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.

Catching up with school

There's so much homework I need to catch up on! I just finished my second lesson in Illustrator Basics and I don't know if I'll get a perfect score this time. I just don't feel completely satisfied with the final outcome but, it was a lot of fun practicing and learning the tools. I'm going to share my work with you but, please don't laugh! My assignment was to make two CD covers for "West Coast Jazz" and "New In Blue". Each one had to be unique but, share similar elements so that they look part of a series. We were to create our images entirely by Illustrator and try not to use any pixel based images but, if we did it could only take up 25% of the entire cover design. It gave me the opportunity to play around with my Wacom tablet and get used to the feel of it. So this is what they look like....

I should be getting my grade within the next day or two so, we'll just have to wait and see!

I'm working on a new freebie which I should be able to get out to you this week. I'm so blessed to hear all the kind words and encouragement from those who left me comments. One had asked me to maybe think about writing a tutorial about how I created these papers which I would love to do but, I'm not sure how to do that yet. I eventually will learn and most definitely would love to be a resource to the digi scrapping community. In the meantime, there are so many valuable resources out there that can help you get started. The places that I found that were very helpful to me was Digital Scrapbook Place, Scrapbook- Bytes, Two Peas In a Bucket, and Sprague Lab, just to name a few. However, the real answer to how to learn a program is to just play around with it and go to its Help menu and start from there. Most designers who create such beautiful designs are self-taught and didn't have any educational or professional backgrounds which I wish I could have done but, for me I chose to pursue formal training. I'm the type that needs some sort of structure in order for me to really learn something. Otherwise, I wouldn't have the motivation to take time to sit and try to figure it all out on my own. That's just me. Whatever you prefer is all up to you. I believe that everyone has creativity in them and if you really want to learn how to create and design, all you really need to have is PASSION within you to do what you love.

Hope everyone has a safe, blessed, and wonderful week! Be back later!

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.

Need feedback!!

I'm thankful for the comments that people have made so far for the freebie but, I'm curious to know if anyone is having trouble downloading the file. Please let me know if you're able to download it so I know it's working. On my end, I see the comments but, I also see that the file has not yet been downloaded. I just don't want anyone feeling empty handed! So, please leave me a comment! Thanks!

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!

Quick post...

I've been under the weather the last few days but, I'm recovering. Just want to quickly share some highlights of the week. Maybe I'll elaborate on it later. But other than being sick, I got a perfect score of 100 on my first Illustrator lesson. Very surprised but, very happy. It was challenging and I almost gave up on it. There's a lesson to be learned here - never give up trying. Anyways, I'll post a picture of my robot down below. Yesterday is my beautiful friend Miriam Gray's birthday and I've invited her over for dinner this week. I'm also having a good, old, longtime friend of mine visit me this Friday - Aida C. She is one I hold dear to my heart even though a lot of time has slipped between us. We share a lot of memories together. I'm so excited to see her again and can't wait for my kids to meet her. Then, on Saturday is my long awaited hair appointment. I just hate my outgrown hightlights. ack! No real plans for 4th of July. And the one thing I'm looking forward to is our family trip to Seattle for my birthday next month. yeehoo!!! Well, that's all for now...I'll be posting up some LOs soon!

Graduations, Father's Day, and the ER...

Busy, busy, busy. I would love to just chill and relax for just one day, just ONE, and just sleep. The past 2 weeks have been one thing after another. My two nieces have graduated - Akaela - Kindergrad and khadijah - Junior High - which their graduation I would not miss for the world. These two beautiful girls are like my own daughters and just seeing them all grown and getting their diplomas was an emotional experience for me. Any of my nieces or nephews that graduate is such a blessing and it makes me look forward to the day that my own children will too.

Then, Father's Day came around and I didn't get to finish the page I was working on for my husband so I'll be posting it late. However, I have some really cool photos of our family daytrip to share with you. We went to California Carnivores in Sebastopol, Ca. where they grow exotic plants that eat bugs. Yes, I know...weird but, cool. This is where my hubby wanted to go for Father's Day and of course he ended up leaving with more plants to add to his ever growing collection. Josiah and Lucas were of course fascinated by it all and already learning to appreciate the art of gardening. I can imagine them when their older, planting their own garden (just as long as it's not illegal :0 ). If you want to know more about it, you can check out The Buffed Garden website owned and designed by none other than my hubby himself.

So, after such a long, happy, two weeks....Josiah came down with a really bad wheezy cough and couldn't breathe which led me to take him to the hospital. I almost thought I was going to lose him. As I prayed over him and wept, I remembered to be still and know that I serve a God who has everything under control. It's moments like this that I feel His presence the strongest and know that no matter what, I'm never alone. Josiah had 3 breathing treatments and a steroid shot. Although, I know Josiah is a fighter and has that strength to bounce back after all of that, it was the Lord's mercy that kept my son alive. Hallelujah! Whewww.....So, back to normal now except now Lukie has a mean snotty nose. I have ALOT of homework to catch up on. I'm currently learning Adobe Illustrator and let me tell you, it is way too cool that I am so amazed at what you can do. OH...and I also bought a WACOM tablet which is OFF THE HOOK! It's like drawing or painting on traditional mediums except it's on a graphic tablet hooked up to the computer. I cannot wait to show you the robot that I am drawing for my homework assignment, which I'm almost done with. Be back soon....

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.

Just another blog...

There's not much for me to blog about or maybe I'm a little too exhausted right now to even think. But, I do have a layout to post and maybe a few photos of my kiddies. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to also give away freebies but, that is still in progress. With all the setbacks that happened in the last few months, I kinda just forgot about them. So, I promise that they will appear SOMEDAY! Hopefully this long weekend will free up some time for me to do some work and more scrapping. I just wish I had more time in a day to just scrap all my memories of my little ones before I lose all the fresh details. Well, I'm gonna leave it at this and call it a night. Hope everyone has a blessed and safe weekend and may our brave soldiers be honored and remembered on Memorial's Day.

