Say It With Sass

Not Your Typical Ghost Story!

2011-06-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that opinion is subject to change....agreed? Well, I have been a total skeptic most of my life. I'm a Freewill Baptist for gosh sake! I am a Bible-believing Christian and from what I read in the Bible, there are is no such thing as human spirits being left on earth. I believed there is only one of two destinies for the souls of humans (heaven or hell) without exception. However, there are some things that cannot be explained...I have seen and heard them with my own eyes.

My husband and I own a house next door to ours. We used to live in that house, and when we moved ... I think something else moved in!! I had a very unprofessional ghost hunting team, called FCPS, come and investigate with my cousin Randy and I.
So, I invited another team to come investigate. They were TOTALLY professional and had tons of amazing equipment. I have been having a total blast with a team called TPS from my hometown in Paintsville! We have spent MANY nights down at that house.I (and others) have seen:

1) Shadow figures (usually running or playing peek-a-boo)
2) Apparitions
3) Pulses of gray light (not headlights, we tried to debunk that)
4) Objects being moved in strange locations
5) Doors opening and closing
6) And MANY EVPs.

EVPs are "Electronic Voice Phenomena." Any digital recorder can capture these, and it is a ghost's voice answering a question or just speaking. Here are some EVPs I've collected from other teams and my own:

CHILDREN OF HEAVEN ARE SAFE:

BABETTE/JANETTE THIS IS EXCITING This EVP was captured by John Murphy of Research Investigators of the Paranormal.

DAMN YOU!THIS EVP IS AMAZING. I WAS SITTING SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH A FRIEND, AND SHE WAS WEARING A ROSARY. ALL OF A SUDDEN, HE BEADS WERE TOSSED OFF HER NECK ACROSS THE ROOM. BEFORE YOU HEAR HER SCREAM, YOU HEAR AN EVP SAYING 'DAMN YOU'

GET OUT

THERE ARE TWO EVPS HERE. AS SOON AS JOHN SAYS "BOOM" LISTEN FOR A CREEPY CACKLE. THEN YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY HEAR "HE'LL KILL YOU"

NAMES: AS SOON AS YOU HEAR ME ASK THE QUESTION "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" IT GAVE ME THREE NAMES. I THINK I KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, BUT YOU CAN CLEARLY MAKE OUT "MY HUSBAND"

"WHY CAN'T YOU WALK?"

Thoughts? It is SO exciting to ghost hunt!!!

Kristie

Free Dog to a good home!!!!

2011-06-01T21:09:00.001-07:00

Meet Janie - she is a sweet German Short-haired Pointer. Mark and I have decided to find her a new home. Janie has a habit of getting into the road, so we have been forced to set up a large dog lot for her...and I hate that. It's no way for a dog to live (being kept in a pen). We love her dearly and she has been petted and spoiled. Janie is house-broken, but she prefers to stay outside and "protect" the house and chase rabbits. She has not been spade, so we also fear she will get pregnant. She loves children, especially my son Bryce. She is AKC registered, current on all her shots, and is 1 1/2 years old. Please email me if you're interested! Here are some photos of her:

2010-03-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hi girls!

I've only received a couple of addresses to mail RAK's to, so I will be mailing out those packages as soon as I finish going through all my stuff. I never thought in a million years that I had soooooo much supply to go through! The rest of the items will be listed on ebay - I liked Deb's idea about selling my stuff and donating the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

I must thank Rebecca, and my friend Andrea for being there when I need them the most. How wonderful to have true friends! My Granny always told me that you can could the number of REAL friends you will have in life on one hand - and she seems to be correct! But more importantly, I must thank my BFF Laura, who has helped me through very trying times. I love you!

I thank you girls for your support!

Many hugs, and I hope to see you girls online soon. And for those of you who are cruel and take enjoyment in doing so, I leave you with a quote.

Many Blessings,
Kristie

One should examine oneself for a very long time before thinking of condemning others. ~Moliere

The Winners!!

2010-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for leaving comments girls!!! I am happy to announce the 10 winners of the RAKS I will be sending out:

Jackie
Vel
Rebecca Stone
Lisa
Mel Kelly - IrishEyezDesigns
Zuk
nikilynn
Crystal
Suzi
Aline {Lolly}

Please email me your addresses so I can mail you some goodies!!!!

I have some awesome news.....Mark asked me on my 30th b-day (oops...typo...I mean my 25th birthday) if I would like to have a vow renewal ceremony. I have no idea how those things work, so I googled it. The main reasons peoplpe have vow renewal is 1) they've been through rough times, 2) illness, and 3) they eloped. So, we've decided to go ahead and have a massive pseudo wedding/vow renewal on August 28th. Our anniversary is on August 27th, but that's a Friday.

Please make sure to email me your addresses!! Thanks girls!
Love ya! XoXoXo

Kristie

Please participate in this before I go mad.......

