Random Pondering

Happy 2012!

2012-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's already the 12th and I'm a little late with the Happy New Year wishes, but for whatever reason, I just haven't been feeling the writing lately. I'm feeling great today though even after getting up early and I'm using the energy for good! There are always so many things to work on, but here's a little of what I got up to today...

This is the title page of my Project Life and is thanks to Cathy Zielske!

As you can see, we've had a fun and busy first week of the year. It also included a couple of trips to the dr for Nathan and I'm going to add a little layout about that to this book as well. Hoping to add a small layout on the back of the title page about New Year's as well as some pictures on the "backside" of the of the left side of the layout above - actually the first page with picture slots in the book!

Just a matter of keeping up with it and having a bit of fun adding the bits of our life!

Well, it's gorgeous out again today and I think I need to go take advantage and have a walk before picking up the boys. It's the 12th today, so I'm planning on taking 12 pictures today (probably more and then deciding which are the best!). My plan is to pop back tomorrow and post them too.

Would love to hear from others doing Project Life and see what you're doing with it!

Cheers,

Sick Monday...

2011-11-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, we've finally managed to catch something in our house too! Stuff has really been going around and we did well until the end of this past week. Nathan had 8 kids absent from his class on Friday! Now not only have I been sick for days, but am now on antibiotics after going to the doctor this morning. Nathan is home with me today too since he started getting sick yesterday. The dr said if he's not better by Thurs, to bring him back! I sure hope he's better by then!!!

Kyle was mad because he still had to go to school this morning, but little does he know, that's probably a good thing! He was at a Cubs event all day yesterday too, so he has been out of the house and that may be part of why he's still healthy at this point. Kyle has a great time at his Cub Skills event though and was learning things like knot tying and how to light a fire. Pretty cool!

Haven't been doing too much creatively lately though I did have fun with my classes on Saturday - especially the Exploding Box! I did want to share a couple of cards done by my friend Alexis though! The card above and below are just a couple of the hundreds she and her mum made to sell to raise money to help support a needy family over the holidays! Amazing job Alexis and hope everything went really well yesterday!

Well, thinking that's it for today. Going to go hunker down and relax. Hoping the meds I'm taking don't upset my stomach too much which they're apparently prone to do. One of those great things where they tell you the more you eat, the less likely your stomach will be upset, but if it's upset, you don't want to eat! Such is life! It's one of those days where you're thankful for the little things and I was reminded of that while in the doctor's office this morning. Even though I'm not feeling good, it could be much worse.

"Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it."
~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
Cheers,

Random Thursday!

2011-11-17T14:34:00.001-08:00

OK, so I actually have 5 minutes (literally) to blog before I have to go get the kids, but it's been a great day! Got the kids off to school, some work done and then went for a walk and even got something accomplished while doing that!

OK, so I was reading blogs for a few minutes and came across a post on Creative Organizing that really spoke to me. It was a little project, but something doable and worth the time! She talked about creating an area for all your Christmas card stuff so that it was together when you had time to get some sent. I walked up to the dollar store and found a cheap box (*after looking at home and not finding one!) and then came home and organized! It was great! Got all my cards together and foing out I had more than I thought and then pulled my enveloped, addresses, labels, pens, stamps, etc all together so that if I only have a few minutes at a time, it'll still be easy to do! Also finally set off the boys' school pics to get developed so they'll go in this box too to be sent to people in cards! Awesome!

Another nagging thing on my list has been putting up more pictures. I take all these great pics of the boys, but haven't been putting any up around the house. We have a couple of picture walls and I finally for a picture from the first day of school blown up since I thought it was cute, but it's been sitting on the counter for ages. Didn't have a frame and didn't want to spend a lot, so I decided to get a $2 frame at the dollar store when I was there and it's now up on the wall!

Proud of myself for just getting it done! One more thing to cross of my list and now I can actually enjoy the picture too!

Well, better go get the boys. Weather has been quite cold and now it's raining. Just hope it stays rain and nothing else. Had our first taste of some sort of mixed stuff yesterday! I'm teaching tonight, so I'm hoping the roads stay OK!

Have a great night everyone!
Cheers,

Something Creative again!

2011-11-13T11:40:00.001-08:00

Wow! Two posts in 2 days and something creative to boot! I'm thinking I need to give credit to Shimelle and her challenges this weekend as well as starting to feel a little festive and thinking about the holidays (just a little!).

The challenge was to create a pocket page for your Journal Your Christmas album for the holidays. I pulled out my stash and this is what I ended up with. Quick and simple, but fun for sure and it's all stuff that was sitting around waiting to be used! Bo Bunny striped paper and Bella Blvd houses paper and sticker along with a Jenni Bowlin journaling block and some cards from my Becky Higgins Project Life and there you have it!

Not sure what we're up to this afternoon, but enjoying not having to work today for sure and might even get into some more crafty stuff yet today!

Cheers,

Journal My Christmas 2011

2011-11-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

OK, so Shimelle is doing her Journal Your Christmas class again this year and though I sort of pretended to do it last year, it didn't really happen. I'm hoping to get a chance to spend a little more time on it this year and a little less on things I don't want to be doing. Wanting to do some special things again with the boys and slow down a little... best of intentions anyway!

She has a little challenge posted to start thinking about the album and some pages, so I pulled out my stuff. I have an 8X8 album that came out a couple of years ago from Making Memories. It has some predone pages in it and then I added some last year, but never used them. Tried some pages like the ones Ali Edwards did last year with the spray adhesive on the lace papers and then putting them on the acrylic! Fun! Now I just need to actually use them! I added a few other papers I liked as well as got some cardstock pages ready.

I wasn't going to punch them for my book because I'm going to use a combination of pages in and out of page protectors. What I realized is that if I punch them first, they're ready to be used like that and if I want them in a protector, I need to trim off the extra on the left side anyway! Done! There are a few patterned papers for pages as well, but I tend to do more cardstock bases. There are some acrylic pages and things as well, so it'll have a combination of goodies in it for sure! Can't wait. I'll be playing with a combination of Shimelle's book and Ali Edwards' December Daily! Should be fun!

Well, I know I need to update a whole lot of things, but I'm going to wrap it up here for now and try and get posting more often here again too!

Cheers,

Exploding Box!

2011-09-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so we got the new Bazzill Christmas papers in at work they're so darn cute! I had been thinking about doing an exploding box for a class in November and when I saw these, I knew they were perfect! I was so excited I came home and started playing last night and finished it off this morning. Here's more of a peek...

If you're local, keep an eye on the calendar mid-Octoberish for a date for this!

Cheers,

PS Things are generally good around here with both the boys in school now and I'll be posting an update very soon!

Productive Day!

2011-09-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Love days when you feel like you get a lot accomplished! Got inspired early and started cleaning...
- kitchen dishes and floor
- vacuumed living room, hallway and bedrooms
- did laundry
- made beds
- cleaned up my creative space!!! A BIG challenge!

And as I was heading out to work, one of Kyle's friends arrived for our first sleep over! George was all good with boys night and when I got home from work, Kyle and his friend were asleep in the living room and Nathan was awake! George had to move him so the other boys could sleep! Too funny!

Well, better be off to bed myself!
Cheers,

PS For LSNED, Today I learnt just how important a good night's sleep is to me!

Happy September!

2011-09-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

also known as "what happened to the summer?"!! OK, seriously, I don't know how it is that it's time for thinking about school again, but here we are. And I haven't blogged all summer!

It's been a fun summer and one full of change and we're going to see more of that this month with Nathan starting Kindergarten and Kyle going into Grade 3! Of course, I'm no longer looking after Matthew and Sophia (my niece and nephew) what with Sophia going to K as well at a school near their place.

Things that happened recently...
- Kyle had a wek of camp - sports and art
- trip to Oregon with 14 of us family (great time had by all!)
- had someone hit our truck and had it written off
- stopped watching Matthew and Sophia Aug 19th
- lots of visits with friends and trips to the park for the kids
- Kyle to the dentist and to ortho, but all's good thankfully for now anyway
- Nathan had an infection on his nose that didn't look great for a bit, but it's all gone
- a couple of birthday parties to go to as well as our annual family picnic
- we had all of George's family here for an end of summer bbq
- I went with friends to see another friend play (drums) at the Cobalt in Vancouver!
- the boys had a weekend sleepover at Nana and Grandpa's

And that was only this month! So much fun and so many pictures! Will try and post some soon along with some creative stuff as well!
Cheers,

PS I'm taking Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day and I'm going to try blogging it too, so we'll see how that goes!

Counterfeit Kit!

2011-07-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

OK, so there's a challenge blog called the Counterfeir Kit Challenge for creating your own scrapbooking kit using another as inspiration. I've looked at this for ages and thought about trying it, but never had the time (or made the time!). This morning I decided I wanted to play with my stuff, but was a little lacking in inspiration and thought this new challenge might just do the trick!

Here's my take on this and I got a little carried away and ended up with a BIG kit! Fun!

Not the best picture for colours and to be able to see prints in detail really, but there are papers from a bunch of different companies and some specialty paper with die cut shapes, a transparency and lace cardstock too!

Got so carried away I needed another picture for the cardstock and add-ons stuff! It was great to go through some of my stash and find things that would go together and I could really work on using!

You can see the Polka Dot Whimsy inspiration kit HERE!

OK, so now the goal is to actually get some things scrapped using this now that I have it together as well as some pictures developed! Totally love this idea!

Cheers,

Date Day!

2011-07-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I had a date today - with Kyle! It was really wonderful to be able to do something with just him today since it doesn't happen a lot. I told him that I'd take him to a movie some time as partof his birthday present, so he picked Kung Fu Panda II!

OK, so it's not the best picture, but it's what I got using George's little camera inside the theatre! You get the idea anyway and we had a great time!

Afterwards, we ran some errands: stopped and got fruit and veggies at the "veggie store" and picked up pictures at the "picture store". Love how these names the kids used to use when they were small have just stuck! I had a bunch of pictures developed so that I can hopefully start some of my own scrapbooking again.

George also blew up the pool again so the kids could spend some time in there this week. It's finally warmed up a bit, so they might really get the chance. Nathan was in and out all day and went through 5 changes of clothes I think. Kyle went in when we got back too and then went for a "bike ride" down the street. Still trying to get him more confident and thinking we might have to get him into Pedalheads this summer since I've heard good things!

Going to be a quiet week here I think since Sophia and Matthew won't be here and we don't have a car for the week... Putter around here and take it easy sounds good to me!

Cheers,

PS Anyone local and interested in a card class Wednesday night can check out my previous post! Lots of extra goodies to take home too - in class or take out kit!

An Anniversary Card!

2011-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

This was a card I actually made yesterday since we had a family celebration to go to. George's family all got together for dinner last night at a restaurant in part to celebrate his parents 50th wedding anniversary! Congratulations to them!

Along with the anniversary, there were a bunch of family birthdays as well, so it was definitely great to see everyone! We don't seem to manage it enough to be honest! We had dinner and then went back to hi parents place to get a few things. The kids all played for quite a while and the kids were totally done by the time we got home just before 9pm.

I completely enjoyed the first part of the day doing pretty much nothing! Don't think I even got out of my jammies until about 2 in the afternoon and that's all good with me. I puttered with the card and a few things around the house, but George took Kyle to karate and that was about the only other thing going on.

Another great day to the start of the summer holidays...

Today was back to work for me for the first time in a week. Don't remember the last time that happened as I'm always in Fridays if not for teaching during the week, but there was the holiday this week. Was actually much busier than I expected on the long weekend and with the nice weather! Made the day go quite quickly in fact.

George also has the day off tomorrow, so not sure we'll get up to too much, but it'll be nice having him home and spending the day with all my boys!

For anyone local, I'm teaching a card class this Wednesday with the fabulous Bo Bunny AdLib line of paper and you get a full sheet of the 12X12 stickers and a full pad of the 6X6 papers, so you have lots of leftovers! You can come to class or order a take-out kit if the time doesn't work for you!

Ad Lib from Bo Bunny Card Class
AVAILABLE AS TAKE OUT
Class Fee: 15.00 Supply Fee: $8.00 *Extra Product
Who wouldn't love the fun, bright colours in these papers?! Not only will you take home your set of cards, but the rest of the 12X12 sticker sheet and your pad of the 6X6 paper as well! You'll be able to go home and make more! All Supplies Included.

Call the store at 604-530-2917 if you're interested!

Have a fabulous week everyone and Happy 4th to all my American friends!
Cheers,

June in Review!

2011-07-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it's actually been 2 months since I've really been posting, but we'll start with June and see if can get a May post done somewhere in there later this month too. hard to believe the year is half gone!

Our Month in June
- our 9th anniversary was the first

- Kyle had grading for another belt (yellow with black stripe) on the 3rd
- a family day out at the movies (Rio) as a preschool fundraiser

- the Canucks had their amazing fun for the cup!
- Nathan's last class of preschool was on the 6th

- Preschool Graduation for Nathan on the 9th

- Kyle's sports day on the 10th
- Kyle had a birthday party to go to on the 12th (Sela's)

- there was a Kindergarten drop-in for Nathan on the 13th
- Parent Appreciation breakfast at Kyle's school on the 14th

- Nathan had his last preschool interview on the 15th and got his scrapbook!

