Que Tiempos Aquellos

Christmas Already

2008-12-24T10:15:00.017-05:00

I can't believe it is Christmas already I am not ready the tree was purchased 7 days before Christmas I was in denial :-( . Here are the kids decorating the last lonely tree left in Home Depot small and perfect for them.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family near and far.

Love
Chela

30 Day Photo Challenge

2008-03-02T23:14:00.005-05:00

Well the 30 day photo challenge is over, it was fun even though I was running behind I still feel accomplished because this challenge inspired me to try new techniques when taking photos, it help me keep my blog up to date, and it made me pay more attention to photos I take. I was hoping to take more scenery photos but it didn't work out like that. I think the next photo challenges will be taking scenery shots.

Day 29

2008-03-02T23:11:00.002-05:00

Trouble 1 and 2 looking for some action.

Day 28

2008-03-02T23:08:00.003-05:00

Play time with BIG BROTHER, it is so sweet to see VJ is not to grown to get on the floor and play with his brothers.

Day 27

2008-03-02T23:05:00.003-05:00

My BIG BOY is really getting big, must be that New York air

Day 26

2008-03-02T23:03:00.002-05:00

??????

Day 25

2008-03-02T22:57:00.004-05:00

Still his favorite toy even without the head. I was wondering who that that Ninja Turtle head in purse belong to.

DAY 24

2008-03-02T22:52:00.003-05:00

Jason and the girls play nice...how sweet..lol

Day 23

2008-02-25T08:55:00.008-05:00

Big Brother VJ came home to visit, still the jokester.

Day 22

2008-02-25T08:51:00.001-05:00

Slumber party was s great Jaylon had so much fun with his buddies.

Day 21

2008-02-25T08:46:00.003-05:00

It's official he Jaylon is 7. His Uncle Mario took him to David Busters for his birthday. NO MORE CHUCKY CHESSES..lol

Day 20

2008-02-25T08:38:00.004-05:00

After a long day I sit back with a glass of wine and scrapbook.

Day 19

2008-02-25T08:31:00.004-05:00

The mystery is solved I finally figured out why I didn't answer my phone. This is what my phone does when I am home sit on the couch and watch me run after kids. I apologize for not answering as you can see it is not my fault..lol

Day 18

2008-02-25T08:20:00.007-05:00

The best wall washers in town!!

Day 17

2008-02-25T08:11:00.002-05:00

Why do they grow up so quickly Jaylon will be 7 in a few days there is something about turning 7 that worries me maybe it is "Mommy I am about to be 7 I can do it myself". I said this before I am not ready :-(

Day 16

2008-02-25T08:06:00.005-05:00

Yes, I bought my 4 year old a skate board. It was so cute and little and he is so cute and little, and he thinks he can do tricks.

Day 15

2008-02-19T07:49:00.004-05:00

MY MAN LOOKS HOT AND SEXY IN THE KITCHEN AND HE CAN COOK..LOL

Day 14

2008-02-19T07:43:00.003-05:00

My little girls are no longer pretty in pink they are beautiful young women.

Day 13

2008-02-13T22:10:00.004-05:00

My creative juices have not been following lately but I manage to put this cute layout together.

DAY 12

2008-02-13T22:03:00.003-05:00

Marques in his dad coat "PRICE LESS"

Day 11

2008-02-13T21:55:00.005-05:00

We went to a valentines craft party at my friend Nicole's house we had so much fun and Marques made this adorable frame, he is just prefect!!!

Day 10

2008-02-13T21:44:00.005-05:00

My favorite stash is keep right above my desk in glass bottles calling my name to come sit down and scrapbook.

DAY 9

2008-02-13T21:39:00.005-05:00

Here are the invites for Jaylon's B-day he will be 7 boy how time flys I am not ready what will I do when all my kids are grown

Day 8

2008-02-13T21:34:00.003-05:00

Well I decided to be more creative with dinner so I have been searching magazines for recipes tonight we are trying bread pudding.

Day 7

2008-02-13T21:28:00.003-05:00

Silver dinner my favorite diner I love the old the 50's decor and they have turkey burgers and chicken sausage but the best thing is they have real size mugs...lol

Day 6

2008-02-13T21:21:00.004-05:00

My new found joy is card making, my life is so busy and I really don't get a chance to call old and new friends but I think about my friends all the time so now I create cards for friends and its so relaxing and fulfilling.

Day 5

2008-02-13T07:00:00.005-05:00

I went to a birthday party for a friend at Club Mirrors, and of course I found some inspirational artwork. I have always had a thing for abstract art and now that I think about it art was always one of my favorite subjects and not because it was a easy A, like other children, I really enjoyed it and now my passion for art is shown through my scrapbook pages.

