The Risher's

Noah's 2nd Birthday Party (the decor)

2011-05-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

When it was time to plan Noah's second birthday party I looked and looked and looked. I wanted to find that perfect theme that Noah would appreciate and adore. He loves so many characters that I was afraid that he would be into something one day and out of it the next. Of course, once I commited to a theme I wouldn't be able to change it just because Noah wasn't in love with it at that moment. I, also, wanted somethng unique that I knew no one else would have. I chose Barney. Yes, Barney the big goofy purple dinosaur. Noah adores him! Although, over the last few months Toy Story would have been more fitting, we had a Barney party AND It was amazing!

We decided to have Noah a pool party at my parent's house. I didn't want to just have Barney party decor...I NEEDED Barney to be in his swim trunks, too.

I asked my dear friend Veronica...a whopping 3 1/2 months ago to help me design this amazing party. I am one of those that needs to have everything perfect down to the detail. It was very important to start working on this party so soon, because Veronica is due to have baby #3 any day now! I just knew she would have her while I was mid party planning!

She and her husband, Albert, are both amazingly talented!

She did soooo much to help me plan this party all the way down to the colors!

I drew inspiration from all over, but most of it came from these amazing woman at Anders Ruff. Maureen Anders designed her son's 5th Birthday party and I just swooned when I saw it. I wanted her party! Bad! BUT I wanted an original party, as well. She had so many amazing little details, I just had to "borrow" them!

Here is a photo of the dessert table. I loved the idea from Anders Ruff to use wrapped clothing boxes as cupcake and cake stands. How adorable and inexpensive!

These are homemade suckers that I made for Noah's 1st birthday party, as well. Jenn Koehler gave me this cute and inexpensive idea before Noah's party last year. So very easy to do, and the kids and grown-ups alike, love them! Just contact me if you are interested in a "how to".

Veronica and Albert made me these sweet little thank you flags

Beverage station. I got these beverage dispensers from Wal-Mart and Veronica made the little buffet signs for me to add. I just added some ribbon and voila! If you can see in the background, V&A made stickers to adorn the cups and they made water bottle labels. I ordered the cute yellow striped straws from Sweet Lulu.

Along with the suckers, we had chalk for the little ones to take home as a favor. I thought it would be a good idea just in case the water was too cool to have something for them to play with.

The labels on the utensils and napkins are the same ones we used for the cups. SO stinkin' cute, right?!

My sister-in-law, Holly took the task of making the cake and cupcakes. I was sooo happy not to have to do that this year! My sister and I were up all night last year finishing the baked goods!

The precious Barney cake topper was made by LC Cakes. She does amazing work!

I framed one of the invitations to have on display on the dessert table.

In the bottom left are the little treat bags I ordered from Sweet Lulu and placed a label on each one. These were for the kiddos to fill with candy at the end of the party. I had three sand pails with the little shovels on the table all filled with Noah's favorite candies. All labeled...dum dums, smarties, and fun dip.

Close up picture of some of the cupcakes. Toppers of course by Veronica ;)

Cupcake liners from Sweet Lulu. I was thrilled when I purchased their "Big Top Cupcake Liner Mix" because it matched the party to a T.

Veronica made 5 centerpiece circles for me. I put them together on a dowel and placed them in sand pails around the pool area. I added some cute little red, yellow, and blue pinwheels that I purchased from Dollar Tree.

I made various pom poms and tied them under umbrellas and swings to added some pops of our party colors. I placed a photo of Noah for everyone to admire my precious 2 year old!

The menu was kid friendly for sure. I had Uncrustable pb&j's, applesauce, and goldfish crackers. I purchased a bowl, a platter, and a plastic wine glass from Wal-Mart and I made a food tower. My hot glue gun got so much use during this party planning!

Again, on the Anders Ruff blog, I saw cookie pops and had to have them! My sister-in-law assured me we could make them and we did. They turned out so adorable. (Note to self...next time do not use a 3 inch cookie cutter to make them...they grow in the oven!)

More party posts to come...guests, presents, fun!

If anyone has any questions on where I bought anything or how to make anything or any help planning your own party, please do not hesitate to contact me amberrisher@gmail.com xoxo

Noah's 1st Birthday recap (5/8/2010)

2011-04-08T17:34:00.000-04:00

I decided today would be a good day to create a super long post detailing Noah's first birthday party since today marks one month until his 2nd birthday. I know, I'm a little late. I got away from blogging for such awhile and I kept saying I was going to blog about his party to give credit to the lovely ladies that helped me.....and yet, life was too much for me at the time to even think about blogs. So, here goes.

When I sat down and started trying to figure out what theme I wanted I knew of course it would be Noah's Ark. I came across a super duper talented baker at Blue Cupcake. They had the most beautiful tower of cupcakes ever. Please, when you visit their site search "noah's ark".

From then on it was a must that the party centered around these cupcake toppers from Blue Cupcake. I searched and searched and I was so amazed at how big the party world was. I definately didn't want a "go to the store and buy a party...kinda party". I found Jenn's blog and fell in love. She always has the cutest parties for her 3 boys. I especially loved the party she threw for her Noah on his first birthday, just a few months before my Noah's birthday. She gave me so many cute ideas about where to find things and what to have on hand to preoccupy the little ones. I was introduced to Dani of dani notes and she designed my little ones party logo.

Isn't it adorable!

I made homemade suckers and marshmellow pops (seen above)

These are the take home favors for the little people (idea from Jenn Koehler) with Noah's other precious stickers on them. Favor box along with paper straws (not seen due to horrible wind) are from Think Garnish

I bought a shadow box and put Noah's invitation in the center and had Dani send me some blank circle labels for people to sign and place around the invitation

I got this idea from polkadots & pirates

Here's a photo of the cupcake tower with the homemade suckers on the left side

Noah really enjoyed his party. He got tons of presents and we celebrated with great friends and family!
I have tons more I could share, but I will leave with a photo of me and my one year old boy...can't believe in a month he will be 2. TIME FLIES. I am cherishing every single moment with my Noah.