- there was, of course, the horrible riot in Vancouver after the Canucks lost Game 7 of the cup final...
- I had a couple of extra kids here for childcare (friends) for 4 days this month

- Kyle's birthday party was here, at home, on the 18th with about 6 kids! Fun camping theme and they "fished" and made S'mores!
- Father's Day was, of course, the 19th though I actually had to work!
- someone hit the truck that was parked on the street and within a week were down to a single vehicle family again since ICBC wrote it off! :o(
- our last PAC get together was a dinner at Boston Pizza on the 21st

- Kyle was awarded his new belt

- we had a party for mum on the 25th for her 65th birthday!!!
- Kyle was in a local parade with a group of kids from karate
- Kyle had a picnic day on the 27th at school and took cupcakes for his birthday and one of his stuffies as well
- we had to turn the truck in to ICBC on the 27th...

- Kyle got a citizenship award at the assembly on the 28th

- the 29th is Kyle's birthday and was the last day of school too! Only 90 minutes, so took the kids for ice cream in the afternoon for a treat. Also went to Denny's for dinner at his request and got a karate themed cake!
- had dinner on the 30th with Maria before she left today to visit family in Sweden!

So, there was all that along with the regular stuff of having Sophia and Matthew, teaching and working at the store and just trying to keep up with things at home!
It was a crazy month for sure, but one full of fun too looking back!

Here's to hoping for some lazy summer days...
Cheers,

Happy Canada Day 2011!

2011-07-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

Wow how time flies! The last couple of months have been a complete blur, but I think things have finally slowed down a little here and I'm hoping to get some more posting and personal creating done too.

We had a great Canada Day for sure! Slept in a little and then puttered a bit after getting up. Got ourselves ready and headed out for the annual celebrations around here before it got too busy! There was all kinds of fun stuff: crafts, balloons, live music, food, tattoos, face painting, etc! Spent a couple of hours there before heading back and grabbing some pizza on the way.

We came home and had a relaxing afternoon. I spent some time ordering pictures online since I'm so far behind in both developing and any kind of scrapping lately it seems. Have been doing stuff for work, but not personal stuff and I miss it. I figure pictures are a good place to start. The boys played video games - all of them!

We had a bbq for dinner and then headed out to the park. Of course, there was a stop at Starbucks on the way so that the boys could get milk and we could grab a cup of coffee. Spent a while at the park and manageg to get the boys out of there by telling them we'd come home and roast marshmallows!

George just picked this up after saving enough Save-On pointsto get this for the deck. It was actually quite fun to sit out there tonight with the fire and roast marshmallows. It's a self contained propane one and really does give off some heat. I know where we'll be spending some more time this summer!

Well, better go think about getting some sleep. Not too much planned for tomorrow really other than Kyle going to karate in the morning.

Cheers,
Colleen

My Day in Photos

2011-04-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

More Days Here!

http://www.shimelle.com/paper/1005/my-day-in-photos/

Cheers,

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, the Easter Bunny has come and gone.
The kids didn't get up until 7am!
We had a fun hunt here in the house for all of us and we all got treats!
We've had breakfast and candy is being consumed.

George has voluntarily loaded the dishwasher - don't let that face fool you!
I'm sitting here having my coffee and playing on the computer.
All in all, I'd say it's a great morning!

This is going to be a different Easter for us for sure. Not much family stuff going on here and, to be honest, I'm not really complaining. We had my family dinner last weekend out at my aunt and uncle's and saw everyone. I was very thankful someone at work offered to cover for me because I really wanted to see my grandma who's 95 now! She's so wonderful and I feel like I don't get to see her often enough.

We were thinking about doing something with George's family tonight, but then those plans sort of changed because of the hockey game. I think a few of them are going out to George's brother's place for a casual dinner and to watch the game, but I think George gas decided he doesn't feel like going out there and I'll leave that decision to him. I'll be watching the game either way!! Not sure what we're going to get up to the rest of the day, but we'll do it together!

Here's to a wonderful Easter to everyone no matter what you're doing today!!
Cheers,

A Reminder...

2011-04-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

I miss scrapbooking...

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, but got a real reality check a few weeks ago. I was asked by my boss to do a private scrapbooking project for a friend of hers. The friend's dad was turning 70 and he wanted to be able to give him a scrapbook to celebrate that as well as let him know about the surprise family trip to Mexico they'd planned for him. I scrapped about 14 pages in a week (a lot more than the original project request!), but it made me really realize that...

I miss scrapping.

My personal pages...

I scrapbook pages for work for classes to teach and I do a lot of cards both for work and ans home. What I don't do are pages at home and I miss it. I'm making a conscious effort to try and get back to it as well as working on my Project Life.

I love watching to boys grow and change, but they really are changing and it's happening at a rate I couldn't have imagined, so I want to remember to document that too. And I like playing with all my "stuff"! I like making a creative mess and doing it without a timeline. My goal is to try and find some balance between my work stuff and my personal...

It's a beautiful day today for Good Friday and I'm going to enjoy it. Havea few things I'd like to get done, but mostly planning on relaxing and maybe getting in a nap. Was up half the night with a stupid dry cough (the end of my cold) and hoping I can get rid of it soon without losing my voice as has been known to happen to me. Have to teach at Spectacular next weekend, so I can't have that happen!

Since I'm working on layouts for a class, I'm going to end with a question today if you have a second to comment...

What are your favourite scrapbooking techniques?

Have a fabulous long weekend!
Cheers,

Blog Changes and Layouts!

2011-04-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

So, as you probably all now know, I'm taking this Beyond Blogging for Scrapbookers by Shimelle and have been thinking a lot about the look of my blog. I've also been trying to decide what's useful and not, so I have another survey for you...

I'm also going to show you some creative stuff that's going on for classes this coming month at Precious Memories. The new 3Bugs Dawson is so cute that we ordered the kits for a layout class. You get 4 pages of layouts and then a ton of extra product to take home!

Perfect for your boys!

It's been a crazy week around here with a PAC meeting, a local council meeting for George, a preschool meeting, a class to teach tonight and being sick with a cold as well. Looking forward to tomorrow and not having to work in the evening as usual since the store is closed early for Good Friday.

Looking to get a couple more things crossed off my to-do list today too!

Have a good one!

Cheers,

Times Gone By...

2011-04-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

So as some of you know from reading things around here the last couple of days, I'm doing Shimelle's new class. One of the things we're doing is having a look back at some of our posts and finding ones we liked and thinking about the reasons why. I have linked to some previous posts and have grouped them...

These are a combination of family stuff celebrating the everyday along with some creative stuff on many of them
Around Here... - idea based on one of Ali Edwards posts
Fun Monday - field trip recap, a card and a little about the day
Snow Day #2 - some snow pics, a layout and a conversation with my son
Mindful Gratitude - a personal reminder of how blessed I really am
Happy New Year - year in review
Photo Booth Fun - exactly that!
Happy Mother's Day - some cards and a recap of our Mother's Day!

These really are scrapping related and I wish I can done more of the scrappy year in review type posts to be honest!
I Did A Page!
I Scrapped!
My Scrappy Year 2007

These are tutorials and samples that I've done.
Ribbon Pleating Tutorial
File Folder Tag Album Tutorial
Unmounting Rubber Stamps

I'd love any feedback you have on the ones you liked and what you prefer to read/see when you're blog hopping!! Looking back at my blog and a lot of the posts made me very thankful for having posted what I have even if it's not everyday as it's a glimpse into our crazy lives and my creative life as well!

Thanks for popping by!
Cheers,

More class sneaks and a survey!

2011-04-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's another crazy weather day around here, so I thought I'd try and pop in again! Today, I've got another question for you and a first on my blog - a survey!

These are two of the 8 cards that we'll be doing in the new Gabrielle class at Precious Memories if you're local as well. If you can't make the class on the evening of the 12th, there are kits available too!

Well the pouring rain just started again and now that the kids have had lunch, I'd better go get some chores done. Got some errands done this morning and ordered my sister's birthday present, so it's already been a productive day. Kyle has karate after school, I have a PAC meeting tonight and George is going to a council meeting about a property in out neighbourhood that wants to subdivide! Things never seem to slow down!

Have a great evening and enjoy the hockey game if you're in BC!
Cheers,

A Class for Me and Some Cards!

2011-04-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well, hello again! Hard to believe it's Monday again already. I'm embarking on a new little project for the next few weeks and having fun with the new class from Shimelle about Blogging for Scrapbookers.

One of the things I'm wondering about after seeing all of you out there that pop by once in a while is how you actually found my blog? Would you mind leaving me a quick note and letting me know!? I need to satisfy my curiosity if you don't mind and it'll help me a little in terms of knowing who you are and what you're looking at when you pop in! Thanks so much to those of you that do!

OK, for those of you that are local, I wanted to let you know that the May class schedule is up and you can sign up for classes anytime either in the store or by phone. The cards above are from the Black, White and Pink All Over - Second Edition since the first one was so popular! I'll be showing you a few more samples over the next few days too!

It was a busy morning at preschool since I was on duty and I didn't get anything done around here, so I'd better run! Need to get Kyle from school shortly too and I'm looking forward to the little walk in the sunshine. Maybe we'll play outside there for a bit even since it's so nice.

Have a great evening and I look forward to hearing from some of you!
Cheers,

Another Birthday Card!

2011-04-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well, was quickly checking some blogs this morning and saw the ICS sketch this morning and decided to ship up a quick card with the new Basic Grey 6X6 pad of "Life of the Party" that I just got! Amazing that I managed to once again make something with product I just got. I haven't been getting much lately and trying to use what I do actually get!

It's been crazy as usual and here's a random list...
- new washing machine and dryer finally got her on Saturday
- we had to have the brakes done on the car Saturday as well
- Kyle got his yellow belt at karate (might have already posted this?!)
- the kids has a dinosaur dig yesterday for their preschool field trip
- Kyle's other front tooth is finally really coming in now
- Sophia just had her 5th birthday and her party!
- we took the boys for a walk at the bird sanctuary a couple of weeks ago
- Spring Break went by in a blur!
- George had the second week of Spring Break off
- I finished a week long massive scrapbooking project for someone
- getting ready for Scrapathon coming up at the end of the month
- we booked an overnight cruise for my birthday weekend
- I went to get my Enhanced Driver's License and am now waiting for it!
- had Kyle's student led conference at school last week: so proud of him!

Oh and the list goes on, but I'll stop there for now!
Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!
Cheers,

Reality Check...

2011-04-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I lived in Japan for about 3 years and have wonderful memories of the people and the country. I too lived through one of the large earthquakes there and it was probably the most frightening thing I've lived through...

I have been keeping a very close eye on what's happening in Japan as a result and though there is't as much in the media these days, people are suffering. They are not a people who readily ask for help, but please help if you can.

I was reading a blog that was an amazing reality check this morning... From Japan With Love and you should go have a look. She also linked the an unvelievable YouTube video of Urayasu, the city-best know for Disneyland, that was built on reclaimed land that basically liquified during the earthquake.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rVDKK3yoWs

As if what's happening directly in the area surrounding where the earthquake/tsunami hit isn't bad enough, there are other things going on. Other parts of the country are feeling the effects too and though it may not be front and center on the news every day (as with so many other troubles in the world around us), it's something they'lll be dealing with for a very long time to come...

Just a little reality check for when you think you're having a bad day...
Cheers,

More Bo Bunny and an ICS Sketch!

2011-03-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

OK, so I changed lines, but I'm still playing with Bo Bunny papers! Got out some of the new Gabrielle and created this card using the new ICS#108 Sketch. Go check it out! Love the colours of this line and all the "texture" in the print. The new Spellbinders Ribbon Banners I got were perfect for this!

Had a great day yesterday and though I wasn't out that much other than for my walk, I got a lot done! I have a list a mile long, so it's a good thing too. Hoping today is the same though I did stop for the above creative break while George and Kyle were at the dump and the other kids were playing in Nathan's bedroom. Well, not sure if they were playing or just arguing about how/what to play, but whatever!

Hope the rest of your day is fun!

Cheers,

Monday again... But another card!

2011-03-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Where does the weekend go?! I swear it was just Friday night and I was heading off to work and here we are at Monday morning again already!

I did get a chance to get inspired again this morning and had fun playing with the new CardPatterns sketch 108. You should go check out all the amazing cards! I decided to continue with the new Bo Bunny Ad Lib that was sitting on my table. I think this may be the most I've ever used something after just getting it and the only thing not from this line were the Prima flowers I had in my stash!

We did have a good weekend and it's the beginning of a week off for George as well!

On Saturday, I went up to my WW meeting this morning to find out I was up less that I thought - 0.8! Thought it was closer to 3, so I'll take it, especially now that I seem to be back on track here FINALLY!

Came home and took Kyle to karate and then we all went out for a bit. Headed over to New West to the Quay since we got something saying it was open again now afer the renos, but there's only a grocery store (oragnicish), a tea shop, one other little shop and some circus training center. Nothing else is open... So weird that after more than 2 years, that's it - not even a coffee shop! Anyway, after a little walk there, we went over to Army and Navy to look for pjs for the kids and found some for Kyle, but of course, it's Nathan that needs them even more! Stopped at Children's place on the way home and found him a pair for 40% off too!

I went for a walk after coming home and the boys played their new Star Wars Lego game. Had dinner at home and then went out for a bit of a drive and a stop at Krispy Kreme. Then I was the one that played Zuma Blitz (computer game) for a while and we went to bed early - 10! I ended up sleeping for over 9 hours I think!

Sunday wasn't too eventful really since I went to work. I'm starting a bit of a creative project for a friend of my boss', so she popped in for a second so we could chat about it. I came home and did some research for it online as well. Had trouble getting to sleep as a result though thinking about it!

Sophia and Matthew still aren't 100%, so we're having a sort of chill day today. George took Kyle and whipped over to his parents to get the dolly for moving the washing machine and dryer... not here yet, but hoping soon! I need to get out for my walk for sure and get some creative stuff done. Just glad the sun it out for a bit!

