OHScrap! | Hybrid Scrapbooking, Photography, Sewing, Crafting

and the winners are...

2008-07-11T08:42:00.008-10:00

a little note ladies... on the MM Blog it said we'll be learning the whipstitch... that was the first one that "whipped" around the edge of the page. The other straight line stitch is called the BACKSTITCH. :)

and the RAK winners are....

from the Making Memories Blog #29:
First of all, that is the cutest baby picture of your DS..... I love the look of this LO... stitching adds that personal touch....love the coloring and the title...

PattiM
(Pattie's passion)

I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!!

and from the comments here #14:

Scraprageous said...Beautiful work - I often forget about floss with layouts!

Congratulations Ladies! email me { joscelyne@cutchens.com }your mailing information and I'll get out a little something for you!! :)
Don't forget to check back here next Thursday for another Making Memories project and RAK. Of course you are more than welcome to come back just to visit :)

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Making Memories fun!

2008-07-10T00:01:00.003-10:00

It's Thursday again, Making Memories Blog Day! You can see today's sewing layout featured over at MM BLOG.
I also have a project to share with you here: My favorite Things about you...

I loved these pictures of Jordan in his hat, making silly faces... I created a collage in PSE and printed it out on glossy photo paper. I cropped it and mounted it onto a piece of 5th Avenue paper, and then on a Noteworthy paper. I added a noteworthy journaling sheet, some journaling with mini alpha stickers and a piece of trim. I placed 3 flower clusters around the page to create a visual triangle. I wanted to create my version of the blanket stitch, so i took my MM acrylic ruler and paper piercing tool and pierced every other hole around the edges and a bit in from the edge.

Then I threaded the embroidery floss on a craft needle, tied a knot and sewed up from the bottom through the first hole.

Then down through the next hole to the left.

then up through the top hole.

Back down through the second hole.

up through the next hole to the left.

back down through the second hole.

up through the next hole on the top row and back down through the third hole on the bottom.

I continued this stitch all the way around the perimeter of the mat.

I also pierced holes in a flourish pattern coming out of the flowers and back stitched those in a darker green.
I hope you liked this tutorial. Please let me know if you have any questions. Don't forget to leave your comments here and over at Making Memories Blog. :) thanks! I will pull one winner for a comment on THIS post, and one from the comments on the MM Blog post. Check back on Friday for RAK winners! :)

PS did you know there is a place on your blogger profile where you can share your email address? I love when you all share your email address with me because it makes it easier for me to contact you and thank you! Just something to think about. :)

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

POTD Catchup!

2008-07-09T23:55:00.000-10:00

I got a beautiful card in the Mail from my South African Friend Kim.... made me smile! Isn't it nice to get happy mail? I really want to make it a point to send out more cards in the mail, spread the love!

Jordan breaking in the new Wii Fit. Yoga boy in training. hee hee!

learning the yoga pose

boxing

The community pool opened on 7.2 we have been swimming 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9... loving the pool! :)

Jordan says, "at your service"

samoan crab on the rocks at Hickam AFB

Granny, Troy and Jalen at AUMC on SUnday.

Borders book store on Ward. Meeting up with a long lost pal over starbucks. :)

The fourth of July at Pearl Harbor from Ford Island. This year's RIMPAC ships are in port and decorated for the holiday. :)

ONLY the best breakfast on the island. Guava Chiffon Pancakes and eggs benedict...OH, and the home fries rock too! If you go in tell ALIKA that you heard about them from Joscie's Blog.
http://www.cinnamonsrestaurant.com/

on our way out to dinner at Outback... this beauty was so vibrant!

we snapped some shots as we waited for our table.

On Ford Island. I saw the tank (?) and got out to ask if I could take a picture. they said sure. Guess they didn't expect me to snap so many.

when I got back in the car, I turned to see this!

I love this old tower on ford island. I think it may have been in the movie Pearl Harbor.

Granny brought me a LOT of embroidery thread for my "birthday" (it's in august) so many colors... i'm in loove :)

Finally... a project I made recently. Kimmy sent me a secret envelope... the task was to make something out of the contents and we were free to add other items. items from the envelope: the black and cream label, the red flowers , cream felt flower, heart and flower bling, red ribbon, felt lace, MM Adore tag.

My additions: teresa collins chipboard, binditall to punch holes. red crochet thread, 2008 EKsuccess stickers. I also recolored the red flowers. they were originally pink and i used stazon to color. beautiful! :)

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Aloha Monday... so many goodies to share!

2008-07-07T19:27:00.005-10:00

Aloha ALL!
First of all... do you remember the mini coaster book I made for Father's Day that was picked up by Digital Artist Magazine in May? If you didn't get the mag, you missed my project. But thankfully it's been long enough for me to share it. Since I used all digital Products from Miss Mint... I was able to show it off on her blog. Let me know if you have any questions about the project... :)

I also got a note from the ever fabulous Julie Ann Shahin (@digitalproject on twitter) that my "say what" hybrid board book would be featured on the Scrapbook Dimensions blog today.

Thursday will bring more stitchery on the Making Memories Blog: I will be awarding two raks again for comments on Thursday, one here and one there... Check back on Friday for the winners! :)

Troy and I have been so lucky to have a few date nights since Granny is visiting from Alabama. The boys get quality time with Granny and we get quality time together. We have gone out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Flickr meetup at Waikiki Beach, Meetup with Guy Kawasaki ( @guykawasaki ), meetup with my long lost buddy Adrienne ( @adriennepalmer ) and today we took a trip to the base for a photo op and then to sam's club. I have been so happy to reconnect :)

Here are the long lost Pictures of the day... It's been a while!
Jordan was playing with the cars in the window sill and had them all lined up. It gave me a chuckle, because Jalen used to do the exact same thing! :)

a jellyfish that you saw in the video... it's from the Waikiki aquarium. Boy, I was transfixed on these beauties!

