas......Third, I don't know where I have been but the GCD Melody Ross paper and embellishments are just to die for...Sounds cliche', I know but I am serious. Bright and vintage and full of 50's charm!!!!

Seems like the true love of my life..... making mini books is resurfacing. I love teaching mini books too.....So many people in our area love 2 page layouts and they are against taking book classes. Well I am here to say that with a mini book you get a better bang for your buck.... Why? You make several pages all with different techniques and design. You get much more product and usually have leftover supplies. A Mini book is just that, a mini version of what you can do on a layout so you walk away with a ton of new ideas to create future layouts....

Punch holes around the edge of the acrylic page on the front.

String your ribbon or toole thru the holes.

Fold up a piece of the Scallop canvas and make a little pocket by sewing the edges.

I used the transparent embellies to make little journal cards.

Just adhere the transparent piece to a folded piece of card stock... make sure an edge of the transparent piece is hanging the folded side of the card. Cut out your shape.

Make a little surprise pocket. Fold a piece of paper and stitch and tie the edge. Add another journal card or a surprise gift card.

Use a Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens and Glimmer mist over it onto the Canvas...

Makes for a great page design!

I painted on the canvas and on the back of the acrylic page.....

Sew around your photo instead of matting it.

Well I sure would like to know what you think about this mini album..... hope to see a comment...

Since I have an extra Punky Sprouts album and some left over Melody Ross paper and Embellies.... Leave me a comment and let me know you have pressed that wonderful LIKE button on Facebook for Punky Sprouts and GCD Studios. I will randomly chose a winner Sunday night after I return from New Orleans.... I am teaching a class at an event for Acadiana Croppers! So very excited....

Big Hugs,Amy

Check this Out!!!!!

2010-06-09T07:06:00.003-05:00

Do you play along with These Are a Few of My Favorite Things? The challenge going on right now is all about shoes.... You know you have a favorite pair of shoes.....Your baby, your child, your mom or you.....You can even pick a pair you have been dreaming of owning...... Just get your feet a movin' and play along.....

As if it wasn't enough that we have 27 prizes...... I think that is more prizes than I have ever seen in one challenge blog.... Good prizes too. I am so excited about all the sponsors who have stepped up for our anniversary. Well we have one more...Keandra from http://kreativity.kreatorvillekraft.com/ Has donated this prize. Holy moly. I wanna play.

You have to go HERE to check it out... Amazing prizes.

Need some inspiration, all the girls on the team put there heart into each challenge to bring you inspiration. The layouts and projects are HERE.

During this wonderful adventure we have over 30 players and almost 300 followers...how cool is that so Julie our boss lady has decided to do something fun to get you all pumped up about our challenge blog....

Here is what Smiley Julie has to say,

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and I almost FORGOT!!! We are ALMOST at 300 FOLLOWERS!!!!!! OMYGOSH!! How AWESOME is that!!!! How bout another prize from ME????!!!!!?????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm I ain't gonna tell U what it is....but TRUST me...if U have ever gotten HAPPY MAIL FROM me...U will KNOW that its WORTH IT!!! Soooooooooooooo let's do this!!!!! If U are all ready a follower of FAVE THINGS (heck...even if U aren't!! LOL!!!)....post on FB, Twitter, your Blog...a message board forum...WHEREVER U hang out............tell your friends, family, your families friends....WHOEVER will listen to U....tell them to come over here and become a follower of FAVE THINGS!! Tell them to leave a comment in this post saying that U sent them!!!! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm let's make this MORE interesting...........Tell them to become a FOLLOWER and leave a comment that U sent them here....AND I WILL HAVE TWO WINNERS!!! One that SENDS the MOST peeps over here (VIA the comments they leave here stating YOUR NAME sent them!!)....and and and and and and I will ALSO randomly CHOSE a FOLLOWER to win some HAPPY MAIL from me too!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Soooooooooooooooooo go post and send them over!!! WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Now I leave you with this.... If you have taken the time to read all the way through my blog post.... Thank you for your support and encouragement. You inspire me. Big hug for you!!!!

I found this quote and used it on a mini book I will share tomorrow... It is by Helen Keller.

"What I am is not out there, it is in ME."

Maybe what you have been looking for in your life has been there all along you are just looking in the wrong place. Dig deep inside your heart and pull it out. There is your peace and freedom.

Love you.

Finally Finished....

2010-06-08T15:49:00.003-05:00

A while back I posted some pictures of a Castle Mural I painted.... I told you I was doing another one with Dinosaurs.... Well it is finally finished.... It did not take this long because it was a big job... it took this long cause life is a big job. It seemed like anything and everything came up to keep me from finishing the mural. So happy my friend was patient.... She told me as long as it is finished by the time her baby boy is born......guess what she is scheduled for a c-section TOMORROW. I kept my promise and they love it.... My favorite dinosaur is the one on the bottom with all the spikes on his back... He was fun to paint and I think he came out awesome.

Here are some pictures!!!!

I {heart} Texas!

2010-06-07T08:26:00.006-05:00

Are you spontaneous or does everything have to planned out in advance and perfectly?

I am Spontaneous. Don't get me wrong there are some things that do need to be planned out but if it presents itself, I love to just pick up and go in a moments notice. Last Tuesday I decided to call my friend Thuy who lives in the Dallas area. She just moved there and I was missing her. There was a scrapbook convention going on and I knew my fellow design team mates, Sarah De Guzman and Suzy West would be teaching a class. If you ever get a chance to take a Suzy West class. She is a hoot! Loved the mini book we made. Most important.... School is out and it was time for a mother/daughter adventure. We always have the boys with us and I am so glad we did this. Alex and I had a blast. It was relaxing watching movies, eating whenever and whatever we wanted, sleeping in, taking fun pictures, shopping, scrapping and just being together!!!!!

What a weekend. I had a wonderful relaxing time with my daughter, my sweet friend Thuy and all the girls we met at The Great American Scrapbook Convention. I had so many cool surprises....

So I am sure you would like some pictures....

Suzy West.... In the flesh. She is such a crazy girl... Crazy in a fabulous way. Wow....So cool to hear her stories and see how far her journey has taken her. Great to meet you Suzy. {thanks for getting us in to crop} P.S. love the socks and the flip flops!!!!!

Suzy was teaching a class using an awesome Punky Sprouts mini book....Sooooo, I was so excited to meet the owner of Punky Sprouts...Shellie Mitchell. She is such a sweet heart. Love her...

