Scrappin' Mama Mia

I Know.

2011-11-01T20:00:00.004+08:00

Time for another challenge prompt at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge. :-) This time we are asked to "scrap about a belief, or philosophy you have – it can be something deep or something light. It might be a religious or other philosophy, or something as light as your theory on how you can put two socks into the washing machine and only one ever comes back to you."

I scrapped about Cerise's health situation and what I feel saved her from a possible brain development delay. You can read my journaling below. I printed my picture on Bazzil cardstock on sepia color to give that look. Love how it turned out. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: I Know.

Journaling: Your doctor said that you were lucky. That you are a miracle baby. You see, we found out about your thyroid problem when you were 3 months already and only then did we start your medication. This was dangerous because we only had 3 months before delay in brain development could occur. The thyroid problem was not detected right away by the newborn screening test. After 2 1/2 months of failure to thrive, we saw an endocrinologist who ordered blood tests, thyroid ultrasound and a nuclear scan. We found out that your thyroid was smaller than usual. So, were you just lucky? I don’t think so. I think it helped that I breastfed you for about 4 months. You might say, I’m such a fanatic on breastfeeding to believe so. But really, breastmilk is the best! And I would have continued to breastfed you if not for your congenital heart problem (but that’s another story). I believe my breastmilk was your saving grace. No other food would be perfect for your system, for your brain, for your body but my milk. And although I had to stop, I’m glad I was able to feed you for your first 4 months of life. This was what helped you. I know.

LSS: Tiny Dancer

2011-10-30T11:22:00.001+08:00

Tanya Leigh, owner of Little Shop of Sketches, just announced that the site will be closing up. This next sketch will be the last one and there will be no more prizes/sponsorship. :-( Sad, I know. But some things just need to end, I guess. We wish you all the best, Tanya!

So for the last sketch of Little Shop, Tanya created this multi-photo framework:

I thought this would be perfect for Alyssa's ballet photos. I just love how we were able to capture her love and joy for ballet. This was taken on her first day of ballet class. Doesn't she look just adorable? :-)

Title: Tiny Dancer

Journaling: You enjoyed your first day of ballet class very much. I call you my "showbiz girl" because you love to sing and dance and entertain people. Ballet is sooo YOU! Shine forth! Love you! Alyssa 3 years old June 2011

Round and Round and Round She Goes!

2011-10-22T14:51:00.006+08:00

My fellow DT at Sassy Lil' Sketches, Ashley Horton is now doing sketches! I love it that most of her sketches have multiple photos which I really prefer. Check out her entry for Sketches, Sketches and More Sketches at her blog and let them inspire you! :-) I used this sketch for my next layout:

This is a layout about Cerise's ability to turn around the bed. She's a little delayed physically so when she finally was able to turn around, we all rejoiced and I definitely took pictures to document it. I'm submitting this also to ScrapFit's Current Workout #53 -- to journal around. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: Round and Round and Round She Goes!

Journaling: As soon as you learned to turn over, there was no stopping you! You love rolling around the bed. :-) Cerise @ 10 months

Will submit this layout too to Sketches in Thyme's Open Sketch Challenge. Check out their site! :-)

Sweet Heart

2011-10-19T09:30:00.004+08:00

Sketches in Thyme has a DT Call ongoing right now until the 31st of Oct. Won't hurt to try, don't you think? Applicants need to create a layout based on this sketch:

I created another layout on Cerise, something to add to her album. Wish me luck! :-)

Title: Sweet Heart

Journaling: You have totally captured our hearts, Cerise! We love you very much! --- Cerise @ 6 months

1st Halloween

2011-10-15T14:50:00.007+08:00

It's the 15th! So it's another challenge at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog! The challenge this time is to create a Halloween Layout and incorporate the color purple in the layout. We also have to use this sketch:

I used the pictures of Cerise's First Halloween costume for my layout. I also created it in an 8x8 format using Nikki Sivils' products for their September Challenge --- to scrap a size you don't normally scrap. I'm also submitting this layout to Scrappin' Chics' October Challenge --- to create a Halloween card, project or layout. :-)

Here's my layout:

Title: First Halloween

Journaling: Cerise wore the Flower Costume for her 1st Halloween. 10.31.10

Looking forward to seeing everyone's creations!

LSS: 1st Holy Communion

2011-10-10T22:08:00.003+08:00

Ooops, I did it again! Another late layout for the Sketch 95 reveal at Little Shop of Sketches. Would you believe I've had this layout done and on my table for the past days but I couldn't find the time to take a measly photo of it. I know, I know. I must do something about that!

So anyway, here's another great sketch from Ashley Van Etten:

Here's my layout. The numerous squares reminded me of my SEI tags that have been sitting in my cabinet for years already. Thought it was about time I brought them out and used them ALL in one single layout. LOL!

I thought this Sketch would be perfect for my Nadine's 1st Communion photos. Okay, okay, so these photos were taken 2 years ago. Raya will be having her own Communion photos this December, so good thing I was able to scrap these already. :-)

Little Shop of Sketches now has Mr. Linky where you can link up your layouts. Head on to the blog and check out the rest of the DT's creations. Don't forget to leave some love on their blogs too. :-) Thanks for looking!

Bonding with Daddy

2011-10-03T12:51:00.008+08:00

So sad to hear that Sassy Lil' Sketches will be closing down soon! I discovered the challenge site through Dinah and I really liked my layouts done using their sketches. I tried out for their design team and was surprised to get picked for the Switch It Up! Team. And after only three months on the team, they'll be closing already. Oh well, such is life.

The blog is now having a Sassy Lil' Send Off! We are posting one sketch a day starting from October 2nd through October 9th (the schedule is on the site). The deadline for participants will be midnight October 23rd & we will be announcing prize winners on the 24th. For each sketch we will be giving away one prize of the Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook.

Since I'm part of the Week 1 Team, here is our sketch:

And since I'm with the Switch It Up Team, this is my layout:

Title: Bonding with Daddy

Journaling: While Mom was out with the big sisters. Daddy was in-charge of Cerise. They slept, watched tv and took a walk. :-) May 2011

I switched it up by using two smaller photos instead of the one large one and I used flowers to replace the circles. I also layered patterned paper under the title instead of one strip.

If you chose to Switch It Up! with any of Sassy Lil' Send Off layout sketches, you will earn an extra entry in the prize drawing. Just be sure to note in your blog post how you Switched It Up!

Please upload your layout based on the Sassy Lil' Send Off Sketch 1 here. We are hoping you will all join us for this final event. :-)

Winner! is a Winner!

2011-10-01T17:32:00.002+08:00

My layout Winner! based on Sketch 93 of Little Shop of Sketches, won the buttons Warm-Up challenge at ScrapFIT. Woohoo! I will be featured in their next FITGirl Spotlight. :-)

Their next Warm-Up workout is all about CIRCLES! Create a layout, card or other project incorporating any kind of circles you like. You can cut them, draw them, use patterned paper...the choices are endless! :-)

You have two weeks (until Friday, October 14th) to upload your work there to Mr. Linky. If you win, you'll be features in their next FITGirl Spotlight! :-) Get those creative juices flowing!

Toddler Class

2011-09-30T08:00:00.001+08:00

Time for another prompt challenge at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog. :-) This month's prompt is to Scrap your School days. I scrapped instead Alyssa's first class picture for her Toddler Class. I would have wanted to scrap something of me but I didn't have time to look for my school photos and scan them for this challenge. I wanted to have this layout done lest I miss the deadline again. (I missed the Sept 15 challenge. Boohoo!) Anyway, here's my layout:

You have until the 14th of October at midnight to post your take on the challenge to be eligible for our prize this month. You will have a second chance to enter a layout for this prize on the 15th of October during our sketch challenge for October.

Head on to the site and check out what the rest of the DT's have made. Thanks for looking!

Winner!

2011-09-27T12:31:00.006+08:00

This layout was suppose to go up last Sept 11 for the Sketch 93 reveal of Little Shop of Sketches. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to scrap in time for the deadline. Nevertheless, I decided to still create the layout since I really liked this sketch created by Ashley. :-) The layout is of my DD2, Raya who won 1st place in the Poem Recitation Contest back when she was in preschool. Glad to have finally scrapped this one. :-)

I'm also submitting this layout to ScrapFIT blog's challenge to use BUTTONS! Isn't this perfect for it? I used regular buttons of different sizes and button stamps too. :-)

Title: Winner!

Journaling: Raya won 1st place in the Poem Recitation Contest for JK. It was her first time to win and the start of her elocution prowess. We are proud of her! Feb. 20, 2009

By the way, have you noticed that I've been using my stamps lately? I'm starting to enjoy stamping as a background of my layouts. I'm glad I'm able to make use of a lot of my stamps, finally! :-)

LSS: Family is an Amazing Blessing

2011-09-25T21:47:00.000+08:00

It's time for another sketch at Little Shop of Sketches. I missed the last sketch because I was busy with the combined birthday party of my family members and my in laws were in town that time. I thought I would be able to squeeze scrapping in our busy schedule but wasn't able to. I guess I should have finished my layouts well ahead of time. Here's Sketch 94 created once again by Ashley Van Etten:

And here's my layout:

Title: Family is an Amazing Blessing

Journaling: You may not know it now... but our Family is an amazing blessing. Not only do we share love and affection, we also celebrate traditions and remain united during good times and bad. No other person can fill your shoes because you share the unique bond that only another member of our family can comprehend. May 2011

Check out the site for the awesome layouts of the DT. Remember to play along you must upload it to the gallery of our ning site: http://littleshopofsketches.ning.com/ See you there!