2010-01-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

I have so much scrap supplies, yet I just don't have the ability to scrap anymore like I used to. All the supplies I have are driving me bonkers, because I am running out of space! These pages I have posted are either back from pub with Scrapbook Dimensions, or old. Not only do I have a large enough stash for 20 people, but I got more for Christmas!! So, I thought I would offer a RAK. Just leave a comment here, and I will send you some goodies. I thought about putting everything on ebay, or even toss it, but I would much rather give it to my friends.

So, leave a comment, and I will send a RAK to 10 people. I'll use the random generator to choose.

Kaleb and I:

Yes, that's me when I was 5. I always loved ballet.

My baby boy. Can you believe he will be 10 on Feb. 9!!!???

Another layout of Bryce. Boy pages are SO hard to me.

Bryce and Janie, my new dog, a German Shorthaired Pointer. She has to stay outdoors because she DESTROYS everything, and my prissy cockers can't stand any of her frolics. But she adores Bryce.

Mark and I. This layout was submitted to Scrapbook Dimensions, a wonderful hybrid mag.

Yet another lo of my baby:

This lo was featured on Graphic 45's website:

This is a lo of my lil bro Jordan and I.

My Grandparents:

I must thank you all for your prayers, cards, and phone calls. You girls have really lifted my spirits!!!!

Hugs, and I love ya!

Kristie

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

2009-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Girls!

I have missed you ALL so very much! It has been nuts around here with doctor's appointments, my computer frying along with my Blackberry....UGH. I had my laptop charging, along with my Blackberry on the same surge protector. It shorted out or something, causing laptop and cell to fry along with it. Rather than lose all my pictures and buy a new laptop, Mark gave it to the guy who works on the computers for the company Mark works for. He worked on it in his spare time - thus the delay in fixing it. It works awesome now though.

I did have a marvelous Christmas. Bryce got a Wii, the new Super Mario Brothers, and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess among other things. I love it that I can substitute activities that I am not able to do anymore, like drive long distances, with sitting around and playing video games with him....yes, I am a RPG dork.

Healthwise, I am doing a lot better, however my left hip has deteriorated, so I have to use a cane. I think I'll paint flames on it like Dr. House's.

Other than that, I am feeling awesome. I will be back in action soon on Scrapbook.com. I miss everyone so much, and if it takes me a year I will comment on each and every email notification I have on your gals fab uploads. And MANY MANY facebook comments to catch up on.

Happy Holidays, and much love to you all!!!!

Kristie

All That Was Missing Was The Reading of The Declaration of Independence

2009-07-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time this weekend. My Uncle Jim Bob (yes, his real name) threw a party. He had a shelter built down by the lake (his massive house is lakefront), had a bulldozer come and make trails so he could take all the kids for a ride through the woods on his Rhino, and spent almost $10K on fireworks. It was so much fun! It was kinda weird though; no one knows what to say to me since I got sick except offer me their chairs and make me eat.

My BF Laura directed me here. You have to check out Scrapbuck! About 90% of their stuff is just $1.

Here is a couple layouts I created with their amazing products:

Anyway, here are some pictures:

This is my cousin Jeremy packing my other cousin Tracy around in the wagon.

My nephew Braden. He is TOO cute!

and I took Bryce and Connor to the lake:

This is my new baby nephew Will. I made them turn off the flash because he was sleeping. Anyway, he weighs only 6 lbs and he's two weeks old, so I was a nervous wreck around him. When Bryce was born he was toddler sized.

I think this is Kaleb's impersonation of "The Rock":

Yeah, yeah....I look like hell. But it's been awhile since I gave Laura some pictures of Kaleb so she can drool over him.

XoXoXo,
Kristie

Long time, no see....

2009-01-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

It's been FOREVER and a day since I have blogged. I have so much to update on!!

My grandmother, Mary Jane, just passed away on Dec. 13th. It was so sudden! She did have Alzheimer's disease, however physically she was in better health than most 75 year olds (or 50 year olds, for that matter). I lived with her from the time I was seven until I was fourteen. I used to sit with her during the day before she went into the nursing home. I would haul scrap supplies down to her house, and scrap in the floor beside her recliner. She loved to watch me make pages! She would ask me "Now, what are you making?"

Dad had to admit her into a nursing home, and my stepmother got a call that she had fallen. They did not divulge how serious her injury was, but simply told Lisa, "She just cut her forehead." We later got a phone call from the hospital, whose purpose of calling was to "gather the family". When Kaleb and I got there, there was no hope of recovery. They were "keeping her comfortable". When I saw that there was not even stitches in her forehead, I knew there was no hope. She had a "midline shift" and a very severe brain bleed. She died a couple hours later, and I am glad she didn't have any pain. And of course, the nursing home is giving us no answers....

Here is a pic of my little Granny. This was taken at Christmas of 2007. Needless to say, it was a sad time at Christmas without her.

