be still my heart...

ahhh...it's Friday morning now and we had a sweet Vday dinner out. LaVaughn surprised me with dinner at a sweet Brazilian restaurant in the city. Left the girls with a sitter-something I hardly ever do!! I love this guy...he believe's in me & pushes me to do more with my hobby-gotta love that!!

We took this photo about 2wks ago...not that great, but good enough. He says I don't get it my all when I kiss him...and he says he does. This photo is what he thinks proves his point. I was laughing because it seemed like forever for the timer to stop!!

This is a little tag I made with Bazzill chipboard, more MM NOteworthy...MM Classically defined sticker...MM Simply Fab ribbon/with pearl ring...Heidi Swapp bling...Heidi Grace stick pin...Martha Stewart scallop heart punch.

Once I finish updating I must make Vday cookies. Kiela said to me yesterday "mama, we didn't make Valentine cookies". I am so bad, spent the whole day cleaning the whole house. I have not done that in 2yrs, my Ayi has been away for 2wks-and boy have we been spoiled. We are so not use to cleaning & ironing. I always do the wash, I just usually don't have to iron or put it away, lol!!

Then I MUST scrap, i really want to...have some ideas floating in my head...new stuff is popping up...I LOVE the new Jenni Bowlin...the star & butterflies-whoa, sweet!!

I brought my first set of actions from Brenda Acunius-love her photos. Fave photo blog too(another fave phto blog is Leah Profancik-cool actions too), she has a action site too posted on her blog. I am new to using actions-I have a lot to learn. I am confused with it all, not sure if I am doing them right, hummmm...a few photos with her actions to see how they look online...

I took this photo of Kiela last week, she doesn't get how long winter last and she thought this outfit was perfect for 40degree weather...

this is from last month, she was crying...look at those big sad eyes...

Mira last week...

another from last week...Mira had a week off from school for Chinese New Year...so it was a good time to take photos...

this is a bit grainy, but i love it...

this was a BIG thrill....my sweets on the COVER...my first!!!!

Questions & Answers:)

Love your work. This is my first time reading your blog...glad I found it. I do have a question, although I'm not sure you're willing to tell your secretes. How did you make the hugs, kisses, and love hearts? Are the letters punched out or stuck on? I love the effect. I've new to any scrapping material other than Creative Memories...so I would love to learn some new techniques.

Posted by: Shakhan | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 10:32 AM

I am totally blown away with everything you make !!! I first saw your blog a few months ago, and I must say I see scrapbooking in a whole new way, now. You have become kind of a model to me... Thanks for sharing your passion !!

I also wanted to ask you if there's a link or an internet site where we can see or order those beautiful MM chipboard scallop hearts you decorated for Valentine's day. I can't seem to find them anywhere, especially not on the MM site... Thanks in advance, if you have the time to answer me... :-)

Posted by: LaNouche | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 11:34 PM

Hey Shakhan & LaNouche...try here for the hearts MM...I think I saw them on JoAnn's

What a wonderful treat! Love the valentine's, and I'm totally diggin' that chocolate ribbon!! I have more questions....what kind of printer do you use to print out your little photos for your pages? OK, I had more but forgot them....

Posted by: cathy | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 01:11 AM

Hey Cathy...i have a Epson Stylus R1800

Hi Keisha! I've known ya since way back in the day and may I just say: your husband is gorgeous!! Just like the rest of the family. I cannot believe how much the girls have grown up. Time does fly. And your work just keeps getting prettier. Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Posted by: Cami | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 02:21 AM

Cami, I know who you are!!! I need to see what you have in your Ebay store!!! thanks for saying hi!!

I won't deny that I enjoy reading your blog...more updates would make me happy, too!! Your Valentines are unbelievable! I am going to shamelessly "lift" the first one for my DH....They are just beautiful. And as for your family? They are more beautiful each time you post. Thank you so much for sharing....your time, your thoughts, your projects, and your family.

Posted by: Theresa Grdina | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 02:57 AM

Theresa, thanks...I hope you Vday was sweet...did you make something for your hubby, did he like it??

well i was thinkin it too, but only cause i love seeing your stuff.. it is pink, i have all boys, see what i am getting at? hee.

