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I wish I could…
doze, sleep, dream, nap, sleep, rest, shut eye, sleep, slumber, snooze, hibernate, sleep, catch up on zzz’s, sleep, hit the sack, in dreamland, or sleep.
Oh, how I wish I could be doing this.
It’s way past the time I normally go to bed, but I can’t seem to sleep. Maui’s right next to me, and she’s snoring away. I swear she could wake the neighborhood if I opened a window! I’ve tried to count sheep, dream of things that make me feel all warm and cozy, drink something warm, and basically anything else that helps put people to sleep, but nothing seems to be working right now. I’m going to feel the effects of this in the morning– I’ll be a walking zombie even though I’m going to need to be up and lively! YIKES!
Anyway, since I’m posting… I thought that I would post some layouts that I worked on yesterday.
This month, I was in charge of coming up with the challenge over at Scrap Outside the Box, so make sure to head on over here to read the challenge posted by yours truly. The “outside the box” item is something I know all of you have, so make sure to play along! All you have to do is use toilet paper on a layout, haha! I seriously can’t wait to see the finished layouts from everyone. The title was inspired by the current song over at Scrapping the Music. Here’s mine – I turned toilet paper into a flower:
I loved Prompt 22 over at Gutter Girlz, so I had to play along; it’s all about doing what you want to do and using the song “Mind Your Own Business”. I had a lot of fun creating this one because it represents the “biz-natch” in me, haha. Actually, I’m hardly a bitch (I’m usually sweet and gentle), but as of late, I’m totally guilty of being one. Sometimes, I think every girl has the right to be that way, don’t you think?
Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, Red Oak Lines now has it’s own domain on the web — because I’m cool, haha. Just kidding! Any way, you can reach my blog at “http://redoaklines.com” now, but of course, you can still reach at its former location, “http://redoaklines.wordpress.com“. By using the former link, it will direct you to the new link. 
Oh, and if you want to play, I’m still doing a RAK over here.
That is it for now. I’m going to try to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a tiring day.
Hugs,
sarah.
PS: Your guesses make me smile. All of you are so silly!
Two more days, and I’ll have my hands full. This was really unplanned and decided upon unexpectedly, but we decided on doing it since we had the money saved up! YIKES! I can’t wait to share the news. To answer some questions that were emailed to me: yes, there will be lots of picture taken, so be on the lookout for new photos.
Hmmm.... what is going on?
So… to celebrate (and because I still have lots of stuff to giveaway), how about another RAK?! To play, read the rules below:
1. Leave a comment to this post telling me what you think the surprise is going to be. People who guess the right answer, will have their name put into the drawing THREE times. Unfortunately though, you won’t know if your answer is right until I announce the news. Here are some previous hints to get you thinking:
- My family is excited. It comes in different sizes. I’ve always want one. You have to shop around for it. You have to pick it out. Lots of pictures.
2. If you have a blog and want to share the news, please do so! By doing so, your name will be entered into the random drawing THREE times. Make sure to let me know that you plan on posting the RAK on your blog.
3. You have until Sunday, May 17th, by 11:59 pm.
Lately, I’ve been getting my craft on. I’ve been scrapping and sewing like no other; perhaps it’s because the room is clean, haha! I picked up some fun patterns and fabrics at the store, and I’ve got a handful of projects in mind. I’ve completed one all ready, and I plan on sharing it with everyone once I get the chance to take a picture of it. As for scrapping, I have a couple to share.
The first layout was inspired by the Recipe Challenge #48 over at Sketches! {by tamara}. I always get a kick out of challenging myself, so this is what I created.
My second layout was inspired by the current sketch over at 52 Sketches, 52 Weeks. I loved the unique design on this week’s sketch, so I decided to give it a go. Here’s my take:
Oh, and because people have been asking to see some photos from my trip to Hawaii… here are some to look at. I’ll post more later. Enjoy!
Isn't this a pretty picture?! haha.
A blow hole that we hiked down to see.
