A Little Bit of This and a Lot of That!

Hello,

Yesterday, I wanted to get back to the blog to post pictures, etc. but couldn't. I took the medicine to make the itch stop, but the downside is that it makes me extremely sleepy. I couldn't keep my eyes open. Even the kids bickering and driving each other crazy couldn't get through my daze yesterday. So today, I will take half the dosage as I really can't be down and out like that.

The cream works really well in controling the itch and the inflamation is starting to come down on my face. That is always good. I can't wait to be rid of this nightmare, though. Having an itch that you can't scratch is cruel and unusual punishment for anyone. :) Oh, yes, I am being so melodramatic but nonstop itching is the pits~!

• The kids were excited this morning as they are going to the movies today with the rest of the summer camp group. They are watching JIMMY NEUTRON. I got their water bottles frozen and ready to go, and even made the popcorn at the house, which I bagged individually and gave to them to take. Liam said to me,

"You are so smart, Mama, for thinking of doing this."

Kaylie said,

"Why didn't you think of this last year, Mama?"

• I posted the scraplift challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics last night, so be sure to stop to check it out. It is a super cute page, even if I say so myself.
• I'll get to the "A Lot of That! now; here are today's freebies:

Frames by Mrs. Wresh
Template by Christina Renee
Template by Traci Reed
Birthday frames and glitters by Lindsay Jane
Template by Yin
Party Hat - Day four by Sugarplum Paperie
Clippies by PimpYourScrapbook
Irene has a "A Day Off" sampler
MissVivi has a cute sampler
Songbird Avenue has a cute summer element pack by Dani

OTHER THINGS:

• Happy Birthday Wishes to:Matthew (Lindsay Jane's son) who turned 11 years old.
• Blending Tutorialhttp://www.taylormade-designs.net/2008/07/blending-options-defined.html
  
• News: Carrie Stephens selling at Scrapbook-Elements
• FANCY PANTS is looking for paper scrappers to join their creative team - http://www.fancypantsdesigns.com/
• Design Contest at Funky Playground with TONS of freebies - http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=522
• Note: You have to sign up to be able to download the freebies.

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A Little Bit of This and a Lot of That!

Poison Ivy

This is where most of the itching takes place at it covers a bigger expanse.

(right side of face/along jaw area)
(left side of face)

Alcohol burn/Poison Ivy Rash

Oh my goodness, I am so frigging itchy. On one of my outings at the park, I must have gotten too close to a poison ivy plant because I started breaking out in itchy blotches. It started on my ankle, then moved to the underside of my breast, and worked its way up my neck to my face.

I rubbed alcohol on my skin and it caused a burn. So weird, I can handle the stinging sensation of a burn better than I can the itching sensation of the rash. The itching is so intense that I just want to scratch my skin off. Over the counter remedies don't work.

I called the Dr. this morning and they got me in right away. An hour later, I walked away with:

1. Medrol 4mg pk (21 tablets)


2. Triamcinolon 0.1% Cream


3. Atarax 10mg (Rash and itch)
   

I applied the Triamcinolon cream and felt almost immediate relief. My skin is not so itchy. I was told to take Atarax while at home because it would make me tired. I couldn't take it right away because I still had to take Liam to the optometrist for an eye exam.

It is now 4:15 and am able to take it. I hope it works quickly as the itch is driving has returned full strength and is driving me crazy already. I can only apply the cream 2 times a day.

Poison Ivy

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 11 / Be My Friend

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.

Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.

Just walk beside me and be my friend." 972

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 11 / Be My Friend

Love this!

WORDLE
Go check it out!

Love this!

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 10

"Look within, for within is the wellspring of virtue,which will not cease flowing, if you cease not from digging." 964

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 10

Favor, Photos, Samplers, Tutorial

The sparrow that lives in my tree.

Mimosa
Thistle

The weather today is heavenly. Blue skies, a gentle breeze, low humidy, no rain.

I dropped off the kids at summer camp and went to the lake for a quick walk and photos.

