My Newest Kit - Family Traditions

Good morning, everyone! Busy weekend planned here with a visit from my father in law. He's such a NICE man and really enjoy having him. But before I start the cooking and panic housecleaning LOL I wanted to share a scraplet made with my newest kit, Family Traditions. Those of you that know me are aware that HERITAGE kits are my all-time favorites, and genealogy is my second love. Throughout the years, I have managed to trace my Watson side to my gggrandfather, James Watson. Family tradition says he "came from Scotland", but research leads us to believe it was actually HIS father that arrived here sometime around 1750. You know all those polls that say "Who would you like to have dinner with?" Well, for me it would be JAMES WATSON. Oh! The questions I would ask him, and I would savor every little piece of that conversation!

This is one reason I love scrapbooking. I am hoping future generations will enjoy my layouts made with our precious family photos. Some of the photos are not good quality, but they are my treasures anyway. Nothing gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes to come across one, or to find bits of information about my Watson line on the internet.

I created Family Traditions in rich shades of gold and red. I hope you find it useful for scrapping your heritage photos, and I would SO love to see any layouts you have done with it! To help you get started, here is my first layout done with it. This is my grandfather and grandmother, Audie and Agnes Watson. The partial photo is of their son, my father, Guy Watson. You can find Family Traditions HERE at One Single Seed.



And by the way, if you haven't visited Treasures to Scrap lately, you will find EVERYTHING is new, including the name! It is now One Single Seed. Mosey on over and check out the BEAUTIFUL new site. The Grand Opening will be coming up VERY soon with sales and fun challenges! It's all very exciting and you won't wanna miss it!

I hope you'll visit again next week when I have Scraplet #2 for your downloading pleasure! Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!



DOWNLOAD SCRAPLET #1 HERE

A Song for New Beginnings

Several years ago, when I married Eric, an old boyfriend sent this song to me. I was so touched by the lyrics that it became one of my favorite songs. Somewhat later, my darling second daughter moved to New Zealand, as far as she can get from me and still be on the same planet. My broken heart remembered this song, and how appropriate it is for a parent and child relationship, and I sent it to her. Recently, I sent it to a good friend to use in a slide show of his beloved niece. His niece is handicapped, and he is constantly reminded he won't always be there to wrap her in his love and care.

And now, some very dear friends of mine are embarking on a journey of their own. I am sending this to you, my friends - to tell you I'm happy for you, and excited, and that you can always count on me. I'll be here for you.

"When You Come Back Down" - by Nickel Creek, a song about New Beginnings, faithfulness and devotion for a friend, lover or beloved child. I hope you will take the time to listen to the lyrics. I'm going to leave this up for a bit, so I can listen, too..and be reminded how valuable old friends are to me.

I'll be back this weekend with an announcement of my newest kit, Family Traditions, and a scraplet or two to help you kick-start your heritage scrapping! For now, thank you to everyone for your support. You mean the world to me :)

Adorable layout!

I just had to share an adorable layout done by my good friend, Scrappee aka Darlene! She surprised me by emailing this cutie that she did of Izzy and Pearl. Thank you, Darlene, for making my day and putting smile on my face! You RAWK!

Updates on Izzy & Pearl

Wow - I'm just amazed at the progress these two girls are making! Izzy is now officially the love of my life. LOL She is my constant companion, always at my feet or by my side. It appears to me that everything an Aussie is, Izzy is DOUBLE it. I always knew JJ was smart, but I honestly think Izzy has her beat. Perhaps that is because she is young, and throughout the years I forgot how smart JJ was when she was a young dog. Izzy never takes her eyes off me, and watches every move I make. I think she would make a FABULOUS agility dog - so focused on me and what I want from her. When she plays in the backyard, she is POETRY in MOTION as she glides around at the speed of light!

Given that she lived her entire life in a kennel, she has learned so much in the past couple of months. She was never fearful, but confused by strange situations and people. Housebreaking was a breeze, leash training is coming along great (not her fault the weather has been so crappy that we don't have much practice time), she is actually now friends with one of the cats. This cat adored JJ, and is determined that Izzy is now going to be HER dog! Too funny.

She goes willingly to her crate when it's time for me to go to work - well, willingly for a little bite of cheese :) When I come home at lunch to give them potty breaks, or when I come home at night, she literally cannot stop WIGGLING for joy! She has a goofy nature, and laughs as only an Aussie can do.

