Day of the Dead

Also called, El Dia de los Muertos  or All Souls' Day.  It's a Holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in U.S. and Canada.  Family and Friends gather to pray and remember those who have passed.  The Catholic Holiday is termed All Souls' Day and is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.  Traditionally, altars are built to honor the dead and may incorporate favorite foods, beverages and flowers.  Gifts are brought to the graves of the deceased.  (Information taken from Wikipedia.  BTW, I feel like I"m in college writing a report and quoting a source!)

I wanted to share this beautiful altar my sister Emmy made in honor of our late Grandmother.  When Emmy told me she was creating this, I was sooooo excited!  But I tried to imagine what it would look like, and all I could think of was a LOT of black and skulls and was wondering....hmmmm...kinda creepy!

And she sent me the photo and I was soooo pleasantly surprised at the bright and cherry look!  I LOVE IT!  I've shared how close I was to my Grandmother.  We had a very special connection.  But so did Emmy.  When I look at my sister, I am reminded of my Grandmother...her strength and beauty...her feistiness.

Here's Emmy's description of the piece:

"I put lots of buttons and the spool of thread and thimble to represent Grandma Idad's work as a seamstress.  The fruit is a traditional part of Day of the Dead (DOTD).  In Mexico they put out food and candies called "ofrendas" as a gesture for the deceased.  Since Grandma was such a religous person, I put angel wings on the front and the Virgin Mary on the back." 

Oh! And I've got a story for you!  In the picture of my Grandmother you can see a Christmas Tree in the background.  It was made out of ribbon.  My father made it!  I think I was about 17 when we visited Hawaii for Christmas.  We got there right before Christmas and my parents went looking for a tree.  Well, being Hawaii, they do not have an abundace of trees on the corner....NOPE....ALL OUT!  So my father's brains started thinking...and planning.  He ran to the store and came back with a bag of green ribbon, garland and tape!  He strung some ribbon from the ceiling and created that tree.  I started cutting snowflakes out of white computer paper in various sizes and we trimmed the tree with them!

To this day, THAT was the only tree I can really remember.  It was my favorite tree and the only one which held such importance and meaning.  That Christmas I remember my Grandmother....our last Christmas with her...and that beautiful tree.  Without meaning to or even realizing it, my father created a beautiful touching memory and I'm so thankful for his efforts.

And I also relaize that I did not get the crafty gene from my mother...which I suspected...it's from Dad!

Here's another shrine my sister made last year.  It's more dark and Halloweeny!  FUN!

And here's the back side of the shrine.  I love that blue!

My family is from the Philippines, so this holiday is familiar to me.  Here is some information taken from Wikipedia:

"In the Philippines, the holiday is Araw ng mga Patay (Day of the Dead), Todos Los Santos or Undas (the latter two due to the fact that this holiday is celebrated on November 1, All Saints Day), and has more of a "family reunion" atmosphere.  Tombs are cleaned or repainted, candles are lit, and flowers are offered. Entire families camp in cemeteries, and sometimes spend a night or two near their relatives' tombs. Card games, eating, drinking, singing and dancing are common activities in the cemetery. It is considered a very important holiday by many Filipinos (after Christmas and Holy Week), and additional days are normally given as special non-working holidays (but only November 1 is a regular holiday)."

When I was a child, I didn't quite understand the whole celebrating in a cemetary thing and was kinda horrified when my Mother told me about how they don't Trick-or-Treat!  It's so  intereresting how the day can be filled with fun, joy, celebration, loss, grief and sorrow all at the same time.  I think of it all as a celebration of life and a Thank You to God for sending us the soul of our loved ones...if only for a brief time on Earth.

So there you have it!  Not the kind of Halloween post you were expecting, right?  Well, you got a little bit of a culture and history lesson instead!  Hope you enjoyed

 Have a fun and safe Halloween!

And Grandma....I MISS YOU!

Hugs,

Mo

Mommy's Heart

Here is my very last layout as GDT for Sketchy Thursdays!  Loved how this turned out!

Head on over to Sketchy Thursdays and see what Diana, Heidi and the Design Team have created!  And if it inspires you to create...be sure to link up! 

I used my October Simply Obsessed Kit called Earth Love!  I LOVE Cosmo Cricket...and so...of course I loved this kit!  Heather over at Simply Obsessed has got some cool kits coming up...check out the November Kit...think Pink Paisley!  And the embellies along with that kit are TO DIE FOR!