{THANKS for the book and the kit and being so kind}.

I finally got to meet Sarah in person!!!!! She and I are on These are a Few of My Favorite Things Challenge blog together!!!! And now My Paper Tree House Kit club design team. After a year of emails and facebook and challenges it is so great to be able to place all the words with all her actions. Now when I read her emails it will be like she is right there talking to me... Yayyyy!

Who would have guessed it but Stephanie Hunt, the Creative Director of Bella Blvd also took Suzy's class. It was great to meet her. She is so beautful!

Me, Alex and My sweet friend Thuy. Thank goodness for timers on the camera... I loved my time with my best girls. We watched movies, ate out, shopped and just really enjoyed the friendshi we have. Love you Thuy, and Thank you for opening your house to us. ON SUCH SHORT NOTICE!!!!!

I have something cooked up special for this photo.... Will post it tomorrow. I [heart] Texas.

And last but not least... you can't go to Texas and not have Bar-b-que!!!!!!! I was so excited to meet Micheal, Thuys boyfriend. Heard a lot about him..... They are such a cute couple. They took Alex and I to eat at Riskies Bar-b-que. Look at those Brisquet tacos... They are supposed to be on the lighter side.... I guess they mean dietary and not quantity... Everything is bigger in Texas. Great food, Great company and great weekend. Thank you Thuy and Micheal. Big hugs, Amy

Be back soon!!!!!!

2010-06-03T10:37:00.002-05:00

I am leaving today in my car with my daughter for a spontaneous road trip to Texas..... To meet in person a couple of people I love...... First my scrappy friend Thuy! She just moved to Texas.... We will be staying with her and I am so thankful she has invited Alex and I into her new home. So excited..... Then........

Suzy West is teaching a class at the Arlington scrapbook convention and Sarah De Guzman will be helping her.....Welllllll....... Alex and I will be taking the class and hanging out to shop and visit!!! I am so excited to give these girls a big hug. I told you that if I had to I would travel to meet all the fabulous ladies I have met on the blog. This one is a 6 hour drive... not bad... A wonderful adventure!!!!! I am so very excited. So I will be back Saturday night with some fabulous photos of our little adventure. Big hugs, AMY

My first tutorials....

2010-06-02T06:33:00.003-05:00

Happy day to everyone.

Every Wednesday at My Paper Tree House we are going to have tutorials for you. Wonderful inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. Normally I would have been very "scared" to do this but I have to say it was so much fun. I even made 2. If somebody told me 6 years ago I would be teaching classes, doing online tutorials and speaking in front of a crowd I would have locked myself in a closet and never come out! It is a major testimony of courage and faith. Now I stand strong to what I believe and I am not afraid to share my faith, my experiences and the gifts I feel God has given me to share with others!

So Go see my tutorials HERE HERE HERE. One is set to music and you can't see me and the other I got brave...I am front and center in front of the camera talking to you!!!!

Here Is your inspiration....I will show you Bottle cap buttons and ruffled flowers!

Big Hugs, Amy

My Paper Tree House

2010-06-01T14:20:00.004-05:00

For you.. I have some very exciting news I want to share today... I am full of HAPPY news today. A month or so ago I was asked to be on the design team for a new paper kit club...My Paper Tree House. Words cannot express how so totally excited I am about this. You all know I love to get stuff in the mail.... Now I get a fabulous kit each month! That makes this girl happy! They are even going to have Faith add-ons. I love that.

Today is the reveal of all the fabulous creations the team has made. As well as the full view of everything you will get in the kit.I am just so inspired. Beautiful works of art. Stop by the blog to check out " the gang". If you are looking for a good kit to purchase....CLICK HERE...$5 of every kit purchased is going to the Save the Children foundation.

Here are a few of the creations I made!

So I created 5 layouts and this mini book... I will only show you 3 of the layouts today because tomorrow on the My Paper Tree House Site I will be sharing my very first video tutorial... Yes me on video... You can laugh cause I have been cracking up over it myself. Hehehehe.

I think it is cool to put a voice to the photos!!!

So here is a little mini I whipped up... I LOVE making minis but have not had inspiration to make one lately. You can use different papers and different techniques and share multiple pictures from any special occasion.

A little more inspiration... Be sure to click on the links in my blog roll....the design team members have some amazing inspiration as well.

Jaxon is playing in the water at the park after he stepped in a big puddle of mud... He was having so much fun. Look at the smile on his face. Pure JOY. It makes me giggle every time I see that photo!

So it seems I need to take the boys out of the sun to take their pictures....This would be the ticket only... They are in a phase right now that they don't want their picture taken so I take what I can get...Jacob is so cute right here... I love it! Oh and YES.... It is okay to use flowers on a boy layout... Cause I said so.

This is Emerson. She is the daughter of my friends Matt and Stacy. They took this picture of her when she turned 3. I loved the photo so much...I jacked it from Facebook to scrap it... They don't mind. In fact they printed some more for me to scrap!

Today has been a very blessed day for me... Now I am off to dinner with friends. My best friend has some amazing news to share with everyone... I can't wait!

Hugs, Amy

Fave Things....27 prizes and PUBLISHED!

2010-06-01T02:46:00.004-05:00

It is our 1 year anniversary for What is Your Fave Thing Challenge Blog.

When Julie asked me to be a part of this team little did I know that my email box would be full of emails from all the ladies on the team connecting in so many ways... Prayers, encouragement, pats on the back, smiles and tears. I have made friendships to last a lifetime.

So 1 year later....Here we are... Celebrating with a huge blog giveaway

and....and....and....

We are being featured in the June Issue of ScrapStreet magazine. What???? You heard right. Julie was asked to get all of us girls together for a feature in the magazine. We are being published....Be sure to check it out.

HERE HERE HERE

So what is the Challenge.....We challenge you to choose your favorite pair of shoes and scrap about it.... Remember, the cool thing about this challenge is anything goes as long as it has to do with favorite shoes... a card, mini book, canvas, layout....whatever you want. This challenge we have 27 prizes.... So this means if you play along you are sure to win a prize....If we run out cause I know you are all going to play along I will throw in enough prizes to make up the difference. We are here today cause you play along. We love to see all your creativity. Go check out the blog for more inspiration and to see all the fabulous prizes!!!!

What is Your Fave Thing?

My favorite shoes are my Italian...made in Spain shoes.

