A Cousin For Us!

My girls were ecstatic to finally have a first cousin. When my sister-in-law, Sherly, gave birth last September, they were so excited to see Sabine and were constantly asking about her. But it was only last December, when we went to spend the holidays with them, did the girls start enjoying having her around. Sabine at 3 months was starting to smile and respond already. Here's a layout of my three girls with Sabine.

I didn't use patterned paper for this layout. A transparency, flowers, stamps and a journaling card completed the whole layout. I also used my flocking and foiling kit for the pink scalloped edge. I enjoyed doing that very much! Must use it more for my layouts. :-)

Title: A Cousin For Us!

Materials: DCWV cardstock, Fancy pants transparency, MM foiling and flocking kit, Prima flowers, MM brads, Studio Azul stamp, MME journaling paper, Staedler pen, Doodlebug alpha rub ons, AAS alpha foam stickers, flourish stamps

Journaling: The girls are thrilled to finally have a first cousin. They've been the only grandchildren for some time now. And they're so excited to get to play with Sabine. Dec 2008

Hold On

Here's a simple layout I made using Creative Scrappers' sketch #36. Thanks for looking!

Title: Hold On

Materials: Fancy Pants Patterned Paper and diecuts, DCWV Cardstock, Heidi Swapp big flower, Prima small flowers, MM brads, American Crafts alpha thickers, Sizzix bracket on foam

Journaling: All you need to do is hold on tight... and believe. Alyssa - Age 1

Wishing for Snow

For Mothers & Daughters Creations' last scrapbook challenge for the month, the design team members were tasked to create a winter layout. Now I thought I'd be having problems with this. For one, we live in a tropical country where snow is utterly inexistent. Likewise, we've never been abroad where there is snow. So what do I do? Then I remembered how my children constantly long to see and play with snow. I found some pictures of them pretending and imagining themselves in snow and thought I'd scrap that. :-)

I used papers from Best Creations Inc. and Imaginisce Paper. I also used May Arts Ribbons and a sticker journaling paper (I think this is My Little Yellow Bicycle).

Check out the blog site of MDC and see the awesome work of the other DT's. Thanks for looking!


Title: Wishing for Snow

Materials: Best Creations and Imaginisce Patterned Papers, DCWV Cardstock, American Crafts Alpha Thickers, May Arts Ribbons, Sizzix Round-A-Bout on foam, Prima flowers and Say it With Crystals, MM metal word, MM flower brad, Staedler Pen, My Little Yellow Bicycle journaling paper, Carl corner rounder puncher

Journaling: Living in a tropical country, we only have 2 seasons: wet and dry seasons. That's why you both bug me that you want to play with snow. But even if we don't have snow here, that won't stop you from pretending and imagining. I love you both! Love, Mom - Nadine age 7, Raya age 5

I Am a Domestic Engineer a.k.a. Homemaker a.k.a. Stay-At-Home-Mom

I used to prefer being called a Homemaker rather than a Stay-At-Home-Mom or a Housewife. I thought it gave more meaning to the gravity of what I actually do for my husband and my kids. Hehehe!

Then I stumbled upon the term "Domestic Engineer" in the Internet and thought this was so hilarious, but possibly true. A lot of people think that just because I am involved full time with my kids and my home that I have all the time in my hands to do other things. That is far from true! Indeed I am like an engineer, putting theoretical ideas into practical use whether it be in cooking, parenting, budgeting, etc. So for Journaling Junkie's challenge, I thought this would make a great page. :-)


Title: I am a Domestic Engineer
Subtitle: a.k.a. Homemaker a.k.a. Stay-At-Home-Mom
Materials: From various Studio Azul kits
Journaling: Job description:

• Manages the resources of the household. May perform general housekeeping chores and personal services, or may assign them to other members of the household or even employ people outside the household to do these tasks.
• Keeps the home clean and running smoothly. Cleaning tasks may include dusting, sweeping, making beds, washing and waxing floors, vacuuming, and a wide variety of other chores. Must make sure that clothing and household items are laundered, dry-cleaned, or mended when needed. Responsible for shopping for food, clothing, and other household needs.
• Responsible for planning, cooking, and serving many of the meals for their households. May make arrangements to have others cook meals in the home or to buy meals from outside sources.
• Tasks include to maintaining the household budget. May take care of bills, banking, tax filing, and other financial matters. Often responsible for day-to-day expenses, and sometimes long-range financial planning for the households. With other household members, may make decisions about buying insurance, taking vacations, getting loans, and other important matters.
• Have a great deal of responsibility for the care of children. If children are very young, must feed, dress, and bathe them. As the children grow, must be responsible for creating a happy, healthy environment that will foster positive emotional and physical development. Required to teach children good health and personal habits, and make sure that they have proper medical and dental care. May help them with their homework.
• Required to drive household members to and from their daily activities.
• Tasked to improve the appearance of their homes. May often decoarte houses or apartments. May paint or paper walls and ceilings, apply floor coverings, or refinish furniture. Sometimes may care for lawns and gardens.

