AAAAAAAAAAAAH

Wow. It's been FOREVER since I've updated, but I've been so super busy. I hope to get some pics edited and posted before the night is through. My sister in law left yesterday. :( I miss her like crazy! She's so much fun. hee hee. I only regret that her visit to Germany was rated G...we had the kids with us the whole time, so she didn't get to see any of what German night life has to offer. But she wants to come back for Oktoberfest in Munich this fall, so hopefully we'll have a bit more excitement.

I got a few kits in the mail over the past week and I'm starting to get that scrappers itch! I have one layout in planning stages and will try to work on it tonight.

Want to get in on some good music??? Josh's band, "Hits and Mrs" is on iTunes!!! It's a 4 song EP and soooo good. And what even cooler? Since they're independent, the music is suitable for all mp3 players...there's no restriction on it like other artist albums. So if you don't have an iPod, it's no biggie. Josh was able to download it and put it on his Zune. :D

We had snow all last week. Isn't that crazy?! But today was B-E-A-utiful!! We took the kids outside and played with bikes and a glider for the afternoon.

Off to clean up dinner dishes and get the kids in the bath. Anberlin has her first day of "formal testing" in prepartion of her speech therapy! I have to get her and myself into bed early so I won't be a robot in the morning. Ta ta for now.

xoxo

I love to see you smile.

Holly.

Jill.

Amy.

Ladies, email me your addresses b/c you won my RAK! Ok, I know I should have posted this days ago, buuuut I actually have company and have been busy. My wonderful sister in law is visiting and it's so nice to have someone over the age of 3 to talk to!!



Well I've had a chance here and there to throw together some layouts since she's been here. I just got my Style Phyle in the mail today from SIS soooo I'm about to run and play while everyone is napping! I have to do my Mojo layout...super procrastinator here. Thank goodness I already have a sketch made out.

I want to give a huge thanks to Cathy for sending me an awesome envelope stuffed with cute journaling tags and kawaii note papers!!! eeee!

The newest challenge is up at Scrapping the Music. This week's song is "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz. I love this photo of Anberlin and I've been wanting to scrap it for awhile. I find that lately I've been going through my photo box and have been scrapping older photos. My latest lo went up at A Daily Inspiration from ScrapbookMate. It's an all about Anberlin layout and the things she's into right now. :)
Awww. My little pumpkin Sebastian. For the longest time he wouldn't call me "mom." Instead, he'd call me "Bastian" (short for Sebastian). How stinkin adorable is that?? Sometimes I'd leave the room and I'd hear him start calling for me, "Baaaaaaaaa-stian!!" HAHAHA. I miss those days. I wish I caught it on video too. :( We'd play a game with him by pointing at people and asking him, "who's that?"

"who's that?"
"daddy."
"who's that?"
"anberlin."
"who's that?"
"bastian."

LMAO.

That's all for now. Ladies, don't forget to email me at jessica.griffinsummers@gmail.com. Be sure to send me your address and what color necklace you'd like.

xoxo
jess

7 Randoms

1. I know how to play the ukulele. :) This is my fave kind to play, it's called a Fluke.


2. I love ketchup on lots of different things. Eggs, tacos, lumpia, etc. I just hate the smell of it when it's by itself. For whatever reason, the smell of ketchup makes me gag. Same with mayo.

3. Man. I've never been big on energy drinks, but Josh started drinking the green version of these. I tried the lo carb version (only 10 calories, no fat, blah blah blah) and I'm hooked. SERIOUSLY. HOOKED. I have to have at least one a day. It's a huge pick me up. After I drink one, my mood is definately elevated and I feel refreshed.


4. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Disease) a year ago. Previous to that, I had to have my right thyroid removed because of a mass that was growing on it. Everyday I start my morning off with a cup of coffee and a horomone replacement pill. After a couple of weeks of starting the replacement therapy, I noticed a HUGE difference in the way I felt. I wasn't fatigued and after a couple of months, there was an apparent weight loss.

5. I don't like listening to people talk about pain or seeing blood in real life. I once almost blacked out listening to a woman talk about her labor (I was a teenager). Then recently when Sebastian had to have ONE stitch, I nearly passed out again. But seriously. They bound him with a blanket, then bound him more on a stretcher type thing. Then I had to help hold his head still while the doctor gave him his one stitch without any numbing aids. Seeing him scream and watching the needle totally made me queasy, as I'm sure it would almost anyone else.

6. I'm totally stealing this from Michelle's blog, but have you seen the new Sassafras Lass? *drooooooooooooool* I love the colors of the "My Dearest" but look at these pinks!! eeee!


7. I hate hate hate cold weather. Whenever I have to be outside and it's chilly (ie under 60 degrees), I bundle up with lots and lots of layers. Josh laughs at me. I'm talking about double socks, thermal top and bottom, sweater, then jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, etc. But despite hating the cold, I'd still like to see a big blanket of snow on the ground at least once. Oh, and go sledding. I haven't sledded since I was little, living in Sicily. Usually the only place that got snow was the volcano, Mt. Etna. So I guess that's another random thing about me...I've gone sledding on an active volcano. LOL!

xoxo

"If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird."

