World Card Making Day

Please join me on October 4th for World Card Making Day. I plan to work on my Christmas cards, but I would love to see any cards you make. Just take a picture and email it to me: charissaarch@yahoo.com I will post them on my blog for the whole world to see. It doesn't matter if you are a novice or expert card maker, your inspiration is needed!

Fall is on it's Way!

Yesterday it finally began to feel like fall here. There were even some crunchy leaves on the ground. It seemed like it was hot, hot summer and then suddenly-aaaaaaaaahhhh!

Here are some pictures of the first day of school. I have two full-time students now. Miriam is really liking being a "Big Kid" and eating in the cafeteria. On the two days a week I'm in school they also eat breakfast there. She says she's still getting used to it. (Love that Girl) And my big 5th grader, Kean, likes his new teacher. Unfortunately, he has about an hour of homework a night now. We'll have to adjust to that.


















Also, over Labor Day weekend, Miriam and I went to the cabin with my fabulous friend, Nicole and her daughter Jamie. There were lots of giggles and the girls got along famously. Nic and I got a bit of scrappin' done and it was quite the relaxing weekend for both of us.
































I also wanted to share this tutorial on making some darling little pumpkins or apples out of old books. Garage sales, here I come!

And big HUGE congratulations to my friend, Sharmaine for placing SECOND in Scrap-n-Crop's Project Scrap-Away contest. Way to go!!! I am so very proud of you!

ADORABLE Cupcake Album!

I just *had* to share this album, it's the cutest thing I've seen in a long time. I love the turquoise, red, and white combo as well as all the chipboard. So darling! Click here to view it.

Also, here are a couple of the layouts I did for my neice's 18th birthday album. I left the journaling cards blank so that my sister-in-law or mother-in-law could fill them in. It was quite the emotional journey. I'm so glad I was able to create this to celebrate her childhood as she begins her life as an adult.

Say Goodbye to Summer!

It has been absolutely fabulous! This year I was very fortunate to get to spend some time with these wonderful friends. I'd forgotten what it was like to laugh until my jaws and stomach ache. Hopefully between homework, soccer practice, and life stuff we'll be able to squeeze some more girl-time in soon.

School is...

FUN!!! Never thought I would say that, but I just started my Art Design Class today. I am working toward getting my degree and was pleasantly surprised that my prior two years spent at University were not a complete waste. Two classes this semester, three next semester, and I will be done!

So anyway, about my class...I was concerned that it might be too simplistic, I would have a disorganized or lame teacher, etc. But it was fantastic! My teacher is great, very organized, smart, and interesting. We are going to be doing LOTS of art projects (*whee!*) and I had no idea what most of the stuff we are going to learn is, so it should keep my attention. AND, I don't have to buy some expensive text book, just lots of ***ART SUPPLIES***

Considering how demanding this class should be, I'm really glad that I don't have a Design Team spot that would compete for my time. Guess God knows what He's doing after all.

Miriam at Climbing Camp!

My Sweet Friend

I just wanted to share this layout that my dearest friend Kristine did of us. Also, I am very excited to have won a $10 gift certificate to Crop Addict for winning their monthly contest. Shopping here we come! AND I lost four pounds this week. Woo-hoo!

I'm starting an album project tomorrow and will post pictures in a couple of weeks.