I am really not the fashion Girl...4 kids... I am lucky to get out of the house with clothes on period.

When my husband and I went to Sicily, of course we were surrounded by all the biggest names in fashion. Well we passed by this cute little boutique where I saw these fabulous shoes. Totally out of character for me to fall in love with a pair of shoes... Our friends who we stayed with saw that I loved them....pulled me in the store and bought me the shoes.... I was so excited to have a pair of fine Italian shoes....Don't get me wrong I still love the shoes but when we got home I looked at the label on the bottom and it said Made in Spain.... I just laughed. They are my Italian...Made in Spain shoes. They make my feet Happy!!!

I used the Studio Calico May kit to create this Layout!

Have a happy feet day and get to creating. Hugs, Amy

So much to say....

2010-05-31T15:02:00.004-05:00

But I can't say it today.....

Tomorrow is the big day for some BIG news that I am so excited to tell you. Goodness it has been hard to keep all these secrets... They sure are good secrets... I can't believe it myself really, I feel like it is all a really good dream. Oh wait it is a dream....Some of mine come true!!!! We all have a list, I know you do of all the things you want to accomplish.

For the last year I have been on the Fave Things challenge blog design team. There are so many special friendships I have made and will continue to make....I see a trip to Holland in my near future... I am truly inspired everyday by these girls...Julie the boss lady keeps the mojo flowing with her MANY words of encouragement.

I was recently asked to be a part of the design team for a fabulous new Kit club, My Paper Tree House... If you have never purchased a kit... this may be the one for you. It has everything you need to create many pages and projects....Just wait til you see how many I created. The girls on the team have so much creativity... this team is bursting with inspiration.

Most importantly for me all the girls on both teams share their faith and encourage and pray for each other. What more could a girl ask for. God is just simply amazing!

So tomorrow when you are blog hopping.....Stop by and check out our awesome news....

A Few of My Favorite Things and My Paper Tree House!

That is all I am saying....You will have to go and check it all out TOMORROW!!!!!

Well I don't want to leave you hanging so how about I share 2 layouts...I have just recently cleaned my scrappy space...It is a never ending creative mess and I love it..... But whenever it get's cleaned I feel the need....the need to scrap!!!

Big Hugs, Amy

Another sneak peak......Reveal coming SOON!!!

2010-05-29T23:17:00.003-05:00

The excitement continues to build and I am about to spill the beans.....Ohhhhh but that would be no fun for when the day arrives to share it all. It is oh so close....I have been a busy little bee....So have all the girls on the design team for My Paper Tree House.

I have several things I am dying to show you..... But I can't.

Here is one more sneak peak for you...

My Paper Tree House website is up and you can pre-order your kits. This kit is so amazingly CA-UUUTTTEEE. Oh my goodness and wait til you see all the amazing creations from the girls... They are just so fabulous...I am so happy to be a part of all this. God is so good. Hope you will go check out the new My Paper Tree House website... Have a blessed Sunday. Hugs, Amy

Forgiven....

2010-05-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

Everytime this song comes on the radio... I turn it up as loud as I can stand and sing it at the top of my lungs......{ the reason it is so loud is cause it drowns out my singing...People...I can't sing}

Having a moment, worried, confused, not feeling well, stressed, hurting, sad, Happy, excited, joyful......We go through so many emotions through out our day. Look to the heavens to find peace. My word for this year is Peace.... Finding a peace inside myself...I could ramble on about what I have been through. It all matters but what are you going to do...you can't take it all back. in fact I wouldn't, because the choices I have made have led me to right here right now. I am right where I am supposed to be. I am happy. Guess what.....tomorrow is a new day and with that comes a whole new round of challenges. How are you going to deal with it. Seek peace. Try looking at life with a fresh new perspective. Know that when you look up, what you see is forgiveness and a love like no other. You gotta have Faith!!!!!!!

Check out this song by Sanctus Real......Forgiven.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am so thankful for your friendships. Hugs, Amy

There is a part in the lyrics that says.....

"When I don't think and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere

When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ"

Sneak peek.....

2010-05-26T08:41:00.004-05:00

Get ready to be inspired.... When I see colors, paper, fibers, textures....I am inspired and the kits My Paper Tree House will have ready for you on June 1st have all that and more...I am so excited to be a part of this new team. The girls are amazing and talented and published and...and...and...everything I want to be when I grow up. LOL. So with my children visiting my mother in law for a couple of days I have had nothing to do but scrap and sleep....and sleep...I do not know why I am so tired...Possibly because I truly have nothing to do so everything that has been going on the past couple of months has caught up with me and my body says....Go to sleep...go to sleep...go to sleep little Amy. Hehehehe. I am taking advantage of the rest cause we have lots to do this summer.... Including Fave Things Anniversary....My Paper Tree House Kit debut....Vacation to New York with my Hubby, Summer Reading program with the boys, Vacation Bible school for the boys and preparing for my next event.... Gotta LOVE life...

So here are a few sneak peeks.....5 layouts so far. I am telling you these kits are sure to inspire you.

One of my favorite things....

2010-05-26T00:30:00.002-05:00

My dear blog friends. My friends from all over that one day I hope to meet..... Julie is one of them. She is the "boss"....of A Few of My Favorite Things. She is such an encouragement to me and so many others. Pure inspiration. Well when Julie gets excited so does the whole team.... I am on that team. So guess what I am so excited I just can't hide it.... But I have to or Julie will be soooooooo unhappy :) Well You gotta go HERE and check out why we are so excited. I can't tell you... I am so bad at keeping secrets..... Julie is too. She is starting to give you all little hints. We still have a couple of days for you to play along with us .....all you have to do is tell us your favorite book. If you don't have a favorite book.... What do you like to read.....? When do you like to read.....? We really do not have any rules.....It is all up to you and how creative you want to be. Plus... We should all scrap about ourselves.... It is awesome to check back over the years and see our growth.... Our 1 year anniversary is this June and we have some BIG news.....I have seen the list of all the sponsors we have for prizes....I so wish I could play along.... Instead I get to give away some prizes, too. I love to give stuff away... so Stay tuned and get your scrappy MOJO ready!!!!!

Sarah is on our team, too. She just did a fabulous interview on My Paper Life. You gotta go listen. She talks about her scrappy life. Fabulous testimony to how creativity is really and truly an amazing therapy!!!!! Plus... She is having an awesome giveaway. Go check it out.

