3 Miracles

When one hasn't scrapped for two weeks it gets kinda difficult to get the groove back. That's how I felt last night when I tried creating something. Thank God for coordinated kits! The layout I created last night didn't turn out the way I wanted to but I'm just glad I was able to finish it. Can't post it just yet, though. Maybe by next week.

In the meantime, here is a layout I started last week but finished last night. I used Studio Azul's June Kit: A Spoonful of Sugar. This kit is just sooo beautiful! I love the papers and all the embellishments. Perfect for my three girls, don't you agree?

Title: 3 Miracles

Journaling: There are times when I am dumbfounded and can't really believe that I have 3 beautiful daughters! You three constantly remind me of God's love for me and I will forever be grateful to Him for giving me three wonderful miracles. I love you all very much! Love, Mom 7-2009

Winner!

I haven't been scrapping for the looongest time! I know, I know! I miss it! And I hope to be more active in the next few days. The girls started school last week, we had the blessing of our new salon/spa and my MIL left yesterday. I hope to get my routine back anytime soon! Will have pictures developed today to get my groove back. :D

In the meantime, was pleasantly surprised to see my Lil' Charmer layout as one of the Twisted Sketches #001 Winners in the new challenge blog Twisted Sketches! I love Anam's site and will definitely be playing along the other challenges. Thanks Anam for picking my layout! :D

Enjoy your day everyone!

Lil' Charmer

The very talented Anam Stubbington just launched a new sketches website called Twisted Sketches. Her challenges are sketches with a twist, hence the name. :D This was her first sketch and my interpretation. :D Love these pictures of Alyssa! She really is a little charmer. :D Thanks for looking!

Title: Lil' Charmer

Materials: Bazzil cardtsock; MM Patterned Papers, ribbon and brads; Teresa Collins Patterned Paper; Me and My Big Ideas flourish rub ons; American Crafts vinyl thickers; Staedler pen; Marvy Uchida puncher; Prima floers; others: buttons

Walk a Little Slower Daddy

Here's my Father's Day layout for this year. Incidentally, this is also featured at Journaling Junkie this week. I love how this layout turned out. I love this picture of Mier and Alyssa taken on my birthday last February. I love the poem. I just love the overall feel of it. :D Thanks for looking!

Title: Walk a Little Slower Daddy

Journaling:
Walk a little slower, Daddy." said a little child so small.
I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!
~author unknown

Horse Trainer

This week's scrapbook challenge at Mothers and Daughters Creations is to use Mixed Media. I created this layout with some computer/digital usage. I typed my journaling and created a journaling note. I also printed my title. :D

I used Kaiser Craft and SEI Patterned Papers, Bo Bunny rub ons, Prima flowers and SEI Dill Blossom Ribbon all available at the MDC Store.

These pictures were taken during our Bukidnon trip last March. Right now, Nadine is into horses and has appointed herself as the "horse trainer" of the farm --- that will be her work, according to her. For someone who used to be afraid of animals, she has definitely gone a long way and we are all so proud of her!

Title: Horse Trainer

Journaling: Nadine, you insisted on riding the horse by yourself when we went to Bukidnon. This was because you appointed yourself as the Horse Trainer for the farm and felt that you needed practice. We love you very much! March 8, 2009

Materials: DCWV cardstock; Kaiser Craft Patterned Papers; Bo Bunny rub ons; Prima flowers; SEI Patterned Paper; SEI ribbon; assorted brads; Microsoft font Tempus Sans

No Ordinary Girl

This month at the Kaya blog, Janis asks us to take THE PEARL CHALLENGE. Details for the challenge are here.

This wasn't really easy for me simply because I realized that I didn't have many pearl embellishments. LOL! So I had to check and re check my materials and see what I could use for my "pearls." :D

I used one big brad conch from Imaginise for one of the flowers. I also used MM pearl pins as part of the photo corner. Oh, and I found photo corners from Jolee's Boutique with little pearls on them. I removed some pearls lang bec the photo corners didn't really match my layout colors. Hehehe!