38 Weeks

2011-09-24T16:58:00.003+08:00

Here's another layout I made just last night. Hmmm... I'm on a roll! Wish I could sustain this. :-) Used Sketchy Thursdays' 9.22 sketch and a challenge at Burlap & Buttercups to use rub-ons on a layout. I used Fancy Pants and Basic Grey rub-ons for this page. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: 38 Weeks

Journaling: Waiting for Cerise to arrive. Sept 06, 2011

Clap Your Hands!

2011-09-23T17:51:00.003+08:00

Yay! Have been scrapping productively the past 3 days and have finished all my DT requirements. Check out my blog every so often to see my layouts in the coming days. :-)

In the meantime, here's a layout I made for Cerise's album. I printed the multiple photos on an 8x10 paper as I wanted to stress on her achievement. Cerise has been delayed physically because of health problems brought about when she was born. But she has been attending physical therapy sessions twice a week for the past 3 months and I think she has improved quite well already. She can roll very well now and can balance while sitting very well too. She stands for a longer length also. The therapist says that cognitive-wise, she is well and good. She is only delayed physically which is good because she will definitely be able to catch up eventually. :-)

Title: Clap Your Hands!

Journaling: When you're happy and you know it, Clap Your Hnads! Cerise learns to clap her hands at 10 months. :-)

Popsicle Blast

2011-09-20T14:04:00.002+08:00

Finally found time to scrap yesterday after 2 or 3 weeks of non-scrapping! Hooray! Hope to start a habit of scrapping again so I can be churning more layouts. :D Here's a page using the Sketchy Thursdays 9.15 sketch and a challenge from ScrapFIT.

Title: Popsicle Blast

Journaling: You don't get to see each other very often --- about once or twice a year. But when you do get together, you always have a BLAST! --- Nadine, Raya and Alyssa with cousins Natasha and Marta, April 2011

10 Things We Love About You at Ten

2011-09-16T15:01:00.002+08:00

Here's a mini album I created to commemorate my daughter, Nadine's 10th birthday. It's just a simple album but definitely made with love. :-)

Grade 1

2011-09-12T07:21:00.004+08:00

I was planning to schedule this post in time for the reveal last Saturday but busyness got in the way. I was preparing for our big Western party to celebrate the birthdays of 5 family members: DD1 Nadine, DH Mier, DD3 Alyssa, DD4 Cerise and Cousin Sabine. Took lots of great photos that I'm excited to scrap. :-)

So again, this is a late post. I apologize for the delay. Layouts for the Saturday Switch It Up! sketch is up at Sassy Lil' Sketches. Here is the sketch:

For my Switch it Up challenge, I changed the two photos to three re-sized photos allowing me more white space to play with.

Title: Grade 1

Journaling: Raya, my eyes see you in the big girls' uniform but my brain can't seem to accept ti. You have grown so much! Enjoy life! I love you! JUNE 2010

September Sponsor:

Layouts must be uploaded below by October 5th, 11:59 P.M. EST to be eligible for the September random prize drawing*.

Specific rules for both Sassy Lil' Sketches site can be found on our Sassy Lil' Sketches "Rules" page. Please link your Week #1 layout sketches here. Come and join us!

Almost 10

2011-09-03T12:00:00.000+08:00

Yup! Another delayed post. Tsk! Tsk! Hope this won't be a habit. LOL! This time, it was for Color Combos Galore - 206.

CCG 206 was really a challenge because I rarely use monochromatic black and white in layout. I thought I'd keep the picture in color to give it a little boost. :-)

Found these wooden butterflies and horsie which I think was just perfect for the layout. Used a striped background beneath the picture. My journaling is on transparencies and I used capitalized letters for my title. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: Almost 10

Journaling: Four days before you turn ten years old and I am in denial. I can't believe my baby is almost a teenager! You will always be my baby! Nadine Aug. 27, 2011

1st Cousins

2011-09-02T12:18:00.005+08:00

Double oops! I'm late again for another layout. I usually get it done days before the deadline but mommy duties crop up and I'm unable to post sooner than I'd want. :-) Oh well, at least I got some scrapping done! :-)

This is a Sketchy Thursdays sketch about Alyssa and her cousin Sabine. Thanks for looking!

Title: First Cousins

Journaling: Alyssa, you and Sabine are just 1 year apart and as close as sisters. You play together and fight too and miss each other when apart. :-) I hope you'll continue to foster this relationship with each other even when you're bigger. :-) April 2011

Manila Girls - Cagayan Girls

2011-08-31T23:04:00.003+08:00

Ooops! This post is a little delayed. There's a new prompt challenge over at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog. :-) The challenge is to scrap your birthplace and year. Since I have minimum pictures for that and needed to finish my layouts ASAP, I decided to scrap about all four of my girls instead.

Title: Manila Girls - Cagayan Girls

Journaling:
2004 pic - Because Daddy and Mommy were based in Manila when we got married, Nadine and Raya were both born there. We lived in Makati City and the girls went to girls to school there.

2011 pic - In 2007, Daddy landed a job in Cagayan de Oro City and the whole family transferred there. Mommy was pregnant with Alyssa then. This is where Alyssa and Cerise were born.

You have until the 14th of September at midnight to post your take on the challenge to be eligible for our prize this month. You will have a second chance to enter a layout for this prize on the 15th of September during our sketch challenge for September.

Our prize this month is a $25.00 gift certificate to Scrapbookers.com!!! Woohoo! Head on to the site and see what the rest of the DT has for you. :-)

LSS: Your Sense of Style

2011-08-28T12:00:00.001+08:00

Sketch 92 is up at Little Shop of Sketches. This week's sketch is created by Ashley Van Etten. Doesn't it look wonderful?

I created a layout of my 3rd daughter, who has been showing her fashion sense even at a young age. I used a splotch stamp around the circle and one of my circular girl stamps that I haven't used in a long time. This was also a perfect opportunity to use my flourish rub-ons, which I love so much. :-) Here's my layout:

Title: Your Sense of Style

Journaling: Alyssa, you definitely have your own sense of style --- somewhat of a fashion diva actually. You have your likes and dislikes and have been very vocal about it. We may fight about what you wear at times but you really are a darling. :-) Age 3.

Come and join in the fun and win exciting prizes! Check out the site at the fabulous layouts the rest of the DT created with this sketch. Hope to see you there! :-) Thanks for looking!

Look what I got in the Mail!

2011-08-25T08:12:00.003+08:00

I saw the postal van pass by yesterday while I was in the kitchen. "Hmmm... I wonder if that's for me," I thought to myself. Lo and behold! It stopped by my house and dropped off these:

Woohoo! Thank you, Rachel, from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out! I am so loving the kit! Thank you also to Creating Keepsakes! I got a prize for one of the contests I entered. Can't wait to start creating. :-)

Quips at 3

2011-08-23T11:37:00.002+08:00

I created this layout for the challenge at Scrap that Baby! but realized that I was past the deadline. Hehehe! Well, I don't mind really. At least I was able to jot this down and journal about it. The challenge was about the words of our babies or kids. In this case, I scrapped about Alyssa's funny quotes. She is really one adorable girl!

Title: Quips @ 3

Journaling:
1. Pronounces "th" as "f"--- fumbs, funder, nuffin, etc.
2. Playing Cinderella, she says to Raya. What are you doing stepsister?
3. Hey! It's Johhny Deaf! referring to the actor Johnny Depp
4. Mommy, your eyebrow is like a porcupine!
5. Nadine: Mommy is Daddy's wife Alyssa: Well, I'm his princess!
6. Singing, I have the time of my L-I-I-I-F-E and I owe it unto YOU, YOU, YOU!
7. I wanted to pee in the potty but I was still sleeping. - when she wet the bed.
8. Me: Did you have a nice dream? What was your dream about? Alyssa: Me!

Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge DT

2011-08-21T23:15:00.003+08:00

Woohoo! Check out the news at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog! I made it to another scrapping team. :-) There will be two challenges every month --- on the 15th of the month there will be a sketch with a little extra, and on the 30th, a prompt with another little extra.

