Tonight's tball practice!

a few pics from our event tonight

Here's a quick snap of mom & Andrea. nice pic hey? then one of all of us.

Tonight I won this zebra painting in the raffle. Andrea had said she really liked it, so mom & I thought we'd all put our tickets in it and crazy I won it, so I gave it to her. When she was carrying it out of the Willows it looked like she stole it off the walls, because who carries paintings out of a golf course. We laughed pretty good about that.

I just loved this pic of my mom. Isn't it nice? I already have a layout that I completed about my mom that I don't have a pic on yet, so this one will be perfect.

Oh, and crazy enough I also won the 50/50 draw too. I have to laugh because I never win things, so tonight must be my lucky night. I actually donated my share of the 50/50 back to the school. I love this school so much so I definitely felt that it was a worthy cause. Thanks mom & Andrea for coming I had fun!!!

CHALLENGE!!!! split personality

So I decided since it is another rainy day, let's do something fun. You know how you always save your money for a rainy day, well let's scrap something cool.I have a challenge for all you SISters out there! I know Kate & Keli know what I'm talking about.I totally love how on SIS (Scrapping in Style) they show a nice image of someone and then when you run your mouse cursor over their pic then it changes the image to reveal a crazy fun image. Just check out Wilna's image on their site, it is so cool. Take a picture of yourself just how you are and then take a crazy diva pic of yourself. (or someone else can take it!)One in sunglasses, pearls, funky hair, whatever!!!! Be crazy or sexy! Then let's scrapbook a cool page about how people see us and how we think or see ourselves or how we'd like to see ourselves. I think this could be a really fun time! email me your pic or link to your site when you've done it. Have fun guys!

Raining again!!!!

Well, our plants and crops sure are getting the rain that they need, but I am kind of looking for the sun! Today is a busy day, I am getting so excited. Tonight Riley's school has a gala fundraiser which should be so much fun. I went to one with a friend a few year's back and it was great. I love events where we get to dress up and socialize!!!! My mom and Shane's girlfriend Andrea are coming with me. We decided to make it a girl's night out. Jim was going to be out of town, but now he's in. but he's going to stay home with the boys because since I thought he wasn't going to be in I didn't get him tickets. He loves the boys anyways, so I'm sure they'll be doing crazy stuff. As you all have seen in previous pics of what happens when daddy watches the boys. (It's almost like a TV show "When mom's away: episode 1) just kidding, but Jim's all about raising the boys to be a little comedians and to have fun. So I love it. So maybe I'll take some pics tonight who knows, but I hope everyone has an awesome day!

Mother's Tea

HI everyone! Today was such a rainy day, but I had a little bit of sweetness to make it wonderful. Riley's school had Mother's Tea today. So every single class invited their moms (or a grandma) for tea. This is a part of the kids curriculum. They learn to entertain, serve and prepare. They practise conversation and politeness and patience. It was spectacular. When I got to his classroom, I had to wait my turn until Riley cam and shook my hand saying, "Good morning mommy, welcome to my classroom, would you like to come in for some tea? Please follow me," Then he guided me to my spot and we both sat down. (yes time for some aaah's) Then we patiently waited our turn till Riley got up to serve me. He asked whether I would like hot or cold tea and then took my cup & saucer and brought me back some tea. He's only 3 too, the kids carried it so carefully and always Miss Sherrie or Miss Ada was there to make sure nobody got burned or had problems, but otherwise the children had to do this themselves. Then he presented it to us and asked would we like some dainties and crackers and cheese. The kids had set the tables and helped prepare the food. It was wonderful.

One of the other moms snapped a quick pic of us. This will be a day I remember forever. I love you Riley!

this was my favourite part of the tea. All the children had written a compliment for their mom on this leaf, which was placed on the "compliment tree". They presented it to us and said such nice things. This school encourages the children to be so respectful and to appreciate others. Isn't that wonderful? There needs to be so much more of this taught to the kids growing up nowadays. It seems that respect is becoming a lost art.

Each of the kids gave their mom a rose. It was so precious.

At the end of the tea, Miss Sherrie asked us to write a compliment for our child, so that they could read them in class tomorrow. How beautiful.

Last night I tried to upload pics but Blogger wouldn't let me post???? So I'll just post a few today.We went and watched Shane & Andrea's ball game, it was fun. Here at the ballgame the boys were bowling , trying to knock down the cans (of course since it was a adult league, unfortunately the cans were beer cans.) but it kept them amused forever.

Riley thought the dandelions were so super cute. He kept bringing me these and soon I had a huge bouquet of them. Then along came some more from...

Jager bringing me gorgeous flowers too. For the rest of the ballgame I had dandelions in my hair because Riley thought they looked beautiful in my hair.

this is what Jager does in the Super bee when daddy "pins" it. I had to capture this excitement. Why is is that no matter the age, most men just get so excited about the rev of an engine? I get such a kick out of this. Both my boys beg to take the Superbee anywhere versus any other vehicle.

thanks for coming by today, and let's learn from the kids, pass on a compliment to someone today. You'll feel great!