All photos are by Photography by Becky Morehead

School Photos

2011-04-05T12:41:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I know I have been slack on the blogging lately. I am literally so consumed with planning Noah's second birthday party that I cannot focus on anything else. That is typical Amber, though. I always get so into something that I forget to do anything else. I can't wait to show all the awesome stuff his party will hold! SO...for now...here is my munchkin in some of his school pictures

Sweet Baby Love!

I bet the lady taking the pictures heard "cheese" a hundred times that day!

So glad to have some little springtime photos of Noah to admire!

Riverbanks Zoo

2011-03-17T11:33:00.000-04:00

Saturday, March 12, 2011 was Noah's very first visit to Riverbanks Zoo. We spent all week talking about all of the animals we would see, so Saturday morning first thing we asked Noah was, what are you going to do today and he said "zoo zoo". Another cute tidbit while getting ready Noah starting singing "tinkle, tinkle luddle taww" My heart melted!

This is Noah when we first arrived equipped with his puppy backpack/ leash. I wanted him to be able to walk around and see and not be confined to his stroller.

ABSOLUTELY adore this picture of Wesley and Noah all tickled at the monkeys going crazy! Noah's favorite thing about the zoo.

Riding the carousel waiting on Grandpa Jim to come back with ice cream.

So, the main reason for this trip is this. My daddy had never laid eyes on my precious little one. So glad for this trip...Noah and Pepaw really bonded!

(Actually yesterday Noah and I got on our Kawasaki Mule to ride around, and I asked Noah where he wanted to go and he said, "Pepaw Dim....monkeys" :)

Friday...YES!

2011-03-04T13:28:00.000-05:00

I am always happy when Friday comes. I get so anxious and excited to spend that extra time with Noah. This is my little man looking all suave in his navy dress pants and his little button down shirt this morning. I honestly cannot wait until it's time to see him this afternoon! I usually run to the grocery store and pick up whatever we need for the weekend. ( I make sure to have all of Noah's favorite foods and snacks. I think tonight is going to be a pizza night. I definately don't feel like cooking after cooking all week long. ) Then I rush home to clean and fold clothes and do whatever I can to keep from having to clean over the weekend, so it doesn't take away from my time with Noah.

Just wanted to add a few cute and funny things Noah has started saying and/or doing lately.

When he and I are sitting on the couch or reading a book and he hears something in the other room he looks at me with big eyes and throws up his pointer finger and says," I back" It is so funny, because I know he's telling me I'll be right back.

He, also, is say yeah a lot lately which is cute how he says it, but not quite so respectful. So, when he says "YAH" I say "yeah, what?" and he says "ma'am ma'am"

Noah is pretty clingy to me and when I have things to accomplish I have to try to distract him from him wanting me to hold him. So, I will say Mommy needs your help doing the dishes or mommy needs your help with the clothes. Since I do that, he loves to offer his help and says, "I hope". I love it!
Of course, there are things Noah says and does everyday that I think are amazing...those are just the ones that are sticking out right now.

Hope everyone has a good weekend! :)

The Weekend in Photos

2011-03-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned in a previous post that my child LOVES being outside! He drives us crazy with it sometimes. Even when it's dark he runs to the back door and says, "outsigh". We have to sneak if one of us just needs to run out to the car or check the temperature. :) So...being that this weekend the weather was AMAZE and we spent nearly all of it outside with munchkin. So, I needed to do some housework and it's hard to do with Noah inside with me. (Normally, I do all of my cleaning/cooking after Noah and Wesley are leaving in the morning or before they come home in the afternoon. ) I sent Noah outside with Daddy and I wanted to take some pictures of them playing and of Wesley pulling Noah in the wagon. Well, Noah spotted me on the front steps and came running. A bird flew super close to us and landed near the steps. This photo is Noah's reaction to that. LOL he is so funny!

The next photo is him trying to "ROAR" the bird away

Oh, those baby blues melt this moma's heart

Daddy's hat is cool

Sunday the boys flying a kite together...the squealing and giggling coming from our back yard had me smiling so big!

Slam Dunk!

Hope your weekend was as fun filled and as lovely as our's was!

We've Been Sick

2011-02-24T13:23:00.000-05:00

We've been sick....so sorry for the absence of blogging and reading blogs. I tried to read them, I just couldn't get into it. I have been at work despite how awful I have been feeling. Noah and I have both been coughing our lungs up....and last night I heard Wesley start. He is such a bear when he doesn't feel well.

Despite not feeling well Noah and I ventured to Bamberg Saturday to see Grams. We had to visit Nibbles (her dog) and pick pretty flowers. I couldn't get one of Noah holding the flower before he ripped it to shreds. oh well...

Little love with a mean face (not really, the sun is just in his eyes). We spent the whole day outside, which was fine, because the weather was beautiful.

This is love this morning saying 'cheese'

The little emblem on his shirt is a penguin. I walk out with his clothes this morning, because we always get dressed in the living room watching Sesame Street and say this is your penguin shirt. Noah says, "pinmen"...."I like it." This boy lights up my life!

I pray for all of those dealing with illnesses and sickies right now to have a speedy recovery! And have a great rest of the work week!

V Day (yeah I know Valentine's Day is over...)

2011-02-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to post a few photos of Valentine's Day. This is my little Hunk in his "love day" shirt.