In the Fall of 2006, as I was expecting Gabe, I took Isabel to Wal-Mart to take some photos.

She ABSOLUTELY loved it!  As SOON as we were done, she asked "Can we do that again tomorrow?" What a fun day for us both.  All here pictures turned out beautifully.

The journaling:

A special day for the both of us!  Picture-taking at Walmart!  Fall 2006

My girl is growing up!  It was conference week at her school and all I heard were great things from her teacher.  I'm so proud of my girl!

I've always wanted a girl.  A boy...would be a plus.  I realised, I wouldn't be too disappointed if I never had a boy (but luckily I did).  Though, if I NEVER had my girl....I'd still be trying for one!!!

So, obviously my computer situation is slightly better...I've got he laptop up and running (adapter issues)...but this stinkin $100 adapter DOES NOT CHARGE~!  Grrrrrrr!

The main computer on the other hand has got MAJOR issues!  You're gonna kick me....I kicked me...I've got a box with a backup drive sitting right in my craft room (had it since last Christmas) doing nothing but sitting.  Yup!  I probably lost all my photos because of pure laziness.  That'll teach me....yeah right!

Oh well, what's great about having an AWFUL memory is....I don't even know what pictures are on the computer so I'm not sure how bummed I need to be!  I HAVE NO CLUE!  So, I could be devastated, but honestly I don't remember much of what I saved there...I use the laptop for most things.  I think I had most picutres I took developed and scrapbooked!  He he!

Well!  I'm happy to be back online!  I hope you all have a wondeful weekend!  I've got a couple special interesting posts coming up...so DO RETURN!

Dont' forget to vote for your FAVE Nasty Boy-Villain in the sidebar!  Click on the link above the poll and you can see the Yummy-nees again!

Hugs,

Mo

I'm NO pushover!

Here's another ME page!  Boy, this is pretty good therapy!

This challenge is from All About Me called Pigeon-holed. 

Here's details on the prompt:

Do you ever feel as though you've been pigeon-holed? Categorised? Labelled? Misunderstood? As though you've changed, but no-one else sees it? Who does everyone think you are? Who do you really think you are? Are they the same?

There's also a sketch to help you along!

This layout is just about me griping about how I'm labeled as a pushover...and I HATE THAT! I may be nice...but I'm NOT someone ANYONE should take lightly nor think would do anything for anyone just to please them....SOOO NOT ME!

I operate on the idea that you should treat people the way you wish to be treated. I had alot to say, so I had to write it on a journaling/library card and tucked it behind my photo where I created a pocket...see the blue flower? Tug on that, and you'll find my hidden journaling...much the same way I hide my true feelings

Not to say I'm a deceptive person...but I react instantly and emotionally and I can jump to conclusions...so I sit back, bite my tongue and watch...and a lot of times I change my initial opinion! I balance my quick temper, impatience and emotional nature with respect (which is due to everyone except those who are disrespectful), quiet contemplation and giving someone the benefit of the doubt....and I'll turn a negative opinion about a person or situation around...and sometimes even start to REALLY like someone who initially TURNED ME OFF...and in turn...can also...NOT LIKE someone who I initially THOUGHT was fun or interesting.  I'm APPROACHABLE not a pushover and I do things for people out of kindness.  No one takes advantage of me.

Here's the journaling:

Just because I smile and keep quiet doesn't mean I don't bite my tongue, form opinions, and file away important observations. I'm the one who sits quietly and learns from what I see and hear....and when I finally have something to say, people listen. I'M the one you DON'T EVER want to piss off.

I did some stamping on this layout!  Wahooooo!  I also busted out my alcohol inks.  I wanted to use some type of pp with newspaper print, but the one I had had this design of a scuba helmet (can you see it above?)..the old looking kind made of metal.  So I took about 3 brownish colors and dabbed and dabbed.  But that didn't seem like enough, so I took my cool stamp and stamped it repeatedly using embossing ink (VersaMark).  I then heat embossed with white.  Way too fun!!!

So the next prompt is ALREADY UP...A turning point in your life!  If you haven't checked out AAM yet, head on over! 

I used a lot of items from my Studio Calico Kit: Soday Fountain (thanks Dani)!

If you'd like a supply list, CLICK HERE.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to stop by today!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Are you ready for Halloween?????

