*GIFT OF LOVE* First kit for sale & a Sampler Freebie

Has it been that long since I've blogged? Well, I have a very good reason for this and it's all reasonable! :) With the change of seasons from warm to extremely cold, there's been a lot of runny noses to care for including mine. Josiah had another visit to the doctor for a breathing treatment which almost looked as if he had pneumonia instead of just asthma. Fortunately, it wasn't the case! phewwww! So from now on, it's all about preventative medicine--lots of handwashing, lots of fluids, lots of good sleep, healthy food and keeping warm out in the cold weather.

Other than that, I've been designing my first kit! Yes, it's now in the shop and calls for a celebration. This day marks that milestone in my creative life as a designer to have a place in the digital design world where I'm able to share the gift God has given me as a profession. I must say that it was a rather humbling experience. If I went back in my journal or this blog, I would be able to see how the Lord led me here. All the little steps that I took with Him holding my hand the whole entire way. I couldn't have done this without Him. I realize how much time and effort it takes to just design a kit and having to balance that time with everything else. There was one point where I felt like giving it all up. The enemy started making his attacks on my mind, my body, and my relationships with my husband and children. Spiritually, physically, emotionally, I became so tired that I felt like I was never going to see my dream come true. But, whatever God had ordained for my life, He made sure that I perservered and held on to the promises that He gave me. The enemy can push and pull and knock me over all he wants, but because of the victorious spirit of Jesus in me, I'm never going to be defeated. Not by my flesh, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord God Almighty! (Zechariah 4:6)

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." I Corinthians 4:7

I don't know if this happens to anyone else but, because of the extensive amount of journals that I've kept over the years, I've noticed a pattern in my spritiual life. Whenever seasons change in the natural such as spring, summer, winter, fall, I also go through spiritual changes in relation to these seasons and they are all changes that refine and strengthen my character as a woman of God. Spring is a season of renewal and new growth, summer is a season of active labor and preparation for harvest, fall is a season of reaping the fruit of that labor and an abundance of blessings, and winter is the season of pruning away the old in preparation for the new. Reflecting on these seasonal changes has helped me to gain understanding about the trials and struggles I face to be a necessity if I want to become more and more like the person that God is molding and shaping me to be. Each phase that I go through and situation I'm placed in, is really God's way of teaching me that when I am weak, He is strong and that His grace is more than sufficient in time of need. So I hope you have peace in knowing that whenever you go through trials, as long as you keep trusting in the Lord and seeking Him through His word, you will see His hand working upon your life and your faith strengthened....

So now, let me introduce you to my first kit called "Gift of Love" which is the first series of my Gift Collection. It was inspired by the Bible of course and because LOVE is the greatest gift of all, I knew that this was going to be the theme I wanted to create. It's in the shop @ Faith Sisters for $4.00! But wait! Even better, since I love to give away gifts of appreciation, I also created a mini sampler kit for you for free! Please click on the links below the images which will direct you to the shop.

Get it at Faith Sisters here.

Download at Faith Sisters here.

And remember that Faith Sisters is holding weekly challenges that are not only a fun way to be creative but, also gives you the opportunity to leave a legacy of faith and ultimately, to share what the Lord has done in your life. It is a ministry that will touch the lives of others and leave your loved ones with something to treasure for generations to come. So jump in any time! We'd love to have you join us! Every Wednesday is a new challenge and every Tuesday we announce our winner!

Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Rainbows after the rain....and a *Rise UP* FREEBIE

Rain. Something about rain that fascinates me. It rained almost everyday when we were in Seattle, except for one day - my birthday - which was also the day before we returned home. We called it the real Seattle experience so we couldn't complain. Usually, the summers there are hot and humid but, it so happened that this was the one week that it had to rain. Sigh. Each day that it rained, we still made the most of our vacation. Still made it to the Spaceneedle, Westlake & Pacific Place Shopping Centers, Pioneer Square, Pike Place market, Snohomish (very rustic, but simply beautiful), Tukwila to visit my favorite store - Impress Rubber Stamps, and visited with family I haven't seen in years in Tacoma. We did all this with our kids and my sister, Daisy, all in a short period of a few days.

Seattle Center - Lucas & Josiah

Impress Rubber Stamps store

Everyday was an adventure. We did get lost not once, twice, or three times but, several times. Yet we didn't mind, it was pretty exciting if you ask me, to explore and discover the streets of Seattle. If we needed help with directions, there was always a friendly Seattlite who was more than willing to help us. Although, their information was often inaccurate and we'd get even more confused, it's what made our trip a trip to remember. All the while that we drove almost everywhere, my two boys were surprisingly tolerant and didn't seem to mind at all except when of course they were extremely bored and so desparately needed some "playtime".