Posted by: mandydake | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 03:38 AM

Mandy, I don't know what I would do if i had boys!!! But I see where you are going...look for a guy page soon. I need to scrap that photo of my hubby!!

great projects and photos.
and your DH is a hunk!! ;)

Posted by: kara stephenson | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 03:01 PM

Hi Kara...I told him what you said....I think he was pleased...he even had the nerve to say that I didn't think the same thing...i do agree with you...fully!!

Wow! Heather just posted about your blog on All Moments Remembered message board and I had to check your work out. Gorgeous! You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to see more!

Posted by: Anne Marie | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:03 PM

Hello Anne Marie...i saw that thread...THANKS for the sweet comments over there!! Glad you stopped by!

Hi, Keisha, if we complain about you not posting often enough is because we love your work so so much..even when you think you aren't inspiring others you are! Love your projects and that pic of your hubby is amazing he looks like a GQ man! Thanks for sharing the tools you use, and your ribbons are breathtaking..you are a true artist!

Posted by: Paola Norman | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 04:08 AM

OMGosh, thanks Poala...I think my hubby's ego is growing!

How much does Amira look like her Dad! Wow you can really see it those photos. Love all the gorgeous V-day goodies.

Posted by: simatisa (Tammy) | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 08:54 AM

Tammy, yes!! she does, she hates to hear that...because daddy is a man...she likes to hear she looks like me...and she even says she looks like me!

ok, there's just something i need to know keisha! i keep asking on various blogs of talented people what they do with all of their yummies, please tell! also, when making cards, do you worry about envelopes? are you ever going to sell your stuff, and if so, will you add envelopes? i just wondered because i would love to make some cards (to sesll)with things hanging off the edge, or unusual shapes and sizes, but i'm not sure people with buy without mailing envies available. what do you think? (of course if they were yours they'd buy 'em no matter what!!!) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your "stuff".

Posted by: lynn whelan | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Hi Lynn...lol, ok I don't really think about what i do....i just do it!! i if it's a card...i'll tie or tape it to the gift w/o an envi...why waste more paper for an envi that will go in the trash??!!! right??! Or i'll wrap the card in tissue paper like a gift...or inside the box!!! Other projects-i might put them in the girls room or my studio...i'll give them away to friends or to Mira's friends. I do hoard my fave projects!

Lynn, how about using an envi template...blowing it up on the pc to the size you need!!! Good luck with starting your own card biz...don't let a simple thing like envies stop you-thanks for your questions!!

Beautiful! You are quite the enabler, you know. I just got some of the chipboard hearts, and now am thinking I {need} some of that lace paper. What size light box is that? I just started using my SU brass templates last week and LOVE them, but only have a tiny light box. Thanks for the incredible inspiration!

Posted by: Katie | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM

Hi Keisha,
Beautiful projects here...you have the same love that I do. I have both of those SU brass plates and that spiral and tab punch. Love those products. Thanks for sharing.
I was thinking about getting a light box. Is that one bright enough to see through the cardstock?

Posted by: Carla | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Katie & Carla...the funny thing is...i had just tried to emboss some green orange peel texture Bazzill and couldn't see through it-then i read your commet Carla, lol...I did try it on black when i first got it-and i could see through it...thinking if i can see through that then i am good...ARGH!!! This is what I bought: light box

You make beautiful stuff! Very inspiring! I love that SU background stamp too but can't figure out what to do with it. Maybe you could post some things you have made with it. Thanks!!

Posted by: Gina | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 04:49 AM

Hey Gina...ok, next week check for something!

i just don't get where you find the time to be all creative and produce some yummy stuff....you really need to post everyday girl. i also can't believe you got to hang and enjoy sometime with heidi and her goodies...so happy that even though you are so far away, good things keep happening for you. hugs to you miss k.

Posted by: Carolyne | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 07:12 AM

C, we need to chat again to catch up-ok?!

Keisha

I absolutely love everything you create! And yes, thanks for enabling. Now can you show more examples with the SU spiral punch. I need some visualization since I don't quite get it. LOL.

