New Start

Hi everyone!
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I thought New Start was the perfect title for today's post, not only because of the layout below, but because we close on our new house on Wednesday. I can't tell you the whirlwind of emotions I am feeling right now. I hate the thought of leaving Bloomington but I am so ready to get this move overwith.
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So what better time to create a layout about starting at a new school than now. Took these pictures less than two years ago at the beginning of 3rd grade for L and 5th grade for K. That teacher in the picture with K in the upper left corner is the most amazing teacher you could ever meet. I am in constant awe of everything she does from the way she handles the class to everything she teaches those kids. She goes so far beyond the curriculum. Adore her and I am very sad that L will not have the chance to be in her class.
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I also have a give away before I go. I just got my comp copy of the April Scrapbook Etc. in the mail and since I already subscribe I have an extra copy that I want to give away. So leave me a comment and I will pick a winner next Tuesday.
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Have a wonderful week everyone and thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
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It is a dreary day here but wonderful none the less. How can I complain when I have been so incredibly blessed???
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This weekend the girls got to do something pretty cool. I was still feeling a but under the weather so DH took them to L's gym where they got to meet....
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Dominique Dawes, three time olympic gymnast!!!! How cool is that???? She was in town to speak at IU and somehow the gym managed to snag her for a meet and greet at the gym. The girls said she was a great speaker and very relavent to any athlete. Afterward there was a bit of time for photos and autographs. DH apologizes for the blurry photo above. He said they were quite rushed when it got to this point.
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L got her gym t-shirt signed. I am sure that is going to be a treasure for years to come. We have enjoyed being a part of this amazing gym family and will miss all of them so much. See that sweet girl in background? She is our local star. She won 1st in vault and 3rd all around (I think) at Nationals this last year and plans on trying out for upcoming Olympics. She is amazing to watch but better than that, she is just the sweetest girl. She is always giving L hugs and smiling at everyone she meets. Great kid!
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Of course, I have a card to share with you today too. This week's assignment for Emma's Paperie was to create a Antique inspired project.

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You can find my supply list here. Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope your Valentine's Day is full of love and laughter.

Bleckkk

That's how I am feeling this morning. Whatever is going through our house just won't go away. Today, I can't talk. Can't breathe. Can't get my eyes to stop watering. Bleck.We have another showing today and I am not sure I can get up the energy to clean up my kitchen. K and I did a lot of cooking and baking last night. We made my mom's Beef Stroganoff recipe and then K made this recipe. My mom used to make a cake like this and I haven't had it in a long time. I was NOT too sick to sample a bit. :) It was delish. Needless to say though, after letting my 11 year old bake last night, my kitchen needs some help.
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I think I may sit by the fire and read for a bit before I attempt to clean the kitchen. I have had a little bit of time to read lately and have read some really good books. I just finished The Handmaid's Tale for my book club. It was such a good book with so much to think about. Will definitely give us so much to talk about. I also just finished the Book Thief. Really liked this one too. The main character was a girl who grew up in Germany during Hitler's reign. Which gave K and I a lot to talk about since they are studying WWII at school right now. I have just started the Girl in the Tangerine Scarf which was recommended by one of the woman in my book club. I am only about 30 pages in so I can't really give a good recommendation but it is interesting to me since it takes place in Indiana. Will let you know on this one. I will probably have some time to read once we move since I most like not start volunteering a whole lot until next school year. I would love some book recommendations. What are some of your favorite books?
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I wanted to post today though so I could share this project I created for the color challenge over at Emma's Paperie. Although I believe that those lovely Je t'Adore papers and and stickers by Making Memories are already sold out. If you are looking for the other supplies I used you can find them here.
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Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend!

Vintage Valentine

Hi everyone!
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Quick post today because I am heading out for a girls' day with a friend. I wanted to share a Valentine's Day card I made using lots of Creative Charms and Sizzix though before I go.
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Supplies:
Vintage Pearl Brads by Creative Charms

Vintage Poppies by Creative Charms

Gradient Gem Stickers by Creative Charms

Ornate Frame Back #2 Die by Sizzix

3-D Flowers Die by Sizzix

Flourish Corners #2 Die by Sizzix

Tres Jolie Collage by Making Memories

Floral Ledger by Making Memories

French Label Stickers by Making Memories

Sepia Archival Inks by Ranger

Pink cardstock by Bazzill
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Make sure to stop by Creative Charms to check out the new Deal. All this for just $6.99!

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Slowly

We are slowly getting over the ickies around here. My youngest was running a fever last week during all of the ice days. Friday my oldest ended up staying home from school with a fever. She seems to be doing better but still has a nagging headache.

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I have been busy trying to decide on blinds and mirrors for the new house. DH is going to meet with the blinds consultant this week when he is up in Fort Wayne. This scares me a bit but I have faith in my sweet husband. That and we are just getting the blinds for all of the bedrooms so that we can actually sleep after we move. :) The mirrors are for the master bathroom, as well as, the guest bath on the main floor. I want to replace the flat mirrors in those places with decorative mirrors. The builder has agreed to install them but I have to find the right mirror. My sweet friend Amanda is going to spend the day with me looking at mirrors. I can't wait. It has been too long since we had a girls' day. These are a few of the mirrors that are on the top of my list right now.

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This one is the main contender for the guest bath.

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These next three are the ones we have found so far for the master. I definitely like the first two better I think. But the size of the last one is closer to the right size. The first two are a bit narrow.

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So what do you think? I talked to a someone this weekend that was talking about creating a custom sized mirror also. I am going to go see her tomorrow and check out prices. That way I could pick out the molding I like the best and get the exact size we need.

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I also have a project to share with you also. I finally got a chance to create a mini album about our trip this summer. I actually have a few more pages to finish but this is what I have done so far.
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You can find the supply list here. I hope to post a project tomorrow for Creative Charms as well. I need the skies to clear up a bit first though. Quite dreary here today.