Have a fabulous day!
Cheers,

It Might be a Record!

2011-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Another card! 3 days in a row! And another one I just got to play with! Once again used the bits on my desk of the Bo Bunny Ad Lib that I've been playing with the last few days. This was honestly a pretty quick and easy one since I used the CPS sketch for this week as inspiration.

We got a bunch of buttons in at work lately and they're sure priced right, so I got a bunch and was able to play with those on this card today too. It was a matter of deciding which colour to use!

The boys have been more than a little excited about the new Lego Star Wars game they got for the Wii! I sent them outside for a while yesterday, but they were chopping at the bit again as soon as they came in. I told them they could play for a bit before I went to work, so there they were... I love the look of concentration on Kyle's face and how relaxed Nathan is - doesn't even bother to sit up to play!

I taught last night and had lots of fun! It was more than a full class and I had people on the wait list still. I just never know which ones are going to sell out like that (and quickly!) and which ones aren't. So very hard to predict! I have about a week now before I teach again, but have lots of class related stuff to work on for sure...

It's been a fairly quiet morning and feels weird because I've only got 3 this morning. Poor little Matt-man has been sick this week and wasn't good this morning, so Trace was trying to get him in to see the dr this morning. We had to get Kyle to the orthodontist since the button and elastic on the back tooth they're trying to straighten out had come off. Didn't take long to get him in there and get it done, but we had to go! Stopped for a Starbucks on the way home and the kids are just playing. Not a great day again today, but might see about the park later if the rain doesn't start.

George went and finally bought a washing machine last night. Left work a few minutes early so he could get to Trail Appliances before it closed. They have a sale on he's been waiting for and he did get something. I'm very thankful he got a pair, so we'll be getting a new washing machine and dryer!! The bad news is that we have to wait a week to a week and a half to get it. And for whatever reason, he decided not to have it delivered, so we have to go pick it up! Booooo... We'll see, maybe I can change his mind about that!

Well, better run and get a few things done!
Cheers,

Another card!

2011-03-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, can you believe it?! Two days in a row that I not only posted, but made cards for me! And it's another Bo Bunny Ad Lib line one since everything was sitting on my table for it! Used a sketch from Inspirational Card Sketches and here it is...

Had a bit of a rough day yesterday with the kids and was wishing spring break was over already! Just lots of usual kid craziness and some not very good listening along with the bad weather made for a bit much for me! The kids did manage to play outside for a while between rainstorms and I managed to get out for a walk at the end of the day.
Kyle had karate still, so he went to that and we picked up pizza after!

After dinner the kids and I went to Toys R Us with the gift card I'd been saving since Christmas from their Uncle Scott and Auntie Toni. I did the same thing last year and saved it for spring break and was happy I had again! They were excited about being able to get the new Star Wars Lego game for the Wii that was released yesterday! They came home and played a bit before calling it a night. I told Kyle no getting up before 6:30, so when I asked him what time he got up (to work on building the other actual Lego they got), he said 6:35! He's soooo funny! They had the Hero Factory and Ninjago Lego built already by the time I got up an hour or so later...

Had a relaxing morning with Sophia and Matthew at the dentist. They didn't get here until about 9:30 and I'd had my coffee and was showered and dressed already. Not sure what we'lll get up to, but it's a beautiful day! They'll be outside for a while if nothing else though Matthew still isn't 100%. I know Kyle and Nathan would like to play Wii all day now, but that's not going to happen!

I have a class to teach tonight and that's about it for me. I'm bummed because there hasn't been a Canucks game for 5 days and now they play tonight when I have class and Friday night when I work!

Well, better go see what I can get done!
Cheers,

Birthday Card Times Two!

2011-03-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I had a little creative time of my own yesterday! I decided to do something I rarely seem to have time for these days and that's to play with some new goodies. The lss I work in had a big sale on the weekend and I ended up with some new stuff though it's not like I need it in any way, shape or form! I figured that since I got it, I'd try using some of it right away!

I pulled out the new goodies I got from the new Bo Bunny Ad Lib line. I had the 6X6 pad of paper, the 12X12 sheet of stickers, the smaller sheet of birthday type stickers and the gems. As it turned out, I didn't use the stickers, but had fun with the paper and gems! I just love the fun and funky colours and prints in the line.

I was poking around online in the morning and found the new Mojo Monday sketch and decided this would be a fun place to start. I often end up loving these, but don't often get to try them out when they're current. I ended up with 2 cards (slightly different) from the same sketch after taking my own advice that I give in classes that it's just as easy to make 2 when you've got everything out! I also find I make more other kinds of cards and don't have birthday ones when I need them, so this is perfect!

Well, here's hoping this is the beginning of more creativity of my own as well though I do need to get to work on some more class stuff as well! At least my kits are all ready for my class for tomorrow night and I don't need to think about that. Now, I just wish the class wasn't the same night as the Canucks game!

Have a fabulous Tuesday! It's a wet one around here for sure, but that's to be expected of spring break for sure...
Cheers,

Friday again already...

2011-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's Friday here again already though I won't say "finally" Friday since I work tonight, teach tomorrow and work again Sunday! The good thing is that "work" is fun for me, so I certainly can't complain!

Speaking of work... thought I'd give you another little sneak peak of an upcoming April class! The layout above is from a layout class that is going to include 2 single page and one double page layout. The paper are from 3 Bugs and the best part is that the class includes their Caboodle kit (that some of you will know from the Christmas card classes!), so there's tons of paper, stickers, border stickers and die cuts! And you get to take all the extras home! Keep your eye out for the new class schedule in the next week or so if you're local!

As for around here today...
- Kyle woke up at about 5am with a sore throat and cough, so he's home for the day
- Kyle has also now said his eyes are itchy and I'm paranoid since pink eye is going around though it doesn't look like anything at this point. Wait and see...

- spent part of the morning getting caught up with friends in Japan after the horrible 8.9 earthquake/tsunami. Certainly thinking of everyone there...
- washing machine is apparently officially done! George checked it out last night after me doing some laundry and smelling something funny. The motor is going and it's not worth getting fixed, so guess we're shopping tomorrow! And, of course, I'm knee deep in laundry that needs doing!

- Check out this lovely ensemble from Nathan this morning... a tank top he wore to bed along with his pj bottoms and then my heeled boots, his baseball cap and the Darth Vadar ring he's trying to show off! Gotta love it!

- chores are calling my name, but, as usual, I don't feel like answering...

- kids are busy doing art and crafting for now, so I'd better go try and get a few more things done!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and make sure to hold those close to you tight!

Cheers,

Make a Wish

2011-03-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

I've been really enjoying puttering around on other people's blogs lately and seeing all the creativity. I know I haven't been very good about posting mine, so here's a recent card. This card is actually one that's going to be in an upcoming April class at work. It's an accordian card though mine is scored/sized slightly differently than the one in the link. This class is going to use some new Fiskars birthday stamps and the new Confetti line of papers from American Crafts.

I'lll try and post a few more creative items in the next while...

Some other things I've been checking out...

- a great article on self-compassion

- the Canucks website for all the latest and greatest hockey news

- this great article about creating change which could apply to so many areas of one's life

- all the lovely creative "work" that my co-worker, Alexis, has been doing!

- the inspiring stuff Ali Edwards has been doing as well as the One Little Word stuff I'm doing for the online class I'm taking. Need to go look at that again... and play!

Feeling inspired to do a little creative stuff today, so we'll see if I can find some time! Going to watch the hockey game tonight as well. Hoping to just relax a little and think about how to get a little more organized as well. Wanting to do a huge purge and it's definitely coming (along with some big changes), but more about that another time...

Cheers,

Around Here...

2011-03-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Was thinking it's been way too long since I blogged (actually have half a post still waiting to be finished!) and saw Ali Edward's blog and got inspired! So, here I am with a little update!

Around here there's been a lot of self-initiated learning that's going on for Nathan (as seen in the picture above). He's loving playing with printing now and there was a time I couldn't even get him interested in learning how to do his name. He also loves his art!

Around here we've had lots of trips to the dentist lately. George and I have both been for cleanings in the last week as well as Nathan though his trip was a little less successful. He let the dentist check them, but wouldn't let the hygenist clean... Another time.

Around here, Kyle has seen the orthodontist 3 times in 4 weeks as well to get the tooth in the upper back left straightened out. We can hold off for another 6 weeks now assuming nothing comes lose on his "appliance".

Around here Nathan hasn't thankfully been sick again lately (*fingers crossed) though we did have to take him to the dermatologist to have a few little skin bumps removed from his knee. Nothing serious by any means, but it can apparetly spread, so it's easier to have them taken off.

Around here there's a lot a lot of thought (stress maybe?) about what's going to happen in September since I won't have Sophia and Matthew here anymore... Money in certainly a consideration as well as what I want to be when I grow up!

Around here there's been some creative stuff happening, but it's mostly been work related and not enough of my own stuff!

Around here, I've definitely been in purge and organize mode though there don't seem to be enough hours in the day...

Around here, I've been struggling with Weight Watchers bouncing up and down a few pounds for a quite a while now and need to get moving consistently back ina downward direction again!

Around here I've been thinking about how to get my hands on the Vagabond by Tim Holtz since my very old Zip E Mate is about to give up.

Around here, Kyle has been doing well with karate and is going to be getting his yellow belt at another belt presentation tomorrow night.

Around here, we're looking forward to spring, but the bit of snow that fell this morning was a reminder that it's not here yet.

Well, it's been busy for sure and that's not going to change! Just need to try and keep up!

Cheers,

I did a page!!

2011-02-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know...it's shocking, but I actually scrapbooked - for me! I joined the Crowned Contest at Scrapdango to get me moving on something that wasn't for work. The challenge for this week was to have at least one woman in the layout (me), have it be mostly B&W as well as having some bling and something that went all the way across the page. This came together quite quickly with some of the "Be Mine" Echo Park papers and a few extras. Had fun playing with some stamping and ribbon pleating (on the left) as well. You probably can't tell, but the edges of the whole page are distressed with black ink as well!

This layout is just a documentation of the weight loss journey I've been on. I started in July last year and have lost 58lbs since. I'm not done, but I'm "learning to love" (the title of the layout) myself and am feeling sooooo much better! Just need to work on getting to that 60lb mark now!

Thanks for popping in and I love to hear from you when you do!
Cheers,

Happy February!

2011-02-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's hard to belive it's Tuesday again already! Most of us in the house have been down and out with a stomach bug the last few days, but are all seemingly back at it today. Poor George had his birthday yesterday and was the only healthy one! Sorry hon! We'll celebrate another day this week...

Now for Project Life from the last week!

January 22nd

Yes, this is my glorified pencil sharpener! It's actually a paper shredder that I'd like to get rid of since I now have a bigger and better one, but Kyle loves this thing! He gets all the pencils and pencil crayons out and sharpens them. He'll stand there for ages! I just can't seem to get rid of it when I know it'll break Kyle's heart!

January 23rd

This was our first family dinner at our new table! Now it's just to get the other 2 chairs put together and get rid of the box in the background. Looking forward to lots of nights like this!

January 24th

This isn't the best picture of me, but it's the one I've got! I ended up switching duty days with Tracy at the last minute because Matthew was sick this day. Had a fun day playing with Nathan and helping out!

January 25th

Mmmmm...gotta love leftovers! This was my lunch today and it was leftover sloppy joes. These are a recent favourite for the boys which I love because they're quick and easy!

January 26th

I actually posted about this last week. It was just one of those morning where I was feeling quite grateful and enjoying a moment!

January 27th

Who can resist those faces? We ended up making cookies 2 days in a row here. The kids love helping and we made chocolate chip ones, so who can resist the smell of those baking?!

January 28th

Poor Kyle! He came into my room at 6:30 telling me his stomach didn't feel good. He generaly just gets up and gets himself breakfast, so I sort of knew something was really wrong. He ended up throwing up around 7 and then again at 9am, but that was about the worst of it. He napped for the latter part of the morning and was so much better after that!

Check out all the other Project Life inspiration over at The Mom Creative too!

I'll update about Nathan's birthday party (Sunday) soon as well! It was unfortunately after that that we all ended up sick though I think it was the same bug that Kyle had had Friday.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Cheers,

Mindful gratitude...

2011-01-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

Just having a quiet moment here and catching up with some stuff online when I came up this post by Kelly Willette and thought it was a wonderful reminder of being thankful for the everyday in our lives. Yes, there are a million things to complain about if you want to and we all have days that we do, but wouldn't we all be so much better off if we looked at all the bits of good in our everyday lives?

I'm learning already from doing Project Life that there's so much in our day to day to celebrate. The kids are loving seeing all these bits of our life preserved in pictures for them to go through any time they want so I can only imagine how thrilled they'll be in a couple of months when there's a lot more to look at. I think it's making them appreciate the little things as well.

I have a little time this morning since 3 of the kids are at school and Matthew is home sick still with Daddy. Just sitting here with the winter sun coming through the curtains and thinking about how very blessed my life really is... Really appreciating it - all of it!

What are you thankful for today? And who are you going to tell? How are you going to celebrate that?

Cheers,

Project Life - Week 3!

2011-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! Hard to believe we're already 3 weeks into 2011! Where does the time go?

Take a look at all the Project Life inspiration at The Mom Creative. It's time to update with my pictures from this week again...

January 15th

This was the first time Kyle had used his debit card and he was pretty excited about it. he got a new Lego game called Ninjago. I was really proud of him!

January 16th

OK now, this isn't the best pictureof me, but I love it because of the wonderful woman in the picture with me - my grandma! This was a special day as the family all got together at my aunt and uncle's to celebrate my grandma's 95th birthday!

