5 years of Cocoa Daisy

I have been a happy member of Cocoa Daisy for 5 years. I own every monthly kit they have put out and they just get better and better each month.

I was honored when they lifted one of my layouts for a challenge this September on the Cocoa Daisy boards. I decided as part of this challenge to complete a layout with kits from the five precious years, using the lift as my design. I also used pictures from those years as well. Here are how the layouts turned out.

2007- December Kit "A Winter's Eve"
Ethan's 1st Snow

2008-April Kit "Orient Express"

Snuggle Up

2009-September Kit "Ali's Favorites"

You Did It!

2010-February Kit "Memphis Belle"

Sweet Face

2011-September Kit "Printer's Drawer"

How I Relax

I love Cocoa Daisy, it has a wonderful atmosphere and creative minds always offering great ideas and inspiration. I am blessed to be part of such an amazing group of women.

Remembering...

I remember exactly where I was on 9/11/2001. I was in the hallway at De Queen Primary School, headed to get students from the Kindergarten for reading. Mrs. Dykes, our assistant principal came down the hall and asked if we knew that the World Trade Center had been hit. The other reading teachers and I were completely unaware of what had happened and were shocked to find what was going on in New York City. Later on we found out that a second plane had hit the other tower and at that point I realized that this was no accident and for the first time in my life my country was under attack. I was shocked and wanted to stop teaching and just watch the events unfold. Hoping that is some way I could make sense of it all.

I remember watching the remaining events unfold on TV. Someone set a TV up in the teacher’s lounges and I spent any extra minute just standing there watching the TV. Feeling like it was all so unreal, so hard to believe, so horrible to watch. Praying that the people in those towers were able to get out, knowing in my heart that they didn’t. I was trying to understand the amount of evil that would cause a person to put such an awful plan into motion. Wondering what it was that my country had done to these people to make them retaliate in such a manner.

I remember hearing and seeing the footage of the plane hitting the Pentagon and of Flight 93’s heroism. I felt raw and numb that it had happened again, then again. Wondering if it would happen somewhere else and if so who would be the target.
I remember watching footage of President Bush. I saw him being told about the attacks and how well he maintained his composure in front of the students in that Florida classroom. Feeling proud of my president and worried about his safety as he wanted desperately to get back to Washington. Instead he was flown all over the country in Air Force One in an attempt to keep him safe. Feeling proud that he landed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana for a just a little bit. I felt a little safer knowing he was very close to where I was.

I remember the lines that afternoon to get gas. It was something I had not thought of, but as I drove by the gas stations there were lines of people getting gas which was shocking to see. Nothing like this had ever happened here. When Jess got home he told me that he had waited in line a long time to get gas and was a little upset with me because I hadn’t had the forethought to stop and get some myself. He was afraid of gas prices going up even more than the dollar they had already risen and being uncertain about the availability in the near future.

I remember watching it all unfold again that evening. Jess and I just sat and watched the news footage of the day and spoke very little. I finally broke down and cried. It was just too much to watch and to know that these ordinary, average people were just going about their daily lives and were so tragically taken. Knowing that there was still a lot of uncertainty about what had actually happened and who had caused it.

I remember the days that followed. Still so much fear and uncertainty about how many people were lost. The amazing hero stories that began to come out and feeling proud to be an American because of the sacrifices that these people had made to try to save others. Seeing President Bush’s incredible speech at Ground Zero and feeling hope because of it.

I remember realizing that more lives would be lost because we were headed to war. The feeling of pride for my country and uncertainty of what the future would hold. Wondering if it was really safe to bring children into this world and how sad I felt, because I knew I wanted to have children.

I remember having to just turn it all off. It had begun to consume me, the constant TV footage of the attacks, the faces of the hijackers, the faces of the families of the missing and their pleas to find their family members, the remarkable stories of survival and loss. It all became too much to bear. I realized that I was allowing it to keep me rooted in one spot as a spectator and that I needed to get up and just live again. Not to be stuck in this moment forever. I also realized in those moments that I had just been a part of history, much like my grandparent's Pearl Harbor and the assassination of President Kennedy in my parent’s generation. Knowing that the generations before had experienced their own moments of shock and uncertainty. Knowing that they came through those moments stronger people and part of a stronger country. Taking comfort in the fact that I knew that the same would occur in my generation and praying that future generations would not ever have to live through something so tragic.

