I am here to live outloud!

2007-10-02T16:01:00.000-06:00

I just wanted everyone to make sure they know, I DON'T check this blog anymore. I have MOVED to www.10-4livingoutloud.typepad.com come visit me there.

okay, I've done it!

2007-09-25T00:42:00.000-06:00

I've started a new blog at :

http://10-4livingoutloud.typepad.com/

I've moved to Typepad. It definitely took awhile to get used to the different format, but I think it will be better in the end. Please come see me there.

Maze & blogging help please!

2007-09-22T11:17:00.000-06:00

today is Rhys' birthday party. We are so excited to go.She turns one! Here is a few pictures from yesterday when I took the boys to the maze. I'll tell you more about that later, I have to go and start getting the kids ready.

Also I've used up all my photo storage on Blogger. So if you are a super blog person, please tell me, since I have to pay for more storage space for photos, is it better to switch to a Type pad account? I notice that most people are doing that. What is the benefit? Thanks for your help.

I didn't realize there was a cap to how many photos you could put on before paying, and I have so many to show you, more layouts like crazy, so I definitely have to decide this weekend what I'm going to do!

Design Teams!

2007-09-21T09:50:00.001-06:00

So today I am so Excited to announce my new adventures. You guys have already seen me discuss this fantastic product but yesterday Alessandra phoned and she asked me to join their team!!! STIX 2 Yes I'm jumping up & down for joy. Like how cool. They have such great adhesives, I LOVE their PVA glue & foils, seed beads & glitter. I cannot wait. They gave me a package to use at Scrapfest and I came home and foiled everything or added beads & glitter. I'm down to my last 2 foils! So she is sending me my design kit next week. SO awesome! Thank you to everyone in this design family, I've received the nicest welcomes! Also they are becoming a huge sponsor on the Crop & Cruise. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

So last week, I became a part of the amazing team of Tilano Fresco! They have just sent out my package so I haven't even been able to work with it yet. But after seeing Pam's wall, I'm EXCITED! They are donating stuff to the cruise, and both of the Cruisin' Away Crops at Yesterday's Memories. One of their product will be in the package that someone who is NOT scrapbooking there will win. Just come say hi to me for your chance to win this package!

Here is some samples off of their site for you to see the type of products they have.

So this is my game plan: I am currently designing for LUXE designs, Tilano Fresco & Stix 2. 3 totally different companies in style, product & design. It is nice to be able to interact the 3 of them in many ways. So I've decided that starting next week, every WEDNESDAY will be "Design Day" I will feature a layout or project from one of these fabulous companies (maybe more sometimes). I'm going to create individual galleries for each of these companies, then if you want to see a specific product you can. So if you ever have any questions about the products, please feel free to ask. Cannot wait till next Wednesday!

Exciting NEWS!

2007-09-20T21:59:00.000-06:00

Well, today started out blah! Truth be told. I couldn't wake up, thank goodness my sweetie loves to phone to make sure I don't sleep through the alarm (I have been known to do this when I'm super tired!) Jag & I took Riley to school, then we ended up pulling out of Riley's school right behind Jim! too funny. So we followed him & then jumped in for an hour to go load gravel and then he dropped us off. Jager LOVED it. (Me too!) So that waws just the bright spot I needed to start the day! When we returned Jager & I went and scoped out places to go and get our family photos taken by Melina. Found a super secret spot too! EXCITED!~ Then we picked up Riley & went home. For the next 3 1/2 hours I was on conference calls to the states, and the coolest people in Canada! My parents dropped by & I only visited with them a brief sec. But it was great. The boys were so excited to see them, and then of course expected to be going to the farm with them. Needless to say our day crashed then. They were so sad. I made a few more calls, and then realized that I was missing the point! My boys were sad, needed attention, and I almost let those moments slip through my hands. So I dressed the boys warm and we went and found a conservation area to go hiking on by the river. We spent almost 4 hours doing that. And I felt wonderful. They smiled, climbed, wrestled, "discovered" new bugs, counted sticks, watched the pelicans & seagulls in the water, crawled on logs...the day was the BEST! So yes I took hundreds of pics! we had so much fun. Then they were HUNGRY! and when our boys say that, it doesn't mean when we get home, it means RIGHT NOW! So the only thing close by was the Berry Barn. Yes most people are now thinking I'm crazy, taking 2 little boys in there by myself. But you know what, I treated them like adults. I let them order what they wanted off the menu, I let them have special Saskatoon Berry lemonade, and then some sweet soul told the waitress that these kids were the best behaved kids they'd ever seen and sent over a special dessert for them. I was told so many times through the course of this meal that they were amazingly well behaved. They even used their please & thank you's without prompt! Yes I was grinning ear to ear! For I knew that sometimes they act exactly the opposite. But I made such an emphasis that this was a fancy place, and we would have a nice meal. I talked Jim's ear off about how proud I was for so long! He totally coudn't believe it was our kids!ha ha. The funniest was that Riley told the waitress, that "This is a beautiful joint, I like it!" So I guess the inner person does still come out. Who says joint? It's funny how kids really are give & take. When I get distracted by things I want to accomplish (whether it's just getting the house super clean & finishing the laundry) I see them acting out more for attention. They just want this time with us! I love them!

So no I did not take pics from my class yesterday. TOMORROW for sure! Anyways I have absolutely awesome news!!!!! I have just been asked to be a part of 2 new design teams. So I am really excited because I want to be a designer for a "real job" for a living! I'm super excited, and I get to work from home and CAPTURE my family memories. So please check back tomorrow, I will reveal the companies and tell you about their fantastic product! And the best part is I get to give some away at my CROPS & the CRUISE!!!!! Are you coming? Remember starting at 10am Saturday Sept.29th I am giving away extra tickets to try to win the major prize for those that couldn't get into the crop. Just come to Yesterday's Memories, introduce yourself to me and it's as easy as that! See everyone can win. I know I've mentioned this lot's but the date is rolling around quick. Come & say hi, visit, shop, and please show me your work! If you are really interested in maybe teaching/designing yourself, make me a photocopy of your 3 best, most favourite layouts ever, put your name,info,email,phone number, blog site & photo of yourself on the back of one. Staple them altogether. I'd love to be able to pass on a bundle of Saskatchewan talent to those interested! There are a few people I know right now searching for additional designers & teachers so maybe YOU might get chosen. Anyways, totally tired. Talk to tomorrow.

hello!

2007-09-19T15:38:00.000-06:00

Cheryl, please email me when a good time next week is to drop off your prize. Jody, cannot believe that you were at my house & I forgot to give it to you! Ei yi yi!

Leica's email: scrap-mommy@hotmail.com

So I have an awesome Family Album Class tonight. Looking forward to it. I'll post my class layouts tomorrow!

So are you coming???

2007-09-18T09:53:00.000-06:00

SCRAP SWAP & CHAT is TONIGHT!!!! It's for a great cause. Let's have some fun chatting & munching. Cannot wait to see you guys here! Okay, so I just realized that I HAVE NOT posted scrapbook layouts for awhile. Sorry. I did 5 layouts the other night at splurge but they all were missing some little detail (because I didn't bring those specific items I needed from home, Yes Pam's supplies were a good store that night for me (that girl packed way better!!!!). So I'll try and finish them up and start posting tomorrow! I cannot even say how much fun I had the other night. I am so looking forward to getting together once a month with this group of girls! Okay, got to go start putting out all my swap items on the pool table. (good thing JIm is at work, He'd kill me to know that my scrapbooking supplies are going to be taking over his "domain" tee hee. If you see here, I have extra stamp pads that I never use, why save them??? And if you think that yours are dried out, bring them anyways because there is a cool ink refresher product out there and maybe we can see if we can bring the life back into them. Also, I have an 8 1/2x11 trimmer that I NEVER use anymore. It still is perfect for kids! Here is just a quick photo collection of what my pool table looks like after only 2 boxes of my stuff to give away have been displayed. I have more. Lot's is brand new that I've won at contests and never used, some scraps (but atill really good sizes to work with) Everyone thinks that I'm giving away yucky stuff, but the truth is if you have seen my scrapbook room you'd understand! I'm a hoarder, I save every scrap everything. But I DON'T have the room. So there is a lot of good stuff to go.

href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2EPGcglbzpk/RvAFiTWXBEI/AAAAAAAABhE/NfHFevG7kq0/s1600-h/IMG_6734_edited.JPG"> so other suggestions of what you can donate: old magazines-resources for the kids is always welcome. pencil crayons markers templates SCRAPS!!! so many uses for these Cardstock PatternedPaper you don't use Ribbon no longer used. buttons stickers

this list is endless. Just remember, they are kids, they don't know what is hip and cool and wanting to keep up with the latest scrapbook trends.
also, you can come browse for a minute or the whole time. Love to see anyone and everyone come out for this cause!
See you tonight.
phone or email for an address!

Don't Forget tomorrow!

2007-09-17T15:07:00.000-06:00

I'm having a SCRAP, SWAP & CHAT night from 6-10pm. Bring any of your gently used supplies that you'd love to donate. Then we'll all swap with each other, visit & eat. The rest will all be donated to Kate's charity. Please phone me if you are coming & I'll give you directions. Oh, some people have asked that if they have nothing to bring can they still come? Yes, the idea is that we are trying to round up as much stuff as possible for this great girl. So if you have no extras to donate than you can always buy a trimmer or adhesive to donate. She is in desperate need for those items especially.

Sorry for the wussy blog today, we helped build Shane's & Andrea's deck yesterday, a little tired today. But fun. Those kids are ambitious! Move in Wednesday, build deck Sunday, next weekend the fence???
Talk later. Looking forward to tomorrow!

random pics. I'm done!!!

2007-09-15T14:13:00.000-06:00

So I have to put this on my blog, Jeffrey, the event control coordintor. No idea what to call him. He just made sure things happened and that they flowed smoothly! He thought he'd particiapte in some of the scrapbook fun. Here is what he made. We gave this guy a hard time all weekend, so Jeffrey thanks for helping us out lot's! A pic of us at supper. Fun!

one of the scrapbooking crop rooms!~

a quick Marketplace shot!

Okay, so I never did find the scrapbook page that Cathie Allan made for me, but when I do, I'll post. It is cool. So all in al , scrapfest was a blast and now I cannot wait to scrap at West Ed! CSC4K is going to be a blast. Hey, if anyone I know is going, give me a shout out. I'd love to see ya! Also since I only had 3 people respond to my contest I'm going to give you ALL a prize. Jenn, I'll give yours tonight, Jody call me & Cheryl Leuschen, email me your address! Congrats girls. I love giving stuff away!

So have a great weekend everyone. I am so pumped for splurge I can barely wait!

Scrapfest 401 & Cards for the Troops

2007-09-14T21:22:00.000-06:00

Sorry I'm posting so late today. My cousins needed me to haul tables to their house for their garage sale, then I had banking to do for our business, then we visited Shane & Andrea at their new house, then the boys and I jumped in with Jim to have some family time in the truck. The boys were in their glory "working" with daddy. Especially when we got to go to a new quarry and load. These boys are probably the youngest kids ever to know exactly what the machines are called. Just a quick story. Riley was 2 and Jager just a baby, and a semi passed us carrying a bobcat and a tractor. Riley said "mom look at the pay loader", I said no Riley it's a bobcat. This went back n forth, me trying to correct him. Then Jim phoned, I asked him what the heck a payloader was, and yes...my 2 year old was absolutely correct. He was talking about the tractor on the semi as I was pointing out the bobcat. I took a beating on that one, having now had my Class 1A for now 8 years, not knowing the different machines. So now if my kids say a back hoe, yes I assume they are right. LOL

So we had a small intimate gathering to make cards last night. But it was fun & efficient. We made 44 cards for the troops. Hooray! The best part for me was getting the time to just hang with fabulous friends and work for a cause. I look at my grandparents & parents. Anytime someone needs help, or there is a cause to support, they step up immediately. It just doesn't seem to be the case very often with my generation. My gramma Elliott makes crocheted blankets for needy kids and the preemies. My Gramma Elian makes quilts to be sent over seas for the needy and also she knits booties & hats for the newborns. My mom is the first person to volunteer in any situation someone needs a hand. I think we need more of that. I can remember when we had a huge garden & orchard(like acres for real!!!! I know cause I had to weed it!) at the farm. We always took what we could eat, then gave to all our relatives & friends and then we always took huge boxes in for the Friendship Inn. It just was so automatic in our thinking. It is really important to me that this art of helping isn't lost , I want my kids to think it is natural to help others. So I went to bed absolutely happy. I hope our troops are safe and enjoy a little home made touch! Also Jo-Ann, you have left a huge impact on me!, I loved meeting you at Scrapfest, and having a great talk. I hope that your husband receives one of our cards! I'll be thinking of you & him this season. I will pray for his safety! I saw that you checked me out. Julie Cortens is a link on the right hand side of my blog. She has powerful military layouts of her son Mark. They are a must to check out. She is an outstanding lady that I used to work with, whose site is always interesting as you can see that she shares her passion for her family, her religion and her art in such beautiful ways. Here is a link to her site: http://www.cortens.blogspot.com/

(Yes Julie, I needed your business cards this weekend. I met so many fabulous military wives and I kept telling them that they HAD to check out your site. Hope you don't mind!) So this is my little burst of happiness this week. I am absolutely lucky to have married such a great guy who spoils me with flowers. He has done it so often that now I find it my little instant smile in the day. Now I want flowers around me at all times.(He's created a monster!) I love the colours, the fun, the smell. So I thought I'd share this little burst of sunshine with you.