Mwahahahah!!!!!

If you missed the NASTY BOYS post.....CLICK HERE to see the current YUMMYnees in the category The Villains for the November 2nd Mo's Man of the Week!

I'm hoping to convince my brother-in-law to come by next Wednesday to shoot some pics of me and the kids in Halloween costumes....so that we don't have to worry about it on Halloween night!  Plus, we'll have some daylight (I hope) for good photos!  We'll see!

Hugs,

Mo

I am Wonder Woman

Here's another SUPER COMBO layout!  It's soooo cool when you realize you can combine challenges!  I did FOUR with this one!
1)  Sketchy Thursdays Sketch 
2)  Point Blank Period  (Get Over It.)
3)  Pink Ninjas (Which cartoon character would you be?)
4) Scrap that Poetry (inspo was Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou)

Here's the sketch:

BooHoo...this is the second to the last sketch I get to play with!  I haven't done the last layout...cuz I think I'm too sad...he he!  But I got some new scrappy stuff in the mail yesterday and so I may just muster up the MoJo I need to GO OUT WITH A BANG!

The inspirational poem over at Scrap That Poetry was "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou.  What a perfect choice!  I've always loved this poem!  I chose to journal the section above because I felt it sounded the most like me.

This layout is more of a way to be my own cheerleader.  I've said it before, I have challenges with feeling like a good Mother and person.  Maybe it's because there's so many things I want to do but I end up cutting some things out of my "to do" list.  And maybe it's because I really idolize my mother and see her as a strong woman...a selfless woman.  And I see myself very different from her and I'm realizing as I type this....that I believe she's the best mother anyone could ever have and I'm very different...so that must mean, I'm the opposite.  That's it!  Do you know how long I've been thinking about this?

So, I did created this page to remind me that I do have some great qualities, and although I feel like I could be a better person, that doesn't mean I suck as a Mom.

I know my job is difficult on my body as well as my mind (emotionally).  I've seen life coming into the world and life leaving it. I've seen young people who's lives have been cut short because of poor choices (drug addicts) and people who have dedicted their lives to saving people who contract cancer and die because of their jobs (a Firefighter).   As a Nurse, I've taken care of people I admire....honest to good people...and evil people (murderers and child molesters).  But you have to treat them equally and care for them all.  And I've done that.  I've been praised and I've been insulted, I've been hugged and slapped and punched.  Yet MOST days I still love my job.  And the bad DOES outweigh the good, even though sometimes there are more bad things happening, the good counts more in your mind.

I also love that I'm not afraid to tell my kids a thousand times a day that I love them and I hug them and tell them how special they are.  I try to encourage them to think and learn and also play and create.  I teach them responsibility yet try to remind them not to take things too seriously.  I'm lucky I have the time to spend with them and I'm glad I made the decision to enter a career in Nursing so I could work part-time and stay home with the kids and live a content life.  I'm proud I choose to skimp on the fancy and splurge on necessity.  And I sure picked a good man to marry.

So, I guess I do classify myself as a Phenomenal Woman

just like Wonder Woman!

I'm sooooooo over feeling like I come up short.

I'm awesome just the way I am!

I'm strong, I'm beautiful, and I'm THE BOSS!

CLICK HERE for a supply list.

Hugs,

Mo

Scary but True....I'm BATTY for you!!!

This weekend was BUSY!  And it was a GOOD kind of busy filled with family get-togethers, cupcakes, baby-fixes, pumpkins, and of course SCRAPPING!

I hopped over to Memories Always Forever for the crop that was going on this weekend.  I got about 3 projects done before I headed out on Saturday to my nephew Samual's birthday party.  Remember...the one with the great head of beautiful hair?

He grabbed the Karaoke mic and started singing...he he!

I got a little off track there.  I created this layout with the Halloween Challenge proposed by Heidi who is on the DT.  This was a fun one girl!  While I was at it...I remembered an Ad Challenge over at Scrap the Boys and went with it!!!  It's the challenge for October...so see if the ad inspires you and submit your creation! 

I used my Stampin' Up! punches to make this bat!

I used the following punches:  3/4" circle punch and a 1/2" circle punch as well as an oval punch.

1) You will punch out one 1/2" circle, two ovals and one 3/4" circle.

2) Take the 1/2" circle and cut it in half.  These pieces become the bat ears!