Popsicle Princess

Found these old pictures of Raya when she was only 3 years old. I used Creative Sketches' Sketch #35 for this layout and was happy with the result. :-)


Title: Popsicle Princess

Materials: Bazzil cardstock, Jenny Bowlin, My Scrapworks and Basic Grey Patterned Paper, American Crafts alpha thickers, Basic Grey rub ons, Prima flowers, MM brads, Prima Say it With Crystals, Staedler pen, flower blings, Scenic Route journaling sticker, Prima journaling paper, letter stamps, Colorbox ink

Journaling: These pictures were taken right after your commencement exercises from Chrysalis Montessori Center. You were only 3 years old. The popsicle was a welcome treat on such a warm day. But you were always one with a sweet tooth. And that summer, popsicles were your all time favorite, the chocolate one especially. Raya March 2007 age 3

Awards

I got these 2 awards from my co-Scrappin Moms, Ria and Liza and good friend, Bjay. Thanks for thinking of me, girls!

I need to mention 5 addictions and pass these on to 5 fab bloggers.

I am addicted to:

1. my family! --- I get a serious case of separation anxiety attack when I don't know where they are or what's happening
   
2. scrapbooking --- need I say more?
   
3. my computer --- need to check my email and my blog every few hours
4. books and magazines --- I need to read something everyday whatever it may be
5. sweets --- love chocolates but need to start watching my weight!
   

I am passing these on to:

1. Sherly
2. Airees
3. Olive
4. Wati
5. Yatie
   

Scrappin Kids Weekend Challenges

I participated in Scrappin Kids' challenges last weekend. I remembered enjoying myself during the last weekend challenge sometime last September and was so excited to do it all over again.

There were 5 challenges all in all that were posted on Saturday evening and were due at 5pm the next day. I was able to finish four of the challenges. I liked my layouts although after posting them, I felt I could have added a few more embellishments. I probably was feeling the pressure of finishing them right away. :-) But nevertheless, I'm just happy I was able to scrap photos that have been sitting on my desk for weeks and even months. Anyway, here are my layouts and a card:


Title: Vet yesterday, Writer today, ? tomorrow

Materials: Basic Grey patterned papers, sticker alpha and sticker elements, Heidi Swapp flower, Prima say it with crystals, Staedler pen, Carl corner rounder puncher

Journaling: Last year, you were sure you wanted to be a veterinarian. This year, you claim you want to be a writer. I wonder what you'd want to be next year. But whatever it is, know that Daddy and I will always support you. Be happy always!


Title: Swimmer

Materials: MM patterned paper and journaling paper, Staedler pen, buttons, AAS foam sticker alphas, Autumn Leaves chipboard flourishes, others: buttons

Journaling: You and Nadine started swimming lessons this school year and have been training now for 6 months. You ahve always loved the water and I love watching you learn and enjoy it more. We love you very much!


Title: Lechon Baby

Materials: Tinkering Ink, American Crafts and Prima Patterned Papers, American Crafts Alpha Thickers, Staedler pen, Prima Flowers, MM brads, MM Journaling paper, handmade pig embellishment

Journaling: We love lechon (roasted pig)! Any special occasion would mean we'll be having lechon and you are starting to realize that. During Abu's birthday, you wouldn't stop asking for pieces of the suckling pig. Finally Mama Flory gave you the whole leg to bite on. You sat contented, nibbling away. Welcome to the family, Alyssa! Oct 2008


Title: Whoo loves u?

Materials: Daisy Bucket Designs paper tree, Sassa fras lass paper owl, Fruit Smoothie alpha sizzlits, foam

No more Simple Scrapbooks Mag :-(

I was so shocked to read about this. Simple Scrapbooks, one of my favorite magazines about scrapping, is ceasing publication after its May/June issue. I am saddened by this decision. SS has been one of my favorite magazines since I started scrapping. I love the Simple philosophy to create the memories first then record them. Sometimes, we get overwhelmed with all the scrapping products and materials and all the photos we've taken that we forget the reason why we're scrapping in the first place. SS keeps me grounded, reminds me about the reason why I'm scrapping. Again and again, SS has made me think about creating activities and memories for me and my children to treasure until they have grown. SS has made me more aware of life, of opportunities and of my blessings. Although they will be infused with Creating Keepsakes, it still won't be the same.

To the staff of SS, congrats to a job well done! You and your publication will surely be missed.

A Dad's Love

Here's a layout I made for Scrappin Kids' sketch challenge.


Title: A Dad's Love

Journaling: You can't look through this book without realizing how much I love you, but don't underestimate the love that your dad also has for you! Your father has a soft place in his heart for you, but he expresses his feelings differently. I use my scrapbook to tell you my thoughts. Your dad may not write in a special book, but he reveals his love for you in other ways that may not always be visible.

Materials: Papers - Making Memories, DaisyD's, Fancy Pants flourish chipboard, Jenny Bowlin mini bingo card, Prima Flowers, Making Memories brads, Phrase Cafe Rubons

Behind the name MIA

The MDC challenge for the week is to scrap your name --- its meaning or an anagram. Well, Mia is actually my nickname but since most people know me by this name I decided to work on this. I researched in the Internet for the etymology of my name and was somewhat happy with the result. :-)

I used Daisy Bucket Designs (Playful Petals) for this layout. I also used Kaiser Rhinestone - Lt Pink - Mixed Flowers, Imaginsice Polished Pebbles in Pink and My Yellow Bicycle Christmas Magic Clear Cuts Glittered Frames and Titles (I cut the flourish and place it at the right lower edge of my photo).