Flickr Sunday Meet up at San Souci... this shot is the gate of the Waikiki Natatorium. So pretty!

Wii are getting fit! the littlest one in the family loves it too! :) He cracks me up with soccer and step aerobics!

I will post the other POTDs later... I need to get to bed now. :)

Some of you have asked me about the fireworks photos: I used a tripod, set up to the lowest height. Because my tripod was a cheapo, I figured the lower to the ground, the less shake from the wind. I set my zoom lens up to the widest (75) and the iso to the lowest (100). I also focused at almost infinity and switched to manual focus so the camera would not try to change focus for each shot. I put it on timer/remote and used that for the shutter. It was great! I could actually watch the fireworks with my eyes and trigger the shutter with the remote. I tried the aperture settings at f/8 and f/9 and cranked the wheel a few times either way for a few shots each. We also took a video of the fireworks with the flip video... and you can hear the shutter of the camera. cracks me up! also, both boys had on their ear protection... Jalen fell asleep in his chair... Just leaned over and put his head down and went to sleep. That kid cracks me up! I hope that helps you... :)

Some others have asked about how I get my pictures so big and clear on the blog... Keep in mind I use template/old blogger because I have my own domain... BUT it may work for you. First, I adjusted my blogger template so the body of the blog is wider (about 800pixels). Then instead of using the photo uploader, I upload my photos sized at approximately 700pixels wide to a folder on my server (you can use photobucket or maybe flickr) and then I use the img src tags to insert the pictures via html.

I am considering going wordpress with my blog. I am heading to a Wordpress workshop on Saturday and I can wait! It has been such a long time since I've used my brain for code! I hope I can remember! :) But don't worry, the address won't change!

I'm anxiously awaiting the moo cards in the mail too! :) maybe tomorrow, definitely before Friday's Flickr meetup and before Saturday's Geek day! :)

If you haven't joined twitter yet, WHAT are you WAITING for? It's a micro blogging platform that allows you to keep up with your friends and make new ones. I'm on private, so you'll have to request to "follow" me but just give me a note that you're a blog reader and I'll add you... also tell me your name...If you're already on twitter and I'm not following you yet, let me know so I can add you! It's lots of fun and you can add a widget on your blog... or follow on your text enabled cell phone... :)

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Fourth of July Fireworks!

2008-07-05T10:25:00.002-10:00

We got in a good spot at Ford Island right next to the USS Missouri to watch the fireworks last night. AWESOME show. both boys had their ear protection and we all enjoyed. Here are some of my shots:

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Happy Fourth of July RAK winners

2008-07-04T13:43:00.003-10:00

Aloha and Happy Fourth of July People!

I have used Random.org to pick the RAK winners for this week! If you will email me your address, I will get some goodies in the mail going your way!
First of all for those who created backlinks to the MM Blog post, thank you so much!
Congratulations Eileen!
For the Comments here, Congratulations to #2:
Laura said...Loved your layout on MM and a great job on the robot paper piecing.

For the Comments on the MM Blog, Congratulations to #7:
Joscie, that is so beautiful. I love the color combo!
Posted by: christina
Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

MM, I'm sew excited to share some Making Memories with you!

2008-07-03T00:01:00.000-10:00

YAY! I have been waiting for a while to share some Making Memories Goodness... Today is the day for my guest feature over at the Making Memories Blog. Please Check it out. If you'd like to leave a comment or question there (and/or here) I will be giving away a gift to one person there and one person here. Check back here on Friday for the winners. You'll need to leave your name on your comment, so even if it is posted anonymously, just remember to type your name at the end.

I wanted to make a paper piece a robot to accent the story of Jordan’s love for pretending to be a robot. I used stitching in the same way that you could use a pen to doodle or accent on paper. I cut out the robot square and rectangle and used the polka dots on the paper as the guide for piercing. I used the same straight line (back-stitching) technique I always use:

Up the first hole, down the second, up the third hole, back down the second, up the fourth hole and continue on in the same pattern.

This layout uses Noteworthy Hillary Artisan Edge blue paper, New Noteworthy Delaney Floral Double Sided paper. Love Story Glittered Chipboard, blossoms and buttons, heart brads.

Journaling reads: Jordan loves to say Red Alert! Danger! He has the cutest arm motion and little robot voice!

I also got a little video of his robot action:

Let me know if you have any questions or comments! :)

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Happy July

2008-06-30T19:20:00.005-10:00

Can you even believe we are in the second half of the year?!

We have been enjoying our visit with Granny who made the trip out from Alabama. Poor Pop wasn't feeling well enough to travel, so he had to stay home. The boys are enjoying their Granny time.

On Friday night, Troy and I had an impromptu date night that took us out to Cheesecake factory. It was a first for us and we really enjoyed ourselves. I thought of our friends Julie and Brad because I remembered how excited she was when it first opened. It was our first time there, and I was not prepared for the menu! OH my goodness. It was a little book *with ads in it* and so many things to choose from. I told the server that I was not prepared, and had I known better, I would have printed up the pdf of the menu and studied in the car on the way down! hee hee! I ended up going with a turkey pastrami Reuben with coleslaw and french fries, mmmmmMMMMM it was good. Troy had a chicken Caesar, and he enjoyed it. We decided to share a Tres Leches Cheesecake for dessert, and take home a snickers cheesecake for Granny. It was a great meal and a great time to talk uninterrupted. It has been a looong time since we've had that opportunity! I didn't get any pictures because I did not want to carry my camera down to Waikiki and look like a target, if you know what I mean. We got validated parking for $2, does it get any better?!

