My Ramblings

Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year to all!

2008-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for the Fabbris.

Gregg did a photo shoot with the kids last week, so we would have something to send for Christmas cards. We didn't send any last year and since I am a scrapbooker by trade it was only fitting we got off our butts and sent something out. Sorry to those who did not recieve one, we only ordered 40 and then found our lable file which contained over 100 addresses. Well, there is always next year. We will make sure to order lots and lots.

Have a great one everyone. And may 2009 be a happy and healthy year for you and your family!

2008-12-13T04:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a layout I just did for MOSD, I am the guest designer over there for this month. They have some really fun products, like the diecut paper I used in this layout of Grady. The Sickons are really fun too, they are like using a sticker and rubon at the same time.

Have a great Saturday!!

February 10, 2007

2007-02-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

This week only at Scrapbooker Online....EVERYTHING is at least 30% off.

Use the coupon 30OffRetail at check out and you are good to go!!!

Thanks for a great first 2 years everyone. We look forward to serving you all for many more to come.

http://www.scrapbookeronline.com/store/

January 30, 2007

2007-01-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

CHA Day #4

Shopping so far...

Basic Grey: All four lines...paper, tags, letter stickers and collections. Holy Cow Rubons in 5 new styles. BTW Nicole, they do not come in brown.

Scenic Route: Both new lines...papers and letter stickers. They include craft paper with cool designs on one side. All six new grid papers. Nikki, you will love them for your class.

3 Bugs: Blossom and Boy Collection (can't remember the name) papers and stickers.

Fontwerks: 8 new stamps and 2 new sets of rubons.

Technique Tuesday: 10 new stamps and 2 new sets of coaster boards

Junkits: Extreme Boy and Salsa Celebration Papers, rubons and stickers. Plus some bling.

Crop and Glue: All their new glue

KI Memories: 2 of Elsie's Lines...papers, stickers and rubons

Fancy Pants: All four new lines...papers, rubons. 1 new set of 12x12 stamps. 2 new sets of the 6x6 stamps, stamp block. More chipboard. ATC cards in large and small packs.

Strano: RibbonStiff, all of their new tone on tone 3/8 ribbon...it matches the new bazzill two toned papers. And various 1.5 inch ribbons to go along with the RS.

As for tomorrow I don't have much time seeing that my car picks me up at 10:30 to take me to the airport. So, I am hoping to hit Crate Paper, Cherry Art and Maya Road. Going to leave Hambly and Queen and Co. for later. Plus Autumn Leaves and Daisy Ds.

Good news, I got a great number at BG so my order should ship out early next week. My TT stamps should go out in a week or so. And the Scenic Route should be going out next week also.

Thanks ladies for all the help with what to look at and where to go. You are awesome. I met Tia Bennett, Donna Downey, and lots of the editors from mags like SS, BHG, Martha Stewart and MS herself, Stacy Croninger, and a bunch of other folks I can't remember.

It has been a fun few days, but I am ready to go home. I want to hang out with the kiddos, I miss Gregg so much. And, while I was gone he went and bought a Wii for the kids. I am so psyked to play with it. I have the NL to look forward to, lots of planning for next month and our 2 year anniversary, and many long hours of uploading images and product to the store.

Have a super night. Chat with you on the boards tomorrow before I leave. Take Care.

January 28, 2007 cont.

2007-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

CHA Day #3

Well I am home...or where I am calling home for this week. I just got settled back into my room at the hotel. We had such a super busy day today. The Strano Make and Takes went great, really busy....I mean REALLY!!. RibbonStiff was very popular today, I am just so happy for Jen and Lou. They have both worked so hard and I am hoping it will pay off for them in a huge way.

I met lots of wonderful ladies in the booth. A lot of women from Great Britain, just love the accent. Make me think of my girlfriend Gillian who is from England.

But, the most exclusive guest to the Strano booth today was, GET A LOAD OF THIS....Martha Stewart. I am totally not kidding, it was super. She travels with an entourage of about 20 people, all dressed in black and very NY. Gosh the best boots I have seen in a long time. She came into the booth to check out the RibbonStiff. And what was the first thing Jen grabbed but my book that I had made using the 3 Bugs papers. You can see it down a few posts in this blog.

She also looked around and checked out Beth Price's layout hanging on the wall, and some of the cards made by Jan and Nicole. WTG girls, your stuff is looking so super in the booth. Funny thing, I have not gotten any good pics yet. Will make it a point to do it but it just gets so busy so fast.

Hey Sue, your dresses have thier own shelves right with the RS bottles. Will snap some goodies on them also.

Anyway the MS visit was quite the sight. It was totally cool, kind of weird but cool. Most people did not even know she was there until she was just about gone. She looks good I must say, and in great shape. All in all is was very cool, she was in, she was out, and then she was off to Xyron! Two of her editors did say they would be back so we are hoping that will happen for Jen and Lou. Fingers crossed. These two totally deserve it. They are wonderful!!

I also met Mackey who is a member at SBO. She came seeking me out after reading about me on a post by JA. Thanks Julie Ann!! Hey Corey, she was asking how you were. I told her you were doing great and had a new baby boy, well kind of new...lol.

Some of my shopping highlights were....

Basic Grey: got a number and a pretty low one. 4 new lines and the most awesome rubons, in some of the coolest styles and the color BROWN!!! Nicole you would just die!

Cosmo Cricket: Awesome chipboard books that attached to eachother with ribbons that are laced up like shoelaces. I also love their paper lines Halfway Cafe and Dutch Girl. You can see some of Dutch Girl and the Lace Up Chipboards here.... Sarah Baker you need to get your butt on thier DT. We should talk. I have some names.

Fancy Pants: No Pics but we are so ordering the large acrylic stamps, and papers. Love them all!!

Queen and Co.: Yup, ordering the felt on the roll. JA, you will love it.

KI Memories: Elsie's line is very cute. Three paper lines with embellies and stamps. Here are some of her layouts. I am thinking of getting the Toby and Roxies Papers, along with some rubons and cardstock stickers. I also like the celebration line. It has cool birthday papers and some felt letters also. That was pretty much it for KI.

And Carolyn and all the SBO Moms of boys expect to see Junkitz Extreme Boy line at SBO soon. It was even better in person. So cool!!! Sorry no pics. Jan, I think you will really like it also!!

Scenic Route for you Miss Nikki. All I can say is YES!!! We passed on them last year and I am so wanting it this year. I left my catalog at the booth so I will report more tomorrow on this.

Celebrations by KI Memories

MODs new Primary Line: I thought this was pretty cool. And yes Autumn Leaves has some awesome stamps. Some more renditions of the journaling stamp that is so popular plus some fun circle shapes with words and phrases in them. The pics were blurry so you will have to trust me on this one.

Have a super night ladies. Will check back in tomorrow. I am hoping to see Maya Road and Cherry Arte tomorrow as well as FW, Hambly, and Page Frames. I have made some new friends over there. We had a meeting in Target the other night when we were all there getting some stuff for our booths. Chat later ladies. I am off to check out the boards at SBO

January 28, 2007

2007-01-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Day #2 CHA (Set Up)

Look at all this wonderful ribbon. I packaged up the cutest little glass bottles with some wonderful Strano Ribbon in today. Little goodies for some of Jen's Clients. We had a super busy day but by 11 pm last night the Strano Booth was done. And it looks wonderful. I wish Jen and Lou Strano the best of luck today as the CHA 2007 show opens. We are hoping the RibbonStiff and all their new ribbon just fly out of the booth.

I also walked around the trade floor for a short time yesterday as people were getting ready for today. Elsie Flannagan's booth is just too cute. It is designed like a kitchen with all her favorite layouts and mini books all around. It is so totally Elsie. KI is hoping for hit out of the park with Elsie, good luck!! Looks like a winner.

I also went and check out the BG booth, which btw, could not be further then our booth. It took me so long to walk all the way to the other end of the building to get to it. But, like always it was worth the walk. They have 4 news lines coming out. Stella Ruby is just gorgeous. I am getting my butt over there right at 9am to get my number and catalog. This will not disapoint ladies.

I also saw the new Karen Foster, TT Stamps (the most incredible layouts at the show that I have seen so far are at TT), 3 Bugs, MME, BoBunny, and HS. I didn't have my camera at this time so no photos. I will try to get some today and post later.

So far things are going well. I did take a class using the McGill tab and paper charm punches yesterday. I like the class and they gave you 4 punches and a hole punch. I thought that was pretty cool. I think the paper charm punch will work great with some of Strano's yummy ribbon.

Well, got to scoot. My ride is coming in a few and I have to get to the lobby. Have a super day ladies.

January 26, 2007

2007-01-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

CHA Trip....Day 1

Well, it was an early morning for me today. The car picked me up at 4:04 am to take me to Logan Airport. My flight left at 7:00am and living an hour from the airport makes for an early rise. I was all packed the night before and Gregg was so sweet, he had all my bags waiting at the garage door along with my favorite orange scone from Panera. Love that guy! I kissed the kiddos good bye and headed off to CHA!!! Yeepie, I am so excited!!!

My first flight went well, besides the fact I was crammed into a window seat in I think the smallest area of the plane. I sat next to the East Coast Sales Director for Crocs, thank goodness I had my real Mary Janes on and not some knock off. LOL. He showed me the new spring catalog, WOWZAA, they are going to make the MJ in shimmering colors!!! I have got to get some of those ladies!

So both flights were pretty uneventful. I like that seeing I am not much of a flyer. I did get a really cool show from the plane when we were going over UTAH!! Right before we landed in Salt Lake City. I am just amazed by the mountains out here. Nothing like NE. They are so breathtaking, I could not stop staring out the window.

Off to IKEA!

Jen and Lou Strano (www.stranodesigns.com) picked me up at the Ontario Airport and then we were off to IKEA to pick up a few things they needed to finish up their booth. What is a trip to CA without going to IDEA. My mother would have been psyked. We then had lunch at the Old World Deli, I had a super yummy chicken salad sandwich. Then it was off to my hotel, I pretty much packed it in for the rest of the night. I fell asleep about 6:30 CA time, I was so tired.

