Blessed and Touched Beyond Measure

I am so sorry I couldn't be with you all (technically) as you hopped today.  I did manage to preview all of the projects and comments on my phone before leaving the hospital.  I am humbled and blessed by the overwhelming support, well-wishes, thoughts and prayers sent my way and to my father and family.  Your love and creativity inspired, touched and cheered my tired spirit.  Many of you have never met me.  Your kindness and encouragement is something I will always remember.  AND... I LOVE the projects!  What an amazingly talented community of women you are!  Thank you for hopping for my fortieth birthday!  I pray the Lord blesses each of you ten-fold for your blessings to me today!

Hugs,

Nicole 

Welcome all to Nicole's FIERCE, FABULOUS AND FORTY Blog Hop. There are so many talented ladies joining the party. The wonderful women in this hop were asked to make anything related to the theme - cards, banners, scrap layouts, posters, bulletin boards, magnets, crafty knick-knacks, bookmarks, home decor and accents and so on and so on .

Now let's get on with the festivities! Here is the complete hopping list just in case you get lost:

1. Nicole: http://crashingcreatively.blogspot.com/

2. Ashley: http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com <---Next stop

3. Lynne: http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

4. Lynda: http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/

5. Susan: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/ 

6. Gina: http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/ 

7. Barbara:  http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/

8. Zenita:  http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com

9. Jearise: http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

10. Sam: http://scrappingwithpirkie.blogspot.com/

11. Shannon: http://my-o-scrappin.blogspot.com/ 

12. Tami: http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/

13. Meighen: https://scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/

14. Lisa Marie: http://craftylam.blogspot.com

Unfortunately I could not post my project as my Dad is very sick in the hospital. I am grateful for all prayers that you can say for his (and our family's) strength during this difficult time. For now, I thank all these wonderful ladies for celebrating with me and now I send you off to Ashley.

The Glamorous Side of Scrapping "Anything But a Card" Blog Hop

Greetings all and welcome to the The Glamorous Side of Scrapping "Anything but a Card" Blog Hop!  We have very talented ladies in this hop, so you don't want to miss a thing! If you came from Jearise's blog then you are on the right track. If you came to my blog straightaway then you may want to start at the beginning with Ashley. Here is the total lineup just in case you get lost:

Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com

Ellen - http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com

Misty - http://mbtreasurista.blogspot.com/

Liz - http://decadeofscrap.blogspot.com/

Teresa - http://www.scrappintplace.blogspot.com/

Leslie - http://ScrapOfArtDesigns.blogspot.com

Zenita - http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com

Gina - http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

Nicolette- http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com

Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

Nicole- http://crashingcreatively.blogspot.com/ <-- YOU ARE HERE

NEXT STOP=>Vicki - http://scrapbookingcreationsbyvicki.blogspot.com/   

Christel - http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com/

Susan - http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

Lynda - http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Deb - http://craftytexaswoman.blogspot.com/

For my project, I decided to peruse some of my previous scrapbooks (since I am a true scrapper at heart) and look for something that stuck out as particularly special.  Lo and behold, I found a page I did when I had ALL four of my kids together.  Now that both my adopted-daughter, D, and my oldest son, J, have moved on, it's just the two "little" guys with us now.  

I made this page for Mother's Day in 2008.  I cut the word "LOVE" using the OPPOSITES ATTRACT cart for Cricut.  I then glued microbeads to the word to make it "pop." I also used MINI-MONOGRAMS to cut the scalloped circle. Since I love, love, love flowers, I added those too.  I never get to do a very girly page, so this was as fru-fru as it got.  The puffy letter stickers, swirls, quotes and metal brads and embellishments were all from Michael's and A.C. Moore, and the flowers were purchased in bulk on EBAY.  I am not sure who the paper is from.  

I hope you like my project.  Nothing gives me greater joy than being a mother.   Thanks for visiting!  Be sure to check out ALL of the talented ladies and projects that this hop has to offer! 

A True Romance

Since my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, I seem to have lost my creative mojo.  In case you don't know me personally, my parents are my ultimate superheroes.  They will be married 40 years in May.  My dad is our family rock and spiritual leader.  He has great faith and has raised me to be a strong, God-LOVING, independent wife, mother and bold Latina woman. He has been my biggest fan and my toughest critic.  I love him more than words can express.  My mom IS my best friend (next to my hubby, Joe).