Okay. so tell me if you think I'm crazy? We went out to dinner, had sodas, entree, shared a dessert, took one to go, I had a coffee + tip + parking ($62). We filled up the van with gas. $72! It costs more to fill up the van with gas than to go out for dinner?! I mean really? it was like $4.24 a gallon. I looked at the sign feeling numb. I asked Troy, is that real? I mean, really? did we just pay $4.24 a gallon?!

On Saturday, we took a trip out to the Zoo for the military family appreciation event (free admission + entertainment + lunch) but it was soooo crowded and the parking was insane, so we made a detour and opted instead for the Waikiki Aquarium. very very pretty fish and corals there... The boys thoroughly enjoyed the trip there, and I met a nice photographer there who let me try out his 10-22 lens. sniffle, it was beautiful. too bad we were not in a more open setting where I really could have used it to my advantage.

I also tried out my flip video camera. super cute, super cool. I love that little toy!

On Sunday after Church, we did the standard Chili's Lunch and then went home. While Jordan napped, Troy and I ran off to Waikiki Beach to meet up with some new Twitter/Flickr Hawaii tweeps. :) It was the first time I was going to an event and I was excited to connect people to their avatars. Normally I am a planner. I process all available information and prepare for every event. I normally would have printed off the listing with Ryan's cell phone number and a listing (with avatars) of all expected to show. I haven't really been chatting with every one for a long time, so I am still trying to learn who everyone is. As we found our parking spot and made our way to the designated beach area, I scanned the park looking for Ryan. We were admittedly early and I was getting nervous.
hmmm, we're meeting up with people I don't really know, and I don't see a sign or anything. still scanning. hmmm, anyone with cameras? hmmm, I think Lynn said she'd bring a tent. that looks like it could be lynn. ... Excuse me, are you lynn?
Yes!
I say, I'm Joscie!
She says, I love your blog!
I say, Thanks! and think, hmmm I like this one! hee hee :)
we had a great time meeting new people and I am looking forward to meeting up with them again.
you can see some pictures here.

I am going to post my POTDs later. I need a little more time to get them edited.... and posted. a few last items, please don't forget to post your links on your blogs telling people to check out My blog and MM Blog on Thursday. You'll be eligible for a RAK for linking on your blog, and/or comments here and there on Thursday. also a side note I took pictures of my wall collage pictures and posted them at Concroption.com and I'll be posting those here in a few days or so. also Flat Joscie is getting ready to leave PA soon and head to TN to visit the amazing Karla Dudley and head off to CHA with her! I am so excited! :) I am sure there are more things I am forgetting, but if I add another thing... this will be a novel. THanks so much for coming by!

Love love, blog you later,
Joscie *rhymes with bossy and sometimes coffee. :)

Grosgrain: Do you like my clothes? Do you want them for....free?!

2008-06-26T19:00:00.001-10:00

Check out this awesome blog! She makes the most beautiful clothes ever. I wish I had daughters. WHo am I kidding. I wish I was HER daughter. hee hee. actually my nieces would look cute in her clothes too!Grosgrain: Do you like my clothes? Do you want them for....free?!

Maritime Museum

2008-06-26T17:38:00.006-10:00

When we renewed our Bishop Museum Family passes earlier this month, we found out that it was also good for admission into the Hawaii Maritime Museum. Luckily, Troy got off work early today, so we headed down to the museum that is located at Aloha Tower. Here is a shot of Troy and Jordan checking out the fish:
a lighthouse light at the entrance...
we donned the walkman styled tourguides and walked through the museum. I told Jalen that this was the coolest thing, the ipod of my day. he just laughed at me. Here he is pointing out Cape Town on an old hawaiian map.

this big vat is like one used to cook blubber. ew, gross.
how cool is this scale?!
and what is it that makes old typewriters so romantic, so desirable? I wondered if I could buy this one. hee hee. probably not.

Troy being a funny pirate....
Old style Hawaiian canoes made of wood. no screws, no nails.Troy traumatizing Jordan by putting him next to the shark jaws.
Jalen being a tough guy.
My POTD my hubs being so funny! Some of my bento goodies from Marukai. the box was 1.99, the bag 1.99 and the pick was in a set of 12 for 1.49. SOOO CUTE!
My pumpkin plant... that bugger is getting BIG! looks like it would like to take over the whole yard. I'm scared. ha!
scroll down to read the next post... my MM excitement is posted there. I will be giving a RAK for a comment on my blog post there on Thursday July 3 and for a comment on my blog here on Thursday July 3. I will announce the RAK winners on Saturday July 5.
Hope you are all having a great day... Blog you later! :)

SO Excited! and trying something new...

2008-06-26T15:24:00.006-10:00

Okay, I think I can share my exciting news with all of you now... Do you remember how excited I was to be featured on the Making Memories Blog?! Well, thanks to all of your lovely comments/questions about my layout and sewing... I am going to be featured on the Making Memories Blog again! I will have layouts featuring sewing tips and tricks on the MM Blog in July! I will be giving RAKs for comments here AND there (on the day I'm featured) and announcing the RAK winners here. Thanks again for sharing in the excitement and always being so supportive of me. I'll remind you again (of course) but you'll want to check out the MM Blog on Thursday July 3, 2008.

Here's the new thing. There is a cool feature in blogger that I have just found out about... it's called backlinks. If you have a blog and link back to this post and leave a comment- you will be eligible for a RAK.