So, here I sit writing my blog entry at 6:00 am on Sat. I have been up for two hours now. Hope I can make it through the day. I am off to take a class at 8:00am and then to help Jen and Lou finish up the booth. I can't wait to get onto the trade floor and see everyone getting their booths ready for tomorrow. How exciting this must be for so many people. I know I am excited, yet nervous. But, a little nerves never hurt....right? Tell me I am right.

Enjoy your day ladies, BBL!!

January 9, 2007

2007-01-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

CKC Manchester Here I Come!!!

I got word today that Creating Keepsakes has accepted my application to teach a class at CKC Manchester. WOW, I can hardly believe it. This is so cool, I am giddy as my friend Jennifer would say.

The class is all about RibbonStiff and how to use it in different ways. Wait till you see what we can do with this very cool product.

I will be teaching the cute little book to the left during the May Convention. This yummy little creations was made with the new Strano Designs RibbonStiff and some very cool 3 Bugs Papers.

More to come as I prepare for this wonderful experience. Look out girls, these ladies are not going to know what hit them.

Enjoy!!

January 8, 2007

2007-01-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

THIS IS MY YEAR....2007

Well it is here....And this stuff is hot. And I have gotten to design with it. And so has my team at Scrapbooker Online.

Thanks to Jennifer and Lou Strano of Strano Designs I have been giving the opportunity to design with a hot new product that will be debuting at CHA at the end of the month.

Here it is.....

Strano Designs RibbonStiff
premium ribbon stiffener and adhesive
Forever Classic meets endless possibilities.

Strano Designs is taking ribbon creativity to a whole new level with RibbonStiff™ -- premium ribbon stiffener and adhesive. Very simply brush a thin coat of acid-free RibbonStiff™ onto the desired length of Strano Designs 100% acetate ribbon to create an entirely new medium especially well-suited for paper crafting. Used as an adhesive, RibbonStiff™ will dry flat, flexible and clear, securing ribbon onto paper, chipboard, book board or any crafting project. RibbonStiff™ enables ribbon to easily be used as journal, album or book binding. Ribbon stiffened using RibbonStiff™ can be die-cut, punched or embossed.

RibbonStiff is acid free, non-flammable and dries clear.

Strano takes ribbon where no ribbon has gone before. And without fraying!

Once treated with RibbonStiff™, ribbon will not fray. Cuts will stay clean and crisp. Shapes will hold. Beauty and strength will bind.

Visit www.ribbonstiff.com for ideas and inspiration.

AND if you want to buy it NOW you can at Scrapbooker Online

Here is a little something something that I created with RibbonStiff. I used the ribbons once treated to make die cuts, thin ribbons strips that I tied around the tags, I also bound the book with my own easy technique of sewing and tying of the ribbon. What a blast. Check it out.

And what is even cooler is that I am going to be teaching it soon to a whole lot of wonderful ladies. But, more on that to come.

So if you want to learn more about RibbonStiff and you are attending CHA in Aneheim at the end of the month come stop by the Strano Designs Booth. I will be there doing the make and takes. IT IS GOING TO BE A BLAST!!!

December 19, 2006

2006-12-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

A Day To Remember!!!

I not only got to spend breakfast with three of my favorite ladies, Alice Golden (Karen Foster), Laurie Gelo (Technique Tuesday) and Jen Strano (Strano Designs), but once arriving at home I was greeted by the most awesome post in the SBO forums. Nicole, while flipping through Memory Makers Magazine (Feb 200 Issue), saw that we were listed as one of the Retail Therapy Stores to check out on the web.

The article was written by Elaine Lang. The name of the article is Get Connected; Make the Web work for you-information, shopping and friendships are just a click away.

Page 60 ladies....I can't believe it. What a super day. And to think that was it. There was so much more that happened yesterday, but I can't speak of it right now. More to come later.

Thanks to everyone at SBO for all you do to make our little piece of the net a super place to be. We owe it to all of you!!! Here is a copy of the page....Thanks Nicole.

November 14, 2006

2006-11-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

OMG!!!!

I can not believe how well these Autumn Leaves Journaling Stamps are selling at Scrapbooker Online. I have already put in two orders in the last month, and once again today the orders are still coming in. This last batch has not even been in the store for a week.

These babies are too hot. I used one of them on a layout of Grady this weekend and it worked awesome. I used some Technique Tuesday ink that was just perfect. Ladies you just got to get your hands on these.

I have another batch on order that will hopefully be in by the end of next week.

Just a little thought on what is HOT at Scrapbooker Online.

Enjoy your day!!

November 3, 2006

2006-11-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooker Online November Contest Details
________________________________
How much do you love CHIPBOARD?

Scrapbooker Online November Contest

If you love chipboard as much as we do at Scrapbooker Online then this is the contest for you. Share a layout, album or altered item that showcases chipboard and we'd love to see new, neat and different ways of using our favorite product!

Contest Rules/Details:

• Submit a scrapbook layout, album or altered item showcasing Chipboard.
• Only one submission per person will be accepted.
• Include journaling, if possible.
• Please forward journaling in plain text along with the photo.
NOTE: No previously published work will be accepted.

1. All images will be displayed in our monthly contest gallery.
2. Open to US and Canada residents only
3. Please include a supply list.
4. Our winner will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 2 weeks of notification.
5. Winner will be announced in our monthly newsletter and on our site.
6. Winning Layout: Our Design Team will select one winning layout. The winner of this contest will receive a prize pack from our November Design Team Sponsor, Flair Designs. (value: approx. $25.00)
7. All entries must be received by November 29th, 2006.

Submissions can be made by emailing November2006Contest@scrapbookeronline.com Or by uploading it to the "November 2006: Showcasing Chipboard" contest gallery.

User registration is required

November Contest Deadline is November 29th, 2006

________________________________________

We had a fairwell lifting of Julie Ann yesterday at SBO. What a spedial day it was. All the ladies went all out and lifting thier favorite LO of JAs. Here are some that stood out for me yesterday.

By Nicole Patrizzio

By Patti West

By Pattyscraps

And one of Julie Ann's latest!! Love this one she did for the Effer Dare #42. We will miss you JA!

November 1, 2006

2006-11-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

BasicGrey Fruitcake is HERE!!

Even my kids were all excited when the UPS man showed up with this loot! I have them trained oh so well.

Another Fun Day at SBO today. Yesterday, besides it being Halloween, was the day the new BasicGrey Supplies I purchased at Memory Trends started arriving. First up is Fruitcake. What a beautiful line, and double sided this time around. Very festive but in a different kind of way from some of the other holiday lines out there. I love the muted colors and lines, and the little bits of color here and there are very inviting.

Check out these wonderful papers at www.scrapbookeronline.com. 10 of the 18 papers are in stock and ready to ship, along with the monograms. Both mini and regular size are available. And even cooler, the monograms fit perfectly with the chipboard versions. In the next few weeks BG Blush will be arriving. And on its way was I type are the two new lines from Crate Paper and also some My Mind's Eye Bohemian and Magnolia.

I told you...it has been a good day at SBO today. Come check us out!!!

October 26, 2006

2006-10-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been 13 days since my last entry. And 13 days before that one. Is this becoming a pattern? Not sure. I have 5 excited kids runninig around my house right now, same 5 in the picture below. My three and my friend Amy's two. I have decided to drive them to school again today. Then Grady and I are off to run errands. We want to get them done so we can come home and not have to go out until the kids need to go to Kumon later this afternoon. Then we begin our worldwin tour or Shrewsbury...going from Kumon to guitar to soccer to BoyScouts. Then it is home and I have some ladies coming over to finish up clipboards tonight. What a busy life we lead!!

Today is WAT at SBO. And Nicole, one of our WA GDTers has already uploaded her layout for this week. She is getting the gallery started with a bang, and I mean literaly. LOL

By Nicole Patrizzio from Ohio
Scrapbooker Online Guest DT Member

Here is one of my latest...Not my best work but it does show off the 5 excited kids running around my house.

More to come later, I am hopiing to give you all a glimps of the wonderful WAT creations this week at www.scrapbookeronline.com

October 13, 2006

2006-10-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it is Friday the 13th. WAAAWHOOOO!!! LOL

So this was the scene at the bus stop today. It is very cold here in MA today and the kids thought to keep warm they should all huddle together. But, of course they need to put as much humor into it as possible. Why is it so easy to get kids to cooperate for the funny face photo as opposed to the normal shot. Oh Well, they are very cute. Even cutier now that they are gone off to school. LOL.

Enjoy your day ladies and don't forget to check out my Weekend Challenge at Scrapbooker Online.

October 10, 2006

2006-10-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Look What I slept Under Last Night!

My mother made this beautiful quilt for Gregg and I. It is a whopping 10ft x 10ft, fits our King Size Bed perfectly. It goes down the sides just enough that it covers the sheetsl. I so hate when the sheets peak through the bottom of your quilt or comforter.

My mother has been wanting to make a quilt for Gregg and I for years. But, with Belle sleeping in our bed each night a work of art was just not something you let the dog sleep on. LOL. My mother had started this quilt before Belle passed away last month, not knowing she would be gone. How ironic. My house is filled with quilts from my mother. The kid's beds each have at least three on them, the boys have new Red Sox/Baseball ones and Gail has one for her new loft. But, this one is special, just so special, and it is mine. And I got to sleep under it last night for the first time. I could feel the love.

Thanks Ma....I LOVE IT. I need to stop typing and call you right now and tell you again. I love the patchwork feel it has, the way you collected the florals and had your quilting buddies help with the placment and choice of colors.

And then there is the back. With the holiday and winter scenes, I totally love the back as much as the front. Gregg likes the back better. It looks like an old...really old quilt when you turn it over. WTG Ma!! You rocked this one, like you do all the quilts you create.

Thanks for thinking of me, and taking the time to create me my own masterpiece. I will cherish it always.

Ocotber 8, 2006

2006-10-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

UUGH...I am a WET NOODLE.

And why you ask, because I have not updated my blog in over a month and I have let down my ring. LOL. I must plead my case now. The reasons for my tardiness follow.