I know you are all blog hoppers..... So go check out the Design team.... I have all the links on my side bar..... I promise you will have so much inspiration it will push your creative MOJO into overdrive. We all need a little inspiration. Hope you have a fabulous week. Hugs, Amy

Faith 365 presents Captured....

2010-05-24T14:52:00.004-05:00

For all those special memories we have captured in our hearts. It is my prayer and my hearts desire to share Love, Faith and Creativity with all of you...I know it is hard to get away from our day to day have too's but if you have the chance to join us, you will be refreshed and rejuvenated and find the love of God and your friends all around you. You will find peace. It is important to have a little ME time every now and then. It is important to find that quiet place to reflect. It is important to know without a shadow of a doubt that you are loved so much that our God would send his only son to die for you and for me. We are loved even when we mess up.... Join us for a weekend where we can capture those thoughts that replay in our mind that keep us in bondage and throw them right back where they came from.....Join us for a weekend where we capture our faith and stand strong on all we believe and dream will be. Hope to see you there.

For more information please email me at amyrmuffoletto@gmail.com. I know some of you who read my blog are very far away. I would love for blessings to come your way so one day you can join us. You all know I would love to be able to give you all big hugs and get creative in the same room with you!!!!! Until then...thank you for your support and encouragement!!!

Here are some links you may want to check out....

Lagniappes Antique Store

Microtel Inn

Cabins on the Bayou

Stacy Landry Photography

Breaux Bridge Visitors Center

Lots to tell YOU!!! Graduation, Girls weekend, Scrapping and Prompt #31 for The Creative Type...

2010-05-23T00:18:00.006-05:00

Well school is coming to an end and summer humidity and HEAT has set in.... Wow. See I knew when everyone was saying how COOOLLLLLDDDDDD it was this winter here in Louisiana that when the Summer got here it was going to be way more hot.... Flip flops, tank tops and capris are in high demand...

Jesse graduated from Kindergarden... His teacher gave out awards based on candy treats...Jesse got the Freedent gum award because his teacher says he is so free spirited, carefree and does not have a worry in this world. She is right. There is not much of anything that bothers him. He is like his daddy.

Jacob made Principals list and he was very excited. That means All A's for the end of the year. We are so proud of both of them...

Alexandria still has 2 more days of finals. She has been working very hard. I can't wait to see her grades.

Jasin has planned a trip to New York just me and him.... His birthday is the 4th of July so we are going that week. His brother lives there and we will be staying with him. I am really excited.

This weekend I had a class at the scrapbook store in Denham Springs...I stayed with Shelly the owner. It turned into a Birthday celebration for the store manager Anette. We went to eat at PF Changs, Scrapbooked at the store til late....slept in the next morning and went back to the store for the class and more scrapbooking....And ended with a visit to the mall for some fabulous Frozen Yogurt .

They got in some new Little Yellow Bicycle paper... I am loving the yellow and gray together and was a bit inspired by the paper....

I did a layout for me....For Matt and Stacy ( I hijacked a picture of Emerson, their daughter off facebook ) and for a lady who came in to the store with a fabulous senior picture of her grandaughter ( the lady was getting all her paper together and when I saw the photo I asked her if it would be OKAY if I scrapped the picture....She said YES)

For ME...

For Matt and Stacy

For the lady who came to shop in the store!!!!!!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Prompt #31 for The Creative Type.... I had a blast digging through my stash... It is like a treasure hunt.... I always forget where I stash the good stuff.

I still had some creative juices flowing when I got home so I unloaded.....checked my emails.....found a challenge I was inspired by..... The Creative Type... Prompt #31 has a fabulous "go Green" theme. We all have more scrappy stuff than we can ever use....More stuff comes out in the stores and we have to have it.... Well their challenge is to use Rub-ons but to also use stuff out of what you already have. I challenge you....USE YOUR OLDER PRODUCT>>> you bought it cause you loved it now use it.....Scrappy doctors orders.

My friend Heather told me today that I always scrap Alexandria.... Well she is so beautiful and photogenic that I can't resist.... So as I started this post I realized I had 2 for her and none of the boys so I whipped up this one of Jesse at the park with dirt all over his face

I also scrapped a layout for Shelly, the owner of the store.... I don't have a pic though.

SIDE NOTE..... Let me just say that I am so excited about all my new friendships that have been developing through our common creative LOVE. Fabulous, real, genuine fun-loving women. Just beautiful women. Friends are wonderful to have, especially GOOD friends.

Thank you Shelly, Anette and Alicia for an absolutely amazing weekend. Sorry no pics.... What happens at the scrapbook store stays at the scrapbook store.... Hehehehehe. Just joking!!!! I left my camera in the car and just was having so much fun I did not take any.... As usual.

Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend. Big hugs from me. Amy

Vintage Me 365.... AKA My Etsy shop.

2010-05-18T23:14:00.003-05:00

Giggle......Giggle......Giggle.......

I am so excited and I just can't hide it..... I just uploaded 3 of the first vintage kits into my Etsy shop. We will see how it goes.

The items I will be selling will be unique items I have found that I use for my Embellishment bar. Each kit will be hand designed by me. So now all of you have a chance to play with some of the fun vintage items that I love to play with. I will also be adding some of my own creations using some vintage pieces. It will all be a work in progress.

I did it and the shop is open for business.....

Wooooo Whooooo!!!

Let's Eat

Your Beautiful

School Days

Hey all of you Etsy Shop owners and shoppers... I would love your feed back. I trust you will give me your honest opinion about what I am selling.

Leave me a comment...

I have a link on my left side bar to the shop.

If you have not ever purchased anything on etsy..... Go HERE. It is the Fave Things blog....There is a listing of our favorite Etsy stores.... It is a great start to finding some fabulous handcrafted and vintage items.

Hugs, Amy

Creativity....

2010-05-18T06:58:00.003-05:00

Creativity comes from

exploring, dreaming,

caring, growing, feeling,

taking risks,breaking rules,

asking, "What if?"

and having fun,

Everyday comes with a

supply of fresh new ideas,

insights and possibilities.

Write them down.

My grandma used to call all her fabulous garage sale finds "junque", I guess the " q " made it sound more elegant. She sparked the vintage bug in me. I am so thankful...

These flowers were by my mail box and I had my camera in the car.... The thorns were so dominating but the first thing that came to my mind is.... find BEAUTY amongst all the thorns.