Simply click on backlinks.
Then click on create a link and it will open a new window where you can create a post linking back to this post.
If you are an author on multiple blogs, be sure to check that it will be posting to the appropriate blog.

Does that make any sense?! anyway. then leave a comment telling me you've posted a back link.

IF you have any questions, either leave it in the comments or email me at: joscelyne@cutchens.com .

Thanks and LOVE LOVE!

Ruuun forrest ruuuun!

2008-06-24T11:00:00.002-10:00

We took an unusual trip down to Ala Moana Shopping Center late yesterday afternoon. I say unusual because I am an early riser. I am a spoiled SAHM that likes to show up at stores right at opening time, when all of you who have J.O.B.s are there, I find ample parking and uncluttered rows of glorious shopping. Not only do I love avoiding crowds, I love that mornings are when the boys are also in great moods :) No fussy or hungry grumbling (usually) until lunch time. so I try to get in and enjoy before lunch... We took a chance and drove down to Ala Moana to visit Shirokiya (a japanese department store) because I am now on a kick to check out bento making supplies. A reader Rene pointed me to this blog: http://www.adventuresinbentomaking.com/ and I am now interested in finding these supplies to make cute lunches for Jalen and Jordan when they go back to school next month. Unfortunately, shirokiya's sanrio section was very sad looking. We had also checked out the NEX sanrio section earlier in the day and I figured that Jalen did not want a hello kitty bento box.... BUT I digress again. We stopped in at the apple store... not much fun. way too crowded. and is it just me? or does it seem like the workers there are never smiling? we decided to have a dinner out at Bubba Gump's and it was so much fun! Jalen read the trivia questions to Troy, who knew most of the answers... and Jordan had fun switching up the sign to Stop Forrest Stop.
My POTD is the little paper boat the boy's meals came in... so cute!

my yummy dinner, accidental fish and shrimp. grilled mahi mahi on jasmine rice with a butter sauce and shrimp with cajun seasoning. YUMalicious. but really what isn't yummy with butter on it?!

My POTD for yesterday was a zuccini (or is this one squash?) flower... it is such a beautiful shade of yellow!

by the way, I caved and moved the veggies to the back yard.... we got some new pots for more flowers/plants on the front porch. :) now to find time to get to the garden store to pick it out.

So Flat Joscie has arrived back from Walt Disney world and taken off on adventures in Paris France! Can You believe it!? Here is her hostess' blog post about it:
http://lescrapdenanie.canalblog.com/archives/2008/06/22/9662628.html

OH, I've got some scrap to share!

2008-06-23T21:03:00.005-10:00

I finally got off my (keyboard) and scrapped yesterday and today. I worked on my atcs for the Concroption.com DT Travel swap. My theme was places I'd like to Travel. I only counted places out of the country and ended up choosing 4 pacific places:

the paper is by my favorite Making Memories Passport line. I added the names of the places with 1942 report using PSE6 and the little journaling bit uses 1942 report as well. The back side is more passport paper with some Stampin' up stamps... I also used my Paper Gator to round the edges on two sides and my Stampin' UP! notebook paper punch.

I also did a layout for KJ's bling it on challenge.

journaling reads: it almost seems a crime not to stop when the "hot now" light is on. Especially since we don't have a Krispy Kreme on O'ahu. We get our fill when we go on vacation. I have an Eagle eye and can spot that light in a second! This particular Krispy Kreme is in Montgomery, AL.
textured cardstock, real red- notebook paper punch-Stampin' Up!, blue/red polka dot paper, aqua glittered alphas-Making Memories passport, CK KOTM- Journaling card, chipboard arrow turns, blue and red stickers. Mambi large bling, Crystal Stickers smaller bling around the hot now sign. EK success corner rounder.

Thank you so much to all of you who visit and to all of you who comment! There have been a few questions I wanted to answer, so before I forget, here I go... :)

Q/A *************************************
Hayley said...
Thanks for the pics. What a cute little video camera. Same thing with us, once I got the rebel we haven't taken as many video. I can carry around both dslr and video camera...but I could that. Im off to look it up!! How exactly does a 'mono'pod work? I just got that lens a month or so ago. Looks like you have already mastered focus on it, and that is one of the hard things with the 50.Looks like you had fun at the zoo!!!What an adorable girl. Now what is this...Im confused....dinner guests, good food, and NO fighting with kids. You must tell me how you do this, LOL!!Oh Scrap! lol That is a HUGE stamp!!!That's it for my novel today!!Have a good Sunday!!!Hayley

June 22, 2008 2:49 AM
Hi Hayley- The monopod is like a combo tripod/walking stick. there is only one leg and a camera mount on top. Some places that don't allow tripods will allow monopods because it's less of an obtrusive tool. It also helps that it's less bulky to carry around and great for that assist in low lighting situations. I upgraded to the new lens... I have had the cheaper 50 for a while and it seemed that it may have been going "soft" so I upgraded. I think I may also need to take my camera in for tune up so to speak, but I am afraid to be without my camera. what about my POTD project, eh? I absolutely love the "prime lens" and once you get the hang of it, it can be lots of fun. as for the no fighting with the kids, it was just a lucky mix. my two are 7 and 3 and the other two were girls 10 and 2. just worked out. :)

Erica Hettwer said...
Love the pictures!!! I'm so jealous about the lens! I'm hoping to be able to upgrade to the 1.4 on my b-day or maybe Christmas. :D If you get a chance, how about a review of the monopod??? I've been wondering if those are as cool as I imagine them to be. :D
June 22, 2008 6:42 AM

Hey Erica! The monopod is fun and for ($30ish) it's worth it. I think our height could be a disadvantage though... because the longer you open up the monopod the more wobble. Come out for a vacation and try mine. :)

Marfa said...
Is your paper trimmer 12 inches big? That date stamp must be really honking huge!Nice zoo pics!
June 22, 2008 7:38 AM

Hey Marfa!
this particular paper trimmer is the smaller one, about 5.5" wide, 8.5" long. and that font is smiley monster. I downloaded it from the internet a while back, but have not seen it up since.