(This is the second picture I took...he is saying "me see it" about the first)

Wesley was so sweet and had a box of candy and a card for each me and Noah waiting on the counter that morning. Since I didn't want Noah going to daycare all jacked up on candy we waited until that evening to exchange goodies.

Here is Noah with his SpongeBob Krabby Patty filled heart (he is saying Bah Bob, which is his way of saying SpongeBob).

Noah checking his mail to see what Mommy got him for Valentine's Day...note the pinwheel he tossed aside for the card :)

Our bouquet from Noah with his little thumb prints on it. It says, "Thumb body loves you"

His sweet heartprint he made for us.

Tonight we are going to a going away party for my sister in law and her family. I will update with pictures tomorrow, hopefully. happy hump day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

So, I don't want to have a super duper long post. However, I did want to share a few photos and give a weekend update.
Noah's 'Pete the Cat' book came in...and I just watched with a big warm heart as Daddy and Noah enjoyed the book together Friday night.

Saturday, after a long Noah and I took a long snuggly nap we went to my in laws. Wesley's youngest sister, Ashley, and her family are moving to Washington this week. I wanted Noah to be able to spend some time with them and their two precious little girls, Kailyn and Aubrey.

Sunday, we were so happy to have company come. Playdate with Riley and Stacey. We baked lots of goodies for Valentine's Day. The boys had so much fun. I took opportunity to get Noah's treats for class baked and made and turned it into a way to spend time with a great friend!

As you can see...Noah is very touchy and lovey. haha Riley probably was scared, poor thing.

I made several sweets that I got from different blogs. I made Valentine Confetti, S'more Love Bars, cupcakes, and sugar cookies.

These are the little brown bags I made for Noah's daycare class and just added in some bubbles, fun dip, fruit by the foot, and a heart straw. Precious tags from Shabby Chic Crafts The second photo are his teacher gifts with homemade sugar cookies and some of the S'more Love Bars. (Aww, you can see my boo in the background eating his special Valentine Breakfast from mommy)

This is my munchkin, so excited by his heart-shaped Red Velvet Pancake!! The boy loves pancakes and I knew when I saw that post I HAD to make him some. I put some leftover icing from the cupcakes on it and a few mini chocolate chips He was in heaven!

*To add to my last post of the things Noah is doing right now...I forgot to add that when we tell Noah that we love him by saying, "I love you", he responds with "me"...not as a question but I think that is his way of saying I love you, too. I love it! As he does more or I remember other little things I will add them.

Three months until Noah's 2nd Birthday

2011-02-08T11:49:00.000-05:00

This is just a couple quick little snapshot I took of Noah before he headed off to daycare this morning. Today, February 8, 2011 marks three months until Noah turns two years old. For those of us who like to tell our little one's age in months....he's 21 months old today.

I really have never been good at keeping up with every single little milestone he has passed. I have written things down and filled in his baby book, but I wanted to be that mom that kept up with every single little detail of his life, day to day. I ended up not being able to do that. I have had such a busy life since Noah came into the world. Not only because I became a mommy, but, because, I help run a business. So...I decided today would be the day that I would sit down and blog about all the sweet and funny things Noah is doing and saying right now. I wanted to definately try to compile these things right now before he hit the BIG TWO! :) I have gained inspiration from other momas like this sweet moma, who are doing their best to document their sweet babe's every move.

So here goes....

At 21 months, just 3 months shy of Noah's second birthday he says just about everything he hears. He is learning to use manners by saying "Please" and "Thank you". He says "Bless You" when you sneeze. He is learning the alphabet and points at the "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" wall mural above my and Wesley's bed and says "b,c,d,e,f,g". This is a step up from the "6, 7" he use to say when he would point at it. He love, love, loves to read and always has since we have read to him since he was a few months old. Last week at daycare they had pajama Thursday and the kidlets got to bring books and a stuffed animal (Noah took his 'If I had Wings' book and his 'Row, Row, Row your Boat' books and his stuffed Barney). Another child brought 'Pete the Cat: I love my white Shoes' and now that is his favorite book. I ordered it for him, but it hasn't come in yet. However, we watch it on You Tube. It has a music CD that comes with it...which is perfect for Noah, cause that boy looooves to sing and dance. When we are saying our dinner blessing or nighttime blessing he always says "amen" and if Daddy isn't paying attention he says Daddy! Listen! please. Right now, his favorite word is "no". Which, his Daddy and I do not like. We follow up with an "excuse me" and he usually will say no ma'am.

Noah, absolutely loves being outside...no matter the weather. He loves to feel like he is helping me or Wesley. He loves his shovels and pails and loves to play in the dirt. When he's inside he likes to watch Barney (which he was saying Balley now Bahney), Sesame Street (he calls this teet), Toy Story (aka Buzz), How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey (Ginch) and many more. He's not a couch potato but he loves his certain little shows. His favorite toys right now are his light up sword we got from going to the James Island Co Park at Christmas, his Buzz Lightyear figurine, his talking plush Woody, and his Barney. He has a playhouse that he got for Christmas that has a mailbox on the outside of it and I always try to put little goodies or prizes in there for him. He loves checking his mail.

We have a car DVD player that helps his Daddy when he gets picked up from daycare everyday. Wesley said Noah has started fighting him about getting in his carseat and the TV has been the reason he cooperates.

Noah is still very attached to me...he has kinda always been a moma's boy. I am not complaining...I love it! However, he has warmed up to other family members and friends, too. He loves to talk about his GiGi (my mom) and G Daddy and Molly (he adores my parent's gigantic German Shepherd). My parent's love to hear him call Molly (Miley). He hasn't decided what he's going to call my sister yet. Her name is Christina but sometimes he says Kiss Tina, Aunt Nina, or Aunt Edi (her nickname). He can plainly say my brother's name....Nick. He loves seeing his Grams and Grandpa (pepaw).