Check out the other DT's work at Mothers and Daughters Creations. Thanks for looking!

Title: Behind the Name MIA

Journaling: A child named Mia may truly feel loved because the name Mia comes from the Hebrew word meaning "bitterly wished for child." The name also translates to mine in both Italian and Spanish, so it is a name that, indeed, denotes proud parents. One variant spelling, Miia, is a pet form of the Finnish name Maaria, meaning beloved. Continuing the theme of filial devotion, in many places throughout the world, Mia is an affectionate nickname. In Scandinavian and Italian, Mia is a short version of Maria. In Israel, Mia is used as a shorted, feminine version of the name Michal, while in Italy, Mia serves as a nickname for girls named Michaela and Michelle. (Source: Internet)

Many Faces

Here's a layout I made using Sketch #33 from Creative Scrappers. Alyssa is just so adorable and I admit I love taking numerous pictures of her. Isn't it that obvious? LOL! I just want to continue capturing her growing years just as I did with her big sisters.

Title: Many Faces

Journaling: Animated! That's what you are! Your face lights up with all your antics. You are so full of life. I love watching you do you "beautiful eyes," "bad smell," "surprise look," and "I love Kung Fu!" faces. You are so adorable! You are a joy! Alyssa at 14 months

Materials: K&Co papers, Bazzil border paper, American Crafts thickers, Prima flowers, Staedler pen, Making Memories brads, Fiskars border puncher

{Peek A Boo}

I'm getting my scrapping groove back! Finished 3 layouts yesterday but can't post yet because they're for DT assignments. LOL! But I am excited! Here's another layout I finished in less than an hour. :-)

I love these pictures of Nadine and her baby cousin, Sabine. Nadine has always had this charm for babies. I don't know why but they seem to naturally gravitate towards her. And it thrills her to no end! Here, I found her playing "peek-a-boo" with Sabine while we were in Manila.

Notice that I used the rub ons to create my journaling lines. I love this!

Title: {peek a boo}

Materials: Basic Grey Sugared papers, Prima Flowers, Making Memories brads, American Crafts thickers, Staedler pen, Jenny Bowlin rubons, The Paper Studio Border Puncher, Others: white rubons and heart clip,

Journaling: I enjoyed watching you play with Cousin Sabine. You have always loved babies and they usually like you back. This is definitely one of your charms. I love you! -Nadine age 7

2008 in Review

Here's my take on Journaling Junkie's Challenge #48: to document our review of 2008. I was going to use the same layout for MDC's challenge on Takin' Out the Trash but unfortunately I wasn't able to finish the layout on time because we had to leave for Manila for the Christmas holidays. I used Daisy Bucket Designs (Perfect Harmony) papers for this layout.


Title: 2008 in Review
Journaling: 1st visit to Enchanted Kingdom * Finally got our things from Manila * Mia started scrapping again * Nadine graduated from preschool * We went to Manila 3x * Nadine turned 7, Raya turned 5 and Alyssa turned 1 * Nadine and Raya started swimming lessons * Alyssa started to walk and talk * We got a Nikon D60 camera * We bought the farm! * We got Internet and Cable TV * Nadine and Raya were honor students * Mier started biking again

Brag Book - Lola's Girls

I promised my mother-in-law that I would make her a brag book to show off during her family reunions this month. At first I was planning to alter one of my kids' board books. Then I found this 6x6 kraft accordion album that I bought a long time ago from my friend, Airees and I felt this would be perfect.

Cover

Inside

Back

Title: Lola's Girls

Materials: K&Co papers, Fiskars Border Lace Punch, Sizzlits Roun-A-Bout dies, Doodlebug Design Pigment Ink, Inque Boutique Flourish stamp

Layouts for Studio Azul

Oh my! Looks like I haven't posted for quite sometime now. We just returned yesterday from a 10-day vacation in Cavite, my in laws' place, for the holidays. I still have a couple of unfinished layouts that need a little tweaking (journaling and more embellishments) before I post them. I also have some DT layouts that need to be submitted. Will try to have them posted right away as soon as I'm done.

In the meantime, here are 2 layouts using the Studio Azul November kit which is also their anniversary kit. They had a challenge using their kits and these are what I created:

Title: Not So Picture Perfect

Journaling: Not so picture perfect, but PERFECT in every other way! Jan 2008

Title: High Five!

Journaling: Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting, September 2008

For Studio Azul's non-kit challenge, I created this layout:

Title: Out of the Blue

Journaling: The sweetest "I LOVE YOU's" are the ones that you say Out of the Blue

Materials: Patterned Papers - Craft Express, Chatterbox, American Crafts and Provocraft; Prima flowers; AMM brads; Imagination Coaster; Scenic Route chipboard letters and bird; Hambly Prints transparency; Dreamstreet stickers; Stickles;