Especially my little off balance sunflower. LOVE it!

Okay back to Scrapfest. So my passion for this new company STIX 2, all started by sitting down at the ever so fabulous Anam Stubbington's make n take. She is a designer for them and she was having us create our own doodles to play with. It is a Canadian company and I was privileged to have had the entire weekend to hang out with Allesandra (very beautiful woman!, with a great passion for her company) & Colette. I think that their booth was my second home that weekend. They just kept letting me try all their new stuff, and showing me their products that release soon. They create the whole line of amazing adhesives, for great prices for us. But, they have this one product...

that allowed me to create this fun page...

check out the detail...

(Even the "Pirate Party" is done with foils.)

and here it is! STIX 2 PVA glue. But not your ordinary PVA glue. This one stays tacky after it dries. When it is wet you can stick down micro beads, sparkles, really anything. But when it dries than you can break out the foil and have a fun party. Allesandra gave me a huge kit, and I've almost used up all my foils!

It takes about 15 min. to dry, then you just press the foil onto the glue and it is awesome. Here is what Allison did on her transparency.

Here is my transparency. So I came home and used the star and journal box on a layout already! I loved the result.

This is what the package of foils looks like. And CHEAP! I will never go without this again. I love the little bling it adds.

So 4 times a year you can get this magazine, Scrapbook & Cards Today for FREE! at Yesterday's Memories. All you have to do is a minimum purchase and then its yours. Each store only gets 100 copies and then its GONE! Its totally jam-packed with new products, great layouts, clean pages. I love this magazine. And I'm proud that it is made in Canada. They have a real concept that the art of scrapbooking is brought to us in scrapbook stores where we can see amazing products, learn from great instructors and be able to create friendships with other scrapbookers. They want us to enjoy, no LOVE our scrapbook stores. Their point is yes Walmart & Dollarama do carry supplies for cheaper, but that's it! There is no relationship that grows in our art, no learning that takes place in these places. Isn't that unique, a magazine that wants us to have solid relationships with our local stores, to be able to start friendships with other scrapbookers , to be able to share our art. I definitely think they have something going. So when the seasons change, you know their issues will be coming out.

Here are the girls behind this beautiful magazine. Kerry McRorie & Catherine Tachdigan. Totally cool girls too. Funny, down to earth and really awesome. Kerry taught some classes at Scrapfest and the buzz was they were GREAT! I saw the projects and totally wished that I could've snuck in on some of them! Next time!

So our booth was like the hang out booth, I think because we had nothing to sell. Only an adventure to discuss. So we had lot's of fun talking about the cruise, our sponsors, meeting great people and seeing people's portfolios. There are so many people that want to be an instructor next year. It was awesome to see everyone's uniqueness. If it was up to me I think I'd have more instructors than attendees. Good thing I'm not the person making the call. So it was really cool spending this weekend with Allison Orthner. It was cool to see this photographer/TV host in action. We both were on City TV and it was so much fun but scary. I knew I was on a specific segment so I was prepared for that, but Katharina Doyle (Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine) pulled me into the opening segment. Freaked me out! I didn't even get a chance to pee first! Talk about nervous! It was fun though. My cousin taped the segment on VHS but I have no idea how to get it onto the computer to show you guys. Jim & I had a good time watching it.I waited to watch it with him so that was even more scary wondering what it looked like. We had a good laugh. Allison of course looked flawless. Maybe somehow I'll find a way to show you guys.

Allison took this awesome pic of Vicki & Anam. totally fun girls! Us fooling around with the Canadian Scrapbooker girls. They totally ROCK! our Crop & Cruise booth

Allison & I doing a make n take. We had a blast! Talk about unprepared. We were told to go and take part in this, mingle with the attendees. So do you want to know how much you get razzed when you show up at all the different make 'n take tables with NO scissors, adhesives, or trimmers? LOT's! But it was still fun!

I only wished that Heather, Jill, Rae & Christine could've been there to get rowdy in our Crop & Cruise booth. Next time!

Okay, so was it fun seeing some of the cool events that took place at Scrapfest? I really enjoy meeting all of the fantastic scrapbookers out there! Everyone has such stories to tell, amazing layouts, unique ideas. For me these events just ignite the fire in me to create more, to try new things.
I have a few more fun random pics, I'll post a few more tomorrow.Then that's it! I'm so excited for splurge tomorrow. We have such a great group of ladies. It is going to be a blast!

WOW!

2007-09-13T16:15:00.000-06:00

Okay, so when I came back to blogging in March with a new site, new name I decided that I had a goal in mind. To share my family,my life, my work and experiences. I am having a blast with it. On May 26th I decided to add a people counter to see if people were actually visiting me. I made it so that one person couldn't log in multiple times as that isn't very accurate how many people are actually coming. So today, almost 4 months later.....

I am now over 10 000 hits. So this is my reason for the wow. I'm having fun. Hope you are too!

Next week I'm going to do some more step by step demos, fill you in a little about my Luxe projects, & now today I just became a part of a really cool design team. I'll tell you the details after I find out more. So has everyone got their entries in for my contest? It ends tomorrow! Well, have to go, I have a group of awesome ladies coming here for a GREAT cause. Card making crop for the troops! Also, I ended up on a few conference calls today so I didn't take pics of that cool new product. So that definitely will be first on the agenda for tomorrow. Thanks for checking me out and leaving comments. It's fun knowing we are all sharing our interest. See you tomorrow!

Scrapfest 301

2007-09-13T07:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, have a few minutes before I wake the kids for school...First off ,Thank you to Sasha & Allison who had a crack at that photo of Janine. You guys both made the photo much better, and now I will enjoy scrapbooking it! Sasha, you are right, it is the story that is fun! Janine was really spunky & neat, that is what I will remember.

So my big news I can finally reveal...
I have been asked to be an instructor at
Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids in Edmonton.
This takes place Oct.12-14th this year!
So I will be teaching 2 classes, a Family Calendar Canvas & a 5x5 Canvas accordion book. Both of my classes are sponsored by Canvas Concepts & Sassafras Lass and I am so excited.

I would love to tell you a bit about this crop. It is taking place all across Canada to raise money for children's hospitals. It is the first of its kind and is only taking place this year. They are trying to get into the Guinness Book of records for having the most people scrapbooking together on one day for one cause. So are you in?
This is probably going to be one of the most sponsored events in the world. Everyone thinks this is a major cause and the big wigs have come out!!!! Talk about prizes to give. If you want to check out some of the sponsors click here. Now, if you want to see some of the most amazing teachers click here. I'll be up today maybe (I had a little problems getting my pic to her.) But if you want to see the classes click here. The best part about this event is you don't have to register for all 3 days, you can go to 1, or 2, or all 3 days. So why not take your family up for the weekend, stay at the hotel and then when the kids go to bed you go down and scrapbook! I guess I forgot to mention that this takes place at West Edmonton Mall. Picture it now. Dad & kids go to Fantasyland, you to Crop for Kids.

Here was the crop for Kids booth. It was a very entertaining booth. It had some of the most amazing women in there. The coolest projects, the neatest kits to sell. You'll have to come to the event to believe me!

The head girl for Crop for Kids is on the left "Trisha Ladouceur" she is standing with Catherine Tachdjian (editor of Scrapbook & Cards Today)

Okay, so my favourite little green truck. Could you imagine having this as your scrapbook room? She drives all over for crops, a husband can buy a gift certificate from her and then to surprise you, she parks on your driveway and you get a prepaid for shopping spree. Hello? Exciting or what?

My brother Steven came to see me at this event. I took him to see this truck, asked him what Jim would think of it as my new vehicle to get around, since we are buying a new vehicle. I think this is right up my alley.tee hee. Well Steven just laughed. Men hey? You know every scrapbooker out there wants her own personal, shop anytime, having the latest greatest at your fingertips.

Okay, well time to get boys dressed for school so I will show you my favourite product later this afternoon. Sorry but preschool calls.

Congratulations Shane & Andrea!

2007-09-12T12:45:00.000-06:00

How silly of me, so pumped to tell you more about Scrapfest that I forgot the most important item of the day... Congratulations to my brother Shane and his phenomenal girlfriend Andrea on your new house! They move in today into a brand new house in a really cool neighborhood. Stonebridge. We wish you guys the best moving in and of course we are always there to come and help you build fences, basements, garage, etc...

Scrapfest 201

2007-09-12T09:44:00.000-06:00

So I realized that Cathie Allan had made me a scrapbook page so I will find that in my bags and take a pic to show you,(maybe tomorrow). Anyways, so I was privileged to meet the woman that created Fontwerks. Kah-Mei (pronounced Ki-May). She has a brilliant way of designing products and then working with him. Her booth was so much fun, I only regret I didn't have my camera on when I explored it. (picture is borrowed from Scrapfest site) She taught some cool classes and did make n takes at her booth. It was fun. I even got totally busted by allison! I was supposed to be working & I paused to shop (no surprise) and Allison heard me, ripped open the curtains and yelled your busted! So we all had a big laugh about that.

So here are a few of my new stamps I got while being busted!

Do you blame me? I came home and I used the little western like title one already. LOVED it, then revamped it with my new FAVOURITE product, that I will reveal tomorrow!

So when you open up the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, we often see articles written by Mylene English. This would be the fantastic lady that is standing in the following picture. Yes she is patriotic, and they won the table competition. That is one of the cool events at Scrapfest, as a collaborative, each table can come up with a theme and then they try for a chance to win 1st,2nd,3rd. It is a blast. The tables were great. One table sang even. But anyways, Mylene's table totally went Canadian. Fun. She is such a down home, emotional person that has a big heart. It was lovely to chat with her. Cannot wait to see you again, and now when I read your articles it will be a pleasure to know the person behind these thoughts.

Roxanne Jegodtka- a woman who is making a big name for herself in the scrap world. She is Canadian. She is a mother of 5. She home schools. She has been published numerous times. She made it far in Making Memories Idol, she designs for Scenic Route Paper Co, Urban Lily (Australian Company) Urban Scrapbook a super cool store in Edmonton (they are one of my sponsors too!), Creating Inspirations. She also did the cover layout for Canadian Scrapbooker Spring 2007. In one word....ACCOMPLISHED! It was fun just chatting with her. I cannot wait to work with her next month. I mean for real, this woman is level headed, steady, friendly, beautiful in and out... how does she keep balance in her life. I cannot wait to talk to her more.

Jessie Lute- One of the creative minds working for"One Little Word". An amazing designer and so super cool in person. I loved hearing her camping story, unfortunately she probably does not ever want to go camping again. But it was cool listening to the fact that we aren't the only ones that experience dramatic experiences. She is also going to be at Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids. You must go and say hi! (pic is off One little word's site, unfortunately I didn't get one of her!)

Janine Wahl- This girl is hilarious, she makes me laugh! She is a paper & digital scrapbooker. She is an instructor at Canada's Scrapbooking Crop 4 Kids, a designer with Memory Makers Book Division, has a layout in CK this month, and 5 layouts in Memory Makers 601 Great Page Ideas. Check her out!!!! Plus she is just a hoot.

I am so sad that I moved while taking this. I started to laugh. I actually was outside the classroom and seriously far away from her, just using my telephoto lens. But I moved. She started striking all of these Vanna poses, changing them like she was on Vogue. Slowly some of the classmates started to wonder what she was doing. They couldn't see me since I was far away. So it was super funny! Is there anyone out there that can help me make this pic better? I love it and so want to scrap it!

Well, the event was full of amazing people, fun things to do, great shopping, see why I am stretching this over the week? Way too much to cover in one day! See you tomorrow! Card Making Crop for the Troops is tomorrow! Please make sure you let me know if you are coming. I will have many different cardstocks & patterned paper available to use. Please bring paper trimmer, adhesive, and any thing else you might want. Otherwise, come for the social aspect, the food, and most importantly the CAUSE! Supporting our troops is important, and it would be a fantastic dream to know that our cards have lifted their spirits for a moment.