Samantha said...
Looks like you had a really awesome mail week!! I've been wanting a flip camera myself, but it will have to wait. Love the pictures of everyone at the zoo. Where are the hippos?!You're right - that date stamp is really big!! Where did she find it??Thanks for the thoughts for my little one. I'll keep you posted on how she's doing.
June 22, 2008 1:08 PM

Hey Sam!
My mom said the date stamp was a special order that her boss did. She also said she didn't love the stamp because it was hard to turn... I still love it.

stephanie t. said...
Ok...no more secrets! HOW on earth do you get so much accomplished during the day??? You have two littles, I have two littles (and two biggies that behave like littles!)...and I am spinning with housekeeping, playdates, swim practices,yadda, yadda, yadda...How do you find the time???...starting to feel verrrrrry old!!
June 18, 2008 8:31 PM

Hey Steph!
The only way I get anything accomplished is because the boys are not doing any outside activities (like soccer) except for Church on Sunday. We plan outtings and then stay in the rest of the time. Also I have a scrap room where I can leave projects that are in progress. also there are days when the breakfast dishes need to be washed before I can make dinner or there are baskets of laundry. I just close the door to the laundry room and make a note to buy more underwear and socks. hee hee. Thanks for visiting! and I looved the wedding slide show... awwww!

Marfa said...
So, what are you going to do with the light ring? Put it on the ceiling?? Or is it a prop for taking photos or something? It does look cool...I love the photo of you with the camera "remote" and everyone wanting to help!!!

the light ring is to make that cool circle of catchlights in the subject's eyes. that's about it. I just thought it was cool, and was lucky enough that my hubbs obliges my impulsiveness. :)

KJ-Starre said...
Hi cousins.....we have decided you need to be our Hawaiian cousins... :o)The museum looks quite amazing...what a fantastic experience for the boys (the big people sure looked like they loved it too :o)J you look like a beach babe in your super cool shorts....the joys of living on an island I suppose. I miss summer.The lighting effect on your faces, from the light ring, is quite something...Troy you are a serious handy man....gr8 job. I think the pic's of the you & J are so cute...you make a lovely couple. J chat this week???? I NEED to know what the 'news' is!!Lotsa luvXX
KIM- :) Thanks for all your love and encouragement. I agree, we are cousins, tell max, we're Ohana!

Anonymous said...
the light ring is awesome....love your photos....can i come live with you?....you guys always do such fun stuff!!!...can't wait to hear your exciting news!...;) angie (craftyscrapr)

Come on and visit any time angie! :)

saner4 said...
Troy, nice job on the light ring! The pics look great. Hmmm...I may need one too :) I really need to take the family to the museum; we haven't gone there yet. Thanks for all the pics.Lisa

Hey Lisa!
Troy thinks it's funny that you comment on my blog. :) and you don't need a light ring, you can use mine, come on over! :)

I have some POTDs to edit and post later and some (more) exciting news to share with you all later this week! :) Hope you are all having a great day, and I'll blog you later!

check out these sweet feet! :)

2008-06-22T17:29:00.002-10:00

Check it out! a layout I submitted to Scrapbook Dimensions is being featured in the "reader gallery" section! http://scrapbookdimensions.com/main/index.php?option=com_magazine&Itemid=10620

I have heard the cries for pictures...

2008-06-21T17:53:00.004-10:00

and I answer with this B+H Photo goodness: a flip ultra video camera. It records up to 60minutes...I can't wait to post some video! :) Plus ever since making the switch to the DSLR we haven't recorded too many videos...
I also ordered this canon monopod... :)

I also ordered a new 50mm lens. :)

we went to the zoo today. a little later than I usually like to go... but we found a parking spot right away, headed in and tested out the new lens :) Most of the animals were lounging around...

pretty flowers...
this sunflower was HUUUUUUUUUUGE. like 12 feet tall. the flower was like twice as large as my head. and that's saying a lot. hee hee. cool cactus

Jordan looking so cute next to the Hippos...
Jalen cruising at the zoo
Troy (and me)
I also got a surprise package from Kimmy, an order (plus a great bonus) from the all NEW concroption.com! :) I had to stop at the Ritz Camera Store to pick up a uv filter and hood for the new lens.
POTDs... for today. a cactus at the zoo was so pretty! :)
last night we had some friends over for dinner. their younger daughter was so sweet. a little shy, but sooo cute! we had artichoke/crab dip, caeser salad, spaghetti/ garlic bread and custard pie. It was so nice. the kids played nicely. no fighting. nice adult conversation and time to catch up. :)My mom came over the other day with this jumbo date stamper. I mean REALLY! it was huge. look at it stacked on my mini tonic cutter. HUUUUGE! I really wanted to swipe it. but settled for a picture so I could share it with you all! :)
I would like to finish off my Concroption ATCs and get to some other projects... :) Hope you're all having a great day and blog you later!

The UPS MAAAAN!