She's a truly amazing woman...

January 17th

What a day! We were up early (5:40am!) to get ourselves ready and out the door to be downtown by 7am for Kyle's dental surgery. What he was actually having done was having 5 teeth pulled! It was supposed to be 6, but one of them fell out when we were at my grandma's birthday celebration.

He was a real trooper though and thankfully they put him under for it. The freezing was about the worst part for him since he'd never had it before. I gave him one dose of Tylenol in the morning when we got home and then he didn't even want/need anymore after that. It was a take it easy day and he slept a lot in the morning. By about midday the same day, he had perked right up and though he was on soft foods, he was pretty much back to normal! Amazing how fast kids can bounce back!

There was a letter for the Tooth Fairy and she left him a $20!!

January 18th

OK, sooooooo totally excited about these boxes! We went shopping on the weekend for a new kitchen table and chairs and they arrived today! We had looked before Christmas and didn't find anything we liked, but we sure did this time. Now it'll just be a matter of when they're all put together!

January 19th

Yes, Daddy has started to put some of the new table and chairs together, so you decided that you wanted to build a tent with the big box. And what could be better than a tent to play in? A tent to sleep in! I was actually kind of surprised that you really did sleep in there all night! Adorable!

Who needs toys when you have cardboard boxes?

January 20th

There was a big assembly at my son's school for the official opening of the new playground. I was actually asked to come up and accept something on behalf of the PAC that did a lot of fundraising and made a big donation for the playground.

January 21st

Going to cheat with this one and take a picture later! It was my son's PJ Spirit Day at school and I forgot to get a picture, so I'm planning on taking one this weekend of him in the same jammies he wore to school that day and adding it here!

Well, better go upload these pictures for printing while I'm thinking about it too. Matthew is still sick, so he's not here today, but George went back to work today after being off sick with a fever yesterday. I have some cold symptoms, but am taking Cold FX and ignoring them as best I can!

Have a good one!

Cheers,

Want some scrapping inspiration?

2011-01-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Well, here a great way to work on getting some things done and maybe win some great prizes in the process! Scrapdango is having their crowned competition and you can check out all the details... Come on over and join!

With all my teaching, I haven't been playing with all my own stuff as much as I'd like to get back to doing some more, so I'm planning on playing... Just want to relax and have fun and join some challenges!

Cheers,

Project Life Week 2!

2011-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been more than a week since I've posted, especially since so much has happened this week. Well, this will be a quick peek and I'll try and get back soon to update a little more and add. The Mom Creative is a fun place to check out and a lot of people are sharing their Project Life stuff there, so you can see a lot of other ideas as well!

This was a busy week with doctor's appointments and check-ups, some crazy weather, my first class in about a month as well as a little boy turning 5!! We also had a life lesson for Kyle and those are never really fun. Certainly nothing harmful, but there was a loss of a toy involved after mum suggested he not take it to school!

I used my first vertical picture this week in the bottom right on this page since it was just too cute. I'm not worrying about the direction of the odd one of these and, to be honest, I'm finiding it a bit more of a challenge to take more horizontal pictures since it isn't the norm for me!

Yes, it's hard to believe, but my "baby" turned 5 on the 13th. I got to be on duty at preschool with him and we had a little celebration there with cupcakes. We had mum and dad over in the evening for dinner. Pizza, pepperoni of course, was Nathan's dinner of choice! We had George's mum and dad over for cake as well afterwards and there were more than a few presents once again! Just can't believe he's my little man and he's now 5 and will be going to full-time Kindergarten in the fall! How time flies!

Well, think that's it for this week. Having a ton of fun puttering with my Project Life and I'm fully up to date (*including today!) with my journaling! Trying to get pictures developed on the weekend and popped in quickly so that this project stays up to date. The best part is that my family is enjoying it as well!

Cheers,

Project Life - Week 1!

2011-01-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is the first actual week of my Project Life and I had soooo much fun doing it. Everyone in the family seems to like the idea of this and both Kyle and George read all the journaling for the week once it was done. I think this is simply awesome!

With all the classes I'm prepping for at work, I find my own scrapping seems to get left. I love doing it, but I don't always have time. This is a way top document what's going on in our lives without any stress. I'm still planning doing some scrapping, but I can do it when I have time and not worry about being caught up.

I'm doing it as a picture a day, but also not stressing if I miss the odd one and will simply fill it with another picture related to the week or our family in some way. I've decided to try and do the journaling before bed daily to keep it fresh in my mind. I am using OhLife daily as well which e-mails you a generic question about your day. You just hit reply, add your response and send it and that is added to an online (private) journal. Sometimes I actually write and other days, it's just point form of a few things. Whatever it is, it's something to this point!

Had a bit of a crazy day today. Got up early and got the boys dressed and ready so that we could head out to the clinic and get an appt for Kyle. Next Monday, Kyle is having 6 teeth pulled. and they're putting him out for it, so that means a need a form filled out by the doctor saying that he all good and healthy - check up basically. We were up there before 7:30 (not long after they opened) and were told to come back at 11:30! This is what happens when your doctor has been away for a week and everyone loves him!

My plans were done at that point because I was hoping that since Matthew and Sophia weren't here first thing this morning that I could have Kyle in and out before they got here (after swimming). I also thought Kyle would be in and out before school - no go there! Instead, all 5 of us were up there and waited more than an hour. I'm truly lucky they're all so good because other than asking more than once when we were going in, they were really good. It was almost 1pm before we got out though, so I popped into Burger King and got 2 kids meals for the kids to share and then added some fruit and other things. Amazing that one kid could actually eat all those fries anyway!

Took Kyle up to school and just missed the bell, so we walked him in. Came home and put Matthew to bed. A friend was nice enough to bring Kyle home so that Matthew could sleep a little longer. Brian had left money for hot chocolate for the kids and because it was so late after the doctor, we didn't go then, but went up to Starbucks once Matthew woke up. Had fun and someone commented on how well behaved they were - the second time today with the first being at the doctor's!

Well making a Stroganoff WW recipe tonight, so I'd better go get at it!

It's Bachelor night tonight, so I'll be watching that and the weather network to figure out what's going on with the snow! Have to prep my Wednesday class too and just hope that I can get there.

Well, better go get some cooking done for real! I'm out of here! Have a good one!

Cheers,

Another day...

2011-01-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

with the kids...

- they were playing "ring around the rosie" with their stuffies before they were even dressed
- drove Kyle to school what with Nathan still sick
- got lots done off my to do list this morning
- planned Nathan's birthday for the 30th - bowling
- lunch and then a friend picked up Fia for preschool and Matthew napped while Nathan played
- another friend brought Fia back to Kyle's school and we got Kyle
- off to karate - 1st day since holidays since he missed Tues with Nathan at the doctor and then x-ray
- Brian picked up kids and Nathan and I went to Starbucks before getting Kyle
- dinner was sloppy joes which the kids liked! Yeah!
- off for me to pick up pictures for a school assignment for Kyle

- Nathan asked me to tie his blankie around his neck so he could "rescue" Rufus from Kyle's backpack
- my online chat for my One Little Word class which was fast moving, but fun
- bedtimes for boys
- chat with Trace for an hour or so on the phone and...
bedtime for me!

Cheers,

What a completely crazy day!

2011-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Crazy day and not at all how I thought things would go the first day back for our school routine!

- George was off today still - thankfully!!!
- Nathan is seeming sick still, so we wanted to take him to dr
- George goes up early, but it's closed and he doesn't check what time it's open
- about 8ish, he takes Nathan and goes up again only to find out the dr isn't in until 9 as our dr is on vacation
- I get a call from a friend that their younger daughter is sick and could I pick up their older daughter and take her with Kyle since they're in the same class - fine! All good!
- called Tracy since the kids were coming a little later and asked her to come after 9 when I know we'll be home again - she said no worries
- get Kyle and his friend to school and go to make Nathan a dr appt
- find out the dr I want to see (at the clinic) isn't in until later, so we have to go back to make appt
- Tracy brings kids
- George goes to run errands
- I play with the kids and make them lunch
- George makes appt for Nathan on his way home
- he comes home and replaces lightbulbs in the kitchen (Yeah!)while I go grab sushi for us for lunch
- lunch and sit down for a bit and then off to get Kyle and his friend and take her home

This is going to be my Project Life picture for today!

- pick up Nathan and take him to dr only to find out he has pneumonia!! Needs more meds and a chest x-ray!!
- come home to find Brian has picked up kids and George has dinner going
- George takes Nathan for chest x-ray and they're waiting for ages
- Nathan called after an hour or so crying and wanting to come home
- I told him I'd come up and see him and bring Rufus his dog and his blankie, but by the time we got there, they were in already
- waited and Nathan was happy to see Rufus!
- George took Kyle home in the truck and I took the car and Nathan to go to Tim's for a chocolate milk and a bagel!
- poor Kyle missed karate tonight as a result os all this craziness too - felt badly!
- poor George had dinner and then went grocery shopping for us thankfully!
- gave Nathan medicine, tucked the kids and they were done for the day
- relaxing a bit and then calling it a night!

Let's just hope tomorrow is a little more "normal"! It better be because it's just me and the kids! Such a different day than the relaxing one we had with the 4 of us yesterday!

Cheers,

What's Your Word?

2011-01-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

I know some of you here reading this aren't scrapbookers and won't know who Ali Edwards is, but she does this thing annually where she picks a word for the year. I've done the same and my word for this year is OPEN. I need to be open to change and all that it brings with it and I'm hoping this word will bring other things into my life this year as well.

I decided as another present to myself this year and as part of my journey of change that I'd give myself the One Little Word class that Ali Edwards is doing at Big Picture Scrapbooking. It's essentially a class a month and a way of looking at things a little differently through the word you've chosen for the year. Just started, but enjoying it already for sure!

Not such an exciting day here really... Slept in a little and got up about 8ish. Puttered with a few things on the computer and then it was off to work. I did manage to get a cup of coffee and my oatmeal before going, but that was about it, so I popped into Subway to pick up lunch on the way there.

Today was the first day that I actually opened by myself, so that just means dealing with the alarm and things. Everything went well though and we had a good day! Came home to a fab veggie soup for dinner that George had made with barley, kidney beans and then all kinds of awesome veg! It was sooo good. Diane (from work) had also gotten me these Bagel Thins from the States as well as the mini WW cream cheese, so I had that as well. A really filling and satisfying meal on a cold night!

After dinner, we got bundled up and we all headed out for a walk. It was cold, but the boys love going out with the flashights after dark and we were dressed for it, so no one cared. We were out for a little under a half hour, but more exercise for me as well as all the stuff I did at work today taking down Christmas decorations!

Just relaxing with a cup of delicious very hot coffee and wondering what I'm going to do with the rest of the evening - maybe just head to bed early! :o)

Cheers,

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that we're once again at the end of another year! It's been one that has seen a lot of change for me personally and I plan to continue that into the new year. We've had some wonderful times as family and have some big things coming this year as well in terms of change for sure.

As a result of the craziness that may ensue this year along with all the everyday stuff, I'm hoping to complete Project Life this year. The idea is that you take a picture a day for a year and document it with journaling as well. I'm not going to stress about this and just fill days I miss with suff of the kids, but I think might be a fun project for us since I haven't been scrapping as much lately (though I plan to do more of that in 2011 as well!).

This has been the big change for me personally. I got tired of being tired and worrying about my health, so I did something about it. I went back to Weight Watchers in July and have lost almost 60lbs since going back (though have put a few back on over the holidays!). Need to get back at it because I plan on losing more in 2011 and I'd love to get to goal! I know it'll be hard work, but I'm looking forward to the challenge to be honest. And nothing can replace how much better I already feel, so bring on 2011!

As for our family...

- George continued working for the city and is doing very well there with a possible promotion in 2011
- I'm still taking care of Sophia and Matthew, but it changed to 5 days a week as of September this year when Tracy got a new job
- also working at the store and teaching a lot of classes! Fun stuff!
- Kyle started Grade 2 and had 2 new teachers as well as being in a 2/3 split
- Nathan continued at the preschool and is doing well
- we thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics earlier this year and George volunteered!
- I was lucky enough to see one of the Olympic speedskating events since Tracy and Brian won an Olympics package!
- continued on the PAC at Kyle's school as the Emergency Preparedness rep
- celebrated my 40th birthday in May!

- we had an amazing birthday/retirement party for dad!
- the boys opened bank accounts

- Kyle started karate and has laready passed his first grading and has a new belt

- poor Nathan spent the last few months of the year sick with everything from bronchitis to ear infections (though we think he's thankfully finally feeling better now!)
- We went to see The Wiggles again with Tracy, Brian, Sophia and Matthew as well!

- enjoyed many wonderful family get togethers! Above picture is from Easter.
- it was a year of Star Wars and Lego (or both combined!) in our house this year!

We've had a fun year full of wonderful of wonderful memories. The boys are growing so quickly that I sometimes want to be abe to slow time and just enjoy every single moment and while I can't do that, I can take the time to appreciate what is - right now!

Here's to an amazing 2011 everyone! Happy New Year!

Cheers,

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Merry Christmas!

Yes, it's a little after 7am here and the tree is all done and we're busy building Star Wars Lego. OK, the boys are doing that and I'm sitting here with my coffee!

Kyle was first up at 3:30am this morning wanting to do the tree and we managed to hold him off until 6am. I'm not sure that he actually slept any more, but at least we weren't up then. I don't think I slept much after about 4:30-5ish since I had the boys in my bed rolling around and trying to sleep. Nathan actually slept more after coming in, but Kyle didn't. George went and slept in Nathan's bed for a bit!