Bathing bunnies

So did everyone have an awesome weekend??? I actually got more accomplished in this weekend than I think I ever have in most months. I am just heading to bed now at 3:15am knowing that I have accomplished my goals. I have cleaned our house so amazingly clean, like truthfully any spot would be delightful to eat in. The bathrooms are immaculate, eveything is really clean. so I give it maybe only a day, but hey it sure does look great. I scrapbooked on Saturday with awesome people, got a few layouts done. I went to the races with my family, had fun. completed all laundry in this house. refolded all our drawers in EVERY room. I found linen I totally forgot about. too funny. Then tonight I went to Nicole's house and had so much fun. It was great to see Jenn & Tracy again, and another girl that I met years ago. I really don't know how she spells her name, so I won't try, Jenn email me the right way okay. I hate not knowing . **** edited, Jenn emailed how to spell her name, it is Laddy, and I am so glad to have met you again!******But I didn't know she scrapbooks so hopefully I'll see her again. the food tonight at Nicole's house was so cool. I am so going to wait patiently for the recipes... when I got home tonight, Jim had the boys tucked into bed asleep so with nothing to do around the house I scrapbooked! pure enjoyment. I did 6 layouts tonight. so I am on a high. So I really have nothing more to say, so I'll leave you with 2 shots I took of the kids in their bunny towels. They were hopping and it was hilarious. but they both stopped to smile at me!

isn't it a blessing to be able to enjoy these little moments. I'm glad I have learned to scrapbook, because I may have never stopped to find these times photo worthy. but these truly are the little times I want to remember the most. these are the memories that I love to think about.

• I know that a few people have grumbled that I don't scrapbook the real moments only the professional photos. So untrue!!! I have 1000's of pages to prove that. I do selectively put up mostly my faves on my blog, and realistically it takes so long to upload them, but I have learned this. I love scrapbooking the pictures Melina takes. They are just awesome, and she always captures amazing things. but the more I learn how to take better photos, the more I'm enjoying my own photos. I didn't realize the significant difference you can make just by truly reading and understanding your camera's manual. and you have to take so many pics until you can understand everything about the images.
• After hearing Jenn tell us a story tonight about a chair she wished she had a picture of, I realized too. Scrapbook the memories anyways, if you don't have a photo, who cares. Your own words are very powerful!

tonight at the races...

Okay so our family totally love going to the car races. Riley definitely understands more about racing then you could imagine, but mind you he will watch a Nascar race with Jim and listen to what dad has to say about it. The cars start racing and Jager would cover his ears when the cars came in front of us. Unfortunately he wouldn't keep his ear plugs in but next time we'll have to do something different. just before the race started, all the drivers lined up and the announcer gave info about them. It was cool.

Riley was so excited that I took them down to see the cars all lined up.

Little Jager checking out the cars too.

This car spun out awesome, I love watching the old Thunderstock divison the best. They put on the best show.

here is little Romeo, of course he had to go and sit by Andrea and eat her fries too. when Andrea is around you know riley is near .funny kid!

I had so much fun scrapbooking all day with you guys too. I had 6 hours of total fun scrapping with friends. Can't wait to do it again!bAnd Jody, you definitely have the best stories...

Music Night!!!!

It was so much fun tonight!!!! and JIm made it in so that was awesome. The boys got all dressed up and looked smokin, especially since of course we had to have "hair done too!". So off we went to have some fun! Unfortunately I can't show you many from tonight because almost all my pic show other children in them and it would take way to long to get everyone's permission to post their pics on my blog, so I'll only show you a few of the boys. So our little star decdied in his first musical number that he had a "booger" in his nose, and continued to get it out. My mom and I were signaling to him to stop, afraid mostly that instead of wiping it on his pants, something worse might happen (which didn't by the way) But he got tired of us making gestures for him to stop that he told us loudly while all the other children were singing that "mom, I'm just trying to get a booger out of my nose!" so there, I was told and the audience burst into laughter. needless to say, my mom, grandma & I couldn't stop laughing, Jim at least held his cool.

This is Riley's teacher Miss Sherrie (I adore her, she is such a great lady and has influenced Riley in such positive ways.

This is his other teacher in his class, Miss Ada.She is awesome too!

Hope you liked a few candids, got to hit the hay. Too much to do tomorrow! I might post more tomorrow about the event!till then...

tonight's class layout

HI, here is a quick post from the family album series. Tonight's focus was on Spring activites we do as a family. So we did a mosaic of different sized matts to put photos on.The idea is to incorporate some soccer & tball photos, and yet have picnics, playing at the park and gardening on the same page. It is just a quick synopsis of your "spring events". We stamped the background, worked with chipboard, and lot's and lot's of flowers. Every person's page looks so drastically different because depending on the type of photos we would use, we all had a variation of this. It was great, can't wait to find photos for this. Thanks girls, always have such a great time with all of you! Great bunch of ladies, fun & crazy too! Oh, and you know, our Scraptology classes aren't just about the layouts, we have the wholepackage, entertainment, visiting, h'or derves, it's like a little "scrapbook spa visit"! Check out our link to the right if you are interested in any of our classes. Have a great night!

Rainy day fever anyone???

So, where is the sunshine??? I love the feeling you get when you wake up and it is sunny and warm and you just feel so alive. Right now, we all have a bit of a cold and have been dragging! But I actually achieved an amazing amount of work yesterday. My to do list is shrinking, yeah!!!!

I actually went yesterday and spent a few hours developing pictures. Did I tell anyone that I am obsessed with my new SLR. I have taken a few 1000 pics, no joke and have dabbled with editing and special effecting them. so I am pumped.of course I couldn't possibly scrapbook all of those, so I had to weed through the actual ones that make the cut!And really what a person could afford! I sorted my 30 envelopes of pictures into priority scrap worthy, must do's , for others, & anytime. As soon as this weekend is done I am so scrapbooking for complete selfish pleasure. Truth be told, I love being busy, but the demands I had this month were outrageously fun and hectic!. I just received yesterday a really cool package from a magazine, they've asked me to complete a few projects and have it back to them ASAP to make the next issue. Super excited!!!! Worked on my designs for the cruise classes I'm teaching this week too, so I have to send those in for critiquing too. Another fun project. Also, if you are remotely considering the cruise, just to let you know they are filling up fast and I think there is only 25 spots left. So email me if you have any questions!!!! I tell you this will be the crop of a lifetime !