Credits can be found here.

The Cousin Bunch

Desma's girls - Akaela & Arielle - and mah boyz - Josiah and Lucas

Don't these kids make you smile!!! They are all so precious and I love them so!

The Gift Of A Mother

My mother was and always will be that strong pillar of faith, that loving, softspoken, forgiving, selfless, and nurturing mother that has given so much of herself to her family and to those that were dear to her. I've been thinking so much about her lately and wonder what life would be like if she were still here. My children remind me everyday of how blessed I am to be a mother and I am thankful to God that they're strong, healthy, and happy. I know if my mother had a chance to see her grandchildren, they would brighten her life and give her so much joy. Well, there will be a day where we'll meet again....Happy Mother's Day Mommy...

My Beloved Mother

Read credits here.

In Loving Memory

Rev. Ed Stewart

I was going to post a LO I did in honor of my late mother and I also was working on a freebie kit to post tomorrow but, I received news that my dear Pastor has gone on to be with the Lord today. He was such an amazing Pastor who has done so much for me and my family. Alot of his time was invested in us, believing in us, praying for us, just being that spiritual Father that never gave up on us. I know it's all God's perfect timing and it may be our loss but, it's his gain because he is now at a better place, no longer suffering all the pain and sickness. I will never forget his strong will to preach up at the pulpit regardless of all the chemos and radiaton therapies, surgeries, and countless emergency situations he's faced battling for his life against colon cancer. He always managed to smile and greet everyone like he never felt more alive. Shock, is all I feel right now. So, I'm going to take some time off to just allow myself to grieve and let the healing process take place. Plus, I need to be strong for my husband who is taking it harder than me since he has been with this church way before we met. My DH shared a lot of memories with Pastor Stewart and has such utmost love and respect for him. Well, it's way past midnight and as much as I can't sleep, I know sleep is what I need right now. Goodnight and keep me, my family, and our church in your prayers. God bless....

Don't Forget About FAMILY...

The Incredible Sisters

Meet my sisters -- the 3 D's -- Daisy, Dahlia, and Desma. That's me on the far left. I don't know why I decided to post this at 3 minutes past midnight but, there's been this constant reminder that's been in my heart that no matter what, don't forget the importance of family. The value of family these days are taken for granted and not many people out there really understand how we need our families to thrive in this world. Not only do I cherish my husband and children but, I cherish my parents, grandparents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles. In my culture, you'll find that filipinos have BIG families that go all the way to 3rd and 4th generations. Since I could remember, anytime we gathered for a special occasion, I would be amazed that there was so many of us and would wonder how would it be like if it were not so. What if it was just me, my husband, and my kids? NOT to say that they don't complete me, but I think of every single one of my relatives and they each hold a special part in my life that has made me who I am. Without them, I probably would be less forgiving, less understanding, less wise, less LOVED. Whether or not, my relationships with them are close, the thought of losing them would be like a thread being pulled out from the tapestry of my very being. I thank God for my family, from those who are no longer here with us to those who are. I just hope that I've been a blessing to them as they have to me. That although, seasons change and time passes quickly between us, I have always kept them in my prayers, in my thoughts, and in my heart. Because I know as we grow older, our lives get busier, our families get bigger, and the distance gets further... and we tend to lose touch. That is when I stop and I listen to that voice in my heart, "remember your family". so, that is what I will try to do no matter how hectic and chaotic my life can be. I will try my best to be at every family party and choose to make the sacrifices to help them with anything they need done...like cook, or decorate, or make invitations. I will make my family a priority over work and personal leisure (although I do need to make time for myself once in a while). I will learn to forgive others as well as forgive myself. I will love unconditionally and mercifully as Christ has loved me. I will always try to see the good in others despite their weaknesses and faults. I will take time to kneel down and pray for my family because I believe in the power of prayer. I will last but, not least tell them as much as I can, when I can, and in any way possible, that I love them. I don't want to ever regret not ever being able to let them know if God forbid something should happen to them. Love conquers evil. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love heals. Well....it is almost 1 AM. My husband is asleep on the couch waiting for me. He worked in our garden for 6 hours straight trying to create that special place for us to relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He is truly a master in the art of gardening. I am so proud of him and can't imagine not ever marrying this man I love. He says, "Honey, watch this summer and fall will be beautiful." I can only imagine.... Well, I better go and say goodnight. Today was National Scrapbooking Day and I didn't get to shop for sales because I was in Hercules celebrating my niece Akaela's 6th Birthday!!! She has grown so big and so wonderfully smart, not to mention extremely beautiful!! I will post pictures of her asap but, for now I better go! night, night, and God Bless!!

Josiah, Arielle, Lukie, and Akaela

Me and My Love

Short, but sweet...

Today I finally finished one of my classes at Sessions--Photoshop Basics. It seemed like I was taking forever to complete it not because of my lack of determination but, just all the random and unexpected events that took place within the last month. My aunt passed away from Leukemia, I had a shockwave treatment for a kidney stone, had to design a program for my church's 35th anniversary, AND my two kids came down with an illness both at the same time. Whew...I didn't know how I survived. Only God knows what I've been through but, I do realize I could've had it worst as many others who are less fortunate than I am out there. Despite the twists and turns of life, I have become humble enough to say that I am THANKFUL for each and every day. There's so much I have to be thankful for, too many blessings that I can count. So...to you out there who's had to go through some storms, there's always sunshine after the rain....