So now, my creative juices are not a-flowin'...BUT, I decided to look back at some old scrapbooks and reminisce about my life (a common down-in-the-dumps-pick-me-up) and found some of these pages that really brought a smile to my face.  This one is of my parents a few Christmas Eves ago.  We always have holidays together.  Christmas Eve is a big one.  We sing, eat, dance, play with the kids, and enjoy just being together.  Here my parents were being especially playful with each other.  It reminds me that there are no Cinderella fairy tales in life.  But there are TRUE ROMANCES.  They have one of those rare soulmate-kind-of-loves.  They truly are remarkable people...This is dedicated to my parents....whom I adore and love....

9-11 Tenth Anniversary Remembrance Blog Hop

Welcome to a blog hop devoted to the remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th. 

If you just happened upon my blog, then you should go back to the beginning with Tami's blog at http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/  

The terrorist attack against our nation, which happened a decade ago, is a long time for some.  However for many, the day feels all too close. The deeply seared memories of the human sufferings and acts of heroism, which took place on that day, changed our nation.

The nation was in shock when terrorists decided to hijack our airplanes and turn them into weapons.  It was beyond anyone’s belief that something so horrific could happen on our own soil.  It would be one thing if it were just the destruction of the Twin Towers or damage to the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, PA, but almost 3,000 people perished from the attack, leaving a scar on the soul of America.

Americans came together as one, in the emotional aftermath of 9-11. We were united by grief, had compassion for those who died along with their families, and showed loyalty to our country.

Please join the country in a moment of silence on Sunday morning, at 8:46 (Eastern Time). This should be a time to reflect on what we all lost, as well as on the courage and common purpose that lived and still resides, deep within the American people.

10 of us blogging friends would like you to join in this day of remembrance, by stopping by each blog to see a project made for the tenth anniversary of 9-11.

If you get lost along the way, here is the lineup:

1. Tami - http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/  
2. Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/  
3. Vicki - http://mawmawsthoughts.blogspot.com/
4. Amy - http://www.lovetocrop.com
5. Nicole- http://crashingcreatively.blogspot.com/ <<YOU ARE HERE>>
6. Lisa - http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com/ <<YOUR NEXT STOP>>
7. Susan: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
8. Lynda - http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/
9. Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
10. Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

Your next stop on the hop is Lisa at   http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com/

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was only a week into my new job as a teacher in Central New Jersey.  My fiance' and I lived with my son, in Staten Island.  We had only recently moved in together as a blended family.  He was and is the love of my life.  My commute each morning took me over the Outerbridge Crossing and into NJ.  My son, Justin, was 6.  Fortunately, and with God's great hand in all things, he was permitted to go to my school in NJ, even though we lived in NY.  It was about 8:11 AM the morning of September 11th and I just had spoken to my fiance', Joe, who worked in the second Tower.  I told him to have a great day at work and that I loved him. He said the same. Then I went out on hall duty.  Once my homeroom began at 8:30, it was business as usual.  About 20 minutes later, a secretary rushed into my classroom to tell me that a plane had crashed into the Twin Towers.  I went numb.  My knees felt weak.  It felt like slow motion walking to my cell phone and dialing the numbers to his phone.  No dial tone.  No ring.  All circuits were busy.  

Through God's grace, I made it through those next few hours with a class full of first graders keeping my mind and hands busy.  My son was there in school with me safe.  Three hours later, and I still had no answer on whether or not Joe was alive.   By three o'clock that afternoon, the secretaries called me into the office.  Joe was on the phone.  He was ok, safe.  He had felt the first tremor of the plane strike and instinctively yelled for everyone to evacuate.  They listened to him, thank God.  He was standing outside looking up at the horror of the plane crash igniting the flames in the first struck tower when the second plane crashed.  What he described to me I will never forget- and he won't either. He made it out of the city seconds before they closed the bridges.  He made it home.  Although my son and I were stuck in NJ for two days with no way to get into New York (all of the bridges were closed), we were all safe and God had kept us calm in the face of evil and horrific circumstance.  I still replay those images shown from the television newscasts that day.  But while my heart prays for those that lost loved ones and friends, it also prays thanksgiving that Joe is alive.  Today we have three beautiful sons that are our greatest reward.  I am blessed and thankful.  But I will never, ever forget....