My husbands family is pretty big but he loves his Memaw and Gdaddy, too. He adores my nephew Kevin...for some reason he calls him Mark. It's sweet, though. He adores the daycare he goes to and comes home talking about some of the children there. I can tell he really likes playing with Tyler and he loves to talk about Sue Sue (Susan) the owner of the daycare. He has a few friends outside of daycare that he likes to talk about from time to time...Riley is the friend he has played with the most. He just got to play with Riley the other Friday when Noah had to come to work with me all day. Stacey, Riley's mom, thankfully, let Noah come play while I got some work done. When I picked him up Riley cried and as we were leaving Noah said, "Riley kywin (crying)?"

Noah loves to eat certain foods. He definately has a sweet tooth. I am happy that he loves fruits and veggies. His favorites are oranges, peaches, grapes, baked beans. He loves rice and pasta. He, also, like his moma, loves pizza.

He asks for ice cream about every single night...so I buy fat free frozen yogurt and always try to keep sprinkes on hand.

Noah always asks for "pinkles". He loves little toy story fruit snacks and marshmellows, too.

Noah wears a 2T in his tops and 18-24 months in the bottoms. He likes to help pick out his clothing...even his pajamas. He loves to have bubble baths and to color with his bathtub crayons (keywans).

There are a million other things I could write down. Every single day Noah does not cease to amaze me. He is such a wonderful, beautiful, smart little boy, and I thank God every day that he has blessed me to be that sweet boy's moma

Can't wait to go home to this....

2011-02-04T16:44:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend :)

This "cracked" me up!

2011-02-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share this card I found here . Definately added a little laughter to my drab and dreary day.

Weekend and other stuff

2011-02-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

So, I have no pictures to share from this weekend, sadly. I really wasn't thinking. We were outside almost the entire weekend and Noah loved every minute of it. Such awesome weather that makes me long to be at Edisto Beach.
We planted almost 1,000 pine trees (with the help of some family members), took several walks with Noah in the wagon, flew a kite, and just played. It really was a picture worthy weekend. (sad face)

On to Valentine things. I really want Noah to have this picture that I found on etsy from this shop. I like putting him in festive shirts to look cute at daycare or if we visit family.

I have decided on these cute printables from Shabby Chic Crafts to complete my Valentine goody bags for Noah's classmates. I am really excited about it. I always love planning and making cute things for his little friends. I wish I could do it for a living!

Happy Tuesday! xx

Cute tidbits

2011-01-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

So, I gathered up a few things that I thought were things to donate, because Noah had never touched them at all. Well, he found this bag of things that needed to be donated and decided to keep this little Beanie Baby Beagle. As a matter of fact, he is so attahed to it that it rides with him to and from daycare and sleeps with him. He calls it "me puppy".

Yes, these are underwear. No, Noah is not even close to being potty trained. He just loves Sesame Street and thinks he is a big boy when he wears "unnies" (undies). We put them over his diaper. You can see on the left hand side of the picture his sweet little hand reaching up onto the counter to grab them.

In other Risher news, I am working on Valentine things for Noah's daycare class...and excitedly working on Noah's second birthday party already! Both occasions thanks to Shabby Chic Crafts and the talented couple that owns it. Go check out their blog and store. Veronica is a super crafty and always has a cute idea to share. <3

Sweetness

2011-01-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a photo of Noah from yesterday. When his daddy went to convenience store he requested a Popsicle. Well, they didn't actually have Popsicles, but they did have Push Ups. Noah never had eaten one and as you can see he ~~liked~~ LOVED it.

I will share more from our fun weekend tomorrow. Happy Monday! xxx

It's been FOREVER

2011-01-20T11:03:00.000-05:00

I really wish I could turn back a couple years and have actually been documenting my little one's every move on my blog. It would have been a lot easier to keep up with all the sweet little things he says and all of his precious milestones.

The last time I blogged he was 3 months old....and NOW he will be 2 in May. I can't believe how times flies. Watching him grow has been so very bittersweet. I get so proud to hear him talk and watch him grow, but at the same time, I get a little sad knowing that he can't stay my little baby forever.

I wanted to update with a picture for any of those who still know I exist (haha my fault if not). This photo was taken by my sweet and talented photographer friend Becky Morehead. This was taken in November for our Christmas photos.

I will try to start blogging every couple of days to update with Noah's sweetness....and (fingers crossed) scrapbooking projects. <3

Getting Bigger...and Cuter!

2009-08-26T13:17:00.001-04:00

This is my little munchkin at 3 1/2 months old. Isn't he precious!! He weighs 15 pounds 10 ounces now...and he loves to talk up a storm...I just can't believe how fast he is growing.

The little necklace he is wearing is an idea from Amber Ulmer. It is a teething necklace..which helps so much with the drooling. Anyways, just wanted to update with a picture. xoxo

Noah Wesley Risher

2009-05-16T12:23:00.000-04:00

was born Friday, May 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long. Being a mommy is the biggest blessing I have ever received!!!!

Shower and 4D Ultrasound

2009-03-29T16:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my two very good friends Allyn Anne (far left) and Stacey (far right) gave me a baby shower at my moms house. I got a lot of nice things for the baby...however, I still need to do some shopping, because there is soo much that we still need before he gets here.
Tomorrow I will be 34 weeks and I am soooo very glad that I am getting closer to the end of the pregnancy. I am in the miserable stage now. I can barely walk or sleep at night.

The theme of the shower was Noah's Ark, which is very fitting since we are naming our little guy Noah. Below is a picture of him from our 4D session at 28 weeks. Isn't my little man sooooo precious...waving! It is a definate that he looks like his daddy!

So for anyone who still checks my blog...thanks for looking. Thought I should update.