*sigh*



What do you get when you mix:

1. The day after your anniversary.

2. A cold, wet, dreary day.

3. The Notebook on TV.



Me. Wrapped in a blanket feeling all wishy washy. LOL.



AH! I seized the day yesterday and drove 2 hours to see Joshua for our anniversary. :) I only got to spend a whopping 30 minutes with him, but it was worth it. Our meal? Mmmmm. Salsbury steak, rice, spinach, and some rolls. We talked non stop during the meal, giggling and talking about the crazy things that have been going on during his training. The kids were so happy to see him and they behaved through the meal. Before I knew it, it was time to go. Josh walked us out and we took forever to say goodbye. No public displays of affection are allowed. You know how hard that is when you just want to throw your arms around your love?! ha. But Josh did sneak a quick kiss on my lips. We parted with tears in my eyes. As I was getting the kids in the car, I heard boots thudding on the ground.



"Jessica!"



I turned and looked and there was Josh, out of breath, behind the chain link fence that kept the soldier's in their training area.



"Happy Anniversary."



My heart melted. Such a small gesture, running back to me, but it made me smile the whole way home. It still makes me smile. Josh isn't the most romantic person in the world (sorry hon), so it makes the little things that much more special. As cliche as it is, distance does make the heart grow fonder. I can't wait till he's home...only a couple of more weeks.



So, in celebration of my anniversary, I'm going to tell you about the day we got married. In fact, I did a LO the other night about it.



Josh and I didn't have a wedding. We were married at the justice of the peace in San Antonio, Texas. We had breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, where we met and were currently working. Afterwards, we headed to the Riverwalk, to the mall, to find some rings. The ring we bought Josh is still his wedding band today. Mine, was just some cheapo ring because we couldn't afford a nice one...I knew I'd be able to change it one day, so it wasn't a big deal.

By the time we got to the courthouse, it was lunchtime. We had to go through the metal detectors, which meant Josh had to empty his pockets. We inadvertantly walked away, not realizing he left our rings there! Luckily an officer chased us down and returned them safely to us. We were worried we wouldn't be able to get married right away because of the time of day. Luckily the judge was eating in his chambers as we walked in. He walked out, a mouth semi-full of what we could only assume was a sandwhich. He brushed the crumbs off his jacket and said, "So ya'll ready to get hitched?" And it was over faster than it began. It was only me, Josh, the judge, and a 70 something year old court officer. That day kind of epitomizes the way Josh and I are. We've always depended on each other so it was fitting that our wedding was the way it was.

Afterwards we went to get our "portraits" done since we didn't have anyone there to photograph the ceremony (my only regret). Our photographer was CRAZY but our shots were good. Then we went home. I was so exhausted. We ate dinner and ate some cake. LOL. Oh goodness, the cake I made. A white cake with pink frosting...and I made the frosting kinda stick up like spikes. Little pink and white creamsaver hearts went around the outside circumfrance of the cake. Lord it was ugly, but once again, I can't help but smile at the memory.

So that's it. The silly story of Josh and I getting married. I don't even think we told our friends and family till a day or two later. But that's just us. We're perfect for each other.

xoxo

ps- there's another day before i choose 3 random people to win a necklace set. Visit a few posts back and leave me a comment! :D

Busy Busy Busy

The past couple of days I've been feeling fairly productive. There's some DT layouts I need to work on...I don't want to wait till the last minute. But as far as doing things I need to do around the house, errands, organizing, etc I've been a woman on a mission. lol!

I'm always messing with my scrap area, which is in our dining room.

My Ikea shelving unit. I plan on adding an 8 shelf case next to it one day. The plastic bins next to the shelves contain my papers, organized alphabetically by manufacturer (OCD much?), then seperate drawers for chipboard, rubons, letters, stickers, and smaller papers (8x10, 6x6, etc). The next plastic drawers are alterable stuff like chipboard albums, notecards, etc.
I love Mary Blair. Her artwork blows me away and I've become a small collector of her work. There's not alot out there and I can't shell out thousands on her original cell art, so I'm starting out with just vintage adworks and illustrated books. There's an old wooden sign that I've had since I was really, really little. And a vintage Fischer Price clock that still works...just little knick knacks here and there. Oh, and I framed a painting that Anberlin did at preschool. I love it. It looks like a human form, even though she says it's a flower. LOL!
Here's another meadow gold ad and "It's a Small World" record album and book with her illustrations on it.
In the 1950's she worked with Meadow Gold and I've been able to snag a few things from that era. Also, I have the "I Can Fly" little golden book which is still in circulation. I have a melamac plate that has a "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears" scene on it. I am not positive if it's by her, but it's reminiscent of her style.
On the other side of the room, I've utilized more the built in bookcase for my ribbons, flowers, and more chipboard. I just added the ribbon dowel that's hanging. I utilized the cardboard tube that held my kid's art paper for their eisle. I didn't want to throw it and finally came up with a way to use it. I have another one that I'm going to hang...and I'll add more as the kids go through their papers.
Day 7: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.' Dr. Seuss

Day 8: "Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself,'Here is an opportunity for you to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary.'" Anthony Robbins

Day 9: "Let us all try to stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort. You will be happier." Gordon B. Hinckley

Tomorrow is my 4 YEAR anniversary and Josh is 2 hours away. But, I'm going to drive and have dinner with him and the kids at the "DFAC" (dining facililty). What a romantic way to spend our anniversary, eh? It's ok, because at least I get to see him. The last 2, he's wasn't in the same state as me.