Posted by: Nancy L | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 01:23 PM

Hi Nancy...scroll down a bit on the main blog page here...there is a red lo with blue dot ribbon...on that page I used the spiral punch!!! Even look at the other red page of the girls above that lo...I used Creative Cafe products-they have a die cut paper with the spiral edge down the side-that is what the spiral punch will do to any paper you want!!! hoep i did not confuse you!!

Oh, Keisha, everything is so beautiful! I want you to move here and be my neighbor so you can come over and help me decorate! (and teach me about photography...and just be my friend, lol!) :o)

Posted by: wendy sue | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 01:00 PM

Wendy, yes...we would be double trouble...our families would suffer..shopping & scrapping all the time...that would be so nice!!! I'd love that!!

Keisha,

I have been a long time admirer of your beautiful work! Thank you so much for giving the info about where you got your spiral edge punch today! I have been wondering about those darn things! :) Also, I saw your big wooden block stamp and loved it, could you tell me where you also got that at?

Thanks so much,
Melissa

Posted by: Melissa | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 09:37 PM

Hey Melissa...it's from Stampin Up!!

Can I just say how refreshing it is to log onto your blog and have you say EXACTLY how i feel...nothing like hearing an honest gal saying IT SUCKS first thing in the morning over a cup of coffee! YOU MADE MY DAY! Seeing the new heidi stuff, not having it in my hands...yah...IT SUCKS!

Posted by: Janet Cox | Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 12:50 AM

Glad you feel my pain Janet, lol!!!!!

Hi Keisha,
I will try and ease your pain a bit by saying this. Last night we were shopping around one of our local super stores. I come around the corner to find my family jumping up and down saying "she is going to be SOOOO happy!" I pretended not to see these last minute valentines shoppers of mine. When I woke up this morning on my scrap table was a beautiful heart necklace and a paper crafts magazine with your cute kids on the cover. Girl please!! I was in heaven!! My kids said "daddy did good this year!" He sure did! Needless to say I love your blog and everybody knows it! :+)
PS: I really should put this magazine down and put this necklace on. lol

Posted by: Christina | Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 11:07 PM

YOU totally made my day Christina...I loved your story...that is too funny...makes me smile...love hearing what the kids said...did you ever put the neckleace on??!!! Thanks so so so much for sharing that with me!!

ya thats the pits!
keisha i have a random question for you. around Christmas time you had i think two glitter signs that said joy and something else that can be hung. i know that Jenni Bowlin has a welcome one, where did you get it?

Posted by: Lindsey Cord | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 02:51 AM

Hey Lindsey...Bayberry Cove Wendy Addison-ooo, she has new stuff coming there...I think I need the "magic" sign & the key!!!!

 

Thanks for all the really amazing comments everyone, it;s nice to know that you all enjoy it here-just keep ignoring my typos, lol!!!!!!!!!!

 

Comments

[adrienne]

1.

Too cute!

[betsy]

2.

Oh man! Your stuff is GORGEOUS!! Can I link you on my blog? - betsy sammarco

[betsy]

3.

Oh man! Your stuff is GORGEOUS!! Can I link you on my blog? - betsy sammarco

[Carla]

4.

Wow, you are just amazing. Love the tag here. So much beautiful stuff and your pics of you girlies are just precious!

[wendy sue]

5.

Absolutely beautiful - everything - your projects, your photos, your girls - everything! :o)

[angela]

6.

hi there kiesha, i just LOVE your work. i've been visiting your site for a long while now and it's so inspiring, and i've had so many questions for several months now, but what prompted me to finally post and ask are the "actions". what are they exactly? pictures? also, how do, did you get your work published? like you, i have a very supportive hubby who always says "play on!". he likes that i scrap, but i'm only just starting, and spend more time looking at your site (and others) than actually scrapping!! i SO want to be like you when i grow up!! big LOL!! i'll be back soon... be well!

[Leanne Stamatellos]

7.

hey there!
love the V card and I especially loved the MM heart with ki lace in it - wow!
Thanks for the link to Brenda's site - I lost all my fav. links when my computer crashed and have been gradually remembering who I had and finding them. Hope you are well - speak soon.

www.lstamatellos.blogspot.com

[DeeDee]

8.