Watching my baby grow

2008-10-30T09:08:00.001-04:00

Interested in pregnancy? Read about pregnancy symptoms
and find baby names.
Interested in parenting tips?
Upload baby photos and learn about breastfeeding.

Soundtrack of My Life (Scrapstars Challenge #1)

2008-04-16T15:25:00.001-04:00

Soundtrack of My Life (Scrapstars Challenge #1)
Originally uploaded by bennett012002

Ok, so big secret to reveal for those who are reading....the big secret that Shaunna, Jill, Bekka, and I have been teasing all of you with is finally being revealed...go see what it is all about. www.scrapstars.net
We have been working super hard on this project and can't wait any longer to share it will all of you.
This is a layout for our first challenge called Soundtrack of My Life...go check out the site and read there for what to do and the awesome prize that the winner will receive.
Thank all of you so much for being patient with us!

xxx and luv, Amber

Sneaky Peeky!

2008-04-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't been quite so faithful to blogging like I was trying to be before! Matter of fact, I have been slack in all aspects of scrapbooking due to this awesome project that I have been working on with these fab ladies pictured here in this layout! I have been so super excited about this that I have totally fallen off of the face with keeping up with blogging, commenting on layouts, reading up on your blogs etc, etc, etc. So if you feel like I have neglected you, please forgive me! I cannot wait to tell the world about the secret! It is going to be totally rockin!!!! Please stay tuned because you will find out sooner than you think!!! xx

Sweet Spuds layouts and TGIF!

2008-03-21T09:07:00.000-04:00

So, this kit was pretty fun to work with....ummm, I had somewhat of a hard time with it, because it wasn't really my style, but I did enjoy a little bit of challenge. The layout I made of myself was like the most random layout I have ever made. I generally have a story or a purpose behind a layout and this one definately did not! I have started to evolve my scrap style a little at a time. I get a lot of inspiration from others' work. Lots of talented ladies out there!!!

The two layouts of my hubs I was pretty pleased with....mainly, because I love both of these pics of him. He looks so cute and happy! He is my sweetheart!!!!
I made this one last night of my baby sister and her boyfriend Mason. Christina rocks with the self portrait shots.....it always looks like someone else took it...maybe it is those long arms she has lol!

So anywooo....so glad that it is Friday! Can't wait until the end of the day! Happy Easter to everyone and I hope you have a safe weekend....I am going to the beach! Hope it's warm! xoxox

Amber

New Challenge Layouts

2008-03-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

Ok above is actually the layout I made for the Scrap Mojo challenge blog. They are all so awesome over there! I love all of the dt's layouts and I decided to give it a try. Whaddaya think? Anywoo, this months challenge was in honor of Dr. Seuss...how could I pass that up. Somewhere on the page, you had to have "oh the place you'll go" and and, also, a little image about some of his books (which they provided for you). So, I chose this title, because I am actually going to be making a big change here in the near future. Details will be given when it occurs....it has nothing to do with my home life..for those who are wondering. It is really hard to make changes that take you from your comfort zone, but sometimes if you stop and listen to your heart, you will see that change is for the best....I am sure you all have experienced that at some point in your life.
This lo is for the Scrap Jacked challenge blog. Amy Lapi was jacked and she did a wonderful job! I love that site (even though this is my first try) b/c you can really do a lot without as much work. I mean, someone gives you a layout to copy and you do it....I can't make that light of it,though, b/c you are not suppose to copy everything...you put your own little spin on it! So I really enjoyed this a lot!

Well, other than that, I don't have too much to share. Got a haircut this weekend. Not a whole lot of difference, just a trim and some layers. However, there was a really old lady in there getting her hair set (Ms. Louise). Ms. Deb is the ladies name that cuts my hair and she is sooooo nice and funny. Well, I told Ms Deb that my hair is so long now that I can be like the girl on the Blue Lagoon and where my hair as a bra LOL I know! She laughed about it and when Ms. Louise sat down to chat with us, she told her what I said about my hair as a bra. Well, once Ms Deb trimmed my hair, it wasn't quite long enough do that anymore. I turned to Ms Louise and said, "I can't wear my hair as a bra anymore." Get this (she is like 80)...she says, "Just pull it down and tape it to your nipples." I seriously thought I was going to fall off of the chair LOL Old people can be really funny and enlightening! She is so cute, too!

So anyways, hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and having a wonderful week! More lo's to share soon, cause I got my Sweet Spuds kit in yesterday!!!!!

Hugs!!!

The Best Day Ever

2008-03-06T08:51:00.001-05:00

The Best Day Ever
Originally uploaded by bennett012002

So, to date this was the best day of my life. I feel sure that when we have children, that will rank up there or most likely beat this one. However, that has not occurred yet, so August 21, 2004, the day I married the love of my life, is the best day ever! This is literally the first time I have posted to a challenge. This is for Category Stories. Anybody who hasn't checked it out, should. It is pretty rewarding...I mean, even if I don't win anything, at least I feel like I accomplished something. I feel like I got my groove back.

For like the last year I have made a page here and there but let me tell you, since this weekend, I have made like 5 layouts! I am so happy! Last night is the first night I have not scrapped in the last couple of days. I had to have a break. I was seriously neglecting my husband, my pets, and my housework just to scrap LOL So I decided to take the night off.

With this layout, I used the February Kitty Robot kit. For anyone who has never heard of KItty Robot...you are so in the dark...LOL j/k Really, though, go check them out on etsy.com ....they are fabulous!

I also used some lovely Bam Pop goodness! Speaking of Bam Pop...I was checking out Holly Terra's blog yesterday and guess who won one of her awesome little Bam Pop homemade flowers?! That's right! I did! I was so stoked! if you haven't seen them go check her out! She is going to sign it and I am going to frame it and put it in my scrap room! Is she not the sweetest and wittiest person ever! She so makes me smile!

