Hey Fishy Fishy

ok....
today was the beginning for a lots of fish - my 4.5yo Hudson had his 1st swimming lesson in a couple of years. He did so well! I was so very proud of him. They had him float on his back and dive to the bottom (maybe 4 feet) to get something off the bottom. There is no way he would've tried to do these with me, but he didn't fight his teacher at all. My 3.5 yo Griffin is already more daring than Hudson in the water and doesn't mind to swim underwater. I was going to wait until the next 2 week session, but he really wanted to participate today. After class I signed him up and he'll get to start tomorrow with his brother. yay!!!
Hudson also started a dance sampler class today for 3-5 yo. It was the cutest thing in the world. The teacher is soo good with all the kids. Griffin will start his karate class Tuesday morning before swim. I'm hoping it will teach him a little bit about restraint and discipline.

Well... on to the rest of the fishies for the day.....

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Hey Fishy Fishy is now available for you ... and it's 30% off, as well as the rest of my store all month long

OR..... you can get it on Tuesday, the 2nd, during Gotta Pixel's $1 Pixels day. The papers, elements, and alpha are all available separately for $1 each this one day only at GP.






special thanks to chbranch and CindyB for these two layouts (both are linked) ... they really showed two totally different ways to play with this kit

and..............
please be sure to scroll down below to take a gander at Gotta Pixel's June Daily Download freebie by me and Armina :)

Awesome awesome FREEBIE!

Armina and I are June’s Featured Designer at Gottapixel.net, just check out Armina's store everyday on June 1-15 and my store on June 16-30 to complete the kit

You can get this kit by pieces for daily download for the whole month of June. Isn't it one fabulous FREEBIE?

For more info, see HERE

ENABLER - Gap Memorial Day Sales

In-store only specials -

now through Monday:
*ADULT Gap - all regular price adult shorts (excluding Mens swimtrunks) are only $25
*Gap BODY - all regular price cotton and lace panties are only $5
*Gap BODY - all bras 30% off
*BABY Gap - all regular price graphic tees, bodysuits, and tanks are only $9
*Gap KIDS and BABY Gap - all items on sale (end in .99 & .97) are an additional 25% off

now through Wednesday:
*Gap KIDS - all regular price swimwear (swimsuits, board shorts, and rash guards), Buy One Get One 50% off


**If you don't have a Gap near you and find something you like online, call 1-800-GAPSTYLE to find the stores that carry that item. You will receive the store pricing (online and store are different lots of times) and $6 flat shipping for each order.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend and Happy Shopping!

my birthday - your wishes

It's my 2nd 21st birthday today (I'm 42)... sooo show me what you would like

please find more info HERE

and....

It's my 2nd 21st birthday today so that means I've hit 42! Doesn't that sound crazy? Oh well, it's just a number right?
At least it makes for a nice sale for you.

My entire ESS store is now 42% off this week.

here's a little sampling for you...









Enjoy!!

preschool teacher gifts???

please share great personal preschool teacher gifts please...I have 2 boys in the same class with 4 teachers ... thanks!

today they came home with painted wooden cigar boxes that were decoupaged with tissue paper and their class picture & inside was a nice little note from their teachers with playdoh and tootsie rolls

I really want to make something with my guys pictures on it, but not sure what to do

thanks!

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I've added my entire Template Tools Collection to my ESS store. There are four templates per pack and all are Commercial Use ok & Scrap for Hire ok.

Feel free to test drive some that are in our Fabulous $1 Finds section.

Mother's Day & SALE!

oh, I wish Mother's Day was every day....
Cooper shipped a little gift that came on Saturday. It's a flower box/picture frame. It came with paints for Hudson and Griffin to paint the back and sides. Soil and Forget-me-nots seeds were included. Hopefully they'll start growing soon. I had to leave the house for a bit Saturday night so they could paint it for me. Isn't it so sweet?




it's in front of my beautiful big bunch of bright pink roses... and Griffin is posing in front of them

I was able to sleep in Sunday morning, with breakfast and roses waiting for me. I later took the boys to the pool. Then had crab and baked potato for dinner.

and... then... rewind to Thursday...... we had a parents party for the last hour of preschool. one of the things the kids could do was make big paper bonnets for us or themselves. Griffin refused, but Hudson made this for me. Two teachers taped a large piece of paper around my head, then rolled the edges, & Hudson decorated it.




please disregard the weird look on my face in the pic

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ok.... I've mentioned this before... but I just have to do it again....
I LOVE The Thrifty Chicks! They just have the coolest fun bargain hunters blog. If you really want some fabulous Goodwill inspiration, you have to check out their fab fashion show.

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I have 3 new template sets available for Gotta Grab It.... only $1 each (Tuesday is the last day for this bargain.. so you better hurry!)

AND.... my entire Template Tools collection in now Commercial Use ok





grab them HERE

challenge time! (earn points for GC)

How would you like your own brag book with hardly doing any work?

If you are interested, I will provide you with a brag book sized kit that coordinates with my Bugsy Buggers page kit in the store. That means each page is only 4x6 and all elements are sized to fit the pages.