Hi Keisha!!

First of all....O M G....your stuff amazes me beyond words....that "kiss" picture card is just beautiful and I just love it....you and your entire family are just gorgeous and I always love to come to your blog and and just read and look at all the beautiful things....oh and now I'm rambling......but really girlie.....you are awesome!!!!! Congratulations for making the cover with your babies!!!

[ania]

9.

You totally rock!! :D

[Sara]

10.

Your card with you & your hubby is GORGEOUS!!! Love your work-found you through Laura Vegas' blog....so glad you're updating your blog more.....Congrats on the cover of the magazine-I'd buy multiple copies & frame 1!!!

[Christina]

11.

:+) I finally ended up putting my necklace on.... right before my husband came in from work. Wink! We went out to dinner for v day. He leans across the table smiling and says "after 20 years of marriage I don't want to call you a cheap date but I REALLY could have gotten away with just buying you that magazine!" lol He's so cute! uhemm... and SO right! lol You have to see the goofy look on my face holding this magazine. lol

[Annette]

12.

This is the first time I visited your blog! Love it. Thanks so much for all your wonderful creativity and sharing it.
Great blog.

[LaQuette]

13.

Congratulations on your first cover publication! Your projects and layouts are gorgeous. You are in inspiration because you are the only one i stumble across that is from Detroit making it big in scrapbooking. I developed a strong interest in scrapbooking since the birth of my daughter and I am glad that I have a way to express my talent in art and leave a memory for her. I showed my hubby your blog to prove to him that I am not the only from from Detroit that likes scrapbooking.

[stephanie]

14.

your peas garden seeds were fab today. cte pic and love your hair!

s.

[pam]

15.

Hi Keisha-
Thanks for sharing your Valentine Day with us, I love your gift to your hubby. I am always amazed at how great your photos look and how bright your home seems to be. Do you shoot at the same time each day, and in the same part of your house everytime?
Also, where do you get the frames that you add on your blog?
Thanks again for your sharing your amazing talent!

[SANDIE]

16.

loved the photography links ... thanks for sharing

sandie

[Kwebbel]

17.

Hi Keisha,
I like your LO'S very much! They are great!

I am from Germany and I am very happy to found your blog!

I have a blog too and I create a list from scrapper around the world. And you alre my scrapper from china - I hope that is o.k. for you!

LG
Kwebbel

my blog: http://scrapbookinghohenlohe.blogspot.com/

[Kwebbel]

18.

Hi Keisha,
I like your LO'S very much! They are great!

I am from Germany and I am very happy to found your blog!

I have a blog too and I create a list from scrapper around the world. And you alre my scrapper from china - I hope that is o.k. for you!

LG
Kwebbel

my blog: http://scrapbookinghohenlohe.blogspot.com/

[Jayne]

19.

Love your blog, Keisha! I check it out often -- you are extremely talented! And, what a photogenic family you have!

[Lisa]

20.

First of all the picture of the two of you is beautiful. I love how the pink polka-dot ribbon brings out the pink in your shirts.

Congrats on the Paper Crafting cover. I bought it because I recognized you girls.

Have a great week!

[janet]

21.

Hey Keisha...I need to email with you when you have a sec but I can't find your address here on the blog...can you please email me?

Thanks!

[Peg]

22.

Your blog is fantastic !!!
Love all your projects....

[Novell]

23.

Keisha, I just got back from Michaels and while standing at the checkstand I saw this magazine and said to my friend "I know those girls!" Haha. I don't KNOW them, of course, but I know them. Congratulations on your publication!

[Christina Witkowski]

24.

that tag is gorgeous!!! I am madly in love with the noteworthy line!

[Heaven]

25.

Keisha, could you tell me where you got the scalloped heart punch by Martha Stewart? I have looked all over for it and I can't find one anywhere. Thanks!

[Sue]

26.

Hi Keisha, Just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope you had a wonderful day. Thank you for inspiring us.
Sue x

[Indiana]

27.

Your layouts are so luminous ! I love the way you tie your ribbons and the pastel colors that you choose and there's always a bright little stuff to embellish the whole lay out. Your work is fantastic !