Also, I used a Shabby Chic Crafts tag from the lovely Veronica and her super awesome hubs. They have a shop on etsy, as well! They are doing amazing with their shop and I am so happy for them! They are super nice! Seriously, go check them out!

So I feel the need to scrap once again even though I have only had a one day break lol I might try out the scrapjacked challenge if I'm not too late. Anyways, we shall see what I come up with!

Hope everyone has a lovely Thursday...only one more day!!!!

xx, Amber

Happy Tuesday!

2008-03-04T09:46:00.001-05:00

So I decided that I would go ahead and try to stay on top of blogging. Since I opened this account I haven't really been a good blogger. The top lo is one that I made for my sweet friend Jill. Right now the poor thing is sick, so get better soon, honey!!! We did a swap like forever ago and she made several awesome lo's for me. Well, I was a retard and uninstalled my printer and couldn't find the install software to print her pics out. So....I stole this one from her flickr account so I could make her one.
This lo is called "Click". I told my photographer after the ceremony was over that during our first kiss that it sounded like the paparazzi was after us....all I could hear was his camera going off like mad.
This last lo is my take on the OLW's word TIME. I used the lovely Kitty Robot kit, along with American Crafts and Hambly papers to create this. To embellish it I cut out a felt cloud and used Shabby Chic and Elle's tags. The title of this is "Time Stood Still". Really, for me that day time did stand still. It really was magical!

I have two, non-scrappy stories to share.

1- I work in a mechanics shop...a very, very clean shop. It really is like spotless. Well, anyways, the hubs works here too and he pointed out a little mouse to me the other day trying to build a nest out in the shop. It was soooo tiny, like the size of a quarter. Anyways, I left food for her...I know, I can't help it...I love all little creatures. Well, my boss found out about her and said he was going to get rid of her and I begged him not to kill it. He complained but as far as I know she is still alive.....Get this, it poops in the toilet!!! Not once, but twice when my boss was going to use the bathroom he called me in there and there was mouse poop all in the toilet...how crazy is that!!!!???

2- My husband loves racing. He is a super big Jeff Gordon fan. Well, Sunday is race day. I care nothing about it myself. So I am in the kitchen frying french fries and I decide while that batch of fries is on I'll go shower. I went to take a shower...all the way across the house from the living room. I am in there washing when I hear this loud cursing and banging around and my first thought is that Wesley went to check on the food and burned himself or spilled the hot grease...so I jump out, soaking wet, tracking water everywhere, naked and run across the house yelling, "are you okay?" I get in the living room, where he is sitting on the couch, and say what is wrong? He said, "look at this replay, Jeff Gordon wrecked!" I was like you have got to be kidding me! I said, "you nearly gave me a heart attack over Jeff Gordan, I thought something was wrong!" These men with their sports!

On a last note...all of that complaining I did about not getting Ashley Wren's Rainbow Sushi kit...well, sistv has all of the papers back on sale. I didn't get the whole kit, but I did get the papers and labels and cards...so I am satisfied now!
Anyways, hope everyone has a good week...try to stay not sick...I am congested and sneezing argh!
xoxo

On Cloud 9

2008-03-01T20:34:00.001-05:00

On Cloud 9
Originally uploaded by bennett012002

Just wanted to share my new lo! Used the Love, Elsie Zoe line, along with some Bam Pop, and a super cute Elle's Studio tag! Hope everyone is having great weekend!

xoxo,
Amber

Not much new here!

2008-02-28T15:28:00.001-05:00

image_large_113447
Originally uploaded by bennett012002

Anyways, since the last time I posted...what do I have new to say? hmmmmm...well, I have been scrappy supply shopping like crazy. However, if any of you know me, I am one to buy, buy, buy, and not scrap with like half of it. I am ashamed to say that I have yet to use the massive amount of Love, Elsie Noel and Zoe stuff that I got right before Christmas. I have an excuse though! LOL We were moving but I still couldn't resist buying like every single piece of the lines. I also have a lot of older but sill good American Crafts supplies that I bought and haven't used. I also bought the new American Crafts thickers and the new awesome embellies they came out with.

Oh, and speaking of ordering a bunch of Love, Elsie stuff. I preordered the 4 new yummalicious lines she is coming out with. AND I preordered this months Sweet Spuds Kit. I am so looking forward getting it. I have never been fast enough to get one of these kits. I was so happy to be fast enough this month. If you haven't seen it go check them out www.mysweetspuds.com .

I, also, got the new Simply Renee Clip it Up. I so love this. I have always been the most unorganized scrapper. I have never been able to see what I have, and I think it has kind of hurt my lo's. I seriously would make a huge mess and still feel like I haven't created anything worth of "showing off'". With this new Clip it Up I can actually see what I have and it makes me soooo happy.

Another thing I have gotten addicted to LOL is etsy. I have been buying so many journaling tags made by the wonderful Elle and and the lovely Veronica. Check them out on etsy if you can find them. Elle's Studio and vmillan. I love them. I want to buy like every single new tag they come out with .

The card on the top of this entry is a card that I intended to be a Valentine's Day for Wesley. However dot dot dot....I did not get it done in time. So this card, became a "just because" card. It looks super sloppy to me. But oh, well. Total time it took me to make it was like 5-10 minutes. Anyways, I actually had more to talk about this time. I think I took most of the time to give inventory of what I have bought recently. I guess I have told you all this b/c I have no lo's to show what I do have lol

Oh and one last word...I would just like to say how pissed I am that I didn't get Ashley Wren's Rainbow Sushi kit from Scrapinstyletv....arghhhh!

Anyways, I guess I didn't move fast enough for it.