Kyle was so excited when I told him that we could get up! I asked him to go wake George and he did, but then he went flying into the living room - without us! No pictures! hee hee I got him to come back since Nathan wasn't even awake yet. Once Nathan was awake, he did the same thing as Kyle and went shooting into the living room without us. Once again, no pictures! I know, it's not that big a deal, but it's just funny for me.

We all went in and opened stockings first. Santa did a wonderful job of finding lots of little things we needed. I even got a Build-A-Bear card for the Rudolph I wanted! Yes, I wanted one! After stockings, I went and popped in the Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast casserole I made last night. I hope it's good and it sure smells good right now!

Then, it was on to opening the presents under the tree and it was a whirlwind. Of course, with Kyle leading the show, all went smoothly, but he was whipping through his presents! Kyle kept handing presents to Nathan to open and poor Nathan couldn't keep up. Kyle had stuff ripped open, ooohed and aahed and moved on to the next one. And they were both seriously spoiled as usual. Santa was good enough to bring them the Star Wars Lego they asked for and that's what they're working on now. Thinking it'll be a bit of a long project. Kyle is also dying to play the online Lego Universe game we got them, but that'll have to wait for now since it had to be loaded on the computer and everything.

George and I got spoiled this year too! I got Old Navy gift cards since almost none of my clothes fit anymore, some bath stuff, a small box of chocolates and an iPod Touch! How cool is that?! Lovin' it! I can't wait to have some time to play with it!! I broke down and got George the XBox 360 he wanted and Santa brought him a router since the one he had was broken. He got some other odds and ends too, but those were the big things. All of us spoiled for sure! Once again!

It's funny watching the boys because it's like they can't concentrate on any one thing for more than a minute. They played with Lego for a bit. Then Nathan had his Dinosaur Train toys out and all talking to each other. Kyle pulled out the hot air popcorn maker and put it together. Now they're trying to figure out the walkie talkies that Tracy and Brian got them. No attention span whatsoever here!

Well, better go check on breakfast and see if I can play with my iPod for a bit! Need to make my candied yams as well and then we'll be going to Uncle Steve and Auntie Laura's for dinner to everyone. I feel like I need a nap already!

Hope everyone is spending the day with family and friends! Enjoy!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Cheers,

Sketches in Thyme Guest Designer!

2010-12-01T23:37:00.000-08:00

I'm very proud to say that I was the guest designer today for Sketches in Thyme! The card above was my submission for the sketch challenge and I had a lot of fun doing this! Check out the link and see all the other fabulous work by the design team!

Cheers,

More Snow!

2010-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is what our deck currently looks like and, as you can see in the picture, the rain is still coming down! I went to best just before 1am (up late working on last minute stuff for a new class!) and it was just starting then. It wasn't too too bad when we got up, but it's been snowing all day and not getting any better. The roads are really slick! It's supossed to turn to rain at some point, but I'm thinkin' right now that it doesn't look like anytime soon. Hmmm... have to see about work tonight!

I know this is my first post in a couple of days. I was doing so well with my daily blogging for NaBloMoPo, and then had a late night a couple of night ago and forgot until I was in bed and looked at the clock at 12:01am! I probably would have even gotten up if it wasn't too late! I'm like that! It's been a couple of crazy days though and a crazy week generally to be honest.

I had my regular day with the kids Tuesday and then had to run a couple of errands before heading off to our monthly PAC meeting. It was sooooo cold outisde that we drove to take Kyle to school so that Matthew wouldn't cry all the way there and back, but that didn't stop the kids from wanting to play outside for a bit!

The PAC meeting was a late one because we were working on budget decisions, so I didn't even get home until about 9:45. Finished some prep for my class on Wed night while I watched Glee and then called it a night. Glee was really good and it was fun to see Carol Burnett on there!

Yesterday morning at about 5:40am, George came in and told me he had to take the car to work because something was wrong with the truck. Not that big a deal because we weren't going far anyway during the day, but we had to sort out the evening because I was teaching and George had to be at preschool with Nathan for Special Person's night. They get to take someone to preschool for the evening with them that wouldn't normally get to go and it's sort of the Christmas kick-off at preschool. They do crafts, sing, have a snack and read a special story. The kids love it!

Anyway, the problem was how to get us all where we needed to be. George wanted the car, so he decided to take me to work. He came home and got changed and then we headed out! They dropped me off at work first and I even got there a little earlier than usual, which was nice because I had a full class of 18 last night! George then dropped off Kyle at Tracy and Brian's on the way and then it was off to preschool for their special night. Once they were done there, it was the whole thing in reverse. The kids were up a little later than normal, but it turned out OK in the end and we all got where we needed to go!

This morning, of course, we woke up to a layer of white, so I decided that we were walking rather than me having to drive the van (which is not mine!). It really has warmed up and Matthew was fine in the stroller all covered with his blankie and the plastic cover to keep him dry. The kids had a fun walk and it was just nice to be out walking a bit to be honest. I miss our daily walk when we drive like we have the last couple of days.

I wasn't planning on taking the kids to preschool either, but Maria very kindly offered since she was going by here. I'm thinking poor Kyle won't be going to karate either even though this is his last night to practice before his grading tomorrow night. They're saying it should change to rain sometime later today/this evening, but it's a mess out there now until it does. And, even then, the slush won't be fun either! Yuck! Me no likey the snow when I need to get somewhere! I'm sorry, but the warmer weather and rain over the next couple of days will be welcome!

Well, this is a long one, so I'd better sign off there. Will try and post some more cards/layouts soon!
Cheers,

Crazy Cold Weather!

2010-11-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! Is it ever cold out there! I was in and out today, and knew it was cold, but when you hear that it never even got out of the minus range today, you know it's cold!

George was home this morning, so he walked Kyle to school, but I needed to go get him with the other kids. I bundled everyone up well and put Matthew in the stroller with a blanket as well. He complained on the way to school of being cold, but by the time we were coming home, he was crying. He cried all the way home poor thing! The worst part is that it's supposed to be even colder tomorrow, so I think I might have to break down and pack the kids in the van and drive Kyle to school even though it's only a couple of blocks. They're saying it'll be -8 for the morning commute and a high of -5 for the day!! Crazy!

I was on duty at preschool this morning and we had fun. I stopped and got the kids lunch on the way home and then popped out quickly for a successful shopping trip before coming home so that George could run errands. After our cold trip home, the kids were picked up, we had dinner and then all of us went out and did our weekly grocery shopping. It was fun! A quick stop on the way home for hot chocolate and coffees was in order and then it was all the usual bedtime stuff! A night nice...

Better go do some class prep or just call it a night and get under the warm covers! Maybe I'll have a hot bath and then call it a night! Ahhh...warmth!
Cheers,

Hit of the Night

2010-11-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, this was the hit of the night while the boys watched some of the AMA Awards with us! The boys are really into music these days and Nathan loves the Black Eyed Peas, so when will.i.am showed up wearing this Lego hat, it was all that much better! Everything in our house these days seemingly revolves around Lego, so this was a huge hit!

And I'd totally be lying if I said I wasn't waiting to see this! hee hee Not bad considering they're not teenagers anymore!

Busy day with work and a bit of Christmas shopping! George's parents came over for a visit tonight too and after watching a bit of TV, it suddenly it seemed like the night was done!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Here's to a fab week!

Cheers,

Crazy Day!

2010-11-20T23:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! Here it is after 11pm and I left the house this morning at about 8:30am! I had an awful drive home last night after work because of the snow and was worried what I'd wake up to this morning since I was teaching today. George got called in to work doing snow removal at 4am this morning and I was, of course teaching at 10:30!

The boys got up and ready with me this morning. We headed out to my WW meeting this morning (down a total of 49lbs now!) and then it was out to work. I was thankful the roads were good this morning! The plan was for them to come with me and George would get them there since he could work a little longer if he did that. We stopped at Stabucks on the way out for hot chocolates and a coffee for me. They were so good this morning that I got them a doughnut to share too. I started getting ready for class and George was there a little after 10, so it all worked out well.

I taught my two classes and then the plan was for all of us staff to crop together at work which we manage to do a couple of times a year. I was done a little before 5pm after my clean-up after teaching my 2 classes, so since it wasn't busy, one of my co-workers clocked out a little early and we went shopping! Went to Children's Place and got some great stuff for the boys and a gift for Sophia for Christmas. Pauline and I stopped at Red Robin to relax and have a cold drink and then went back to work.

It was a really fun night and there was lots of laughter for sure! I managed to prep most of my Wednesday night Frosty Fun class. I wanted to do something I didn't have to think about since I can chat then too and since it had to be done anyway, it was perfect! A Starbucks run was a nice was to end the evening before we all packed up and headed home. The only thing is that I'm back again first thing in the morning, so I'd better go get some sleep!

I laughed when I came home and saw the snow in our yard as compared to the neighbour who doesn't have kids. Hers yeard all pristinely covered with driven snow and ours looks like 2 little boys were out playing in it all day - churned up and played in!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Cheers,

Snow? Really?

2010-11-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is what we woke up to this morning. Now, granted, it's not a lot, but it's cold and they're saying there's more coming! Not liking this idea at all! Especially not this ealry in the season. I know they said it was going to be a bad winter, but snow in the middle of November is not a good omen for us I don't think... Wait and see!

I'm working tonight as usual, so hoping it doesn't last. They said it could be rain/snow mixed, so let's just hope it doesn't feeze either. I teach all day tomorrow and then work again on Sunday too. Theoretically, we also have a staff crop at work, so hoping all is good weather wise so that I can stay!

Well, better go get a few things ready for class and get some chores done. Had a great morning walking the kids to Kyle's school since they were so excited about the snow that was falling. Went and ran a quick bank errand and then stopped for hot chocolate and muffin for the kids on the way home! Fun!

Have a great weekend and let's hop for sunny skies!
Cheers,

A long day...

2010-11-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

with a sick boy AGAIN! Yes, I did take Nathan to the dr. on Monday for a follow-up and we were told things were getting much better. The day after that, Tuesday, Nathan told me his ear hurt, but I figured it would just clear on its own, so I gave him some Tylenol and mentally moved on. He said something that night and again in the morning on Wednesday, but I was sure it wasn't possible that he could really be sick again!

Oh yes he could! Last night was awful! He was up the better part of the night and was crying and in pain. We gave him some Tylenol again and he slept with me in my bed and George slept in Nathan's to get some sleep for work. What that meant was that since Nathan didn't get much sleep, neither did I! Poor little munchkin - hate it when they're sick like that and there's really nothing you can do.

Off to the dr it was again this morning at the crack of dawn! Went in and said hi "again"! He said that not only did Nathan have one ear infected, but that both were! Because I'd already left it a couple of days and it wasn't clearing on its own and he was clearly very sick, it meant putting him back on anitbiotics (after him being on them not quite a month ago for the bronchitis). Not my fav thing to do (or the doctor's thankfully), but there comes a point when you don't have a choice. He'll be on it for 10 days (once a day) and then the dr asked me to bring him in again to check him out and make sure everything is all good and that he's in the clear since he's been so darn sick this past month or so!

I was also lucky enough to have some amazing help today as well. Allison picked up Kyle and brought him home as well as doing the same for Sophia for preschool. Maria also went and got Nathan's prescription filled for me this morning since he was so bad that I couldn't even take him out - simply miserable. Thanks ladies!

I did get a few minutes while Nathan napped this afternoon as well as Matthew and while Sophia was at preschool to try one of the challenges on Pat's new scrapping site called "The Moments". It was this fun little bag/box thing for a gift and I really enjoyed the few creative minutes I got to play! Fun and quick once you know what you're doing! Another stash project too, so even better!

Well, it's time for bed for me after the long night last night and not knowing what tonight will bring! Here's to your good health...
Cheers,

PS I'm ignoring the bit of snow that didn't stick this afternoon as well as the supposed forecast for what could be more overnight!

I won!!!

2010-11-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

I entered a blog draw thing on the SRM blog for a new Marvy Border Punch. I generally read all that stuff on my Google Reader, but apparently never got to it this morning or it didn't come through or something. Susan McShirley was kind enough to contact me and let me know and I found out when I got home from a long meeting tonight that I'd won!!!

OK, so how excited am I? I use border punches all the time and haven't even seen this one never mind have the chance to play with it and call it mine! Sooo cool!

So maybe I didn't win the Canucks tickets at the raffle at the meeting tonight, but I'll have more goodies to play with now!! And they'll be around for ages!
Cheers,

Another Page!

2010-11-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

May Calendar page

Yeah, my little promise to myself! I wanted to get working on the calendar for my in-laws again for Christmas. They don't have internet (hard to believe I know!), so they won't see this and I'm safe posting the pages! I managed to get the pictures printed a few days ago, so that was a good start.

With this one, I had originally done it with other pictures and then realized they were a year too old! lol The pages are from exactly a year previous, but when I first did this page, I had pictures of 2009 rather than 2010 on it! I was thinking, "the year previous", but that means the pictures are this year since it's a 2011 calendar!! These pictures don't look too bad on here anyway since the colours weren't too crazy.

And the best part is that I used scraps and bits for this! Love using stash for sure. I have a but of trouble with my calendar pages because they need to be a little flatter than a lot of stuff I normally use, but my in-laws love this gift and they don't care about the product!

As I mentioned in my post last night, we didn't have heat! The guy was scheduled to come today from 3:30 to 5pm and I thought that was perfect because I could get Kyle from school first. It would mean no karate for him, but we'd have heat! At 2:30, there's a ding dong at the door and it's him! I'm thinking "Ahhhhh.... have to get Kyle!", but he said he'd have a quick look and see if it could be done quickly. Literally, about 15-20 minutes later, I was writing him a cheque for $190! lol Oh well, I quickly found out there's no price that I wouldn't pay for heat! And George paid anyway!!