Anne Pennington, the blog's owner has a lot of challenges in stored for you! Someone will win something scrappy each month and we'll showcase your stuff and pick someone to guest design for the next month. Random stuff is likely to happen. Yup! This is another freaking scrappy challenge. And I'm thrilled to be a part of it. :-)

Bookworm

2011-08-20T17:23:00.005+08:00

This layout is kinda late for the week at Sketchy Thursdays but I thought I'd still go on with it. I really can't resist multiple photo sketches. This is for the 8.11 sketch challenge. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: Bookworm

Journaling: Nadine, you are such a bookworm! You love reading so much that you re-read some of your favorites when you've run out of books to read. :-) I was the exact same way at your age. So I perfectly understand the gravitational pull of a good book. :-) Nadine -- summer 2011

LSS: Sparkle Pop

2011-08-14T19:40:00.001+08:00

It's time for another sketch challenge over at Little Shop of Sketches. Anne Pennington, once again, created an amazing sketch with so much room for creativity! No, it is not your eyesight or computer screen, the font fades out – it is supposed to signify use something out of your ordinary, maybe something exotic or funky, or very plain if your normal is exotic or funky.

I wasn't sure how to do my title since I wanted to use a certain kind of alpha stickers that perfectly fit my title and theme. I thought I'd do something different instead with my embellishment. :-) I inked the butterfly lace with blue ink but made it fleeting so as not to color it entirely. I also created the flower by cutting a strip of paper, wetting it a little, then bunching it around in a circular motion. I then topped it with a button. Cute, huh?

Title: Sparkle Pop

Journaling: We passed by the marketplace one Sunday afternoon and you insisted on buying a fish. You named it SPARKLE POP. :-) We didn't think it would last long but with your love and care, it's still with us til now. You feed it and talk to it everyday. You are adorable, Alyssa! June 2011

Come and join in the fun and win exciting prizes! Check out the site at the fabulous layouts the rest of the DT created with this sketch. Hope to see you there! :-) Thanks for looking!

Funny Face

2011-08-13T23:30:00.000+08:00

I am so loving the challenges at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge! For this week, we are asked to scrap something funny or humorous using this sketch:

Instead of kites and clouds, I decided to use butterflies. :-) It just so happened that I was looking for files last week and found these photos of my DD2, Raya, when she was about 2 years old. The photos made me laugh and realize that she has always been a funny little girl, MY funny little girl. :-) I love her sense of humor!

Title: Funny Face

Journaling: I was looking for some files the other day when I found these photos! You were about 2 years old her and super cute! You have always showed a sense of humor --- and we love you very much for it. Raya, sometimes 2005; Journaling Aug. 7, 2011

I have also been enjoying my stamps lately. Notice my background and other embellishments? I hope to be able to make use of them more. :-)

By the way, Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge has a DT Call. You might want to come and join us in the fun. :-) Thanks for looking!

Filipina

2011-08-11T12:56:00.004+08:00

Another great sketch at Sassy Lil' Sketches! It might not be my reveal week, but I love their sketches that I use them even if I don't have to work on the week other than mine. :-)

Here is my DD2, Raya, in her Filipiniana costume for an activity in school. This is my take on the August Week 2 Layout Sketch.

I'm also submitting this layout for a challenge at Scrappin' Chics --- to use pennants or banners in a layout. :-)

Title: Filipina

Journaling: Raya, you look adorable in your Filipiniana costume. You make us proud! August 2010

Rain Fun

2011-08-09T12:44:00.003+08:00

I started this layout with another design in mind. But as I tweaked and worked on my papers and materials, it came out differently than what I expected. But I love the outcome! :-) I used Pencil Lines' Sketch 249 for this layout and Color Combos Galore #203.

This photo was taken on Father's Day 2010. I thought my girls' TEAL shirts were perfect for this challenge! LOL! Love the color combination! :-)

Check out my vellum flowers. I had fun making them! I cut strips and bunched them together in a circular manner and put a button on top. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: Rain Fun

Journaling: We started our day with breakfast at ever reliable McDonald's. Then off we went to Gaisano City to buy some stuff. I got the girls Speedo cycling shorts for only P50! And some Girl Scout paraphernalia for Raya. Daddy found some Lego plates which he had been looking for and a big Lego ship all at a bargain. He also got the girls the new Toy Story 3 toys. The girls were so thrilled!

We had lunch in Macasandig --- a leg of lechon baka and potato salad. Yum!

When we got home, it suddenly poured! Daddy and the girls had fun splashing in the rain with Ruby. It was a good day to spend with family. June 20, 2010

Sassy Lil' Sketches: 2010, So Blessed

2011-08-06T22:24:00.003+08:00

As part of Sassy Lil' Sketches Saturday Switch It Up Team, we are tasked to to do something different with the sketch without losing its look. We can twist, flip, rotate, change size, etc. Here is this week's sketch and this is what I did:

Title: 2010 So Blessed

I stretched the sketch to add more pictures on my layout. I also merged some squares for bigger photos. I had lengthy journaling so I placed this at the bottom. This sketch was perfect for a summary of 2010 which I usually do every year but wasn't able to do last year. :-)

I love multiple photo sketches. :-) Do check out the blog and view how the others interpreted the sketch. And join in the fun to get a chance to be included in the random prize drawing for this:

Paper Sponsor:

Digi Sponsor:

http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/

Layouts must be uploaded on the site by September 5th, 11:59 P.M. EST to be eligible for the August random prize drawing. Can't wait to see your take! :-)

LSS: Love the Little Things in Life

2011-07-31T12:00:00.000+08:00

There's a new challenge over at Little Shop of Sketches. Come and play with us! This week, Lindsey Krauss has her sketches featured. There are two similar sketches and you can use any one of them to inspire you to create your layout:

The photo on my layout is one of my favorites that was taken by my husband. We were at the beach and my baby, Cerise, looked up at me with her adoring eyes (and her tongue sticking out! LOL!) I love it that my husband was able to capture this! It makes me appreciate the little things in life. Someday, Cerise would grow bigger and older and I would definitely miss the time when I am the center of her life.

Title: Love the Little Things in Life

High Hopes

2011-07-30T19:16:00.004+08:00

There's a new challenge blog that was launched today! Anne Pennington's Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge showcases a challenge on the 15th of the month with a sketch and a little extra, and on the 30th, a prompt with another little extra. I was fortunate to be a Guest DT for the launch. Do check out their site for the challenges and join in the fun!

The launching challenge is to make a layout that tells about one's dream! In the layout, we must incorporate any two of:

cloud
rainbow
kite, or
symbols of the dream – you can use a photo or drawing that is representative of your dream.

Here's my layout:

Title: High Hopes

Journaling: I have simple but high hopes for the four of you. I pray that you grow up to be strong and independent women. I wish for all of you to be successful in whatever you wish to pursue. I hope that you find peace and contentment in life. I dream that you be the best that you can be and make a difference in our world. I love you all very much! Be happy!

Part of the challenge also is to include a link to a scrapbooking technique or tool video in the blog posting for this challenge. I've been a big fan of Becky Higgins and love her philosophy on Documenting Life. Here's a video I found on her blog:

Thanks for looking! Come on in and join in the fun!

Out and About

2011-07-30T19:01:00.004+08:00

I was fortunate to find time to scrap again last night. The creative process gives me such a sense of relaxation. I am at my element when I scrap. :-) I used the July 21 Sketch of Sassy Lil' Sketches which uses three horizontal photos on the right side of a 12x12 paper. I also found this site --- Scrap that Baby! --- that has prompts in scrapping babies under 4 years old. This is just right for Cerise's layouts. Alyssa is still three but turning four in a few months, so I guess I can still use some of her pictures. Here's my layout. Thanks for looking!

Title: Out and About

Journaling: Because of your weak immune system, we don't take you to malls or highly crowded places lest you pick up germs and get sick again. But on this day, we and other families spent the day at the beach. You enjoyed the fresh air and warm sun. It's so nice to see you out and about. We love you very much, Cerise! April 09, 2011

Climb

2011-07-27T14:49:00.005+08:00

Title: Climb

Journaling: I watched with pride as you climbed the 2nd time. Before that, you froze midway up, panicked and cried to be brought down. I thought that would discourage you to climb again. But no. Again, you climbed. I love your perseverance! I love your passion! I love your spunk! I love you, Raya! July 31, 2010

I just love how this layout turned out! Raya has always been my bold and independent adventurer. So I wasn't surprised when she gamely wanted to wall climb one Saturday afternoon. As she put on her harness and started climbing she got cold feet halfway to the top and started crying uncontrollably. We brought her down and soothed but after a few minutes, I asked her if she wanted to climb again, and she surprisingly said yes. My heart swelled with pride that she didn't easily give up. She went on to climb 3 more times, not really going very high up but at least she would try and not give up. :-) I am just so proud of her!

I used the 7.21 Sketch of Sketchy Thursday for this layout. Thanks for looking!

Sassy Lil' Sketches DT and a layout: Let's Read

2011-07-20T09:18:00.004+08:00

I just love sketches! So it is with great pleasure and honor that I announce that I was chosen to be part of the Sassy Lil' Sketches DT! I am part of the "Switch it Up" Saturday Team where we can flip, rotate, use a different number or orientation of pictures, make it a double page layout or anything else we can think of that shows how to stretch the use of the sketches. Phew! What a challenge! And I can't wait to start on mine. Check out the site in August for the start of our challenge. :-)

In the meantime, here's my take on the July 14 Sketch of Sassy Lil' Sketches. I've had this background paper for years and I'm just so glad that I was finally able to use it. LOL! Thanks for looking!