By the way, I used Creative Scrappers Sketch #54 which was actually made by LG, another very talented scrapper. :D Thanks for looking!

Title: No Ordinary Girl

Journaling: You are all girly girl when it comes to dolls and dresses, cooking and princesses... But you prove that you are no ordinary girl when it comes to other things. You are tough. You are spunky. You are a daredevil. You speak your mind. You are unique and we love you very much! Raya - age 5

Materials: DCWV cardstock; Pink Paislee Patterned Papers and alpha stickers; MME butterfly die cut and tag; Making Memories pearl pins and journaling paper; Craft Express alpha epoxy stickers; 7 gyspises stickers; Imaginisce conch; Bazzil flowers; Prima flowers; Jolee's Boutique photo corner and pearls

Finger Lickin' Good

I apologize for not being able to post the past few days. It has been quite hectic here at home with different activities for everyone. I can't wait for my girls to start school so we can get into a more constant routine. :D

This month's challenge at Scrappin Kids is a great sketch challenge created by the SK Creative Advisor, Jessy.

Here's my take on the sketch challenge. I was so excited to capture Alyssa when she suddenly grabbed Raya's hand to lick the Cheeto crumbs off her fingers. We all burst out laughing when it happened. Alyssa is such a cutie!

Title: Finger Lickin' Good

Journaling: Alyssa wasn't content with just eating the yummy chessy Cheetos. She surprised us all when she suddenly grabbed Raya's hand and started licking and sucking her fingers with all her cheesy crumbs! Alyssa is so funny and cute! April 2009

Materials: Pink Paislee Patterned Papers and rub ons; Colorbox Ink; American Crafts vinyl thickers; assorted buttons and flowers; alpha strickers; Staedler pen

@36 Living, Learning and Being Thankful

This is my layout for Journaling Junkie' challenge to create a layout using "age" as a title. I decided to scrap about my present age and what I've learned and what I am presently thankful for. Journaling is quite lengthy but hey, that's why I scrap. :D

Incidentally, this layout was just accepted at the BG gallery. :D Oh and please take note that my 7 year old Nadine was the one who took the photo with my Nikon D60. Not bad eh? Looks like I have a budding photographer in my hands. :D Yup, proud moment for me!

Title: @36 Living, Learning and Being Thankful

Journaling:
I am thankful for many things --- simple things yet truly wonderful and life-changing things. A lot of times, we take for granted what we have in life: the food we eat, the clothes we wear or the air we breathe. There are times when we are consumed by the thought of the things we want or we think we need and fail to be appreciative of what truly matters.

I am thankful for electricity and water and the comfort that it brings into our homes. I am grateful for the Internet that has enabled me to communicate with a lot of families and friends and the wealth of information it brings. I am happy that we have a roof on our heads, a car to bring us around and good health for everyone.

One time Nadine simply commented, “I’m happy I have eyes to see.” I don’t know what she saw or what made her say that but her innocent comment made me ecstatic that she has learned to appreciate other things aside from the material ones. How many times have we taken our senses for granted? The colors and things that we see, the sweet sounds that we hear, the food that we taste.

I am deeply grateful for the ways we have all grown as a family the past few years- in ways we never expected we would have to. Our move to Cagayan was not an easy decision for us but with lots of prayers and discernment, we felt that this was best for our growing family. And somehow it has proven in itself. I am grateful for the conveniences the city brings, the car rides to school, the breakfast dates with my husband.

As a family, I feel we have grown closer to one another, knowing each other more and learning the little quirks that go with each personality. With this, we have learned to deal with the frustrations and obstacles that come with life. It has made us grow. Our life is far from perfect. There is still so much to strive for, to work on in our lives. But I am hopeful that with our goals in mind, anything can be achieved. It is, nonetheless, the journey that’s what matters most.

I am thankful for expressions of love, especially within our family. I know everybody is different when it comes to how much “love they show”, but I really believe that there is no such thing as “being too loving”. I love that my kids feel comfortable and it comes natural for them to kiss us and to say I love you. When we bring Raya to school every morning, she never fails to hug us and whisper, “I love you SOO much!” (Emphasis on the SOO.)