DAY 4

2008-02-12T22:37:00.005-05:00

I know I am late it is day number 12 and I am posting picture number 4 but believe me I try to be on time I drink at least 2 big cups of coffee a day to keep me alive!!!But it never seems to work I am always late one way or another. Which brings me to today's pick coffee my morning ritual and I think coffee needs to get more respect...LOL

Day 3- 30 day photo challenge

2008-02-05T06:58:00.001-05:00

I came home and found this master piece on my fridge I am so proud my son Jaylon use he his cuttlekids to create this all by himself.

Day 2

2008-02-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Some days I feel like the only thing I do right is eat and lately that is hit or miss low carbs but lots of fat, EAT RIGHT, yeah RIGHT.

Day 1

2008-02-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Many just think of this as a bathroom, but to me this is a restroom it is probably the only rest I get during the day.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2008-02-03T15:33:00.000-05:00

I found a great challenge on Memory Makers Magazine website it is a 30 Day Photo Challenge so I decided to give it a try. For the month of February I will be taking pictures of things in my everyday life that I normally just take for granted.

Just Fine

2008-01-01T00:44:00.000-05:00

I was thinking about my New Year resolution and I came up with a few things I can work on and I have a few bumps that need to be worked on but I have come so far maybe I don't really need to change a thing. Just love my life good and bad!!! Happy New Year!!!

Music Videos - Just Fine

FREE CROP AND CHALLENGE CLUB

2007-12-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

I started a Challenge Club I am so excited we will meet once a month to learn a new technique and then go home with a Challenge. I really enjoy hosting crops and classes I really wish I could do it for a living, but then again it probably wouldn't be so much fun if I had to do it :-) . Here are some pics from the Laurel Scrapbook Club Free Crop and the Memorias Preciosa Challenge Club.

The Free Crop is always so much fun it is like a mini vacation for me no kids and girlfriend time I always look forward to it.

The Memorias Preciosa Challenge this month is working with transparency.

I love the location we meet at it is nice and relaxing.

If you will like to attend a class or free crop please feel free to contact me at memoriaspreciosa@yahoo.com.

Chela

ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING

2007-12-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOWIE, MARYLAND (NOVEMBER 2007) LJS Publishing LLC releases new title, ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING by Lisa Sanford

ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING is the first culturally inspired book that offers ways to live a lifestyle of cultural awareness and preservation. This thick and juicy book contains over 100 full color images along with just as many “out of the box” tips, tricks and techniques to help memory keepers of all skill levels put a new perspective into their layouts. This collection of ideas covers over 40 countries and cultures including the United States.

About ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING: Each Chapter shows readers how to make cultural connections to their photographs, memories and activities. ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING describes the process of creating unique layouts and memory albums with cultural flair using all types of scrapbooking supplies and tools. The book features Lisa’s guiding philosophies on ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING and offers a fresh new perspective on cultural nuances and traditions that make it an invaluable addition to any family photo historian’s library. ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING is an innovative approach to preserving memories and is a rich source of ideas.

--------
Lisa Sanford
NOW AVAILABLE...Ethnic Scrapbooking - a new idea book Connecting People and Cultures!
purchase at http://www.ethnicscrapbooking.com

http://ethnicscrapbooking.typepad.com/thebook

Thankful

2007-11-25T00:24:00.000-05:00

I must admit I wasn't feeling in the Holiday Spirit this Thanksgiving. Although I have so much to be thankful for, this year has had many ups and downs but in the end we came out on top. So after the cooking was over I began to feel better and realize it isn't that bad I am truly blessed. I downloaded Alicia Keys new Cd from i tunes, I love it!! Then I saw her new video it made me sad but it also made me think about all the things I take for granted this song means a lot to me we should all take time to be grateful and love our family everyday.

The Baby

2007-11-13T21:26:00.000-05:00

I am such a bad mom I always share stories about my children and I left out the youngest child in the house "Shadow". He was born in June 2006 and came home to us in August 2006. Shadow is such a wonderful addition to the family, he dosen't know he is a dog and sometimes I forget. He loves playing with his brothers and sisters, he loves going to the doggie spa, and he is so sweet. Just like my children I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my Shadow. :-) Here are some pics of Shadow at the the Pet Spa with his friends I swear he just thinks he is ALL THAT when he goes to the dogie spa..lol

MAKE MONEY

2007-11-01T23:13:00.000-04:00

Today my sweet Jason ask me the monthly questions" So have you made any money yet". As always my answer is it's not about the money I love what I do I love scrapbooking, I love teaching others and sharing my passion for memories with others. He just doesn't get it, I don't ask him if he made any money watching ESPN all day. Well I may not have made any money but I have shared and preserved many memories which by the way he is always so proud to pull out my scrapbooks when company comes by. Sometimes I can't figure out if he is with me or against me..lol.
I don't blame him for encouraging me to make this hobby into a money making business as much time and effort I put into my art if I was getting paid we would be doing good. But for now I am happy just scrapbooking and maybe someday soon I will be offered some money to do it but for now just sharing my life with others and being able to appreciate life so much I feel like I am rich of life and love.