Title: Let's Read

Journaling: Reading is a passion in our home. Whether it be books, magazines, I Spy, comics, etc. we readily embrace our love for it. And it brings me joy to see us all into it. Books will bring us to far away places and allow us to experience adventures. Enjoy the little moments. :-)

LSS: Family 2011

2011-07-18T15:48:00.005+08:00

Want a challenge? Check out Sketch 89 of Little Shop of Sketches for this week! The sketch, by Anne Pennington, makes use of multiple photos that are small in size. You can see the DT's different interpretations of the sketch using bigger photos or less number of photos, etc. The ideas are endless! This is the sketch:

I had printed wallet size photos that I wanted to use for this layout but wasn't sure whether to cut them out or not. I decided to just tweak the sketch a bit to accommodate my photos. :-)

By the way, check out the corners of my layout. I brought out my stamps and wanted to use them but found myself limiting myself to just those corner stamps and a flourish stamp in the middle. Hmmm... I'm a little timid playing with stamps and paints. Need to be more bold about that. Will try next time. :-) So here's my layout:

Title: Family 2011

Check out the rest of the DT's work over at Little Shop of Sketches. You'll be amazed with all the creations. :-) And if you decide to use the sketch, upload them at our Ning site or Facebook page for all of us to see. :-) Thanks!

Full of Life

2011-07-16T12:54:00.007+08:00

One of the best ways to encourage myself to scrap is to join blog challenges. I've been following quite a number of blogs and picking up ideas from them. I'm usually happy with the stuff I've created guided by these blogs. Here's my layout:

Title: Full of Life

Journaling: My dearest Cerise, I admire you for yiur strength and courage. you have been through so much in your young life and yet, you continue to be good-natured and cheerful. You have taught me to embrace life as it is and to trust in Him for peace and strength. You are so dear to us and we love you so very much! Thank you for your presence. Love, Mom

I brought out my paints and stamps for this layout. I think I need to practice more using these media. Hehehe! I used the challenge at Color Combo Galore to use these colors:

I also used the July 7 Sketch over at Sassy Lil' Sketches but I turned the sketch clockwise to accommodate my photo.

Lastly, I used the journaling prompt at Bird is the Word to make use of the word Admire in your title or journaling. You can read my journaling at the bottom of my layout.

Combining challenges was fun to do. I'm sure to do it again sometime. :-) Thanks for looking!

Buwan ng Wika

2011-07-13T13:39:00.003+08:00

I'm afraid I haven't been very productive with scrapping lately. My baby has been sick for the last two weeks and as usual, sick babies make me really tired and sleepy which I take advantage of during my free time. I was able to squeeze in some "me" time last week and I was able to make a layout based on Got Sketch? Sketch 121.

I worked on Alyssa's Buwan ng Wika pictures last year. Buwan ng Wika is a Filipino term roughly translated to Language Month. It is actually a month long cultural celebration in schools that showcase everything about the Philippines. Alyssa is wearing an authentic Ifugao (an ethnic group) costume given by my father-in-law to my girls. I love how she looks wearing the costume. :-) Here is my layout:

Title: Buwan ng Wika

Journaling: I was so happy and proud that you agreed to wear the Ifugao costume for Buwan ng Wika. You look so cute! So patriotic! Aug. 2010

Thanks for looking!

LSS: Howdy

2011-07-03T16:35:00.005+08:00

It's time for a new sketch over at Little Shop of Sketches! I'm so proud of being part of this Design Team because all the layouts are awesome! Love everybody's interpretations of the sketch. And I've already picked up one or two design tips from each one. Great work! Here is Sketch 88 created by Anne Pennington:

I knew right away which pictures to use for the sketch and how I'd like it to come out. Doesn't Alyssa, my DD3, look adorable in these photos? This was her first time on a horse and she was brave enough to ride on her own! She just enjoyed the ride. :-)

Title: Howdy

Journaling: This was your first time to ride a horse and you insisted on doing it on your own. :-) Alyssa - 2 years old

Check out the rest of the DT's work over at Little Shop of Sketches. You'll be swept away, I'm sure. :-) And if you decide to use the sketch, upload them at our Ning site or Facebook page for all of us to see. :-) Can't wait to see your creations! Thanks for looking!

Big 7

2011-07-02T09:48:00.003+08:00

I cannot resist multiple photo sketches! It's the best way to put more photos in a scrapping page and I just love it! So when I saw the June 21 Sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches, I couldn't help myself. Teeheehee! Here's my layout using pictures of Raya's 7th birthday party at the beach.

Title: Big 7

Journaling: You wanted a beach party for your 7th birthday. We found the perfect place. You really enjoyed celebrating your day. We love you very much! Nov. 6, 2010

For the design, I incorporated her invitation (printed on photo paper) into the layout. I also used a letter "O" as a slider to emphasize the num 7 on the inch line. I added buttons on top to accent the circle background paper. This was a fun layout to do. Thanks for looking! :-)

Beautiful Sunshine

2011-07-01T10:14:00.004+08:00

Another great layout challenge from the PageMaps blog! Couldn't resist using this sketch to scrap Cerise's 8th month photos. She is such a cutie! Our sunshine at home. :-) Here's is the sketch:

And here is my layout. I used my Basic Grey Sugar Rush papers for this. I printed the journaling block from my computer and cut it out. Cerise is such a cutie!

Title: Beautiful Sunshine

Journaling: Cerise, you brighten up our days with your smile and loud sounds. You are such a sweetheart and we love you so very much! May 14, 2011

GDT Butterfly Crafts: Dressing Up

2011-06-27T22:58:00.003+08:00

My layout, 4+3=7, was chosen as the April winner for Butterfly Crafts's April challenge. For this, I am the blog's June Guest Designer. Woohoo! :-) For this month, the challenge is to create a layout following this sketch:

And this is my layout... I used the picture of my parents-in-law and all their grandchildren when we got together with them last October. Incidentally, my father-in-law's birthday falls on the same day as Halloween. That time, we decided to have the kids dress up in costumes which they enjoyed doing.

Title: Dressing Up

Journaling: Since Lolo's birthday falls on Oct 31, Halloween, this is the perfect opportunity for dressing up. You were all excited to choose your costumes and are all already thinking of what to wear the next time. Oct 31, 2010 Bacoor, Cavite

Head on to Butterfly Crafts and check out the rest of the DT's work. You may want to join in for this month's challenge. Who knows? Your layout may be chosen too. :-)

Cupcake

2011-06-24T11:13:00.003+08:00

Here's another page for Alyssa. I have so many backlog pictures to scrap that I don't know where to begin! LOL! Wish I could have a whole day of scrapping so I can get a lot of layouts done too. :-)

Title: Cupcake

Journaling: Alyssa, you looked adorable with your mouth full of cupcake crumbs. This is one of your favorites. :-) Alyssa - 2 years old

Club CK

2011-06-21T11:26:00.002+08:00

Woohoo! Just found out that my layout Life is Good was chosen as one of the inspirations for Club CK for the week. I am so thrilled!

Every week, some of the editors from Creating Keepsakes magazine check out the gallery for the most inspirational layouts. CK Amber Ellis liked my layout "because of its warmly colored layered paper that frames the beautiful photo, attracting the eye instantly."

Thank you Club CK! It is such an honor! :-) Here is my layout again. This was created in January 2010, when I just found out that I was pregnant with Cerise. :-)

Journaling: I love this photo! It reminds me of how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband, three adorable and beautiful girls and another one coming soon! Indeed, I am blessed! Indeed Life is Good!

LSS: Mine

2011-06-20T07:39:00.005+08:00

The first sketch reveal of Little Shop of Sketches is now live! I've actually been waiting for this for a week already because I've been so excited to see everyone's creations! I'm not disappointed, believe me! The layouts are all fabulous! Here is Sketch #87:

I have to admit that I got the jitters while doing this sketch. LOL! I kept on changing pictures and looking at papers that match. Took awhile before I finally decided on what to scrap and how to do it. Hehehe! This is another page of my youngest girl, Cerise. She is just such a joy!

Title: Mine

Journaling: I look at you with awe and wonderment. How blessed I am to have you as mine. Cerise --- 2 months

Do check out the rest of the DT's work over at Little Shop of Sketches and give some love! Better yet, make a layout on the sketch and upload them at our Ning site or Facebook page for all of us to see. :-) Can't wait to see your creations! Thanks for dropping by!

Amazing

2011-06-19T10:58:00.007+08:00

I finished this page the other night about my youngest daughter, Cerise, who just turned nine months old.

Cerise has gone through so much in her young life --- At 1 week old, she was hospitalized for sepsis, a blood infection. About the same time, she was also discovered to have congenital heart disease. At 2 months, she had anemia and was diagnosed as a failure to thrive infant. At 3 months, we found out about her thyroid problem. At 5 months, she was again hospitalized for amoebiasis. Two months after, her thyroid acted up again and this time her liver enzymes are up too. Despite all her health problems, she is such a happy and cheerful baby, always ready to give a smile to us. She is one amazing little baby. :-)

I used Sassy Lil' Sketches June 14 sketch. Incidentally they also have a DT Call. :-)

I also used Color Combos Galore 197 for this layout. I thought the colors were just fitting for this picture of Cerise.
And last but not the least, I used the challenge in Bird is the Word site to use the word "Amazing" in your title or journaling. I'm happy how this layout turned out. Thanks for looking!

