Groceries for "Empty Nesters"

Our first trip to the grocery store after Robbie left was indeed upsetting. I reminded my husband that we no longer need the LARGE size of any product ( well, maybe toilet paper!) Buy 1 Free, Get 1 Free is no longer a deal as it will probably spoil before we eat it. So here is our first bag:

4 green bananas - they ripen quickly in FL.

2 apples - one for me and one for Bruce

1 qt. of milk - I haven't purchased this size since 1974!

1/2 dozen eggs - I didn't even know they made this size!

Nutritious and good for you cereal - no more 64 oz. of Fruit Loops - yuk!

Fat Free Fig Newtons - good bye Oreos - I will miss you!

On the upside, there are not as many dirty dishes. Yes - Robbie - we are putting them in the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink for you! :)

Check out this photo oppportunity....

After traveling for two full days, they decided to take a side trip to the Grand Canyon. Neither Robbie or Liz had ever been there ( and I have only seen it from the air!) My kids are getting so good at taking photos that will make my pages 'pop'! The view is spectacular - so different from my Florida perspective! As always, my kids are smiling - it makes momma happy , too!

Not just any old road trip!

I am still missing my guys, but slowly getting used to the empty house. Robbie and Liz had a wonderful experience traveling from Tampa, FL. to Newark, California. Here are a few pics from their 'trip of a lifetime"! First stop - Marietta, GA where he picked up his brother's car.

Full of Distress!

Yes- this card has been distressed! My new themed gathering for the fall is "How to Take the STRESS out of Distressing! This card is a prefect example to showcase many of the products found in the CTMH DIstressing kit! Check it out!

What a "Nice" Surprise..

After working very hard this week at school to get ready for Monday, I finally had time to read some emails. A very sweet girl nominated me for the "Nice Matters Award". Thank you Korin!

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."

My blogging world is indeed a creative space with tons of talent and inspiration. Please check out the blogs of my nominees - Kim, Susan, Nina, Kathy, Cheryl, Brenda, and Dawn.

It's time to start stamping again!

Travel Accordion Book Class

I belong to a swap group and Judy Witkowski creates the best artwork to share. This is her design using the July stamp of the month - D1220 Typewriter Keys and Expedition paper from Close to My Heart.. When I saw it, I realized it would be perfect for my pictures from the San Diego Zoo! I am teaching this class at Scraporium on Saturday August 18th from 10:00 - 1:00 pm. As always you create your own design using whatever papers and stickers you like following the kit guidelines. You notice that is looks like a 6 x 6" album from the front but when you open it, it expands into a uniquely arranged album - perfect for displaying your photos! If you are interested in the class, give them a call this week and sign up!

Sad and Blue....

Since my 'baby' left home. Robbie, my youngest son left home last week and moved all the way to California! I tried to be happy and excited but when it actually happened, I cried! Now it is just me, the big guy and Harley! So I started scrapping some of his pages for his "All About Robbie" book. These photos are from Berkley where "Miss Elizabeth" is an English major. The paper and embellishments are Club Scrap. Enjoy!

Addison Rae has arrived!

I am an 'adopted' grandmother again! Addison was born on July 19 and I decided to make a card to coordinate with the scrapbook I made for her. Nothing fancy - just darn cute!

Welcome to our world - my newest 'page model'!

Technique - Distressing cardstock with paint and re-inkers

This technique is so simple it doesn't require much explanation. Check out the photos I have included and I challenged you to play around with it and have some fun!