But just in case you are looking to be discovered go to http://www.pubcalls.blogspot.com for updates on contest and Design Team announcements.

Good Luck and remember the little people.
Chela

MY man supporting me in my "REAL WOMEN SCRAP TEE" now that is love.

2007-10-30T19:18:00.000-04:00

I just bought my first die cut machine after much research and contemplating. I finally found something portable, simple, and just right for me.

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THE CUTTLEKIDS ...lol

I found this cute little machine when I was looking through my Simple Scrapbook magazine. It was hidden in the back with a special discount for Simple Scrapbook readers. It look like something I could use and the kids could use it too, then when I went to JK CRAFTS site to order it guess what it was on sale for $17.99 and a pack of alphabet dies $16.99 I was sold. I don't know if I got the best price but it sure beats the price of the other machines and it is a good way for me to see if a die cutter is something I really need to have.

SICK DAY

2007-10-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

Marques is sick today he has a cough and and a sore throat. Of course he is not acting sick still his normal busy self. I took him to the doctor and he was scared to death poor thing didn't want to go to the doctor. I had to threaten him with NO TRICK OR TREATING to get him through the door.

LOOKING AT THIS PIC OF THE EXAMINATION TABLE IT IS PRETTY SCARY..lol

I gave Marques my ipod to get his mind of the doctor visit.

When I got home I decided to do a quick layout before I went to work
( SOME STRESS RELIEF)

I decided this page would be nice for my Sketch notebook cover.

This is my sketch notebook for my crop this weekend I have decided to try using sketches to help me get my pages done quickly.

ABOUT ME

2007-10-19T17:32:00.000-04:00

I finally completed a page about me I didn't us the original journaling I was going to use. What I discovered is that one page about me probably would not give you the best of me because I have many me's, I am a mom, a friend, a lover not a fighter, a party girl, a simple girl, educated woman.... and so much more. I am finally becoming more comfortable with my journaling and my hand writing. I found this poem by Alicia Keys for my journaling.

So this is just a glimpse of the many parts of me. These pages are for my ROCK STAR Album. I bet you didn't know I was a ROCK STAR too..lol

Cosmopolitan Woman

By: Alicia Keys

I don't want to be
No cosmopolitan woman
With big ol' city sophistication
And a facade of perfection
Every page of the story
Filled with predictability
Of a lost soul
A hole in your heart
Only filled up temporarily
By clothes
And money
And 101 ways to find Mr.Right
By sex and superficiality
Cause we've all lost sight
No I don't want to be
A cosmopolitan woman
I just wanna be myself
I may not be perfect
But I am brave
May have pimples on my skin
But my glow is from within
I damn sho ain't cosmopolitan
And you won't find me on the cover
Pages of a magazine rip and tear
With time people are forgotten
Stories are outdated
But you'll never find a hole in my soul
And my story keeps growing
And only gets better
I have real skin that's tough like leather
I'm a go-getter
And I'm gonna win
Who gives a shit about cosmopolitan
Even only in my beginning stages
I'm more than just a silent woman
Frozen on white pages
Sick of the cages
But I am a lion
In my differences I am defiant
And that is more beautiful
Than any other photo shoot
Than any cover story
Fixed with Photoshop
It's gotta stop
This image of beauty is all wrong
But it's benn going on too long to realize
The prize is down inside the deepest region
Of your available soul
Behold
Read the story
And let it be told
Even in my beginning stages
I am more than just a silent woman
Frozen on white pages

STUDY STUDY STUDY

2007-09-24T23:04:00.000-04:00

I am really happy about starting a new job and I have decided to work on getting my dental assistant certification. I am taking online classes which can be challenging but I am ready to learn something new and I am excited about it most of the time, but tonight I really want to scrapbook and I can't focus I keep having visions of page layouts, great pics, my next crop. So I decided maybe studying at my scrapbook desk is not a good idea...lol

Chela

Page About Me

2007-09-18T22:26:00.000-04:00

I wanted to start a page about my day, I have been seeing so many pages about individual struggles and I just want to be able to open up like that it seems very therapeutic. In my search to find some inspiration I decided to visit some fellow scrappers blogs. Well what I found out was while I have been wallowing in my own self pity my friends have been facing many challenges and they have enough courage to share thier struggles with the rest of the world so we can learn from them or know we are not alone. My scrap buddy Lisa has been working so hard on her book and recently found out her the printing company she is using to print the book is filling for bankruptcy, this project has been so important to her and my heart goes out to her, but knowing Lisa she already has a plan B in the works she is so strong and a inspiration to me http://ethnicscrapbooking.typepad.com. Then I checked out Taniesh blog and found out she recently had a miscarriage and actually entered a contest and submitted a beautiful layout about her experience. Her words are so beautiful and honest and the layout just speaks to me www.tanisharenee.blogspot.com. Thank you Lisa and Taneisha for sharing.