School started for the kids.
School then kept on going for the kids.
Guitar started up.
Gymnastics started up.
Karate started up.
Brownies started up.
Boy Scouts started up.
CCD started up.
Theater Camp started up.
Kumon keeps on truckin.
Atteded the PTO meeting at Spring Street School.
Volunteered as the copy lady for Gail's teacher.
SBO's boards got hopping after the summer ended. See the Sisters started up!
All the CHA Summer inventory started arriving.
All the CHA Summer inventory needed to be put into inventory.
Hosted a few crops at my house.
Put together a SB Birthday Party for the Chef's For Babies Silent Auction.
Coordinated a Guest DT Search at SBO, plus a super awesome September Contest.
Scrapbooked, a little. Kind of funny to read that, huh?. Now, pick yourself up off the floor.
Visited my mother twice, had lunch with girlfriends I used to work with at the HBS.
Went camping.
Laundry, dusting, dishes, VACCUUMING!!!

So....am I forgiven???

August 30, 2006

2006-08-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

It is Homecoming at Scrapbooker Online

Come join us for our September Contest at SBO

Contest Gallery

_____________________________

It’s HOMECOMING at Scrapbooker Online

You and a layout you love are invited to the Scrapbooker Online Homecoming Celebration. This is a chance to dust off one of your favorite layouts, a layout you may have submitted to a specific call or magazine assignment and it never got its chance to shine. We are inviting you and your best work to come out and party! There will be no wall flowers in our SBO gallery. Be seen and join us in creating one of the best September galleries the web has to offer!

Contest Rules/Details:

• Submit a scrapbook layout that you have submitted to a specific call or magazine assignment and has never been picked up or published.
• Only one submission per person will be accepted.
• Include journaling, if possible.
• Please forward journaling in plain text along with the photo.
NOTE: No previously published work will be accepted.

1. All images will be displayed in our monthly contest gallery.
2. Open to US and Canada residents only
3. Please include a supply list.
4. Our winner will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 2 weeks of notification.
5. Winner will be announced in our monthly newsletter and on our site.
6. Winning Layout: Our Design Team will select one winning layout. The winner of this contest will receive a $25 gift certificate to our on line store and be crowned the SBO Homecoming Queen.
7. All entries must be received by September 28th, 2006.

Submissions can be made by emailing September2006Contest@scrapbookeronline.com Or by uploading it to the "September 2006 – SBO Homecoming 2006" contest gallery.
User registration is required

September Contest Deadline is September 28th, 2006

August 17, 2006

2006-08-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is were it all happens. My Scrapspace...Scrapbooker Online! This photo is soon to grace a layout if I can muster up the time to do this tonight. I just finished teaching a back to school workshop for a room full of little girls. We made altered pencil cases, composition notebooks and mini albums made out of library cards. Man I am wiped out.

So we had a DT Chat last night at SBO. It was lots of fun, except for the fact I kept getting bumped out of the chat room. We started planning all the fun challenges and activities and CONTESTS that we will be hosting at Scrapbooker Online during the months of Sept and Oct.

I am so excited. The DT was rocking last night with all thier super ideas. Every month we chat the ideas keep flowing and flowing, and they get better and better. Thanks laides. I could not do this without you.

Also, today is WAT at SBO. The DT was challenged to create a layout using a picture of a door in it. Look what these wonderfully talented ladies came up with.

Amy
Her first home...

Nikki
Her Honeymoon Door...

Sue
Her Roasting Hot Front Door...

Julie Ann
Welcome....

Corey
Her Sweet little Haley...

Carolyn
Welcome Home...

Happy Birthday Carmine (my father in law). I hope you have a super day Grandpa!!

August 8th, 2006

2006-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

WEEK 2 of the Scrapbooker Online Progressive Layout Contest

This weeks contest details are below. Remember ladies of SBO you need to upload by the deadline for your entry to be considered at the end of the month. And you must participate each week of the contest.

Week Two (Due Monday August 14th)

Choose a base for your layout. The base must be some type of patterned paper. Also, Journal about a loved one on a 4x4 inch piece of cardstock. Attach this to your base. Share your journaling with us when you upload. Don’t attach your pocket at this time!

The contest gallery for week #2 is located here:

Week 2 Gallery

Good luck ladies.

July 31st, 2006

2006-07-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

And the fun continues...

Here are the details.

Scrapbooker Online’s Progressive August Layout Contest

Contest begins tomorrow...August 1st.

http://www.scrapbookeronline.com/index. ... highlight=
www.scrapbookeronline.com

Thanks to the wonderful contributions and participation in our July contest we have decided to keep the ball rolling at SBO and offer another progressive layout contest for the month of August. But this one has a little twist involved. For anyone who attended our Cyber Crop in June and participated in my challenge you will understand the contest rules below.

The contest will run for 4 weeks. Each, MONDAY by Midnight EST, you will upload the assignment for the week. There will be a designated contest gallery for each week of the contest.

The contest judging will not occur until the end of the month but to be eligible you will need to upload your assignment each week. Due to the fact this is a progressive contest you can not miss a week because each week will build off of the past weeks work.

Each Tuesday at Noon, EST, I will post the assignment. You will have a week to complete it and upload to the gallery.

The final layouts will be judged on the following: Overall craftsmanship, creativity, and interesting use of embellishments, journaling, and how well you followed the directions. The SBO DT will be judging this contest.

This contest is going to take some thought ladies. Each week you will need to use what you have done in the past and build on it. But, you will not know what you are to do next, until the assignment is posted. You also can NOT add anything to your layout that is not in the assignments. Good luck let me know if you have any questions.

The first assignment will be posted this Tuesday, August 1st. The first deadline will be Monday, August 7th at Midnight EST.

Good Luck Ladies

Thanks.

July 28, 2006

2006-07-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

SALE on CRATE PAPER....Until August 1st.

Use this coupon code at check out for an extra 5% off of all Crate Paper Products at www.scrapbookeronline.com ThankCrate
_______________________

WAT (Wicked Awesome Thursday) was yesterday. And let me tell you I was so impressed with what I saw uploaded to shop's gallery.

This is what happens when you give 6 incredibly talented ladies a challenge. So ladies...Make me a layout with 10 photos on it. Not that hard, right? Well, each and every one of these talented soul just outdid themselves.

Carolyn

Amy

Nikki

Sue

Corey

Julie Ann

Thank you ladies. It was a wonderful week.

July 26th, 2006

2006-07-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Childhood Memories

Jill is coming to visit this Friday. I have been thinking about when we were kids this week. Boy did we have fun.

I remember playing Kick the Can out in front of Jill's cousin Neils house. We would play for hours. I loved hiding in the big tree in Miss Bertha's yard. She was a crazy old lady and did not like it if we were in her yard, but that tree was awesome.

I also remember playing gymnastics in the middle of the street. We would play the Olympics and the balance beam was the curb of the sidewalk. We always did this in front of Jill's house.

Oh, and there was little duckie daddle!! We would sing the song then stick our heads in buckets of water and see how long we could stay under water. How stupid were we. But boy did we have fun. We all managed to make it. No one drowned. I think there is even a picture of us doing it somewhere. I saw it recently. Problably at my mothers house. Got to check next time I am down there.

Enjoy your day. Only 364 days till I turn 40.

July 25th, 2006

2006-07-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

OK, so I am posting this a day late. How lame.

July 24th, 2006

2006-07-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

NEVER, and I mean NEVER leave a stainless steel shotglass in the garbarge disposal. OK, so it was not left there, but must have fallen in. Guess what UPS is bringing me in 7-10 days?

A new one!!!

Good news...I saved the shotglass. It's my favorite.

Cosmo drinkers unite!!

July 23, 2006

2006-07-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

First off I must say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Grandmother Claire. She is 85 today. The kids just called and sang to her. Very cute.

But, this post is about my mother, especially her sewing room which I went and spent three days in this week. I cleaned it out, and I MEAN, cleaned it out. We purged a total of 8 garbage bags filled with CRAP!!! They were not your normal garbage bags also. They were the huge heavy duty ones. We also came up with 2 large bins of fabric for her to bring to her quilt guild, Proper Bostonian Quilter, they will all find delight in picking through all these goodies. We also put together a bin for Sister Claire, she is the fun NUN that hangs out at the guild meetings also. AND we color coordinated all her fabric, as you can see to the left here.

We trashed old craft supplies, put a bin together for the art teacher at Gail and Grant's school, gave some things away to neighbors, trashed an old table and moved 3 chairs and 4 sewing machines to her basement along with my Grandmothers hope chest and various other things. We went wild, or I went wild. See we had to make room for her new Machine Quilting Machine she bought earlier in the week. It is a long arm sewing machine that sits on a 10 foot frame that allows you to machine quilt any size quilt. She has been wanting one for years and finally took the plunge. YAY MOM!!

So anyway, here are the before and afters. I must send this link to her guild members. The ladies are going to flip over this. Glad you like it MA, enjoy. Now get cracking and make me my quilt!!

July 13, 2006

2006-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

So retirement is here, as Gregg calls it. I finished up work on the 27th of June at HBS and now I am living the high life. HUH, who am I kidding. Vacation right after that, camping in NH with Kristin and John. We had a blast. So I guess this no work thing has not quite set in yet.

I was given the best farewell gathering anyone could ask for. Denis and his wife Liz even had all my coworkers make me a scrapbook. It was the nicest gift I could have ever asked for. Kind words and fond memories on every page. Gosh I am going to miss them all.

Today was WAT (Wicked Awesome Thrusday at SBO). The DT challenge for this week was to use the July Kit to create a June In Review layout. Well, did I have one hell of a June. I enjoyed creating my layout. I am glad I did it and am happy I have captured some of the memories of my last few days at HBS.

The gallery at HBS has really been rocking. You should come and check it out if you have not. Lots of ideas are running around at SBO and we have a lot of new members. What a kick butt group of talent. I am so blessed to have each of these wonderful women, and a few men in my life.

Enjoy your night everyone. Off to finish reading the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book #1. It is on Gails 3rd grade reading list. We are both reading it. Although the little cutie is in a race with me. She finished first and took book #2 to bed with her tonight.

June 28th, 2006

2006-06-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

So the obsession continues.

If it can be Mod Podged then let me at it. Gosh, I just love this stuff. I would MP my kids if they would stand still long enough. I have been banging out these clipboards again. Teacher gifts are the hot thing in our town and these little puppies have been a hit. 17 of them this month went out to special Shrewsbury teachers. And, I am now doing the back side of each board. Because, when you really think of it, that is the side everyone sees. DAAA!