2008-06-20T15:20:00.003-10:00

okay, so is it some sort of sign when the ever loved UPS man pulls up to deliver my new lens (and other goodies) I fling the door open and say YAY! UPS MAN! and he says, it's been a while?
HA! Stampin' Up! is now delivering through Fed EX and most of my other scrappy mail comes through my USPS man... and my MK comes from yet another local company... my poor UPS man is feeling neglected. I better hit up B+H again so he won't feel so neglected, right? hee hee. Yep, I am always thinking of others. hee hee.

wednesday, wednesday... what can I say?

2008-06-18T10:34:00.004-10:00

OH MY GOODNESS! The fedex man just knocked on my door and delivered a box from Shari's berries... I said, hmmm I didn't order any berries... he says maybe it's a gift. I brought it into the kitchen and opened that baby up! It was a thank you package from Colette and Kevin! Isn't that sweet?! LOOK what I found:

Let me just tell you, those berries are yummmalicious! Thank YOU Colette and Kevin! :)

My POTD for yesterday... I ironed a bunch of flour sack dish towels... it was quite theraputic and I really liked the stack of them waiting to be put away. :) I found myself secretly wishing for some lavendar to spritz on them as I ironed.

The POTD for 6.16... I made a stamp for flat Joscie's current hostess, Chrispea... hopefully it'll be waiting for her when she gets home from DisneyWorld!
Here is the Thankyou card I made for Liz... Flat Joscie's last hostess... I used the CK envelope KOTM. I love these library pockets and cards... the flower was from Happy Scrappy Sam. :)

and I promised some ladies at the CKMB that I would try out my paper gator for scallop making and post my results... this was the result using the largest(roundest) scallop.
here is the spacer/positioning tool that shows the 4 different blades available for the paper gator.

The all new concroption.com has been revealed... and they are offering free shipping for all orders $60+ before tax and discounts... I love the new site, it's faster, easier to navigate, you can view more items and once... you can see all the dt projects under inspiration... and leave comments too. :)

The Peppermint Creative sale is well on it's way 50% off the 50 most popular items... (5 days only)...

Some of my favorite new products to share: NEW from Chatterbox, it's called Artsylicious. it's now available and on sale at 2peas. CHECK IT OUT! the most gorgeous foiled, engraved, flocked... rich.luxe papers and embellishments ever. trust me. the only thing you won' t like is having to decide which ones not to buy.

I am expecting my new lens in on Friday!!! :) I can't wait! also, I am working on some atcs for another concroption swap. what are you working on?

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:08:00.012-10:00

It was a fun Father's day weekend! On Saturday we headed out to the Bishop Museum and enjoyed the new whale exhibit... pretty cool stuff! the three boys playing with puzzles...

we checked out these robotic whales. super cool! :) Jordan was a little freaked out though.

posing in front of this huge mural wall... so cool
i think this is for collecting salt? not sure. but it was so pretty, i had to take a picture.

my number one boy... :)

we looked through binoculars to see what we could spy...

we played a little dress up...

Troy made POTD being spider man. heee heee!
Jordan says I'm a bird I'm a bird. okay Im done.

the volcano...
I tried to stage a shot with no tripod, but the stroller was not a good base. so i put my camera in the grass and tried the remote. I think we were Juuuust out of range because I pushed the button many times, but it only fired this one time. look at troy and jordan... "let me do it..."

then a kind stranger came by and offered to snap a shot for us. :) We are posing with the Rapa Nui Moai. super coooool!
Okay. so I missed the Hawaii Flickr group monthly meeting on Friday. It was at a photo studio... and I saw some reeeaaaally cool pictures with this super cool homemade ring light. So of course I say to Troy. CHECK THIS OUT! I want one. he says, hmm, shouldn't be too hard to make. and now for your viewing pleasure...my hero, my hubby, my handyman. :) click on any of the photos to enlarge. the effect is really cool! :)

and he added these blue covers on the back so I don't get shocked. isn't that sweet!

some sweet camera action, thanks to Jalen. :)

Happy Father's Day... :)

Last two things... the new concroption.com should be live on Monday Morning... and Miss Mint is having a super cool sale: http://peppermintcreative.com/index.php?main_page=specials

Hope you are all having a great day... I have some exciting news to share with you soon!

Love love and blog you later!

Fun Friday!

2008-06-14T07:28:00.004-10:00

I saw a story on the news on Thursday night that there were some pretty cool lego structures on display at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center. I mentioned to the boys we could go check it out... and Daddy got out of work early, so we headed over there to see all the lego goodness.

we saw this "spider bear" in build a bear store and Jordan was so in love.

Local Chinese Snacks. You know you're local (from Hawaii) if this sight makes your mouth water! :)On the way out of the mall, Troy asked, did you want to stop off at Stamps and Memories? UH, of course?! Boys played legos and i looked around. I picked up a few more colors of the making memories glitter mini alphas. super cute stuff! and I also got a 6x6 pad of bg archaic.

One last stop on the way home, to the commissary to pick up some sodas and dessert for the ladies coming over to scrap... and wouldn't you know it, it's payday- car wash at the commissary!I grew up in a house, so when we wanted to wash our car, we'd grab the hose, bucket, soap and sponge and wash it on the driveway. I remember my first move to an apartment building... I don't think there was an area to wash the cars. When we lived in Birmingham, AL, we would drive through the car wash at the gas station on the corner... and here I don't feel comfortable letting Jordan run around on the driveway/near the street without full supervision... so if Troy is not available to wash it... I wait for the military fundraiser carwashes.... :) So I am wondering, #1 Do you have a car? #2 If you have a car, how do you wash it (or have it washed)?

Picture overload...