Sorry no pics today, but I'll post my class layouts tonight! Have a great rainy day!

a few of my latest layouts & soccer pics from tonight

So last night I whipped up these 2 layouts, of course in my favourite scenic route paper again. I cannot get enough of this paper line. It is probably because these are my favourite colours blue & orange at the moment.

I actually did this one a few months ago but never posted it.

okay, I've been getting the gears that I never showed any of Jenn's wedding pics from 2006!!! Ei yi yi! Everyone is bugging me how now I want to start scrapping baby Hunter and will leave Jenn's wedding album for who knows how long. So I promise I will start posting them, I actually am only 8-10 pages away from being done her wedding album. So Jenn, I promise you that I will have your wedding album done by hopefully next time I see you. But I have to admit, baby Hunter's photos are calling my name. And a great auntie would start scrapping him!tee hee.

Tonight was so super cold! I didn't want to take Riley to soccer but he was adamant that he had to go and also I was the snack mom for this week. So off we went.

I love how hard Riley tries to get better. you rock kiddo!

Weekend at the farm-absolutely relaxing!

So, do you want to know the coolest thing about my dad??? He is such a romantic and has always spoiled my mom in the neatest ways. Of course the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, my grandpa is such a total romantic(can write the book on the greatest love of all type of relationship)But if you notice, my dad is giving my sons a grooming lesson. I took this picture without them knowing. He told the boys that girls and mommies and grandmas love getting flowers and that they should always do nice things for girls and their moms.So dad and the boys went and picked 4 different kinds of flowers off of trees and bushes and made me an arrangement. Each boy would run inside to give me a new flower when they picked one. It was so adorable. This is really important. Important role models in boys lives, ones who pass on respect and encourage sons to grow up and become outstanding people and husbands and dads. I'm so proud that when my boys get to spend time with my dad, he chooses to teach them or enforce them little life lessons that will help them be better people. Anybody can "watch" kids, but I like it when those who are helping Jim & I raise our children help to shape them as well.

The boys both have colds too, so we didn't do too much at the farm this weekend. Grandpa gave the kids cowboy hats to wear. They had fun playing with them.

Jager playing with grandpa's cowboy hats too!

It's so funny how when life is so busy and it feels like you are too tired with too many things to do ... I love the escape I get from the farm. I couldn't possibly have more things to get accomplished before June. I literally need more time, but I was just totally being consumed by a migraine for the last week and was barely functioning. I have a few too many things on my mind, and besides the fact that I never sleep well, now I am sleeping even less than before.Also the worst part is my hair. My hair needs a serious cut, it is almost down to my bum and it is thicker than most horse's tails, so just the weight of it alone is adding to my migraines , I cant even keep it in a ponytail for very long. So this question is for real...Does anyone know a truly great hairdresser??? I hate looking for one, and have had my share of unbelievably bad hair cuts & colours. The problem is, there are awesome ones out there, but I have such thick and super curly hair that most people don't know where to begin. So I need your help!

• oh and I totally almost forgot to tell you this crazy thing, mom & I caught these 2 punks trespassing on our land and rifling through our older buildings, they told us a total lie of course how they were just taking pictures of amazing old buildings because that was their thing. They were dressed in work clothes, covered in oil & dirt and had work gloves on. So I asked them where their cameras were then, and proceeded to show them mine. So after another lie was told, I told them to pose for a picture then, they turned and left immediately. Of course I took pics anyways,got pics of their truck, license plate, everything I could, and then we called the cops. So hopefully they get picked up for theft, or trespassing at the very least. I don't know what will come of it, but it's amazing how people don't respect other's stuff.

the Fontaine's first family photo!

awesome day!

here is a cute shot I took of the boys eating toast yesterday morning. I don't know why Riley got a little kooky but it's fun times right? So tonight was t-ball. riley's very first time playing it. It was so much fun , and Jim got in just in time to see it so it was fantastic! The boys were so excited!

I absolutely love how carefree this shot is. He is so happy.

so here is our switch hitter. He is actually really good at both sides, so we'll have to work on which is going to be his dominant side.

Too bad this is blurry, I'm not quick enough setting up the shots with the SLR yet. Someday. I still like it though.

Here is our cutie!

here is the determination photo. I totally can see this boy playing football in his future. He just is built for it.

Hope you guys liked these pics. I can't believe how lucky we are to have such healthy boys. We sure are having fun teaching all these new sports with the boys. They love being outdoors, and just love having fun.

Hi!

So tonight I worked on more stuff for the cruise. I am getting so excited!!!!! I cant believe how many awesome sponsors there are and the events that are planned as surprises for the scrapbookers on the cruise! I am so pumped. If you are remotely considering this, you should check out the site. It is actually really resonably priced. I am looking forward to a getaway with Jim too!!!

• Anyways, enough talk about that. Today was family picnic day at Riley's school. It was a blast!!!!! Everyone sat on the lawn and shared stories and watched the kids have a blast. There were so many kites being flown, games being played. Prizes won. It was fantastic! Jager was in love with all the kids, he liked having all the attention. He gets so excited whenever we are at Riley's school.
• So, tonight once the boys finally fell asleep, I scrapbooked like a mad women. The funniest thing is, I made 5 layouts but have no pics on them yet, because I haven't developed them yet. I just truly loved the paper lines and wanted to create, create, create! I will show once I finish them.

1st soccer game of this season-woo hoo!

It was so funny watching these guys warm up, running jumping, stretching. They are so excited to learn like the big guys!

It was so much fun tonight. Jager was so sad he can't play, he just doesn't understand why not. Too little, but then again he is bigger than some of the other kids. Oh well, next year!