I also have a new stepstool in the works for Becky and Michael. They are two REALLY close friends of Gregg and I. We spend tons of time with them, weekends, weeknights. Becky is my cosmo buddy. It is always great to have a girlfriend who is willing to drink and bling up flip flops on a moments notice. LOL. Well anyway this stepstool is going to go in one of the bathrooms in their house in VT. It is in Island Pond VT....Way up there! 20 minutes from Canada. It is a log cabin and I am going to use some of the camo paper Gregg and I bought for the store when we were at CHA. Can't wait to get started.

So, can you tell I am ignoring the fact it is my last day at work. Can't believe it. 12 years are HBS and today is it for me. Kind of bittersweet I must say. I am really going to miss my friends/coworkers. They are all so wonderful and talented!! I cherish the time I spent with each of them. They are SUPER!! That reminds me, I have to go snap some more photos of them all for my album I hope to make some day.

Time for lunch! Enjoy your day!

June 27, 2006

2006-06-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

My 10 Signs of Summer....in no particular order. I love them all!!

1. Painted toe nails (bright red please).
2. My tan line where my watch sits. It is the only tan line I get.
3. BBQ chicken and potato packs on the grill.
4. Vodka Tonics with a twist of lime.
5. My neighbor Amy's pool.
6. Cramping (not camping) with my college friends. Year #17 awaits.
7. The tree frogs in the pond out back.
8. Vacation
9. The smell, not sure what it is but it just smells soooo good.
10. Bug Spray!!!!!

June 26, 2006

2006-06-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

www.scrapbookeronline.com

Happy Monday Everyone!! So what is everyone doing today? Anyone scrapping? That is the usual post that I am welcomed by each Monday at SBO. I look forward to hearing what the ladies are up to. It has become part of my everyday life.

So what is up at SBO? Well let me tell you! We have two wonderful new Guest Designers joining us for the months of July-September. Sue Kristoff and Corey Wagner. Check out some of thier work below. I can't wait to see what they have planned for the summer at SBO. They are both very creative and always full of such enthusiasm. SBO is going to benifit from having these two ladies grace the DT for the next few months.

Sue's Work

Corey's Work

Enjoy your day ladies.

June 23, 2006 (Last Day of School)

2006-06-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!

The kids we're so excited that today was the last day of school. Here are Gail and Grant right after they got off the bus. Grant was so happy when he got off the bus. They all find out what teacher they have for the upcoming year right before they leave school. Grant got Mrs. Rice for 1st Grade next year. She was the same teacher Gail had in 1st Grade, and she was just amazing.

He is very excited and so are mom and dad. We are so looking forward to next year. But, that is three months away. In the meantime wee are going to enjoy the summer, relax and PLAY!!

June 22, 2006

2006-06-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

I AM BACK!!!

I cannot believe it has been one month and 8 days since my last post. God, I feel like I am at confession. My life has been in a world wind for the last two months. I am leaving my job of 12 years at the Harvard Business School, the kids have been playing softball (Gail), T-Ball (Grant), Gymnastics, Brownies, First Communion, Grady turned 4, Scrapbooking Workshops, Birthday Parties, End of the year scrapbooks for both Gail and Grant's teachers, 18 clipboards, and one pooped out lady I am.

I was just over at one of my DT members blogs, Julie Ann's Musings and was so impressed by her dedication to her blog and her craft. I read through her blog and then quickly kick myself in the ass to get back over here.

My last day of work in next Thursday, June 29th. I am feeling quite weird about the whole thing. I never thought I would leave my job at HBS, it has become part of me. But circumstances that came up yet again with my work schedule helped Gregg and I come to the conclusion that it was time for me to move on. I needed to dump the 3 hour commute a day, not seeing the kids as much, and having to run SBO late at night.

I am stating a new chapter in my life on June 29th and I am very excited. I am going to work on my vision and strategic plan for not only SBO but also my family’s lives and mine. There will be more time read with Grady, scrapbook with Gail, clean my house and just be happy ME.

There are good things to come for this lady. I just need to get through the next week or so and we will see what life has in store for MF and SBO.

Oh, one last thing. Thought I would share one of my latest layouts of Grant. Is he the cutest of what??? Moody little guy but very cute.

May 14, 2006....Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

So, as I sit here I am reflecting on the wonderful day I just had. And it is not over yet. My girlfriend Becky is coming over with her DH and little boy to visit. I can always convince Becky to come by for a martini on short notice. YAY!!

So I woke today to a wonderful breakfast made by Gregg and the kids. Lobster tails, eggs, cornbread muffins, fresh squeezed orange juice and the crispiest bacon around. All I can say is YUM!!. Then I took a nap and when I woke we went bowling. Funny time!! Although Grant is not the happiest little boy when he’s getting beat by his mother. It was Grady's first time bowling and he did very well. The between the legs shot is perfect for him. Then is was off to Chili's for a late lunch and now I sit...

Nikki gave me another journaling prompt so I am at it. She asked us to write about our mother's greatest influence on us. So, where do I start? My mother is why I am who I am today. Every creative ounce of energy I have is because of her. She taught me to sew at a very young age, and never once turned me away from wanting to do more and more. She taught me how to quilt and when I wanted to go to Art School for college she just urged me to follow my dreams. Even though making any money at being a painter or printmaker was out of the question.

My mother has always allowed Danny and I to strive for what we want, and never tried to hold us back. She is my biggest fan, and is always intrigued by the fact I can come up with a new idea and make it work. I have watched her coral a group of 50+ quilters on many a bus tour of NE Quilt shops. I have seen her gracefully walk up and down the aisles of a tour bus serving dinks and goodies to all her quilting buddies. She plans weekend events along with projects, food and entertainment for many and does it without batting an eye.

She can command a room and make people listen. She can cut you off and bring you to your knees without making you feel one bit insulted or left out. She can tell you like it is, and make you feel loved like no other. She is so giving of herself, something I just can't see me doing in my lifetime, and in the capacity she does it. She can take care of my disabled father in the morning, take care of the elderly neighbor in the afternoon, hit her favorite women's shelter to deliver clothes and furniture she picked up earlier in the day, cook dinner for friends, and whip up a baby quilt of two for her own charity "Peter's Quits for Life". And all this in one day. And this is a daily routine for her. This is not something she just does every once and a while. She DOES this every day of her life.

She can even mange to hit one of our favorite discount shoe stores and deliver me 4 pairs of Croc shoes in pink, green, purple and orange, and just because she knows I love them. God, I love this woman. And I don't tell her it enough. I LOVE YOU MA!!!

You are why I am the women I am today. Every ounce of me is because of you. And thank you!! Happy Mother's Day!!

May 11, 2006

2006-05-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well the ladies of SBO are at it again. Today was WAT and the layouts they posted were just the best. So creative, crafty and wonderfully thoughtful. Man these women sure know what they are doing. And the praise from members was just awesome.

I even got in the action with a list challenge layout from Amy. Thanks Amy for the challenge.

Check out more of thier wonderful work in the Fancy Pants Gallery at SBO.

Everyone!!! Please join us...

2006-05-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

...at Scrapbooker Online this weekend for our Mini National Scrapbooking Day event. There will be challenges, games and goodies. We are doing a scalled down verion of our Cybercrop this weekend so everyone can get a feel for what is being planned for our larger event being held the weekend of June 4th. Mark you calendars.

Hope you all can make it. Check out our FORUM for more details.

April 28, 2006

2006-04-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Just have to show off the work of my wonderful design team at www.scrapbookeronline.com. WOW, these women just impress me more and more each day I spend with them. I am so appreciative of the fact that they choose to spend part of thier lives each day with me.

SBO April DT Kit

Some of my favorites.

Nikki

Janet

Marjorie

Carolyn

Julie Ann

Amy

Sarah

April 26, 2006

2006-04-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Not the best picture, it was so dark in the hall. But her she is, playing Twinkle, Twinkle. She did not miss a note. I am so proud of Gail. WTG honey.

Today is Gail's big day. She is preforming in the Spring Street School Talent show. She will be playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on her guitar. I am so very proud of my little lady. She totally knows the song and looks so darn cute holding her guitar. Wish her luck. I will share photos when I have them. But for now this one is from the day she had her first lesson.

Creating Without Fear...Exercise #2

2006-04-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

So exercise #2 about creating without fear is done. Very fun. Can't wait to see where this all takes me.

Some questions to answer....

Did the exercise seem worthwhile?
Yes, and fun.
- Did you gather your supplies together before beginning the exercise?
Yes, except when I forgot the X, Y, Z. LOL
- Were you able to move through the steps effortlessly?
I did move through this pretty easily, although I felt like I was being timed so I may have rushed it. But, that is all in my head. Need to just get over it.
- Did you put the completed exercise away right after you were finished?
I totally did and that was good. Not sure if I liked it that much when I looked at it this morning. I think I may even try this strategy for some of those layouts that sit on my table for weeks on end. They seem to be getting too much face time latley.
- What was your first reaction to your completed exercise?
OK
- Overall, how did you feel about the process?
Loving it so far. Very excited to see where it leads.

April 25, 2006

2006-04-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I am going to give it a try. Writing down my creative fears that is. Kelly Angard from Creative Collage has got this exercise going and I think I am going to give it a try. I did my list earlier but then changed it. I had written down life frears. What an idiot am I. I don't think Death and Flying have to do with creativity. So here goes one more time.

Lack of energy.
Never coming up with cool and inventive ideas
Loosing my enthusiasm to scrap.
Lack of time to scrap.
Loss of creativity and drive for something artistic each day of my life.
Never making something of myself in the SB industry.
Fear of starting something and being let down when it is all down.
Just not being as creative on paper then what is in my head.

Enjoy!

April 5, 2006

2006-04-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

I got this quote below from one of my favorite blogs, Creative Collage. This really hit home for me. Someone also commented about how so many people get wrapped up in getting published and HOF that they sometimes loose site of why they are doing this. For me it is cherishing the memories for my family and children, sharing the simple things in life with others, and finding joy in creating something.

Getting published is a wonderful thing, and very uplifting. I was very excited the first time it happened to me. But, on the other hand it is a lot of work, and can take you away from creating a page or memory for yourself and by your terms. Keep in mind finding that happy medium. It is out there, you just have to find it.

Enjoy!!

Our human landscape is overburdened
with competitions and contests.
ART need not be a contest.
ART is a personal quest for quality.
Quality is the forerunner of acceptance.
Character is the forerunner of quality.
Be your own discriminating connoisseur.
It's this understanding that can take you
down the aisle to creative happiness.