To be honest, it was a major challenge traveling with small children and it made this vacation more of a learning experience. There were times that I felt like I never left home and that I couldn't really enjoy myself. But, I had to slap myself out of that attitude and choose to live my life with gratitude and to see that we were making memories as a family. Memories shared with each other that I hope one day we can laugh at and reflect on when we look at it in a scrapbook. Memories that even though my children may not remember it when they're older but, will always warm my heart in my aging years when they're away from home. It was our first family vacation and it will definitely not be our last. So, the least I could do is learn and grow and adapt to the fact that my kids will only grow bigger and traveling will only get easier. Let them be little because they're only little for a little while. I had to have this reality check and remember that it's not all about me anymore whether I'm at home or someplace else. As long as my kids are happy, I'm happy. End of story.

My cousin Tess & I

The highlight of this trip to Seattle was the day of my birthday. Like I said, it stopped raining and the sun was shining! But, what really made my day was all the rainbows that peeked through the clouds. I recall Josiah screaming from the backseat, "Mommy, look! Wainbow!" , over and over and over again. It something we rarely see here at home in San Francisco. I thought of how beautiful everything turned out to be despite all the muggy, rainy, gloomy days that greeted us when we got here. Also, my cousin Tess who I haven't seen in years was so very generous to welcome us in her home, made us lunch, and took us to this beautiful garden. She and I were childhood playmates yet, we were separated by thousands of miles which made it complicated to really keep in touch. Growing up, we tried to stay close by writing ( when email wasn't popular ) and also during times that I would come visit her when she lived in Hawaii. Then, we got busy with our lives, finishing college, beginning relationships, getting married, having kids and time just slipped in between us. Reuniting with her again was a blessing and being able to see our own kids playing together was timeless. I look forward to many more gatherings together. The garden she took us to not only had roses, but it also had dahlias, too. The flower that I was named after didn't become my favorite flower until my husband started growing them for me in our own backyard. After such a wonderful day with family, my husband treated me to Ruth Chris Steakhouse and it was the BEST dinner ever. Steak and lobster did it for me. It was da BOMB! Expensive, but worth it. And thanks to my sister for putting the kids to bed for me even though she couldn't wait for us to get back so she could go out and have her some fun, too. I didn't expect her to really like it in Seattle but, when we got back, she expressed how she actually misses it.

Now that we've been back, it feels like I'm in zombie mode. All that walking and eating we did has left my body in complete shock. I've been slowly getting back into the routine of the normal life. My body is here but, I feel like I left my heart in Seattle. :( If I want a taste of Seattle, I'll go to Border's bookstore and grab me a cup of Seattle's Best coffee. Or, I'll browse over 1000+ photos that my husband took and try to recapture those moments. The one photo that I absolutely love is the one of my babe and I at Kerry Park. It gives me this magical, nostalgic feeling everytime I look at it. We got lost before we got there and was rushing to make it before the sun went down. As soon as we arrived, another rainbow appeared right above the Seattle skyline. It was the perfect moment to capture on film and is what made this birthday as memorable as can be. It wouldn't be so bad if I blew up this picture and hung it on a wall would it?

You can't have rainbows without the rain. Call me corny or weird but, this is what it means to me. Life will always have storms and unexpected pitfalls, let downs, disappointments, defeats, and sorrows. But, the beautiful thing is, the sun always shines after the rain. Life gets better as we grow wiser, stronger, humble, thoughtful, compassionate, and most of all thankful. Even more, our faith continues to perservere. It gives you the belief that even if the world falls apart, with God you're life can never be shaken. He is our foundation, our stronghold, and our refuge in time of need. That is what He has taught me throughout the years and I will continue to hold on to that as long as I live. Sometimes we have to see through the rain and know that there is a rainbow waiting to adorn you with renewal and hope for a better day and the determination to not give up and keep moving on. So, rise up people and enjoy life. You only live once so live it, not waste it.

Here is my FREEBIE that I created in memory of this soul searching adventure and also of the beauty of Seattle even though it rained and poured, it's beauty still existed and brought some sunshine into my life....

You can download this here. Leave me a comment and remember to respect my terms of use! If you create a layout with this, I'd love to see it!