Scrapfest 101

2007-09-11T09:33:00.001-06:00

Thursday was the day that we started to set up our booth, meet our neighbors, do the tour, get ready for the TV segments, and more. There is always so many exciting things happening during set up. It is the air of anticipation. One of the main events that took place was that people could enter a layout into a contest, the winner would be published in the next issue of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. So it was very awesome to see all the different submissions. Allison & I were asked to judge them. Seriously difficult task. They were awesome, enough to fill a magazine , so how do we choose 1? It was the first time that it was put in perspective how hard Jackie & Katharina's (Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine editors) jobs are. Katharina Doyle & Jackie Ludlage were both there on hand for you to sign up for a subscription, ask them questions, talk with them on how to submit and more. These girls are truly fantastic, always cheerful, and supportive of everyone. They would love to publish everyone. They root hard for Canadian talent. I have only to say that it has been one of the milestones in my scrapbooking career having met these ladies now on multiple occasions, and have enjoyed that our meetings have turned into friendships. Embarrassingly, I didn't realize until I got home that I didn't get any pics with either of them. Yes, a sad mistake for a die hard scrapbooker. So I borrowed this one of Jackie off of http://www.csc4k.com/ and I will have to find one of Katharina.

So as a little bonus, I have decided to have a contest. All the answers must be received ON MY BLOG, I will not accept emails or phone calls. sorry (I just am no where near getting caught up on them yet) Write the page #'s in the magazine that you see me or my work featured in the Fall 2007 issue. I will give away a prize to the person who answered correctly. I will randomly draw from all right answers on Friday.

So one of my absolute highlights of the weekend was to meet Vicki Boutin! I am absolutely a fan of her work, her style, her hair. It's a long list. She was absolutely a riot! Funny, down to earth, crazy fun. We both have a boy named Riley, cool hey? It was great! This accomplished lady works for Scenic Route Paper Co (yes only one of my super favourite companies; I did do 16 layouts using the same paper line. Now how often does that happen with me???Exactly!) As well as she now works for Sassafrass Lass. (I get to teach a class in Edmonton, completely sponsored by them so I am super excited, I'll tell you more about that on Thursday) But now she has signed an exclusive contract for a year with Better Homes & Gardens mag. Scrapbooks etc. So if you want to see her work that is where you will have to go.

She is totally known to break out in song & dance. It was fun!

Jen Starr- Now this girl just oozes talent. Sit with her 2 minutes and you are hooked. She is inviting, funny, great accent... She has created her own line of products with Zsiage, is a Ranger Ink Design Team Coordinator, deisgner & teacher for them as well as the head designer for Canvas Concepts (who I also have sponsoring a class of mine in Edmonton, that I will tell you more about on Thursday) I did a make n take with her but I haven't unpacked everything yet, so when I do I'll post it. It is a beautiful 6x6 for my mini album. I have to say that what this girl does with colour washing, & inking will blow you away. If you ever get the chance to take a class from her. You will NOT regret it!

Anam Stubbington- the girl that should go on Jeopardy. She is a walking source of knowledge...and so interesting. Amazing talent, such a creativeness that separates her from others. She is on many design teams, such as Pencil Lines, Altered Pencil Lines, Inked Scrapbooking, I think that she is one of the first people in this industry that talks straight, tells it like it is, and doesn't worry about anything. She has the most beautiful tattoos ever. She recently was told by a U.S. mag that they would never publish any of her layouts with tattoos showing. I saw a few of the layouts in person. Absolutely gorgeous. Enviable. would love to look at them all day long. So instead of letting this affect her, she went to a big tattoo magazine to show her art and now she is doing a major like 16 page (I hope I got this correct, please correct me if wrong) spread on tattoos and scrapbooking. I think that will probably be the first time ever that I buy a tattoo magazine. I love them, but yes, sadly so I am a wimp! I do think that some people have made them an extension of their personalities and life. It is an art. Absolutely look forward to seeing Anam again next month. We will have the priviledge of working together again.

I have to go get Riley from preschool, so I will finish talking about Cathie Allan & Kah Mei later today or tomorrow.

ScrapFest 2007

2007-09-10T12:55:00.000-06:00

SCRAPFEST ROCKED!!!!

All I have to say is NEW OWNERS! NEW OWNERS! NEW OWNERS! I say this because last year's Scrapfest left behind a bit of a disappointment among the attendees. It was not ran very well and there were problems. But the light at the end of the tunnel is here! Lisa & Deb are AMAZING, entertaining, fun, cheerful, hardworkers, this list just keeps going on and on. And no I am not paid to say this. So what is SCRAPFEST? It is a large event that takes place all over Canada. It is set up so there is a large crop room, many classes by the most fantastic instructors out there, and a huge marketplace where you can SHOP, SHOP & SHOP. Sponsors that gave away prizes, prizes, prizes. There is a night to make an incredible mini album, lot's of make n takes. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had. It is definitely on my must do list for next year!

These are the power house ladies behind this most successful event!

I do want to give a shout out to their behind the scenes team, I didn't get to meet everyone, but Lindsay, Sandra & Jeffrey (he definitely made Allison & I laugh)were very helpful and helped made the event run smooth! So today I have an enormous list to complete so here's a view of what I'll show this week...

Thursday:
Canada's Scrapbooking Crop 4 Kids- Edmonton
my new favourite scrapbook product (I think I'll make this a secret until Thursday, then I can do up a few more examples to show you how wonderful this product is)
Kelly Falardeau- Memories in Motion (the coolest little truck that I LOVE)

Friday:
Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine- so much stuff to tell you about these people!
Crop & Cru ise
Allison Orthner
some of the amazing products donated: Tilano Fresco Tiles, Urban Lily,etc...
anything else I might have missed...
If you met me this weekend and are here, please say hi. I met so many unbelievable scrapbookers that I am excited to hear from.
And don't forget, if you are coming to my house to make cards for the troops Sept.13 6pm-10pm, please let me know, as I have to set up tables so I want to make sure there is comfortable room for everyone. See you tomorrow with pics, pics, pics. I have to go and dump all my cards. Have a great week!

I'm back!!!!

2007-09-09T17:47:00.000-06:00

So here's the truth, I'm home, I'm exhausted, I'm still grinning ear to ear from the most amazing weekend a person could have. This week I am dedicating a bit to SCRAPFEST 2007! It was the BEST!!!! So make sure to check in everyday because I will share pics & stories and tell you all the fun that a scrapbooker could have at one of these shows. There are so many people I want to tell you about, Canadian magazines that just have it going on and my latest, greatest, reasonably priced scrapbook item that I can no longer live with out, my tv appearances, and so much more.... but right now I have to spend time with my beautiful family who I missed!!!!! See you tomorrow!

Don't forget that this week I am having my Card making for the troops get together at my house this week. So please let me know if you can make it so I know how many appetizers to make. Thanks!

Bye!

2007-09-05T13:46:00.001-06:00

Have a great weekend everyone! See you next week. If you are at Scrapfest COME SEE ME!

My weekend in pics! AWESOME!

2007-09-04T22:58:00.000-06:00

My weekend was fabulous! Had so much fun with the family and in laws & Jim's relatives. We went boating, camping, to a pig roast, karaoke, the works. We need to come home to relax. HA!

so this is what a child looks like when they overdose on candy! ha ha my messy messy boy! love him!

one of the days boating.

the boys LOVE the trampoline. They even play "popcorn" (where one lies down and the other tries to bounce you)

Jager is now wearing hats a lot, wants to be like dad. Little does he know dad wears hats more when he needs a haircut (more out of necessity) that would be time for me to cut his hair. sorry honey! My cousin Ivy bought both boys these adorable hats. They almost are never taking them off. THANKS IVY! (Also Ivy, have a safe trip tomorrow! I'll probably be driving right behind you!)

dad & the boys wrestling...a daily occurrence in our house!

Riley practising a little driving. (of course under supervision by dad!) (It's more for me to scrapbook!LOL)

Riley just catching a little sun! If you notice the day was actually cold!hence the sweaters but the sun felt gorgeous when it came out. what an adorable kid!

Love this cutie!

dad & Riley in the tube. goofing off!

Riley loving it? where is daddy? look close!

Here is Daredevil #1 & #2!

So hey, I decided to join in on the fun too. And my sweet, sweet husband was trying to toss me off! naughty, naughty! I reminded him that I was now a mommy and had to behave and take care of the kids.

so, I tried too! no luck. Then he reminded me that he made the house payments & the majority of the money. needless to say we decided that we were better off not tossing each other out. We did laugh lot's and lot's though. Anytime I almost fell off both Riley & Jager were sad and calling for me. My heroes!

I love this casual pic of Jim!

Well, so many things are happening this week. I leave tomorrow for Edmonton Scrapfest. If you are soming , please come and say hi! I'll spend most of my time at the Crop & Cruise booth.

I know I have so much to tell you but I am burnt out! must go and make Jimmy's lunch for tomorrow and then I'm calling it a night! Have a great week guys!

YEAH!!!!

2007-08-31T15:14:00.000-06:00

Okay so I can finally tell you. Holding secrets is hard!!! Scrapbook. com had a major major contest. Giving away thousands of dollars in free scrapbook supplies. This contest had like thousands of entries and I placed!!!! They were choosing 7 main winners and 70 runners up/honorable mentions. I was an honorable mention. So I am pretty pumped because I was not going to enter. so if you want to see which layout won go here.

My other big news I cannot release yet, sorry hopefully after the weekend. It's big, I'm excited, cannot wait!

We are off to the lake Right Now!, so I'll tell you all my juicy stuff when I return.

Also, thanks Kate & Will for an awesome day!

2007-08-31T00:15:00.000-06:00

sorry I didn't post today/ allergies hit me hard and I feel yucky. plus super busy! talk tomorrow.

First Day of School

2007-08-29T18:34:00.000-06:00

So Riley is back at preschool today. still mornings only. such excitement took place this morning. Riley told me he knew that 5 of his friends from last year were going to be there. Especially Kara. So he was excited. He has 2 new teachers, but he was so excited when he saw Miss Ada (last year's directress Assistant)

So today I decided to make it a Jager morning. He was really wanting to stay at Riley's school. Actually DID NOT want to leave. So instead I took him to the river, we walked on the Meewasin and stopped and played at Gabriel Dumont park. GREAT park. Enough uniqueness that kept us busy. But when I said let's go get Riley he was ready to go.

I just love his adorable smile! We had a fun morning hey Jag?

One stop before we picked Riley up. Yesterday's Memories got all of the Daisy Bucket line in. (*they are one of my sponsors, whose product I've never seen in real life yet) So I went and looked, shopped, and left exhilarated because the line is fantastic and FEELS cool. I love double sided patterned paper every day, but textured always makes it the best. Just a little scrapbook shopping to make a girl feel great.

So I plan to scrap tonight, get ready for my classes tomorrow night:

I still have openings in the Who Am I? & All About ME class tomorrow night starting at 6pm. email me if interested. scrap-mommy@hotmail.com

I'm looking forward to having an awesome visit tomorrow afternoon with Kate Kading. Seriously, she is amazing. She is starting up an awesome program for kids, and I can't wait to get together with her to hear all of her plans. Ladies, if you are coming to my house Scrap, Swap & Chat- Sept.18th 6pm - 10pm just let me know. I can only hold a certain amount of people. Just to remind everyone, it is a night where we can get together and chat, share our albums, have appetizers and look through each other's products to swap & then also donate to Kate's group.
Oh, so I definitely have awesome news to reveal on Aug.31st, not a moment before. So please come back then, and I'm hoping to have the best news to share tomorrow.
I have some new sponsors for the cruise, AND I will show you a picture of all the LUXE design product I received. I hope that you guys are excited to receive it for FREE in your goody bags I'm giving at the 2 crops. Remember, if you weren't able to get into the crops, please come and say hi anyways because then you are eligible to win a $100 worth of free product.
Cannot wait to see you tomorrow. Have a great sleep.

Our big Adventure! Lot's of pics!

2007-08-27T22:53:00.000-06:00

Today was such an awesome day! I dedicated it 100%to the boys. Riley starts school on Wednesday so I thought, summer's over. No more unlimited play dates, late bedtimes, etc. Instead regimen, sports practices start, early bedtimes. So today I decided that we would do whatever the boys wanted to do, go wherever, eat whatever, do everything fun!!! no worries about deadlines, emails, phone calls, or scrap assignments that I HAVE to get done!!!! (I saved that for tonight) Today was the kid's day! and you'll never believe this. I received a massive LUXE shipment (like $3000.00+ retail that contained all my class products & prizes, goody bag product & prizes for both crops & then just stuff for me to design with!!!!!!) from the awesome UPS dude! (Lovin' UPS!!!!) just as I was walking out the door. And did I stop and go through it??? NOPE! Was it killing me all day???YES! But that didn't matter because just to have the day with my boys, seeing their endless smiles, to wrestle with them by the river. It was the best! And I took over 300 pics and about 80% are scrapworthy. We went to different parks we've never been to, in really remote locations. We'd stop only if they liked what the park looked like. Then we walked on different bridges, then we spent almost 2 hours playing on the new walkway bridge under Circle Drive. The boys LOVED this bridge. Then we drove out to Bare A@@ Beach and played in the river beds, splashing through the water, the sand, making castles. The water was so super warm. I turned my eyes to see Riley laughing and next thing I know I hear Jager right below me saying "fwimming". I looked...yes, yes he was! In full clothes! Never dreamt today would turn into a swim day. So stripped down to our britches and had a gay ole time for another hour and a half. then we had to pack up because tonight was Emily's 13th bday party. Our extended family always gets together for relatives bdays. This was a blast. We went to gramma's washed our clothes, ran around naked until they dried(we attempted toga towels for the boys but they kept falling off )too skinny, and then the clothes were ready just as people started to arrive.WHEW! So today turned out to be the best 12 hours of my entire summer. The only thing better would've been if Jim took the day off from work and joined us. We missed you honey! So here's just a few pics from the day! Enjoy!

see you after the weekend!