- Robert Genn, internationally acclaimed artist

April 4, 2006

2006-04-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

My Blessings?

Gregg, Gail, Grant, Grady....Belle! My mother, the most wonderful women in my life. Always listens, cares and never ever misses a beat. My brother Danny, super great guy, hard worker, super dad, and the dad my dad could not be do to his disabilities. My Dad, asweet and caring man, delt a crappy hand in life but with the wonderful support and help from my Mom is alive and well in Boston.

Scrapbooker Online. My home on the net. I have created a place in my life that fosters creativity, friendship, love and support. Craziness and caring, caddyness and laughter. What more could a women ask for? I love it, every last piece of it, every last member of it, every last item that myself and my poor DH has to input into it. May SBO live long and prosper.

Should I go on? I know, you don't want to scroll do you. I always hate that. I will stop here. Enjoy!

April 3, 2006

2006-04-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone!!

We had a super crazy weekend. Gymnastics, Karate, CCD, and the return of the broken piece of Gail's new loft bed to IKEA. But, that part was fun. Because I came home with this little goodie for my scrapspace.

The little red bin on the far left is just the perfect size to fit my 12x12 paper in. SBO is looking better and better each day. Now to buy 15 more. Should I get them in red or clear???

We also went to the Spring Street School Fun Fair and Auction. I donated a scrapbook bag (filled with goodies) and a party to be auctioned off. It was a huge success for the school. The kids had a blast playing games, jumping on the jumpie things...and eating. YUM!

So my crazy week at work starts back up tomorrow. UUGH! It will be super busy at work and then home each night much too late. Wish me luck. Hoping to work out a better plan then the current work situation soon.

Have a great week. Enjoy!!

Scrapbooker Online April Layout Contest

2006-03-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me that we are already at the end of our year long "Scrap The Year" contest at SBO. The final months contest is going up on scrapbsubmit.com today. Here are the deatails if you are interested.

Contest Title: Hey there funny face!

Now that we have your attention its time to wrap up Scrapbooker Online’s scrap the year contest with a funniest photo scrap layout. In honor of the series finale we wanted something light at heart while commemorating April and all the other fools out there. Scrapbooker Online is looking for a layout containing your funniest, goofiest, craziest, weirdest, silliest, ..um you get the point ... photo. Come on make it silly and make us laugh.

“Uh-huh, and the fact that laughter has ten times the energy of a scream had nothing to do with it.” Sulley

Contest Rules/Details:

• Submit a scrapbook layout (8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x12) that shows us at Scrapbooker Online your funniest photo.
• Only one submission per person will be accepted.
• Include journaling
• Please forward journaling in plain text along with the photo.

1. All images will be displayed in our monthly contest gallery.
2. Open to US and Canada residents only
3. Please do not submit any previously published layouts.
4. Please include a supply list.
5. All winners will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 2 weeks of notification.
6. Winners will be announced in our monthly newsletter and on our site.
7. Winning Layout: Our Design Team will select one winning layout. The winner of this contest will receive a $25 gift certificate to our on line store.
8. Raffle Prize: One winner will be chosen by raffle selected at random. The winner will receive a prize from our on line store valued at over $10.00. Raffle winner must be US only. (includes shipping)
9. All entries must be received by April 28th, 2006.

Submissions can be made by emailing April2006Contest@scrapbookeronline.com Or by uploading it to the "April 2006 – Hey There Funny Face" contest gallery.
User registration is required

Scrap the Year
Scrap the Year is our ongoing contest. It is made up of a series of 12 monthly contests which this contest is a part of and the final month of. If you have not done so please take a look at this exciting opportunity and find out how you can win even more prizes.
Scrap the Year Contest

March 28, 2006

2006-03-28T04:37:00.000-08:00

Well the search is over. We have our three new Design Team Members at Scrapbooker Online. And are we excited or what. We now have on board three of the most talented and delightful ladies I have had the pleasure of meeting, in a long time.

We had so many great entries. This was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my entire life. Even harder then when I chose my current DT. This time around I personally knew most of the ladies that applied. And their work was just AMAZING. It was a hard decision but from the layouts below you can tell one worth making.

Amy Workman from Canada.

Kristy Huddle from North Carolina

Janet Covington from California

I am so impressed by the work these ladies submitted. The layouts above are from one of the assignments they were given. They were to create a layout with the words "Wicked Awesome" in it.

Great job ladies. I am so happy to have you on board.

March 21, 2006

2006-03-21T05:41:00.000-08:00

One more journaling kick in the butt from Nikki at SBO.

In honor of St. Patricks Day...

What would you like to find at the end of your rainbow?

Well, at the end of my rainbow would be a really cumfy chair. I would be able to sit in my chair with my kiddos and hubby all around me. Things would be calm and all would be good at the end of my rainbow. No stress, lots of good food and drink. Oh, and no calories or fat. YUM!

My dad would be up and walking around, no cancer. He would be healthy as a horse. Mom would be hanging out with us and the kids would be loving it. Her days would not be filled with endless hours of taking care of dad but hours of joy spent with her quilting buddies and grandkids.

And the most special guest at the end of my rainbow would be my mother in law, Gail Fabbri. She would be alive and well and playing with her grandkids, she never got to meet IRL. She would be so proud of both Gregg and I and the wonderful family we have now. She would be laughing and smiling and enjoying her time with her family.

We would all be so happy...because we would all be together.

Have a super day everyone!!

March 9, 2006

2006-03-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

I just want to say one thing and only one thing....I LOVE MY HUSBAND.

He is the most wonderful man in the whole entire world. He lets me be me. He lets me be goofy, he lets me ramble and lets me be nasty. And he still loves me. I am so blessed by him and what he does for my live. He is the best dad, husband and friend anyone could ask for.

I love you Gregg. More then anthing in the whole entire WORLD!!!

March 8, 2006

2006-03-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

2 more days until my fun breakfast with my new friend Jennifer Strano. Jennifer owns Strano Designs.

Strano is a super wonderful ribbon company that everyone is buzzing about. Jennifer and her husband live in MA and we met at the Manchester CK convention last year. We also hooked up at CHA in Vegas a few weeks back.

Our order of Strano Ribbon arrived last week and it has been a hot item in our store at SBO. You have to go check it out. Very yummy.

Well ladies...one more day until Wicked Awesome Thursday. This month our DT kit is being sponsored by Chatterbox. What a generous company they are. The kits they send were so full of embellishments, papers, cs, and stickers. WOW, I was so impressed and the team is doing such wonderful work with their supplies.

Stop on by and check things out. It is going to be another Wicked Awesome Thursday at SBO.

March 7, 2006

2006-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

My NEW SCRAPSPACE....Oh I am loving it. Now if I could just set aside the time to scrap in in. I posted photos during Marvelous Monday at SBO. I was the last of the DT to show off my scrapspace. Yes, it is new and improved. Still a work in progress but so far so good.

Old View

New View

Are you totally in love or what??

March 4, 2006

2006-03-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Nikki gave us an easy journaling assignment today. She is getting us all ready for the big "Sunday" assignment coming up tomorrow. She told us to think of a word that describes a relationship we have, then write down words that pop into our head remind us of that relationship. Here goes...

TEAM

fun,together, hoping, special, love, family, dreams, working together, supportive, helping, ups and downs, laughter, connection, work, hard, practice.

Marriage

special, giggle, sweet, thoughtful, helping, supportive, cuddling, angry, forgiving, disagreement, breathtaking, lasting, frustrating, compromise, touching, unique, laughter, family, together, holding on, enduring, smile, forever.

You should try this. Great exercise for future layouts or journaling. Thanks Nikki, like always you got me thinking.

March 3, 2006

2006-03-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged!!!!

Thanks to my good freind Patty I have been tagged. This was fun.

Four jobs you have had in your life: (other than the
current)
1. Doughnut Shop
2. Residence Director
3. Babysitter LOL
4. Ice cream shop

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Pretty Woman
2. American President
3. Toy Story
4. Blues Brothers

Four places you have lived:
1. Plymouth, NH
2. Boston, MA
3. Shrewsbury, MA
4.

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. LOST
2. Survivor
3. How I met your mother
4. Scarborough Country

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Cape Cod, MA
2. Florida
3. England
4. Old Orchard Beach, ME

Four websites I visit daily
1. scrabookeronline
2. Harvard Business School
3. weather.com
4.

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chicken Pot Pie (Mrs. Budds)
2. Giant Goldfish and Red Wine
3. Pizza
4. Indian

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. In our camper, going some where warm and fun
2. scrapbooking with my friends
3. The PBQ quilt weekend my mother is on right now.
4. college

February 16, 2006

2006-02-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

You have to check this out.

Wicked Awesome Thrusday at SBO. These ladies are just so hot this month.

SBO DT Kit Gallery (Junkitz Love Line)

Wicked Awesome Thursday at SBO

2006-02-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooker Online is hopping today. Come check out what the ladies have been up to.

Wicked Awsome Gallery

February 9, 2006

2006-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the day. Gillian is coming over to paint my scraproom. It is a deep shade of canberry right now and the lack of light is starting to get to me. So, we are going with Antique White, with maybe red or green accents. But, that is pretty much it for now. I also want to put a saying on the wall. Just don't know which saying to do. That is going to take some thought. Got any ideas?

Well, I will post picks in a few weeks. It is not my turn for Marvelous Monday yet at SBO. Couple of weeks away.

Enjoy!!

February 5, 2006

2006-02-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

Nikki at SBO has asked you to write your definition of a true freind. Here is mine.

Sweet, loyal, trustworthy, non judgemental, loving, listener, dreamer, silly, lets you go first, lets you take over the conversation, lets you ramble, lets you cry, lets you laugh, lets you pig out, helps you work off the calories, always tells you that you are beautiful...is always there, no matter what.

Gillian, are you out there??? That one was for you lady. Love you.

February 1, 2006

2006-02-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

First off let me say.

Happy Birthday to SBO.

It was one year ago today that Gregg and I launched the site. But, more to come on those celebrations.

Busy day #3 at CHA.

Want to meet my new buddy??? She was so sweet, and such a real person. And much taller than I thought. Guess who?