So my challenge this week is a page about me, my many struggles and many blessings.

Journaling:

Today was a crazy day work was very busy but I love my new job so even busy days are great days. My mom is visiting for the week so I decided it would be nice to go for a walk. The boys wanted to ride their bikes and of course Shadow wanted to come too. What started out as a nice idea me, mom, and the kids taking a nice spring walk quickly took a turn for the worst. Marques decided to ride his bike down a hill and fell. He had a few scraps but nothing serious of course he refused to get back on the bike and cried all the way home screaming " ITS GOING TO FALL OFF", ITS BLEEDING!!!" he was talking about a little scratch on his finger. Then as if things could get any worst as I dragged the bike, Marques, and the dog home a teenager runs over to me screaming that his friend broke his finger of course I screamed when he showed me the finger WHAT A GREAT MOM I AM!! he looked at me annoyed and ran over to a mom who could actually help. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I had on my medical scrubs so this young man must have thought I was a doctor or nurse but all I did was scream. Which brings me to the whole point of my story I know I am a mom but today I just don't feel like one. What kind of mom lets her son ride his bike down hills, what kind of mom screams at a injured child, what kind of mom lets her son watch TV when he should be studying, what kind of mom lets her teenagers run all over her, what kinda moms feeds her kids mash potatoes for dinner, what kinda of mom lets her 4 year old go to be at 6:00 pm with no dinner, what kinda of mom scrapbooks and blogs when and they have children to take care off, WHAT KINDA OF MOM AM I????

WOW THAT FELT GOOD NOW I NEED A PICTURE

Digital Scrapbooking

2007-09-07T21:45:00.000-04:00

I was never a fan of digital scrapbooking for many reason one I work on a computer all day, two I like to feel and touch pictures, paper, etc, three I like to get my hands dirty. Scrapbooking to me is like reliving pre-school I love creating but we are living in the digital ages and I have to keep up with the times so I decided to research this digital scrapbooking. Well I found a site that some may already know about www.smilebox.com they have a bunch of free digital scrapbook templates. They are pretty cool designs so I decided to give it a try....

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

I think that this site is a great way to share my pics with a little scrapbook twist especially with family and friends who live far away and don't get a chance to see my millions of scrapbook pages. I also like the easy blogging technique. GIVE IT A TRY.

A NEW SEASON A NEW ATTIUDE

2007-09-01T19:09:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have blogged, my mind has been on over load with everyday life drama. My job was stressing me, my man was stressing me, my kids were stressing me, life was stressing me!!! I became so stressed my body began to shut down, GOD stop me in my tracks and made me make changes I had to stop and re- evaluate things. First thing to do was leave my job of course I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't so sick my doctor ordered me to stay home and rest and it was during that time that I began to realize that I had to make a change I had to put my full trust in GOD I was out sick with no pay, NO MONEY just faith that he would turn things around and he did. I have been blessed with a job right around the corner from my house that not only offers me flexible time but I am also embarking in a new career as a Dental Office Manager/ Assistant.

Next thing to straighten out was my man, with such a stressful job my personal life was also struggling so me and Jason took a much needed extended weekend vacation to New York to visit family. It was a wonderful weekend I went to visit my old neighborhood and took pictures of everyday things that I took for granted but now cherish. We went to visit my grandmother and dad in Long Island and Jason's family. It was great I think it made us both appreciate family and what we have worked so hard to build and how blessed we are to have each other and family.

When it came to making changes with the kids it came naturally because I work less hours and I am home earlier, I have more patients and more time with my kids and it shows. Things have been pretty good. Still working on the teens they continue to test me and Jason, but at the end of the day they are good kids and I am truly blessed.

So I am enjoying this new season in my life I am sure it will not be without stress but I am looking forward to my new career, a healthier relationship and watching my children grow up. I AM TRULY BLESSED!!!!
Here are some things I miss about NEW YORK..................

I JUST GOT IT

2007-04-29T11:21:00.000-04:00

I just got it, "I Love My Life That's Why I Decorate It", I saw someone at the Memerios Expo I attended on April 12, with this bag and I GOT IT!! I got a life I love, I no longer walk around wondering what life is all about. My life is what I make it about, my life is full off wonderful children, friends, family, and lots of love. April is my birthday month which someone actually had to remind me that my birthday was coming up. This month I have experienced so much and learned so much and it all came about because of my scrapbooking hobby/business. I know that sounds crazy and I think some people may say this scrapbook thing Chela does is out of control, it's all she wants to do. They may not understand but I LOVE MY LIFE, my life is full of memories and making memories and meeting happy positive people who may not have the best life but we all appreciate the good times and celebrate them. That's what scrapbooking is all about. Here are some pics from the Memories Expo I attended, a piece of my life I LOVE.