I guess I have been in a scrappin' funk for awhile because of the sadness. I think I am finally getting my mojo back however. I am also busy with the new Secret Sister's Swap, and we have had a great turnout this time around. Hopefully we will be doing another circle journal. Here are some pages from my first one:

Amy Eutsler's:

Cindy

Debbie

Delaina

Faithscrapper

Granny Teetee

I Heart Scrapping

KellMorris

MelissaW

Mumsie23

Heidi

Steph

Sue (a.k.a Chipmunk Master)

and here are some random digi pages. I have been a digi/hybrid MACHINE in the past couple of days:

Thanks so much for taking a peek!

XoXoXo,
Kristie

Scrappies

2008-11-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

I had such a blast with Cami at the park a few days ago, and I thought I would share some photos of her antics. She is definitely precocious! She couldn't wait to inform me of this story.

"Aunt Kiki, my mommy and me saw a boy in Wal-mart and he would have been the PERFECT boyfriend. ((Inserting *SIGH* here)). But my Mommy won't let me have a boyfriend, they are just too difficult."

She thinks my little brother, Connor, and Bryce are her boyfriends. She also thinks Kaleb's son, Braden, is her fiancee. I think we are gonna have our hands full with this one!!!

And here are some of my most recent pages. I had a late night, power scrapping fest:

News....

2008-11-02T07:29:00.001-08:00

There are amazing changes coming up in the future at ScrapFaith.
Including.... Gigi Kennedy and Kim Hughes as Guest Artists this month.

We'll be having:

- Slideshows of all submitted challenge layouts.

- Monthly prizes. But NOT for a chosen layout, because art is subjective. Instead we will be giving away a large prize pack each month from a winner of our comment draw. That's right...starting in NOVEMBER, each time you leave a comment in a certain month you are eligible for the prize. Only one comment per post please. So if you leave a comment on every post you have the best chance at winning.

- A ScrapFaith Flickr group where you can post any faith based layout you choose.

- A re-design of some of the features on our site.

- Even more inspiration from our amazing team.

- More amazing Guest Artists. Check out our amazing Guest Designers!

Come and visit us and get ready to Scrap FAITH!

XoXoXo,
Kristie

Tactics- How to Do It Without The Spreadsheet

2008-10-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Lot's of love to my girl, Vel, who tagged me. That means I get to have this!

So, here are the rules:
1. If you've been tagged, you can put the logo on your blog.
2. Link the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated.

I am nominating:

Amy
Laura
Stephanie
Susan Dupre
Tessa
Robbie
Nikki

Whew...that took awhile. But it's definitely worth it if it means I get to tag Susan.

********** ********** ************ **********

I am in such a mess trying to get organized. I mean, is it really impossible to organize scraps and leftovers? I horde everything; you would not believe the minute pieces of pp that I have found, which makes me scratch my head and wonder, "Why am I keeping a 1x3 inch piece of paper?" Laura would be so disappointed. Maybe if ((I)) were the "Jedi Knight", it would be easier. **SNORT**

Hopefully, this will help me

And check this out OMG the girl is so talented. Charity, you are amazing.

So is Stephanie Garbett. Wow...This knocked my socks off.

Have you gals seen this... I love Beggahuna's sketches. They are fabulous! I'm working on this one now.

I've been reading Digital Artist Magazine. They have some fabulous artists, as well as digital freebies within the actual ezine. It's a very professional and informative ezine, with great tutorials. There is nothing so unprofessional as trying to scour through the "heehees" and "teetees" in a "professional publication". Not the case here. It covers anything and everything a digi scrapper would want to know. They even had a great section on hybrid layouts, which is one of my passions. I would definitely recommend checking it out!!

I've been having a blast in my two new COFs. They are my first ever, and we are having a blast with all the chatter. Perez Hilton would be proud.

Here are some random photos I found of my baby boy.

It's wild how fast he is growing up. He had us all fooled with the dark hair and a dark complection. I love digging into the baby pics. It makes me sort of sad because he's getting older so quick!

Oh, and I made this...but can't figure out a title. It's my niece, Cami.

Here's another one for Steph:

It's in the mail baby!

OH! How could I forget? Here's something fun: Are you a drama queen? My test said:

You're a drama peasant, also known as a Cool Customer. Nothing bothers you too much because you've got your priorities straight. Sure, your friends secretly call you an ice queen behind your back, but even that doesn't bother you!

I love taking those little tests, even in magazines. Let's me know that I am not a flake. "HEEHEE"

Lots going on this week. Kaleb and Sarah are having a yard sale, then I am back to taking care of my grandmother on Monday. After having her aortic aneurysm removed, her blood has been abnormally thin. She took all the cards that the gals on sb.com made for her to the hospital. Anyway, she is staying with her sister this weekend, then I get to start keeping her with me on Monday. She's still speaking in a very faint whisper due to the ventilator. Hopefully, everything will work itself out!