Bittersweet FREEBIE

As I wrote down my list of things I need to get done before our trip to Seattle, I just had to stop and let myself be still for a moment. Sometimes my life slips away when I get too caught up in life's endless responsibilities. I know that when the load starts to get too heavy, my only retreat is to give it to God and cast my burdens upon Him. What helped me feel at peace was Psalm 42 and it taught me not to be discouraged because God is my helper. So, if anyone is discouraged right now, I hope I can encourage you to keep your head up and don't give in to life's pressures. Tell yourself it will only make you stronger and wiser.

I finished another lesson in Illustrator and still have 3 more classes due before the end of this month plus 2 more classes in Color Theory. I'm doing so well that it gives me this sense of accomplishment that even though I'm at home raising my kids, I can still achieve my goals to finish school. It's such a blessing and I praise God for it. I look forward to what this will eventually lead me to do in life and hopefully it will be very rewarding. Because money is no object to me, it's about fulfilling my purpose in life.

Last week was awesome! I couldn't believe how many people downloaded my Wild Tropics freebie. Those of you who left me comments are so very welcome and I truly appreciate your thoughts and just taking the time to say "thank you". It really blesses me. So in return, I created another FREEBIE for you. It's called BITTERSWEET. It was a name that just came out of nowhere. I guess it's something that reflects what I think of life sometimes, it has it's good, the bad, and the ugly. Yet, it is what life is all about and it is what makes me who I am. Just like ingredients in a cake recipe--the elements combined together make it taste wonderful but, if you were to sample the ingredients separately, it would be unpleasant.

Life is somewhat the same but, in the end I'm just grateful for the lessons learned and have a deeper appreciation for life, love, and my family. God bless! Enjoy this paper pack called "BITTERSWEET".

You can dowload it here.

Dreaming of paradise and another FREEBIE

Do you ever close your eyes to picture you on an island of beautiful imagery everywhere, feeling the warmth of the sun, and smelling the sweet smell of flowers in the breeze? I do, all the time. For several years in the past, I made yearly trips to Hawaii to visit family and also to get away from the busy life. But, long gone are those days and all I could is just dream about it. So, that's why I created these papers and perhaps it would take some of you back to that place where summer days were spent in the tropical sun. Scroll down to see the preview and download link.

Our Fourth of July celebration was our usual annual gathering of close family and friends. This year was my youngest son's first time to see the display of amazing fireworks. To my surprise, he loved it and didn't cry at all despite all of the loud sounds. The photos that my husband took weren't quite as amazing since our Canon SLR doesn't have a good flash attachment. So, they were pretty dim and blurry. I guess we'll try again next year. But, our good friend Josh, the other camera guru, took some pretty good shots and you could check out his album here. I'm not sure but, you might need to have a Snapfish account or create a free one. The one thing I did enjoy this year was the view from our back deck which we did not have a year ago. This year we cut down all the trees that blocked the gorgeous view of the Montara mountains and the valley below. I just couldn't help myself but get chills just seeing all the firework shows that were going on in all directions. Too bad, I couldn't take photos of it because everytime I tried, I had the worst timing and all that came out was just a black photo.

Okay, 9 nine days and counting until we leave to SEATTLE! I'm so excited and will be sure to take photos of our vacation. This year, we're bringing our kids and my sister Daisy with us. I'm sure it'll be a blast celebrating my birthday with them. I took some photos of my last trip to Seattle with just my husband and I so if you want to check those out, just click on the link "Yahoo Photos" on the left.

Well, here is the freebie for all you fabulous scrappers out there! I enjoy sharing them with you and love hearing comments because I know that I'm blessing someone with the creativity that God has given me. But, be sure to read and respect my Terms of Use. Don't be a pirate and what I usually would say to my kids, "Do unto others, as you would do unto you."

Download Wild Tropics papers here.

New link to freebie

First of all, I want to say thank you for all those who left me comments about the freebie. It's all new to me and I didn't know what to expect whether or not it would do well but, to my surprise it did. If it were not for all the talented designers, amateur and professional alike, I probably would not have had the inspiration that I do now. Therefore, I'm grateful that I'm a part of this digital scrapbooking community because we're here to inspire and encourage one another.

I uploaded a new zip file that included my TOU agreement with special thanks to PODGURL who was kind enough to point this out to me. I originally did have it typed up but, forgot to include it in the previous file. So, if you would like the Lotsa-Polka-Dots freebie, you can download it here.

Happy Fourth of July and a FREEBIE!