Lisa S. was the driver for our rode trip, and our rest stop was AC MOORE!!!!

The first event of weekend was the Collossal Crop sponsered by Tarsa Dawson author of REAL WOMEN SCRAP . I volunteered to help at the Crop, although I was working I had so much fun.

Latina sisters from Jersey Scrapbooking :-)

Room of Memory Makers

Lots of door prizes!!!
Lisa Sandford author of ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING an idea book about Ethnic scrapbooking. Lisa spreading the word about Ethnic Scrapboking, "Celebratae your heritage and preserve your history".... right Lisa!

Day 2- I worked the Real Women Scrap booth at the convention and I got to hang out with Tarsa Dawson and her dauther Imani. She is defiently a REAL WOMAN and I am so inspired by her. Thanks Tarsa :-)

Families shopping and REAL MEN SCRAPIN!!

I also attended the AcMoore Crop and I got to meet Juliana from HSN.

I had sometime to relax and scrapbook

Manon taking pictures, smile :-)

My Rode Doggs!!

Our last stop on the way home was dinner at the Olive Garden, thank you Lisa Y, Lisa S, Manon, and Aunt Pat this was a memorable weekend, I can't wait for the next rode trip.

WARM MY SPIRIT

2007-04-02T09:48:00.000-04:00

I had a Spirit Warming weekend, I played hookie on friday so it was a 3 day weekend. I spent friday spring cleaning and preparing for my Warm Spirit Party/ Crop on Saturday. I wanted my crop area to look nice and organize so people can see how nice it is to have a crop area to scrapbook at so I reoraganized and bought some more storgage bins, lets see how long that last. Jason was nice enough to get someone to do the yard and we bought some new patio funiture.

On saturday things went pretty smoothly considering I had all 5 children home during the event I usually try to get rid of the kids but I have been away so much lately I felt guilty and decided they would be okay. Felica the Warm Spirit consultant was very nice and informative all the products her company offers are all natural and developed for African Americans they smell really nice my favorite is Mango, if you miss the party please go to www.warmspirit.com and check the site to see if there is anything you will like, you can still place an order through me I can be reached at memoriaspreciosa@yahoo.com. After the Warm Sprit presentation we spent the rest of the day scrapbooking, and eating. I have been telling my friend Cat that scrapbooking in a photo album is another technique that is good for those who want to preserve memories but may not want to do a traditional scrapbook. It turned out very nice she started a book for an up comming trip. My mom worked on her book about her, I am so proud of them. I continued my 2006 Moments Album. It was very relaxing and spirit warming.

Chela

20% - 30% Memory Works Clearance Sale

http://memorias.memory-works.com

Simplicity

2007-03-29T10:45:00.000-04:00

I went to the Lisa Lisa crop this weekend given by Lisa Sanford and Lisa Young it was more like a day with my girlfriends. I was one of the first there by default. I rode with one of the organizers of the event ( Lisa Young) .Thank you for the ride girl :-)

I have seen pics of Lisa S. crop studio but to see it in person was amazing. She has everything a scrapbooker needs. The thing I love most about going to crops is the fellowship with other scrapbookers and sharing memories. I get the opportunity to meet other scrapbookers and see what projects they are working on, get advice, and of course borough cool tools. I was so inspired by all the creative juices around me I was able to complete 4 (2) page spreads.

I have been reading "Real Women Scrap" www.realwomenscrap.com and Tasra talks about creating simple pages and not feeling that every page has to be a masterpiece. This message really spoke to me because I can not tell you how many unfinished projects I have because I want all my pages to be not just memories but a work of art. I decided that concept is nice in theory but not in real life. I am a mom with 5 kids and unfortunately my craft does not come with a paycheck so my time is limited, not to mention I have to get out and make memories. So my challenge to myself was to create "Simplicity" with out losing my creativity.

This is how I did that...

1. I printed (4 photo) collage photos no theme, no particular event, just special moments in 2006.

2. I chose my paper and card stock. (1 pack of paper and 1 pack of card stock). I chose Basicgrey Scarlet's Letter and Prism: Prismatics Multi Pack White/Gray/Black card stock.

3. Basicgrey, Fancy Pants, and Memory Makers rub ons.

4. Creative Memories journal stencils and corner rounder.

5. My favorite pens for journaling.

6. Plan black page scrapbook album.

7. I committed to using just the things I chose for this project. No digging for that great paper, stickers, embellishments, etc... that would be great for this page. I just kept it simple.

So that was it and the results were great, and the trade off of no embellishments was okay because I was able to feel that warm feeling of pride in my heart when I saw a finished page.

