I have a love for photography.  I am not a professional, but love to take pictures of family and friends.  At my favorite forum ClickinMoms they have several contests, one of my favorite is the Best of the year photos.  We have to choose our favorite of the year – here is my entry:

I am not a professional photographer – but I try to take pictures to record the memories of my family. This particular photo is the result of a memorable day – My cousin Linsey was married to her mate Shannon. The detail in Shannon’s face says it all. I had not attended a same sex marriage before this one and I have to say it was lovely and left me feeling at peace!

Over at ClickinMoms, there is the annual holiday contest – here is my submission for 2011:  Here is my attempt at a storyboard – We had family here this year for Christmas – grandparents meeting their new grandchild for the first time – cousins seeing each other and loving every minute of it, no matter their age difference! We’ve had a tough year as a family (mostly because Sidney, the adorable child 3rd in the picture of 4) has seizures and wasn’t able to travel here last Christmas). We did spend one day in the hospital this year at Christmas, but all of our Holiday Spirit remained. I took time off of work and did crafts, made gifts and played games. Family is my main description of holiday spirit!

Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and check out their Mother’s Day Giveaway!

Here’s my part of the Sunshine blog train – don’t forget to stop at the last few stops!

Here is your list for loads of freebies!
May 16: Sun Blog
May 17: My Blog (Laura Carlson)
May 18: Fishbowl Designs
May 19: Project B Designs
May 20: Teri
May 21: craft-tastrophic Designs
May 22: Ellie Lash
May 23: Dani’s Delusions
May 24: Cari Cruse
May 25: Flutter Expressions
May 26: Scrapidea-timkova
May 27: Amanda Kay
May 28: Designz by Kristi
May 29: Madame Wing
May 30: Jaye
May 31: Sun Blog

 Before I get to the Freebie for the blog train, I have a couple of announcements.  First, I have some new Commercial Use items in the store and another coming soon

- take note (brushes will be released soon):

AND, the SUNNY collab grab bag for April is released today:

and now, my part of the freebie blog train:

If you get lost along the way, you can always go to the Sunshine Studio Scraps Blog and find your way!

 It’s your LUCKY day!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  In the spirit of St. Paddy, the Sunshine Girls and Sunshine Designers and some friends have gotten together and made some fantastic freebies – Enjoy!!!

Here’s my part:

And off to the next stop Shanmomto4 Designs:

If you get lost, go to the SUNSHINE blog and get a full list:

Boy does it feel good!  Amanda Kay and I teamed up to get the creative juices flowing again and have made this kit for you - Rekindled – it’s 30% off for this weekend only.

I made matching glitters that you can pick up for just $2 (alson on sale this weekend)

 and now for the freebie  – Enjoy!

 We have a great contest going at Sunshine Studio Scraps!  Scrap Idol is where it’s at!  You can see all of the details HERE!  And, just for fun, we’re having a blog train with lots of cool freebies – here’s mine, just click on the image and download!

When you’re done downloading “Funtime in the Summertime”Alphas here, move on to the next train stop – list is below – Enjoy!

Stolen Moments – http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com/
Teri- http://teri-scrappingmylife.blogspot.com/
Joanne (jaye) – http://jayedid-designs.blogspot.com/
JACQUEscrapper Designs – http://jaquelinebampi.com.br/scrapterapia/
Amanda – www.amandalaborde.com/blog
Madame Wing – http://madamewing.blogspot.com/
Flutter Expressions – www.flutterexpressions.blogspot.com
Fairytale Studios Scraps – http://fairytalestudioscraps.daydreamerdesignworks.com
Rhonda – http://designsbyrhonda.blogspot.com
Designz by Kristi – http://webdesignzbykristi.com/blog  <<<You are HERE!
Scrap Idol Sign-Up – http://www.sunshinestudioscraps.com/…play.php?f=146

We have a fun new category at Sunshine Studio Scraps!  It’s called Colour Splash!  In this category, there are kits, alphas, mini kits, elements and lots more that are made with the same color scheme – I even had time to contribute to this month’s Colour Splash AND it’s on sale – you can check out all of the designers contributions HERE!

Here are some of the items:

 And, here’s my contribution:

A few designers from Sunshine Studio Scraps decided to throw a few Easter Freebies at you!  We all used the same color scheme, so it will go nicely together!  I’ve been not able to design lately, way too busy with a full-time job (filling in for my “old” boss) and kid stuff, but I’ll be back designing soon.  Have a wonderful Easter!  When you’re done downloading my share, hop on over to Viva Artistry!