Title: Amazing

Journaling: I am sure that anybody who knows what you've been through in your life would agree with me --- you are simply AMAZING!

4 Girls

2011-06-16T21:21:00.004+08:00

When I was still young and single, I've always thought I'd have a brood of boys. I was kinda boyish in school although not really athletic. Never did I imagine that I'd be having 4 girls instead. But I would not have it any other way. These girls are my life. :-) I used a PageMaps Sketch for this layout.

Title: 4 Girls

Journaling: to cherish, to nurture, to adore, to take care of, to influence, to pray for, to LOVE

Girl

2011-06-10T13:58:00.004+08:00

Here's another page from Cerise's baby album. I love doing her baby pages because I get to see how small and cute she was then. I can't believe how fast they grow. My dad took these photos at the nursery and I'm just so grateful that he also took that hospital announcement with all her statistics. Love that part of the layout. :-)

From the start of the pregnancy, I had a feeling that the baby would be a girl. I know a lot hoped that she would be a boy already since we already had 3 girls, but I just had that feeling. And the truth is, I don't mind having another girl. I love them to pieces. :-)

Title: Girl

Journaling: We knew in our hearts that you would be a girl even before the ultrasound confirmed it. We are thrilled to have you in our lives!

Lovin' the Bumbo

2011-06-07T17:25:00.003+08:00

I think I've said it, time and again, that I love sketches. LOL! Another thing I love? Multiple photo sketches! So when this challenge came up at the Page Maps Blog, I just couldn't resist working on it. And I think I've got the perfect photos for it. Isn't Cerise adorable?

Anyway, the challenge is for "scrappers in the United States and Canada, or anyone with a US or Canadian postal address." Hmmm... I've got an aunt in New York and another one in Chicago. Maybe I'll qualify. Hope I'll win. Fingers crossed. :-)

Title: Lovin' the Bumbo

Journaling: Thank you to cousin Brendan for passing on his Bumbo to Cerise! She is now able to practice keeping her head up. She enjoys sitting on it and playing with her sisters. :-) April 28, 2011

Cecilia Amarise

2011-06-04T22:11:00.003+08:00

This is the cover page of my baby album for my 4th daughter, Cerise. I'm making an 8x8 album for her and I'm slowly filling up the pages. I've made quite a few layouts already but will post them one by one on this blog instead of one whole album. I'm using PageMaps sketches for this album. Thanks for looking!

LSS Design Team!

2011-06-01T14:30:00.005+08:00

Remember my You Make Us Proud! layout? Well, it landed me a DT stint at Little Shop of Sketches!

I am so thrilled to be part of a group of very talented ladies. Please check out the site of who else made it on the team. And do watch out for weekly inspiration from the group. Can't wait to get started!

A Mini Album for Brendan

2011-05-19T11:33:00.004+08:00

My sister-in-law and her 1-year old son, Brendan, will be leaving for Canada soon to join Brendan's dad there. We will surely miss them. I thought of creating this 6x6 mini album for Brendan so he'll remember all of us on our side of the family. :-)

Found this 6x6 album in our local department store
C is for Castrillo :-)

Title Page

Cerise is Love Love Love

2011-05-14T12:50:00.003+08:00

Here's my take on Pencil Lines Sketch 237. This is my youngest and fourth daughter, Cerise, in an outfit given by my sister-in-law. :-) She loves having her picture taken. LOL! Thanks for looking!

You make us Proud!

2011-05-11T09:52:00.003+08:00

There's a DT Call up at Little Shop of Sketches and those who would like to apply should create a new layout based on Sketch 82.

Here's my take on the sketch:

Title: You Make Us Proud!

Hidden Journaling: I have to admit that I was worried that you will not make it to the honor roll. Your 4th and last quarter in school was also the 1st trimester of my pregnancy with Cerise. I was too sick to even get up from bed and I couldn't tutor you for lessons and exams. But you did it! You weren't only on the honor roll but you even made it to the First Honor list! We are so proud of you for bringing home that Gold medal. We love you, Raya!

I love sketches and hopefully a DT stint in a sketch blog would help boost my layout numbers. :-)

4+3=7

2011-05-04T14:49:00.003+08:00

Last January 2010, we had a family (my side) picture with only four (4) grandchildren. On that same month, we found out that we, three sisters, were pregnant! (I made layouts for these that are found here.) So in a years time, my parents suddenly had a a baby boom of grandchildren. What fun! This picture was taken right before we went off for New Year's Eve Mass.

I had fun doing this scrap page. I used the April Challenge of Butterfly Crafts, which is a color challenge, as a guide for this layout. I used all three colors --- yellow, pink and blue. I also used Sketch 4.28 of Sketchy Thursdays.

Hope to have more scrappy time soon! :-)

Title: 4+3=7

Journaling: Who would have thought that in a years time they would have, from 4 to 7 grandchildren? Not Abu and Mama Flory! They are thrilled to have 3 more babies to add to the clan. We are all excited to watch Marko, Maggie and Cerise grow in the family. 12.31.10

Raya at 7

2011-04-25T10:39:00.002+08:00

Raya made a list of stuff she likes at her age seven and gave it to me. I thought it would be perfect for a layout. The girls are growing up so fast! It's so difficult to document each and every movement they make especially that there are four of them already! So little by little, I try to document their growths so we can relish the moments when they are grown.

I used a PageMaps sketch for this one. I really do love Becky Fleck's sketches! Thanks for looking!

Title: Raya at 7

Journaling:
Happy List:
1. Elephants
2. Color Purple
3. Games
4. Soccer
5. Scrapping
6. Drawing
7. Playing with toys
8. Watching TV

Orange You Cute?

2011-04-17T21:28:00.003+08:00

Here's another layout I created last week. This time I used a sketch from Got Sketch? blog. These are pictures Mier took of Cerise last January when she was only 4 months old and starting to gain weight already. I do believe this is my first 12x12 layout of Cerise. I have started her 8x8 album but will post that only when I'm done.

By the way, I used Basic Grey papers I got from Nette Madero of My Little Attic. Love how accommodating and generous Nette is. :-)

Thanks for looking!

Born to Ride

2011-04-14T10:06:00.003+08:00

I did this layout yesterday and just finished it with the journaling today. I've been so productive! Yehey! Did more layouts but will post on the succeeding days. This one is based on Pencil Lines Sketch 233. Have you noticed that I've been using more of their sketches lately? :-) Love how easy to follow their sketches are and my layouts always turn out nice. Teeheehee!

My layout is of Nadine's summer 2011 activity: horseback riding! She really enjoys it and doesn't mind waking up at 530am to meet her trainer at 6. We are so proud of her!

Thanks for looking!

Title: Born to Ride

Journaling: For someone who used to be afraid of animals, you have come along way. I proudly watched as you rode your horse and trotted around the coral. It was your idea to have horseback riding lessons for the summer as you declared yourself as the horse trainer of our farm. :-) Daddy said that you have improved a lot since lessons began. You can lead your horse up and down inclined land and you did well when you went on the trail. You make us proud. You have always had. I love you!
Mom
14 April 2011

With Mama Didi

2011-04-11T00:29:00.002+08:00

I was lucky enough to squeeze in some more scrapping time last week and was able to finish a layout based on Pencil Lines' Sketch 232. This photo was taken the day after I found out that I was pregnant with Cerise. We went to visit my paternal grandmother, fondly known as Mama Didi, and I was able to snap this picture of her and my older girls. Mama Didi is now 94 years old and her memory is as sharp as ever. I'm just glad that my kids are able to know and spend time with my grandmothers (My maternal grandmother is also still alive and is now 88 years old.)

Title: With Mama Didi

Journaling: Mama Didi is my 93 year old grandmother, your great grandmother. How lucky you are that you've reached her still well and able. January 2010

Orange Family

2011-04-06T12:30:00.002+08:00

I love creating multi-photo layouts. I take tons of pictures and it is difficult to choose just one for a layout. Putting lots of pictures in a layout helps me trim the photos to highlight just my favorites.

I used a PageMap sketch again for this layout and love the clean and organized look. This is my first family layout for the year. These photos were taken during the girls' annual family day in school. We were part of the Orange Team (We used to be in the Green and the Red teams in the past.) and had so much fun during the event.

Thanks for looking!

Title: Orange Family

Journaling: Our family always look forward to the yearly Rosevale Family Day. It is always a day full of fun and bonding. This year we were part of the orange team. We joined the games, the hataw and the dance showdown. And our team won First Place. :-) January 23, 2011

Ready 4 School

2011-04-02T15:59:00.002+08:00

Thanks to my six month old baby, Cerise, who slept well and long this morning, I was able to have some "me" time and scrap a page. :-) Hope to have more moments like this.