This is so random....This sign is still upside down after a year.... Not only does it tell me to slow down but more important.... Follow through!!!! Press forward. Do what you say you are going to do.

The quote came from the first page in my new journal/ event notebook. The saying just jumped out and grabbed my creative mojo and kicked it into gear. So I wanted to share it with you in hopes it would do the same for you. I found the journal in the clearance section at Target.... Each page has a different quote....

The first page says....Stretch your mind and fly!

These photos I took over a year ago. The meaning they had when I took them still remains in my mind. Today is a new day....Find happiness and joy....Somewhere.

On a Mission....A Mission To Create!!!

2010-05-16T17:35:00.001-05:00

Finally I can let the cat out of the bag.... I have been holding this exciting news in for months. WOW. It is hard for me to keep secrets like this.

I love to share good news.

Soooooo......A few months ago I answered a Guest Design Team call for

Mission To Create. I was so excited when my email came back that I was one they chose. So excited.... beyond words excited....jump up and down excited....Especially cause their challenges push me to think about the stuff I have in my stash.

Here's how it works. You are given 5 concepts... 5 items they would like to see used on a page. To qualify for the challenge you have to use at least 3 of the 5 on your layout.

For this mission we have to use...

Beads

Use the color Brown

Distressing

Decorative Edge Paper

Something vintage

Here is my layout....

{ I used the mini shaped papers from Websters Pages, Maya Road chipboard banners, Making Memories chipboard letters and a vintage label. I distressed the edges of the Brown paper, added the shaped paper and sewed a bead around the scallop of the shaped paper. Voila, all 5 of the concepts. }

Hope you join us to play along.
Go check out what the Design Team created. So much inspiration.
Check it out HERE.

Hugs,Amy

What is your FAVE book?

2010-05-15T12:47:00.003-05:00

Do you love to read? It should be a priority for me to curl up in my chair with a good book but I don't. Sorry....Does that surprise you. I am a magazine article reader.....Well, mostly I just thumb through the pictures... I am always on the go, over my head, knee deep in family, kids, church or some creative project. It would do me good to get a good book....and just chill.

What is your fave book? That is the challenge going on right now at What is your fave thing?

I am on the design team and thank goodness Julie gives us some time off if we need it. I could not think of a book that would be a favorite... But I know a time that I read that is my favorite and that is to the kids at bedtime!

At night we always read to the kids.....They love this book about the ABC's of beetles....It has a Dung Beetle in it and they love it because it says the beetles eat poop and the beetles think it is so good. They know the page and read to me what it says from memory..... Boys will be boys. That one is not my favorite, though it gives us a good laugh every time. My favorites areA If you give a Moose a Muffin, If you give a Mouse a cookie and If you give a Pig a Pancake. I love those books. I wanna read them all the time. The kids are a little tired of them.

So though reading with your kids is a fabulous thing to do..... I would appreciate any suggestions on a good book. I need a Good book to read. Julie sent me The Shack a few months back and I loved it...I read a few other books after it but just don't keep up on the latest best sellers.

Leave me a comment and I will start a summer reading list. In August when the kids go back to school I will post again on this subject and let you know what my favorite book is...!

Happy reading and hope you will come and play along with us. Hugs Amy

Vintage Me 365

2010-05-15T01:49:00.007-05:00

New Blog.

New Website.

New Business.

Same Vision.

Same Heart.

Same Passion.

My dreams, passion and creativity have been shared on this blog for the past couple years. I have made so many new friendships. You are all so very close and dear to my heart. I have been talking about some awesome things that are going on and I think now is the time to share. The thought of having my own store and teaching facility will always be the icing on the cake but I finally took the leap of faith. It is all in the beginning stages but I still want to share because you are all my encouragement.

My wonderful hubby is creating a fabulous website. He promises to have it up and running by July. {my website will have all my event information and also Private Party information}

The blog needed a face lift to go along with all these changes So if you see Vintage Me 365 in your blog roll it is ME.

I love all things vintage....all the time....everyday it inspires me. Everything has a story but the best thing about all things vintage is...the story is forgotten. We get to give it new meaning, Like a fresh new start. Who doesn't want the chance to wipe the slate clean. I believe there is no reason for regrets but you should always give it a second try if at first you don't succeed.

I am getting all things vintage ready for my very own Etsy shop. I will be making little goodie bags full of unique vintage items. Just like the ones I make and give away all the time. There are no listings yet and you will be the first to know when there is...

Just in case you have missed a Faith 365 event, you see the photos and just wish you could have been there. There will be a new event in July { July 16,17 and 18 }, October, January and April {dates to be determined}. The ideas and vision have just sparked into some amazing and fabulous adventures. My hope is that you will be able to join us throughout the year and not be pressured or sad that you are missing out. I know many of you are from out of town...My hope is to meet some of you and with advanced planning maybe it will be possible.

Remember each event includes 2 guest speakers, 3 meals, snacks and drinks, a t-shirt, an on site scrapbook store who will complete 3 make-n-takes, 6-10 different projects with all supplies included, use of the latest scrapping tools, a candy bar full of your favorite sweet treats and our own Embellishment Bar full of unique new and vintage items you can use to embellish all your projects throughout the weekend.

At our event in July....Matt and Stacy Landry with Stacy Landry Photography will be teaching us some hands on tips on photography and photo editing.

For more details please email me...amyrmuffoletto@hotmail.com.

Yes, Life has been crazy....Oh....check back later today for some more exciting news....Hehehehehe. I love surprises!

Hope you all are following your dreams. Much love, Amy

Change is Good!

2010-05-14T14:28:00.003-05:00

Hello....Like the new look! It was time for a change.....Still trying to navigate the edits so bare with me. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, Hugs, Amy

Why didn't I think of it sooner?

2010-05-13T16:11:00.003-05:00

Well my Jenni Bowlin paper crafting, project and add-on kits came in yesterday....I sat for the 2 seconds I had and thumbed thru it and put it all back in the box. Which is usually where it stays. { for a few days anyways } I have a wonderful stash. It is finding the time to really sit and just scrap for no reason at all. Well that wonderful box full of goodies was calling my name this morning when I was getting ready to go play with the 4.... 2 year olds.... At the Mothers Day Out program I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a change today I was early, so I grabbed a few photos, a paper trimmer, scissors, glue, pop dots and tape runner stuffed it all in the first bag I saw and brought that wonderful box with me to Mothers Day Out. Every day the kids take a nap and we have about an hour and 30 minutes to just hang out....Why didn't I think of this before??? I whipped out 2 pages. Yep....I said 2 pages. The kits have everything you need for many pages. So here they are!!!