I will always remember. Ten years later that day still stands out in my mind, especially around the anniversary each year. I always stop to watch and in my own way honor the day and those lives lost. It is sometimes still difficult to watch, but for me it reemphasizes how incredible my country is and how proud and appreciative I am of those who serve America on a daily basis. I want my children to understand and appreciate 9/11 and I know they will not ever completely understand the day as much as those who lived it, but I want them to know about the people who lives were lost, the courage of the rescue workers, the courage of the heroes on flight 93, the courage and heroism of ordinary people. Because in those moments of 9/11 you see the true spirit of who we as Americans are supposed to be. I want my children to have that spirit and strength within themselves and the pride of being an American.

I will never forget. God Bless my beautiful America.

How about a little randomness..

So I have random stuff just bouncing around in my brain. Thought maybe a blog post would put it into better perspective and possibly shape it into a scrapbook layout or two.
BTW some of these photos were taken using my new smart phone...WooHoo upgrade, now if we can just upgrade the user. She is a bit slow with the touch screen and frustrates easily. She also now has a twitter account. You can follow her randomness there too @oliviasmartin
Here are just a few of my random thoughts and actions this week:

1. I am LOVING this cooler weather. The weather guy says it won't last, but for now I am enjoying every cool, breezy minute of it!

2. The boys played their first fall baseball game Tuesday night and they both hit the ball. Carter hit really well of course...but Ethan, who is 5 and is playing on his big brother's 7 & 8 year old team, hit for the first time...We were so super excited for him. He made it to first, stole second, and then Carter was up as our lead off batter and hit well enough for E to make it to third. The next batter got Ethan in on an RBI. It was so fun to see him score and to grin so big because he hit and scored. The look on his face was priceless. Carter said later that he was more excited when Ethan hit and scored than he was when he hit...Awww such compassionate little guys! I am so proud of both of them.

3. I made this Chocolate Sheet Cake for a family dinner Monday night. The recipe is my Mammaw's and it is incredible. I may or may not have eaten a big piece for supper Tuesday night. With a big glass of milk. But we aren't going to talk about that.

4. I have a weird fascination with VERY sharp pencil leads. This is a new thing and I'm not sure where it came from. In the past I have used mechanical pencils quite a bit, but now I have lots of regular pencils in the library and I always seem to have one in my hand or behind my ear. Weird... I know. My favorite #2 lead pencil is the Ticonderoga..You know just in case you are out shopping for me.

5. Carter wore socks to school Wednesday. This is nothing new he does wear socks everyday, but here lately socks have gone missing. Not just one or two, but lots!!!! I have no idea where they are at, but both boys are having a sock loss problem. Wednesday I know that one of Carter's socks was clean, but the cleanliness of the second sock is questionable. It didn't look dirty, it wasn't straight out of the dryer, and I refused to sniff it. I would have shared a picture, but...well... all the socks are missing. Grrr.

6. I have been playing with pretty paper lately. I came across some older pictures of Carter and my niece when they were babies (2004) and I knew that August's Cocoa Daisy kit would be perfect for this layout. It is completely sold out, but there is an add on left: Athena is a steal at $18.50 plus s/h. The banner was made using this exclusive banner stamp from Cocoa Daisy. It is still available in the store. I really love it, lots of versatile uses.

I hope your weekend is wonderful!

A Week in the Life of the Martin's-Day Two

Day two- pictures and words. Day two was very much like day one. Lots of inside time because it is so hot outside. A little cleaning and a lot of playing. :)

Mr. Sleepyhead. Attached to his night night of course.

Morning Wii play, Mario of course.

The beginnings of a a little recycling project. Alcohol inks + glass jars.

Washing dishes. Yuck!

I have figured out if I wash fruit and put it on the table, the boys will snack on them throughout the day.

Ethan's peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This is his absolute favorite lunch.

Carter and I had cheese sandwiches (Daddy had eaten all the ham) and I ate some gazpacho.

Puzzle working.

Cat Napper

Water gun fight

Ingenious mini golf course built downstairs.

Dinner- Chicken Quesadillas

Popcorn, while watching America's Got Talent.