2007-08-24T18:54:00.000-06:00

sorry for lack of blogging.just plain busy! we have 2 weddings tomorrow, trying to get Fall prep done and getting ready for school next week. So I hope everyone has a great weekend. Looks like it will be lovely weather! see you Monday!

cute photos!

2007-08-22T17:15:00.000-06:00

I had my last, yes, LAST dentist appointment. And today's was the worst yet. I really am sore, but it is all finished. So I don't feel like doing anything but vegging out. so I thought I'd show you 2 pics I took 2 weeks ago that I love. Enjoy! And I have to admit I didn't even use photoshop! I was having fun with my new lens, testing out the different settings. I really actually enjoy these!

See you tomorrow!

Elsie Layouts

2007-08-21T15:49:00.001-06:00

So last night we had so much fun at the class. A room full of women, ready to let down their rules! So we took Elsie's concept and made them a little more real for us. Her flamboyant style is outrageous and fun but we don't necessarily take those crazy pictures that make the pages work. So instead we tried out different multimedia, painting, sewing, ribbon and COLOUR!!! The following 3 layouts are my class examples:

These little paper clay buttons were the most fun I think. I had premade over a hundred(because they needed to dry!) then I brought them to class and everyone painted their own. There were GREAT styles. I love seeing everyone's uniqueness! Great job girls! We kept this layout low key, to let the clay buttons stand out! Elsie is known for layering materials and taking up an entire page in a different way of journaling. I didn't know how practical that would be for anyone, so I combined an area for journaling and an area to put random patterned paper (mimicking fabric)

I was able to take a few photos, I'm missing quite a few, So if you take a picture of yours, when you finish it with a picture please, send it to me, I'll upload them here.

I do have room in tomorrow's classes. Eye on Design- hearts, Eye on Designs-flowers.

just email me!

Upcoming Classes

2007-08-18T20:29:00.000-06:00

So what do you think of Elsie Flannigan? Love her style, wonder about it? want to maybe try it but too scared? Well I have the perfect class for you!
August 20th 7-9pm $30.00 You can come and complete 3 Elsie type layouts! These layouts have lot's of multimedia, dimension and a touch of UNIQUE doodling and handwriting. You will be sewing, painting, using fabric, felt, buttons, scrabble letters, transparencies, clay & chipboard. How's that for learning some awesome techniques?? (still have 2 openings)
August 22nd- 6-10pm A double class is running tonight. Take one or both. Eye on Design :hearts ($20)is from 6-8pm and stars ($20) 8-10 pm These classes show you how to combine different mediums or embellishments while using the same theme.

August 23rd-6-10pm A double class is running tonight. Take one or both. Summer Activities ($20) 6-8pm and School photos ($20) 8-10pm.
August 30th 6-10 pm A Double class is running tonight. Take one or both. Who Am I ($20) 6-8pm and She ($20) 8-10pm These are fun classes to scrap you. Not very often do we focus on ourselves, so come celebrate you and let your family learn more about YOU!

If any of these interest you please email me! I can send you directions to the studio. Have a great day! I hope that some of you got to take in Folkfest & the Air show. We had a few too many things on our plate, so we didn't go to Folkfest but we do have tickets for the airshow. So I'm hoping for a great day!

Cruisin crops

2007-08-17T14:21:00.000-06:00

sorry to anyone who didn't get in...both crops are sold out. But remember to come drop by anyways, because I am giving away a $100.00 worth of my absolute favourite product to someone who comes to see me (I will do this for both crops). People have been bugging me to make it so that they have better chances to win.

So here's what I've come up with: Between 10am-11 am (on both days, Sept.29th & Oct.27th) you will get 5 tickets each to put your name on. I want to start the day out with a bang! 14 hours of non-stop fun will begin as soon as those doors open. Then for every $25.00 you spend throughout the day (whether you are cropping there or not) I will let you put in an additional ticket. So your chances are up to you! Also, if you bring a friend you will also get another ticket. Cannot wait!
Make sure when you come, bring a few samples of your best work to share. There are some exciting things to be starting in the fall and I'd love to be able to give some recommendations on who the next top scrapbookers are in SASKATCHEWAN!

Can you believe it is only less than 6 weeks away???

Layouts!!!!

2007-08-16T19:46:00.000-06:00

So the other day I bought the new Basic Grey & Cosmo Cricket lines when Yesterday's Memories were having their big sale. Can't wait to use the huge savings coupons in September!

So I only allowed myself to do a couple of fun & quick layouts for myself the last 2 nights and then I got back to work that was more time pressing. I'll show you 1 that I did the other night and 3 I did at my gramma's garage sale today! Sorry no peeks from last night. So I dropped Riley off at VBS, went & helped at the garage sale, then went back and picked him up. And then Jim took Riley to work with him today and they had a blast. So with how busy our day was, I can't believe that I was able to get so many layouts done.. and still help people! And I got 5 done!!!!(see a dedicated scrapbooker can scrap anywhere! table or no table) I only took what I could quickly shift off my lap to help people, kept my supply choices extremely limited and I had fun. Enjoyed the awesome sunny day, I didn't realize it but I actually got burnt. oops!
I like that Basic Grey is different this release. I actually found quite a few papers that really will suit my summer pictures & my boys! As for Cosmo Cricket, well everyone knows I LOVE everything they make. Hello, it matches my house, my life, the farm...everything. So I had to scrap these pics, I love them. Jager is so innocent, having to try everything.
Cosmo Cricket- at the garage sale! Made this easily with premade accents that coordinate with the paper line. And I LOVE circles!!!!

Basic Grey- at the garage sale This is a simpler layout, but still efficient. It says everything I wanted to say and still has a little punch with the minimal accents. I especially love d taking this picture in the trees after church one day. It was a day that I dressed the boys the same, but Jag wanted NO part in smiling. He was more interested in chasing the bugs.

Cosmo Cricket- Such a soft romantic line. I wanted to do a layout of us for my mom's book, so these colours seemed more elegant. For my own album & the boys album I scrapped this picture with a funkier line. also, check out my AWESOME new swirl stamps that I got at Yesterday's Memories, I have now used them on everything, they are so great.

Basic Grey- Garage Sale

This is definitely one I love! I really liked taking advantage of the worn off areas because it looks like graffiti. I wanted the photos to stand out the most so I made the title really subtle, in the same colour tones as the paper. "Sunscreen Boy" . Lot's of times I love to use a lot of things, I think, the more the better sometimes, so seeing what I could make with minimal choices, makes me realize that the photos are still really the focus. I think we all lose sight of that sometimes. I definitely love how this is something so true to how Jim let's the boys learn. I swear I need to do an album just on what happens when daddy watches us! Jim you are so funny, and you allow the boys to learn & experiment while I forget and just do it for them, Jim, thanks for letting them be kids! And hey, I have been getting the best photos of the kids doing really funny things. more for me to scrapbook (maybe that's what Jim is thinking, what can the boys do today that Leica will scrapbook??? just kidding)

so tomorrow is Riley's last day at VBS, then we have the family supper at church with his final performance for us. I'm so excited. VBS was definitely one of my favourite camps when I was growing up. Have a great night everyone! See you tomorrow!!!!

random!

2007-08-15T19:29:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,Can you believe how fast summer is disappearing??? Only a short while till kids are back in school and routine resumes. I'm torn between the regimen and spontaneity. First off, if you are thinking about coming to the 2nd cruisin' away crop in October, than you better hurry and sign up. Only 5 spots left! I received another huge box of stuff to give away at both cruise crops today and I will get another huge box tomorrow, it's in I just have to go get it. It's feeling like Christmas. And it's all for YOU guys at the crop. Two full days of non stop prizes, fun & the greatest food around. I have a crazy agenda of things to get done tonight, but I hope to post layouts tomorrow or Friday at the latest. Riley is loving VBS. It's so positive for him, I only wish Jag was old enough. In a few years. Well got to go. Talk later!

Interview #1- Jill Hildebrand

2007-08-13T22:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, so if Blogger is being stubborn I can always trust the slide!!!! Here is

Jill Hildebrand.
She is from Manitoba and currently is on the design team for Smalltown Scrappers. Which has many stores in Manitoba and online shopping. Talk about one stop service. Anyways, I met this awesome scrapbooker and her friend Bronwen (who owns Smalltown Scrappers) while waiting in line for Camp Croppin last year. These Manitoba ladies knew how to have a good time, we enjoyed each other's company. Now I have the awesome privilege to teach with Jill on the Cruise. This accomplished lady is also going to be teaching at the BC expo. Talent,talent!

So I asked everyone the same questions, here's Jill's response:

Name: Jill Hildebrand
married status: Married to my incredibly sweet & funny husband, Ron for 12 years .... yes, married young!!!
kids: Yes!!!!! Oh sorry......Daria (9 - going on 19 most days, very gifted in swimming); Carter (6 - incredibly bright & loves animals and basketball); Asha (3 - a.k.a. "the reason we quit after three" -- lots of energy & attitude).
profession: #1 - Stay-at-Home Mom; #2 - Need-to-stay-at-Home-More Wife; #3 - Substitute Teacher; #4 - Scrapbooking Instructor & DT Member for Smalltown Scrappers
favourite food: Will forever be Spaghetti & Meatballs
favourite drink: a nice, cold glass of MILK
music genre: I listen to mostly Country Music with a little bit of Rock Oldies thrown in at times -- love the good 'ol 80's stuff).
dream place to visit: Of course, Paris, France!!!! Ron promises to take me sometime....right??!?
favourite scrapbook medium(s) to work with: Right now I'm on 12x12 and my most frequently used tools & embellishments would be circle punches, paint, my acrylic stamps & ink, my sewing machine, journalling spots, bling & my own handwriting!!!! In short: LOVE IT ALL!!!!!
favourite book: My most favourite book I've read up 'til now is by John Saul entitled "Shadows". Oh yeah......and I love reading about LIFE in all of Ali Edwards' books!!!! Great inspirational reading.
random fact about yourself: Hmmmmm....something you may not know about me (and maybe wished you never did)......okay.......I'm one of those wives that has Sportsdesk or TSN on the T.V. all the time; not because that's what my husband wants to watch and I go along with it, but because I love watching sports and sports highlights on T.V. as well. I love NBA basketball and have gone with my husband to see several teams throughout the league play.
pet peeves: Okay, I know this will be strange, but.........Left open closet & cupboard doors. Keep 'em shut!!!
Okay, so now check out this slide to see a sample of her work. You'll have to come on the cruise to see it in real life... but if you do want to see more, then just click here.

Feel free to leave any comments or questions for JIll here. Thanks for droppping by guys.

Foiled! & test driving...

2007-08-13T21:35:00.000-06:00

okay, so my plans to start my interviews today were foiled. Blogger refuses to let me upload anything. I started having problems last night. So I'm going to fool around with some sizing issues maybe. I don't know. So today was productive, Riley started VBS, totally had a blast! He's so excited for everyday this week. Putting him to bed was super because he didn't want to miss tomorrow! Then my mom & I spent the ENTIRE day test driving and checking out vehicles. The deadline is approaching to when I will need one, so why leave it to the last minute. Now that Jim is home all the time, come winter he's taking the truck and parking the Superbee till Spring, so then the kids & I need a method of transportation. So I think I'm intent on getting a mini van. So if anyone has any advice let me know. Totally loved the Honda Odyssey today. Mom's first choice for sure!!! Love the sto & go seating in the Dodge Caravan, the Nissan Quest was recommended too but we ran out of time. So please leave me a comment to help me out. I've been a 4x4 truck girl for all my life. Only for a couple years did I own a car. Anyways, see you tomorrow, hopefully I have better luck!

Family Weekend Fun!!!!!!!