Layouts, layouts, layouts

I have to apologize to everyone, I haven't done anything new in scrapbooking this week! I've spent the week entertaining guests, throwing parties and doing cruise stuff, volunteering lot's at Riley's field trips & in the class. Riley starts soccer & baseball this week. So I will just show you a few older layouts in case you need a scrapbook fill. Hopefully I will scrapbook a storm when my house is literally put back together. Until then... I had to post this, because I just love how they are both looking. Riley looks up to his uncles, when asked who is your favourite uncle, he always says Shane even in front of Steven but he always says he wants his hair cut & done like uncle Steven, or he wants to dress like Uncle Steven. So we just love to give the boys hard times. little Jager in the tub. isn't it amazing how much they change in 1 yr ?

here are the inserts to my page about Jim & I below.

I don't know if I've ever posted this before but I love this page!!!! This was taken the night we got engaged in Las Vegas. Sorry if you've seen it before, I was just reminiscing!

This project I have definitely shown before, but I figured since Mother's Day just passed maybe I'd show it again.

So what are some great words for each alphabet letter? I'd like to do a multiple page layout using this type of theme to show all the important mothersin my life. This layout will show my gratitude towards them, showcasing what each has given me. I can't use the same topics I did in this project because I geared it towards dealing with babies. So if anyone has a great word for any of the letters ...share please! as you can see some letters are stumping me or just aren't a great word. I don't want to start this layout till I can generate an amazing list.

a-amazing, ambitious, adventurous, appreciative

b-beautiful, breathtaking

c-caring, considerate, colourful, creative, courageous, curious

d-dear,

e-energetic, entertainer, efficient, engaging

f-friendly, forgiving, friend,

g-great, grandma, giving, grace

h-hard working, honest, huggable

i-independent

j-joking,

k-kissing, knowledgeable

l-loving,listener,

m-mom, moral

n-nice,

o-optimistic, outgoing,

p-polite, playful, political, prayers

q-quiet, quick

r-reliable

s-steady

t-teacher, trustworthy, trendsetter

u-unbelievable

v-vulnerable, victorious

w-witty, wonderful, wise

x- eXcellent

y-young,

z- zealous, zest

Fill in & add if you have some great suggestions!

*****edited, any words in this colour are responses from you guys. thanks for the outpour already!!!!amazing bloggers, or should I say emailers!!!!just kidding girls! I get such a kick out of how you guys always email me your comments versus just leaving them on the blogs, mind you I guess we always have more to discuss, don't we? thanks for the help!**** Let's keep this list coming, then everyone can have a resource of words to work from!

Recipe Day!!! Skor Toffee Chocolate Bars

this recipe is something my cousin Paulette makes and it rocks! She brought it to Jenn's baby shower the other day and they disappeared fast!

• Step 1:Cream together until well blended:
• 3/4 cup margarine
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• Press into 9"x13" cake pan. Bake at 350 F for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool on wire rack while preparing filling.

• Step 2:Put in microwave bowl and heat together on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes:
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp margarine
• Spread over base. Bake 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 3:Sprinkle:

1 (300g) pkg milk chocolate chips

Bake 2 minutes more or until chocolate is shiny and soft. Remove from oven. Spread chocolate evenly.

Step 4:Sprinkle with:

Skor Toffee Bits on top, pressing lightly into chocolate. Cool Completely.

Try: Semi sweet or white chocolate chips.

Today I Volunteered at ...

Riley's school! I love his classroom, his school, his teachers;Miss Sherrie & Miss Ada. Maria Montessori rocks! They have such a high standard for education. I know the typical judgement of Monetssori schools with no structure and so on. but I've taught in the public school system and now have witnessed this Montessori method and I am definitely seeing positive results. The class size is to die for. such one on one attention and instruction when needed. The children are treated like adults and encouraged to think constructively. So today the kids made handmade paper from scratch. It was amazing. Riley is only 3 and made 2 pieces of paper. I know he's a little embarassed here that I am taking pictures, but I am so proud!!!!! First of all, each child ripped up their "pulp" and then selected a colour, if desired. then soaked all the pieces in water. a teacher, parent or the guest speaker blended their paper/water mix to make a "smoothie look", when ready they poured it onto the screens and let the water drip out into containers.

They let the children do all the shaking to flatten the paper, the sponging, almost everything.

then they also made a different kind of paper from lint. The papers were ironed at the end but then we left them to dry. So hopefully I'll take some finished project pictures tomorrow or whenever Riley can bring them home.I can't believe how much they challenge the children to learn and outside the box too. It's nice to have confidence in a school. Can't wait to see what they continue to keep learning.

happy mothers day to everyone!

Wasn't today a wonderful day? I hope everyone made some excellent memories. I literally woke up to Riley jumping on my bed wishing me Happy Mothers Day over & over. He rocks! I received so many kisses & kisses. Jim wasn't home so I think Riley might have got some prompting from Auntie Jenn, but it still was a great way to wake up. At school Riley made me this wall hanging. I actually cried when he gave it to me. It's funny how something like this really is more valuable than anything. He was so excited to tell me that these were his hands, but Miss Sherrie wrote the letters. He was so proud of his "fingerprints", and that he only used one finger to make all the colours and could I believe it or what? So funny how they say things. Of course we had to hang it up for everyone to see. And it reminds me how everyday truly is Mother's day, I'm so lucky to be blessed with these sweethearts!~ So I am going to show you random pics from today. We went and picked up the most beautiful roses for these women and the boys were so excited to give each women their bunch. We always try to spend every Mother's day visiting all the important mother's in my life. The women who shaped me to become who I am. I am here because of my mom, my grandmas and I really want to raise my boys so that they appreciate women and respect them and honour them. I want them to respect everyone, but I think it is really important that boys learn to treat women kind and respectful and be helpful. Also a special Mother's day to my sister. She is a new mommy who will have some hard days of being up all through the night, and experience so many new changes. A new life. Good luck, and remember we are all here to help when you need one of those vent times for good & bad. Baby hunter, is so adorable. He is such a happy, happy little guy!

the new parents. proud parents.