It really is a wonderful thing to pause for a few moments and realize the number of things we all have to be thankful for in life. No matter who we are or where we are. There are blessings when we choose to 'see them'.

In the Company of Friends

Here's another layout for Mothers and Daughters Creations. This is a picture of my two older girls, Nadine and Raya, with their friends taken when we went out of town last March. I used papers from Bo Bunny, SEI and Magenta. I used a ribbon from May Arts for my photo corner and a big brad from Imaginisce. Thanks for looking! :D

Title: In the Company of Friends

Journaling: During our road trip to Bukidnon, you had a lot more friends becasue Kimi, Lourdes and Jiana were around. :-) Nadine and Raya, ages 7 and 5

Two Layouts for Creative Scrappers

I finished two layouts using sketches from Creative Scrappers today. I usually work in the clubhouse while Nadine and Raya are doing their golf rounds. They're ending their summer session tomorrow with a tournament and an awarding session. Will have to look for another quiet moment to do my scrapping. :D

Title: Fun in Cavite

Journaling: Summer Memories April 2009

Title: Picked

Journaling: You love rummaging through my bag and playing with my wallet. Alyssa, 17 months

Bukidnon

I have been wanting to scrap for days already!!! But really, I'm either too tired or have other things that need my immediate attention. Sigh. Sometimes I just bring a pack of scrapping items so while the girls are playing golf, I'm cutting away at the clubhouse. Hehehe! I really need to find time to scrap to save my sanity. No matter how late at night I am working, I always feel refreshed the next day. There's just something about being creative that gives me energy, I guess. :D

So here's a quick layout I want to share. I created this photo collage through Photoshop. I found these collages in the Scrapbooks Etc. site and thought I'd try it out. After downloading a number of files, I realized that I didn't need them. I can still make collages on my own through photoshop. Hehehe!

These photos were taken when we went to the Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon. They have a special 2nd Sunday Mass wherein they serve breakfast afterwards at the gardens for P150 per head (children are free). The mass is at 8am so we need to leave the house by 6am. Everyone is so game about this because of the adventure. Plus, it was more fun when we had other friend families join us. :D

Title: Bukidnon

Journaling: Sunday, March 08, 2009. We went to the Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon for the 2nd Sunday Mass. We had so much fun because we were with the Wabes, the San Joses, the Hernandezes, the Albasins and the Franciscos. We then went to the Kaamulan. Fun!

Being a Mom Means

Journaling Junkie's Challenge 57 is to journal lessons taught you either by your Mom or your children. I thought of writing about what being "mommy" means to me. :D

I used BG Bittersweet papers from the Scrapbooks Hawaii Feb kit. Incidentally, this layout was also accepted in the BG Gallery. :D

Title: Being a Mom Means

Journaling:
* stretching your patience 10x the limit
* becoming a teacher, doctor, judge, playmate, etc. rolled into one
* developing bionic eyes to keep watch over each child
* redefining goals in life
* learning from them in as much as they learn from us
* getting unlimited hugs and kisses (for now)

Two Big

Happy 2nd Anniversary Kaya!

Just making sure that I don't miss the deadline anymore. This half of the month's challenge is to have everything in TWO's. :D My layout is about my Alyssa trying on Daddy's big shoes. She is such a cutie --- always amusing us with her antics and expressions! I thought that the papers from Studio Azul's April kit matched perfectly with Alyssa's dress! I loved it! I also used Sketch #82 from Valerie Salmon's Got Sketch blog.

Title: Two Big

Journaling: You never cease to amuse us! On this day, you just decided to wear Daddy's big boots. You are so adorable! Alyssa at 17 months.

Materials Used:
Mostly from Studio Azul April Kit
2 cardstocks - Bazzil and Sizzix
2 patterned papers - both from Rusty Pickle
2 buttons
2 ribbons
2 brads - AAS
2 journaling papers - Making Memories
2 flowers - Prima
2 pictures
2 words on the title
2 alphas - AAS and Prima Foil
2 colors of pens - both Staedler

Almost

I missed the deadline for the last Kaya challenge! Well, actually, I finished it on time but was delaying posting it since I thought I still had enough time to do so. When I checked the Kaya blog, was surprised to find out that the deadline was past (last May 15) because there are two challenges for the month. Haaay! And to think that I kept on bugging Lee about the requirements because I was disqualified from the April Kaya challenge. (Hehehe!)