So, we're madly getting ready for karate, so I'd better get going here. Hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday and here's to a great night!

Cheers,

Cool Night...

2010-11-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it's going to be a short one here tonight as I want to go get tucked in bed ASAP! We had someone out a month or so ago to check our furnace and deal with a pilot light that was out. It apparently got fixed then, but George noticed it was out again this morning when he got it! It's been a chilly day, so I had a hot bath tonight and I was tucked on the sofa with blankets for the evening and was fine. I'm now off to get tucked in bed and hoping that the guy coming late afternoon tomorrow can fix it!!!

Cheers,

Thankful...

2010-11-14T23:36:00.000-08:00

My list for today is...
- my wonderful family
- being healthy
- fabulous friends
- people in my life I can count on and trust
- a job I love and have fun with (all 3 of them actually!)
- being able to stay home with my boys
- a home we can call ours
- creativity and the time to play!

The list goes on, but there you have it for today!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

- John F. Kennedy

Cheers,

A Successful Day!

2010-11-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it was nice to come home last night and know that I wasn't getting up for work in the morinng! Now, that didn't mean I was sleeping in too late as I had my WW meeting to go to this morning, but that was the beginning of my successful day as I was down another 1.6lbs (same as last week) for a total of 44.4lbs lost. The goal is to be down 50lbs by Christmas! We'll see... Not going to beat myself up if I don't get there, but that's the goal!

I came home and got some thing done here. The house was quiet for a bit as George had taken the boys to get a haircut. My plan was to relax and chill since the house was empty, but I couldn't for very long. I enjoyed my Starbucks coffee (non fat latte with peppermint and white mocha flavouring - YUM!) and then puttered with laundry, cleaning the kitchen and sorting some things. I'm sort of in purge mode again, but there aren't enough hours in a day!

I decided I'd better go check out a couple of places for tops again for George's Christmas party since it's only a couple of weeks away (early this year!). I went and managed to actually find something I liked that didn't cost the earth. Actually ran into Tracy shopping too, but she left before I found the top I got. It sure wasn't what I was thinking of when I went, but I like it. The description is "Lace shirred blouse with satin ribbon detail - Full of femininity! You'll love this all over lace blouse. Sheer and pretty, this button down short sleeve shirt with front satin ribbon and rushching detail is sure to be a hit this holiday." It definitely needs a cami under it so I went and got one of those too and now I just need to have my pants altered and I'm in business! Should be a nice evening out with the kids staying at mum and dad's that night.

This was what I came home to today after shopping! Kyle was busy playing computer and the other 2 were having a good nap. George was good enough to make dinner and then we went out for a bit of a drive. A nice day for sure!!

Here's to a wonderful Sunday!
Cheers,

Something a little different...

2010-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, one of my friends/co-workers has also been doing WW and doing an amazing job. She's been a real support and inspiration for me along the way. It's been fun even going to some of our meetings together if I'm teaching on Saturdays. I thought she deserved a little reminder of the amazing job she's done, so I'll be leaving this for her tonight at work and she'll get it in the morning. (**Let's just hope she doesn't see this post before that!)

The was done a while ago actually for a card sketch challenge and I just never got it posted so I'm afraid I couldn't tell you which one! I also used a new set of Taylored Expressions stamps that I just got so it was fun to play with them and I look forward to more of that since I have a lot of people in my life on this journey to a healthier self right now! I posted about my latest update already and will be going again tomorrow!

Not much going on today thought it's been quite a good one! We had a nice visit this morning with a friend and her daughter who also goes to preschool with Nathan and Sophia. Nathan still has the cough, but it seems to be less often with the medication at least! I'm just doing a bit of laundry and a few chores and then we'll need to go get Kyle after school. I work tonight, but Fridays are always fun and it's nice being closed at 10:30pm now rather than 11:30 for sure!

Well, have a fabulous weekend everyone and stay warm!
Cheers,

Lest We Forget...

2010-11-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days that it's so very important to be thankful for the country we live in and the freedom we have. I think what a lot of people often forget is the sacrifice of the men and women of our country both now and in the past. I'm not a proponent of war, but also a realist. I understand the complexities of the world we live in and am thankful that there are men and women willing to serve in the military for Canada.

I'm also very proud to say that my dad served overseas as a UN peacekeeper. He walked in the parade today and I wish I'd been there to see him decked out in his new blazer with his medals. Maybe next year when Nathan isn't sick! I think this day means more to our family as the boys get older and we're able to talk about this a little more as well. I'm really proud of the members of our family who have served.

This was probably one of the most emotional days of my teen years and you can read about it in a post I did a couple of years ago. I'm reminded of this moment in time and my grandfather every year on this day...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow.
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn,
saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved,
and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Here's to the men and women representing us right now as well as their families. Thank you...

Another Christmas Card!

2010-11-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

I was puttering around online yesterday when I saw the cutest card that Allison Cope had done, so I decided I was going to ~~lift~~ copy it! Such a cute card though I didn't do all the stamping and colouring she did - quick and easy for me for sure! This one came together so quickly because I'd just bought more of this paper and the matching chipboard sheet from Crate Paper. I also got the twine at work since we got a ton of colours of this lately and it's fun to play with. Didn't know what I was going to use it for when I got it, but here's a start! The label shape was one of the new Spellbinders I got and it was on my table precut, so no work there... A fun and quick card for sure!

I spent the morning getting Nathan in to the doctor AGAIN! This is his third bug in as many weeks though he's not the only one in his class either. He sounded like he was getting the beginning of the bronchitis he had a couple of weeks ago and that got quite bad, so I wanted to get him checked earlier this time. The Dr. said there's some wheezing when he breathes and he does has a bad cough and the sniffles for sure. He's not got a strong cough medicine with some decongestant too. As well as that, he has an inhaler that we're doing 2X a day to try and get rid of the wheezing and then we'll take him back on Monday and get him checked again! I sure hope this isn't the beginning of a loooong winter!

Also finished getting my stuff together for class tonight. I'm doing a class with the Jovial line from Basic Grey and there are 7 cards. There's a whole pad of 6X6 paper and full package (4 sheets) of chipboard as well! It's a fun one for sure and I always enjoy going to teach... It'll be a nicer drive if the weather stays sunny like this too!

Not much else going on tonight. Have Survivor on PVR to watch when I get home and then I'm hoping the boys sleep a little later tomorrow since we're all off for Remembrance Day, of course. Thinking of taking the boys to the local ceremony, but we'll have to see how Nathan is.

Not much else planned for tomorrow and happy about it!

Cheers,

Productive Morning!

2010-11-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not the nicest day outside by any means, so we're just kind of hangin' at home today. We walked Kyle to school as usual this morning, but it was certainly colder than I expected since it hasn't been bad lately.

Anyway, since coming home I've been working on chores amongst other things. Got laundry on, dishwasher running and kitchen cleaned up. Would like to get things in the living room picked up and my scrap table cleaned off too, but we'll see how that goes.

The other HUGE thing I did this morning was get back to work on a project that needs some attention. Ages ago, I posted about how I needed to get the above calendar started and worked on early for my in-laws for Christmas so that I didn't have to do it at the last minute again. Did a couple of pages and then it got left.. I went through pictures this morning and chose what I'm going to use (up to and including this month!) and have sent them off for developing. Oh the joy of doing it online! Once I get the pictures, I'll be working on that this month with the goal of getting everything but the December page done which will be their annual Santa picture! Wish me luck and feel free to ask about it if you don't see any more pages in the next week! lol

So, let's hope the rest of the day is as productive! Need to obviously get Kyle later and he has karate today as well. It's his only class this week since Thursday is Remembrance Day and the karate academy is closed. Looks like he'll have his first grading at the end of the month too! Exciting!

I'd like to do a couple of cards this afternoon too, but I can't even see my table right now! Need to work on that as well...

Have a fabulous afternoon and evening! Oh, it's Glee night too! Yeah! Better go check and see if it's a new one or not... IT IS!!! Yes, I'm a Gleek and OK with that!
Cheers,

Fun Monday!

2010-11-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

OK, the getting up part wasn't so much fun since both the boys were up a bit after 6am! Kyle went in the living room and watched TV, but Nathan came and crawled in bed with us and rolled around (non-stop!). I got up and tried to let George sleep since he was the one doing the field trip.

We all eventually managed to get ourselves ready and headed out at the same time. George took Nathan to the aquarium for their preschool field trip and I walked Kyle to school. Brian took Sophia and Matthew as well and it sounds like they had a fun morning.

I walked Kyle to school and then had the morning to myself!! This almost NEVER happens, so I was excited! I started by getting my walk in early while I had the time. I then decided to go over to Michael's to check out a couple of things I knew we didn't have at work. Kristina Werner uses the Martha Stewart circle cutter a lot and it looks good, so I wanted that for sure. The crazy thing is that I remebered her saying on one of her videos that she cut herself the first time she used it, so I was being careful (or so I thought), but I managed to cut not one, but two fingers!! No worries as I'll live, but it sure as heck hurt!

Other than that, I got some adhesive spray when I was out. I watched Ali Edwards video this morning about her December Daily album and she used some acrylic with lace cardstock on it and I want to try it! I have one sheet of lace cardstock and actually found a Christmas one on sale when I was out! Can't wait to get some acrylic from work and try this. Gathered some things together for this and my Journal Your Christmas Album which will be an all in one thing for sure! Puttered around o the website there for a while this morning getting inspired too! Want it to start today!

What else did I do today? Hmmm... well, stopped for a coffee and treat on the way home from shopping. Came home and enjoyed that while puttering online. Went for my massage and then decided I wanted to play with my new toy (aka circle cutter) and make a card that I has seen Kristina Werner do last week as her Holiday Card #4. My card is a total lift of hers with a few different supplies! It was fun, but one of those ones you really don't want to make too many of as it was time consuming with the embossing of the snowflakes and sentiment. The good news on this one was that I used scraps of old supplies! Sure wish I had more of that red ribbon though...

Had a nice dinner, need to put the boys in the bath and then I think I'll watch some Dancing with The Stars or something and call it an early night!

Cheers,

Journal My Christmas!

2010-11-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

OK, so if you haven't figured it out yet, I am a bit of a Christmas nut! I just love this time of year and am thinking of digging out the Christmas music any day now. I'm also planning on doing a December Daily type of album (inspired by Ali Edwards) this year. I've tried other years and never quite got done, but I'm planning ahead this year! The 8X8 Making Memories album above is one I got at the end of the season last year with just this little project in mind!

To further get me inspired to do this, I have signed up for the above online class. The idea is that you get prompts and things to help inspire your journaling. I figure maybe it'll help if I'm paying for it! lol It looks really great and I've thought about it before and just haven't jumped in and tried it before. I'm thinking I'm really going to enjoy it!

So, may the festivities begin!
Cheers,

PS Sorry, no new cards today, but again soon!

What a fun day!

2010-11-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Saturday! First of all, I wasn't working or teaching today, so that was a very welcome break. Went to my WW meeting this morning for the 16th week and got my clapping hands - "Stay and Succeed". I was a little unsure of my weigh in as I'd had a little more in the carb dept this week, but tracked everything and was very happily down another 1.6lbs (42.8 total now). A very good start to the day!

I stopped at Starbucks for my coffee and breakfast sandwich before heading home. Got Kyle ready for karate and went there before running errands with Nathan. Came home for a quick bite and then headed out for some fun for me.

Instead of teaching today, I was taking a Christmas card class from one of my fellow teachers, Alexis, and had a great time! It was fun to be on the playing end rather than the teaching side for a change. Thanks Alexis! Was also supposed to go for coffee before that with a friend, but her DH got called to work unfortunately (so no one to watch the kids - another time!).

Came home and got all my guys and we headed out to iHop for dinner. Stopped at the new "super" Walmart near here to check out the craziness and it sure was busy. I stood in line and got a couple of things while the boys got an ice cream. Kyle was halfway through his when he said his other top front tooth had fallen out!! Exciting! Guess the Tooth Fairy will be making a stop here tonight!

We've rented movies, so the boys are watching Toy Story 3 right now and George and I are going to watch Robin Hood later. I also got Predator for him, but so not interested in that! Think I'll go watch some of the Canucks game right now too!

Great day all the way around!
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
~ Robert Brault

Hope everyone else enjoyed their Saturday!
Cheers,

Another card...

2010-11-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

This was another quick card I whipped up with some goodies that were on my table and the best part is that I used scraps! I used the Crate Paper Snow Day line (the same as the cards from yesterday). This one does work for the current CCAYR challenge as well! Played with my new Spellbinders dies too that I got as a treat for myself for having lost over 40lbs now! Of course, left the stamping until the end and it's not perfect, but neither am I am I'm OK with that and it! hee hee

Merry Christmas to me too! I was at Starbucks last night and they have all their new Christmas line in and since my fav drink is an iced one (*yes, even in the fall because I don't really like the taste of warm milk), I decided to get this for myself so that I don't have to recycle all the plastic cups! Much happier with this! Now if they would only make some the Christmas syrup flavours in sugar free, I'd be a happy camper!

Well, think that's about it for now. Nathan is, thankfully, feeling better and bounced back pretty quickly after getting sick the once yesterday and a long nap on the sofa. I need to go do a few things before going to work tonight.

Looking forward to tomorrow as well! Not working, but have my WW meeting in the morning and then taking Kyle to karate. Going to meet a friend I haven't seen in ages for coffee around lunch and then I'm going to go take a Christmas card class at work rather than teaching it! Should be a fun day! Maybe I should suggest dinner out too for all of us...