Oh, Heidi, your RAK is on it's way. Enjoy! I have another giveaway!!! Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for each one of these, along with the frames.

XoXoXo,
Kristie

I've been a busy girl.....

2008-09-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I went mental waiting for my big box of fun from JLMS, and decided to make lots of digi pages. See, I can be productive!

Oh, and I bet you want to know who won the $50 bucks worth of scrap stuff, huh? Stay tuned, I might tell you later....Be patient.

Well, Kaleb and Sarah abruptly changed their wedding plans. Not only are they not getting married in TN, but they are doing it HERE at home. That means no trip to G-burg for their Christmas parade. Maybe I can, umm, persuade Mark into taking Bryce and I anyway.

I'm trying to learn to operate my new typepad acct. If anyone can help me out here, let me know PLEASE!

Ok, ok, here is the winner.....Heidi (seesterk)!!! Wooohooo! Can't wait til you get THIS!

((HUGS))
Kristie

Shhhhhh

2008-09-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

Due to the unfair/questionable practices of SNA, I was presented with an amazing opportunity! See.....hang in there girls! Good things will come your way! Bid your time girls; you are ALL amazing scrappers.

Anyway, I am done with that topic. No more about it; promise!

I went yesterday to look for flowers for my brother's wedding. They are getting married here in Gatlinburg, TN. This is Sarah's dress. Oh, and here is mine. I am sooooo excited!

But can I fill it out? LOL!

Bryce and Connor are going to be ushers. Here is the cabin Mark, Bryce and I will be staying in. It's also the cabin we stayed in for our honeymoon.

Oh, and remember to leave a comment here or on the previous post to be entered to win $50 worth of scrap stuff!!

Take a Peek

2008-09-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hi girls ! I've been having a blast on the Secret Sister's Swap.

Bought this t-shirt...need to add a "x2" onto it, since both brothers are going into the Navy.

I made this for my design team layout for ScrapFaith:

Found these, and I must have them!!!!

Here's some random photos from my trip to Dad's. My stepmama has ((BOXES)) of photos just waiting to be raided:

Kaleb, who thought this face was "scary"....

Kaleb and Braden:

The parental units, Dad and Lisa....my ((gorgeous)) stepmama. She does NOT look 43!

Which reminds me....by day, Dad was a ninja. By nightfall, he transformed back into a normal family man:

Dad is a 6th degree black belt now, and his Kung-Fu mates have to call him "Master Keith". He's the third guy down on this page. I think it's weird but cool. I get to call him "Brother Keith" since we are members of the same church. Speaking of that, here is a pic of me joining my church, along with Connor and Lisa:

More later peeps....off to scrap! Hugs!!

XoXoXo,
K

Where in the World is Kristie Bentley???

2008-08-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hi girls....I have been meaning to blog...truly, I have! Lots going on around here, and conveniently it has to happen before my anniversary! Our wedding anniversary is coming up on the 27th, I've been swamped on the Sis thread (love it though, it's turned out to be a BLAST once the one and only determent was removed).

Got these yesterday, so this is what I have been doing:

Mark wanted a caricature of himself, so I sure gave him one! He kept picking it up and saying "Do my eyes really look like that?" and "I don't have such a big soul patch". Goof....well, a caricature is not supposed to really LOOK like a person, it's just supposed to resemble them. I have to finish his shirt, but I'm not sure yet if I want to add a shirt or a itty bitty body.

Like a said, a caricature is not supposed to really LOOK like the subject:

This one is called "I Wish"...LOL! Yeah, that's me:

Here's some other random sketches. Now that I have gotten these out of the way for anniversary gifts, and a gift for Mark's mother, I am free to draw my favorite subject....Bryce! And I am working on a special portrait of two little girls, who took my heart when I first laid eyes on them.

Random sketch of eyes for caricature practice:

This is Mark when he was about 5, and I did this one for his mama:

Yep....me! I am a bit bothered by the big shadow along my jawline, so I will have to revise a bit:

Click on these to see the detail and blow them up. Email me (twisty.kristie@gmail.com) if you are interested in a sketch or caricature.

((HUGS))
Kristie

Congrats Jane!

2008-08-07T07:21:00.001-07:00

Jane Smith (photoscrapin) has won a bunch of Blue Eye from me! Jane, it will go out with your ATCs! They are going to be mailed out tomorrow!

HUGS!
K

Giveaway!!!!

2008-08-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! I want to tell you about an amazing opportunity that Laura and I have been presented with. I have been on Blue Eyed Dezine's Design Team for quite some time. I recieved a massive box of product a few days ago, and WOWZA! You should see this felt!

Anyhow, Laura's work and mine are going to be presented at CHA, as well as some trade shows in Australia. Blue Eye is breaking out into the USA, and I am so tickled to be a part of it! Here are some layouts I created using their papers, felt borders/ribbon, rub ons, and frames:

Tara let me borrow her children for these three layouts, and was nice enough to send me some photos of them:

Now, for the fun part:

Leave a comment, and it will put you in a drawing to receive approx. $40 worth of Blue Eye felt and rub ons!