You are more than welcome to use the provided brag book kit and/or the page kit from the store, but you can only use items from these kits to make your brag book page.

If you accept this challenge, please reply here by May 11th to let me know that you are interested. On the 12th I will PM each person with the link to this brag book kit. (Please make sure you have you receive an auto e-mail update with each PM.)

coordinates with Bugsy Buggers: (only $1 May 6th - 8th)


get more info HERE
(all challenge participants receive points which can be redeemed for ESS gift certificates... see rules HERE)

thanks!. .... and EEEEEEEEEK!

Thank you all for your lovin' over the weekend. I can't wait to see how you all use our Gotta Pixel Blog Train collab.

Here's one layout I found this morning:
Sh! by Kittle

She really rocked it out by using pieces from 7 designers, including myself.


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Boys, boys, boys, and playful tomboys too just love to play with bugs. Pick them up out of the grass and chase the butterflies in the sky. Capture their crazy times with Bugsy Buggers by Sara Ellis.





A coordinating Brag Book Challenge will be coming very very soon.

CHOO-CHOO... hop on the train

Look at all the super fabulous happenings at Gotta Pixel...
RIGHT NOW... and for NSD!



ok..... so the NSD sale begins on the 1st... and our Blog Train is on the 31st and the 1st... (ETA: some of our blogs are still participating throughout the weekend, including mine)

be sure to check out some of my fun goodies while shopping your NSD sales... like these:
... and so much more

and now.... our Blog Train....look at this fun Retro Spring preview... there is sooooo much more that can't fit into the preview





How does this work you ask?

Visit each one of the blogs listed below and grab the contribution from that designer for the Retro Spring, NSD Blog Train kit. When you have visited all the blogs, and downloaded all the piece, you'll have the entire kit, and trust us, the kit is phenomenal! Since some of the designers are international, if you don't find the freebie right away, check back, it will be there!

UPDATE: May 4th - my link is now expired

and.... all the other super fine goodies here:
(please keep in mind that everyone has different time zones, so if one is not available right this moment, it will be sometime during the 31st)


Stacy - http://www.gottapixel.net/blog
Liz - www .sweetdigiscraps.blogspot.com
Kim - http://blueridgemeadows.blogspot.com
Kristin - www.digidelights.blogspot.com
Lorie - http://digiscrapdesigns-by-lorie.blogspot.com/
Isabel - http://www.busyfingers-digiscrap.blogspot.com
Sarah - http://blog.sarahbdesigns.net/
Kathryn - http://kathrynsdigitaldesigns.blogspot.com/
Cherie - http://cshieldsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Wendy - http://www.hauntedpixels.net/
Robin - http://madscrap.blogspot.com/
Gretch - http://shesfullofscrap.com/
Kristina - http://kristmessdesigns.blogspot.com/

*****


one more super fabulous item... just for today....
this is my last day as a Guest Designer at Enchanted Studio Scraps ...
soooooooo... all of my kits there are only $1.49 today, April 30th
including Sassifrass:

ETA: May 1st.... I'm now staying on as a regular permanent designer at ESS ... YAY!
..... and I will be keeping all of my kits at $1.49 throughout the NSD weekend sale

if you have ANY problems checking out in the stores,
PLEASE make sure you are registered and logged in first ....
also, you can e-mail me at saranohw(at)yahoo(dot)com so I can reply to you

Floralulu, the Garden Princess

I found a new blog that I absolutely love.... it's all about the thrill of the thrift shop bargain shopping!
check out The Thrifty Chicks too so you can get inspired

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This beautiful and large Floralulu kit has been divided into 3 mini kits and an alpha pack.... for only $1 each (not all elements in the preview)




AND... a coordinating mini kit is available for all of our magnificent subscribers...

get FREEBIES & WIN $5

want a freebie template and a freebie mini kit?

the Simple Scrapper has a challenge for you .... go check it out HERE

Sassifrass add-on FREEBIE!

I have a Sassifrass mini add-on available on the Simple Scrapper's blog this week.

Coordinating with Sassifrass….

is the Sassifrass Add-On!

Be sure to grab it and leave her some lovin' too :)

enjoy... and Scrap Sassy Silly!

wow & oohs & ahs

ok....
if you have a few minutes to spare, please watch THIS.. you have probably never seen anyone jump rope like this before. you will be saying "WOW" and "OMG" over and over as you watch the video... It's soooo super cool!

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and now... look at this fun.....I have my newest and most wonderful kits on sale for 46% off at Scrapdish .... and I'm also participating in the super fun Egg Hunt .... go HERE to get your first clue to find your first freebie mini kit and then another clue and so on and so on... ENJOY!!!!

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Are you an avid Simple Scrapper reader?? It is really an incredible blog! She has so many fabulous tips and ideas for your scrapping pleasure.

I have a very special surprise coming very soon there. If you aren't a subscriber with Simple Scrapper yet, you really should be so you won't miss out on my surprise and you won't miss out on any of her features and treats.

exciting news!!!!!!!

I'm the April Guest Designer at a fabulous, fabulous & magical store..... Enchanted Studios Scraps ...

How fun is that?