Happy Scrappin'!!!! Have a fabulous day. Hugs, Amy

Through the eyes of another!

2010-05-11T06:28:00.003-05:00

Never in a million years would I have ever imagined my life would lead me here. I grew up in California, lived there for 23 years....Met the man of my dreams and moved to Louisiana. I have been introduced to many but the one I am thankful for the most is my God. What a freedom and peace I find in His mercy and grace. What amazing journeys have come thru His blessings. Faith 365 grew from a thought I had one day....I have been standing in faith for so long on something I realized all that faith needs to be applied to everything in my life.... We gotta have faith 365 days of the year. When our church started small groups I knew mine would be all things creative and I called it Scrapbooking and More. Through a 5 year period we grew from 1 to 150 and we are still growing. I started the Faith 365 events so that we could gather in His name and share our gifts and talents with one another. A retreat to rejuvenate our faith. Never in a million years would I have thought I would fly someone in to be a guest speaker but He made a way. Please visit this link to A Bushel and A Peck. Mrs. Jeanne Oliver was one of my guest speakers at the event in April. I can tell you my eyes were teary the whole time she spoke cause in this season of my life what she spoke about was just confirmation I am right where I am supposed to be. In her post she tells about what her experience was at the event.

Some people say I have to make lots of money doing these events.....some people say it is a lot of headache to put up with..... some people say I should not spend money on flying people in.....

My God is a big God and this is a big dream coming true and if I do it in obedience to Him then it will be blessed, I will be blessed. I already am blessed. It is far from a headache for me, It makes enough money for me to do everything I dream of with a little extra to bless someone else and I will continue to be prayerful of who will join us to speak. If it means flying someone in from the ends of the earth than so be it. God puts people in your path for a reason. If your journey brings you to one of my events, you are there on purpose. So grow your faith. Be open to the journeys ahead. Love life. You only have one try to get it right. Nobody is perfect. Seek Grace and Mercy from Him!!!

Bottle class, A little mini and a park adventure!

2010-05-10T17:35:00.008-05:00

These little yellow bottles have a little story...... Back in the day...before air conditioners...ceiling fans spun out of control....attached to the fan pull would be these fabulous advertisements. Because they would spin around as fast as the fan did....it would draw attention to the advertisements. I got my hands on a few and I will be teaching a class on June 5th in Denham Springs at Scrapbooks and More. I had fun making this mini book. I love all things unique!!!! I think they are awesome!!!!! I used an old bottle cap on top.... Cute little touch!

Love that ribbon with favorite things on it.

So I found these adorable vintage soap boxes and had to make something with it. It is so tiny, just enough room for a bar of soap. I love the lady on the front. She inspires me. The mini inside is an easy accordian fold. I just added a few goodies and whipped it up real quick!

Now.....on to some pictures!

Saturday evening we took the kids to the park. We sat under a pavilion near a water faucet that someone had been making water balloons with.....

Let me just say Water + Dirt = MUD + Jaxon = BIG MESS.

Boys will be boys and I can't wait to scrap these pictures. The kids had a blast and slept very good Saturday night. Yay for me. Enjoy the pics.

This was just the beginning.... He had mud up to his knees by the time he was finished.... That is when the water cam into play!

Jesse loves his momma and he will do whatever I ask him. Love this picture..... See the dirt all over his face!

Jacob was hot and sweaty and he did not want his picture taken cause it meant he had to stop. He was having sooooooo much fun!

Alexandria was at a birthday party with friends... Her first time in a vehicle with a teenager.....They went to Chuck E Cheese....Well So she said... Low and behold without her knowing we were there... She decided she would go to the park too. When she saw us standing there wondering why she was there. The look on her face was priceless....

Adventures in flower delivery!!!

2010-05-08T22:40:00.006-05:00

My mother -n- Law just told me the other day I have more odd jobs than anyone she knows....She said it is kind of cool. She is telling the truth... Sometimes I laugh but everything extra is a special gift from God. I look at it as an opportunity to meet new people and share my faith.

Well this adventure brought me to Leona Sue's Florist. I have been making a point to take my camera everywhere I go.... There is so much inspiration when I drive around but I never have my camera....Whenever I see a cool shot I always say... I wish I had my camera....Well I decided I will just leave it in my car so I never forget it!!! and I will be able to capture some great moments....Stay tuned for the next post... I am sharing a few pics of the park adventure with the kids.

So, Friday and Saturday I delivered flowers all day... 16 deliveries on Friday and 18 deliveries on Saturday!!! I love driving around but I am one tired young lady!!!!! Here are some pics I took!!!!! Enjoy!

Thanks to my good friends Heather.....I was able to navigate the city quickly. I have never used a GPS but it sure came in handy.....I nick named her Gertrude. She was a time saver for sure!

Here are some of the flower arrangements I delivered....The flowers are beautiful.

I love the yellow and white flowers together....So pretty!

I figured since I was only driving 15 miles per hour it would be okay to take this one. I had 2 deliveries in the country... about 20 minutes outside of town. Well on my way back I got stuck behind a tractor. I thought it was funny and made light of it with this picture! LOL.

I had a delivery close to home and when I loaded my next delivery into the GPS it would not come up...So I went home to Google it and see the kids and just take a breather.... When I was at the computer I heard some loud chirping noises coming from outside....2 little birdies were hopping around outside.... I love these pics... Too cute!!!

Look at that fuzz on his head. So adorable.

This beautiful tiger lily made me sneezy, but it sure smelled wonderful.

When I got home, Jasin and the kids were waiting upstairs to surprise me. They opened the door and screamed Happy Mothers Day!!!! I was so excited I had my camera on me....We just did an instant replay and I got this picture!!!

Look at my new bird bath. I LOVE it. Jasin cleaned up our front yard and had this beauty waiting for me. He is so amazing. The words inside the card touched me so much I cried. It was the perfect ending to my adventure in flower delivery.

I pray you all have a wonderful day today. If you have been blessed with children or if it is a desire of your heart. I pray that God is always blessing you and your family. Big Hugs, Amy

You gotta play this game!

2010-05-08T06:40:00.003-05:00

Hello to all my blog readers.

Julie, our wonderful boss lady at What is your Fave Thing....wants to play a little game with everyone!!!