2008-06-12T13:14:00.012-10:00

I finally broke down and ordered a few new toys. I have been saving up and trying to decide whether to buy now or save more to buy a bigger toy. So I finally jumped off the fence and ordered an upgrade/replacement for my 50mm lens. I am super excited, and I can't wait for it to get here.

I received my ATCs for the Concroption music swap a few weeks ago and I'm just now getting to upload them for you all to enjoy.

I got my apron, I got my apron! I was so thrilled when Jalen told me there was a package for me...I got a super cute apron from the feathered nest apron swap. I just know my friend LIsa's daughter is going to love it too, she loves pink and green. I have a greeen and white print dress, and I think it may be the same print. At any rate, I LOVE my apron. Thanks to Sally G at Polka Dot Market... it's super cute! and I got a few cute recipe cards and a sweet handwritten note. :) made me smile!

My POTD for yesterday is a shot of my cucumber plant. I am excited to see that it looks as though more are on the way! :)
The last release of new goodies at Peppermint creative are these super cute plastic letters. They are available in a bunch of colors and just soooooooo cute! We are waiting on the new website reveal too!

The newest goodies over at Concroption.com: 7GYPSIES - Photo Carousel 97% Complete Tags---OFFICE, CALENDAR, FRAMES.ATC - Pockets, Family Quotes and Color Transparencies.
TERESA COLLINS - New TRAVELOGUE CollectionDouble-sided cardstock, die-cuts, stamps, bracket album covers and perfect closures! The new website is due to go live on Monday!

Here are some webshots of the Making Memories goodies I got at my LSS last week! Passport line:
trims
pebble clips
Patterned papers:

felt letters
puffy stickers
mini glitter alphas

I wanted to thank all of you who come by to read... It makes me happy to know I'm not talking to myself. hee hee! For the ones who asked about the furikake... if you scroll down to the last post, I linked the word... it's nori (dried seaweed), toasted sesame seeds, sugar, salt... a Japanese Condiment usually sprinkled on rice. Thanks again and I'll blog you later! :)

Wow, it's been a while!

2008-06-10T18:26:00.005-10:00

Hello all! I am back! I have been here but busy with various activities. Today was a fun day because I got to meet Colette (and Kevin) in real life! Colette and I originally met as DT members at Concroption.com. I was thrilled to hear she and hubs were coming on vacation and had a chance to get together. We arranged for a meeting at our house and we drove around Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB and Ford Island and gave a tour. We also had a nice lunch together. I am so glad we had a chance to meet. I am kicking myself though because I did not get a shot of the two of us on my camera... but I know Kevin got one of us, so I hope I'll get that via email sometime soon. Here is a shot of Colette and Kevin in front of the USS Missouri. aren't they so cute!

My POTD for today is a shot of Jalen at the helm in a photo op area... :)
Here is a shot of Jordan's watering can, isn't it so cute?! It's a whale. I don't love that the spout is not long enough... but it is soo cute!

I got some LSS Scrappy goodness this past week... $1 American crafts velvet rickrack ribbon! :) I also got some new MM Passport papers and trims, mini glitter letter stickers, puffy brown polka dot letter stickers too... and some felt stickers. so cute!

POTD for 6.7.08... so excited that the strawberry is getting so red and pretty!

so devastated the next day waking up to and eaten berry. :(

POTD for 6.8.08 Jordan setting up some track for Thomas in the kitchen. It makes me smile to see him playing with Jalen's old toys.

My favorite snack these days... so bad... 100 calorie microwave popcorn + spray i can't believe it's not butter + Furikake + Iso Peanuts. yummmy! Sweet, salty, buttery, crunchy. only way to make it anybetter is to add some plain mnms. :)

also... FLAT JOSCIE has arrived in PA in plenty of time to make the trip to Disney World with my friend Chrispea and her family! :)

Happy Kamehameha Day

2008-06-06T21:22:00.005-10:00

Although technically King Kamehameha Day is not celebrated until June 11, today was the day for the draping of the lei on the statue downtown. The King Kamehameha Statue is located downtown, right across King Street from Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace in the United States. King Kamehameha Day is the only Holiday honoring a royal monarch in the United States. You may remember during May day/Lei Day Celebrations, I got the family to drive downtown, only to realize it was for King Kamehameha Day that the statue was bedecked in Lei. I have lived in Hawaii for nearly all my life and had never been to the ceremony before.... I didn't bring nearly enough quarters for the meters so when we arrived just before 3:30pm expecting the ceremony to begin AT 3:30... we had no where near enough change to last us for the whole process, so we came back after 6:30PM to catch a few more pictures, and I brought my tripod, knowing I'd need it. This is the potd, the final product!
In order to truly appreciate the magnitude of the entire process, I have a few shots I took while we were there... the statue with the firemen discussing the plan of action. (this was the 92ND annual draping of lei on the statue)...

Jordan assessing the situation. He also was chatty with this woman in the background...
Jalen looking cute :)
Troy and Jalen both, again, looking cute! :)

these men are carrying in the lei. One man holds one end of a stick and his partner holds the other end and many strands of lei are draped across.... It was quite impressive.
here are the firefighters lifting the first batch of lei to be draped over King Kamehameha's head.
slooooowly towards the statue.
upsy daisy, over the helmet.
see the little girls dancing hula in the front... they were good. and so cute!
several batches of lei later...
another shot of those cute dancers... :)
those guys arms must have been aching...

this was the last shot before we absolutely had to leave the first time...close to 5pm.
and a shot of my strawberry today... look it's turning pink! :)
I hope you are all having a great weekend... We may go to the King Kamehameha Day parade tomorrow morning. or we may stay in and watch it on TV. The boys love parades. :)

Have a great day, and I'll blog you later!

yummmy!