Cherry Limeade from Sonic. Jess is very thoughful!

Wrestling and giggling.

Playing with Ethan. He was a climbing, silly monkey all DAY!

Quite an enjoyable, lazy Tuesday.

See you tomorrow!

A Week In the Life of the Martin's- Day One

This week I am documenting in photos and words. Next week I will put these pictures and stories together in my Week In the Life Album. This is a way of capturing our lives right now. I took quite a few photos on Monday, but I am only showing a few of my favorites.

The morning always starts off by letting Bentley in for his breakfast.




Downstairs+dry cereal+cartoons= One of their current favorite morning activities (I offer homemade breakfast EVERY morning...sheesh).

Morning Lego play. Notice the blue blanket in the background...he is a constant companion.

Ethan's current favorites: Bob the Sea Turtle and Memo were drinking water out of the sink, I was told.

Trying to finish up our state quarter collections, we should have completed these a while ago. The boys do enjoy finding quarters and looking to see if they need them or not.

During a brief rain, the boys got the skateboard and plasma car out on the carport to play.


Night swimming with the tiki torches burning and the pool strobe light in.

Night kisses for Daddy.

Camping out together in sleeping bags on Carter's floor.

More tomorrow!

Catching Up...

Wow it has been a while! The end of last year and the beginning of this year has been very busy and rough on our family. I finished graduate school in December (a huge relief and a huge amount of time regained), then we had a busy Christmas and Anniversary. Throw in a ball tournament and the Christmas break went way to quickly.

On New Years Day, Jess' mom got sick again. After a few days in the hospital we found out that it was time to call hospice. Judy was so touch and go for the next two months and we spent everyday praying that we would have an opportunity to see her and speak to her again the next day. Jess drove many a mile back and forth between home and his parents. She fought hard and finally passed away March 7th. There is so much to say about her, her faith in the Lord, her HUGE fight to live, and the major loss that we feel daily. But those thoughts are precious to me and to our family and this blog, right now is not the place. We are still grieving and living with the pain.

On a happier note, I now have more time to scrap, create, and relax. It is a wonderful feeling. I haven't felt so relaxed for a long time. Cutting and gluing paper is my very favorite "me" activity. I knew I would have extra time this year to do more scrapping so I mentally dedicated myself to a number of things creative.

I am part of the Ali Edward's one little word class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. My word for 2011 is GOOD, which I can honestly say has been a difficult word considering all the bad we have suffered thus far this year. I have really struggled with my word, but I am determined to find GOOD.

I am also more present and active on the boards at Cocoa Daisy, my absolute favorite scrappy place! The community of ladies there are not only inspirational, but they are easy going and loving. I feel very much at home with these wonderful ladies. I am also doing their monthly sketch and technique challenges. Very inspirational.

I am also taking part in the free classes offered monthly through Two Peas in a Bucket. The Garden Girls are quite inspirational and I love the ideas and sketches they offer each month.

The only thing I mentally committed myself to that hasn't happened is this blog. I just haven't felt like sharing. It has a lot to do with losing Judy and my desire to make sure my family is healing and doing well. Death makes us much more aware of how important every day and every little moment is. It has changed me. It has made me more introspective and quiet, less willing to share, but I am coming around. This blog and my creativity in scrapping is so therapeutic and wonderful. What a blessing this hobby is!

I can't leave this post without a few pictures of recent creations:

This first layout was made using some old Bo Bunny patterned paper (basketball) and some discontinued patterned paper from Scenic Route. I loved Scenic Route and I hate that they have stopped manufacturing paper lines. :( This layout was done using Garden Girl Shimelle's 4X6 Photo Love class sketch from February. I love these pictures of Carter. He really worked hard on his free throws this year and his hard word really paid off. He was a very good free throw shooter this year for his Boys and Girls Club team.

The next two photos are of some gifts I made for my best friend, Sarah. We are both avid scrappers and after about 10 years or so we have finally figured out that many times when we purchase items we end up with too many of one thing. Therefore it is not unusual to get little packages in the mail (we live 2 hours apart) with "extras" in it. I love getting scrappy mail from Sarah and she loves getting some from me in return.

On this particular day I picked up some blossoms from Prima at a local scrapbook store and knowing I had too many I quickly recycled some older packaging to wrap them up and send them to Sarah.