So anyway, I am still posting my layout here. The challenge was to use fabric/textile and ribbons/lace only on your LO --- no patterned paper at all. This was quite a challenge but I looove the outcome of my layout. :D This is a picture taken during the baptism of my niece, Margaux. Margaux is the daughter of my youngest sister, Marla. Marla used to be my baby! Now she has a baby of her own! Sniff! Sniff! :D

I used a fabric from one of the girls' dresses. Since felt is considered textile (di ba Lee? Hehe) I used a Queen and Co. felt lace embellishment and punched flowers on felt c/o Sherly. My title, likewise, is American Crafts felt alphas. The flowers on my layout are Bazzil cloth flowers and I also used some lace, ribbon and fiber. :D

Title: Almost

Journaling: As I held my niece, Margaux, in my arms, a flood of memories washed over me. I remembered each of my children when they were but babes. I remembered their scent, their cries, their soft skin. I started to wonder whether we should have one more; whether we should even out the number of children. Then I thought of the breastfeeding, the nappy changes, the food grinding, the toilet training and... Hmmm, maybe I should think more about it. But I almost decided. Almost. APRIL 2009

Caught

This is a layout I created for Mothers and Daughters Creation. My layout was inspired by this toy.
I liked the red polka dots and black color of the toy and thought it matched these pictures of Alyssa. I used papers from Bo Bunny, Kaiser Craft abd Daisy Bucket. I also used a flower gem from Kaiser Craft on top of the heart and Prima flowers. By the way, the felt pieces were punched from Sizzix dies on felt. Thanks to my dear SIL, Sherly for these. :D

Title: Caught

Journaling: We were all doing our own thing when I suddenly realized that you were TOO quiet. Turned out that you found the BIG SISTERS' toy lipstick and was trying it out on yourself. We love you, Alyssa! MARCH 2009

Perfect Smile

While we were vacationing in Cavite, I brought along with me my Studio Azul kits. I thought that at least all items were coordinated already and I need not think of what to add anymore. Turned out that it was a great idea! I got to be creative and at the same time be able to use my kits! Here's another layout I made using the SA March kit.

Title: Perfect Smile

Journaling: This is achieved by Mommy tickling your tummy with her feet while snapping away. Alyssa - age 1 1/2

{My Day}

Here's a layout I created while we were in Cavite last month. This picture was taken on my birthday last February while the two older girls were having their swimming lessons in the country club. Just a run down on how my day was then. I used the Studio Azul February kit for this layout.

I thought of submitting this for the Scrappin Kids challenge this month to scrap about a day in the life of mom. It would have been perfect only one of the requirements is to use multi photos on the layout. Aw shucks! Maybe next time. :D Thanks for looking anyway!

Title: {My Day}
Journaling:
6:30 Awakened by Nadine and Raya with hugs and kisses. Helped them get ready for school
7:30 Brought girls to school
8:00 Visited cathedral with Mier. Bought me roses. Had breakfast at Bo’s cafe.
10:00 Went home and checked Internet
12:00 Picked up girls from school
12:15 Had lunch in Pizza Hut
1:45 Watched Underworld with Mier. Girls stayed at Wonderland.
3:00 Brought Nadine and Raya to their swimming practice and stayed there until they were done.
6:00 Headed for Macasandig
6:30 Lechon (roasted pig) Dinner. Yum!
8:30 Went home. Checked Internet and watched DVD film with Mier.

Happy Mother's Day and a Big Thanks!

Happy Mother's Day to all my dear mother friends!

I found these really cute apple picture frame magnets when I was in Manila last month and thought of my mom instantly. Her kitchen theme is fruits and I thought this would go well on her refrigerator. I bought four apples --- one for each of her four granddaughters. :D


I then asked the girls to make this poster so we could put it on her refrigerator. My mom loved it!