2007-08-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

I have so many more pics to show you but Blogger just jammed so I'll have to try later or tomorrow. Have fun with these. We spent today on our lovely Saskatchewan River boating. It was awesome. It always is a good time with family & friends. Our river is so attractive too. So have fun looking at these. Jim totally loves any pics that show the "wake", so needless to say I have lot's for him. the boys loved trying to skip rocks. Uncle Shane & Andrea were teaching them. I love catching them in the moment.

awesome painting on the bridge. If someone has seen this, don't you wonder how on earth they got up there to do this??? WOW! My boys were so excited. They love spiderman. In fact they both started saying spiderman before we realized why, great eyes kids!

here they are approaching the bridge...

I walked up onto Broadway Bridge to take some bird's eye view pics. It was cool. We don't have any pics of our boat like this, so I had fun. My brothers (Steven & Shane) Andrea, Matthew, Trent & us were all on the river today. But we only had one boat on the river out, the boys didn't bring theirs so we just took turns. Which was fine with me because I wanted to take pics. Look, little Jager is already sleeping.

leaving the bridge

I really like this photo, the architecture view I guess.

Another Bess photo taken from our boat! isn't this hotel magnificent, such an asset to our city.

Here's a few pics from the Exhibition yesterday. We had such a GREAT family day there. Both boys loved going on all the rides. Over, and over, and over... Anyways it was fun! Enjoy!

So starting tomorrow I am going to start a fun thing. Interviews!!!! Get to know some people that I think are awesome, see their work. It'll be fun. See you then...

My reveal!!! Layouts, SUPER LONG POST!!!

2007-08-10T16:23:00.000-06:00

Okay, so let's start off the day with my best news of all. I have been put on Luxe Design's permanent designer's list. So cool. So what does that mean??? Every month I will get a package of goodies from them, ALL their new product when revealed, etc. So jumping for joy right now. But every month I have to do so many layouts for them, design classes, pitch ideas, and blog EVERY layout I do with their product. I am not actually part of their official design team, I am on a different type of list, but maybe someday I'll be there. As for now I am going to love being a part of this list! So this will be a fun job!!! Also, I am now teaching a class on the cruise that is solely LUXE Designs products, using awesome stuff they are sponsoring me with!!! So I am pretty pumped. And guess what, the news doesn't stop there. If you are coming to my Cruisin Away Crops in Sept & Oct (at Yesterday's Memories). you are in for a treat because the goody bags and prizes are now going to have LUXE! LUXE! LUXE! If you haven't seen Luxe Designs products you must go here.They rock! I came to know them because I met one of the most awesome scrapbookers in the world Emily Adams (who now works at Luxe Designs)at Camp Croppin in Calgary. She really had a huge influence on my thoughts of what I want to do with scrapbooking. I am glad that we have reconnected. Here's a sample of some of their product! All the patterned paper is double sided. Ribbon to match, die cuts to match, transparencies, rub ons & jotters. So much amazing product!!!! Check them out!

So Riley passed today! He is now going to be a salamander. We are so proud!!! He is really getting to be such a good little swimmer.

So this is my household EVERYDAY!!!!! Both our boys are climbers, and they have been able to crawl onto everything before they could walk. Now they just seem to keep outdoing each other. It drives me nuts. I truly feel like I am raising my brothers. I remember being young watching my brothers climb trees and we used to go onto our house roof, the barn's roof, then the boys used to jump from the top of bins to the next bin, we always played bail tag, which was the best! So I was glad that I had my camera yesterday. Because I usually am at the bottom of the stairs yelling at them to get down. But at least Jim is right beside me in case.

Okay, does this kid look like a trouble maker or what?

Here is a close up of the next layout to show how I put ghost letters ON the photo. It is just a subtle word...FUN!

I had so much fun doing this layout. I LOVE collage, monotone, you can have so much fun with it!So many mediums can be used!

so I just took this photo off my photo wall, so time to scrap!Cosmo Cricket paper & chipboard monogram, Fancy Pants stamps. I LOVE this photo. It tells such a story! Jager is screaming, Riley is squinting. It is setting such a funny scene. I am actually happy that it wasn't the "perfect"Santa pose. This one has so many more memories!

This layout is using Cosmo Cricket paper. And of course circles & stars are so my favourite so I had fun using those. Added just a little diamond glaze to the title to add dimension. The dotted circles I actually just drew myself, then I could put them more where I wanted them in the proper sizes.

I had so much fun doing this layout.

pg#1 This layout came together so fast, because in all reality I just assembled the squares, and when you make them at the Kodak machines you can get 6 printed out on a 4x6 sheet so I actually only arranged 4x6 sheets. Quick & fun!

pg #2. these pages will go in my SHE album because they tell such a story about where I am in my life right now!

Oh and if you need a scrapbook fix, Yesterday's Memories is having a massive sale till Aug.12th. Including 20% off the brand new just arrived stock. Hello! that Heidi Grace stuff sure called my name!!!!! Great time to stock up on supplies. If you are like me, you now have so many summer pics to scrap, may as well do it for cheaper!

I'm seeing nothing but daisies!

2007-08-09T20:59:00.000-06:00

That is Daisy Bucket! They have become one of the layout sponsors AND they are sponsoring me completely with patterned papers & stamps. They are a very new company that just celebrated their anniversary. They just said that they are going to be coming to Canada too. AWESOME! AWESOME! I think that this company is going to be the latest rage with all their awesome product and affordable too!

So go here to check them out further. Here are just 3 of their lines. So cute hey?? sets that have coordinating double sided, cool texture papers, ribbon to match AND neato tag sets. What more could you ask for to complete a look?

They are sending multiples of 17 of the following stamps. My class focuses on doodling, flowers and texture so we will be experimenting with these cool flower & doodle stamps!

Sorry I didn't post my layouts from last night, I was too excited about DAISY BUCKET!

click here to see all the sponsors so far for the cruise! more keep coming aboard every week!

Tomorrow!!!

Love you guys. You are the reason why we have fun scrapbooking. People that want to keep learning, growing and discovering new elements. I love keeping my hobby fun & interesting and nothing is better than sharing it with a great group of scrapbookers & bloggers.

a quick update!

2007-08-09T03:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, so as far as I have heard, there are still a couple spots left for the Oct.27th crop. The Sept. one still is sold out with a very long waiting list. Truthfully girls I don't think anyone is giving up their spot. sorry!!! I'm still overwhelmed at how quickly they filled up. So much awesome support from the coolest people & friends around. A quick shout out to my friends Pam & Melina who have helped me so much too! I'm super excited that Pam will actually be able to come and scrap on the Oct.27th date because on the first date she is only stopping by for visits because she is moving! So I can't wait for those of you who haven't met Pam, she is a really talented artist, person and creates the most unique jewelery. So she has donated some of her jewelery for prizes! WOW! Also the super coolest Melina(only the best local photographer around!) will be there on both days too,so you'll definitely be able to see her amazing photography in person! Katharina Doyle from Canadian Scrapbooker, told me today that she will be donating another magazine subscription for the second crop. And also I may have some super huge news to reveal later this week or the beginning of next week. Deals are still being worked on. but one definitely involves more brand stinkin CHA new, not accessible,(are you drooling yet?) FREE product for the goody bags. WOO HOO. I tell you, I am determined to make this the most fun you can have on land! And I am really excited to teach the new class as well. Can you believe that you get 14 hours of scrapbooking, lunch, treats, goody bags, prizes, prizes, prizes, cheesecake, scavenger hunts,layout contests, & more games for only $35.00. ( also we are bringing in virgin Pina Coladas, and other fun cruise drinks! the mood must be set!) I am really proud that these 2 events are so affordable. It's not fun when you go to a crop and it costs so much. I'd rather spend it on PRODUCT! Sorry for the quick synopsis of these events again, I just am totally bombarded with emails that I feel I am barely responding fast enough and everyone has such similar questions. Sasktel keeps giving me that you've reached your 98% for messages quota. so tomorrow I will (promise promise) read all, & respond to all and then I will have to delete them, need more space!

Also is anyone going to Scrapfest this year in Edmonton? If you are please come to our Crop & Cruise booth and visit! I know we are doing promotional work for next years big cruise but also there is still 5 spots left on this years. Also I think we are doing a TV thing too, so I am so pumped to see Allison do her thing live and in person!

Tuesday's layouts

2007-08-09T02:39:00.000-06:00

okay, here is a few layouts I did Tuesday night. I'll post a few. Lately I've been doing lot's of monotones. Made the black hibiscus with the small mask from Heidi Swapp and just positioned it where I wanted. If you don't know how to use masks go here.

I have hundreds of the Riley laughing in the pool. so now I'm working on layouts for my mom and sis. Jager likes to play on the outside more when Riley is in the pool. I think he is still a little scared. But he is slowly trying more with water. So I don't have too many of him in the water.

More dinosaur layouts. still have a few more to go as I plan to do one set of layouts for Riley., Jager, Hunter, mom& dad & jim's & my book. So I hope you don't get bored seeing them. This one isn't finished yet. I'm going to make fact sheets that the boys can pull out to learn more about the dinosaurs individually.

This one I really wanted the feeling of danger! So I took a sweet little paper that was very soft & romantic and made it dark, creepy & powerful. I'm deciding on a unique way to put the journaling beside the picture. I want it to feel alive, really different so I'll hold off finishing it till I think of something crazy!

Someone sent this funny test to me. After seeing the results I think I'm in trouble, I guess it could be worse...I could be 100%! 80% Well I guess it is into the wee hours so I should attempt to sleep. I did another 4 full layouts and started another tonight. At this rate I think I might catch up by the end of the year!!!LOL. I'll take some pics and post them tomorrow night. Have a great sleep!

Thank you!

2007-08-08T13:10:00.000-06:00

Here's a big shout out to Allison Orthner. She used the doodling I taught her for her TV segment and aired one of my favourite layouts. I was so pumped. If you want to know more about doodling click here. Also, I don't know how I never realized this before, but why on earth wasn't I scrapbooking in my scrapbook room???? I have accomplished so many layouts this week, I could dance for joy. The boys have been loving sleeping in the basement, so you know me, night owl, I put them to bed between 9-10pm (summer hours!)and then I have been scrapbooking for like 5-6 hours straight! I don't go to bed before 2 am on a good night so I have actually accomplished a lot! Usually when the boys sleep upstairs I won't go scrapping in the basement because I definitely can't hear them 2 floors up, so I bring everything to the kitchen table or else go on the blogs. But now I'm on fire...and my house has stayed clean still! amazing! Oh, I am giving a haircut in 15 minutes but I will post some layouts I did last night. Also I just got a new super telephoto lens so now I am PUMPED!!!! Look out Saskatoon Bridges, I am making a date to try this baby out! Okay, got to go get ready! See you in a bit!

Layouts, fun times & swimming lessons

2007-08-07T16:42:00.000-06:00

Gramma & Grampa had bought this horse for us when my brothers were 4 +5, now they have created a place for it in their yard for my kids & hunter. they LOVE it. They even named their horse Blackie.

I'm a little cheesed that I wasn't ready to take a photo. Jenn was pulling the boys around last night in the wagon and they were squealing, so I just missed Riley's whole face. I still love it anyways.

It is funny how life evolves. This man, MY Grandfather was the strict military man my whole childhood. The full "children should be seen but not heard". I swear that my 2 brothers, my sister and I drove him nuts because we were so "full of life" (as I will politely put) As I moved onto my own I have seen him still tackle every issue with full force. (and the man has only a 1/3 of a lung. He hasn't had 2 lungs since his twenties because of tuberculosis) He never stops working and especially helping us grandchildren out. Now that he is a great grandfather to Riley, Jager & Hunter he has become such a gentle man, who I have seen smile so many times. He is having so much fun with the boys. Jager just adores him. He always runs to poppa first. I find this amusing sometimes as I remember being scared of him when I was little, now I can't picture him as anything but the way he is now. These are memories that I will capture, because I want my boys to remember their time with him!

My gramma just adores her great grandchildren. I am so fortunate that she helps me out with the kids. We have so much fun with her! When I was growing up she took us to our swimming lessons in the summer, and we biked for miles. She would always take us to the paddling pool, and now she takes my kids!

Swimming lessons are going GREAT! I have a little swimmer on my hands.

he loves to practise his floats. Today they were in the deep end so they needed life jackets!

This page actually has a lot of different things going on. The paper comes with all the awesome bumps on it. Then I painted areas with 2 different colors of paint, especially the green so that would allow the clear brown acrylic letters to pop. I wanted to continue with the theme of lot's of plant life like the dinosaur show had. So then I added the Basic Grey Urban swirl rub ons & Luxe flower rub ons. Then to stay with the magical theme of this show, I added different colours of glitter. I had so much fun with these dinosaur pages.

I really love dimensional items, so these KI Memories Alphabet soup letters totally rock!

The following 2 layouts are a 2page spread. this one is the left hand side.

pg.2 (right hand side)

Here is a close up of how I used UTEE on the entire background of the layout previous. I stopped embossing it just after it started to melt but before it became smooth. The reason being, the dinosaurs look so lumpy so I wanted to mimic their appearance. Used a lot of UTEE(UltraThick Embossing Enamel) but it was worth it.