The packaging is from some Heidi Swapp and Doodlebug embellishments I bought a LONG time ago. The patterned papers and a few of the other embellishments are from the February Cocoa Daisy kit. Love this kit...so much texture and great colors. The ribbons are from my stash and so are the small flowers and bling.

This little project made me so happy for a number of reasons: I was able to recycle (love that), I used up some new and some older stuff (love that too), and most importantly I shared some of my extra stuff with a great friend (that is best feeling)!

Back soon with some more scrappy goodness and an update on the busy lives of little boys!

Love, O

Thankful- Nov 5,6,7

How about a thankful weekend?

Friday was our last home football game and Senior night. Mendy has become a dear friend and confidant over the past few years and her son Colton is an awesome guy. Carter and Ethan love Colton and he is so good with them. When we moved here I worried about making good friends that would help me feel like Malvern was truly a home for us. Mendy is one of the first true friends I have made. She is an amazing single mom and a courageous and strong independent woman. I am truly grateful to call her one of my best friends.

Saturday...a lazy Saturday! I was able to sleep in a little bit and then spent the day cleaning a little and crafting a little and most of all watching and listening the boys interact with one another. It was a true luxury to be able to just stay home for the first time in months and to just relax. I am thankful for the little everyday moments I was able to capture and savor. Moments like these:

Hot Chai Tea Latte

Jess bought me this hot tea maker a few years ago for my birthday. It has become one of my favorite gifts. In the fall it is so nice to have the time to fix a Chai Tea Latte and to savor how good it is. I have yet to master the recipe well enough to rival Starbucks, but it is still really good.

Puzzle Working

Ethan got this puzzle out of Carter's closet and started working it. Not long after he started working it, Carter showed up. Instead of arguing and hogging the puzzle, Ethan quietly moved over and let Carter in to help him work it. They worked quietly and diligently until they had it worked. I love that they can be so sweet and cooperative with one another.

Caramel Apples

Last weekend Grandma Nita gave us some caramel apple wraps and two apples. I remember making caramel apples as a little girl with Mama and I am thankful she continued the tradition with the boys. I wanted to wait until we had time to make and enjoy them, so after Ethan had asked for a snack for the four hundred thirty-seventh time I got them out and made them. They loved them and I know that Carter ate all of his. Ethan I'm not so sure. I know he ate all the caramel off, but he may have thrown the apple away. He is sneaky like that.

Trampoline Football

It was a little cool in the morning, but by mid morning it had warmed up enough that I sent both boys outside. They wanted to jump on the trampoline, so they got on and began sweeping the leaves and acorns off. I ended up using the leaf blower to blow most of the leaves off and then used it to play with the boys. They loved having the blower blow up their sweat pants legs and shirts, then they figured out that the balls on the trampoline could be blown up in the air too. After I got off the trampoline they played trampoline football for a while and luckily no one got mad or injured. I am definitely thankful for that, because it is rare that they don't hurt one another. On another note, I have no idea how they play trampoline football and I'm not sure they do either. The rules for these made up games change every time they play them...usually thanks to Carter. After trampoline football was over they got off and tried to sneak into the house, but I swiftly sent them back out. Ethan got out his dump truck and began loading it with acorns. The next time I looked out they were shelling the acorns and when I asked them about it they said they were doing it for the squirrels. I ended up giving them a nutcracker, they were using their fingernails and teeth...Gross. They shelled acorns for over thirty minutes and then placed them on the table on the back deck. I hope our lazy squirrels appreciate their efforts.

Sunday we got up and even made it to Sunday school. The extra hour of sleep that we got may have helped us wake up a little easier or maybe it was the fact that we stayed home Saturday, but whatever the reason we made it! Both boys were so excited to be back in Sunday school and Jess and I really enjoyed the young adult class too. It felt great to be in class with people we consider friends and family. We are so very thankful to have found this church when we moved to Malvern. It has truly become a home and a family for us which is a blessing considering that our immediate family is over two hours away. The church is full of wonderful and loving people and we are so grateful that they love us and especially the boys so much.

Not only is the church full of beautiful, loving people, but it is also one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been in. This window is just one of the many stained glass windows in the church. It is gorgeous! Sitting is church is a treat when you are surrounded by such beauty.