All my kits are 31% off this month at ESS.... and they are all Scrap for Hire ok

To start it off with a bang, I have added five super fun kits to the store. My Sunshine Collection includes Sunshine Sugar, Sherbert Sunshine, Seaside Sunshine, and Sunshine Garden. I also have Sassifrass, which is exclusive to ESS. It's a little bit rock and roll, lots of cheery fun (as usual), and just all around shiny happy times.


I also have a magnificent Sassifrass Brag Book Challenge for you to play with. Please go check it out and have some fun.


and... more fun will be coming to ESS throughout the month from me

Who are you??? ... and $1 springaling

Thanks to Amy Sumrall I found a new blog that is very super cool. It's an exploration between creativity and spirituality. Many postings are Life's Big Questions - search your soul with Soul Pancake.

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it's time for $1 Tuesday at Gotta Pixel!!!!!!!!! Lots of fabulous goodies again!

My contributions are the springalinga papers and elements - only $1 each.








and... Template Tools - emmy.. also for $1

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and................ I have to give a big ol' shout out to my Mizzou Tigers basketball team. They made it to the Sweet 16 round for the first time since 2002. The end of the game was a bit of a nail-biter, but I'm so glad they won by 4. Thursday is another scary night. They are matched up against Memphis. Please send great thoughts!

gypsyville and $1 love

ok.... I really really love the Junk Gypsy
and sometimes I wish I was in TX so I could have fun with those gypsy gals.....
the Junk-o-Rama Prom is coming up on April 4th.
the gypsyville girls have some super fun instructions for those traveling to Warrenton, TX for this which I think are dandy for any little road trip...

YOU MuST:

1) turn your cell phone OFF for at least
half your drive.

2) roll your windows down and turn your radio up
REALLY loud for at least 30 minutes.
FeeL your worries blowing out that window
and sing out loud!

3) stop along the way and take a picture
BaREFOOT in the BLueBOnnetS

4) seek out a small-town gas station.
Buy a glass bottle CoCA-CoLA.
BuY salty peanuts.
Put salty peanuts in bottle. DriNK.

5) WhiLE in WarrenToN buy something that really makes you smile, for NO OTHER reason other than
the fact that it really makes you smile.
FOR under $5.

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it's Gotta Pixel's $1 Tuesday!!!!!!! (and Wednesday morning for me)

do you know what that means? three awesome goodies from me, including this brand new brag book....

eight 5x7 brag book pages to coordinate with Sunshine Garden, plus one fun bonus overlay



and....
the Sunshine Garden page kit



and .. Seaside Sugar alpha also for $1

$1 Tuesday and the Wed morning :)

The 4th and final addition to my Sunshine Collection.... Sunshine Garden .. and it's making it's debut for $1 Tuesday... woo-hoo for you!!!!!!



Penelope took a break for a few months while she was exclusive elsewhere, but now this super fun kit is back for all of your enjoyment!
AND... it's only $1 during Tuesday


and be sure to check out all of the other fabulous $1 finds Tuesday at Gotta Pixel

fun reads

ok... I ran into the coolest blog today, mommy's wish list, it has loads of freebies ... you can find goodies from Jack in the Box, Walmart.com, Betty Crocker, and so much more.........go check it out & enjoy!

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now a little fun from Facebook.... Faith True tagged me a few days ago with her interview with her 4.5 yo son, Arthur..........
this morning I interviewed my two toddlers, Hudson (4) and Griffin (3)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
H -" I don't know" & shrugged his shoulders
G - "Eat strawberries", as he's eating a bunch of strawberries

2. What makes mom happy?
H & G - "me"

3. What makes mom sad?
H - "When we do things bad"
G - "nobody"

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
H - "make a funny face"
G - "you, Daddy, Cooper" , apparently all of us make him laugh

5. What was your mom like as a child?
H - "cute and good"
G - "in a carseat" (???)

6. How old is your mom?
H - "13"
G - "3"... I asked Griffin if he was 3 & he said "yea, & you're 3 too"... I'm 41

7. How tall is your mom?
Hudson had me stand up, he stood next to me and raised one arm up high & said "this big"
G -" little" (he's being a goof, can you tell?)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
H - "work at work"
G - "nothing"

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
H - "working"
G - "go in the car"

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
H - "I don't know"
G - "nothing"

11. What is your mom really good at?
H - "working at the computer"
G - "with Daddy"

12. What is your mom not very good at?
H - "not going fast so a police car doesn't get me" ... (it seems like that would be a good thing.hmmm)
G - same answer

13. What does your mom do for her job?
H - "make money"
G - silent

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
H - spaghetti
G - silent

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
H - "being nice"
G - same answer... I think he's giving up.. LOL

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
H - "a green car"
G - "a racing car"

17. What do you and your mom do together?
H - "play"
G - "play baseball"

18. How are you and your mom the same?
H - "we don't talk alike"
G - "don't talk" (oh, ok)

19. How are you and your mom different?
H - "we talk different"
G - "nothing"

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
H - "because you're pretty"
G - "I'm watching Wonder Pets"... (nice cooperation...LOL)

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
H - "at work"
G - "at home"

nice, huh?