I have a passion for pineapple. Sooooo sweet!
I've always wanted to shake my hips like a hula girl! haha.
Free drinks at the hotel for being pretty. Seriously, I'm not joking!
Relaxing on the beach in Maui with Gloria.
Oh, and last but not least, don’t forget to leave a comment to play in the RAK!
Off to shop to my heart’s content,
sarah.
Why can’t Friday be tomorrow?! I’m so happy and thrilled for such exciting news, but on the other hand, it’s also pretty nerve wrecking to think about it. Here’s a hint to keep everyone guessing: It comes in different sizes. Any ideas? Some people have emailed me with guesses, but I’m not going to say “yes” or “no” until this weekend — that is if time permits. I’m totally going to have my hands full.
I did not get a chance to post yesterday and wish all mothers a joyous day, so although one day late, Happy Mother’s Day to all women (or any other women who have helped foster and love somebody special). I once heard from somebody, that a mother’s love determines how we love ourselves and others. I whole heartedly believe this.
Thank you, Mom, for giving me the life that I have – I now know that I love mine. I love you unconditionally forever and for always. You rock my world to the 92930809843029840293128763812th power.
I love her for everything that she is.
People tell me that I'm following in her footsteps... That's a lot to live up to. =)
I’ve been so swamped with so many different things that I have not really scrapped that much. On the other hand, my scrap room is about 80% clean! I can now see the floor, and my desk is finally cleared. My desk is a glass tabletop with space right below it for storage, so I decided to put trays filled with random scrap supplies. I’ve got a tray for random letters, buttons, chipboard, jewel/pearl adhesives, diecuts, etc. I find that it’s convenient because you’re able to see a handful of supplies to use on projects as opposed to having it sit around never being utilized.
A handful of my button stash stored in a tray.
Stray letters can be easily used up when in sight!
I love the handles on the ends, which allows for me to slide the trays out easily.
This was so worth the money.
As for finished layouts, I created two more layouts recently. Both of them are for the clever and creative Deana. I asked her to swap photos with me, again… and she graciously accepted! She recently created a layout of Maui, and it is so ADORABLE! It’s totally going to go on my wall of inspiration along with the other layout she created with a picture of me in Hawaii. She sent me a couple of photos to choose from, and I decided to just make two different layouts for her! Hope you enjoy these, Deana! Be on the look out for some “happy mail” some time soon!
1. “You Are One Blessed and Lucky Mom”: The journaling is what she wrote on her blog about the experience of being a mother to her beautiful daughter, Bryn. Find it here (Sorry about the blurry part on the top – the scanner was giving me problems!). Lastly, this was inspired by the current challenge over at DreamGirls.
2. “My Favorite Scrapper”: I totally love Deana’s scrap style. I can’t get enough of her ability to create something brand new every single time. She inspires me in all ways possible!
Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead of them,
sarah.
I was walking around the house doing what I normally do, and I found Maui in the family room. I got this look from her, and it looked something like this:
"Can we please go on a walk!?"
Since it wasn’t raining today, I took her on her daily walk. We walked further than usual today and at a faster pace. Once we got to the local park, I let her run off leash like a hooligan. On the way home, she was so tired that she would not stop panting. I basically had to drag her home. As soon as we got home, I swear she drank like a gallon of water, haha! Anyway, I went to get myself a glass of water, and when I turned around to check up on her, this is what I saw:
Here's one sleepy and tired schnauzer after a walk.
...and within minutes, she was snoring!
Since I had not scrapped in a couple of days, I decided to give it a go. Seriously, my mojo went away or something! 
If you find it, please send it my way, haha! Anyway, I completed two layouts.
The first layout I finished was done for a challenge over at Scrapping Across the Universe. The challenge caught my eye, so I decided to scrap a layout with a picture from way back in the day. Here’s one I completed about my friendship with my mother:
Closeup shot of "Best Friends"
The second layout was done just for fun. While digging through old pictures, I found a picture of me on my very first bike. I hadn’t thought about this bike until I saw this picture. Oh, how I’ll always love that little red bike! I love the gears on this layout; I thought they were a cute addition to the overall layout.