Thank you Lisa Lisa for a great crop I can't wait for the next one!!! :-)
You can find all the great products I use at http://memorias.memory-works.com

Chela

FREE CROP

2007-03-11T20:17:00.000-04:00

The Laurel Scrapbook Club meet this weekend I had such a good time. We had nice inspiration around the room complements of the Brock Bridge Elementry school art projects, they really inspired me.

This crop was special because my daughter Shaquaya came with her friends. She is not really into scrapbooking although she appreciates seeing the fnish product especially when she is in the picture. Well I must say I was very suprise these young ladies were naturals, I called my self teaching a class and I learned from them. I gave the basic speech photo safe products, archival, acid free, etc... and they went to work.

Ashley (right side) created a layout about God and how much he means to her and then a layout about Omarion the singer, well that lady has her priorties straight, God first!!

Chanta(left side) did a layout with her baby pics using old pics no cropping, no scanning, no photo repairing.

My daughter Shaquaya (middle) did a page about her and page about me she was not concerned about choosing the right color paper, the theme of the book, the title, she just pick pics that meant alot to her and scrap them and everything else just worked it self out and the result was great pages and lots of fun. ( She didn't want me to take a pic until she is done)

So it made me think what is all the fuss about, have I gotten so caught up in the huppla that I have forgotten what this craft is all about, fun, sharing pics, and preserving great memories. If that wasn't enough of a message I read an artilce in my Scrapbook Etc. a lady who just started scrabooking ask the all important question where do I start? The answer was just start, JUST DO IT, get the most recent pics that mean something to you and start your scrapbook while the memories are still fresh in your head. So I say to you all JUST DO IT, Shaquaya is leaving for college soon, they grow up so fast and as I try to recreate the memories there are many blanks and I wish I had started scrapbooking sooner.

I also meet another mother daughter team with awesome pages and my scrapbook buddies Monique and Lisa came they keep me motivated. Thank you to all those who came to the crop I had a good time and I look forward to cropping with you all again soon.

JUST DO IT!!!!

Chela

Check out my new site for the latest in scrapbooking supplies http://memorias.memory-works.com/ FREE GIFT with a $50.00 purchase.

ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING

2007-02-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

Black history month is here as I remember my heritage I want to work hard to preserve my family history through journals, scrapbooks, and my blog :-).

I am so excited to be able to have a monthly free crop at the library, a place we can go preserve our memories and network. I was even more excited when Lisa Sanford from Ethnic Scrapbooking http://www.ethnicscrapbooking.typepad.com/ stop by to talk to us about Ethnic Scrapbooking.

Just when I thought I mastered my craft Lisa challenged me to add some Ethnic flaire to my pages. When Lisa ask who is using Ethnic elements on their pages we all looked at each other like WHAT!!! What is Ethnic Scrapbooking? Very simple think outside the box added some journaling with a ethnic flaire Kadisha added “Brown Sugar”, “ Sugar and Spice”. Use paper with a ethnic twist, I was working on a Love Album and my paper had the word love in different languages. Monique added computer generated graphics of black babies.

Lisa gave out some door prizes which we all enjoyed. But the message she left is better than any gift it is easy to get wrapped up in all the new scrapbook supplies and techniques but remember to add elements to teach your children and your grandchildren where they came from their Ethnic Heritage. Thank you Lisa.

2006 Recap

2007-02-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Its 2007 already I can't beleive it!! The year went so fast it wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst. I learned alot of valuable lesson, had some life changes, made some adjustments, and here I am ready for 2007. Lets recap...............

My babies...not babies any more
Shaquaya started the 12 grade ,is working part time, and is Laurel High Top Model!!!

Shaquaya got her first tatoo.

VJ turned twelveteen and improve in football. GO VJ!!!

Jaylon went to the 1st grade, MY BIG BOY.

Marques is badder and cuter!!!

Vania made the Step Team , was crowned Maryland City Football Princess and meet her first boyfriend Keaun :-0

I went to Vegas for the first time NO I DIDN'T GET MARRIED!!! I learned when life falls apart your friends will always pick you up :-)

I learned that love can hurt and is not easy but real love will last forever.....

So don't give up

Assembly Line Crop

2006-09-15T13:31:00.000-04:00

Me and mom attend a assembly line crop by Club Scrap we had so much fun. We created 10 12x12 layout in no time at all. Dottie taught us great shortcuts and new techniques using Club Scrap papers, stickers, and emblishments. I have been looking for a club to join and I found it for $27.95 you get a box of cooridinated paper, stickers, eblishments and a guide to help you put your pages together in no time. They send you a different kit every month so I don't have to try to pull together color schemes and find supplies this is perfect for a busy mom when I do get a chance to scrapbook my supplies are ready. So I have joined Club Scrap check the website www.clubscrap.com.

Here is a pic of what my kit came with for $30.00 at the Assembly Line Crop.