We got Pickleishish (sp?) at Rusty Pickle. Got some cool chipboard albums coming, paper and WOW! Chipboard letters, HUGE letters. Check out what you can do with them.

Monkey paper from Rusty Pickle. Very cute. Got some yummy Easter paper also.

Another great day at CHA. Met some really cool people. AHHHH, if only I had all the money in the world. OK, so maybe I need to go hit the slot machines. LOL

January 31, 2006

2006-01-31T17:46:00.000-08:00

CHA...Day 2

So as I sit and write this I am sitting in the Sprint Store across from the Convention Center. They have wireless and my cool DH just uploaded all the latest photos so I can share them with you all.

WOW, what a day MF has had. I am so tired, my feet are killing me, I have a class at 8PM tonight and I have spent more money today then I have in a long, and I mean long, time.

So, do you want to know what I bought or who I met???? Well, lets start with what I bought. So SBO is now the proud owner of 15 new Strano Ribbons and 15 new May Arts ribbons. Gregg can not believe that we bought so much. I just could not stop. I had to keep matching it to paper after paper that we had bought earlier. LOL

We cleaned out Crate Paper by buying every line they have come out with. All six lines, paper, embellies, and collections. Carolyn....OMG you are going to flip when you see this.

Then it was off to Two Bugs In A Rug. Bought 4 of the their lines. Super nice couple and boy was their booth hopping. Country French, Groovy, and OMG I can remember what the other two are. Can you tell that I am tired.

Then we headed to Strano Designs and put our order in. While I was there I took a picture of Sarah T. little book. BTW Sarah, both Ali Edwards and Donna Dowery both picked it up when they were visiting the booth. They loved it.

We are looking at some Nascar paper. Very cool. What do you guys think??

Also went to Junkits and check out some of their new stuff.

Then it was off to Heidi Swap. Bought the entire set of her new clear stamps, in her own handwriting, plus other stamps, large flowers, tape, chipboard, eyelet setter tools, etc. Can't remember here either.....too much was purchased. Or maybe I was too overwhelmed by meeting Heidi herself. Check out the little something I got for Sharon (Scrapchick). Hey Sharon...Heidi said she missed you.

Hey Nikki, I am off to 7 Gypsies tomorrow. And JA, I went by Ziage.

Have a super night ladies.

January 30, 2006

2006-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

CHA...DAY 1

Hey Laides, Well we made it to Vegas late last night. 11pm Vegas time but 2am our time. So needless to say we were very tired. The flight went great. No bumps, no nothing. YEEPIE!! Man are there lots of people in Vegas, WOW. Even at 11pm the airport was hopping, and the cue for the taxis was a hoot. We waiting for about 1/2 an hour, not that bad. We arrived at our hotel and had to wait a huge line to check in, UUGH. Then our room can not be any further away from the elevator. But, enough of that stuff. One to the excitement.

So we arrived at the convention hall at about 9am. Went straight to BG, OMG...we could not even get near the place. But, we did go back later and ladies no need to worry. We bought every new collection, new rub ons, more die cut tools, and chipboard monograms.

We then with Jennifer Strano from Strano designs. She showed us all her ribbon and we check out all the new colors she has added since we met in Manchester back in May. She mentioned Sara Baker and how she fell in love with baby Ruby last year. She even had Sarah's matchbook album she sent her on display. Will get a photo of that when I go back to put our order in. She has even named a ribbon after Ruby, we will be adding that to the store for sure.

We visit American Crafts, Makng Memories, Fancy Pants designs, Sweetwater, Carolees Creations, Rusty Pickle, 7 Gypsies, and a few more but I can't remembers.

Some highights from today.

Sweetwater is so sweet. Got to ge me some of that. Awesome papers and little album kits. Adding those for sure.

At Making Memories they have added a new line of home decor items. Huge chipboard letters in differnt words that you embellish plus frames, clocks, boxes, etc. Very cool.

Then in the MM booth I happen to run into this lovely lady. Donny Dowery. Very cool, considering what I went through to get my hands on the large computer disks that she make albums out of. I told her how awesome her book was. She was very pleasent.

I have more to upload but it is 3:45 our time and we have not eaten lunch yet. We are also going back for a reception and key note speaker. So off for now ladies. Hope you are all well. More to come.

January 29, 2006

2006-01-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

We leave in one hour. Vegas and CHA here we come.

But, before I leave I wanted to show you all what I almost packed in my suitcase today.....NOT!

January 27, 2006

2006-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

2 more days....until the plane takes off for one wonderful, creative, and uplifting experience. Someone better get me a martini, and fast!

It has been a fun day at the office of SBO, LOL. I have scrapped a little, not much work going on here. HE HE HE. But, I did just add these wonderful twills to the store inventory. How bad can your day be when you are holding 500 yards of the coolest twill, ever, in your hands.

Took this picture from, yes you guessed it, my bathroom. Just has the coolest light. Using this as my Photo of the day at SBO.

Enjoy you day ladies.

January 26, 2006 (WAT at SBO)

2006-01-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wicked Awesome Thursday

Well, today was an awesome day at SBO. Man did the DT just go all out this week. So many fun and exciting layouts to look at in the gallery

I just had to do another layout of Belle. The photo of this layout does not do her justice, it is so much better IRL. Thanks for looking everyone. Enjoy.

OH, BTW...3 days and counting until we leave for CHA.

January 25, 2006...4 more days and counting

2006-01-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

YaHHHH. 4 more days and counting. 4 days until Gregg and I go to CHA. I can't even believe it. I am so excited to be going. I keep getting all these post cards in the mail from all the companies that are going to be there. They are advertising all the new products they will be releasing. So many to look at, so many to visit, so many to dream about. What should we add to the store, what should we stock up on.....I can't take it!!!! How will I decide....

So we leave on Sunday. Non stop to Vegas from Boston. Me and the DH, I can't wait. It is the first time we have been away in about three years. My mother always takes care of the kids for us when we do away. Usually just a weekend here and there. But since my dad got sick with Cancer my mom has been taking care of him. BTW, she retired last week. She has worked at the same place, Harvard Business School, since 1957. Hard to believe someone could work at the same place for so long. She is the most dedicated, and hard working women I have ever met in my life. She is an inspiration for those who want to give up but shouldn't, and DON'T. She just keeps on truckin, no matter what. Love you MA.

Grannie Annie is taking care of the kids for the week, at our house. And Grandpa is coming with her. He is moving in to the study while we are gone. He is being a good sport about it. The kids can't wait. One week with Granny, what more could they ask for. It is even better then Disney. LOL

So make sure to check back here each night next week. The CHA update will be delived via my blog. Nightly updates on what we know you just can't live without. Have a super night everyone. Thanks for visiting my part of the net.

January 23, 2006

2006-01-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooker Online Photo of the day. A silk alium I have in my bathroom. Boy, I have been in there lately taking lots of pictures. Fooled around with my photo editing software on this one. You can tell I have a ways to go. Enjoy!!

January 22, 2006

2006-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

So this is what the back seat of my car looked like today when we were on our way home from the park. The human like dog on the right is the oldest of the Fabbri children, Belle. She will be 11 in June. Enjoy.

January 21, 2006

2006-01-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Dream Skirt

I had to post my dream skirt for all the ladies at Scrapbooker Online

This is also my photo of the day.

This is my dream skirt. For this month that is. I have wanted a new jean skirt, not too short, not too long, a little flip on the bottom.. Cute enough to be casual. But also able to wear it with boots and a nice blouse, which would let me get away with wearing it to work. Well, I sent Gillan, my best bud, out to the mall last weekend. I described the skirt and told her to find it for me. We were all at the mall for Gail's Build a Bear party. And I ofcourse, could not leave the party to go shopping. but my best bud was let off the hook. LOL

Well, her adventure began and ended very quickly when she walked into Ann Taylor Loft, where else? My favorite shop of all time. AND THERE IS WAS, STARING HER IN THE FACE. We ran in after the party, I slid it on and WOW, it fit. And...And...And....It was only 20 bucks. It was like Christmas all over again.

January 20, 2006

2006-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

OMG, it has been 12 days since I last posted. What have I been thinking. UUGH!

I just took this picture for Photo of the Day at SBO. Julie Ann was feeling lonely in the POTD thread so I thought I should join her. Pretty crappy photo, Gregg said it looked good on the camera after it was taken. And I am too lazy to get the kids to take another. Gregg is working on some new parts of the SBO site and the kids are watching TV. It is quiet and I just don't want to drag them away again. Sometime a crappy photo is better then a crazy house. LOL

I have been so crazy busy getting ready for CHA. Gregg and I will be making our first trip to there next week. VEGAS baby!!! I am so excited. I can't even believe I will be walking amungst the booths of all of these wonderful companies. Meeting people I have talked to on the phone for the past year, laying eyes on all the new products being released. It sounds kind of goofy but I get pretty emotional when I think about it.

I have informed Gregg that when I walk through the doors of the convention floor don't laugh at me if I begin to cry. I have been driving home from work latley with no music or talk radio on, and when my mind starts to wonder to CHA I get teary eyed. Does that sound totally out of wack or what. LOL

I keep telling myself this is just one more stop on the fantasic ride called Scrapbooker Online

So Grannie Annie and Grandpa O'Connell will be moving in on January 29th. They will be hanging out with the kids while we are gone. They are so excited to visit, and the kids just can't wait.

BTW, no spell check when using this comp. Sorry.

January 8, 2006...my decorating style

2006-01-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

Nikki at SBO is doing an exercise with all of us every Sunday. She is giving us journaling prompts. This sunday it is to journal about our decorating style. I guess mine is Pottery Barn meets the bargain shopper. I love the look of Pottery Barn, but refuse to spend the money.

All the walls in my house are some shade of brown. I like the color of dirt, it hids little hand prints and anything the dog may bring in. My trim is white and I am in to crown molding and waiscotting. Earthy warm tones I guess. Here is a picture of my house at Christmas. I love the way it looks with lots of candles burning and the lights down low. Another way to hide the dirt. LOL And, don't think it looks like this all the time....because it sure does not.

January 7, 2006

2006-01-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Gail made her first penance today. Penance is one of the sacraments you make in the Catholic Church. You basically tell the priest all your sins, what sins does an 8 year old have? He then forgives you and sends you on your way with a few prayers to say.