Well Andrea (my brother Shane's hottie girlfriend), you definitely look great holding a little one.

just a quick hug between bros!

Here is my grandma Elliott, she has such a passion for life. It is written all over he face how much love she has for us her grandchildren and now her great grandchildren. They love her too. I wouldn't dare reveal her age, but I betcha there is no one out there that could ever guess it. And to think she still bikes MILES everyday, just put her garden in with grandpa. She is amazing. So grandma, from you I learn the art of patience, the importance of respecting & understanding God (your passion & love for him is unbelievable and true) and realizing that hard work will be profitable and mold you into the best you can be.

well, Steven hates me taking his pic, so I have to take ones when he doesn't know I am. I think he is so cute but definitely looks like a viking today with this facial hair.

Cousins 4ever! My boys just love Hunter. Any chance they get they want to hold , hug or kiss him. Jager is so happy when he's the "big boy" holding him.

great grandparents! Gramma & Grampa Elliott are amazing people. Such hardworkers. I love you guys. Thanks for being a crucial part in helping us raise our children!

Here is my dear Grandpa Elian. This wonderful man is going to be 95 in a few weeks. Wow hey??? He is the epitome of an amazing husband. Never a harsh word said or a voice raised. He still tells my gramma how beautiful she is everyday. He has always showed so much love to us kids and now our kids. I love you gramps!

Here's my dad with the trouble makers. They would move out and live at the farm with poppa if they had their choice. All I hear is poppa this, poppa that. photo is a little caught off guard but oh well. it's real!

Can you believe this is a 4 generation photo? Grandma Elian, I have learned so many things from you. You have taught me creativity, painting, sewing, you are so creative, and still making quilts for the needy. you have taught me how to help people even when you haven't much. There is always someone worse off that needs your help. She sews the tops of the quilts and a wonderful group of ladies from the church assemble the bottoms to the tops and they send these quilts overseas to the helpless and unfortunate people. When I was growing up they sponsored children in Africa. You have generosity, and will always help people and never let on when you need help, because you always put everyone else first.

my parents. I see such a pattern in my life. Grandparents that treasure each other to the fullest, parents that are so in love with each other. such supportive family, loving family, we all do everything together. I LOVE my life! My parents are so excited to have another little grandson. He is going to be so spoiled!!!!!!! and from you my mom, I have learned how to host events (you are the most amazing event planner, it is your calling) you do it efficiently and everyone looks forward to anything that you put on. I hope to be half as good as you. I strive to be organized like you. You never are late for sending cards, thank yous or anything that will make people feel better. You always are there to help out, without asking. The best babysitter, and also someone will put me back in line. THANK YOU! I want to also thank you for always accepting &welcoming my friends, you always make them feel such a part of our family and always welcome.

Me with baby Hunter. I love you little nephew! I couldn't get enough of this boy. Made me want another I will definitely tell you honestly!!!!!!

It's funny, because since I have had children I find this to be actually one of the most important holidays. I am a mother because of amazing people. There is nothing I'd rather be doing than spending quality time with those that mean the world to me. Remember that we shouldn't wait till Mother's Day to let these women know their value to us. Thanks!

Shots I took @ the studio

I was way too close to Hunter, but I wanted to take a pic of his eyes. Hunter sleeping on daddy.

our little boo.proud of himself because he is sitting in Mia's chair.

I was sitting on the floor when Melina was trying to direct Jenn into how she wanted her to be for a shot, I couldn't resist taking this photo because they both were laughing so hard. I thought Jenn would love her cleavage shot!too funny.

here's a few of Melina, I don't think she knew I was taking them. But she is so cool to watch in a shoot and I thought I'd try to capture it.

I put this one up because 2 days ago I showed you what this shot looked like from her.neat to see before & after.

and of course Melina's daughter Mia is just way too cute, I was trying to get some pics of her and got a few that I love.

riley, oh so serious. Well I had fun at my "Take your friend to work day". Thanks Melina for letting me be a goof and try/ attempt to learn how to work my new camera. You guys have to wait for the real shots though. I'll post them once Melina gets them to me.

quick hello

hi, I hope everyone is having a great day. we went to Cirque du Soleil, had phenomenal tickets literally, thanks MOM!!!! you are the best! Riley & Jager barely blinked during the performance, it was so entertaining, so much to watch at the same time. They both had to finally stand and dance to the show. too funny. I have a disaster to clean up, I shouldn't complain, we hold parties and events here often enough. Which we love to do!!!!! but really, you guys know me, housework is not my fave... Every time I think how long it is going to take to clean, I just remember another funny thing or what someone said and it keeps me going and I remember how much fun family & friends are, and I'm glad that every single day my life is filled with these important people. I am blessed to have a cool family, and definitely awesome friends. Melina was at the shower so I'll have to see when I can steal some pics from her to put up.see you tomorrow!!!

one quick hunter photo

okay, sorry for not much blogging today. but Jenn, Darryl & Melina did a photo shoot today and let's just say...WOW! Here's one sample just for those of you who need a Melina fix. Check back in awhile when I get all the photos. Seriously I am in scrapbook heaven. Oh and today was so super busy, we had Jenn's baby shower here, so like 50 some people were in our house and it was a blast!!!! I'll show some of our fun later. Women upstairs, men outside, and all the men ran the "daddy daycare" so it was so cool!!!! Our husbands, you guys are super!!!!! I even tried to be Melina. I just got my new SLR digi yesterday so now I'm officially going to be Melina's stalker and attempt to learn.(yes I am pathetic, but I will learn and succeed, because there are times when Melina is not around!) I had so much fun. Way too tired to post anymore now, have so much to do. Oh, and I'm so pumped, we have great tickets for Cirque de Soleil tomorrow. so I hope everyone is having an awesome Mother's Day Weekend. I'm right where I want to be...with my family; immediate, extended and friends. Surrounded by family is what I consider to be heaven! Plus, I did get a few awesome recipes to post next week. We had some delightful dips & dainties brought. I'm so excited.

our funny super hero!

