So much to share

Coming soon:
The last days of playing outside this Fall
Thanksgiving with family
Christmas decorations
Mason updates
and other everyday happenings

And I will be able to share them soon because our new computer is finally on it's way! I just didn't want to upload lots of photos to the laptop (for some reason~I'm a creature of habit!) Plus it has been nice having a little "blog vacation" (you know, because it's so stressful! ha!)
I'll be back soon!

"Honest Scrap" Award!

I've been nominated by my friend Alison, for the Honest Scrap Award! It's an award where I share ten things about myself and then nominate ten of my blog friends.

It's ever so convenient that it's called "Honest SCRAP, " huh? Goes right along with this blog, Scraptacular (which, if you haven't heard me explain many times before, started out to be about scrapbooking, thus the name. I've managed to modify it into our family blog as best as I can!)

Anyway, Thanks, Alison (aka the Tool Woman)! This is only my second award ever & I'm so excited! Now you have to listen to 10 random things about me...

1. I do NOT like hair that isn't attached to something. It's disgusting. My poor husband has to clean out drains, etc. and I have to use a comb to get the hair out of my hairbrush. Gag!

2. I really would love to visit Europe and especially Paris someday. Oh, and New York!

3. I'm so proud of my sweet boy, Mason! (bet you didn't know that one!)

4. I'm a night owl. I go to bed around midnight every night. (I'm not a morning person!)

5. I think about creating things every single day. Scrapbooking, painting, crafts, decorating....

6. In Kindergarten, I stuck one of those friendship beads up my nose & couldn't get it out. My teacher sent me to the principal's office and she had me blow my nose. (what a genious!) Came right out!

7. I like all kinds of movies, but there's a special place in my heart for silly ones like Billy Madison, Napoleon Dynomite, Dumb & Dumber....

8. I love music & singing...& dancing!

9. I'm so thankful that God has a plan for me & He's working on improving me everyday!

10. I love laughing with my bestest friends~you all know who you are!

Ok-I'm tired, so not all of those were too deep or informative. But I got to 10! Now it's YOUR turn! I picked the following blogs because I enjoy reading them regularly.

Ladies, I present you with the "Honest Scrap" award! Just copy the award picture, add it to your blog & let us know 10 random things about yourself.

Lela-After the Bubbly

Christy-The Jobes

Melissa-The Tyndalls

Sherri -Sherri's Southern Style

Mitzi- The Traxsons

Becca- Four Rowdy Rogers

Lisa -Seams Sew Simple Embroidery & More

Amber - Lanning Photography

Amberly -The Bakers

I'm Famous...sort of.

Since I'm done blogging about our Vegas trip, I need to catch up on what has happened in the last few weeks~

1. We visited the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks with out-of-state family (blog post coming soon)

2. Celebrated my nephew's 12th birthday (blog post coming soon)

3. I got a surprise e-mail from the Editor of a website called Baby Lifestyles asking to use photos from the baby shower I threw for my BFF, Tori (aka Victoria) last Fall! She had seen some of my pics on flickr and wanted me to submit them along with all the details of the shower for them to use on their website. I was so flattered! I immediately consulted my BFF & my Mom (my co-hostess) to see what they thought & of course they were all for it!

I wrote most of what she published--EXCEPT for the part where she got my name & my mom's name mixed up! I've been e-mailing her to please PLEASE fix it for 2 weeks now! So when you read it, insert "LINDSAY" where it says "LISA." (not to discredit my mom, but I made most of that stuff & if I didn't, I totally name-dropped so that they could be FAMOUS too! haha)

Go check it out and leave a comment if you want!
Victoria's Baby Shower on BabyLifestyles.com


My Mom (LISA), Victoria, and me (LINDSAY), October 2008

MY 400th POST!!!!

Wow. Where to begin...
When I started this blog in 2005, I barely knew what a so-called "blog" was. I was bored one Summer day and thought I'd give it a try. I thought I'd post some of my scrapbooking, thus the name "Scraptacular." Well, here I am almost exactly 4 years later, blogging away about my 400th post!

This blog has become a part of my life. It's a way for me to share our lives with our families who live thousands of miles away, a quick update for local friends, a fun creative outlet, and MOST importantly, a journal documenting the daily happenings of our lives that so often go undocumented. My blog helps me remember the silly, funny, happy, and sometimes sad, day-to-day events that make up our lives. I've been known to say, "I'm so blogging this." or even used it as a gentle threat, "Don't make me blog that."

Some things are more blog-worthy than others, but each picture I post, each word I write, is a reminder of what life was like before Mason was born, the precious moments of Mason's life, what we did for our birthdays, anniversaries, or sometimes, simply what we had for dinner. Whether or not anyone reads this blog, I would still feel compelled to type out our stories & post our photos, as if to say, Dear Diary: Here's what we did today...