Go look at What is Your Fave Thing. It is the link to an amazing giveaway. All I am going to say is Etsy Love. She has a bunch of her Favorite Etsy Shops listed on the blog. The winner of this game will be able to choose any one thing from any of the Etsy Shops listed and She will buy it for you and pay for shipping.

You see....Julie is amazing and generous and kind and a wonderful mother and wife and friend. Just an all around unique, original and real woman....She has been a blessing in my life and I am so excited to be a part of her team....Since I can't play along.....You HAVE to. You only have to play along with our Fave Music challenge, become or be a follower on the blog and Like us on Facebook. Easy Easy Easy..... If you do all 3 you will have 7 chances to win.

Oh and if you have an Etsy Shop and want to be on our Etsy Love link on the Fave Things Blog...All the instructions are HERE HERE HERE!

Have a great weekend.....I have been delivering flowers for a local flower shop for Mothers Day.....Stay tuned for my post on the adventures in Flower Delivering! Hugs, Amy

Heritage...

2010-05-07T21:25:00.004-05:00

What do you know about your heritage? To be very honest, I can't tell you where my family originates from. A few years ago we did some research for Jasins fathers side of the family because we were going to Sicily and thought it would be awesome to trace back a few generations. We traced it all the way back to the early 1800's. 5 generations. It was amazing that each generation until Jasins dad all stayed married until death and never remarried. What was their secret? I really think it was COMMITMENT. I just found this little cartoon online and wanted to share it. I think it is so funny and so true.

I know it is a couple that is dating but it still relates. Okay that was a bit of me on a soap box. Hehehehe. LOL. So this post is about a class I will be teaching on MAY 22 in Denham Springs.

Scrapbooks and More has asked me to teach a double page layout class using the Heritage Cricut Cartridge. Yes... I own a Cricut, but I rarely use it when I am scrapping. I use it for the events and lots of projects for the kids and school. It is a pretty awesome machine. I had to have the Heritage cartridge cause you all know I love all things vintage and it has a beautiful assortment of vintage images.

They gave me some of the Garden Gala line from Websters Pages to create the layout, a pack of the journal cards to match, and some ribbon and lace! Hope you like it. If you want to sign up for the class call the store! {225} 665~9478. If you take the class you can stay and crop with me and the girls til 10pm....No extra charge!

Here are some pictures.

Happy Mothers Day to all who have beautiful little ones under their wings. I pray God keeps them safe in your arms. Big hugs, Amy

My Paper Tree House

2010-05-06T19:35:00.004-05:00

So when I was little....About 10 I would load my pockets full of change that I had saved and ride my bicycle 3 miles to the only stationary store in the town I grew up. I was a Cali girl and I grew up in Ojai.....It is funny when I say where I grew up everyone knows where it is now because of Ojai Foods on Big Brother Big Sister!

My best friend and I would send each other hand written letters with scented paper and a ton of confetti. I had a pen pal who I am still in contact with since I was 11. We wrote letters every week. I loved paper and pencils and anything creative back then and I love it even more now. I believe that creativity and art is lost in the youth of today and it is up to us to inspire them to continue the legacy. I have women in classes I teach who make me sew on there projects cause they are too scared or don't know how. How is this possible? I just taught as a guest artist for a high school fine arts survey class. When I tell the kids to tear their paper they literally do not know what I am talking about. They don't know what to do with anything creative and wait for your detailed instruction and copy exactly. This just breaks my heart and inspires me to do more. It inspires me to share the gifts and talents God has given me with everyone who will listen.....Are you listening....? Are you listening to that sweet spirit tell you to share your talents with everyone cause they may find healing, joy, happiness, a sense of accomplishment and peace with our Lord. It may encourage them to follow their dreams.

I am so very honored to tell you that Nana creator of My Paper Treehouse has asked me to be one of the designers for her new kit club. We have a Facebook link HERE HERE HERE. I am even more excited about the fact that she has a vision to carry on a creative legacy....sharing Gods word for the generations to come.... The amazing designers on the team are already inspiring me.....I am so excited to see the inspiration come when we reveal each new kit.

Get ready for some blog hopping....Get ready to meet some amazing new people. Just get ready to see what journey the Lord has waiting for you!

Meet the designers....

1. Amy Muffoletto....I still can't believe my name is on this list!!!!!
2. Diana Fisher
3. Iris Babao Uy
4. Laura Achilles
5. Noel Rusk Culbertson
6. Sarah de Guzman
7. Suzy West
8. Tricia Wilson
9. Veronica Johnson
10. Nana Campana

Our Guest designer for June { but I think you will see a lot more of her} is... Irene Tan

Guess what product you see in this picture and you could be the winner of a fabulous prize given by Nana! Check out our Facebook link for more details!

Please stay tuned for more exciting news as it is revealed to me. Please go and visit all the designers. Get inspired. Leave a leagacy. Make Memories. Love one another. Always follow your heart and take the step of faith to make your wildest dreams come true....One of mine just did. All things are possible to him or her who believes!!!

Love to all. Hugs, Amy

What is your Fave Music???

2010-05-03T21:28:00.006-05:00

It is time again for another challenge at What is your Fave Thing!!!! Just in case some of you don't know what I mean when I say CHALLENGE BLOG....Listen.... or READ!!!!

All you have to do is think of your favorite music or playlist. Do a scrapbook page about it. Then tell us where we can see your layout. If you do not have a blog...upload it onto Facebook or photobucket and give us a link HERE. It is so easy.

The prizes for this challenge are sponsored by ME!!!!!

Here is a memo holder I made. The winner will also receive a pack of Websters Pages Journal cards and a few Websters Pages goodies. Oh and I will throw in some vintage goodies, too.

This is a goodie bag I made using Studio Calico Paper and a Prima Flower. Inside will be some wonderful vintage goodies. I will also include some Prima Flowers and Studio Calico Paper!

Pretty great prizes so don't miss out and get your page into us by May 14.

Stay glued to the FAVE THINGS BLOG people. We have some exciting news coming and we are celebrating our one year anniversary!!!! Oh you all know what that means....Goodies, Goodies and more Goodies.

National Scrapbook Day!!!!!

2010-05-02T21:50:00.003-05:00

Wow, I have been seeing some wonderfully amazing pages and scrappy goodness all over the world wide web about National Scrapbook Day. This was the first time I ever participated in anything for this wonderful day.