So, again, while outside with dad. (I think daddy let's Riley do silly stuff just for his own pure amusement!) Anyways, riley is big into learning to roller blade right now, he loves it and of course he's not very good at it yet, but none the same he's excited! So he knows he has to put all his protective gear on to rollerblade, today he was trying to ride his bike without training wheels and tipped over. He came in and told me he needed his protective gear to "save him". So he suited up, and since his dad told him his bike helmet was girly, he should wear his hockey helmet because it is "manly". So of course he listens to daddy. He ditched his bike and I took some pics while he was on Jager's trike. So are we park bound or what??? notice the rubber boots too? when we've had no rain. and the goggles...well what can I say??? a 3 yr old who has a "unique" style, and just doesn't care about what he looks like. I love this guy!

Layouts

so today was super fun! I love being a mommy!!!!Riley's preschool went on another field trip, this time to the WEstern Development Museum. They had so much fun, can't wait to dump the photos. Thought I'd leave you with a few layouts. I really love this Cloud 9 paper, it is super embossed.

a layout for my she album,

Dalmeny Scrap Event

Hi everyone! I just want to let you guys know about a pretty cool event that is happening in May. My cousin has a daughter who figure skates and as a fundraiser they organize a crop event, and it is so cheap and super, super food!!!! I'm attending and I hope to see lot's of you guys there!

• Spring Scrapbook workshop
• @ the JJ Loewen Centre in Dalmeny
• Saturday May 26th, 2007
• 10am-10pm
• cost: $15.00/person

Come scrapbook for 12 hours!Snacks, door prizes, dinner & dessert are provided. (last year it was a cheesecake extravagnza!) So as I said it is a fundraiser for some of the figure skaters in Dalmeny, who are returning this fall. Representatives from Yesterday's Memories, Stampin up!, Creative Memories & of course Scraptology! will be there with demos and some supplies. Please reserve your spot quickly. There are only 50 spots available.

• contact Jody at jody.thompson@sasktel.net or call her at 254-4650 weekdays after 6pm or anytime on the weekend to reserve your ticket!

Hope to see you guys there!

when daddy's in charge...

So while I am cleaning up supper dishes, I start to hear absolute chaos, giggles, screams and Jim laughing so hard. Of course now my curiosity is peaked. What do I come outside to see? Well the boys experimenting with the sprinkler, of course. It is summer you know! Daddy, daddy, daddy!

Little Jager immersed himself completely in it, while Riley was a little more hesitant. He'd run as fast as he could through it.

Like the outfit, this is what happens when dad is in charge. Crazy!

I wish this would've been clear. I moved! He is so happy and just loving this moment.

So what happened next??? well a hot bath of course, where I only continued to hear more giggles than outside. Obviously they were performing for daddy. Hear I was, back to dishes. Why can't I be "I dream of Jeanie" and wiggle my nose and my housework would be done. Then I could sit and be silly with my men.boys, childish kids, what term would best suit??? comedians!

a quick ...

show of 2 layouts I got done yesterday. I still have to journal on the other one so I'll post when that is complete. But I dedicated yesterday's scrapping to my brothers and brother in law Darryl. So here is one of Shane. Very minimalist & repetitive. I actually like the simplicity of the scenic route paper that I didn't do too much with it. Loved the result. this one of Darryl is a little busier. Great pics to work with, so I was excited. I can't wait to give this layout to my sis & bro in law.

Got to go put the boys down for a nap. We have a bbq to go to tonight so I need them rested. One thought though,

Today was the best day at church, Jager has remembered most of the basic songs we sing in Sunday School. Today we could even make out "deep and wide" in his singing & actions. Pretty good for a 19 month old. It is so funny because Riley loves to sing and will sing his little heart out, bless his soul. but Jager actually can carry a tune and hum and hold notes for awhile. He is so lucky, I think he will be a singer like Jim and poor Riley will be a karaoke type wanna be like me. After church both boys were singing, Down in my heart, and usually I sing the verse and Riley likes to do the "where?" but today he told me I better not sing anything anymore, and just they will sing. Think he's being subtle??? hey we all have our weaknesses. Have a great day!

I was tagged, just slow in responding.... sorry Kelly!

7 random things about me...