So, since I have been stock piling for years, here is another layout mixing old with new product. I did more whimsical sewing on this layout, which was fun. I have a pullout area on the left for Jim to write some stuff to Jag. I do most of the journaling lately so I have been consciously trying to include Jim in that part more. He hates his writing shown, which is silly because it is nice but I don't want him to feel embarrassed so I tend to do more hidden journaling on his layouts. Jim's more private with his thoughts for the boys so he'd rather they weren't for anyone to read except for the boys anyways.

Thanks for looking guys!

ALLISON ORTHNER!!!

2007-08-03T23:46:00.000-06:00

So today was so much fun. I got the privilege of spending it with Allison Orthner discussing all the details of the cruise, the nitty gritty details, the fun surprises for the guests, the parties, the goody bags, the prizes the glamour shots, everything. I even got to give her a mini doodling class so that she can present it on her fantastic TV show!

So much fun! Her family came over for supper and the kids all had a blast. It was really a great experience and made me really excited to be on this adventure with such a classy lady who is really on top of her game. the wheels are already turning about next years concept, so if this year wasn't in your budget, start considering it for next year!!! Because I am amazed at how awesome and well planned this event is. We have a wedding tomorrow and then I think we are going to go boating for a few days, so I'll talk to you guys later!!! Have a great weekend!!!

a slower day, nothing too exciting...

2007-08-02T22:46:00.000-06:00

Jager at Kinsmen Park the other day. He wants to swim so badly!

Here's Riley and his swimming instructor. He is trying so hard. Way to go Riley!

okay, here are layouts & pics!

2007-08-02T00:49:00.000-06:00

Oh and since I couldn't get a hold of my parents yesterday (August 1st) because they were on their hot hot date. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! My whole family loves you guys to death! Way to go being such an inspiration to all of us out there! Hope the Bessborough rocked, the Samurai was oh so yummy and the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan was fun! Can't wait to hear...

so I truly am almost done organizing my scrapbook room. It is the last thing in my house that needs attention. I am glad that the last 2 days cooled off because I scrubbed my house clean like the queen was coming for a visit. You know how they say statements like "you could eat off the bathroom floor", well in my house I will make that statement (it may only last a day, but I tell you we are totally disinfected & disgustingly clean in this house right now!)You know it's bad when daddy brings home the boys and the first words out of his mouth are "don't make a mess boys". Only for Riley to ask how come our house is so clean, is people coming over? Wow, now does that say something or what? I allowed myself to give up on being a great housekeeper like my mom, gramma, Andrea & Natalie.These 4 women are the epitome of "CLEAN HOUSES at all times!!!!" So now, I am actually embarrassed. I thought I always did a decent, respectable job but for a 3 year old to notice, I must have bombed! So maybe I need to purge more, and give up a little more of my scrapbook time to clean... who knows. But then again, I don't really want to be known only as the mom with the clean house. I want to be known as the mom who was super cool, who taught us the neatest things, who spent so much quality time with us. Now having said that , no I still won't bring the sprinkler into the house so that the boys can run through it on cold days. I'm not that cool!

the funny part about this photo is I love the sun effect of it. My shot of it doesn't do it justice but in real life it is really neat. And of course I LOVE LOVE LOVE heidi Grace stuff. I've done I think 12 layouts with her new stuff. I'll post them sporadically so you don't get overloaded!

Here's me & my sweetie again! I had done this photo before in a sepia tone, but I will do one for each boy & Jim's & my album. So I still have one more to do!

I have done so many of Riley posing, but he is loving the camera right now, and I am loving HIM!

this layout is really 3D. had fun with it!

the tags pull out of the pocket to reveal different journaling tags

So I have to say I am truly addicted to scrapbooking.(It just dawned on me you see) Since January I have filled massive boxes with layouts that need to be put in albums. I would guess around 150 or more. I have albums coming out of every single room, literally. I patiently wait, with a stack of 50 plus albums on the floor sitting collecting dust, while I have more downstairs underneath the bench seats around the pool table, in our room, Riley's room, my scrapbook room, for my wall unit to be built. Dad asks where am I going to keep putting all these albums I am completing? Great question!!! I have no idea. So now I am consciously really going to just scrapbook my favourite pics, the better shots and put the rest in albums that can hold many pics. Otherwise I will have no solution but to ...move. When I start sorting those boxes I'll take some more pics of my layouts to show you.

By the way I really want to say thankyou for all the nice comments and especially the really awesome emails I have received this week. It is nice to know that the scrapbooking community in Saskatoon is so supporting. I appreciate every single email & comment. Oh and definitely thank you to my awesome friends at Scrapbook.com. I have been overwhelmed with the response I have been getting there lately! Thanks again!

My exciting NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

2007-08-01T16:44:00.000-06:00

So here's my news! The "Cruisin Away" crop that is being held on September 29th totally sold out and the waiting list for cancellations is huge! So I've been totally been asked to do another crop! And of course I said YES! So the 2nd crop is on October 27th,2007 So last night I ordered all NEW goody bags for everyone because they have to be different from the first crop of course. And I am going to do a totally different class as well. So it will be super exciting!!! Sign up for the new one is starting right now too! I know that for all the ladies that came to the store and put your name on a waiting list, you will be given a spot. Just make sure you confirm that you still want it. All proceeds of gently used scrapbook supplies will also go towards the underprivileged children's group as well! And heck if you can't make it to the 2nd one just mention that you are still interested in the first one. you never know what will happen...

And second of all, I'm just filled with news today!!!!

Corrine Braun(super cool lady! I have a link to her site on the side) works at the Dundurn Army Base. This year they are trying to send as many cards as possible to our Canadian troops overseas. this is an amazing cause as we all know how they are sacrificing their lives to make the world better. So on September 13th there will be a
Cardmaking Crop for Troops at my house. Bring any unwanted Christmas paper or ribbon to make the cards with. And if you have nothing come anyways with your paper trimmer and adhesives!One thing Corrine did mention is that absolutely NO metal (brads, hinges, bookplates, paperclips, etc) can be used on these cards as it just causes more problems going through security. So keep that in mind! This is such an amazing cause. Hope to see you here! (I will tantalize your buds with scrumptious appetizers too!) I'll pull out my best Martha Stewart recipes. Actually to tell you the truth I might call Saucy because that girl knows how to throw a party, go and check out her food pics. All I can say is WOW...I want to be like Martha & Sasha! email me if you are coming!
Third point of interest: I am going to be having a
"Scrap Swap & Chat" at my house September 18th. Anyone is welcome. This is what is going to take place. Everyone will bring an appetizer of some sort as well as their old supplies & scraps they no longer use and their favourite albums. We will visit, eat, share albums and then we are going to spread all the scrapbook supplies out. Then if there is something you want, you can take but you have to give something as well. So the end result is that we have all taken some new to you items but have created a huge amount of boxes to donate to Kate Kading's underprivileged children's scrapbook group. We all know we hoard supplies that realistically we are never going to use again so why not help a good cause out. It is also a nice social evening to get to know other scrapbookers as well as share our albums. So if anyone is thinking that they would like to come but are so new to scrapbooking that you have nothing to give, you are still welcome of course! The idea is to share and have fun.
Oh and yes, Mindy, Terry & Lori ,Jim's still laughing that I told him you guys wanted a sleepover party that night. Funny thing is he thinks we are joking hey?....

sorry it seems so overwhelming but all these important causes have deadlines for them to get to the people in charge. So put them on your calendar and come out and socialize and have fun!!!!

So absolute LAST topic of discussion...

Scraptology has changed dates on our classes for August. As most people are away and there is a demand for these super awesome events. Here are the new changes:

Family Album- Summer activities that was going to be on Aug.8th is now combined with Family Album-school photos class on Aug.23 starting at 6pm-10pm.

"SHE" class on Aug.16 is now moved to Aug.30th with "Who Am I", which will also start at 6pm-10pm

Elsie class will still be on Aug.20th.

Eye on Design Flowers (Aug.21) is now moved to a double class on Aug.22 with Eye on Design Hearts. this will also start at 6pm-10pm.

that's it I swear!!!!!

So since I have not showed you any layouts forever I will take pics and post a bunch tomorrow! Promise, promise, promise. Also the infamous Allison Orthner is coming to Saskatoon to chat with me about the cruise and all the fun events so I am pretty excited to see her again! So maybe I'll have more news, who knows. I hope everyone is having a smashing summer.

Go check out this hot and upcoming jewelery megastar!

2007-08-01T01:24:00.001-06:00

Okay, totally hijacked this of Miss Melina's site (only the greatest photographer around) because I totally think that Pam has the coolest jewelery around. Each piece is handcrafted, unique and really is beautiful. So if you have a minute, go and check her out at the fringe this week (Aug.2nd-Aug.4th) One thing I will guarantee is that she is a lot of fun to talk to, hang out with and she does teach the most amazing classes at Scraptology! So go introduce yourself to her. Hope you have tremendous success Pam!

Hello!

2007-07-31T21:40:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone! Sorry I have been a bad scrapbook blogger! It is so hard to get everything done in a day. Summer always fills my days with so many committments & choice adventures! I have to say though that I have been very accomplished in getting an amazing amount of pages done... but as I told Pam tonight, most of them were for other people. I have officially finished my last custom order book of this season. My sister's wedding book is done, Hunter's baby pics are done. So I am going to dedicate more time to Riley & Jager's album & my mom's grandparent album. She always spoils the kids with the most unique scrapbook items and Lord knows I have a heap of pics to scrapbook! I have done a few smashing layouts of the boys but I think I'll wait awhile to reveal them. I actually outdid myself on a few so I think I'll try to enter them. It's funny, because I am always my harshest judge, just because sometimes I am more focused on detail. Even though I love doing collage work, it does require way more thought effort than my old style. So it is a big thing for me to be really proud of my layouts! But it's a new thing I'm trying. I'm going for more efficiency to get caught up and select only a few photos to be my dramatic pages. I have to say though that I think I'm liking my pages more because I'm getting more understanding of how to take better pics. Unfortunately know matter how cool it would be ...Melina just cannot come to every family function, event, everything...although we definitely consider her a part of our family. So I have been trying harder to actually practise! I feel like I am in music lessons again!Practise,practise,practise!

So on another note, I have something to reveal tomorrow, it has truly floored me how wonderful everyone in Saskatoon is. It is really amazing to know that I have the support & FRIENDSHIP of a lot of Saskatoon scrapbookers. I have 2 fun things to share so I'm off to do a little prep work and I'll see YOU tomorrow!

We are back!

2007-07-29T20:24:00.000-06:00

So we had a BLAST! that is the best word to describe our weekend. Visiting baby Hunter, Jenn & Darryl was fun. He is growing so much!!!! I love this adorable cutie pie! We went to Capital EX (aka Klondike Days as it was once known as) and saw a tremendous butterfly exhibit that had thousands of butterflies, then we went to Walking with the Dinosaurs. This was by far the best performance that I have ever been to of its nature. I think they are a group from England that created this 21 million dollar project that recreated dinosaurs to the closest size possible (that can fit in stadiums anyways) and as realistic looking as possible. There is a guide that walks us through the different periods and we get to see the dinosaurs, plant life evolve, how Pangea started to break up to form the different continents. Very interactive and amazing. I would go again! The boys were fascinated by this show. Then we did Fort Edmonton, a little bit of a packed zoo at first but we actually were there 6 hours in ei yi yi heat but had so much fun! Oh and I checked out the new & hip scrapbook store in Sherwood Park, Scrapbook Divas. It is really modern looking, funky, and in one word "trendy". They actually have only been open 3 weeks so I hope they have tremendous success. It was fun to go here. Plus next door is the most adorable baby store ever. Had fun in there too!

Have a great weekend!

2007-07-25T15:09:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I am off to Edmonton for a few days to visit my cutie nephew Hunter, Jenn & Darryl. We are going to walk with the Dinosaurs, Klondike Days and more. I hope you all have an awesome time this weekend. I have so many things & projects that I have been working on the last couple weeks so I'll be back with avengence when I return.

random

2007-07-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

Sorry my blogging is a little blah right now. I had my last dentist appt today. Feeling super awful!I still have 3 more, but they are only for xrays, and my new night guard fitting! which I need so I don't have another series of appt's like this again. Ei yi yi. my wallet is hurting even after my dental care. But if you want to maintain great dental health, it's has to be done. So I still have a few spots in our double class tomorrow night (Wed.July25th):

Your home-2 12x12 pages
Your neighborhood-2 12x12 pages
Come to either one or both. Starts at 6pm-10pm. But you must register with me by sending me an email by tomorrow noon. Thanks scrap-mommy@hotmail.com or scraptology@hotmail.com If I feel a little better I will post our pics from the Fun Factory today. Otherwise, I am going to lie down right now!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

2007-07-23T02:06:00.000-06:00

So I had fun this weekend. The BBQ at my cousins was fun, it was great to see relatives that I haven't seen in a year! Doug & Paulette had their yard set up so wonderful too! Riley & Jager of course love everything about their yard especially since they have a huge playhouse & a fort treehouse type of set up. Jager even started getting brave and walking up the slide like big kids do! our little boy is growing up!