Anyway, better run for now! Have a fabulous Friday!
Cheers,

What? How many days?

2010-11-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it's true! I saw this this morning and thought it had to be wrong. But, nope, it's me that's wrong! It really is only 51 days until Christmas. Now, I have to say that the kids do have their wish lists started already. As much as that's hard to believe, I imagine it'll really help Santa get ready!

So, I had a few minutes to putter here (and I do mean a few!), so I used some bits of paper and whipped up a couple more Christmas cards. Now, I'm afraid they don't work for the CCAYR challenge I posted yesterday, but they're cute. Used the Crate Paper Snow Day line and the chipboard snowflake on the right is from that set too. The one on the left is die cut chipboard on top with a punched snowflake under it.

And this is my poor little munchkin right now! Yes, that's a towel underneath him because he was already sick once and I'm not taking any chances. He said his side was hurting and then when I went to drop him at preschool, he said it hurt and he wanted to come home with me. Brought him home and he was uncomfortable and I could tell not feeling well. He actually fell asleep for a bit and then woke up and was complaining and then it happened! Poor little guy. Always feel so badly for them when they're like that because there's nothing you can do and they feel so awful. I think I jinxed myself though because this morning on Facebook, I posted about my quiet afternoon with the kids at school and Matthew napping! I hope this is it, but we'll just have to wait and see...

Well, better get going for now, but hope you're having a great week!
Cheers,

Christmas Cards All Year Round!

2010-11-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

And, yes, it's that time again - another challenge for another month! Are you ready for the next challenge? In the month of November create 5 cards that have trees and ribbon. Easy, right?!

*Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of NOVEMBER! (this challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)

This month the RAK is another great stamp set!

Please upload your cards to your blog, a gallery, or photobucket and remember to give us the EXACT links to see them. You can do 5 of the same cards or 5 different ones (as long as they follow the current challenge) If you do 5 of the same, please show us a picture of them altogether. Thanks!

***Also, if at least 20 people create 5 cards, there will be a second winner!***

Can't wait and see what you create this month! Have fun!

Cheers,

Preschool Halloween Party

2010-11-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post a couple of pictures from Nathan's preschool Halloween party before I forget. This was last Wednesday and they wore black, orange or purple to school and then made hats and had a special snack. They got to decorate the preschool and then "trick or treat" and get a special something from the teachers. The parents got to go back early and hang out for the last half hour of the party and we all had a good time! Nathan loved it!

Gotta love that spider hat!

I love the icing from their cookie snack on his chin in this one!

They had the chance to paint their faces too and Sophia was all over that. Nathan wanted nothing to do with it. The funniest part is that she went around all day with her face painted so she could show Mummy and Daddy when she went home!

And how about these for comparison...

Kyle doing the same thing 3 years earlier! Cookie snack in his mouth!

And almost the same shot as one I have of Nathan! Crazy how time flies!

Well, need to finish getting ready for a class I'm teaching tomorrow night, so I'd better get a move on. For anyone local, there weren't kits for this, but I'm making a few extra if you want one and can't make it. Call the store!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Cheers,

A Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well, very happy to say that it didn't rain as forecast and the boys had a wonderful evening of trick or treating! They were certainly excited about it! The first thing I heard yesterday morning was "It's Halloween!!!" in a very loud voice.

I actually had to work though we were scheduled to close early because they knew it wouldn't be too busy later on. I ended up going home a little earlier than scheduled since there were still 2 girls on and they didn't need me. The boys stopped in as a surprise not too long after I'd been there with the hat in the above picture for me to wear at work. The best part is that it has spider's webbing on it that blinks with red lights. Kyle was determined to get a picture of me in the hat!

Coming home early was nice because I got to come home and see the boys carving their pumpkins (as in the top picture). OK, well they drew the faces and Daddy did the carving! They had fun though and it's nice to be able to be home for those kinds of things.

I then went out for my walk while George got dinner ready. By the time I got back, I had a quick dinner as the boys got ready and then we had friends meeting us here to start the night! We were going to walk over to see another friend of Kyle's and then have them all leave from there. We did some trick or treating on the way over partly because I didn't know how long the rain would hold off.

After getting all the kids together, off we went on a long and windy walk through the neighbourhood! There were lots of kids out and it was a lot of fun to go with some other people. We walked around for a while with everyone and then headed back with the plan of doing some more trick or treating along the way. When we got home, the boys decided they wanted Daddy to take them out a bit too, so they went along the other side of our street and down another block with him as well. They ended up with an absurd amount of goodies and are lovin' that!

Nathan really had to have a bathroom break by the time he got home, so he whipped off his costume and that proved to be the end of pictures for me! I got some of Kyle and my friend Maria got some of all the kids together that have him in them, so I will have some. I should have known better than to wait...

Well, that's it for another year! And now we're into another holidayalready as I saw the red holiday cups at Starbucks when I went tonight and they were getting out the Christmas decorations! Crazy considering I don't even know where last month went!

Have a fabulous week everyone and I'm going to be trying to post daily this month again, so we'll see how we go!

Cheers,

Preschool Pumpkin Art!

2010-10-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

What a day! It has been so crazy here weather wise! Windy and blustery to say the least. Good news is that I still managed to get out for a walk even today.

Was sort of a funny one with George being off and then me being on preschool duty (helping out), but without Nathan there! He still hadn't been on antibiotics long enough for the bronchitis to come today, so I just took Sophia. We had a fun morning and then I came home to the news that the meeting I was going to have in the afternoon was cancelled, so I wasn't exactly upset about that.

Puttered around here with the kids this afternoon while George went and did the groceries for the week! I then went and got Kyle from school and dropped him off and kept going for my walk. Planning on a fairly relaxing evening and some class prep for later in the week!

One of the things we did do this afternoon though was pumpkin art! Nathan's preschool teachers were kind enough to not only let me bring home art for Nathan, but sent one for Kyle too!

This was what I spent part of the morning at the preschool doing - helping kids paint and make Jack O Lanterns, but with "sparkles" (aka glitter) of course! Messy and fun! Kyle had as much fun as Nathan!

Oh they're crazy! And I love them to bits!

Hope everyone here is staying warm and dry!

Cheers,

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year for pumpkins, goblins and ghosts! However, it's also the time of year for germs. Unfortunately, I've got a nasty headcold and Nathan has bronchitis we found out today when we took him to see the dr! Not good, but hopefully he'll be feeling better in a couple of days now that he's on medication for it.

Anyway, we did have a wonderful preschool trip to the pumpkin patch this past week. It was a trip through a working farm where they grow the pumpkin too, so the kids had fun seeing the animals and machines and things too.

I had to laugh because we were told that we could have a pumkin, but it had to fit through this hole or we'd have to pay more. I told Nathan and he proceeded to find the biggest possible pumpkin that would just barely get through the hole! I actually had to turn the pumpkin at one point to get it through. He's quite excited!

Looking at these pictures, I realized that I didn't manage to get a picture of Brian and the kids. He got a bit of time off to come on the field trip and I know Sophia and Matthew loved that! A good time was had by all!

Well, gonna go relax for the rest of the evening!

Cheers,

Working on Changes...

2010-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not sure why, but I wasn't quite ready to tell everyone what I've been working on, but I think now's the time. I've been working on.... ME! Yes, I finally went back to Weight Watchers in July and have since lost 33lbs. I'm no where near close to being where I want to be, but I'm proud of the accomplishment and happier for it. I have more energy and just feel good about making better choices for myself and being a better example for the boys.

The top picture was Summer 2009 and the bottom one is early Sept., but I can see the change even there. Can't wait to see more change and see myself in more pictures. I made George a deal that when I lose 50lbs, the reward will be a family picture that I can feel better about!

Making good changes that I can live with... for life. I'm getting daily exercise just with walking though I'm looking at maybe going to a gym just because it's getting dark so much earlier now. Making better food choices and less of them! No rocket science - just real life!

It's an interesting journey to be on though seemingly different from the last few times I've done it. I feel ready this time... Ready for change. Enjoying the process too.

Here's to making changes and feeling good about it!

Cheers,

New Class Calendar!

2010-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you're local, just thought I'd let you know the class calendar for November/December is up and you can see all the fabulous samples in the store. So much to choose from if you're looking to make some Christmas cards or work on a little project of some kind!

Check it out HERE!

Here are mine...

Frosty Fun (running again)

Winter Joy (running again)

Jovial

Merry Christmas from Echo Park

Wishes Come True

Traditions

Snow Day

2011 Calendar from Basic Grey

Come and join me for some creative fun!

Cheers,

The Wiggles...again!

2010-10-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

OK, I think with today's concert, I will have officially seen The Wiggles more than any other group! More than U2, more than The Eagles, more than John Mellencamp... Yes, the Wiggles! Amazing what you do when you have kids.

When we heard they were coming a little while ago, I figured that Nathan would want to go, but that Kyle wouldn't this time. Thought he might think it was a little kids thing. Was I ever wrong! Hes as excited as any of them. I had to put a sticker on the calendar after we got the tickets so they would stop asking me when it was. We're also going with Tracy and Brian and the kids. George didn't want to go, but I can't really say as I blame him. I asked if he wanted to take the boys today and I could stay here and get some prep for classes done, but that was a no-go! I really do enjoy watching the boys and how excited they get though.

Well, going to run for now. Will update about Thanksgiving later as we had one dinner last night and will have one here tomorrow night! So very much to be thankful for...
Cheers,

Christmas Cards All Year Round!

2010-10-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

October Challenge!

Hi Everyone! The countdown is on...Christmas is just 3 months away. I hope the inspiration at Christmas Cards All Year Round has helped you with all your wonderful Christmas cards.

The October challenge is going to be a card that has stitching (real or faux) and distress the card in some way....anyway you like.

*Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of OCTOBER! (this challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)

This month the RAK is another great stamp set!

Please upload your cards to your blog, a gallery, or photobucket and remember to give us the EXACT links to see them HERE. You can do 5 of the same cards or 5 different ones (as long as they follow the current challenge) If you do 5 of the same, please show us a picture of them altogether. Thanks!

***Also, if at least 20 people create 5 cards we'll pick a second winner!***

Can't wait and see what you create this month! Have fun!

Cheers,

Happy October!

2010-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

OK, so a little late, but better than never?! I really don't know (*once again) where last month went. We just seem to be so busy these days what with school, preschool, Matthew and Sophia being here 5 days a week, karate, Beavers starting, etc, etc that I can't keep track. One day just seems to blend into the next...

So this past week has been one of those where everyone seems on the verge of a cold, but I'm good so far. I made sure I got lots of sleep last night. Slept through my alarm and was woken up by Kyle this morning at 7:30 after sleeping 10 hours last night! Mum arrived shortly after with Matthew and Sophia and the craziness was on. Nathan slept until about 7:45 too, so it was a little rushed this morning, but we all got where we needed to be on time and now I'm relaxing with a Starbucks iced coffee and Matthew is playing. Quiet...

It was nice having mum here yesterday. She was in helping Trace since Brian was out of town last night and then she helped me since I needed to take Kyle to the orthodontist - yes, already! He has some issues that the dentist recommended be looked at by someone else, so that's what we did. I basically walked out having spent about $1000 and he's only 7 and that wasn't any braces! He needs a full orthondontic workup and then he'll probably need about 6 teeth pulled and a special thing put on one of his back teeth to help it come in straight rather than into one of his other molars. He's missing 2 adult teeth (hereditary and I'm missing one), but that will be dealt with later. Fun times!

Kyle and Nathan also asked if I'd take "special" pictures of them, so here they are...

Nice eh?!

Cool kid!

I have a very full class to teach tonight - 18 people! Well, there are 4 people that aren't actually going to be there because they asked for kits, but it still means 14, so it should be fun. This is the second time I've taugh this class and all was good last time, so we'll have to hope for the same! It's a fun Christmas card class called Snow Much Fun.

It's going to be a busy weekend too! Work Friday night, dinner at mum and dad's Sat night, going to see The Wiggles (again!) on Sunday and then we're hosting George's family for dinner here on Monday! A crazy fun-filled family weekend! And we can only hope the weather is as gorgeous as it is today. Beautiful...

We're also thinking about Opi today... Hard to believe it's been a year since we lost him.

Well, a million things to do and not enough hours in a day as usual, so I'd better get moving. Have a fabulous week!

Cheers,

Cottage Christmas cards

2010-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I loved this line of paper by Imaginisce called Cottage Christmas as soon as I saw it and I knew the 6X6 paper pads would be perfect for class. Love how the prints are all smaller too and you get 3 sheets of each print in these pads!

This class includes the paper pad and a sheet of the "glass" stickers as well as everything else you need to make the 7 cards you see! This class is also available as a kit and you can see all of these in person at the store anytime!

Hope to you see some of you that are local at a class soon! The new calendar should be out veeeery soon!

Cheers,

New Passion

2010-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

Now, some of you that pop by once in a while might remember that Kyle was doing Hip Hop last year. Well, during spring break, we tried a one week karate class partly for something to do and partly because Kyle had been talking about karate. This was an inexpensive way to try it out and not have to get a gi or anything. Well, he loved it and it's all I've heard about since.

We talked about doing it over the summer, but we were so busy that it didn't happen. Finally after hearing about it multiple times a day for weeks, I registered him a couple of weeks ago and he's loving it! He's already asked about belts and how long he has to practice before he can be tested. We registered him for a month to get going, but I don't think that'll be the end of it by any means. He can go 3 times a week, but only needs to go twice; however, we've been there 3 times a week since he started! I'm glad he's found something he's enjoying. It's unfortunately the same nights as dance though, so we've dropped that for now.