I used Pencil Lines' Sketch 231 for this layout of Alyssa's first day of school. She looked so cute in her school and PE uniform. Thanks for looking!

Title: Ready 4 School

Journaling: I wasn't sure whether to send you to big school or not. At 2 years and 9 months, you know your colors and shapes and can count from 1-20 very well. We made you fit the uniforms and sit in class just to see. There was no turning back afterward. You enjoyed school tremendously and continue to do so. May you enjoy learning always! We love you, Alyssa! June 2010

Charming Girl

2011-03-30T15:50:00.003+08:00

A few weeks back I finished two layouts in one night. The layouts were of my two older daughters, Nadine and Raya. When she saw them, daughter #3, Alyssa, asked right away, "Mommy, where is me?"

"Oh, Sweetie," I replied, "You were the one I scrapped first. I scrapped about your feet the other night." I then showed her this layout.

She hugged me and hid her face in my neck. Then whispered in my ear, "I want you to scrap my face."

Hahaha! So, here is a layout of Alyssa's face. :-)

Title: Charming Girl

Journaling: You are a confident and self-assured little girl. You have such a sweet disposition and that lovable smile that light up our lives. You can charm your way into almost anything! And we love you for it. :-) -- Alyssa, age 2

10 Years and Counting

2011-03-23T10:35:00.003+08:00

I realized that another way to get the scrapping mojo rolling is to join different challenges of different sites. Found out about Butterfly Crafts from my dear friend Ria Mojica who's on the design team. I thought I'd give their March Sketch Challenge a go. :-)

I made a layout using a photo from last year. This was taken during the girls' school Family Day event which coincided with our 10th year anniversary. Thanks for looking!

Title: 10 Years and Counting

Waiting for Our Plane

2011-03-18T11:13:00.007+08:00

Can I say that I'm on a roll? Hahaha! Three layouts in a week? Phew! Unbelievable! I'm starting to get addicted again to this hobby! Can't stop thinking about layouts and sketches. Love the feeling, actually. Just had Cerise's pictures developed for her 8x8 album. Can't wait to get started!

In the meantime, here's another layout I finished the other night. Pictures were taken last Dec 2009 en route back to Cagayan de Oro from Manila. Just a simple layout but I love it! Used another PageMaps sketch for this. :-)

Title: Waiting For Our Plane

Journaling: You are such seasoned travelers! You certainly know how to entertain yourselves at the departure area. :-) Dec. 2009

2 Layouts for the Week

2011-03-16T10:40:00.002+08:00

Found myself productive last night and finished two layouts! Woohoo! It helps to have a sketch and a kit on hand. I used sketches from PageMaps and some of my old Kenner Road kits. And when the two younger girls fell asleep, I was off to work. Finished the layouts in an hour and a half. Not bad eh? I'm so happy to have my scrapping finally moving. Will be working on Cerise's baby album soon. :-) Thanks for looking!

Title: Pure Smile

Journaling: I'm so glad Daddy was able to capture you and your innocent smile. They say a child's smile changes as she grows older and knows more about the world. I pray that you keep your child-like nature and outlook in life. I love you very much! Nadine - 8 years old, during First Communion

Title: Lil Pumpkin?

Journaling: You wanted to be a pumpkin for show and tell in school. We found an old orange cloth, put wire underneath and matched it with your orange pants and a green headdress. I'm not sure if you would pass for a pumpkin, but you sure looked so darn cute! I love you, Raya! - July 2009

Slip - Ons

2011-03-10T08:46:00.004+08:00

Yay! My first layout for the year! I created this layout one evening while all the girls were asleep. Felt good to finally finish something! I plan to at least work on a layout once a week. Don't know how feasible that can be especially since the girls will be out from school soon. Hopefully, one a week can be done. :-)

So for my first layout, I used a sketch from Pencil Lines. Was going to submit it for the DT call but I missed the deadline since Cerise was hospitalized that same week. Oh well! Maybe next time.

Title: Slip - Ons

Journaling: You insist on wearing rubber flip flops even with your prettiest dresses. It was starting to annoy mommy! So we went to the store to get you new slip-ons. These are what you chose. :-) Alyssa - age 2. Jan. 2010

Card Up at Pagemaps

2011-03-02T10:49:00.002+08:00

This is my first creative output for the year! Thank you to Becky Fleck of Pagemaps for helping me start the ball rolling. I actually finished the card as soon as it was given to me but wasn't able to send to Becky right away because Cerise, my 5 month old, was hospitalized for five days for amoebiasis. Good thing there was enough time to send the card last weekend in time for the reveal today. Check out the card map and the other works at the Pagemaps site. Hope this will be the start of more layouts to come. I still need to work on Cerise's baby album and update the albums of the 3 older girls. One at a time, I know. :-)

To Scrap Again

2011-01-09T22:38:00.003+08:00

That is my goal for 2011. Have been in a year long hiatus since my pregnancy with Cerise and I sure am hoping I can start scrapping again. Soon, soon. In the meantime, I'm hoping I can win some Nikki Sivils blog candy from Ria Mojica to start the ball rolling. I think the prize paper collection would be perfect for Cerise's album. :-) Hope I win. :-)

Two Late Layouts

2010-05-20T20:10:00.002+08:00

Gosh! I've neglected my scrap stuff for months now. The first few months of the pregnancy was really just very bad for me. Up to now while almost 6 months, I am still not A-ok and I also haven't touched my scrap things. I don't know when I'll get the energy to do so although I do read a lot of magazines and still surf the net for inspiration. I'll most likely go back to simple scrapping just to finish up my back log. Will see!

In the meantime, here are two layouts I've finished but failed to post. Alyssa has grown a lot since these photos and is all set to be a "big sister." I just hope I'll be able to continue to record and journal her milestones. :D

Title: Always My Baby
Journaling: A lot of things will change in the coming months. But know that I love you very much!

Title: First Haircut
Journaling: No traumatic first haircut for this little girl. She totally enjoyed the experience! Truly a girly girl! :) Alyssa - 2 yrs. Oct 17, 2009

Tree Planting B-day and 2 Curlies

2010-02-23T15:05:00.004+08:00

No, I haven't been scrapping for the longest time now. But I still have a lot of layouts that haven't been posted. Here are 2 more using the Color Me Miki February kit:

Title: Tree Planting B-day

Journaling: We were surprised but happy that for your 8th birthday, you decided to have a tree planting activity in school. For such a girly girl, you were willing to get your hands dirty in order to plant trees. You and your classmates had so much fun. We are so proud of you! --- Nadine, Aug 31, 2009

Title: 2 Curlies

Journaling: Journaling: Since both Daddy and Mommy have straight hair, you must have gotten your curls from Ninong James. --- Alyssa, age 2

Hello Sippy Cups

2010-02-11T09:52:00.001+08:00

Another one from the Color Me Miki February Kit.

Title: Hello Sippy Cups

Journaling: Six months ago, I weaned Alyssa from the breast. Now, she has weaned from the bottle. She drinks her milk through these sippy cups. My baby is growing up! Jan. 7, 2010

Always Room for One More

2010-02-09T14:48:00.002+08:00

Here's another layout using the Color Me Miki February Kit. Was able to create 6 layouts with this kit and still have a lot of embellishments and letters for cards and other layouts. :D

Title: Always Room for One More

Journaling: Daddy and I feel truly blessed to have the three of you in our lives. You are our greatest joy! And there is so much love in our family. I'm sure you will love the coming sibling just as much. :)

Harmony

2010-02-05T20:42:00.003+08:00

Have been feeling nauseous and tired most of the time. A lot of times, I find myself having difficulty sleeping too. To keep my mind off things, have been productive in the scrapping front. Here's a layout I created using Pencil Lines Sketch 172.

Title: Harmony

Journaling: I love it that you three get along so well. :)

Color Me Miki February Kits

2010-02-01T20:09:00.003+08:00

The Color Me Miki February Main Kit, Erin's Folly, is sooo yummy!! It is bright and colorful, with papers from My Mind's Eye, My Little Shoebox and Prima. Made 5 layouts using this kit but still have lots of leftover embellishments and papers. Will definitely be using this again. Here are 2 of my layouts as posted on the Color Me Miki site. Will post the rest of my layouts within the month.

Title: Ice Cream Treat

Journaling: While waiting to board our plane at the airport, we went to get some ice cream first. Alyssa couldn't contain her excitement for the yummy gelato. :) Oct 2009

Love this stitched paper from Prima! Notice how the fringes at the bottom match Raya's grass skirt? Perfect!