Beware! This will be a long post....

Hi everyone! Tomorrow is July 4th and I have to get up early and clean house because we're having our yearly Fourth of July gathering. This year will be a little different since it falls in the middle of the week and also because it probably won't be the usual big group of people as we had in the past. However, it will be small and intimate with close friends and family. For the most part, I look forward to seeing the look on Josiah's face when he sees all the fireworks. Last year, he was so fascinated by the noise and the lights that he would not stop talking about it for weeks and weeks after. It will be Lukie's first time to experience such an exciting event and I don't know how he'll react but, I know one thing for sure is I'll probably end up being inside watching from our window. sigh....

Anyways, I had a good week last week but, my poor hubby did not. There seems to be a stomach flu virus lurking around and he had it really, really, really bad. My poor baby. So watch out people, wash those hands really well.

Aida C. and I finally reunited after so many years. She and I realized how much we've grown and despite all the time that has passed our friendship has not changed. That is one of the sweetest gifts to have - a friend that is always a friend in and out of season. Rob (my husband) and I were having a conversation about friendships one night. We reflected on all the friends we've had since youth and which ones are still considered our "close" friends. It turns out, that only a few still remained and those friendships that we thought would last forever have either disappeared or have turned to casual acquaintances. He always refers to the lessons he learns as a gardener when it comes to life issues. For example, I never knew what the difference between a PERENNIAL and an ANNUAL flower was until now. For those who don't know, a 'perennial' is a plant that is recurrent or everlasting and will continue to grow but, the 'annual' are plants that will only grow once for one season and then die. And it really made sense how it relates to friendships. Miriam G. came over for dinner and came to the same topic about friendships and because she has such a gift of communicating and has a very articulate way of expressing her words, she really hit home and gave me some valuable insight about friends. Her perspective is that sometimes friends are there for that specific time for a reason but, then things change not necessarily because of something bad but, because of the different directions that life leads us. People change and that's life. Yet, there are some friends that are God-given partners who will stand the test of time with you and no matter what you go through together, nothing can separate you, not even time itself. There are only a few people who has proven that to me and I am eternally grateful for them. I believe that one of the greatest gifts from God is a true friend. One who has seen me at my worst and seen me at my best yet still loves me for who I am. When I think of what a true friend should be like, I can't think of anyone other than my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Because He still loved me even when I did wrong and He brought me back to this place where I could be free from all the things that held me down. Because of Him, I'm so blessed to even be here and to even have the opportunity to be loved by my husband and two precious sons. Lord, thank you.

Okay...don't want to be over dramatic here! I do have some eye candy to share with you. I've been working hard to finish some scrapbook pages and finally got them done today! I also have a FREEBIE!!!! Yes, I know. It's about time lady! Well, I don't even know if anyone will even use them but, I sure hope someone will care enough to grab them and create something with it. Please comment me if you do and maybe it'll give me the confidence to keep trying and creating more freebies. Special thanks to Chickypow Designs for giving me words of encouragement to give it a try. Anyways, check out my layouts first and then scroll down for the freebie! Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July! God bless!!!!

In Your Eyes

Credits: Papers, flower, labels, ribbon, stitch,and buttons-Welcoming Spring Kit by Weeds & Wildflowers; Stapled Tag - Linda Billdal; Stamped Alpha - Michelle Coleman; Paper tear template - Traci Sims;

Fonts - Agency, Rage Italic

Journaling says:
"There was a time in my life when I didn’t believe in true love. But,the moment you looked into my eyes, I already knew that what we had was meant to last forever. I remember that still voice in my heart saying,“You’re purpose is to love each other,so other purposes will be fulfilled.” And because of our love we have witnessed so many miracles. You have made me the happiest woman alive and I can’t even express how blessed I feel to have married you. Being married to you is one of the most precious gifts God has given me. You are my husband, my best friend, and the greatest father to our beautiful children. I LOVE YOU...."

Dada - Our Father, friend, and hero

Credits: Papers - J'adore Kit by Michelle Coleman; Chipboard Alpha and Brackets- Leah Nicole; Corner chipboard and Scribbled alpha - IMadeThisToday; Brown label - Jackie Eckles; Stapled Tag - Linda Billdal; Stitches - Tracy B; Fonts - Kunslter Script, SF Grandezza, 8514oem

Journaling says:
Even though you tell us all the time that you love us, you prove how much by your actions. We know you work hard so that you can support our family while Mommy can stay home to take care of us. You teach us how to love and respect one another and how important it is to cherish our family. Loving the Lord is one of the greatest lessons you have taught us and that if we put Him first, then all our needs will be taken care of. Thank you for always taking the time to be a part of our lives and showing us that not only are you our Dad but, you are our friend too. We look forward to all the years of of wonderful memories that we hope to create with you...We love you, Daddy!