I also took a few minutes to do some blog reading, but sadly, I have tons of reading to do still.
Here are some samplers I saw and liked today.
Alpha by Creashen
Leap Frog Mini by Paperplum Paperie

Pink Fusion sampler by Lindsay Jane

Fuschia by Fran

Jesica Sprague - tutorial: Fixing washed out photos/Bringing back details
http://spraguelab.squarespace.com/blog/2008/7/25/photoshop-friday-recovering-detail-in-an-overexposed-photo.html

Favor: Rachael's daughter is currently in Marine training. She is homesick. A quick note will cheer her up immensely. How about it, can you send her a quick "hang in there" note?! Tx.
An act of kindness http://www.rachaelgiallongo.com/blog/2008/07/look-at-this-crew.html

Favor, Photos, Samplers, Tutorial

Inspiration a Day - Day 9 / Nothing Is Impossible

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart." 940

Inspiration a Day - Day 9 / Nothing Is Impossible

The Oasis / Jen Caputo / Dianne Rigdon

The Oasis @ Great Adventure

The kids had so much fun playing with water and splashing around at the Oasis. It is the best place in all of 6 Flags!

Aren't you amazed that I have actually done 2 double-pagers with lots of photos? I know I am. :)

Sketch Coll. 17 - Double Pagers by Jen Caputo

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18043&cat=0&page=3

Calypso Papers by Dianne Rigdonhttp://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21581&cat=0&page=2

Calypso Add-on Papers by Dianne Ridgon

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21580&cat=0&page=2

Calypso Solids by Dianne Rigdon

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21579&cat=0&page=2

Hibiscus Bloom: Glitter Pets from the Tropics by Dianne Ridgon

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21578&cat=0&page=2

Waterdrops/pools of water: Need Some Water by Jofia Devoe

Font: Occidental, Impact
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The Oasis / Jen Caputo / Dianne Rigdon

Mcguire AFB Show / Jen Caputo / Digital

Here are the first 2 pages of the McGuire AFB show. Companion hybrid page posted in previous post. Click here if you haven't seen it or want to see it.

C-5 Galaxy

This was our first time attending the Maguire Airforce Base Air Show. We went on Saturday, but it got cancelled because of rain. We returned on Sunday to watch the jetcar race, parachute demo. and Thunderbirds.

C-5 GalaxyLength: 247.8 feetHeight: 65.1 feetWing span: 222.8 feet

Cruise Speed: 540 mph

Fuel Capacity: 49,000 GI (jp-4 kerosene)

Engines: 4 General ElectricTF-39 Turbofan JetsDeveloping 41,100 lbs.

Thrust Range:with a 261,100 lb. pay load 2958 nautical miles

maximum take-off gross weight 769,000 lbs.
Seating:Courier-8, Troop Compt-73Cargo Section with Air Bus Configuration-270
Sketch Coll. 17 - Double Pagers by Jen Caputo

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18043&cat=0&page=3

Chase-ing Ryan, the kit, by Flergs

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21575&cat=0&page=3

Fonts: Times New Roman and Impact

Mcguire AFB Show / Jen Caputo / Digital

Hybrid Layout / Jen Caputo Photo Grids

This is a star with swirls digital element that I printed and trimmed. I slid it under the photo, glued the swirl and star to the cardstock but let the swirl and star on top of the photo free. I like the freestyle look and how it dangles.
The ribbon you see here is made up of 3 different ribbons that I stitched together. I love the stapled star. And best of all, I didn't have to worry about shadows! :)





I did this layout for a Jen Caputo playday over at Scrapbook-Graphics. We hope to put a smile on her face as she has had a few unsavory challenges/problems in the last few weeks.

Remember my photos from the McGuire AFB show back in June? I was itching to scrap them so I made 3 layouts about it yesterday. 2 of the pages are digital but this one is a hybrid.

I wanted to try out the photo grids templates by Jen, to see if they would work as she had said. Sure enough, they were very handy. They are designed to fit a 12x12 page, but I reduced the grid to 8x8 so I could have lots of extra room for journaling, title and decorations. I blocked the photos, saved it as a jpeg and took it to Walmart for printing. I waited an hour for the block of photos to be printed, but was well worth the wait. The photos look amazing! Well worth the money I spent on it, too.