Ok~that was a little corny, but it's how I feel! :)
Thank you for visiting my blog, all of your comments, (and to some of you) for also blogging your lives. I love to read other people's blogs (you know who you are!)

I thought I'd post a few links to past blog posts from each year, but first, I'd like to ask a few things from you:

1. PLEASE leave a me a comment. I'd love to hear from you, even if it's just to say Hi! If you're a "Lurker" I'd love to hear from you, too! I love to read your comments!

2. Please check out my other 2 blogs. I know what you're thinking~I'm addicted. Most of you know these details, but just in case you don't: When this blog, Scraptacular, evolved into our family blog, my creative outlets got put on the back burner. I created the blog Daily Chrysalis as my creative outlet to showcase my scrapbooking, art, etc. Then this past April, I made a huge decision to start an online business, Fiddlesticks. That blog showcases and sells my painted artwork. It's still in the growth stage, so I would appreciate you visiting Fiddlesticks (and spreading the word if you're local!)

And While I have your attention, Please also go check out my mom's blog/business, Seams Sew Simple Embroidery & More. She does a beautiful job and has great prices!

Just one last thing...
3. If you like my blog or read my blog, please look in the right hand column near the top and click "FOLLOW." I'd appreciate having you as a Follower. My blog will not stalk you, I promise. You will get an e-mail update when I post something new, that's all.

THANK YOU!!!

Now on to the links! I selected a few posts from each year that were noteworthy or just because I liked them! Hope you enjoy! Most of the first 2 years are just pictures with very little writing...

2005 (Started in June, I had 25 posts this year)
This is Weird (My first post ever!)
The C Word
Positively Pregnant

Wayne at a BBQ in 2005



2006 (I had 24 posts this year)
9 Months
What to Expect When You're Expecting
He Has Arrived
Growing So Fast
Go Hogs!

Welcome Mason! July 10, 2006 (I was just a little puffy!)


2007 (I had 91 posts this year)
Recent Random Pics
Mason Feb-April
Mason is Walking!
Mason's First Birthday

Mason, August 2007, 13 months old


2008 (I had 193 posts this year)
Snowday, Part 2
Visiting the Easter Bunny
Weekend in Review
My Faves from Memorial Day

Mason being silly~August 2008 , 25 months old



2009 (61 posts so far)
What a Beautiful Mess
Our Valentine's Day
Billy Joel & Elton John Concert in Tulsa
Egg Hunter
The Busy Life of a Toddler

Mason & Me, May 2009, Mother's Day



Thanks for going on this little journey with me! Hope I didn't bore you. Don't worry, I won't type this much again until my 500th post! :)
~Lindsay

In the Meantime...

April & May are so busy! I'll be posting soon about:
Mason's busy toddler life
Wayne's newest Razorback memorablia
My niece's Sweet 16 birthday party
My niece's musical debut in Footloose
Our "pet" bird

I know you just can't wait (heehee) In the meantime, you can see what I've been up to by checking out my latest frames & paintings on Fiddlesticks!

I just have to share...

It's really kinda funny that I'm so excited about this, but I had to share it!
I have been reading a local blog named Kelly's Korner for a while now and Kelly is local but I don't know her. I really enjoy her blog a lot & I'm sure some of you that are reading this also read Kelly's blog. She seems so sweet~the kind of person you wish you were friends with!

Well, on Sunday, I worked my volunteer shift for Junior League at the Winter Dreams Home Tour. I was stationed inside a home by the owner's master suite, but I had full view of guests coming in the front door as well.

I almost gasped out loud when I saw Kelly walk through the door! I knew her immediately (and even recognized her friend! I promise I'm not a stalker!!!) Anyway-I thought-here's my chance to meet Kelly!! Then I started to get anxious. What would I say? Would I sound like a crazy cyber-stalker that would freak her out? So she made her way over & I forced myself to introduce myself. She was so nice & friendly! I would have regretted not meeting her, so I'm so glad I was able to talk! (I'm silly, I know!)
So imagine my amazement when I read her post today! She gave me a shout out!
Thanks, Kelly! So nice to meet you!

I Do Apologize...

...for turning my blog into a Winter Wonderland BEFORE Thanksgiving!!! I'm soooo against starting to celebrate one holiday before the other's over, but I'll admit I got sucked in by the cuteness of the "Cutest Blog on the Block" site again. I just went there to peruse the winter/Christmas backgrounds to see what I wanted to change to ON FRIDAY and kinda decided that I'd save myself the trouble of having to go back & pick it all out again. :) Of course then I HAD to jump on over to Scrapblog (my fave digi scrapbook site) to make a cute header to match my new background. It all just kinda snowballed. haha--get it?