2008-06-05T17:19:00.008-10:00

Hello all! I got another message from flat Joscie's adventures with Liz Ness.... Looks like she had a great time, and she even got a few new outfits! She went sightseeing with Liz and her family, and even tried to get on the cover of CK. hmmm, the flat version doesn't fall too far from the voluptuous one, eh?

Yesterday's POTD, Jordan playing dora the explorer on his brother's hand me down game boy...
a glimpse in the garden yesterday....

and today:
I also picked the cucumber yesterday....
and picked some lettuce today... washed and dried it...
cut up some bread that I made in preparation for my salad...spritzed a little olive oil and garlic salt and put in the toaster oven (also known as the easy bake oven)
voila! home made croutons!
I cut the skin off the cucumber, it was a little pokey!

and my finished salad... I have to say it was good, but a little weird for me to eat a meal I prepared myself, I mean really mostly myself. I am such a pampered, spoiled american. with so many ready to eat, or easy to prepare items... It was a nice change, if only for one meal. ha!So tonight's dinner is cooking now, and I didn't get to scrap today. Instead, we finally got to the pool in the backyard... we're all showered and in our pjs and it's not even 6pm. I am hoping so you think you can dance will be on again tonight and we can watch some real talent! Have a great day all, and I'll blog ya later! :)

a flat joscie sighting! Happy June

2008-06-02T15:15:00.010-10:00

First of all, THANK YOU for coming by. Thanks for visiting, reading and commenting. LOOK at the counter, we've hit 20,000! It was just April when we hit 10,000. Thanks so much for coming by, I really enjoy blogging, and your visits mean I'm not blogging to myself, so thanks!

Flat Joscie has been sighted by liz ness in Washington! :)http://lizness.typepad.com/a_little_life/2008/06/flat-joscie-is.html?cid=117282882#comment-117282882

Next she'll be heading to Disney World with my friend Chrispea and her family! I can't wait! :)

Can you even believe it's already June?! I can't. This week has been a busy one so far. Monday I had the pleasure of meeting Kristi (Pastry Mama from the CKMB) and had a great visit. She came over to my house and we had chocolate cake (that she brought) and mini chocolate cupcakes with homemade frosting (which I made) and coffee. It was a nice time chatting and just visiting. Jalen took a few pictures of us:

On Monday morning Dr. Jalen performed a little reconstructive surgery on "jalen puppet" who lost his nose in a tragic puppet neglect case. He insisted that he was capable enough to sew it up, so I threaded the needle, tied the knot and sewed the first stitch. He did the rest and was pleased with his work.
Today I tried to do a shopping adventure day, but just as we were getting out (already later than I wanted to start), Troy got off from work, so we went home to pick him up. We hit Pier One, ROSS, Game Stop, Price Busters and had lunch before heading on to Wal Mart (to replace the pool) and the garden shop(to replace the strawberries). Do you notice a trend? Ha.

How cool were these pillows at Pier One?!

new strawberries:
Here is my lettuce:
My cucumber yesterday and today... I think I will pick it tomorrow! :)
Jordan got a watering can from walmart. it was sooo cute. not so well designed though. but cute. he fell asleep in the car holding on to it... :)

We ordered the Water Horse on HD on Demand last night. WHat a great movie! I think I would enjoy a visit to Scotland!

I did this layout for a COncroption Challenge:

This was such a fun challenge! I used black Bazzil cardstock and Stampin’ Up! Turquoise textured cardstock for the background. I used Heidi Swapp carefree hearts paper, journaling spots (days, crowns, circles), clear extras, block alphabet number stickers, Jenni Bowlin pink scalloped paper, Basic Grey Chipboard girl, Making Memories clears, buttons and flowers, glittered letter stickers. 7 gypsies sticker. Scenic route pink chipboard J. date stamp, Versafine ink pad, pigment pen. EK success mini alpha stickers. Glue dots. Sewing machine, thread. Camera stamp I carved myself.

Journaling: Inside I don’t feel any different that when I was 28
The last phone call I made was to voicemail- my mom called.
Sunday tab: the last restaurant I ate at was Chili’s. It’s our favorite after Church lunch place. Queso, Chips & Salsa.
Today tab: I am wearing a brown V-neck T-shirt, khaki shorts.
My favorite tv shows right now are: Grey’s anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, House, Heroes, American Idol, Journeyman.
Last book read: Scott Kelby The digital photography book.
Fave song: Bubbly – Colbie Callait

Thanks for reading along, and I hope to keep up the blog over the summer! I just got word My inlaws are coming to visit later this month. The boys are super excited! :) thanks again, and blog you later!

Saturday aka the first day of summer

2008-05-31T20:06:00.005-10:00

Hello! I want to send a congratulatory shout out to my girl KJ! She made the DT at Cocoa Daisy and I am so excited and proud of her! :)

I made some cards to go with my baby gifts, and apron exchange...

and I finally put something up in my entryway! :) It says cutchens 366 (for my POTDs) I cut kraft cardstock into 8x10 pieces and mounted the pictures with crate paper patterned paper and 7gypsies stickers. I am so happy with it... and want to get more frames :)
Can you believe how big the cucumber is getting?!
and the last coolest thing I cut today... an owl designed by Chrispea's hubbs... I cut it on the silhouette out of translucent vinyl... and I put it on the window in my scraproom. :)

I am so excited that I am going to meet two new friends soon... the first one is Kristi (Pastry Mama from CKMB) and she's coming over to my house for coffee and sweets on Monday Morning! :) and next week I'll get to meet a fellow concroption DT member, Colette! :)