3) Take an oval and use the 1/2" circle punch to punch 3 half circles into the bottom of the oval (to make the wings).  Start from the end, positioning the punch in the middle of the outer edge of the oval (one of the skinny ends).  Punch the second hole in the middle, right next to the end of the first hole so that it creates a point.  Punch the third hole to create another point.  (You might need to practice to get this just right.)

4) I drew in the wings, eyes, and mouth with gel pens.

5) Glue on the bat ears.

6) Mount the circle/head onto foam adhesive and place on your project.

7) Take your wings and bend them to create dimension.

8) Place adhesive on one end and secure right under the bat's head.  Do the same for the second wing.

It may not be too EASY PEASY....but really FUNNY BUNNY!

I originally wanted to add wiggly eyes...but I ran out :( so that would be another idea for you instead of drawing in the eyes which can take a little while!

For a supply list, CLICK HERE.

Here's another creation from the MAF crop!  I made a card for Samual's birthday!  I used lots of old cardstock, printed paper and embellies!  It was for a sketch card challenge.

I used a mini tag from TheSchoolLocker.com.  I love those mini tags!  They've got some cool things over there like library cards and cute tickets...check em out!

Okay, here's some photos from the birthday party.  We had these wonderful cupcakes!  Yummmmm! Some of them were chocolate with a banna frosting and the other one.......wow....had some lime in both the cupcake and the icing!!!!  Oh yummmmm!  I wish I could have one NOW!  Luke's cousin made all the wonderful cupcakes...she's VERY Martha Stewart!

Gabe loved the chocolate cupcakes...I found him licking off the icing and throwing away the rest!!!!  Then, he picked up another one and started eating JUST the icing again!  I let him know that was NOT okay!

Here's the ONLY photo of me!  I remembered to ask someone to take a picture of me.  Next to me is my sister-in-law Cheata...which we jokingly call "Sandy" since that's the name she usually uses at work.   No one can pronounce her name correctly otherwise.  She's such a goofball and I LOVE her!

And he's our bully of a brother-in-law getting in the picture...just when I had a great shot!  BIG BULLY TROUBLEMAKER!

For a supply list for the card, CLICK HERE!

And here's the photo I was TRYING to take before we were interrupted!

Well, that's it for the sharing today!  I got tons more pics from the visit to the Pumpkin Patch on Sunday...but don't worry, I'll share!!!!  I hope you all had a great weekend as well!  I've got to get my butt in gear with Holiday shopping and present making!  I've been soooooo busy!!!!  Have YOU started your Christmas shopping?  How bout fall decorations, have you done any of that yet? I haven't even decorated for Halloween!!!  Shame on me!

Thanks for visiting today!

Hugs,

Mo

Lukalicious!

Here's my take on the latest Sketchy Thursday Sketch!  I used two photos...but in a different way!  I trimmed two photos down so they came together in a square. 

He he....Lukalicious is his geeky nickname!  LOL!  And NO that's NOT what I call him!

I used a tag I got from theschoollocker.com.  I put the flower over the hole of the tag so I could use it as a journaling spot.

Once again, I've used a kit from Simply Obsessed:  June Kit (2009) Jenni Bowlin & Graphic 45.  This kit is too cute! 

I've got a subscription from SO....I've loved the kits so far!  This particular one I got on sale for about 40% off a few months back!  It was an AWESOME deal!

The Simply Obsessed forum is very friendly and the up coming kits should be pretty cool as well!!!  So you should head over there and check them out!

I titled this layout "My Man".....my man ALL THE TIME!  "Mo's Man of the Week" may come and go...but this one sticks around!  He he! 

Well!  This one's a quickun!  I got TONS of laundry to do! Yuck!  I best get to workin'!

So, what do ya have planned for the weekend?  I'm hoping to take a trip to the Pumpkin Patch with the kiddies on Sunday....I hope it doesn't rain!  Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

Hugs,

Mo

{supplies: Jenni Bowlin Farmer's Wife Clothsline, blue textured cardstocks Bazzil, Graphic 45 Fashionista Bon Marche and Buttons A La Mode, tag by schoollocker..com, book page (June 2009 Simply Obsessed Kit), Jenni Bowlin cardstock Alpha Stickers Red Trim,  Jenni Bowlin Milk Cap Buttons, handmade paper butoon flower from Etsy Store Michelle's Embellishments - Michelle Lanning, asst red buttons (June 2009 Simply Obsessed Kit), 7 Gypsies Transparency, blue button (unknown manufacturer)}

Hi! My name is....What?...My name is.....Huh?