My project is a scrapbook page to document the ten year anniversary of the events that transpired that day, and how all of our lives were forever changed.  I think this is so important, especially as I start a new school year and my students are so young that they don't know what Patriot's Day is or what we are remembering. My children will know because their father was there and they are here because he is still with us. 

 The paper is Michelle Anderson's PATHWAYS Creative Paper: Americana Stack

Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me the opportunity to share my memories of this life-altering event. My thoughts and prayers go out to the many families and people who are grieving on this day and have been for the last ten years.   

Susan's Anything Goes Festive Birthday Bash Blog Hop Day 2

Welcome to Susan's Anything goes Festive Birthday Bash Blog Hop to celebrate Susan E. Bermudez's birthday with anything goes to celebrate her birthday whether it be a card, favor, banner, or that something special. Hope you enjoy our hop while you check the following blogs as we celebrate Susan's birthday with our usual creativity and craftiness!!! So, please stop by and make sure to wish Susan a very Happy Birthday along with some bloggy love!!

Grand Prizes with Sponsors:

1. Karber Digital Images (http://www.karberdigital.com/) will offer blog candy to a random commenter of the blog hop :)

2. Jen's Digi Designs - $15 gift card for liking her Face Book page and commenting on Susan's page with a winner being chosen randomly :)

Also, please, be sure to stop by Staci McD's site (http://preciousmem.blogspot.com) as there will be a $20 gift card to Designs on Cloud 9 to one commenter on her blog.

Some of the blogs may be offering candy so be sure to leave your comments along the way and don't forget to give bloggy love!

We have divided this hop into two (2) days with different blogs foryou to visit each day. Make sure to visit all!

Day 1: September 3, 2011

1. Lynne: http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

2. Amber: http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/

3. Angie: http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/

4. Becky: http://squirlygirlcreations.blogspot.com/

5. Berenice: http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com/

6. Brenda: http://createbyburffrau.blogspot.com/

7. Christel: http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com/

8. Cindy: http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/

9. Deborah: http://www.scrappingmamma.net/

10. Erin: http://comfyonmycloud.blogspot.com/

11. Gina: http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

12. Kari: http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/

13. Staci: http://preciousmem.blogspot.com/

Day Two: September 4, 2011 

1. Susan: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

2. Amy: http://www.lovetocrop.com/

3. Darlene: http://twoscrappinlawyers.blogspot.com/

4. Faith: http://faithfulecreations.com/

5. Heather: http://blessed2cre8.blogspot.com/

6. Indira: http://craftyhomemade.blogspot.com/

7. Janet: http://ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/

8. Jearise: http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

9. Linda: http://www.lindascreativity.blogspot.com/

10. Lori: http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

11. Maria: http://justgetscraphappy.blogspot.com/ (you just came from here)

12. Nicole: http://crashingcreatively.blogspot.com/ (Now here)

13. Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/ <----Your next and LAST stop! 

 First of all, let me say WELCOME to this next to the last stop on my Bestie's Birthday Hop. To give you a little history, we started crafting together a year or so ago through our mutual friend, Julie. I am a scrapbooker and Julie is a stamper/card-maker. It was a perfect marriage of creative juices, because it inspired our friend Susie to take the leap. Fast forward a year, and it is Susan that is doing the inspiring in us with her creativity, kind-heart, loyal friendship, parental advice and weathering of teenage-storms, and for introducing me to the Blogisphere! 

My project is a scrapbook page (as this is my preferred medium) dedicated to the special friendship I share with her. SO.... (I mentioned her loyalty and devotion as a true blue friend) while recovering from major boo-boos, she pitched in to help make our church's Vacation Bible School a success despite being short-staffed. With a smile on her face and a song in her heart, she diligently worked each day to make it a success. My boys both attended while I had to go to work, so the photos are of she and I one early VBS morning. She is donning her Panda ears (the VBS mascot) and smiling (as this is her way) despite the chaos and "Sheer Panda-monium! (Inside Joke since VBS was Panda-mania this year)...

I used Die Cuts with a View Mod-Retro Stack Papers (Glamorous PP) and plain card stock for the black and white. Add Me and My Big Idea "Soft Spoken" flower stickers, torn paper from a scrap book magazine ad, a Uni-ball Signo white pen and black fine point sharpie for the doodles, and VOILA!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy hopping and a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the greatest friends a gal could ask for- SUSAN!!!! I love you girlie! Feliz Cumpleanos!