So we are in church and Gail is getting ready for her turn with the priest. She looked so cute when she sat down with him. I was teary eyed. I watched her do her thing and then she came back and said he told her to say an Our Father as her penance. That was all good...we said it together. Our Father....

I then asked her what she told him were her sins. She said. "Oh Mommy, I told him I needed to be forgiven for the time I hit Grant in the head with a pipe".

"So Gail, what else did you tell him?"

"Nothing Mommy, that was it."

Don't you just love kids! I am sure the 11 priest that were their today were having quite a laugh at home tonight with all the things they must have heard.

Bargain Friday (1/6/06)

2006-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I have always considered myself a bargain shopper. When I was younger and Jill (My Best Girlfriend) and I would go shopping, it was never for the most expensive. It was for the "Most" stuff, and for as cheap as we could get it. Well, now that I am all grown up, Ya Right, things have not changed. And with my love of Target Shopping, my obsession is still alive and kicking.

Grady and I had to get a new battery for the van today, so on our way home I decided to stop in are Target of course. Not that I needed anything but I love the $1 area when you first walk in the store. I was in such a hurry the other night that I ran past there without stopping. But I did catch a glimpse of some small round tins with clear window tops. Could they be the round magnetic tins I have wanted to get for my scrap room? I had been eyeing them in the Pottery Barn Catalog and at home stores but they were way to pricey, and you never see them on sale. Anyway that night I did not have the time to stop, so I went on my way.

But, today we had some time. So we stopped in. And OMG, they are the magnetic tins. They come in two different styles, solid and mesh. So I filled up my basket. Yes, I did give one to a lady who just wanted one, but you know I was there first. LOL.

I BOUGHT 20 OF THEM. All they had. And if I see more, next time I am in, I will buy them also. They were only a 1$ and they are bigger then the spice size ones I had been seeing. I am so excited. Now, I need Gregg to make me a metal board so I can stick them to it. THESE IS GOING TO BE GREAT.

I would recommend them if you are looking for something for you embellies. Way Cool. And the best part of all...the price labels on them are made of the really nice labels and they peel right off. Wow, I am having such a good day.

Oh Ya....We hit #65 on the Scrapbooking Top 50 today at Scrapbooker Online. I am loving my Bargin Friday so far and it is only 1 pm.

January 5, 2006

2006-01-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

OMG, am I sick or what. I have had this horrible cough for almost a month now. It has sure taken a toll on me. I think it all started when Grady went back to daycare. He was not there three days and his nose started running and then it all went down hill. Grant got sick, then Gregg, then me...AND THEN, the 24 hour bug hit right after Christmas. UUGH!

I am hoping I am on the downside of this. I am back at work and they are going to kick me out of here if I do not stop coughing. Sorry guys.

Well, I did want to jump on and say Happy New Year to everyone. I am going to try and post regularly, cross your fingers everyone. Hoping that 2006 will bring good cheer to all. Gregg and I are looking forward to a wonderful year with the kids. We have already started our camping plans for the summer. Booked up in NH for the 4th of July, and hoping to get to Pine Acres in MA as many times as possible. We love it there. See, looking forward to nice warm weather is already making me feel better. Way too much cold and snow in MA for me right now.

Enjoy your day!!

12/28/2005

2005-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

So the holidays are over for the most part. I am so enjoying my week off. The kids are having a blast with thier GameBoys and other toys Santa brought them. I love my new PJs and my AWESOME set of Zig Dual point markers. YEEPIE. Can't wait to get doodling.

We are going to VT for the weekend to spend New Years with friends. Four hour ride, so lots of doodling to be done.

We had a super Christmas. The boys got a table hockey game from my mother and it was so much fun watching them play with Uncle Danny and Daddy on Christmas night. My dad even got into the action, which was fun. Dad was not here for Christmas last year. He was in the hospital recoving from cancer surgery. The kids loved having Grandpa around, and so did the rest of us.

I do love the time we spend together. My brother Danny is so much fun. I always feel so relaxed and enjoy the time we spend together. I know it makes my mom so happy when we are all together. That is what the holidays are for. Many more in store for us. And I look forward to every one of them.

Happy Holiday and Merry Merry Christmas to all my SBO Sistas. Enjoy your family and friends this holiday season. Thank you for making 2005 so wonderful for Gregg and our family. You are all the best.

OMG...We are #60 on the Top 50 SB Sites

2005-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

The TOP 50 Scrapbook Ranking site has changed the way they do thier rankings and it now goes by unique visits per day. Guess what...we jumped 35 spaces today.

Now we have to work at staying there or moving up even further. I am so excited. Scrapbooker Online is movin and shakin. WAAHOOOO!!!

Enjoy your night everyone. Off to check out the message boards. Our SBO newsletter went out tonight so happy reading everyone.

BTW, the layout above I did for my friend Ann. She is one of the SBO sistas in my CJ group. Her theme is What I wish I knew...

December 14, 2005

2005-12-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Baby it is cold outside. When I got in my car this morning it was 1 degree. Holy Moly. All I wanted to do was turn around, go back home, and get under the covers. Flannel sheets and a big hand made quilt would do it for me. I would be off in lala land in no time.

Gail just got new flannel sheets for her bed and I have slept in her room already this week. I couldn't resists. So soft and cuddly. OH, that is comfort and warmth to me.

Stay warm everyone, have a super day.

December 12, 2005

2005-12-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my baby girl...GAIL

8 years ago today at 5:04 am you were born. 9lbs 9oz. You were just the cutest little rolley polley baby I had ever seen. Daddy was so proud of you and just could not stop staring at you. Then again, I don't think he knew what to do with you.... neither did I. LOL

But these past 8 years have been wonderful. And Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and the wonderful little lady you have become. It has been 8 year filled with...

Fun
Excitement
Laughs
Awe Struck Moments
Late nights
Early mornings
Crowded sleeping arrangements
Cuddles
Dreams
Exhaustion
Frights
Singing
Dancing
And just absolute love and admiration

For you baby Gail. I love you.

Today also brings a fun and exciting happening for me. Kelly Angard (Creative Collage) has posted my doodle of Gail on her blog. I am very excited that Kelly liked my doodle so much that she decided to post it. Thanks Kelly. I appreciate the time and kind words you have given me. I look forward to the ATC swap with you and getting to know you better. Your work is wonderful and very inspiring. Thanks so much for helping to hook me back into doodling.

December 10, 2005

2005-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

MOVIE NIGHT....Tonight is movie night at the Fabbri house. And at the top of the list is Madagascar. The kids are so excited. I am just looking forward to sitting in my chair with a nice drink in my hand, relaxing.

My day started when I got paged from work at 2:00 am. Yes, that is not a typo. I am on call this week and the security servers at work went down. Oh boy, so glad our Network guys no what they are doing. But, wait...its not over yet. I got paged again at 7:15. The entire network was down. That started a four hour ordeal of phonecalls, e-mail checking, and so on. Once again so glad our group knows what they are doing. And people say that the pager never goes off when they are on call. Go figure!!!

I also ran my altered clipboard workshop today. It was so much fun. The ladies that attened each made two clipboards each. They came out so good. But, because I got paged again I did not get any pictures. Maybe next time.

The I did a little shopping. I have had my eye on these fake poinsettas at JoAnns so I had to go get three of them. I may even go back for more. Gregg and I are hosting the neighborhood holiday party this year so the house has to look extra fancy. So far so good, I am getting really excited. It is a week from tonight.

Well, time to run. Gail is yelling at Grady to get his naked bum off her new Foof Chair she got for her birthday. It is an oversided bean bag that is filled with memory foam. Very cool. We got it for her in bright orange. It matches her new RETRO room. Got to go break that one up now.

Enjoy!!

Hey just found this.

2005-12-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

Love this photo from last year. DH and the kids look so happy.

Snow...Memories

2005-12-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it snowed over the weekend in MA. It was so pretty, the kind of snow that is light enough to shovel but sticky enough to make each and every branch you see glisten.

Julie Ann over at SBO has challenged us all to write in our blogs and has given us little assignments to go along with it. The first assignement is to talk about your fondest memories of playing in the snow. I just love this one.

The first person I thought of was my best buddy Jill. The picture above was taken at our 8th Grade Graduation. We have been friends since we were 2ish. We grew up together in Boston and she lives in WI now with her DH and three kids. We lived in a really great neighboorhood. We had the coolest group of friends. We were the youngest and the smallests. What that gets you in the Eastland Rd. neighborhood was the title of "Igloo Tunnell Digger". We used to have so much snow, or that is what I remember about it. And in 1978 we had the "Blizzard of 78". Well, needless to say lots of snow forts were built during that time. Jill and I were always sent in first to dig the tunnell. Becasue we were the smallest. Now, looking back that was pretty stupid, seeing that no one else could fit in the tunnel except for us. But, we did whatever Larry Craven and John Connell would tell us to do. They were the leaders of the Eastland Gang. LOL.

It has been a long time since I built a fort. But I did find those little snow block makers that I had when I was little when I was shopping a few weeks back. Bought them for my kids for Christmas. I hope my kids enjoy them as much as Jill and I did. I will have to ask Jill the next time I talk to her is her kids have them.

What great memories. I am glad that Julie Ann got me thinking about this. I miss being a kid so much lately. No stress, so much time on your hands, and SANTA. Wow, I can't wait for him to come visit me this year.

Enjoy your day ladies.

Turkey Day is OVER...back to the grind

2005-11-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

So today in the middle of an all IT staff meeting at work I was so depressed when I could not find my doddling pad. My girlfriend Peggy had given it to me and I have been using it in meetings when I am bored or stressed. Love to doodle, it is a stress reliever for me. Man was I bummed when it was not in my bag. And to top it all off Peggy showed me her doodle after the meeting and I wanted one to. WAAAAAA

I love Thanksgiving. Yummy food, good family, and a few days off. My wonderful Design Team at SBO had a great Wicked Awesome Wednesday last week. They had run out of DT Kit items to work with so they decided to lift our GDT Kim.

Man these women just keep impressing me more and more each day. What they did with the kit this month is so wonderful. Take a look at the SBO November DT Kit.

Wow!! I just love these ladies.