And well Sunday morning was a hoot. I go to sign up some friends & family for the Cruisin Away Crop and here there are crazy friends of mine all pitted in on lawn chairs totally doing the concert ticket line type of wait. So what was I to do???join them! We had fun. So I can't believe with only 2 days notice 32 people signed up instantly. I wasn't even at the store for very long too. so maybe more have sold but when I left they still had a few tickets so if it interests you, love to see you there! *****edited*****sorry it sold out today! I have 2 tickets in my possession that possibly might be available. Email me if you want them. Well, I just spent 4 1/2 hours cleaning my scrapbook room. Almost totally done. The coolest part that I feel the best about is I have 2 big boxes of stuff for Kate's children's group she is starting up. If anyone else has scraps or gently used items to give away we will be gathering a collection for her on Sept/29th. Of course if that day doesn't work we can arrange something! Well, I have to admit I'm tired! and I do have to wake up in 5 hours so I better try and sleep. Bon nuit!

Tickled Pink!!!!

2007-07-20T21:57:00.000-06:00

I'm officially now in love with the "brown van"! aka UPS. I received my first boxes from one of my sponsors...Cosmo Cricket!!! 3 boxes so big the UPS guy could barely lift one. Talk about Christmas in July. The coolest part was unpacking them and starting to put together my kits. Had so much fun!! The best part is they have sent me goodies to hand out at the "Cruisin Away" Crop on Sept.29th too!!!!! What an awesome awesome company! I got the official word...9 spots left on the cruise. That's it, that's all she wrote! There is one lady who doesn't have a roommate too from Calgary so if anyone is thinking of going by themselves there is the possibility of sharing a room to keep the costs down if it interests you. So I have to tell you, absolutely motivated to scrap,scrap, scrap tonight. No kids, cutie hubbie is going to bed right now. I am starting my marathon. I feel so inspired by looking at the brand new CHA releases from Cosmo that they sent me, that I can't stop the ideas in my head. and yes mom...I did get a chance to clean the house, so now I can play! So maybe I will post a few of my layouts tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful night, and remember sign up for the Cruisin Away crop begins Sunday 12:30 sharp! And if you can't come scrap, still come visit, I am so giving away a package of these Cosmo goodies to someone who comes to shop & visit ME! I love the scrapbook industry and I want to share my passion for it with you!Each and every one of you out there.

Awesome Adventure!!!!

2007-07-19T15:35:00.000-06:00

Click on this to enlarge to read clearer. But registration begins at 12:30pm Sunday. yes THIS Sunday. I'll write more later, off to a dentist appt right now!!! ***edited*** hi, okay there have been extraordinary sponsors come aboard to help me with my teaching adventure. As this is the very first cruise of its kind, there is so much to learn. Every sponsor has contributed in amazing & unique ways, which makes it an awesome experience. Yesterday's Memories is our local scrapbook store in Saskatoon who is inviting me to bring the cruise experience to local scrapbookers here. They are letting "crop and cruise" become an experience for those who are not coming on the trip. This day is full of fun, goody bags & prizes handpicked by ME, a free doodling & multimedia class is included in the price(a real 12x12 layout will be completed!!!!) make 'n takes, an awesome lunch, snacks throughout the day and when you return from supper you will be treated to an assortment of flavourful cheesecakes. Please bring your scrapbooks to share with others, we all love to admire!!! If you aren't able to come for the day to scrap, still come and shop,mingle, introduce yourself to me, come visit. Everyone who drops by and comes and talks to me will be entered in another draw for a prize. (You don't have to stay to be eligible for the draws or raffles) I really look forward to seeing everyone. IT will be an awesome day surrounded by awesome friends & really our big scrapbook family. There is so many talented scrapbookers in our midst, come and see their work! okay, just a quick comment, my mouth is killing me but I am determined to have an extraordinary supper with my husband since the kids are at the farm.

Fun Day at Kinsmen Park!

2007-07-18T18:19:00.000-06:00

Hi, had a totally awesome day at Kinsmen Park. hot weather, pool to cool off in and a park to have fun! My gramma Elliott came with me, thank goodness because the boys each wanted to be in the opposite direction. Riley-pool, Jager- playground equipment. Ei yi yi. But it was a blast, and then we went to the rides and well, ecstatic was all I can say!

So not quite ready to release my news, but here's the deal. Once registration starts anyone can sign up for it, so if you are interested in the most fun you can have in one day without actually going to Mexico on the cruise, COME ON DOWN. As soon as I post it here I will tell you what day this week you can start registering on. I'll give you a hint...layouts, games (and they rock!!!) food, fun, friends, goody bags,prizes, and maybe a little or a lot of scrapping.

super excited...

2007-07-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

about this. This totally wicked online website just came aboard as a sponsor. They have a really neat way about showcasing designers, members, layouts. Try them out. I became a chartered member when they first started and the package I received definitely contained one of the nicest albums I own. Cool unique paper that you can't ever buy in stores made by famous people in this industry.

Go and check out their website it is magnificent. IT is fun, interactive and you'll spend hours on it. I haven't uploaded any layouts on it yet, but I have been slightly swamped!!!! Soon though.

Hi, back for a minute...

2007-07-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, sorry about the lack in posting. We have been out helping at the farm. Mom and dad are erecting new hopper bins, so we had fun helping them for 2 days. Then we brought in the crane last night, but it was so late to blog and I was way too tired!!!! I took some cool pics so I'll post them later. I am actually going right back to the farm right now to pick nanking cherries. Our trees are filled with them and my husband loves this jelly. So I really want to gather those berries before they fall. It's the least I can do for this awesome guy. But I do have lot's of cool news and pics and layouts and you know everything that makes my world. So I will be posting tomorrow all of it. wish me luck though I have another dentist appt tomorrow. ei yi yi. So one last thing to talk about:

July 25th- Family Album Class: your home & neighborhood. (4- 12x12 layouts) we will be starting at 6pm-10 pm. If you are able, bring any colour,tile or wood swatches for your house. We will try to incorporate those into the house design.

Elsie class is now officially August 20th 7pm. We will be making 3-12 x 12 layouts.

So please fire me off an email about Elsie if you can make it or if you are new to our classes and want to sign up for the July 25th class, email me too. I have to know by July 20th for that class. Thanks!!!

Layouts!!!

2007-07-12T21:20:00.000-06:00

I'll show you the 3 I did last night with the Elsie line. It is a fun line. Love the busy mess of this layout!!!!get the theme...LOVE!!!

this one is for our 12 x 12 family album. adorable pic of the 2 of them!

this is just an 8x8 size for Shane & Andrea's album. I just found out that they don't even have an album for pics so of course that must be remedied! I went and found an album in Edmonton that will match their decor. Their condo is soooooo top shelf in design, all of which they have rebuilt themselves. And Andrea has such exquisite taste, so of course the album has to fit in!!!!

Are you having fun yet or what???

2007-07-12T11:00:00.001-06:00

So I have 5 dentist app'ts this month because I have been grinding my teeth again. 9 teeth to fix. ei yi yi. wish me luck. So if I feel better I'll post 3 of the layouts I did last night. Try the fridge thing it is so much fun!!!!

Found some totally fun things to do with a blog...

2007-07-12T02:09:00.000-06:00

I will show you this one for now but tomorrow when I post more layouts I'll show you a cooler one!!!!!! HAVE fun! Create your own Fridge

another sponsor came aboard today!!!!

2007-07-11T18:39:00.000-06:00

Things are becoming so much fun!!! I tell you, the truly coolest sponsors are becoming involved with this cruise. If you are remotely thinking of coming please check it out. I think there are only 23 spots left. The goody bags are out of this world. I truly squealed with delight when I found out what Cosmo is donating for prizes & MY MINI ALBUM CLASS. all I have to say is WOW!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!

2007-07-10T14:26:00.001-06:00

First of all, thank you to all the people who have decided to sponsor me on this cruise. I have the support of the coolest people...

Creative Scrapbooks (from Edmonton)

I have a few more little details that are being worked out with other sponsors & manufacturers, so I am really excited!!! I'll post them once I know. Anyone can be a sponsor, it totally benefits YOU! If you are interested in all the free publicity that would surround your store, online site, or manufacturing company, please email me and I can tell you all the perks of being a sponsor.

Also, there is going to be a really cool cruising event held in Saskatoon. Watch here for more information. I will be giving the details at the beginning of next week. Cropping, chatting, classes, food, prizes galore!!!!

Layouts, misc.fun...

2007-07-09T18:18:00.000-06:00

Here is a cute pic of the boys with their new kitties.

This is something I had to finally capture. Since Riley could crawl he has always lined up any toy, car, anything he has played with in a straight line. He still does it. He'll even line up all 100 plus cars he has in a long long line.

I have some great shots of my brothers from their ball games. We love going and watching their games. It is fun. Here is Steven,

love this pic of Jager!!!! I haven't decided what journaling I will do on this yet. But here it is so far...

totally love Hambly Screen prints. I have done 7 layouts in the last week with it. they are really cool! love this pic of Jager. isn't this a great colour combo??? oh and the top left is a curved corner but it doesn't show well.

So when I was in Edmonton I got some really cool sports paper from Creative Scrapbooks ( one of my awesome cruise sponsors!!!!!Love this store!) So I decided that I would start getting some of my hundreds of sport pics done. Since I have so many I am glad that the paper is really neat because I don't have to do as much with it then.I will do all the journaling when I complete all of the layouts.Otherwise I will be doing it in the bottom right hand corner.

This layout I am still not finished, it needs something. I know I have a ribbon that would match well, so I'll have to go on a hunt for it. I don't know what isn't working for me, possibly the primary colors, I don't know. Any ideas how to fix? I wanted to keep it plain, but I think it isn't working very well.

Check back tonight hopefully...

2007-07-09T10:56:00.000-06:00

I'll be able to post my layouts. I am leaving right now to go and hang out with cousins that have come down from super North Alberta. So we are pretty excited. We don't get to see them very often, should be a blast. If it ends up being a late night, then I'll post tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great day!

Rambles...

2007-07-09T00:08:00.000-06:00

had a really different day today, went to the farm. had some neat experiences, cut lot's of wood to bring in, had an awesome BBQ, my mom totally is the best cook! did lot's of quadding. It was just fun & relaxing. all the boys in my house totally flaked out once we hit home. I managed to scrap 3 layouts and now am totally going to enjoy a hot, hot, bubble bath. Imagine one with no kids or kids toys. Heck maybe I'll even break out the candles. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Bon nuit!

smores & layouts, fun!

2007-07-07T12:24:00.001-06:00

So Jim lit up only 4 of our tiki lights. We used to have them around our entire yard, but when you lit them all they smelled like a truck stop (diesel burning smell) It used to look so cool like when I was in Fiji and all the pathways were lit up like that. Fond memories... But he brought out a few for ambiance. the boys thought they were so cool. Does Riley look cold or what? Yes it is 10 pm and he just got out of the pool. Crazy hot day, but then started cooling off fast!

since it was so hot, I ran to Mac's and got the boys both little slurpies as a treat! needed to cool them off. too bad pic is blurry of Jg, but is still fun!

our fire was so much fun! we love sitting around the fire. Jim even put in some of those cool colour changers that my mom got the boys, so they loved it.

Then of course what campfire would be awesome without smores???

I love Riley's smile!

It was so funny watching Jager eat his smores. Riley got too full and couldn't finish it so of course Jager wanted it too! We literally all had to spray off with the garden hose because we were all sticky, even me! But I had to keep helping the boys and had a few marshmallow casualties. Worth every minute.

So we slept in the tent last night, was awesome until... it started lightning & thundering. which would have been fine, but Jager starts screaming when he is scared. so we didn't want to freak our neighbors out so as preventitive measure, Jim & I carried the boys upstairs to bed. Then massive wind blew, and in the middle of the night Jim heard cracks, looked out our window, 2 poles of our tent had snapped. So sad! so in the morning we went out to see the tent flooded, lot's of clean up needed. ei yi yi. and I didn't even get a pic! so now I am going to have to see if I can just order some new poles. Because us campers CANNOT live without our tent!

So I did a few layouts yesterday, I was excited to finally get to use some of the Basic Grey paper that I got for a huge deal at yesterday's Memories (15 % off for members, 10% off for non members). So I made a few layouts with it and had fun. I was so excited to scrap this page of Jager running. IT is so characteristic of him. So happy spirited this little guy! And before you ask, along the left hand side of the page is not a rub on, it is in fact a transparency that I cut up and glued there. (my mind's eye-tres jolie line)

It is a tradition for us, EVERY TIME we go to Edmonton we go to Chuck E, CHeese, the heaven on earth place for kids (aka:drive parents absolutely nuts place on earth) The kids have so much fun here, Jager has even figured out how to put the tokens in to make the rides work. too funny. Jenn & Darryl have taken the boys here more than I have so they associate it as something they do with them. Which is good. but they have this little sketch machine, and we always get our pic taken. It is fun!