Nov 13th- My Fierce, Fabulous and Forty Blog Hop!

Thank you to AMY VOLTZ for my diva-licious blog hop button! I love it!!!

Back to School

In case some of you may not know, I am a teacher. I have been a teacher since 1997, and have taught first grade for ten years. Although it seems I have trouble staying in one place for long, I desperately long to be rooted and anchored. Despite the winds that blow and the storms that rage, I am firmly rooted and blessed beyond measure in my faith, my family, my friends and my work with my students. Where some people think in my profession that it is important to keep up that professional wall, I have definitely crossed that line time and time again to help my students as learners, thinkers, and just as human beings. How? By showing them I too, am human, imperfect, and that I love them just as they are. Even the hardest to love.
That brings me to my project. I am intrigued and horrified by bees. I think they help the world to be a beautiful place in their diligence to travel from flower to flower, leaving their mark for the benefit of their hive, all the while serving their master queen. They also scare the "Bejeezy" out of me because when they sting, boy they smart! Not long ago, my five year old "Beat" (short for My HeartBeat) was stung in the head by a bee. How awful and tragic. For days he wouldn't go outside afraid that another bee would "get him." His little brother, Mo-Zilla (we just call him MO for Mo Love, Mo Hugs and MO squishes), rushed outside and not only squished the dying bee (see photo), but then proceeded to shred him to pieces in the name of brotherly love.

This entire display of familial chivalry inspired to make bees my theme for my classroom this year. It works on so many levels. My students will be learning to become a part of their "hive" or class community. They will work together like the workers in the hive, and they will then grow to help the world (hopefully) become a more beautiful place.

Here is one "new" project I made for our helpers display. I used solid black, white, cobalt blue, and yellow paper. I used the DON JUAN font and shadow feature for the title cut at 4 inches. The bees were from Create a Critter. I also embellished with a SIGNO white roller pen.

November 13th- Nicole's Fierce, Fabulous & Forty Birthday Blog Hop

My Bestie's Birthday Blog Hop

A few Other Crafty Things

My sweet, and very addicted to all things crafty- friend, Susan, is the queen of blogging and hopping and creating these days. So much so that she has inspired me (in more ways than one- we go to church together, scrap together and she has recently lost over 60 pounds with sheer will power! Go Susie Q!) to be more like her. So I am posting a few more items I have crafted here...I dabble in cards but mostly scrap whenever I have the time between three boys, one dog, one hubby, and our recent big house move! I am also a first grade teacher, so tomorrow is D-Day getting back into my room to get ready for the start of school. So here are a few oldies, but goodies. I will try to post more soon! Happy blogging!

Some of my Craftier Items

A New Day...A New Perspective

Well, I can't ever say that I have truly understood the power of collective bargaining or the fact that it is deeply rooted in civil rights.  But after attending the Summer Leadership Seminar for the last three days, I have a newfound respect and understanding of all things NJEA.  I met Barbara K, the president and have to say- she's not at all what I imagined.  In my mind, she was Pelosi-ish bulldog of a woman.  She wasn't at all.  She was soft-spoken, articulate, and motivational.  So many people preach that unions are the downfall of our economy.  I guess that those people don't work for one as powerful (and truly a work in progress) as the NJEA.  Workshops to inform ourselves, legal assistance free of charge, member benefits, support services, and power from the grass-roots up...I hope I can truly lead others to understand this powerful ally working behind the scenes as the underdog in the public eye.  May I have the grace and dignity to serve my fellow colleagues and the community in a distinctive and memorable way....

Ok- I have joined the Blogging movement

This is my first blog.  My dear friend Susan kept telling me it was easy as pie.  She was almost right.  I don't know how to get anyone to join my blog.  I want to make it prettier.  But I think like most things in life- it will take some practice and many mistakes.

I am a scrapper and have often shied away from blog hops, sweepstakes and giveaways.  I consider myself creative and most of what I do sort of crashes together to make some chaotic but lovely end result (Side bar- I would also characterize my life that way LOL). Hence, the name for my follower-less blog.  Now if only I could figure out how to actually earn some cool points around here...Happy blogging! Wish me luck!