1. I am an insomniac, for real, I'd truthfully rather scrapbook than sleep (it's like 4:00am as I type this right now) I have actually dreamt some of my best layouts and have woken up in the midle of the night to sketch them out..
2. I always sleep on Jim's side of the bed when he is out of town. I don't think I've slept on my side even once. And sometimes I'd wear his shirts around the house before I would wash them because they smelled like him, and 2 of his colognes make me weak in the knees.
3. I absolutely love the smell of men's cologne & coffee, and most definitely right before it rains. okay Melina, I'm not stealing your ideas but I agree with you, the fresh cut grass is a must too. I loved the grass smell so much I bought those Gap scented candles that were fresh cut grass, and stocked up on them when I found out they were being discontinued.
4. I am a shoe, handbag, professional hair supplies, Lancome makeup & costume jewelery -aholic. of course scrapbooking too. can't help it, I try to resist. I did get better with the shoes & handbags because I was "suggested to" donate a lot of my shoes and handbags since our walk in closet was too full the DAY we moved into our brand new house and why do I need 12 different black purses??? men just don't understand. I go for new makeup 3 times a year, and absolutely love it, and when I get home I try new "looks" with my new makeup. (because I go through the Casper skin colour, getting a tan to super tan, therefore the 3 times a year) and the jewelery, well I used to make & sell it years ago and just love making new stuff and of course Pam keeps me well stocked on her latest finds.
5. I love to watch Jim in his morning routine, especially if he doesn't realize I'm watching. The best part is he also has 2 other lurkers(Riley & Jager) they will absolutely copy his routine when he is not around. Riley has "cut" himself shaving twice when I didn't realize he was in our bathroom. totally freaked me out. But he always wants deodorant & cologne and he loves to style his hair like Uncle Steven.
6. oh and like Brittany, I don't think there is a family member in our house that pees with the door closed. sorry! we do try when guests are here though.
7. I am very ambitious and will try new things all the time. I rarely quit anything only if I'm super unhappy where I'm at, I usually will do a task until it is complete, otherwise I just learn something new and add it to my list of jobs. I currently am a teacher, hairdresser, truckdriver, scrapbook teacher, I've lifeguarded, worked retail (never again!!!!!)been a babysitter/nanny for the summer, modelled and did hair on stage for an American company at the big hair shows. and if there's a chance that I'll make more money knowing a new skill I'll do it to make that potential money.

• kay here's some more, since I'm on a roll...
• I absolutely can not watch a movie or tv show without "doing" something. I cannot sit, and I become very agitated if I have to. but we go to the drive-ins so much and I do just watch movies there.
• I can't stand being late. Pet Peeve, pet peeve, pet peeve!
• I love to iron, but truthfully have only ironed a handful of times since the boys have been born. I hate putting laundry away.
• I love lists, and especially when I can cross stuff off when I accomplish things. I've made lists since I was able to write and I actually always write out new goals to achieve
• I sing to the radio all the time, and totally do the best Little Ritchie imitations, or Sting's "Roxanne". If someone else pulls up in their vehicle and is singing to I turn the station to see what they are singing to. (I don't do this all the time now, as I listen to satellite radio more)
• I do not procrastinate
• Jim & I are constantly leaving secret hidden notes in each other's stuff for each other to find randomly. letters, sticky notes on mirrors, texts, messages on answering machines, notes in our day planners. We do it so often that now Riley coloured a page and "hid" it in Jim's bag for him to find on the road. Jim loved it, and I knew that we are raising our children to be respectful & loving to their spouse, super proud mom moment!

okay time to stop, I just realized that I could obviously do some more layouts for my "she" album. Thanks Kelly for the nudge, I just might scrapbook a random things about me layout.

My best random fact is:

• I love my Jim, Riley & Jager so much. I strive to be the best Martha Stewart type mom & wife, who has the cute little lunches, fun baked goods, little notes to my kids & husband, etc. I don't always succeed, but I'd rather spend time decorating cupcakes just to see Riley & Jager's excitement then doing something for myself. I don't have a super clean house, as I would rather scrapbook than clean but I do envy those who can do it all.

• I hope you enjoyed these facts. I actually hate beyond hate chain letters, but I like that this challenge made me think about myself in a different way. Thank you Kelly. sorry I was late responding. It's beena whirlwind lately around here!

National Scrapbook Day!

Hi everyone! So did everyone scrapbook today or I guess last night being that it was national scrapbook day??? Okay, I had a blast. I scrapped with awesome friends & relatives and I really enjoyed seeing other scrapbookers that I don't get to see on a regular basis anymore. I miss all you guys!!!!! It was great. I couldn't believe how many people I knew and then even some I went to school with. so was my day productive?? yes & no. I learned a couple of things. Under no circumstances leave your "big bag" at home and decided to bring only one hand bag that supposedly I thought contained everything in it to complete my layouts. Why? this will cost you more money and you don't get as much done, because you have to keep going into the store to "look" for that something for your layout. And second, when you don't have your munchies at your table you spend way to much time talking and not enough time scrapbooking. I definitely work better when everything I need is within my reach. oh well. I still had fun. But you always have fun when you are with friends.

• so I'm so proud of my cousin Celine, she's in highschool and this was her first layout she did of the night. silly me I should've taken more pics of all her layouts but I wasn't camera happy tonight. Isn't this awesome though??

so we scrapbooked all day, and when do we decide to bring out the cameras??? at midnight when the night is done and some of our friends have already gone home, sorry Jody, we'll have to take a group photo on the 26th hey???

then of course we had to pose for goofy ones. cause that's what you do. Melina you always have the best facial expressions. In fact if anyone has any of those photos from our first wine & cheese, can you email me some. I didn't take any and I'd love to scrap some of those "diva" pics!

Okay I took a great shot of Des & Shelagh but it is a little soft, but of course their goofy pic turned out. Des, you totally look like September here!!!

I wish I would've got one of eveyone I knew. Oh well, fun time still. Also I won some pretty cool prizes. So that's always fun!

Can't wait till the next scrapbooking marathon! Are you in????

fun photo shoot

Hi, so today I had to do some shots and Jager was with me while Riley was at school. So we had a little fun with Melina. I have so many awesome shots that I can't wait to scrapbook. This is probably one of the last times that Jager is going to be able to wear this cute Ferrari outfit that Steve got him. So I thought I'd take advantage of it. It is so cute! Oh by the way none of these have been colour corrected yet, but you get the idea.

isn't he cute?!!!!!

Now here are a few of me. She actually took like 60 some pics but I really only need one head shot. But of course I'll scrap some, cause I love to scrap.