Closeup shot of "On Training Wheels"
…and it’s time to announce the winners to the ribbon and scraps RAKs!
For the ribbon RAK: Cheryl
For the scraps RAK: Joan
Congratulations, girls! Also, a big thank you to everyone who left such kind and heartful comments. Please email me at redoaklines@gmail.com with your mailing information, and I will have your goodies mailed out to you!
As for the exciting news, I can’t say anything just yet. I can, however, give you another hint. How about… It’s not cheap. I’ll let you think about this one. 
Happy Wednesday,
Sarah.
PS – I’m so happy that it’s Wednesday because LOST is on TV tonight!! WAHOOOOOOO! …and tomorrow is Thursday. I can not wait to go to the airport.
The more I sit in anticipation, the more the days come slowly. Less than two weeks away, and I’ll totally be jumping up and down (or keeping my hands full with things to do). EEEPS! I can’t wait to share the news. (HINTS: Something I have always wanted. Something that needs to be picked out. Something you have to shop around for. My family is excited. — any guesses? If you know the answer, please don’t give it away.)
Yesterday, I decided to take some time to sew, so I went to pick up some fabric. I ended up making a blanket for Maui, since she needed a new one. Besides, there was no way I was going to spend $30 at a dog boutique on a blanket. I made one side flannel and the other side fleece — two of her favorite fabrics! On top of that, I LOVE the patterns. I wasn’t sure if she was going to like it compared to her puppy blanket, but I gave it a shot any way. Here was the end result:
"I love my new blanket! It's the best ever!"
"Check out my cool new blanket. I love everything about it!"
I’m so glad she approved! Otherwise, I would have donated it to the local pet shelter, Human Society Silicon Valley. You can never go wrong donating! …and while we are on the topic of dogs, I found a couple of things for a true bargain the other day.
1. Kong Wubba Toy: I found it for about $2.00! I couldn’t pass it up the deal, so I bought it. It’s a great fetch and chew toy. She chewed on it for at least an hour last night. I would totally recommend this to any dog owner, and I’m pretty sure they come in all different sizes.
She fell asleep with one last night.
2. Monster Mouth: I found this funny and cute dog toy on sale! It was about $2.00 as well. I think they normally price them at $7-8, so I scored myself a deal. It’s similar to the rubber Kongs where you put treats inside, and your dog can spend hours trying to figure out a way to get them out. I, personally, like this design much better.
I put "num nums" inside. She went at it for over an hour.
Here’s a toy Maui doesn’t have, but I’d totally buy it to get rid of doggy boredom. I’ve seen the squirrel version of this at a dog boutique, but I’ve never seen the turtle one. I think the turtle one is funnier and cuter.
Isn't this cute?! I'd buy it if I didn't have to pay bills, lol.
Okay, I’ll stop talking about dog toys. I’m sure I’m boring everyone with this topic, haha. Besides, it’s not like she needs anymore toys. Not only does she get spoiled by me and Gloria, our families and friends spoil her too. If I took a picture of the toys in her toy basket, you’d think we were crazy. Maybe I’ll go through her basket of toys and find some to donate to the shelter.
Okay, as promised… the winners to the RAKs! A big thank you to everyone for playing and linking Red Oak Lines to their blogs. I totally appreciate it! I randomly picked these names out of a bowl of entries, and here are the results:
Double RAK (one RAK per winner): Mallory and Shel
Chipboard RAK: Chelsey
National Scrapbooking Day RAK: Vanessa
Congratulations, girls! Please email me your mailing address to redoaklines@gmail.com, and I will send out those packages as soon as I can. Also, there’s still time to play along with the ribbon and scraps RAKs; you have until the end of today.
As for scrapping, I haven’t had the time to scrap. I guess I’m in the middle of a creative block with paper crafts. Someone please send me their mojo!
Hugs,
sarah.