Also, I am hosting a Secret Sister Swap. Sign ups will be going on until August 15th, so hurry and sign up if you're interested!

XoXoXo,
Kristie

CALM DOWN K!

2008-07-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Lots to catch up on!

So, my grandmother had her pacemaker surgery, and low and behold....she contracted CLOSTRIDIUM...one of the more nasty of contageons from the hospital's OR table. So, she is in the hospital. Tomorrow morning, Bryce is having his tonsils removed. I am a nervous wreck! Wreck I tell you! But, he's cool as a cucumber about it, and not scared in the least. We've all been acting like it's no big deal to him, and I think it has had the desired effect. Anywho, I have been at the hospital today to get his bloodwork completed. He took it like a man! Oh, and I stocked up on a ton of ice cream, popscicles, and juice for the boy too. I am totally dreading this, but he felt a lot better after I got him three DBZ video games from Gamestop. For his, er, bravery. LOL....I am such a pushover.

Then, Bryce hit me with his opinion that "I dont want you to adopt because I like being your only child." Mark and I are going to start foster parenting, and Bryce doesn't want us to. I think it would be a great experience for everyone; it's tough not to be able to procreate at 28!

Jordan and Kaleb enlisted in the Navy....OMG, time to buy two American flags and an "I'm a Navy Sis x2" T-shirt.

Bryce has had some fab fun this summer playing baseball. He was chosen for the Johnson County Traveling Team, and we got to go to Morehead for a tourney. They didn't win, but still had a blast. Here are some pics:

Yes, the tall # 16 is mine:

Doesn't he look 15?

And Lola is preggers again...did I already mention that? She's having massive quantities of pup, so I am going to give away 5. I just hate the hassle of selling them! If you want one, I will PAY YOU to take it...LOL!

Oh, and check out the new Scrapfaith challenge tomorrow. And my True Colors lo was picked up by Scrap N' Art....TOOT! Oh, and I'm getting ready to work on some pages for Blue Eye's CHA display.

A quick shout out....

2008-06-13T18:59:00.001-07:00

I am totally a nervous wreck about applying for Cosmo Cricket and Hamby DTs. I almost wish I hadnt seen the Pub calls! I haven't applied to any DTs in months, so I'm going to keep my digits crossed.

My hubby is trying to figure out photoshop. I think he has some tricks up his sleeves and is only pretending to be completely ignorant of it. He did this pic of me:

I ((ALMOST)) look hot! LOL!

More later peeps...off for some late night power scrappin!

Peace, Love, and Chicken Grease

2008-06-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

A lot of craziness going on around here. I am still trying to scrap while simulataneously mourning the defeat of Hillary. I am trying to get a mini album completed for Dad for Father's Day, haggling at the PO, and taking care of my g-ma, who has to have a pacemaker. I'm trying my hand at making bread too...such a pain! But, the procoss does involve "punching" the dough, which is kinda cool.

BREATHE KRISTIE, BREATHE.

My clone, Kaleb, is at the beach this week, and I have no one to gossip with on the phone. :(

Here is a pic of all my brothers. I am posting this for Laura, who thinks my brother Kaleb ( far left) is another McDreamy. He DOES read comments about him on my gallery....I know it feeds his ego.

This is my middle bro, Jordan. We give him complete hell about looking like Leonardo Dicaprio.

And this on is of Connor, Dad, and Jordan:

As you can tell, I got my grubby paws on some photos, thanks to my stepmom.

Made this of her.

XOXOXOXOX, Kris

"Why"

2008-06-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

I finally got around to photographing the pages of this album. I wanted all the reasons that I scrap to be tucked away in one spot. Here she is:

I {HEART} YOU

2008-06-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been such a disgusting day in Eastern KY today. Like any good scrapoholic, I started a new Art Journal, scrapped, and snapped pics of my plants. Oh, and I figured out a trick to take seed from Peony flowers and to make new plants. Cool eh? I am becoming a regular Green Thumbilina.

I made this:

Then I snapped this. I love my lilies!!!!

Found this:

I cant wait to scrap it!

Downloaded this:

Another thing to scrap...love you Jules!

Not much going on around here. Oh, momentous news! Lola is preggers again! More pups on the way!

Made my day....

2008-05-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

Well, just got back from the postie, and this was tucked away in my mail box. This is how mail should be sent!!!! Thanks Mama!

I can;t wait to receive the rest of the ATCs for the Styles the Word swap! This has turned out to be sooo much fun.

Here's a quicky page I made for Kimmi's ColoUr Challenge....I just can't get used to using the "u" in color.

Yes, that's me when I was a wee diva....around 5-ish I guess.

More later peeps...off to pick up the boy from school.

XoXoXo, Kristie

Random Ramblings...