Off to run an errand. Please visit my previous post and leave a comment. You'll get a chance to win one of my necklace sets from my etsy (http://jessicasummers.etsy.com).

xoxo

Etsy, 21 Days, Mojo, RAK!

Have you been over to ScrapMojo lately? Well, if you haven't, you have to go check out our 4 new design team members!!! Awesomeness. The new challenge is up as well. It's a Dr. Seusse themed. Use one of the printouts supplied from the links and use the title, "Oh the places you'll go." Here's my take on the challenge. This is Sebastian at SEVEN months. He's developed really fast. Here he is walking around, like it wasn't a big deal. lol.
My little munchkin. Ahhhhh, I miss them being all teenie tiny. Now, this is what I deal with:

Anberlin got some new rain boots, but I couldn't find any for Sebastian. Well, he's taken matters into his own hands and just steals them from his sister. LOL. I think we may go try to find some for him tomorrow.

Here are my pages for days 3-6 for Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge. I've been using watercolors alot lately. I'm still trying to master the colors and whatnot, but I do like them. And you know what!?? Rhonna Farrer herself left me a comment on my last post! OMG. I was giddy last night. LOL!!! I love her work and she's definately a scrapper/designer I admire. So thanks Rhonna!

DAY 3: "Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will." George Bernard Shaw

DAY 4: "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." Aristotle

DAY 5: "A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything." Unknown

DAY 6: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson

My Etsy has reopened! I have a few necklaces up. It actually comes with a pair of matching earrings. Totally cute. And to celebrate, I'm giving away a RAK! Leave me a comment and I'll pick 3 winners to win a set! Woo hoo!! I'll pick in a week. http://www.jessicasummers.etsy.com

I kinda feel my creative juices surging again. :) So, how would you feel about some papers designed by me? Or maybe a font? All of that just may become a reality in the near future. Eeee! Totally excited about that. Ok, off to work on some stuff.

xoxo

blah blah blah

OK, I guess it's time to climb outta my hole. Josh has been gone a whole week now and I miss him terribly. I've been a huge bum around the house. Last week I was sick sick sick (thanks to my wonderful kids), the weather sucked, thus adding to my hobbit state. But despite all that, I am now officially licensed to drive in Germany. Beware the granny driver. I don't like going over 70, which apparently is slow here.



Not alot of scrapping going on. I guess in some sort of off the wall way, Josh is my muse. lol. I've been feeling uninspired lately. Thank goodness for Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge. Basically, I'm making a mini book out of this Melissa Francis star album I've had for what seems like forever. Each day, my goal is to draw, paint, etc and include a quote that Rhonna has supplied. I'm not going all out...no papers, embellies, etc. The purpose of it is to create a habit...I used to draw like crazy when I was younger. When I was in college, I painted alot. I took a couple of art classes and I loved them. Now, I'll draw a bit here and there...doodle on my layouts, but I don't just sit and draw in my sketchbook like before. I'd like to get into that habit. We're only into day 4. Some of the pages I REALLY like...others are, engh. But it's the process that's important. Actually taking a little bit of time each day to sit and work towards your habit...even if the end result isn't perfect...is the key. At the end of the 3 weeks, I hope to have an inspirational mini album that I can pull down from my shelves and look at during times like this; when I'm feeling a bit uninspired.





Now I don't want you to think that just because I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut, it means I'm not creating at all...because I am!! :) I just don't feel those "creative juices" flowing out of me. The new Mojo challenge is going up tomorrow!! Here's a sneakie. :D





Things have been a bit slow over at ScrapbookMate. February was a slow month for newly released products, buuuuuuut CHA is over and our new boxes are on their way. My german mate got hers today, so I'm going to go by the "depot" in the next town to see if mine is there. And hopefully the young guy that speaks english is there. LOL! Pathetic, eh?



So guess what? I pulled all my etsy goods and they're all sitting on my table, ready to be photographed and put up for sale. It's time to make some spending money! lol. I've been really, REALLY thrifty as of late. I think I've shopped for scrapbooking items twice since the start of 2008. Being on a design team that hooks you up with new product helps, you know?

Also, I am working on a project with some Grungeboard. I can't wait to complete it. If it comes out the way I have it pictured in my mind, it's going to be awesome. :D


I got a new videocamera. The wonderful little "Flip." I decided on it after reading Donna Downey's blog and her rave reviews. This puppy is cuuuuute and super easy. And even cooler? I have a little something in the works for all you scrappers out there. It's still in it's creation mode, but it's going to be totally neat.

That's all! Oh! It snowed a bit today. I couldn't believe it. Just once, I want to see a blanket of snow. This Texas gal hasn't experienced a big snow.

xoxo