LOVE,

Amber muah!

Lots of news!

2008-01-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is a layout I made a very long time ago. Well, not that long ago, but a few months ago LOL. We went the the SC Museum in Columbia and that is where this pic was taken. In the near future (I hope) I can post some other cool pics from that day. The museum is such a cool place to go every few years or so. There is so much pretty art and so much history. The pic on this lo was taken in front or a wrought iron fence that was handmade. WOW! lol

Anywoo, we have finally moved into our new place. It is a complete disaster area in most of the house. I have so many things to go through and so much that I will probably give away or try to donate. I am on the way to getting my little scrap space organized....I have been so incredibly slack with anything that has to do with scrapbook stuff....with the exception of admiring everyone else's work online. I am going to get things going and try my best to start making at least 2 layouts a week. Cross your fingers for me : )

More good news, my sister in law and her family have finally moved to SC for good YAY! I have been waiting so I could spend more time with her, her hubs, and her PRECIOUS little girl, my niece, Kailyn! I am looking forward, once we are settled, and once they are settled to hanging out and spending time with them! They were in VA before so we actually only made one trip up there, when Kailyn was born.

Ok, well maybe I didn't have as much news as I thought. LOL

I hope someone reads this, probably everyone has thought I dropped off of the face since I never blog...so thanks to all who still check to see if I am alive <3

A hundred years!

2007-11-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it has been like forever since I have blogged...I am terrible at it! I have not been scrapping at all lately which kind of makes me feel down. I have to urge but not the drive! We are in the process of trying to move. I never knew what a pain it would be to establish a residence from the ground up. It will all be worth it once we are in there, I am sure. I can't wait to get my scrap room! I feel that you all will be seeing way more from me once I am all organized. Right now I have like 100 pounds of supplies stacked up in the corner and I have to scrap on the living room floor. Believe me, it isn't comfy! On a lighter note....tomorrow my mom, sister, and I are going to get pampered at a spa! Can't wait...hope you all have a good weekend!

New Layout....Finally!

2007-10-29T09:13:00.001-04:00

Well, this is my latest layout! I have been buying so many scrapbooking supplies lately and have been scrapbooking very little! Crazy I know! Anyways, I also ending up deleting the program on my computer to upload new layouts....and I can't seem to find the install disk anywhere. I was able to upload this one at my parent's house this past weekend. Just wanted to share it with everyone! TFL Have a great week!

"Fours Tag"

2007-10-15T08:53:00.000-04:00

And now, a "Fours" tag that I got off on Jill's blog!
4 Jobs I've had:
1. The Everything Girl at an automechanics shop....I literally answer the phone, deal with customers face to face, order parts, take customers home that need a ride, deal with the guys in the shop, do all of the paperwork, payroll, get lunch for everyone, and have even picked up kids from school. 2. I worked at a place called the Potting Shed when I was in highschool...I loved it. I love planting things..and at Christmas time, I got to make real handmade wreaths.3. I worked at Cracker Barrell one time. I hated it with a passion. I ended up walking out of there during my shift and never went back. 4. I worked in a loan company one time...big suck job...all of the people were screwed up.

1. 4 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. The Notebook 2. Sweet Home Alabama 3. Wedding Crashers 4. Hitch

4 TV Shows I watch:
1. Prison Break 2. Dirty jobs 3. House 4. anything on Food TV or HGTV

4 Houses I've lived in:
1. My in laws house 2. Our house on the river 3. My parents house 4. My parents first house (soon will be living in our very own house, for good)

4 Favorite Foods:
1. Pizza 2. Crab Legs 3. Sushi 4. Pasta

Favorite Colors:
1. Pink 2. Green 3. Orange 4. Red

4 Places I'd love to be right now:
1.back in Mexico 2. snuggling with my man 3. in the mountains 4. taking a nap

4 Names I love but could/would not use for my children
1. Mary, this is my grandmother's name, therefore I love it, but I have a hard time thinking I would name my child that...I have came up with Marly instead, to honor her....if you look up the meaning of Marley, it means decendant of Mary...my mom hates Marley though...2. James...this is my dad's name (he is called Jim) I had an ex boyfriend names James, called Jamie....there are so many people with that name and there are so many nicknames that come from it, so no 3. Trinity....I love this name, but it has become way to popular...I have been in stores and heard like 2-3 different kids being called this in different parts of the store. 4. Richard...no offense to anyone...I like the name Richard, because it sounds very classy, but I would not like my son being called Dick.

If I tag you, you MUST do this! Or else... something horrible will happen to you in 10 minutes! Lol, I'm jk. Don't you just love getting email forwards that say "If you don't pass this on after 6 minutes, you will have bad luck for 6 years!" Or whatever. Ridiculous! No but seriously, do the tag! I want to read my friends answers! :)

October Afternoon

2007-10-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

This is the October kit for scrapbookcircle.com....it is definately a must have...I have been waiting for the October Afternoon products to go on sale at some of the regular sites I visit and I haven't seen anything yet. For some reason I am totally in love with this new line. Maybe it is because it is so new and fresh. Anyways, I have an itch to get this one, so I think I will before it ends up selling out. I wish I could find more stores that have listings for these products or at least have the option to preorder...maybe more will come about! Anyways, hope everyone has a good weekend! xoxo

My Kits!

2007-10-01T09:26:00.001-04:00

These are the kits that I put together to sell at my etsy shop. I made these two layouts to show how they can be used. Anyone who does not have an etsy shop can contact me here and I will see about getting you one. I am planning on sending one out as a gift (either kit) person's choice. Let me know what you all think!!!!

Everything is here!!!