2008-05-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Not much going on...nothing to report, blog, gripe, complain, whine, or otherwise about. Oh, I did make this lil 4x6 acrylic album

for my stepmama for Mother's Day.

I took this picture of my iris...Love it!

I have been putting out the usual assortment of weird flowers...

This one is so weird and semi ugly that I fell instantly in LOVE...one of those "So ugly it's cute" deals:

I also have BLUE roses...yes, they are actually blue. It's called a "Blue Girl".

And these, in white and hot pink:

Oh, and I've been working on a lot of ATCs...will post soon.

((HUGS)), and Happy Memorial Day!

Kristie

Fried, Dyed, & Laid to the Side

2008-05-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, nothing really new to report, other than my desktop computer castastrophy. Mark was on the computer, hard at work on his fantasy football league stuff. It was poaring the rain, and he had the windows BEHIND the PC open. I think maybe some water got into the back of the computer, because he said there was a "big spark", and it fried the frickin' thing! Anywho, I lost all my pics! He came to tell me, and being the avid scrapbooker that I am, I hurriedly went to puke. I got soooo sick over losing my pics. Not only that, but my digital camera cable fried as well. So, I have to resort to my laptop with the annoying mouse. I hooked my regular old mouse up to it though (to decrease the cussing when doing digital pages). I can't upload any new scrap pages, or photos. I did get some amazing pics of my beautiful iris plants and my blue girl roses.

Oh, and I have three mini books to upload. One will have to be sneak peek views though, because I am teaching a class on it. So, I am giving away a kit with instructions for the mini album class. Whomever is signed up for the ATC swap that that is featured on STW will be entered into a drawing to win it. Since I am NOT a high tech redneck, I will pull the names out of a hat to determine the winner...LOL

Kristie

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Not much going on here other than the usual....
Scrapping, making mini books, completing DT assignments, taking care of my grandmother, and going to my new church. I absolutely love it there! I got the cutest little Mother's Day book as a gift on Sunday. I thought I was going to win the "Youngest Mother" Award...boy was I wrong! I had to "remain standing" and duel it out with one other woman while the Youth Group said, "Mothers 30 and younger, remain standing.."etc etc. Then she got to 28, 27...and I had to sit because I am old :(

What else....hmmmm

Oh, I have been fighting with the groomer that cut Laci. Yes, cut her literally. Poor thing! And I've been watching this and reading this book that Stephanie Garbett sent me. She also sent me two fabulous books about English history....I am such a dork! I love history, especially English history and anything to do with Anne Boleyn. Speaking of her, I think Showtime's The Tudors series is gonna kill her off this season, which will end with a prompt cancellation of their channel from my Directtv LOL.

Ok, off to make a mini album and snap some more pics of my Blue Girl Roses and my gorgeous Iris' that are starting to bloom.

Rethinking the Role....

2008-04-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I made a momentous decision. A decision I have been hankering over for years. Do I FIT in the Catholic church??? The answer was - NO. Don't get me wrong, I love Catholicism. I love it. It just wasn't for ME personally.

My grandfather was a deacon in the United Baptist church. He and my Granny would drag me to church in the most annoying, ruffled tights, and make me sit through three hour sermons when I was 5. I am probably exaggerating the 3 hour sermons, but needless to say, to a five year old I was bored. In between eating rolls of Certs and chewing gum, I managed to listen. Those sermons must have had an impact on me, because in retrospect I have retained those beliefs. This helped me to come to my decision.

I went to Easter service with my dad a few weeks ago. His preacher, J. Kelly Caudill, delivered a wonderful sermon on Faith and belief in Jesus. I could feel the Lord in that little country church. I felt the tug on my heart...I hadn't experienced anything like this in the Catholic church. The two churches are POLAR opposites.

So, I had some soul searching to do...and I decided. I became a member of the Tom's Creek Freewill Baptist church in Nippa, KY. It's a bit of a drive for me on Sundays, but well worth the trip. Here is a picture of my baptism.

See....I didn't exaggerate when I said that I am SHORT.

Freewill Baptists are found mostly in the south. My friends living abroad may not understand them, or have even heard of them. Here are some differences:

Catholics believe in offering prayers to Mary and to the Saints. Baptists believe that prayer should only be to God in the name of Christ

Catholics believe in the authority of the Roman Catholic Bible as well as the authority of the traditions and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and of the Pope. Baptists believe in the authority of the Bible plus faith plus nothing - that the Bible alone is a sufficient basis for all faith and practice

Catholics believe in the mediation of Roman Catholic priests. Baptists believe that there is only one mediator between God and man, and that one mediator is "the man Christ Jesus".

Oh, and I snagged a spot on Scrapfaith design team....came at a pretty good time, dontcha think? Ya'll can expect a lot of scrap pages about this post!

Once again, I am not trying to ruffle feathers. I just wanna share!