The layout is kind of simple, but I was working with supplies that I had on hand. As always, I have the great pictures, journaling and simple scheme. I can see myself doing more paper pages for sure. It was definitely different for me. I used glue, stitching and staples to affix things. :) You know I got to have my staples.

Supplies:
Cardstock Ppr.
Red Bg. ppr. by Colorbok
Font: Century Gothic
staples
Acid free glue
thread. needle, scissors, x-acto knife
Clear photo corners (holds the picture in place)
sheer ribbon / grossgrain ribbon / 1/8' stripped ribbon (which where hand-sewn together into 1 ribbon)
Stitched buttons (digital) by LJD (I see stars kit)

Star with swirls (digital) by Maya (Big Top kit)
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21123&cat=0&page=1
Photo Grid Templates by Jen Caputo
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20635&cat=0&page=1
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Hybrid Layout / Jen Caputo Photo Grids

Fontaholics Unite!

ScrapNFont has 20 fonts available for free for a short time. Some of them are wonderful! Go check them out now - HERE IS YOUR LINK.
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Fontaholics Unite!

Thunderstorms

Hello Everyone,

We have been having really hot weather here, but it is now starting to cool off. For the past 2 nights, we have been having thunderstorms. The good thing is that the earth has cooled down so the temperature is now bearable.

The kids' trip to the bowling alley was today. They had a great time. Kaylie got 1 strike! She was very happy.

After summer camp, I took the kids to the dentist for their six month cleaning. Liam didn't want to go at all. He even asked me to cancel the appointment as "today was not a good day." A 6-year -old telling me to reschedule because today wasn't working for him...now I have heard it all. Yeah, buddy, I now let you tell me how to do things. He got a new toothbrush and a admonishment to keep brushing his teeth.

Kaylie didn't fare so well. She got 2 small cavities. I asked the dentist to be stern with them and to read them the riot act. I have found that I can tell them something until I am blue in the face and they won't listen. Someone else tells them the same thing, it is written in stone and law. :)

Anyway, I made a little time today to do so blog reading. And here are some useful things I found. Enjoy, and if possible, be sure to thank the designers for sharing their work.

Bohemian Cowgirl by Retrodiva
Ewww by Christina Renee
Postcards by LemonaideLucy
Classical Melodie mini by Sugarplum Paperie
Template by Andrea
KimB has a cute frame
template by petitmoineaux
ScrappyBlueStones has a Painted in Green sampler
Soflty Spoken Mini -sugarplumpaperie
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Thunderstorms

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 8

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
I just heard from my friend, you know, the one that I made these for, and she loves them!
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11 Days of Inspiration - Day 8

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 7

When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.



921

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 7

New Layout: A Little Moment

A Little Moment...that makes up a lifetime of sweet memories.

"Little Moment" wordart by Bethany (ElegantWordart)
Note: Original quote read: I live for little moments like that."
Old Grunge (textures) by Amy Pearson
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21493&cat=0&page=1
Template from Flower Power (July Grabbag) by Janet Phillips
Black bg. ppr. by ON DesignsPearl String by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21555&cat=0&page=1
Flowers (recolored), fern, mat ppr. and staple from A Walk in the Meadow by Lorie Davison and Edeline Marta
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21450&cat=0&page=1
Frame from Chase-ing Ryan by Flergs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21575&cat=0&page=1
Transparent Tape from Fancy Pants Elements by Flergs http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=20789&cat=0&page=1
Bg. ppr. from Magical Nights by ON Designs
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21548&cat=0&page=1
Fonts: Jane Austen, Century Gothic 905

New Layout: A Little Moment

Tuesday is here, hurray!

Nothing terribly exciting happening here, but at least it is not Monday.

Here are some cute stuff I saw today.

