New Scrapbook Page of Cortney

Well Cortney's party went well and she got lots of new clothes! Someone recently commented on my blog that she wondered if Cortney ever wore the same clothes twice.....well to answer that question....yes...but she WAS voted most Fashionable in her class last year! LOL! She is truly a little girly girl...and I wouldn't have it any other way! Anyway down to business.....I just completed this page last week. I took these pictures with my professional camera. (Betcha didn't know I have a little photography business! Mostly portrait work!) I wanted to zoom in really close because Cort was so intense while opening her Easter eggs. This is a huge milestone for her because a few years ago she wouldn't have cared at all and would have thrown the eggs on the floor! I thinks she was so "Determined" because the prize was either a pink cookie (Her absolute all time favorite) or little Sesame Street characters! I liked how the pictures showed the progression of her opening the eggs so I cute them into 2 inch strips and diecut hearts in two sizes. I used pop dots on the smaller hearts. I added Doodlebug's paper posies, and some cute buttons tied with floss. I cut the title using my Cricut, Jasmine font!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Scrapbook page #3....I'm on a roll!

This is the third scrapbook page hanging above Cortney's bed! This picture was taken at an apple orchard in Indiana. Her Dad was pushing her through the corn maze. She thought it was a riot when Daddy couldn't push her wheelchair too well in the mud....boy was he struggling! I think she is a masochist! When she starts laughing she is totally out of control...as illustrated in this cutie pie picture! All I could think for the title was....LAUGH! Isn't that really what makes the days fun? Laughter? I will love this picture forever....even when I'm living in a nursing home.... it's coming with me! (Hee Hee!)

Well off to work, then I have to clean, clean, clean for Cortney's party! Annnnd....I got my goodies from Tuscan Rose! I am hoping to "create" this weekend.....Can't wait to use them! Have a great day!

Cortney....

Yesterday I posted a picture I had scrapped a few years ago, I had it framed and it hangs above Cortney's bed. There are 3 altogether that hang above her bed.

She has such a contagious laugh! These photos prove that!

Still fighting my nasty cold....since Saturday! I can't hear very well, my throat hurts, headache, dizzy...but other than that I'm doing ok! (Sarcasm!) Hope everyone has a happy Thursday!

Twelve Years ago today....

My beautiful daughter was born 12 years ago at 7:12 a.m. Who would have thought that this little girl would change our lives so immensely? Most children are life changing, but having a child diagnosed with special needs is life changing and heart breaking. As many of you know Cortney has Cerebral Palsy. She has mental impairment, physical handicaps, visual problems, sensory issues, and is delayed in most facets of her life. I can't explain how challenging and yet rewarding it has been to raise her. On one hand she breaks my heart everyday when I see how difficult it is to bring a spoon to her lips, or to change a prepubescent girl's diaper, or see her enjoy things that most toddlers enjoy.....I could sit and cry if I think about it too long. On the other hand she has taught us to NEVER take anything for granted, patience, patience, patience!, the constant joy of a little girl's laugh! The unbelievable feeling when she accomplishes things for the first time...even if it IS a swear word! It has taught us to not worry so much about what other people think....believe me we attract a lot of attention and have gotten some unneeded advice! It has taught us that there ARE TONS of wonderful, helpful, caring people out there! Many of my friends would never have come into my life without Cortney. She is truly a beautiful angel, who is blessed with a smile, laughter, and innocence at all times! But If I could snap my fingers and make her life "normal" I would do it in a heartbeat...but for now she is simply my newly, 12 year old...... Cortney. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SWEET GIRL!

Another Martha Card!

I told you I made a few different cards using Martha's bird stamp! I also used her paper, which is a pretty heavy duty cardstock!

Martha Stewart Bird!

I have this love/hate relationship with Martha. She is truly creative and has amazing products....but she is in my opinion a bit arrogant! I bought some of her items the other day at Michaels only to find out that Martha has specified that no 40% coupons be used on her products! I bought them anyway...being the sucker that I am! So I created 4 cards with her products. I will be posting them over the next few days! The stamp is hers as well as the paper and twine.

Masculine Birthday Card!

My father-in-law's birthday is today and I needed to make a card for him. The car stamp is an old one that I probably bought from Michael or Hobby Lobby. I used my Moon Glow embossing powder which has depth to it because it is "two-toned". I used my Cricut to cut the photo corners and then inked them. On the Stamp of Authenticity library card I used my new TimHoltz embossing powder. IT is different then most because it almost has a sandy appearance! I thought it needed some type of accent so I pulled this button out of my stash and added a little ribbon.

FYI: If you haven't already heard, Michaels is carrying the new Martha Stewart line...which of course I had to buy some of her paper. When I went up to the line to pay, I showed the check-out girl my coupon, and she proceeded to tell me that they can't use the 40% off coupon on her products, because Martha Stewart doesn't want that. I really hate that woman! I guess her billion dollar industry isn't enough! So ladies no 40% coupon on Martha Stewart items! : (