I had to put this one on, the wind in the hair shots are so much fun. I almost go blind because I have super sensitive eyes. What a wus hey? But I love my hair flying away!! Anyways, photo shoots with Melina are the most fun a person can ever have!!!! I wish I could do it everyday. Oh well.

woo hoo!! I'm going...

cruising!!!!! anyone want to join in the fun???? I got the call last night from Allison Orthner, the scrapbook diva from Calgary who hosts a scrapbook segment on Calgary TV. I was selected to be an instructor. I am so pumped. I know that I am very fortunate as the entries were out of this world. So who else won????

• Heather Lancaster - I know a lot of you would remember her. She's been in the industry for quite a few years, and published one of my favourite books. She's made the "big times" and is a designer for Provo Craft.

• Jill Hildebrand- who also has been on the Canadian scrapbook scene. Her work I've seen in real life, it is amazing!!!!! And the coolest part is I actually got to hang out with her at Camp Croppin last year. We met in line and had a great time.

• I think it is going to be an awesome time. And the cruise ship actually is beyond amazing. I hope everyone comes and checks it out. If anyone wants to have the time of their life, get "onboard"!!!!! and remember, ladies, you can talk your husband into it. There is so much to see and do, 4 different ports, 12 onboard restaurants, lounges, arcades, workout gym,multiple pools,spas, the list doesn't stop. And they have been working on some amazing sponsors for the goody bags.
• If anyone is interested in being a "Canadian" or U.S. sponsor they are constantly looking for more to help out no matter how big or small the donation. Sponsoring gets you "publicity" for the rest of the year, mentioned on the TV, poster logos, website logos/links. so much more. Contact me to discuss sponsorship if you are interested. I have to find sponsors for my classes so if you want your company displayed everywhere and have something to offer, give me a shout! Let's make this the biggest event.
• Ladies, Get your scrappin buddies together, and let's have a blast.

Ask Leica -working with patterned papers

So, I am posting late, but isn't it so awesome that spring is here??? I am trying to get so much done, and now we are buying another trailer and our life is changing for the better because Jim will be home all the time. Excitement all around, and tomorrow I can reveal some awesome, awesome news. I'm so pumped for that. But let's talk about patterned paper. I started taking a crazy amount of pictures showing how to put stuff together and then I realized that it would be too long, so I am breaking this segment up into today's post is going to focus on companies that make patterned paper that go together and why it works. Then I'll do another day how to combine random pieces together. Okay? So let's roll. This paper is busy. But why it works is the words describe the picture, same colour themes, the word paper is really busy but the cartoon side is a little calmer. Now when I use this I will focus more on the cartoon image paper and just add a strip of the word paper in. Then depending on what the boys are wearing will depend on the cardstock choice. Obviously I am dealing with primary colours but I might choose to put more of an emphasis on blue, to calm the layout down. Red makes the layout more drastic and yellow will make it bright and cheerful. Depends on the photos and mood you want of the layout. This Heidi Grace paper is fantastic. She coordinates all of her lines and personally I cannot live without her product! A great combination has always been pairing stripes with a bold pattern like polka dots, flowers or large geometric shapes. So this completely works. The colours are repeated and she gives a little element of design putting the hearts on the stripes and flowers.

This paper I picked up for Pam & Melina. It is FUZZY!!!! I wishI had a girl, but lucky enough they did have boy fuzzy paper. So I'm satisfied. The words are tone on tone with the contrast of polka dots. Are you seeing the pattern? subtle with contrast.

Now here is stripes with a pattern complimenting the stripes. Colours repeated, the unique shapes created are definitely the focal point. Great paper hey?? Just got it this weekend at Urban Scrapbook in Edmonton. Hi girls! They are always so much fun.

you can't tell with this magnolia paper but the orange is a slight patterned paper which matches awesome and I prefer to use it versus a cardstock when a solid slight pattern paper matches this well, because we all know, you can't always find that perfect cardstock match all the time. The one cool thing too about using a matching paper like this, is when you go to distress it like sanding, you will reveal a white core. So that looks awesome when a hint of white shows. This doesn't happen with cardstock UNLESS you buy a brand like DCVW who do make an awesome neutral line that I use unbelievably. It is a great product.

Here is the same line but now I've added the stripes, see how instantly it looks more finished. Even though nothing is done with it, the balance is forming.

unfotunately, the colour isn't doing this paper justice right now. I really find that navy blues aren't easily photographed. oh well you get the idea.surprisingly though the 2 drastic patterns are the same colour lines. subtle crosshatched paper, with stripes and circles.

here is a fun line that gives you so many choices on how to put stuff together. pick and choose whatever, they all work. paisley is a really fun thing to use. I always think it looks heritage like but I still have been able to "modernize" it to suit my purpose.okay, totally love this Crate paper line. It is perfect for boys!!!! Primary again but lot's of subtle elements that work well together. I have been know to use all of these papers together but I do find a better result if you just pick 3-4. Unless of course you are going to scrapbook on Martha Stewart's new 18 x 18 line. Then go hard! I love that size.

The trick with using patterned paper is quantity. Use the gallon, pint ,ounce theory. This will give you better ratios of how much product to use. I always use the most of my favourite paper unless it just doesn't work. then I pick a less busy paper to compliment it. I sometimes use 2-8 pattern papers. It doesn't matter. Just remember the balance. And remember that sometimes we like the petterned paper more than our pictures but you should try to keep the pics the focus and the paper the enhancing factor. I admit, I fall into this category sometimes but I'm trying to work on it. Have fun!

sorry!

hi peeps! sorry I didn't get my patterned paper tips on today, a million things came up and I literally wasn't even in the house. I will definitely give the tips tomorrow. Have a great night!