Excuse me, can I have the attention of the class.....for one second....

Okay okay, I'm done with Eminem.

I've got an announcement!  I am soooooo excited to say that Krystal, my little sis, is going to be joining me in writing interesting things for you all on my blog!  I decided to kick it up a notch and start some extra fun!  As you all may know, we will be having a Mo's Man of the Week.  Since I work ALL DAY Mondays...I am in need of assistance!  Krystal has so graciously accepted my offer!  She will be helping me with some of my posts.  I am also trying real hard to get her to scrapbook more!

She has recently graduated from UW and I jumped on the chance to have her writing and commenting on my blog.  I don't know what it is, but this girl has a gift of gabbing....but in writing.  You'll see what I mean.

Anyway, so here's my beautiful sis!  She traveled to Italy and spent a few months there in school.  Wow!  She had some amazing stories to tell.  Funny ones...really!

She kept a diary of her Italy Adventures on a blog.  My FAVE entry is the one about

 "The Roman Regulars"!

Here we are during our trip to San Diego to visit my sis Emmy.  I think this was at SeaWorld?  My memory is awful.  Oh yes, it is....because this was taken in some tunnel under water where you're surronded by glass and you get to look up at the sharks!

Krys drinking a Margarita...yummmmmm!

And maybe she's gonna kill me, but here is our ugly sister picture we took last Christmas!  I love it!  Emmy, my sister in the middle was doing this face exercise my dad learned....he he....the facial exercises actually help to tone up the muscles in your face.  My Dad's got a baby face...so the man must be doing something right.....ugly facial excercises MUST WORK!

Remember my doggie nephew Diego?  Here's Krys and Diego last Christmas....he's got a Santa suit...so cute!  Krys got him a Pirate costume this year so I'm pretty excited to see what he looks like...I'm sure he's not too excited though.

Here we are making a bunch of cards on Christmas Eve.  My sister, the procrastinator, needed to make a bunch of cards to give away as presents.

I love this picture!

...and this one....

....and this one!!!  KARATE CHOP??????? What are you doing Krys?

So you guys wanna know where I get my goofy sense of humor?
A picture says a thousand words....here's a bunch of em...check out the rest of my familia!

I'm too sexy photo.  Emmy (left) Krystal (right)

Emmy, Mom, Krystal

Krystal loves to stick her tongue out in photos.

I guess Dad said they looked like beggars sitting on these steps eating.

Here's the poor man that spent all these years surrounded by women!

Another awesome view...the background is cool too...tee hee hee!

My sisters!

Note to family: This really sucks looking at all these photos knowing that this is the first family trip I've ever missed!  Sigh.

And they saw some other Filipinos...and had to hang out with them!  Filipino convention?  Who took this photo????  My eyes hurt!

My baby Diego!

You can't really tell in this picture....but dogs kinda DO look like their owners/Mommies!

Awwww....Mommy's home from Italy!

Striking a pose for the camera!  Love this pic!

And here's a little interview I did of my sis!

Age: 22
Birthday: November 17

Astrological sign: Scorpio

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Washington

Occupation: Online Banking CSR – City Bank…but this is more like my wait-until-I-get-a-real-job job

Favorite Color: purple and blue, but based on my closet I really like gray and black haha (Very true, Krys, cuz I looked through your closet the other day and stole some dresses!  I was looking for some color...but ended up with a black one!)

Favorite Book: I’d like to give a more adult answer, but the truth is I have yet to find a book that makes me as excited as the Harry Potter series.

Favorite movie: Can't pick just one; I actually watch my Friends dvds more than any movie I own

Favorite quote: I don't know..."With great power comes great responsibility" hahaha

Something interesting: I buy every magazine that has Jessica Alba on the cover! That's more sad than interesting though haha

What I took away from my trip: 1. Italy is amazing 2. Hot guys? Couldn't find them 3. I need to see the rest of the world!!

Favorite childhood memory: Our family trips to Hawaii. I would cry everytime we had to leave there :(

Thanks for doing the interview Krys!  I'm excited to have you be part of my crazy blogginess!  I hope everyone is having a great day!  Thanks for stopping by and visiting!  Until I blog again!!!

Hugs,

Mo