Oh, then we had a yummy feast of barbequed ribs. Hmmm!!


Now, a Big Thanks to all of you who participated in the First Mothers and Daughters Creations Blog Roll! Check out Giovana's blog for a recap of all the challenges and the prizes so you won't miss out on anything. You have until May 16th to post a link to your projects. Remember that everyday has a special prize and the more you play with us, more chances of winning!

We hope that you all enjoyed the Roll just as much as we did. Thanks so much for all your support! Now Mothers and Daughters Creations would like to celebrate Mother's Day with you by offering you for today ONLY Free Shipping in orders of $50.00 or more. What a better way to celebrate your day!!! Check out the blog for more details. :D

Day 10 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

It's my turn to host the challenge for the MDC Traditions Blog Roll! This is your final opportunity to earn yummy blog candy from the Mothers and Daughters Creations Store.

Check out the MDC Challenge Blog for details and a teaser peek at the Ubersweet Blog Candy prize being unveiled today. We would love to hear about your special memories of mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other special women in your lives and hope you’ll share them with us. Giovana shares some special memories and photographs on her blog.

For my challenge, I would like you to create a bouquet of punched flowers or butterflies that can be 3D on a layout or a project. I created a flower topiary with punched flowers set in by pearl pins.

Here's a close up look:

Post a link to your project in my comments section and you can win the gorgeous antique china piece that was the inspiration for Cathy’s floral projects. Check out the blogs of Cathy and Laurie for more projects to inspire your own designs.

You have til Saturday, May 16 to submit for all the project challenges of MDC. Drop by our blogs tomorrow for a final recap of the blog challenges and a sneak peek at some of the projects already submitted!

Happy Mother's Day!

Day 9 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

Can it be Day 9 of the Blog Roll already? Yup, it is! And it's another opportunity for yummy blog candy from Mothers and Daughters Creations!

Need a little something extra you can make yourself to add a homemade touch to Mom’s gift for Sunday? If you are looking for a beautiful but simple project, visit Dawn for a fabulous challenge and some great ideas for quick projects you can make from things you have on hand. Leah and Kathryn have also joined in with samples so drop by their blogs for even more inspiration.

Speaking of sentiments, are you having trouble finding the right greeting or poem for your cards? Look no further than Kathryn’s blog. She’s compiled a blogful of poems, quotes, and sentiments that you can generate from your own computer with her fast and easy tips and tricks.

Happy weekend everyone!

Look Who's Giving Alyssa A Bath!

My layout is up today on Journaling Junkie for their Challenge 56. The challenge is to find an advert and create a LO using it as inspiration. I decided to use this advert from AdThis:


And here's my layout:

Title: Look Who's Giving Alyssa a Bath!

Journaling: On this day, Yaya Annie had der day off and Mommy was cooking dinner. I guess Daddy thought someone needed a bath already. :D Alyssa really enjoyed the bonding session as she was giggling while playing in the water pail. Til next bathtime... March 2009

Day 8 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

Hope you've been enjoying the blog hop and checking out the beautiful creations of the Mothers and Daughters Creations DT team! Today is the regular “Thursday Card Challenge” and our blog roll continues with a special treat.

Giovana is hosting the challenge so hurry on over to her blog for all the details – challenge, blog candy, and a stunning card to inspire you. Leah, Cathy, Dawn, Melissa and Melita have also made samples for this challenge. And if you love butterflies, be sure to drop by their blogs and increase your chances of winning some beautiful blog candy. Don't forget to post your comments to be eligible for the random blog raks!

Day 7 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

This is lucky Day 7 of the Mothers and Daughters Traditions Blog Roll. We’re getting away from cards and scrap pages to take a crack at recipe cards. Share your recipes and get some cool ideas for making recipe cards from Melissa. (Hint, I hear she has a template to share as well.) Drop by and see what Robin, Cathy, and Laurie have also come up with.

Cathy has great ideas on how to create beautiful flowers but is having problems with her blog. If she's lucky and able to post it today, do drop by her blog for a tutorial on how to create them - Part 2 of our Fabulous Floral Three Part Challenge. Leah is also making some so be sure to stop by and see the designs she’s created.