Thank you Bonnie and Lisa for inviting me the food was good and I left with 10 12x12 completed pages and a I won a door prive what more can you ask for :-) Oh yeah and I got to see more cool tools I love finding out about new toys. Lisa has a 12x12 Epson printer, YOU go girl when I grow up I want to a crop room like yours.

Wedding Season

2006-08-07T08:42:00.001-04:00

This is wedding season Love is in the air. Duty calls more pics to take and scrapbooks to make. When Missy a close friend of my cousin Placi, ask me to help at her wedding I was honored for many reasons. Your wedding represents one of those life milestones, you are no longer single you have chosen someone to share your life with and you want to share this very special event with friends and family. Preparing for this wonderful day can be stressful you want everything to be perfect because you want your marriage to start out perfect, and this day represents you and your new spouse and the love you have for one another. So what an honor it was to be chosen to help Missy prepare for her special day. I of course drafted my mother to help out too. Me and mom were responsible for getting the reception hall ready. I really enjoyed decorating the hall and making sure everything was as perfect as can be for Missy and her new husband Will.

The wedding was beautiful and so romantic. "Missy is a virtures woman" is what many said as they gave the couple thier well wishes and I agree. I don't think she understand how much she has help me without even knowing what is going on in my life. She is a true representation of "Be true to what you believe and always put GOD first". Of course I will be working on a wedding book for Missy and her husband.

Footprints

2006-07-26T21:04:00.000-04:00

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you. "

Life can sometimes teach you hard lessons and the past month has been filled with hard lessons for me.

But through it all I know God is watching over me and my final destination will be the greatest blessing.

The hardest part of learning hard lessons is to actual learn from them and being able to accept change.

Life changes, people change, and we change.........

Chela

New beginnings

2006-06-13T22:42:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a time of reflection and New beginnings. On Saturday I had a Crop at my house. My friends Monique, Zee and Cat came. I worked on a picture frame a gift for my cousin who just got married and Monique worked hard on some layouts to enter into a contest. Zee worked on Vacation photos and Cat worked on a album for her parents. It was very nice.

As I looked for pics to use on Placi's picture frame I reflected on days gone by. The days living in New York the journeys life has taken us on, from Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and now Maryland. We have come a long way and we cried, laughed, loved, lost love, and found love again.

New beginnings was the name and theme for the Baby Shower / Wedding Reception. Placi and Shawn have been together for 13 years and have 4 beautiful children. I have watched their lives go through many transformations and New beginnings is the best way to describe were they are now.

Placi is 8 months pregnant and glowing she is so happy, you don't find to many woman who are 8 months pregnant and happy, but how else would she be she just married her soul mate and the love of her life. How bless she is.

I had a great time taking pictures, I love these shots. I love my digital camera I feel like a pro.

Guess who is making her wedding album :-)

Kid In A Candy Store

2006-06-04T23:17:00.000-04:00

I was a kid in a candy store saturday at the Bowie Crop, I went with my mom and we had a ball. Words can not express the fun I had. I finally found out where all the crazy scrapbookers hang out. I am no longer afraid to express myself I luv 2 Scrapbook I am normal the rest of the world needs help. :-)
I made new friends and heard many stories about scrapbookers and thier journies. Many of the ladies were former CM consultants and or CM customers, I keep hearing " there is life after CM" I was so happy to hear I am not the only CM rep that strays to other products. "There is no wrong in scrapbooking just remeber to use photo safe and archival products and most of all have fun, scrapbooking is about fun". :- ) Words of wisdom I heard during dinner.

I want to thank Lynn from All Day Events for a great day. I felt like I was on a mini vacation even though it only lasted a day. I also want to thank my new crop buddies for sharing thier stories and sharing thier luv to scrapbook

Check out the cool SB tools I found!!

WOW :-)

Dads Album Final touches

2006-05-30T23:43:00.000-04:00

Well I am still up at 11:41 pm working on my dads father's day mini album. I thought I was done but I need to add something I am not sure what but it needs something, and I need sleep so I will finish this tomorrow. I added a Video clip when I first heard this song I loved it. I have always believed that what we go through in life makes us stonger so we can fulfill our true purpose. Therefore never forget your past because those are the lessons that will bring you closer to your future.

One things for sure if I had to do it all again I wouldn't change a thing. :-)

Memorable Weekend

2006-05-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

I had a great time this weekend my sister visited and it was my son Marque's birthday.

On Saturday I had a cookout BBQ Birthday Bash for Marques. Okay, maybe not a Bash more like a little get together, but we had a ball.

On Sunday morning me and my sister went scrapbook shopping at AC Moore, sorry no pics to busy shopping. I found a great pack of pattern paper by SBW Scrapbook Wizard, I never heard of this brand but I couldn't resist the patterns, I love pattern paper. My sister lost her mind and bought the store. On the top of her list was chalk she is going to try chalk on her pages, she is also creating a cool page using wire she found color wire. I promise to post pics when her page is done.