This year I have just been in the Christmas Spirit early and I owe 98% of it to this. [the A-maz-ing Ali]
I've been creating a "December Daily" album to scrap on-the-fly during the busy month of December. I raided my scrap stash and pulled out EVERYTHING winter & Christmas a few weeks ago & have been happily creating while humming Christmas tunes to myself. It's almost ready to go & as soon as it's done, I'll post it on my other blog, Daily Chrysalis for you to check out.
I also think that this year will be so much fun with Mason! He's at a fun age to enjoy the season. So, just this once, I am full speed ahead into Christmas!

On Sunday, the weather was just [barely] warm enough for Wayne to grill hot dogs (as if it's Summertime!) so we all played in the backyard for a little while. Mason had fun running around & sliding while Wayne tried to throw a quick game of Cornhole.


Look at my new hat & mittens, Mommy!

He loves to slide on his belly!



Must...run!


If you remember the story-Wayne made the boards this Summer & just recently painted the hogs on. I think he did a great job. I love how they look like a graphic stamp.

Random...so random

I just thought I'd post some random short blurbs about life right now since I'm tired & having trouble putting together a full story in my brain...

Saturday is Tori's Baby Shower at my Mom's house and we are doing last minute prep for it. The theme is blue & brown polka dots & paisleys (love it!) It's gonna be a lot of fun & I'll have many pictures to share! I can't wait for her to experience a little boy!

I really like my new job. I still have not decorated my office, but I will be doing that very soon. And my stress level has dropped soooo much. I actually find myself smiling while driving home from work~SERIOUSLY. But I miss my peeps at WC!

My niece, Chloe' was accepted into the Northwest Arkansas Academy of Fine Arts a few weeks ago. It's a charter school for 9th-12th graders that focuses on visual & culinary arts, music, dance, and much more, along with the core classes. She's in heaven & it suites her so well. I would have LOVED to go there back when I was her age, if it only had existed, that is.

I'm kinda freaking out that I don't have Halloween costumes bought. I have looked forever & cannot come up with something cute for Mason that is age appropriate & something that he likes. Not to mention, I can't find the items that Wayne & I need to do our costumes (top secret, of course!)

Tomorrow, October 10th, is my Grandma's birthday (I'd say Happy Birthday, Grandma! if she read my blog, or had a computer, or new what a blog was.)
It's also my good friend Christy's birthday! (and believe me, she DOES know what a blog is! heehee) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTY!!!!!

No post would be complete without mentioning Mason!
Shameless Mommy Brag Session:
He simply amazes us with the things he knows & says everyday. He communicates very well. Also, he can "read" (recite) 2 of his books now, and it's the cutest stinkin' thing you've ever heard! (ok~that I've ever heard. I know I'm biased.) The books are Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton and Brown Bear, Brown Bear (sound familiar, Alison?) I tried to get a video of him last week reciting his ABC's (& would try to get him reading) but for some reason the film option on our camera decided to stop working. :( We need a new camera! Mason can also count to 15. I have GOT to get him potty trained!!! (It's my fault~he's been ready but I have not devoted a lot of time to it) Oh well, that's next on the agenda. Won't those be some fun upcoming posts to read about?!

One last thing. Can someone tell me why in the hell stores have Columbus Day sales? Pretty soon we'll all have to start buying gifts for each other for Columbus Day. I can hear the Hallmark commercials now...

One More Tag...

Since Sherri is a new blogger, I think I need to initate her into the blogoshere properly! Sherri, I'm adding you to this post. Have fun!
And for the rest of you, you may want to check that post to see if YOU were tagged...

I've Been Tagged...Have You?

Christy tagged me. Let's see if I can come up with some interesting things to tell...

1. I do not like my food to touch. I keep it all separated on my plate. And I used to eat one thing at a time (ex. all of one side item, then the next, then the meat) but I'm getting better at taking a few bites from each now.

2. When I was 22 (if I remember right) I was hospitalized with pneumonia. I drove myself to the Dr.'s office before being diagnosed and almost passed out on the way there. I had to throw it in park and put my head down on the passenger side until I felt I could sit up.

3. I have never gotten a speeding ticket--or any other kind of ticket. (this is not to say I don't speed!)

4. I fainted in my high school Advanced Biology class. I woke up and everyone was standing around me and I was on the floor. On the way to the school nurse, my male teacher asked me if I was on my period! (NO!)

*I didn't mean to post about 2 different times that I fainted (or almost did) It just popped into my head! Oh well.

5. When my Mom was teaching me how to drive, I accidentally hopped the curb & drove into someone's yard and barely stopped before hitting their house! We laughed until we cried.

6. As a child, I owned a pair of stilts and I would conduct "stilt class" with the other neighborhood kids. (naturally, I was the teacher) This is embarrassing!