Title: Natural Beauty

Journaling: This photo always makes me smile. You are so adorable! You have a way of charming people! You are much-loved. ---- Raya, age 4

Thanks for looking! Head on to the Color Me Miki Gallery to see the DT's work. :D

Queen of my Life

2010-01-26T13:11:00.002+08:00

For my fourth layout for Color Me Miki, I used it also for my Journaling Junkie challenge. I used this stitched paper from Prima. It is just so beautiful that you can hardly add anything else to the layout. I added Prima flowers for dimension. I also used the journaling block from Webster's Pages and a set of queens from a deck of cards (I don't think my girls will notice that their cards lack queens. LOL!) Since my American Crafts letters lack the letter "E" I used the number 3's and turned them around. Did you notice? :D

Title: Queen of my Life

Journaling: My life is far from perfect. I have said words and did actions that I regret. And yet, if I could change something in my life, I don't think there's anything I'd really want to do differently. I have learned to accept myself, my weaknesses and my flaws. I wouldn't be who I am now without all these. I have learned to be Queen of my life.

Guest Desinger for Color Me Miki

2010-01-20T14:00:00.002+08:00

I am giddy with excitement! Terri of Color Me Miki asked me to be GDT for January to March and could I say no to that? LOL! Gosh! It took forever for the kits to come. I trooped to the post office all three times to check if my package arrived. Finally, my friendly postman came last Monday bearing the goods. And I was literally jumping up and down!

Tha January kit "Love is in the Air" is just so yummy! The papers and embellishments are so beautiful! I couldn't wait to start working on my layouts. I made a total of 4 layouts with this kit.

Title: Life is Good

Journaling: I love this photo! It reminds me of how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband, three adorable and beautiful girls and another one coming soon! Indeed, I am blessed! Indeed Life is Good!

Title: Growing Family

Journaling: Marla, Gerry and Margaux were in CDO for New Year's Eve. On new Year's Day we had a family picture. We eventually found out that we 3 sisters are pregnant! Next year's family pic would have three more babies! How fun!

Title: Soon-2-Be Moms

Journaling: Early this year, we were all surprised to find out that all three of us are pregnant and our babies will be 2-4 weeks apart! How fun! Our children will be instant friends! We are looking forward to those days, especially our parents. 19 January 2010

The fourth layout is also my entry to the Journaling Junkie challenge. Will post that next week. Thanks for looking!

The January Kit is still available at the Color Me Miki Store. Checking out the Miki Mart for others items you might like. :D

Blessed 2009

2010-01-14T12:44:00.005+08:00

My first layout for the year is a double layout! Wow! I haven't done double layouts in a long time and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue or not. But I wanted to include all the pictures so I just treaded on. It turned out pretty okay, I think, plus I was able to use the rest of my American Crafts 6th Avenue papers. :D This is for Journaling Junkie's challenge for the week.

Title: Blessed 2009

Journaling: · Ate in Kambingan for our 9^th year anniversary · Was in the Green team for the Rosevale Family Day · Raya won 1^st place in the Poem Recitation Contest · Mia treated everyone to lechon for her 36^th birthday · We were all models for the CDO Tourism video · Raya was a giraffe during the Lion King presentation · Nadine won 1^st place in the Poem Writing Contest · We went to the Monastery of Transfiguration with other families · Nadine and Raya played Junior Golf for the summer · Went to Cavite for a month during the summer · Nadine and Raya were 1^st Honors during Recognition Day · Alyssa stopped breastfeeding · Lolo Ed got the CDO projects · Mier opened the gun store with James, John and Xioy · Alyssa learned to use the potty · Mier got promoted · Mia opened the parlor with Lola Rona, Ovvian and Sherly · Nadine had a tree planting 8^th birthday · We were all part of Mabel and Mackie’s wedding entourage · Alyssa had a dancing Jollibee 2^nd birthday · Raya has a 6^th birthday elephant party · Mier turned 40 years old · The Castrillos surprised him by coming here for his birthday · Alyssa’s had her first haircut · Raya lost a tooth · Nadine had her 1^st communion · Spent Christmas in Cavite and New Year in CDO · Mier was awarded the GDL Excellence Award by his company · We made a down payment for a home!

Blog Candy!!

2010-01-12T08:52:00.002+08:00

I love Basic Grey and calendars!! And Melissa's giving away a Basic Grey calendar! (Wish I could be the lucky winner!) Not too late to go on to her blog and take the chance. Go, go, go! Doesn't this look yummy??

2010 Calendar

2010-01-05T10:01:00.002+08:00

Every year, I create a calendar album for my mom and my mother-in-law that showcases pictures of my children. I'm five days late this year because of the hectic holidays but better late than never, I guess. :D

I got to use my American Crafts 6th Avenue Papers! I love this line and bought it years ago but haven't finished all the papers. I though this was a great way to lessen my paper stash and still be creative. :D I also got to use my Sizzlit Swirl die a lot. Something I really like. Noticed how I altered some positions of the die cut making each page different.

Thanks for looking!

Junior Golfer

2010-01-03T11:42:00.005+08:00

This is my first post for 2010! Happy New Year everyone! I haven't scrapped yet but I have a lot of ideas in my head and some GD stints this year. So much to look forward too! In the meantime, here's a layout I finished last year but failed to post. I used Pencil Lines Sketch 163 for this layout. :D Thanks for looking!

Title: Junior Golfer

Journaling: You decided to play golf instead of swim this summer. You love sports and show promise! MAY 2009

In another note, I've decided to pursue my Project 365 again for year 2010. I've posted pictures for the last 2 days at my multiply site. Hope you can come visit me there once in a while. :D Thanks!

Warm Wishes

2009-12-31T00:44:00.001+08:00

From our family to yours this holiday season! :D

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-19T15:26:00.003+08:00

Here is my take on Journaling Junkie's Christmas challenge. :D Thanks for looking!

Title: Christmas Traditions

Journaling: My favorite part of Christmas is dressing up my girls in identical dresses just as my sisters and I did when we were younger. :) Dec 24, 2008

Master Iris' Kit for a Cause

2009-12-10T18:54:00.003+08:00

I have always admired my dear friend, Iris Babao-Uy, for her creativity and resourcefulness. Her layouts are one-of-a-kind. She always leaves me dumbfounded with her ideas and detailed layouts. But more than that, she has always had a generous heart.

Together with Prima she is offering a Kit for a Cause. Here are details of her layout:

Isn't it beautiful? You'll love her layout too. Check out her blog for more details. Hope you can help her in this endeavor. Thanks!

The Breakfast Club

2009-12-08T08:08:00.002+08:00

Creative Scrappers Sketch #81 is awesome! Love, love it so much that I just might use it for another layout. :D Here's my take on the sketch:

Title: The Breakfast Club

Journaling: We meet while our kids are in school. We share stories, tips and thoughts. We are mommies who share the same passions for our children. :)

Our Christmas Holidays

2009-12-05T14:25:00.002+08:00

Here is one of two Christmas layouts I've just finished. I used Sketch #59 of Little Shop of Sketches! Check out the Design Team's work too at their blog.

I think I've been very productive lately scrapping-wise. I hope to keep this up especially since the hustle bustle of the season is starting to be felt already. Sketches and kits are my answers to fast and easy scrapping. :D

Title: Our Christmas Holidays

Journaling: Dec 2008 As what we've done in the past, we left for Cavite on Xmas Day and stayed there until after New Year.

Terrific Terrible Two

2009-12-03T16:12:00.003+08:00

Journaling Junkie's latest challenge is to write about the negative. Helen challenges us to document a negative aspect of someone, somewhere or something that you love dearly; to document flaws or some other negative emotions.

I didn't want to just journal about the negative so I thought a pros and cons thing would be my take on the challenge. My 3rd daughter, Alyssa, has been quite a handful lately. But she continues to mesmerize us with her antics and sweetness. Here is a layout on her terrific and terrible sides.

Title: Terrific Terrible Two

Journaling:
TERRIFIC
Loves to be hugged, kissed and held
Insists on wearing dresses all the time
Happy, smiley girl
Sings and dances on her own
Knows her shapes and numbers
Loves to ride the car
Not afraid of bugs and animals
Watches MTV and Playhouse Disney
Sweet and sociable
Drinks lots of water and liquids
Likes to eat fruits
Fearless and adventurous

TERRIBLE
Shouts at the top of her lungs when she wants something
Doesn’t like taking a bath
Doesn’t like to wear her diapers at night
Insists on what she wants
Doesn’t like her car seat at times
Very picky with her food
Prefers her slippers over shoes
Demands attention of everyone
Hard to put to sleep
Likes candies and lollipops

Breakfast with Daddy

2009-12-02T17:46:00.002+08:00

This is my first layout for December. Yehey! I'm starting to be active in scrapping again despite the busyness of the season. My children will be having their exams two weeks from now so I need to finish what I need to finish soon. :D Here's another layout on Alyssa. I used Sketch #48 of 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.

Title: Breakfast with Daddy

Journaling: You aren't content with just staying home anymore. You insist always in coming with us even if it's just to bring your sisters to school or daddy to the office. You are now part of Daddy and Mommy's breakfast date. But we don't mind. :) 23 June 2009

Can I have the Elephant pls?

2009-11-27T14:57:00.003+08:00

I love sketches!! For a scrapper with limited time (like me) I need these blueprints to help me finish my layouts ASAP. If not, I'm sure it would take me days or even weeks to finish them! One of my favorites sketch sites is Pencil Lines. Their sketches are easy to follow and gives a lot of leeway for creativity. :D For their Sketch #162, I created this layout:

Title: Can I have the Elephant pls?