I was honored to be asked to teach some make-n-takes at an event for Scrapbooks and More in Denhem Springs. What a wonderful bunch of ladies. Yummy food and I even got a little scrapping in. I have not scrapped just because in a long time. it was nice.... I do have some creating to catch up on... A few design team layouts and ......oh I almost spilled the beans.....not yet but soon. Some fun stuff to tell. Here are the layouts I finished.

Jesse is my silly goose. He is always making crazy silly faces for the camera.

Alexandria is growing up to be an amazing young lady.

I had fun with burlap. Websters pages has some beautiful paper! Look at me and my hubby. Awe!!!!

Always giving me a cheesy grin.... Hubby says he hates this picture. I think it is too cute!

Can't scrap with out some sweets. I made cupcakes with chocolate covered strawberries on top....Mmmmmm!

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend. Big Hugs,Amy

Attention to Details.....Part 1

2010-05-02T09:22:00.005-05:00

Have you ever been so stressed, overwhelmed and just purely excited in such an amazing way that you have so many butterflies in your stomach that you can't even eat. Well this describes my week. My Faith 365 event has come and gone. It came before I knew it and happened so quickly that I blinked and it was over. See what I mean, it is all like a dream. My dream come true. Being faithful to our Lord just brings us the joys and desires of our hearts. I taught at an awesome National Scrapbook Day event yesterday and met some really wonderful woman. Now I will be teaching at Scrapbooks and More every month!!!!! There is even more but I can't spill the beans just yet. Hehehehehe!

So the first detail I want you to know is this....Matt and Stacy with Stacy Landry Photography took ALL the amazing photos I am about to show you. They are my wonderful sweet friends. My special blessings from God. This is my detail post cause I love paying attention to all the little details. Throughout this week I am going to share some pretty awesome eye candy so keep checking back.

Second detail I am going to share with you is.....Jeanne Oliver, My guest speaker for my event and amazing artist and writer and woman of God. She just launched her Spring and Summer line on Etsy. Go check it out HERE HERE HERE. There is a link on her blog post that will take you to her Etsy Shop!!!!

Now......Some details of my Faith 365 event. Lots of pics, so get ready for inspiration overload.

The Faith 365 Event was held in Lagniappes Antique Store. They have over 17,000 sq. feet of yummy antique booths and this wonderful gallery space that we used for the event. I love the paintings on the wall. It is a local artist and all the colors matched my decor perfectly.

This is the embellishment bar. It is here to inspire every inch of your creativity. Lots of little goodies you can use to finish the projects that are taught throughout the event and your personal pieces of art!

Milk bottle full of buttons and an old dictionary are
wonderful additions to any project.

Vintage buttons in an old tea cup.
Everyone should have one of these in there workspace!

Goodness, I think we have a lot of buttons. I love this old cast iron corn bread pan. Perfect for all your scrappy trinkets.

Unique little items on the embellishment bar.

Growth is so important. We should always be striving for more. Take that step of faith. Faith is believing!

Yo-yo's, stick pins and milk caps. Are you inspired?

Meet Arione. She is a sweet friend of Alexandria. She is wearing a handmade hat from one of the booths in the antique store. Simply beautiful.

Alexandria, Kristen and Arione. Hand made coats and hats. Love this picture. It shows each individual personality shine in these beautiful girls!

I love dress forms and have been lucky to find some really unique metal ones. We dressed this young lady up for the event. Love her!

Another view of the Embellishment Bar.

I made cupcakes and petit fours. Can't have an event without those. I get emails asking if I am bringing them. I can't disappoint. They are so good.

On the first day of the event. Everyone received this little treat at their seat. It is a Hershey bar wrapped in old dictionary paper, tied with ribbon and for a little added touch...a stamped dress form. {thanks to Somerset Magazine for this idea} Our schedule and bits of information was clipped to a blank clipboard. We used the items wrapped around the Hershey Bar to embellish the clipboard. Everyones came out so different and Everyone enjoyed their chocolate.

SWEET!
This is our candy bar....A couple posts back I posted pictures of an old shed door. Our candy bar sits on top of the table I made from that door. So perfect. Jennifer, the manager of the antique store was so gracious to let us borrow wonderful architectural pieces from her booth. It made the candy bar just a beautiful work of art. Mmmmm.

I promise more pictures to come soon. The details are exciting but the friendships that were made are so amazing.

Save the Date.

If you have been inspired by what you see here...Our next event is July 16,17 and 18. Mark your calendars and check back for more information.

That is all for today. Much love, Amy

Faith 365...

2010-04-27T07:20:00.003-05:00

Words cannot express how absolutely amazing this weekend was. I am still trying to get the words together in my mind and honestly right now it all seems like just a dream. The best dream I have ever had. So many new wonderful faces and so many friendships rejuvenated. The building was amazing....It is used as an art gallery when there is not an event going on so when I arrived the art on the wall was different.... all the colors were turquoise and orange... the colors of my event. how perfect is that. The guest speakers were just amazing.... I told them to speak from there heart and listen to what God would have them say..... they did and it was just in line with the vision of the event. Many left telling me how peaceful they felt, how they knew they were right where God has them and that they now know what faith is. Many said you are giving too much, you are doing too much....My God is a big God and nothing is too much for Him. I have a lot of FAITH.....Do You!!!!?

Pictures are on there way but for now I leave you with this one. Alexandria had 2 of her friends with her for the event. They high jacked my camera and took some really great pictures....Inside the antique mall is a ladys booth who makes wonderful hats from underwear and great repurposed jackets.

Have a fabulous day and I promise more to come. Have Faith 365 days of the year. God is there for your whole journey even when you think you are alone....He is there. just call on him!!!!

Chris....You won!!!

2010-04-19T15:36:00.002-05:00

Okay last Monday I asked if you had any lingering projects. Some of you had many, Some just a few and WOW....I wanna be like those of you who say they have NONE, when I grow up. LOL.

So I had 8 comments, I asked Alexandria to pick a number between 1 and 8.....she chose # 2.

Chris you can chose 1 of these little memo hangers I made. Click HERE to see close ups. Please email me your address and I will get it off to you this week!

Check out her blog. Chris is one talented lady. She shared a quilt she just finished as her lingering project.

Thanks for playing along... This weekend is my BIG event. I can honestly say that aside for some of the food I am finished with all the preparations. Check back Monday for a post full of pictures and please say a pray that all goes well. Hugs,Amy