Of course, Nathan had to get in on the pictures even if he's not taking karate! I asked if he was interested in trying it, but not yet at least. I want to find him something that he'll enjoy. We need to get him registered for swimming soon for sure!

Well, that's it for right now. Better go think about getting the kids an early lunch as they have preschool this afternoon!

Cheers,

Happy Monday!

2010-09-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, well, since Tracy started her new job last week, it's not quite as happy as it used to be since I have my niece and nephew now on Mondays too, but such is life. I went to bed early last night and got up with a little more time to relax and get going. What a difference it makes! Everything ran more smoothly this morning for sure.

We got soaked taking Kyle to school. It was only drizzling when we left, but the sky opened up while we were walking to school and it was pouring for our walk home. We came in, got jackets changed and grabbed preschool snacks and off we went again. Dropped Nathan and Sophia at preschool this morning and they were excited to be there. Matthew and I headed home with a stop for a Starbucks for me!

At home here, I was puttering on the computer while Matthew had a snack and played. I saw a sketch for a card (LPSC86) and got inspired. I grabbed my last Taylored Expressions kit and played! It was wonderful to be doing something that wasn't for work and just for fun! I always seem to be short of birthday cards and these Penny Black stickers are easy. I stamped a birthday quote on the inside as well. Sorry about the poor lighting for the picture, but on a rainy day...

Well, I'm now back from getting the kids from preschool and need to get them lunch and Matthew in bed, so I'd better get going. Hope you're having a good one!

Cheers,

A Sneak Peek of an Upcoming Card Class!

2010-09-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

OK, so for anyone who's local, this is a sneak peek of an upcoming October class that I'll be teaching called Winter Joy! It uses paper and chipboard from the Bo Bunny line of paper with the same name.

The pictures don't really do the cards justice because between the gems and glitter added to them, they're pretty sparkly! The best part is that you'll do the 6 cards in class and then have a lot of extra chipboard and paper to take home to do some more cards!

The October calendar isn't out yet, so there isn't a date, but keep your eye on the website and your e-mail (if you get the newsletter) for more information! It'll be out soon!

There will be kits available for this class as well.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Back to School!

2010-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

...and apparently back to blogging! Wow! I was shocked when I saw the last date that I'd posted anything - more than a month ago! The summer seemed to fly by, especially the last bit and here we are back at school again already!

Nathan and Sophia has their first day of preschool today. It was a shorter class and only half the kids (the others go tomorrow), but they were excited. I forgot to take pictures before we went since it was a little rushed getting Kyle to school and then the 2 of them to preschool, so we took pictures when we came back.

These two are so darn cute together, but they both have trouble smiling without the cheeseball smile these days! So funny!

Anyway, preschool went well and Matthew and I went and ran a couple of errands while they were there since it was a shorter class. Came home and had lunch and did some cleaning and then it'll be time to pick up Kyle here before I know it! Dinner after that and then I'm teaching tonight and I think the class is full now! Yeah!

Anyway, guess that's about it for now. Will update on Kyle and the rest of us soon, but all's well!

Cheers,

Scrap The Boys Giveaway!

2010-08-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this fabulous giveaway that they're doing at Scrap The Boys!

Cheers,

Christmas Cards in August!

2010-07-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's amazingly the first of August! How that happened I have no idea! Being the first of the month, that means another challenge over at CCAYR!

Here's our challenge for August.... Since many of us have had a lot of heat this summer, we're going to cool things down with SNOWFLAKES! Yes, as some of you guessed from the sneaks, your cards this month need to have snowflakes of some kind - in the paper, embellishments, stamping or whatever you like!

I pulled out some old Basic Grey Figgy Pudding and found this big snowflake sticker and that immediately created this image in my head! The best part is I have everything I need to make another one too since it was a huge sticker I cut in half!

Check out the blog for all the other design team creations as well. It's amazing to see how different all the cards are based on the same challenge!

*Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of AUGUST! (this challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)
This month the RAK is another great set from SU!

Please upload your cards to your blog, a gallery, or photobucket and remember to give us the EXACT links to see them. You can do 5 of the same cards or 5 different ones (as long as they follow the current challenge) If you do 5 of the same, please show us a picture of them altogether. Thanks!

YOU NEED TO LET US KNOW IN THIS POST WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE 5 CARDS IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE MONTHLY PRIZE.

Cheers,

A First?

2010-07-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

OK, so I do have a bit of a paper addiction when it comes to my scrappy stuff - just ask my family! And lately, I've been so busy with class stuff that I haven't done much of my own. So, today I decided I wanted to play a little and there on my table was some of the new Imaginisce Birthday Bash line that I just got. I was very good and only got a few sheets even though I LOVE it!

So, the "first" is that before putting it away, I actualy played with something new that I got! This is also the first time I've used the punch and love that too! The best part of this is that the red and white cardstock I used for this were also scraps! How did it all come together and so quickly you ask? I have resources! lol

I was poking around the Imaginisce blog and found a card by Kim Holmes and simply lifted it. As I tell people in class, sometimes when you don't have a lot of time and simply want to play, don't worry about reinventing the wheel! It came together quickly and I have everything out to make one more like this as well! Might as well make 2 if I have everything out!

Now, on a completely different note... The kids decided today that they were going to get busy and when I went in the living room, I was welcomed to "the rainforest"! Who knew you could have a rainforest in your living room?! Amazing where their minds go!

And here's just a little something from a couple of days ago that I thought I'd post since there aren't enough of these pictures of the boys and I! I really don't like seeing myself in pictures, but I do know that they don't really care how I look and that as they get older, they're going to want these pictures. I'm lucky enough to have them, so I just need to suck it up and get out from behind the camera sometimes as well! They're getting so big... Where does the time go?

Have a wonderful Thursday evening! I'll be hanging out with my boys and then watching a little guilty pleasure that they call Big Brother! If you're watching, who's your fav?

Cheers,

New Class Schedule!

2010-07-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

These are from the Petal Pushers class I'm teaching in August.

For all of you that are local and thinking about a creative break, the new class schedule is up and classes are ready to go! You can check them out in the store as well...

August Class Schedule

Birthday Bash with Penny Black

For the Men in Your Life II: All Occasion Cards

Summer Fun Layouts

Basic Grey: Oliver Layout Class

Basic Grey: Olivia Layout Class

Think that's it for me in August! And there are many more as well, taught by Jacquie and Alexis, so check them all out!

Hope everyone is enjoying this sunny day! We're just taking it easy around here and I'm working tonight! Looking forward to a day off tomorrow...

Happy weekend!

Cheers,

Summer Fun!

2010-07-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

OK, so this is going to be a little bit of randomness today...

I know the summer is whizzing by, but there are still some things I'm hoping to do and looking forward to...

I'm hoping to pick this up again and actually finish it this time. Ever since having the boys, I haven't done very well with my reading and I do miss it. I pick up books and keep trying, but never quite seem to finish. I saw the trailers for the movie and want to see that as well, so I'm promising myself I'll finish the book first!

Also looking forward to doing some camping! May only be the odd day here and there, but looking forward to it! We didn't do much last year and really missed it. Need to get on it though!

Yes, OK, I'm sucked in again this summer! Having fun watching the houseguests and following all the craziness on Big Brother 12. The good thing now is that I can PVR it and watch it without all the commericals and can zip through the boring bits! Who are you cheering for?

Bought a ticket for this for tomorrow night and thinking about how we could spend that $50 million... It's endless... Any ideas?! lol

We've already done some fun summer things too like the fireworks, water park, the boys had a sleepover at Nana and Grandpa's, and just getting out and playing together. George is working on teaching Kyle to ride his bike still since he's so tentative, but I think he's gaining in confidence. Hoping to still get Kyle registered for karate here as well!

I know there's so much more I was thinking about when I started this, but it'll have to do for now...
Cheers,

Fireworks and Fun!

2010-07-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, so here we are at July 21st already! The summer is whizzing by and I feel like it just started. Hard to believe it only another few weeks and we'll be thinking about school supplies again!

We did get out to the Fraser Fest fireworks this past weekend... The boys were really excited about going as we've gone the past few years. We used to have this great spot all picked out to watch them, but when we were there last year, we were quite disappointed as we could barely see anything because they had moved the location of the barge they shoot the fireworks from.

George got out the Google Earth maps and figured out where he thought would be a good place to check them out. We couldn't get as close to the river as we wanted for safety reasons, but one of the women working on them told us that a little park nearby would be a good place to see them from. It was perfect because the kids played until the fireworks! OK, so we all did! Then, George has packed popcorn and iced tea, so we had snacks and watched the the fireworks - a fun family night!

Yes, Kyle's now at this age where he has a love hate relationship with me taking pictures all the time! He sometimes asks me to take his picture and then other times, I get "the look"! He's so very funny these days...

I'm afraid I didn't get the best pictures or very many since my battery was dying and I had forgotten the tripod! Oh well, it was more the memory of us being there and spending time together that was important!

Looking forward to many more of these... Love my boys!

Cheers,

CCAYR Design Team Intros!

2010-07-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Well, this is just a quick hi! I've been soooo busy lately and haven't had too much time of my own to make many new cards (the above in from last Christmas!) though I have tons of ideas I'm working on. Just popping to say hi since it's my day to be introduced on the CCAYR blog today because the design team has been introduced all week!

It's fun because I had a full class to teach on Saturday morning and it was Christmas cards! It was so popular that I'm running it again in August if you're local! I'm having so much fun designing new cards for Christmas already with some of the new paper that's coming and there's a lot more on it's way!

There may even be a little random giveaway drawn from any comments here as well, so feel free! There's the giveaway on the CCAYR blog as well!

Cheers,

PS Will try to post some new crafty stuff and an update ASAP!

Color Throwdown #100!

2010-07-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

OK, so I just found this Color Throwdown challenge and knew I had to try it. The colour combination sure isn't one I'd normally pick, but I sort of lucked out because I knew I had this Lil' Davis paper in my stash that would work perfectly!

This was so much fun to play with and I'm trying to add a few birthday cards to my stash so this was the perfect opportunity to add another. I also got to try out one of the "new" Cuttlebug folders I got a few weeks ago and hadn't used yet. So, here's the card I did for this...

I like this combination so much I think I might have to play with it a little more though I know there'll be lots more challenges too! Check out the blog and some of the many other cards done for this - amazing!

Cheers,

Christmas Cards All Year Round!

2010-07-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

These cards are from a class I'm teaching this coming weekend!

OK, so I know it doesn't exactly feel like Christmas these days, but we're only 167 days away! Things have changed a little this month at CCAYR and I'm helping out with the blog and keeping things up and running there for a bit now. Lesley and I have just announced the new design team and are very excited about things to come!

We'll being introducing a member of the team each day this week, so come back daily and check things out!

The challenge for this month is an easy one too... Anything goes! You heard it... make any kind of Christmas cards you want! We can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Leave a comment if you do our challenge! Please only enter NEW CARDS that are made in JULY.

*Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of JULY! (this challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)

This month the RAK is another great set from SU! Plus Lesley'll throw in a couple other little goodies.

Please upload your cards to your blog, a gallery, or photobucket and remember to give us the EXACT links to see them. You can do 5 of the same cards or 5 different ones (as long as they follow the current challenge) If you do 5 of the same, please show us a picture of them altogether. Thanks!

YOU NEED TO LET US KNOW IN THIS POST WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE 5 CARDS IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE MONTHLY PRIZE.

We can't wait and see what you create this month! Have fun!
Cheers,

Summer has arrived...

2010-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so these pictures don't exactly show that summer has arrived though I guess there is sun streaming in behind them from the window, but these two were sure cute sitting together the other morning! They do get along quite well though being only 3 months apart in age (4 now) means that they definitely do have their moments!

Things certainly did start to heart up a couple of days ago though and, just as I predicted, we went from cool and often rainy to fairly hot (for BC weather!). These were taken the day before yesterday before we got the pool out. It was the first really warm day of the season for sure, so we got out the sprinkler to cool off and the kids had a blast!

The aftermath...

It got warmer yesterday and I think will be at least as warm as that today and maybe warmer. I'm teaching tonight, so I'll be in air conditioning for that. Thinkin' that might be a good thing! I admit to not being one for the heat though it sure is nice to have the sun. Seems to make everyone happier!

I'm a little tired this morning. I find that I seem to get my second wind these days about 11pm when I should be going to bed. I think it's just that it's quiet and I can get a lot accomplished, but then I go to bed late and I'm tired in the morning. I know that I have less patience when I'm tired too, so that's not good when I have 4 kids to deal with all day!

It really doesn't help that the last 2 nights were broken sleep when I finally did get it too! The night before last Nathan woke up for whatever reason and then was upset and didn't seem to want to go back to sleep. This morning was horrible though because I was woken up at 5:45am by the smoke detector as George tried to toast himself an English muffin! Nothing like scaring the pants off me from a dead sleep!

Oh well, all's good and I've had coffee now, so let's see what the rest of the day brings! Hope you have a good one!

Cheers,

CPS Sketch 174

2010-07-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Paper is Echo Park. Cardstock is Bazzill. Stamp is Hero Arts.

Gems are Hero Arts. Butterfly Punch is Martha Stewart. Ribbon is Amuse.

Managed to get a few minutes to play this afternoon! I so wanted to do something with this new Echo Park paper I just got and the CPS Sketch seemed to be a good place to start! Loved this sketch and may do some more of this one!

Have some pictures to post later of the kids in the sprinkler for the first time this year too, but need a little more time without all the kids asking me for a snack!
Cheers,