So, now I am looking forward to Gail's 8th birthday, you know that is a holiday in our house. The princess makes sure of it. Can't believe she is going to be 8. Life does just fly by. Enjoy every minute is so true. Gregg and I are also hosting the neighborhood party this year. It is a progressive party, three houses in one night. We always have such a good time and this year it is our turn. Then off to Christmas in the county (family party) and then to Aunt Joan's in RI and Moms for Christmas Eve. The worldwind tour of the Fabbri's is just beginning. I will most definitely be dead on my feet by Christmas day.

Time for me to scoot. Got to go hit the Mass Pike for my 1+ hour ride home. Looking forward to watching LOST tonight. Can't wait to really see what Kate's story is.

So the crazyness has not gone away....LOL

2005-11-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Still NUTS O in the Fabbri house. Except that Soccer is over for the season. OMG, can you tell how excited I am. But, now for the holidays. Thanksgiving in RI next week, Gail's 8th Birthday, Hosting the Nieghborhood Holiday Party, Altered Clipboard Workshop to teach, Craft Fair at Gai's school, paint Gail's room, Cybercrop at SBO on the 19th....OH and Christmas.

So should I go on.

One thing I have been thinking of lately, and a lot about, is doodling. I really want to get into this and have all these asperations to do it, and then I don't. I remember my first assignment when in college, I was an Art Major, was to doodle. I thought the professor was off her rocker. As a matter a fact, she kind of was. LOL. I had the hardest time getting it. I wanted everything to be perfect. I remember her giving us the speel about doing it while on the phone or watching TV. But, at that time in my life I just did not get it.

Now I do. I have come to a point in my life where I am doing my art for me. Not for what I think people want to see. I still struggle with the many...and I mean many ideas tossing around in my ever stressed out head. I need to get them in line, organize my thoughts. I need a MF's Strategic Plan. That is the Project Manager in me talking. I want to do things like: Catch up on the kids pages, scrap more with Gail, re-org my stuff and my space, make it look more posh rather then the crap it is now, explore me and what makes me who I am and where I want my work to go.

I want to create something, not just mimic what is already alive and kicking out there. I need to make my mark. I am thinking more now that my mark may not just be the paper creations I created but the community I have started at SBO. I feel like such a member of a "Happening Place" when I think about SBO and the fact it is mine. I mean it is all of ours but it was bourn from my thoughts, actions, and energy. Now, to take that and channel it into my artwork in some way is the next step.

So, any ideas on how I do that?

Anyway, who knows what I just wrote. Babbling or what today. Guess that is what this darn blog is for. LOL.

Have a super day to whoever cares to read this.

OMG...I am so tired

2005-11-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

I have been non stop for days now. Soccer, Gymnastics, CCD, More Soccer, School, Work, Work and did I mention Work. Just want to go home and go to bed. But, life happens and I am in it.

Hey did you see my cute cartoon avatar my friend Nikki made of me. She made them of all us girls at SBO. Take a look.

All my new friends

2005-11-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

So we had a chat at SBO last night. It was great. Some of our new memebers came for a visit. Nicole and Malin. And some of the old fogies even showed up this time. Patrizzia...that means you baby.

I am so overwhelmed by all of these wonderful women I have met. Even the kids are calling them all my name in my house. Gail and I hang in the scrap/sewing room and discuss my SBO sistas while I tell her about thier kids and where they all live. What a special time this is in my life. Who would have thought, this time last year, I would have all these new friends.

Now, for the old one. Gillian and Maria and I went out this week for some drinks. Which turned into eating sushi, coconut shrimp and mashed potatos. OK, so how freaky does that sound. But, it was ohhh so good. It was nice to sit and chat with these two wonderful ladies. We don't get to do it as much so when we do it is sacred time.

Hey, forget the spell check. Blogger is so slow right now. Excuse my spelling errors. LOL

October 24, 2005

2005-10-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well ladies that day has finally arrived. Scrapbooker Online has made it into double digits. We hit #99 on the Scrapbooking Top 50 on October 24th. Wow, we are so excited. Lots of fun activities planned for the upcoming month at SBO.

And I have to thank all my wonderful Sistas at SBO. Without them my dream and "little" web site would not be home to so many.

I love you all very much, you are wonderful ladies and my life is so much richer with you in it.

Now, I must sleep. Tyring to get to bed before 11 this week. Not sure if that will happen, but if I run and hop in bed now I have 12 mintues. LOL.

Night, night.

October 21, 2005

2005-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

My kids amaze me every day. So today Grady and I were driving through the town next to ours, Northboro MA. We drove through the center of town and Grady asked why Grant got to go to a friends bowling party and he did not. Now, the bowling alley is in the basement of one of the older buildings in the center of town. Grady, remember he is only 3, looked out the window and recognized where we were, and knew the bowling alley was in this area.

That just amazed me. He knew where he was and the fact he never went to the party amazes me even more. He must have remembered Grant mentioning the party when we would drive through this part of town. How does a three year old brain do that. WOW. He is just the coolest.

Can you tell this is the proud mom talking. LOL

October 19, 2005

2005-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just me and the kids this week. Gregg is away at a executive program until Friday. So far so good. They have been really good for me. Although, I do not hope to ever be a single mom. Wow, lots of work. I give all single moms and dads lots of credit for doing it all. There is a special place in heaven for you.

Grady has been having a hard time going to school this week. He keeps crying that he wants my neighbor and friend Amy to pick him up. What a cutie. I may have to take Amy up on it and have her get him one of these days. Maybe that will quiet him down for the rest of the week. LOL. Gail has been really helpful to her brothers. Sometime I think I ask her to do so much. But, now that she can do more she is such a big help I find myself asking her more. She has been walking Belle each day, which is great for the dog. God knows Gregg and I don't get off our butts enough to walk her.

Grant went to karate last night and did very well. He has his purple belt now, so he is so special. He will be getting his new black gee (sp?) soon. I am so glad he is doing Karate and the man who teaches his class is a super nice guy. I hope he does well with his school. The kids are all great and they laugh and giggle the whole time. Such fun for them.

Gail and I have been chosen....

2005-10-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

For a DT on www.scrapbookingkids.com. We are so excited. Gail thinks she is just the coolest, and can't wait for our first assignment. I am so looking forward to us working together on projects. This will be just great Mom and Daughter time. And she is so creative...she will teach mom a thing or two.

So we will be up soon on the site. Come check us out. LOL.

October 11, 2005

2005-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

So we had a great weekend, although it rained the whole time. We started out with our Friday ritual of going to gymnastics, then home for dinner with Daddy. Saturday we went to the movies, on our second try, due to the first time around every kids landed in their room for the whole morning because they could not stop fighting. Anyway, we say "Sky High", very cute KID movie about a child of superhero parents. Grady loved it, including the previews, he just could not stop laughing and they way he sits in those big chairs is something to be seen.

I spent Sunday scrapping, WAA HOO. I finished my entries in two circle journals, finished up my rolodex cards for a swap at SBO, made a birthday card for Kristy (jkhuddle on SBO) and picked out some photos for my next layout. I also did the layout to the right for my weekend challenge along with Marjoire's candid photo challenge. I think it came out pretty good. Gail is so pretty, makes her easy to scrap

The rain did not stop the Fabbri's from having fun this weekend. I really love the rain. I have been keeping the window open at night so I can listen. I love when the occasional car drives by, the sound of the splashing water is very soothing for me.

I'm back.

2005-10-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

So I created this blog and then have not been back for a week. I guess I am back tonight because Julie Ann, one of my DT Members on my website, www.scrapbookeronline.com, said she was gong to be blog hopping tonight. I said to myself I better rush over here and get something in so she has something to read..

Crazy busy week for me, that is why I have not been back. I keep thinking I need to stop by and then I get going on something else and you know what happens when you are busy.

I am so happy it is Thursday, that means it the start of my weekend. Yes, I am one of the lucky ones that only has to work three days a week. But, those three days are really tough. 7am - 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and 7am - 5pm on Thursday. I am exhausted by the end of the week.

I think I am extra tired this week due to the fact I did not get much sleep this past weekend. I went away one of my quilting weekends, with my quilt guild. I belong to the Proper Bostonian Quilters Guild. My mom is a member also, and she runs all the quilt camp trips. She is the Julie McCoy of the guild. So we stay at a retreat center in Ocean Park Maine. Yes, it is a retreat center, run by nuns. There are all these cute little ladies in their habits greeting you at every corner and they love to come visit us in the conference room to see what we are making.

Well, we stayed up very late each night, about 2 am to be exact. And then we were up early, had to get all the time we could to be creative. For the first time on this trip I did not bring my sewing machine. I scrapped all weekend. And gosh is was awesome. I felt like I accomplished so much. I put together my whole summer album, did 3 layouts, my rolodex cards for the swap I am involved in, and I started to knit a scarf. Was I a busy lady or what?

Oh, I almost forgot. I got to spend the weekend with two of my best girlfriends also. Jen Connell and Jenn Kelly. They had a great time. Jenn C. made her first quilt and Jenn Kelly make two quilt tops. They were very productive ladies also. Great job!!

2005-09-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

September 27, 2005

2005-09-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it. I finally took the plunge and started a blog. I really never thought I would but for some reason I have had an urge to keep track of my everyday life. Now that I have said that lets see if I follow through. Working, three kids, an internet business...UUGH. I need to get some organization back in my life.

I think what started this, besides all of the blogs my friends have, is when I picked up my new book "Love Your Handwriting", by Heidi Swapp last week. I started to read it and realized that in order for me to really make the most out of my scrapbook pages my journaling needs to be meaningful. Heidi's books guarantees that you will love your handwriting when you are done. MMM, I am still skeptical but willing to give it a try.

Anyway, back to my journaling. With all the crazy things going on in the US and abroad these days we just don't know what the future holds for each of us. I want my children to always know that their mommy loved them very much, and that I kept track of all the happenings in their lives. I want the words on my pages to be meaningful and heartfelt. Not rushed or sloppy. I am so afraid I will forget something, that in the process of writing so fast I do. I want the kids to pick up a scrapbook and not only see the pictures before them but to read what happened, read the tid bits of information that only their mom would remember, or in most cases see as significant. I know they will treasure these pages as their little hands flip though them. As their hands grow larger, I want them to always feel the excitement of those moments in their lives that have been captured in these books.

Ok, so enough of my ranting. I really just need to see how this blog thing works. I am going to hit the preview button. I guess if you see this then I was pleased with the results. Later!!