After we finish shopping we spent the rest of our Sunday scrapbooking and sipping wine. I am working on a 8 page accordion fold out album that comes in a tin by DCWV. It is a Fathers day gift for my dad. I sent my grandmother a mini album for mothers day and after sharing it with my dad she is still waiting for him to return it. So now he will have his own. All the pics are of me and him Daddy's Little Girl.

Then on Monday I took advantage of the beautiful weather and we went on a pinic, Jaylons idea. It was nice just me Jason, Jaylon, and VJ. The girls were at the mall of course and Marques spent the day with his god mommy Australia.

Now it is time for bed and back to work in the morning and I am not ready. I don't want this weekend to end.

CM Business

2006-05-24T21:07:00.000-04:00

As you all know I am a Creative Memories consultant. I love scrapbooking and I love my CM business. The problem is not enough customers, although I know the world is full of people who like me love to scrapbook but unfortunately we have not found each other yet. I say all this to say I have decided to start monthly crops. I was holding monthly crops at my house but I think they are more fun away from home and my home can be pretty busy with 5 kids. So if you visit my blog and want to join my monthly crop please feel free to contact chelapinder@hotmail.com and feel free to check out my Creative Memories Site www.mycmsite.com/pinderg . I hope everyone comes to my Crop, please give me any suggestions to get it started.

Me and my sister at the CM Black History Month Crop we had so much fun, we have to do it again!!

Tattoo Part 2

2006-05-22T22:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, I remember what I forgot yesterday, I forgot to mention that on May 20, 2006 Shaquaya Lewis got her first tattoo. She has been driving me crazy about it and I thought I would die, because this is a sign of her independence and I had to let go. Of course some people feel I should have waited until she was 18 but Shaquaya is a good girl and it's not like she is asking for her first drink, birth control, or if she can go out with a guy or even a girl, you never know these days. It's just a tattoo a sign that she is growing up and I am finally accepting that. I am glad that it is over I told her no more parental consent activities until she can consent to it herself.

Where did the Day go

2006-05-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

I woke up at 8:30 am tried to work on my Baptism layout for my album, that never happened. My friend Chanta came over, then my sister's girlfriend came over and we all went shopping at BJ"s warehouse. I really don't shop at those big warehouse stores but with 5 kids I thought I should give it a try. The prices were good on somethings other things seem over price. Then Chanta wanted to go shoe shopping so we did that, then I did my hair , cooked dinner, clean the kitchen, did the laundry, gave myself a manicure and pedicure, and of course updated my blog. I'm sure I forgot to do something gotta go........

My poor lonely work station :-(

Contest

2006-05-21T00:15:00.000-04:00

I entered my first scrapbook layout contest today www.scrapsofcolor.com It was more work than I thought it would be. First of all the Scan & Stitch program I downloaded for free keep freezing. Then I tried www.autostitch.com that worked but it took a lot of time and patients. After I finally scanned & stitched I still had to edit the file. But I did it and it was fun minus the Scan & Stitch problem. I hope I did it right, wish me luck.

MOM AND DAD 70'S LOVE CHILD

2006-05-19T20:22:00.000-04:00

Okay I think I finally found a way to post my scrapbook pages. Thank you Lisa for your help. This is my 70's page Mom, Dad, and Me. This is for my ALL ABOUT ME ALBUM. I have been working long and hard on that album it is serious business because I am serious business. I love working on this album because I love reflecting on my childhood the days of no responsiblities, that we take for granted. If I knew then what I know now.

"Its not fare that we forget our childhood

it is one of the happiest times of our lives. "

Chela

Baseball Blues

2006-05-19T20:11:00.000-04:00

I find that the older your children get the harder it is to make them happy. Today VJ missed his baseball game his ride never showed up. To make things worst his coach told him that he had to be at the game because they really needed him. So now it is my fault even though I was the one who signed him up for baseball in the first place, thinking it would make him happy and get him out the house. But now I have another job and he has another reason to be made at me.

Tattoo

2006-05-18T22:47:00.000-04:00

Drama queen Shaquaya is at it again, she is 16 soon to be 17 and stressing me about going with her to get a tattoo. I decided to let her get it but I am not sure I am ready. I know I have to let her grow but I look at her and I can't believe my baby is a big girl now. Today she caught me staring and she asked, " mom why are you looking at me like that". I can't believe she is the same little girl that could not leave my side. Well my Quaya is all grown up now.

These Are the Days (Que Tiempos Aquellos)

2006-05-18T17:02:00.000-04:00

I want to celebrate life. God has blessed me in so many ways. So I created this blog to celebrate life the good and the bad. Through my words, through my pictures, through my scrapbook. I will share with you my family and friends my life Que Tiempos Aquellos These are the days.