I never thought I could love a dog as much as I do JJ. JJ will FOREVER be in my heart - I still burst into tears sometimes when I think of her. But I think Izzy is a gift to me - to heal my broken heart and to teach me even more about this incredible breed, the Australian Shepherd. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing her an injustice by making her my pet. She is so smart and so talented, I believe she could be a star with the right training. With me, she will live her life by my side, loved, enjoyed and adored. And she will grow old and fat, right along with me. LOL I hope it's enough.

Pearl is doing AMAZINGLY well! She is putting on weight and learning her place in our household. Eric simply ADORES that dog, and the feeling is mutual. I am trying hard to not bond with Pearl because she is supposed to be Eric's dog, which is okay with her. She prefers Eric! LOL Although we thought she was an Australian Shepherd mix, turns out she is Border Collie mixed with something that has COAT galore! She has a double coat - TONS of it. Haven't figured out what it is yet, but it really doesn't matter, does it? She's a wonderful little dog and we are thrilled that we found her. She is feeling good enough now that she plays with toys, throws balls up in the air and LEAPS to catch them with her front paws. She is SO cute!

On a sadder note, we have lost our 15 year old Red Heeler. Abby, you were a good dog. We adopted you 10 years ago after the Oklahoma City tornado, where you lost your previous people. You were on Death Row in the Yukon animal shelter. Pets For People rescued you, and we adopted you one Sunday afternoon in January for Eric's youngest son, Tristan. I will never forget your big, liquid brown eyes. You were such a sweet girl, and you taught everyone around you, humans and animals, many valuable lessons. I love you, Abbygirl. Rest in peace, tell JJ hi for me, and I will see you again someday. It's a promise.

Haven't gotten much scrapping done this week as Eric and I had a stomach virus that lasted ALL week. Man, it's a rough one and I sure hope all of you miss it. Hopefully, I'll be back soon with some goodies for you!

Sweet Thing - Scraplet #4

Good Sunday morning, everyone! Today is the fourth and final installment of the scraplet freebies for Sweet Thing. I hope you have enjoyed these little "boosts" to your Valentine layouts. And I'd like to take this opportunity to give a BIG thank you to Connie Prince for her layered templates. I have been a fan of Connie's for quite some time now, and am always eager to add her new template sets to my arsenal. Someday I hope to have them all! I have used others, but always go back to Connie's because of the detail and ease of use in her templates. Connie sells her templates at Gotta Pixel and Divine Digital, and I know you'll LOVE her templates if you choose to try them.

Here's a little tip - Sometimes you get a kit that you really, really love, but the mojo just is NOT working for you, or the photos are not at hand. Go ahead and make your own scraplets using templates or your own sketches. Having several pages in a draft state lets you see how they will look in your book or gallery. When the photos are ready, or the "Scrapping Muse" visits you again...LOL..your pages are there just waiting for your finishing touches. Instant scrapbook! Fun stuff, I tell ya.

Enjoy your week, and thanks again for all your kind comments! Hugs all around...and I'll see you NEXT week with updates on Izzy and Pearl!



DOWNLOAD HERE

Sweet Thing Scraplet #3

Good Scrappin' Sunday morning, everyone! It's my pleasure to offer you Scraplet #3 in the series made with my kit Sweet Thing. I hope you are enjoying these little bits of Valentine love, and they will give you a little boost in scrapping your SWEETEST layouts. btw..in case I haven't mentioned it lately, Sweet Thing is available HERE at Treasures to Scrap, and it's on SALE 50% off through Valentines Day.

I got a little early Valentine gift when Eric laid a WHOLE handful of Russell Stover candy hearts by my supper plate the other night. Wooo hoo! The man KNOWS how I adore chocolate, and so far the caramel one has been my favorite. Still have Butterfinger, strawberry and marshmallow to go, so I'll let you know which one WINS this taste test. Hmmm...now if only there was a TURTLE one, I think it would be a no-brainer! LOL Chocolate, caramel and pecans do belong to a food group, don't they? :)

Is everyone ready for the BIG GAME? I'm sure lots of you will be having bowl parties and lots of company! Here at Lainson Manor, the game will be going on in the background, but I plan to make GOOD use of this Sunday and get some scrapping done. Seems I'm waaaaaaaaaay behind, but isn't that always the case? More precious photos than TIME!

Enjoy your Sunday, and I'll be back later with Scraplet #4! See you then!



DOWNLOAD HERE