Journaling: You noticed the elephant right away at the Prize Table. It was the only one there. So when your team won and Teacher Apple was giving out the prizes, you asked her if you can have the elephant instead. I love it that you are confident enough to ask for what you want and that you assert yourself. I love you Raya! Dec. 12, 2008

Here's a close up of the elephants:

I bought this Basic Grey paper years ago and kept them because I knew I would use them someday for a layout for Raya. Raya is just crazy over elephants! :D

Thanks for looking!

Live Your Life With Grace

2009-11-26T12:30:00.003+08:00

Had a productive day yesterday. The girls didn't have school so we just stayed home and lounged around. We watched the Disney movie UP then they played with their LEGO toys. I was able to do a lot of scrapping and I'm happy with the results. :D

Here's one I did for A2Z Scraplets for their November Sketch Challenge. I used mostly items from the Studio Azul October Kit. Thanks for looking!

Title: Live Your Life With Grace

Journaling: I pray that you will grow up to be an independent and strong person; one who would live her potentials to the fullest. We love you, Nadine!

1 Tooth Less

2009-11-25T10:53:00.002+08:00

Another great sketch is up at Creative Scrappers! This sketch was just perfect for a layout on Raya's first tooth loss. I've always loved stitching but don't have the time to do so anymore. Thank God for stitching rub ons! :D Thanks for looking and check out the DT's work on Sketch #79.

Title: 1 Tooth Less

Journaling: Four days after she turned 6 years old, Raya's first tooth fell off. She is ecstatic! I have mixed emotions. My baby is growing up.

Glam

2009-11-18T20:16:00.003+08:00

Shayne challenges us with a recipe over at Journaling Junkie! For the challenge, we are tasked to use this recipe:

1 x Photo
1 x Die Cut
1 x Textured Patterned Paper
1 x Cardstock
2 x other patterned paper
Inking
Bling
Rubons
Stitching
Scalloping
And of course, journaling! LOL!

This challenge closes on the 29th of November midnight GMT. Please leave a comment with the link to your URL over at Journaling Junkie or email Stefanie at eyeore@telkomsa.net. Do join the fun!

I had fun doing this challenge. I used our family picture taken during my sister, Mabel's wedding last August. :D I also used Sketch #022 of Twisted Sketches. :D

Title: Glam

Journaling: It's fun to dress up once in a while and Tita Mabel's wedding was a great opportunity to do just that. Having 3 girly girls, we all definitely needed to look like princesses for the day. And we all felt like it too. :) 14 August 2009

Adorable

2009-11-13T12:54:00.002+08:00

My layout is up at Journaling Junkie! This week's challenge is to use loads of words (adjectives) to describe character traits. The bulk of the journaling should be made up of adjectives. :D By the way, this challenge closes on the 14th of November midnight GMT. Leave a comment at JJ with the link to your URL or email eyeore@telkomsa.net to be in the running for a prize.

This is actually an old layout of Alyssa. I used DCWV baby stickers as inspired by a prompt in a Simple Scrapbooks Play magazine. Love the outcome! Can't believe this baby is now my adorable 2 year old. Time does fly so fast!

Title: Adorable

Journaling: inspire * binky * blanket * tiny toes * booties * toothless * bubbles * naptime * drool * chubby * dreams * binky * abc's * cute * stroller * rubber duckie *bottle *pacifier * sleepy * crib

Bursting with Love

2009-11-12T08:50:00.003+08:00

Ahhh... the scrapping bug has bitten me! Did this quick and easy layout yesterday. This is my entry to Dotty Divas AD Challenge #4. Thanks for looking!

Title: Bursting with Love

Journaling: My heart is bursting with love for these girls. August 2009

Creative Scrappers #76: Imagine

2009-11-11T11:20:00.002+08:00

Found myself in the mood to scrap yesterday and did 2 layouts. Yehey! Hope this will continue though. Anyway, one of the layouts is for a challenge at Journaling Junkie which will be revealed maybe next month. For the other layout I made, I used Creative Scrappers Sketch #76. I might not be in the DT of Creative Scrappers anymore but I still so love their sketches. And I love how my layouts turn out using their sketches. :D

Title: Imagine

Journaling: Only 1 year and 8 months but you can be left alone to play on your own. Your favorite toys are the Polly Pocket Princesses. You know already that they're "not for the mouth." It is good you have big sisters to learn imaginative play at an early age. :) Alyssa - May 2009

BFF

2009-11-04T16:46:00.002+08:00

I was supposed to post my last layout for Creative Scrappers before leaving for Manila last October 28 but I just got so busy packing for five people and preparing for our trip that I wasn't able to do so. Making this layout was a little sad for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint as DT for Creative Scrappers and loved all the layouts I've created for their fabulous sketches. But I guess it is time to move on.

This photo was taken during Raya's Mother and Daughter activity last September. :D Better late than never, here is my take on Sketch #75.

Title: BFF

Journaling: "Best Friends Forever" This was the theme of the Mother-Daughter event this year. I pray that you will always feel comfortable to open up to me. I love you very much Raya! 09.19.09

Do drop by the Creative Scrappers blog site and check out the new DT and their creations! :D

Concentrate

2009-10-22T23:24:00.002+08:00

When I took this photo, Alyssa was 1 year and 10 months and still learning how to potty train. Everytime we would hear her grunt, we would rush her to her potty to finish off her poo. And she would greatly oblige to do that. Now at 2 years and 1 month, Alyssa "announces" to everyone whenever she feels like using the potty. She doesn't like wearing nappies anymore even at night (but she still isn't weaned for the night so she will really have to wear them or else we would be swimming in the middle of the night, if you know what I mean). We are amazed how fast she can pick up these skills. But then again, she has always been an exceptional child just like her big sisters (pardon my mommy moment. :))

Title: Concentrate

Journaling: No, it isn't easy learning how to use the potty. Sometimes, you're successful, sometimes you miss. Such is life! There will be wins and losses. But the important thing is you do your best. We will always be here for you, Alyssa! We love you!

Crazy Week and a Princess Dress

2009-10-19T08:04:00.004+08:00

I had a very crazy week last week with my emotions being tossed back and forth. You can read all about it on my personal blog. I am still recovering from such an experience and still have bouts of crying once in a while. But I'm not the type to curl up and be depressed for long. I have to move on especially since I have three other girls depending on me. But I still need prayers. Please do say one for me as you read this.

In the meantime, I have unposted layouts that are eager to be shown. Here's one with my darling Alyssa wearing her flower girl dress. She loves this dress and calls it her "Princess Dress." I used Pencil Lines Sketch 154 for this layout.

Have a good week everyone!

Title: Princess Dress

Journaling: Alyssa's first flower girl stint was at Tita Mabel's wedding. She loved her flower girl gown and called it her "Princess Dress" Too bad she didn't march down the aisle but she was every bit of a princess on that day. :) Alyssa - 1 year 11 months

My Social Butterfly

2009-10-12T10:24:00.002+08:00

Sketch #73 is up over at Creative Scrappers! The DT have created beautiful layouts based on this sketch. My layout is about my little girl Alyssa who loves playing with the butterfly wings, headband and wand. She would always demand her butterfly costume. Such a cutie really! Thanks for looking!

Title: My Social Butterfly

Journaling: Literally and figuratively. You are the most outgoing among my 3 girls. Alyssa - age 1

Sisters by Heart

2009-10-09T14:15:00.002+08:00

This week's challenge at Journaling Junkie is to journal about a relationship you have with a sibling. Since I have two sisters and two brothers and I wouldn't want to make anybody feel let out, I thought of scrapping about me and my sister-in-law, Sherly. :D

Title: Sisters by Heart

Journaling: Sherly and I became sisters when she married Mier's brother. Although totally not blood related, we hit it off instantly. We share the same sentiments and values in bringing up our children and we will always rely on each other through thick or thin. We are sisters by chance, sisters by heart. September 2009

Design Team Call for Creative Scrappers

2009-10-02T15:30:00.001+08:00

It’s time for another Designer Call at Creative Scrappers!

Submissions will be taken until October 10 2009. The Names of the New Designers will be posted on the blog on Oct 15th 2009. First reveal will be on November 1st 2009.

Check out the details here.

Good luck!

ScrapJam Postponed and a JJ layout

2009-10-01T18:38:00.003+08:00

I was looking forward to going to the ScrapJam this weekend but with the threat of Tropical Storm Pepeng, the organizers decided to postpone the Jam to the weekend after. Of course, I understand that the safety of the participants should be the primary concern. I wouldn't want to be stranded in Manila either. But I can't make it to the Oct. 10 schedule because that is the Mother-Daughter event of Nadine and she is really looking forward to spending time with just me. Well, maybe some other time.

In the meantime, here's a layout I created for Journaling Junkie.

Title: Always Smiling

Journaling: You steal my heart each time you smile. And every time I see that sweet grin, it brings a smile to my face. Your personality always cheers me up... You brighten my day simple by flashing those pearly whites. Thank you for spreading joy and reminding me to live in the present.