ATC SWAP

2008-04-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

I am going to host an ATC swap for Styles the Word. If anyone is interested, please email me at twisty.kristie@gmail.com. Sign ups will run until May 15th, then I will post the number of ATCs needed (after everyone signs up).

TAKE NOTES!

2008-04-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have received soooo many comments and PM's about my relationship with Bryce's OTHER MOTHER Tara. No, that's not a typo. Tara is Bryce's other mama. She didn't give birth to him, but I have learned a lot from this extraordinary woman.

Lots of children have step parents, come from divorced homes, and what not. I have been there and done that....and I want to share my experiences regarding the matter. For starters, I come from a divorced home. My mother and father are cordial to each other NOW to the point of an etiquette class. They will say "Hello", "how are you", etc. and even SHAKE HANDS. It made me cringe to be at the salad bar at my nephew's birthday party and witness such an encounter when they both decided to add some french dressing at the same moment. Growing up, I was forced to witness fights, innuendos, and the whole pulling and tugging, whose-side-should-I-be-on deal after my parents got a divorce. Then my stepmother came into the picture, which is a whole 'nother story!

I guess Tara came into Bryce's life when he was about five. At first, I really was jealous of her. In my mind, I thought that she was trying to "take away" the love between mother and child. I was really poisoned against her because of the way in which I was raised. For example, I remember growing up with my father asking me to call my stepmother "Mom" and call my mother "Dee". I was only 7 at the time. Things like that stayed in my mind, and I would apply that nonsense to Tara's relationship with Bryce. Boy, was I wrong.

Then, after mucho court battles and drama, we began to talk and get along. We really began to "co-parent." Bryce knows that if he does something wrong, all his parents are going to know about it within a matter of minutes. If he is grounded at his dad's, he is also grounded by me. When he had to go to the ear-nose-throat doctor (to see if he needs his tonsils out...he does; more on that later) Tara and I were both in that exam room hammering the doc with our questions. Bryce is a totally different child now. He knows that Tara and Mom get along fabulously. He is calm instead of nervous now, and he will be a better person because of Tara and because of me. He is an amazing child, and he deserves the world - now, he has mom x2 give it to him.

I am thankful every min. of every day that Tara and I have the type of relationship that we have! I have battled my own family and friends to set the record straight when they would attempt to tell me that I am wrong for having the type of relationship that I have with her. I don't believe their opinions matter at all (about this anyway); it is OUR child that matters. Period.

On a different note....I am trying to quit smoking. Chantix is horrible! I started it this morning, and already I have puked twice when I tried to fire up a cig. I emptied my ashtray and just smelling it made me hurl. It works though, so everyone wish me luck! Keep your fingers crossed! I might get dehydrated in the process, but at least I will kick the habit.

((HUGS)),
KB

Zsiage Peek-A-Boo Album

2008-04-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

These album are AWESOME! It's 4x8, and I LOVE it! I used Zsiage's peek a boo album, which is totally a must-have, Jenn Starr Collection 2 patterned paper, and some REALLY funky fabric. Here she is:

Cover:

Page 1:

Page 2:

Page 3:

Page 4:

Page 5:

Page 6:

Page 7:

Page 8:

Page 9:

Page 10: (ok, I am a total horse freak)

Page 11:

Page 12:

Back Cover:

Side View:

Another Side View:

2008-04-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have been so sick this week!! I have strep throat AND "walking pnemonia" as the doc called it. All the medicine I am on is screwing with my blood sugar....YIKES! I actually hauled my awesome scrap tote from Tara (Thanks Tara...I am wearing it out!) to my bed and scrapped in there. Not much else is going on, other than I am in scrap overdrive.

Oh, I made this funky hybrid wall art for Bryce's room It's 24x24...love it! I can't wait til he sees it. I included photos of him for every year.

TTYL, and God Bless

Kris

--->SIGH<---

2008-03-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been SOOO busy lately!

1)My grandmother, who I take care of, just got out of the hospital (another mini stroke)

2) Mark's grandmother, who HE takes care of, fell and broke her hip. She is going to require 24 hour care after she gets out of the hospital...so we'll see how fast it takes Kristie to lose her mind.

3) A gazillion DT assignments due (I love power scrappin')

4) A major boob issue. I was referred to Lexington, KY for this prob, and that is 2 hours away - but at least I get a chance to go to a scrap store!

5) Answering PM's. Don't get me wrong, I love to get PMs. I love to answer PMs. But when they involve this , I get MAD: "Why haven't you added my name to the challenge players? I posted my layout TWO HOURS AGO! Don't you want me in your challenge? " To the sender (whose PM I immediately deleted, read 1-4 above. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@EYE ROLL@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Bryce also got glasses, which he has to wear all the time. He is logging major hours playing video games, or maybe it is because of the not-so-great gene pool from his Mama. Here he is in his new specs:

I hate it that he has to hide those stunning eyes, but I think he looks adorable in them!

Hmmmm what else....