"Fabulous" kit by Krista Psst. she has a sale going on, too. Check it out.
Black and White Action / DSSA Blog
Cluster Frame by Lindsay Jane
Wordart by Bethany
Tutorial by Taylormade If you got sunspots, wrinkles, dark eyes - you'll want to see this!
Nicole has some really cute frames
Stitched alpha by Irene
Template by Tracy Psst. She has a sale going on.Check it out.
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Tuesday is here, hurray!

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 6

"Living with vision is...

daring yourself to behave as if you believe something good is going to happen

then putting yourself into a position that makes it possible to happen."

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 6

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 5

Get on with things regardless of how the wind is blowing, because you never know what GOD is up to.
GOD might blow some thing really good your way out of nowhere when you least expect it.
Get outthere, give what you've to to give.

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11 Days of Inspiration - Day 5

Summer Treats

Summer Treats

1 Eating funnel cake at the Burl. County Farm Fair

2 Grapes from our grapevines

3 Grilled/bbq chicken

4 Juicy homegrown tomatoes

5 Farm fresh strawberries and blueberries

Credits/Supplies used:

Summer Sweetness Collaborative kit by Rachel Young and Anne De Jong

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21430&cat=0&page=3
Frames and swirl emanating from grill: Impressions of Laughter Collaborative Kit by The Studio Girls Collective

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21401&cat=0&page=1

Staple by Edeline Marta

Font: AvantGarde BK 869

Summer Treats

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 4

"I hate because I loved so truly."
I love the vintage look of this card.

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11 Days of Inspiration - Day 4

Inspiration - Day 3

Heed the still small voice that so seldom leads us wrong, and never into folly.

Thank you Becky, Donna, and Marci for your kind comments.
Have a great day everyone.
Kait




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Inspiration - Day 3

Heat Wave

My goodness it is hot here in New Jersey. The kids are in summer camp in the morning and when I went to pick them up at noon the temperature gauge was at 101. We have a heat advisory in effect until tomorrow.

They played candybar bingo and the candybars were limp from being so soft (read melting). I took them to Pepe's Water Ice for some refreshing icees. When the sun dies down, I will take them to the swimming pool for a couple of hours before I bring them back to watch the 2nd to last episode of "Aang, the Last Airbender" on Nickelodeon.

Heat Wave

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 2

"If there is an experience in front of you, have it."

I often envy Liam, my 6-year old. He knows no fear. As a mother, he scares me because I don't want him getting hurt. But in fact, Kait likes that he is fearless. He doesn't let anything stand in his way and enjoys every minute of each experience. We should all be so lucky.

When I was growing up, I was very shy. I didn't have many friends, nor went anywhere. I have always led a sheltered life. To this day, I struggle with shyness, though you wouldn't know it by looking at me. But slowly, I have been letting go of some of those fears (whether real or perceived) that have been constantly draining my drive and have stolen my spirit.

I want my kids' life to be different. I want them to be confident and know no fear. I want them to go places, learn new things, have new experiences. Above all, I want them to give it their all and try their best. So, from now on I will live my life by these words: If there is an experience in
front of you, have it.

Many stinging tears are coming down my face at the moment, so many thoughts and pains have surfaced. I will let them drown my sorrows and wash away clean my soul. I shall start anew.

Wishing you much joy in your life and peace in your heart. 834

Kait

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 2

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 1

Hello Everyone,

For the next 1o days, I will be posting an inspiration card that I custom made for a friend, which friend shall remain nameless unless she chooses to acknowledge it herself. I hope that she finds them inspiring and enjoys them as much as I enjoyed making them for her.

11 Days of Inspiration - Day 1

A Photo A Day: 2 weeks worth of picts.

I took this picture today at Paws Nature Center, in the Butterfly garden.



Dragonfly at Woolman's Lake.

Blue moth on a flower.

Gorgeous white flowers.

I love the composition on this photo at took at our friend's house in Northeast Philadelphia.


Buttonbush flower - very popular with the bees, moths and butterflies.

Thistle at Woolman's Lake.

Wildflower at Long Bridge Park.

Pink/Purple Coneflower with butterfly.

Super big wasp on a leaf at Woolman's Lake. 821

A Photo A Day: 2 weeks worth of picts.