Introducing my very FIRST FREEBIE!!!

*this link has changed, please use link on 7/5/07 post*

You can download this here.
7 colorful grungy polka dot papers in 300 ppi res. Enjoy!

Where was I?

I haven't blogged for a week! But, now I'm back and definitely have some stuff to write about. But, first let me share what I was busy doing the last few days. My friend, Miriam, (hi Mir!! yes, I thought I'd share my experience with everyone. hope ya don't mind) asked me to help her with making programs and menus for a graduation dinner being held for her work. So, of course I was willing to help her because there's nothing I wouldn't do for a friend. Besides, this is my thing and I love what I do. Anyways, it was simple but, elegant like she requested and I love the color she picked out for the paper cardstock...after spending an hour deciding which BLUE to pick. LOL! Oh, and special thanks to my beautiful cousin--JOYJOY--who waited for us to decide so she can close the store and not to mention helping us with the paper selections. So, after tweaking and revising the programs and finally printing, cutting, punching, tieing ribbon and all, it all came together nicely and on time. I had two days to finish! Yet, there were some obstacles as always whenever I begin a project....JOSIAH got sick with a fever and a horrible, ucky, cough. I now realize, working from home IS great because I can still be home with the kids when they're sick and not have to drive across town to pick them up and take them home. Love it! No time wasted, no gas wasted, and no money on gas wasted. All I have to do, is keep them nice and comfortable, plug in a good DVD like The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Happy Feet, or Cars and work on my laptop, in my pajamas, with a nice hot cup of joe. And on top of that, I can bake cookies and enjoy them without all my coworkers snatching them all or my boss hovering over my shoulder to make sure I'm getting work done. But, I do have this little cookie monster, Josiah, who loves to take one bite out of each cookie and not finish it so he can take another bite of the next and the next leaving me a heap of half moon chocolate chip cookies. What's fun about it though is he and I love to dip our cookies in milk the old fashioned way and make funny milk moustaches. Speaking of cookies, that sounds good right about now, I think I'll go make some. Cookies anyone? Before I go, take a look at the programs/menus I made for the residency graduation dinner for Miriam's department of Radiation Oncology @ UCSF.

TGIF

It's FRIDAY!!! Not that I work in an office and spend endless hours at a desk in front of computers with the phones ringing off the hook! But, for me it's when my husband can spend time with me and the kids after having such a long hard week with endless hours at a desk, in front of a computer, with the phones ringing, and to top it off with clients who give him such a hard time. So yes, it is a great feeling to know that he will be home for the next 2 days and I actually get to see him for more than just a few hours in a day. Yay!

The last few days, I've treated myself to some really cool kits and took advantage of some sales. I usually don't buy anything unless I really, really, absolutely must have what I see but, I love it when some of my favorite shops/designers put up their items for sale. So let's see what things came my way.....

Zoe Pearn of Sweet Shoppe Designs had some really funky, shabby, but, classy kits on sale and I took my pick of the ones that I thought really made me feel happy! Of course, there are so much more adorable kits to choose from so go look for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Next up, Srapgirls, also had a sale that ended last night and boy, was I racing to get my kids to bed so that I can purchase what I had in my basket for quite some time before the sale ended mind you, they were going to close it down midnight sharp MST. Well, the kids fell asleep quickly to my surprise at 9:30 pm sharp and that is not common. Boy, was I glad! I pretty much splurged but, I said what the heck, this is my chance! heehee!

Here are the goodies! Take a look!

The Daydream Collection

All About Marriage Collection

Mulberry Wine Collection

Yup, I know...how many collections do I need when I already have an enormous library of it. I guess you can say, I'm an ADDICT! But don't worry, they will not go to waste because if you can already see where I'm going with what I purchased, those of you who know me know that my wedding colors were purples, plums, and violets. And I just love anything purple! But, lately I've tended to be drawn towards greens, teals, and blues! These products will definitely be used in my engagement and wedding albums. I can't wait to start!

Anyways, before I go, here is my most recent layout of when I was pregnant with Josiah. I've started working on his album and will hope to complete by the end of the summer. Hope you like it!

You can find credits here.