2007-09-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

Ok, peeps, I have everything I need to get the kits up for sale at my etsy shop. As soon as I get them all together I am going to post them here and at the shop and will post a link for you! I am going to play with all of the goodies over the weekend and see what I can come up with for some inspiration. Have a good weekend!!!!

Goodies Arriving!

2007-09-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hello, everyone. I got the biggest bulk of supplies for one of my kits today in the mail. I am waiting on a few more items and I will have one of my kits up for sale...hopefully this week. I plan on having two kits to start with and will have three of each for sale. Once, I get everything in, I will make a couple of scrapbook pages showing some ideas with all of the goodies that will be in the kits and post pictures here on the blog of all of the items. You guys don't even know how excited I am!!! If these particular kits go over well with everyone, then I will eventually raffle off one or two, and plus keep coming up with more kits for sale. I hope everyone stays glued to my blog to see what I have in store for you....have a great Monday!!!

Happy Wednesday!

2007-09-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

Hey, this post is just to show everyone my newest layout. I actually made this layout about a month ago and I am just now getting up and posted. I made this primarily of Tinkering Ink products with a little Prima, Luxe, and American Crafts. I love this picture of us...even though, as usual, we are taking it of ourselves. This was taken on the beach in front of our hotel in Myrtle Beach. I love when we go on vacation, but we always have a bunch of pics of me by myself or a bunch with Wesley by hisself or shots like this one. I got smart while we were in Myrtle Beach, though, and sat the camera on top of the TV in our room with the timer and got a couple like that before we went out to eat. Anyways, let me know what you think of my new page!!!

So Very Excited!!!!

2007-09-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

So, you see the look on my face in the middle? The left is my sister in law, Ashley (the last blog I posted "Miss Kailyn" is her little girl). The one on the left is my sister in law, Amy (the beach blog I posted is pics of her kids). Well, the point of this pic is to show the excitement and laughter in my face. That is exactly how I feel right now. I found out today that Wesley and I got approved for everything with our home. We are just waiting on the title search to come back so we can have a closing. About 90% of our stuff has been in storage for the last almost 2 years, so I am really happy to be able to be surrounded with all of my stuff and my pictures again soon. The sad part of moving is that, these past couple of years we have been living my my mother and father in law and it is going to be hard to leave them. I have gotten so use to having a live in girlfriend. Coming home everyday and being able to sit down and chat with her and spending time with her is what I will miss the most. She really is like a second mother to me, so despite the excitement of being on our own again...there is also a sadness. It is all very bittersweet. Well, this kind of went from happy to sad really quickly just by thinking about that. The good thing, though, is that we will only be about 30 minutes away, and we only work about 15 minutes away, so it isn't like we are moving hours away or anything. Just wanted to share the good news....oh yea, and another perk is that I can have a scrap room!!!!

Miss Kailyn

2007-09-14T09:17:00.001-04:00

This is my sweet, little niece, Kailyn. Doesn't she look so sweet and precious sleeping? I took this photo of her on her first birthday, August, 4, 2007.
Right after she was born we went up to VA to see her. In the following months after that, her mom and dad came home for a few weeks so I felt like I got to see her so much. It was weird for me to have so much contact with a baby that I love so much. The last time I spent that much time with a little one was when my brother and sister were babies (they are 18 and 20 now). To be honest, it made me get baby fever a little bit. I felt like I bonded with Kailyn instantly. I was so excited to know Ashley was going to be having her. She is such a gorgeous baby! I will have to admit I took it kind of hard when they came home for her 1st birthday only because I was so use to being able to hold and snuggle with Kailyn from before. Well....now she was one, and she hadn't seen me in like 6 months....basically I was a stranger : ( She warmed up to me a little bit before they left. She really only wanted to be touched by her moma and no one else. So I am writing this basically because I am really excited to say that Ashley, Brian, and Kailyn will be moving home after the first of the year. I am really looking forward and hoping that I can get Kailyn to feel more comfortable with me again. I can't wait!!!!

2007-09-13T13:58:00.000-04:00

This is a layout I created awhile back. This is my most favorite photo of Wesley and me from our wedding reception. I used a combo of Tinkering Ink lines to create this. Also, my first time using the Heidi Swapp cards, which I love. They are huge and so fun to work with. This is one of my favorite layouts that I have ever made....believe me, it looks much better in person. I suck at taking photos of my layouts...they always look so off balanced and you can see the couch or the carpet on at least 2 corners.... I so have to practice taking better and straighter shots, because I sure can make them look so lopsided and messed up. I think the reason I love this layout so much is, for one, this is my favorite picture ever, and two because I really have received a lot of praise on this layout from all of the lovely girls at sb.com and createmykeepsake.com. Well, that is it for now...should have some new stuff up and posted for tomorrow. Have a good one! xoxo, Amber

Beachy weather is almost over : (

2007-09-13T09:28:00.000-04:00

Well, the beach weather is almost over...which in a way makes me really down and out. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas season more than any other time of the year, but during the summer, since my parents have a beach house....I get to see my family a lot more often. My mom is a teacher, therefore, she has the summer off, so I could see her like every single weekend. One really sweet moment during the summer that I experienced was taking my mother in law, sister in law, and her two kids down there for the day. This was the first time Morgan and Zachary have ever been to the beach. It was so sweet to watch them playing in the water and sand, finding shells and feeding the seagulls. Here are some pics from that day.

So Glad it is Hump Day!!!

2007-09-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

Well, Wednesday is almost over! Thank goodness for that, only 2 more days until relaxation...I think. It seems like the past few days have gone slowly by. I think this evening I will go home and try to get some scrapbooking done. I recently made a clock for my niece Brittany. This is the picture of it over there on the left...my digi doesn't ever do my work any justice..I gotta do something about that. So if there is anyone out there that may want to share some ideas or scrapbooking pages with me, please feel free to do so.