7. I hate white cream filling/marshmallow filling.

Thank goodness that's over with!
Ok~Here's the lucky 7 people that get to do this now! Read the "rules" in the picture above & make them good!

1. Tori
2. Melissa
3. Lela
4. Alison (although someone got to her 1st!)
5. Karen
6. Jennifer
7. Libby
Mitzi~I spared you since Christy already tagged you! Darn her! :)

I know I've been a little MIA...

For those of you who regularly read my blog,(thank you) I know I've been slacking a little latley but I like to blog "guilt free" so I'm acting like I don't care when really inside I'm thinking of all the things I need to tell you that's going on right now! Thanks for caring what's going on in my life!

I will soon post about:
My Best Friend's Wedding (not the movie, the real thing!)
My Niece's New School (so excited for her)
My Nephew is a Football Star!
Mason is saying the cutest things ever!
Planning a Baby Shower
My New Job
I think that's about it!
More to come...

And the Blog Award goes to....

I have decided to bestow this blog award to Lela for her blog:


Lela is a wonderful writer that is witty and inspiring! She inspired me to start writing articles for HubPages and I enjoy reading her latest installments in the local NWA magazine, "Peekaboo." Her blog always makes me laugh--go check it out!

I'm a Superstar (blogger, that is)

My friend, Christy, has honored me with this lovely blog award and decided to throw in a "Lifetime Achievement" title as well! (It does feel like I've been blogging for a long time!)
Take at look at her post where she presented it.
I always see these awards on other people's blogs and wondered where they came from. It was as if there was a committee of blog gurus out there searching the blogosphere every second of every day for the most stand-out, wonderfully beautiful, thought-provoking, timely, inspiring works of such bloggers just to present them with a 2x2 square that says they did good.
Now I realize they are handed out like candy.
All kidding aside--I'm so happy to have inspired a few of my friends to blog. I love to hear about the fabric that makes up their daily lives and see pictures of their families. I find blogging so fun & I'm thankful for those of you out there that care enough to read mine. So thanks for the award, Christy!!! I will post it on my blog with pride.
Now I need to pass it on. Who will it be????? Stay tuned!

I'm Behind on Blogging

If I don't colapse first, I will soon be posting:

July 4th Evening BBQ at the Tyndall's
Mason's 1st trip to Chuck E Cheese on his 2nd birthday
Mason's Backyardigans birthday party

Mason's party is tomorrow at our house and we're grilling hamburgers & hot dogs & all the goodies that go with that. We have a large family, so if you're reading this and wondering why you weren't invited, please don't feel left out! I would love to invite all of our friends and Mason would LOVE playing with the kids, however we're already expecting around 25 people tomorrow. Anyway, I gotta get to bed--big day ahead. I can't believe I have a 2 year old. (did I say that yet?)

My Other Blog

It has been brought to my attention by several different people that they kind of missed the post where I explained that I started a second blog. I think it's because I rarely ever post without at least one picture--so it blended into the background. (I posted a pic this time!) Anyway--just so that you are "in the know" here's what it said:

As if I need to spend even more time on the computer, I've created a second blog (thanks to Christy for her inspiration!) to filter my creative outlets. It will definitely be a work in progress that I want to use as a catchall of self improvement. If nothing else, it will be a place for me to organize my thoughts and things that inspire me to grow in scrapbooking, painting, photography, writing, spirituality, and much more.

I have enjoyed it so far and hope you'll check it out HERE.

My Daily Chrysalis

As if I need to spend even more time on the computer, I've created a second blog (thanks to Christy for her inspiration!) to filter my creative outlets. It will definitely be a work in progress that I want to use as a catchall of self improvement. If nothing else, it will be a place for me to organize my thoughts and things that inspire me to grow in scrapbooking, painting, photography, writing, spirituality, and much more.

Here's the link: (not much there yet!)

http://dailychrysalis.blogspot.com/

Listography

listography, your life in lists

I'm addicted! For anyone who is a listmaker like me, you will also become an addict! I stumbled upon listography.com and now I can't stop! You can make lists of whatever you like--anything and everything. You can even cross thru them when you've accomplished something. It's also fun to browse other people's lists and see how normal we all are. You can create anything from a to do list, grocery list, to your favorite childhood memories, music, or movies. The possibilites are endless. In the spirit of listmaking, here are the reasons why I love listography:
1. I'm a listmaker.
2. I get a sense of accomplishment when I get to cross something off.
3. Lists help me remember everything (I'm very forgetful).
4. Brainstorming now will help me to journal in my scrapbooks later.
5. I love the categories they provide to get you started.
6. You can add pictures

Ok, I know I'm a dork, and I don't care!!!!

Here are my lists: (ongoing project!)
http://listography.com/scraptacular