Don't forget to visit the MDC blog and store!

Day 6 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

Today there is another fun challenge for the Mothers and Daughters Traditions Blog Roll. The Spring ATC Challenge has been extended and you can win some terrific blog candy by making an Artist Trading Card with a spring theme. Check out Leah’s blog for all the details and be sure to check out the samples made by Cathy and Giovana too.

Want to know what to do with those ATC’s? Tamara will show you how to use them to embellish scrap book pages. You can also use them on cards, boxes, or frame them. Check out Cathy’s blog for more ideas as well as “how to’s” if you’ve never made an ATC before.

And don't forget to visit the MDC blog and store!

Day 5 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

Mother’s Day is a time for us to reflect back on the special women in our lives - mother, grandmother, daughter, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin, mentor friend. Today’s special Mothers and Daughters Creations Traditions Blog Roll challenge is being hosted by Melita on her blog. Join Melita in making a special scrap page to honor and remember a special woman in your life. Visit her blog for some wonderful ideas and a chance to win some blog candy that says traditions. Laurie also posted a page on her blog, so visit her for even more inspiration and more chances to win today’s blog candy!

Here's my layout honoring my mom:

Title: Thank you, Mama!

Journaling: Even when I was still a teenager I looked forward to becoming a mother. To many this may sound weird or scary but to me this was the norm. When I finally gave birth, I opted to resign from my job and be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to be as involved as I can in my children’s upbringing. To be there for every milestone, every laughter and every cry.

I had a role model to follow. My own mother was a stay-at-home mom and for me, her mere presence benefited my siblings and me a lot. By just being there, I believe she knew us more than we knew ourselves. Her dedication to her family, her love for us, her patience and understanding were what I wanted to mirror in my life.

Oh, she was often misunderstood and taken for granted. There were a lot of times when we didn’t see eye to eye. Words were said, feelings were hurt and tears fell. But she is and would always be my mom and that made the difference. It was when I became a mother myself that I began to see my own mom in a different light.

I remember the first time I brought Nadine home from the hospital, I couldn’t help but stare at her. I could feel my love for my child, bursting within me. With joyful tears in my eyes I texted my mom to try to describe this feeling inside me. I remember her texting me back that that is how she felt and still feels for me.

Being a mother made me see how much my own mom loves me. It reminded me of the many sacrifices she made and the difficulties she endured to bring me up in the right way. I remember her driving us to school in the mornings, leading us to morning prayers and thanksgiving. I remember her cleaning, cooking and washing clothes. She exemplified Christ’s meaning of service.

Through her example, my mom taught me the value of hard work, self-discipline, good judgment, courage and honesty. I may be far away but I call her up to ask her for her opinion, to tell her of my troubles and to seek guidance and counsel. Being a mother made me love my mom more.

I thank her for all that she has done for me. For loving me, for always being there for me; for the quiet conversations, for the laughter and the smiles. Thank you, Mama, for all that you have taught me. I just want you to know that although it may not be said often, you are very much loved and appreciated.

Then, visit Tamara’s blog for our second challenge of the day. Old family pictures often have a vintage feel and what better way to highlight them than with vintage styled borders, embellishments, mats, and frames. Tamara takes you through the process of making some wonderful designs for your own scrap book and is offering some gorgeous “vintage” style blog candy as well. Need more ideas for vintage themed designs? Check out the samples for this challenge made by Cathy, Leah and Robin.

Deadline for all challenges is Saturday, May 16th at 12 noon. We’ll announce winners the next day on the various blogs with a complete list on the MDC Challenge blog. Remember, there will also be random prizes for just posting on the different blogs!

Day 4 of the Mothers and Daughters Creations First Annual Mothers and Daughters Traditions Blog Roll

The Mothers and Daughters Traditions Blog Roll continues with a challenge hosted by Maria! If you are planning on serving Mom, Grandma, or anyone breakfast in bed, why not make that breakfast tray extra special with a quick and easy decoration, or make lunch, brunch or dinner extra special with pretty, hand made table decorations.