Oh, Tara (Bryce's other mama) just had a new baby girl, who is named Alaina. She is ADORABLE, and was a big baby weighing 9lbs, 4 oz. Bryce now has two sisters who he has vowed never to let date. I am soooo happy that Tara has given Bryce siblings. If you don't already know, Tara and I get along MARVELOUSLY! Here are some pics of the newest addition to the Morris Family:

This was WAY TOO MUCH FUN....

2008-03-22T12:30:00.001-07:00

ATC SWAP

2008-03-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

I just created my first ATC. It is a bit large, so I made it into a card for my grandmother, who is back in the hospital. The gals at the Sphinx Group are participating, and we are going to have a blast! If anyone else is interested in joining, PM me on sb.com

Here's my first ATC!

ZSIAGE BEAUTY ALBUM

2008-02-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

So, when I received my first big box of fun from Zsiage, I immediately went nuts over this chipboard mini album!! I absolutely LOVE IT!! The cascading shape of the album is FUN FUN FUN!!!

This is the new ScrapODex...I absolutely love it! I am going to add a bunch of extra pages/pics of Bryce.

Inspired Mini Album...

2008-02-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

So, I completed this in Kristina's Inspire Me class. I love those pps...she provided the papers and the acrylic album, along with letters, tag stickers, and some Hambly. I am FAST becoming addicted to Hambly, but it is super expensive! I am becoming a mini album addict after taking this class!!!

Cover

Page one...visible through the cover.

Music....I love to play the violin, but I haven't really had a chance to do so in years.

Laura - the ways she inspires me are numerous!! Yes, that is a resturant ticket! I love that touch to the album!

Being the superstitious Catholic that I am, I wouldn't use the brown thickers to create the word "God" because there was no capital G! Laura let me bum one from her though!

Coffee mugs, especially funky loud ones, inspire me!!

My baby boy - the things he says, his actions, my great love for him, all these things inspire me!

Scrapbowl!!!!

2008-02-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

I had such a blast at scrapbowl this weekend!!! I had the opportunity to meet a lot of awesome people that I know from sb.com, plus I got to see Laura!!! We had such a blast and it was so good to see her!! She looks just like her pictures, but is more incredibley gorgeous! I also got to meet Staci Compher, known as CFlattop on sb.com. She is super duper sweet!!!

So, my mapquest directions were TOTALLY WRONG! I got lost, but I did snap a pic of this gorgeous bridge in VA.

Stretch of highway on Interstate 81.

Me and Laura at breakfast...I got makeup on her shirt, but she didn't seem to care!

Croppin' up a storm!

Kristina Contes and I...Team KC all the way!

Laura and I at the Paper Patchwork class by Shimelle Lane.

Can you believe that there is someone on the planet that is shorter than ME???

Yes, I look like hell!

This is a pic of Donna Downey...gotta love the apron!

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I was laying in bed last night, and into my brain comes this insane idea. I sat up and wrote down the idea in my scrap/art notebook that I keep on the nightstand. Yes, I am one of those weird artist types that likes to jot down ideas as soon as they hit me....here is the result:

I wonder if the new estrogen pill the doc put me on yesterday had anything to do with this insane idea!!!

How cool is this!!!

2008-02-11T10:39:00.001-08:00

What Kristie Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

My Card Party!!!

2008-02-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I was VERY shocked when all my scrappin' pals made me a birthday card party!!! They all posted their cards around the same time. I sat here at the computer looking at them all , and bawling so hard that I sloshed (is that a REAL word?) coffee all over my scrap desk. What a wonderful surprise!! Since Bryce was born one day before my birthday, I had kinda of sworn off birthday celebrations for myself and let all the fun go for his birthday....getting all these cards made me feel so loved!!!

Here they are!

Say It With Sass

Not Your Typical Ghost Story!

Free Dog to a good home!!!!

The Winners!!

Please participate in this before I go mad.......

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

All That Was Missing Was The Reading of The Declaration of Independence

Long time, no see....

Scrappies

News....

Tactics- How to Do It Without The Spreadsheet

I've been a busy girl.....

Shhhhhh

Take a Peek

Where in the World is Kristie Bentley???

Congrats Jane!

Giveaway!!!!

CALM DOWN K!

A quick shout out....

Peace, Love, and Chicken Grease

"Why"

I {HEART} YOU

Made my day....

Random Ramblings...

Fried, Dyed, & Laid to the Side

Happy Mother's Day!

Rethinking the Role....

~~ATC SWAP~~

TAKE NOTES!

Zsiage Peek-A-Boo Album

--->SIGH<---

This was WAY TOO MUCH FUN....

~~ATC SWAP~~

**ZSIAGE** BEAUTY ALBUM

Inspired Mini Album...

Scrapbowl!!!!

How cool is this!!!

My Card Party!!!

ATC SWAP

ATC SWAP

ZSIAGE BEAUTY ALBUM