Visit Maria’s blog for all the details and a chance to win some glitzy blog candy (think spring, think BLING).

Cathy, Robin and Giovana have also made lovely samples for this challenge, so be sure to drop by their blogs for some more great ideas!

P.S. Everything over at the Mothers and Daughters Creations Store is 35% off this weekend - all you have to do is enter code NSD2009 at checkout! Happy creating and have a fabulous day!

Mothers & Daughters Creations - BLOG ROLL FUN

I should have posted this last Thursday but was just so preoccupied with our trip back to Cagayan de Oro that I failed to do so. Nevertheless, it isn't too late to do this so here goes...

The first annual Mothers & Daughters Creations blog roll started last Thursday and is still on going!

Here's how it works: beginning last Thursday, and continuing each day until May 10th one of the members of the design team will host a challenge or special topic on their blog, and some of the other designers will be posting samples and their own thoughts about the challenge. We hope you will visit their blogs and play along - if you do there will be chances to win prizes each day!!

You can check the MDC BLOG each day to find out who's hosting.

There are two challenges for today and two chances to win a wonderful handmade treasure box!

Visit Cathy's blog for some innovative ways to do really special things with hand made boxes and gift bags. She's posting templates and a detailed tutorial for Part 1 of our Fabuous Floral Three Part Challenge. And, if you need a last minute gift idea to go IN your boxes and bags, visit Katheryn's blog!

Leah, Dawn, and Giovana have made some gorgeous samples for these challenges so make sure you roll over to their blogs to check out their samples!!

Also, this weekend is the time to go shopping. Don't forget today, Saturday, is National Scrapbooking Day! And there are sales at MDC:

In celebration of National Scrapbooking Day – May 2, 2009

We are putting the entire store on sale!
Visit our web store between
12:00 AM Saturday, May 2 and 11:59PM Sunday, May 3
and receive 35% off your entire order!

Enter Product Code NSD2009 at Checkout.

God Sent

This was for a Mothers and Daughters Creations challenge last week following a sketch. I was able to finish it way ahead of time but failed to take a photo of it for submission. (So sorry Tamara!) Anyway, I used SEI papers here and Bo Bunny rub ons from the MDC store.

Title: God Sent

Journaling: We waited four years for you to come. Your conception was a real surprise but one with pure joy. You are loved from the start. Thank you, Lord!

Oh and before I forget do join us for our first MDC blog hop starting this Thursday! :D See you!

Kaya Challenge: Just the Boys

I've finished this layout for sometime already (as promised Bjay! Mwah!) for the current Kaya challenge but haven't taken a picture til now. Honestly, I prefer not to stamp. I don't like the mess and the cleaning up after. But I do have a number of stamps in my stash that definitely needs to be used. :D

This photo was taken on Good Friday last year when the boys of my family made the Stations of the Cross up the hill. It was nice seeing them all together. :D

Title: Just the Boys

Materials: Studio Azul February kit

Journaling: We usually all go up to Malasag on Good Friday but this year, only the BOYS did the tedious trek. It was nice seeing them all bond together... Just the Boys. Good Friday April 2008

Techniques Used:
Non-stamp: I used Alyssa's shoe to make a foot print on the patterned paper
Stamp: Autumn leaves journaling stamp on the tag, letter stamps for the word "the"

GDT: Creative Scrappers

I know I've neglected this blog for the longest time. We're still in Cavite now but we'll be going back home to Cagayan on Thurs. Can't wait! :D

I just couldn't pass the opportunity to write about me being this week's Guest Designer at Creative Scrappers! Yup! I've been admiring this blog site for months already since the beginning of the year and I just love the layouts I've created using their sketches. So when Kristine asked me if I wanted to be GDT for April, oh wow! Could I pass up this opportunity? Guess not! :D LOL!

Here's Sketch #49 and my layout is Loving Elmo. Thanks for looking!

Title: Loving Elmo

Journaling: There's something about the red furry monster that makes him irresistible to you. Alyssa - age 1 1/2

Materials: Scrapbooks Hawaii February Kit