I love this picture of my gramma and Jager. (his great gramma!) She just loves our kids to death and it shows. This was an amazing moment I captured on Mother's/Grandmother's Day this year. I definitely wanted to keep it warm & cozy so I was excited to use the New Basic Grey "Infuse" line. I knew that the pink would make it more feminine but I think that gramma's pages should be more feminine/girly! funny thought. you can't tell but I raised some of the die cut flowers and glossy accented them. all my own doodles.

So I had these little 2x3 photos and I really wanted to make a page with them. Unfortunately they are not big enough to capture the page so my usual style was too overwhelming for these cute pics. So I decided that obviously a less is more layout would suit it better. So I knew I wanted to use arrows because I really wanted the movement effect. I tried to use a subtler title so it would blend into the background while still being able to be seen. Ultimately I think I created my goal. Hindsight, I might've used an even softer background paper, who knows though since I did need the contrast to pull it off. I love how jager gets his little arms going and tongue out. Too funny!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

in response to Kelly's comment...

2007-07-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

and yes, I live for my kids. They change and grow up so fast that why would I want to miss that. When we decided that I would stay home with them till they went to school, then the most important thing to me was that we were educating them with proper morals, habits and helping them learn everything that will take them farther in life. I absolutely do still have up and down days, but they are few and far between, because I can't stand arguing & yelling. I think it truly is a waste of my time and energy. So I try to always deal with things rationally, since Jim is the same way, it definitely shows in our kids.I don't think that they have ever heard us raise our voices. I really love all the little moments the best, but I do try to make sure that we have some sort of fun EVERYDAY! When I am long and gone I don't want my kids to only think that mom and dad were just workaholics, they never were there for us,blah, blah ,blah... Instead I'd like them to say that their childhoods were the happiest time in their lives, that we were always there for them, that we taught them the coolest things. you get the concept. This is just something I truly believe in! I really think that if parents watched less TV & on the computer and showed the kids that they really love each other , and that they would rather have family time playing games and going to the park, movies, walks, picnics, stories at bedtime, prayers, singing, sports, whatever. just as long as it is together, than I think we'd have less kids that are drinking early & out of control, less drug use, gang problems, girls wearing obscene amount of makeup for all the wrong reasons too! the less we are in their lives, the more problems they face, Okay now I'll be quiet. have a great day Kelly. I can tell when I read your blog that you are on the same page. There is always so much love shown in your pics & journaling. Great job! I do think that religion plays a large part in morals, but I do have some awesome friends that are not religious that still are raising their children phenomenally & morally. So I do not judge, I just encourage and support. So I do believe that eveyone out there can reach the same goal of healthier, happier kids & family. It just takes work & effort! I felt that I had to put this as my topic today since it is important. I'm not usually a rant & raver, I just believe in family. Have a great day everyone else too, maybe today is the day to add just 15 min. into your crazy day to talk to your kids. Even if it is just at meal time. Good luck, remember nothing good comes easy, it will take work!

just a little pool fun!

2007-07-05T16:42:00.000-06:00

Sorry, no pics from last night, we ended up having a little company and the night slipped away from us, before we knew it, bedtime was here. So we'll have to try our marshmallow fun maybe tonight. But we had loads of fun for hours today. The boys burst a hole in our old pool, so I went to Walmart yesterday and bought this cute little pool. Serious amusement. Jager though, HATES sliding down too fast and going under the water. So he pretty much just stays in the pool part, while Riley has to try all the flips and turns and more. Enjoy.

Today in a nutshell!

2007-07-04T21:13:00.001-06:00

So Jim decided that today we would go camping in our backyard. So spontaneous that man of mine. The kids are ecstatic. They love to tent! So the tent literally takes up a 1/3 of our backyard. It is a 12 man tent, but we use it more for an area for us, the kids and then an area where we can set up a table and play games in case it rains. So we should have fun tonight. Jim is going to build a fire and we are going to do the whole marshmallow thing and all. So maybe I'll take some pics of our fun time, who knows. we'll see. this is how the boys help us set up the tent...

they love to chase each other around and around the partitions.

So since I did have so many deadlines to get done , I ended up scrapbooking at the kitchen table so I could multi task. See how easy I can create a disaster while scrapbooking. So I only have 1 album left to do for someone, hopefully I will finish this week, finish my sister's pages up,then a few for my mom, 3 for my grandma and the album for the people from Ottawa. They don't arrive for 3 weeks so I have some time still. But after that is done, I am not scrapbooking for anybody for the rest of the summer. I am going to purely scrap for my family, catch us all up and enjoy my time with my family. Since Jim is going to be home more, I'd like to spend my extra time with him getting things done around the house, finish all of our "builds",etc. I have all my pictures ready to build our Pergola but I hit a snag 3 weeks ago, so I have to replan it a bit, but maybe we'll start that someday. I need the shade and it will give us some privacy from the neighbors, and block the wind that comes in from the South.

So, I had to run out and do some serious errands, a million things to do today. Jim was home from work all day since an injector blew on the truck, so the boys had a fun time with daddy! But I told Jim to make sure he keeps the boys covered in sunblock all day. So, I guess the boys decided they wanted to put on their own sunblock... (here is another "Daddy lets the kids do whatever they want to see what they will do day!") So needless to say, a 3yr old and a 21 month old aren't quite ready to do it themselves. Jim grabbed the camera while laughing hard I presume, he took about 50 pics of these 2. When I got home tonight, he told me to go and check out my camera. Some serious laughing went on.

Well life is never dull in this house. Tune in for more adventures in Arbor Creek... LOL

hello!

2007-07-04T01:02:00.000-06:00

Sorry, no interesting post today. We just got back from the drive-ins. I am so packed with deadlines I have to get done this week. I thought I'd be working all day at that. But then my 3 cute men asked me if I would come to the movies with them. How on earth could I say no? If you turn down the family time, what memories will I have left to think back on? So we went for only one movie though (the drive-ins play 2 back to back) and now I have to work. So only a quick hello tonight. Hopefully I'll have some cool stuff to show tomorrow... until then

Lake, Anniversary, time together with family & friends!

2007-07-02T20:24:00.000-06:00

The boys took it upon themselves to be the official flower "water boys". 3 sides of their house is surrounded by a huge deck with thousands of flowers. So the boys had fun, also bugging the goldfish! I took a freeze photo of Jager running. I love it. I only wish it was a little clearer. Still so going to scrap it! Dig the saying on his shirt too, how ironic is that?

This is my favourite thing about Jim, his laugh. He is such a happy, funny guy. We had a fun Anniversary. It was nice to kick back with family and friends and enjoy the time together.

Trampoline fun!

2007-07-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

July 1st! Fireworks, Lake, & more...

2007-07-02T19:57:00.000-06:00

so the fireworks that Jim bought were phenomenal as usual. (Jim & his brother Joe are awesome with the fireworks, total pyro nuts! but Joe wasn't there this year.) we were so lucky to see a really great fireworks show as the guys set them off the dock. They reflected on the lake so cool! I wish I knew more about how to use my camera to take pics of them but I still liked these. I probably needed to bring the tripod to steady the camera.

Quick synopsis of yesterday!

2007-07-01T11:32:00.001-06:00

So here we had our big plans to watch the monster pull offs. but since the actual day was supposed to be from 1pm-8pm and it was already plus 30 we decided that there was no way the kids could last 7 hours in the hot sun. So the part Jim really wanted to see didn't perform until the end. so we let the boys play in the pool, have a nap and then we all got ready to go. we get there and it was finished! 3 hours early! can you believe it. So I felt bad since that was something that Jim really wanted to see, but at least the boys got to play around the monster truck for a little while. Then we just decided to head out to the farm and pick up our boat. may as well head to the lake! We ended up going to mom's neighbors' and picking up 2 new kitties(they were giving them away and mom needed some for the farm. Riley named his "Cashew" and Jager named his "Oreo". They are CUTE! we stayed the night, Jim had bought a whole bunch of fireworks so dad & Jim set those off. FUN FUN FUN! Then we headed to the lake the next day!

Pencil Lines Site!!!!woo hoo!

2007-06-30T09:08:00.001-06:00

So on a whim I decided to enter a layout on Pencil Lines Site (which is really cool by the way) and they emailed me back saying they loved my layout. They put it up on their site in the reader's gallery. sweet! check out this site it is a lot of fun! http://scrappingangelsuk.typepad.com/photos/readers_gallery_sketch_38/ Well, we are off to have a family breakfast, and then spend the day at the Exhibition grounds. Ei yi yi. wish me luck! Have a great Canada Day weekend.

all boys are sleeping!

2007-06-29T22:30:00.000-06:00

My house is super quiet right now. It is beautiful! Jim has been waking up crazy hours, and especially since we were up late last night, he didn't get much sleep at all. But all my boys were in bed by 8:30pm. Can you imagine? I was able to have a luxurious bath, clean the kitchen, and now blog and look at galleries. Tomorrow we are going to the smash & crash event and I'm sure that will be a gong show, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Riley is so excited to go, but he asked me tonight why people just want to smash their cars, then what will they drive? Good question. I am sure getting serious amusement out of his choice of words. I asked him to put away his outside toys , he responded "mom, I don't think that I will right now," to which I ask why... he responds with ,"it is stressing me out right now!" Where does a 3 yr old come up with that? I'm sure me, because I am known to say silly stuff, but can you imagine that he actually uses it in an appropriate situation. Well I live for these moments. Have a good night!

My awesome husband SURPRISED me! I love him!!!!

2007-06-29T15:14:00.000-06:00

Okay, so last night Jim came home with these awesome flowers. And of course silly me wondering why the strange amount. Hello!!!! On July 1st is our 7th year anniversary and he thought he'd surprise me. Which he did. He said there were 7 roses for 7 years of marriage. Then HE said that there were 2 white roses representing him & I, then the rest of the roses had to be different colours representing different elements of our life. 2 being our awesome boys of course and 3 being stages we've went through. So he did make me cry! really a tough thing to do. So he asked where I wanted to go, of course I chose the Keg, because I love it there! No kids, just us. We sat and had the best steaks and wine and dessert and enjoyed just us for 2 1/2 hours. Then we went for a cruise in the Superbee(totally fun, something we don't do as often anymore alone), visited friends and came home for ... sleep time of course.

So of course being an occasion I needed a photo op. I only wish I knew we were going because I would've made myself look really hot & sexy for him!!! oh well this will have to do!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this man. Can you tell??? I can't believe he fooled me too, I never thought anything of it since our anniversary is still a few days away! Gotta love a romantic man!

Thank you!

2007-06-27T09:33:00.000-06:00

I just want to say a big thank you to Miss Sherrie & Miss Ada. They were absolutely delightful teachers and I hope that your kids are able to cross paths with them someday!

Oh, and I have to show the layouts tomorrow. I forgot about a graduation party we have tonight at 8pm and we've been at the shop all day! So I'll post tomorrow!

so many questions today!!!!

2007-06-26T21:45:00.000-06:00

okay first on the list. I am rescheduling the Elsie class. Is there any particular day in the first week of July that would work for anybody? If not we can push it back. There are too many of you guys and as we found out last time trying to get an entire class to pick one day that works is awful!!! So here are your choices: July 3, 5 or 6, all of them would be at night 7-10 or 6-9 whatever you guys want! If these just don't work then we'll try another week. please just let me know,especially if you are interested but can't make that day. you can email me, phone or just leave a comment on this post. The 3 layouts are all 12 x 12. 1 that works with fabric, felt & sewing. the 2nd is funkiness with buttons and pattern paper, the 3rd is scrabble letters and hand journaling (not swirls & flourishes though, much easier!!!!)

next on the agenda, I've been asked by 2 people if I will repeat the exact same or similiar layout that I did in the Multimedia doodling class. I WILL if I get a few more people to make it worth while. So if it interests you, let me know and we can set a date!

Okay, enough shop talk. I finished 2 layouts, 1 amazingly 8 hours later is not dry!!!!1 Ei yi yi. almost had a catastrophe! hopefully by morning. Tomorrow is last day of school, so sad!!!! But it just means that we have 2 full months of super fun days ahead!!!

See you guys tomorrow!

Oh and you have to check out my friend Sasha's blog (link on right..."saucy") she is just full of absolute creativity. She & I went to University together, went a long time without seeing each other and then about 2 years ago or so ran into each other. Her work is really AWESOME! Oh and it is her anniversary! Have a great day Sasha!

Teacher's gifts!

2007-06-26T13:21:00.001-06:00

So I made both of Riley's teachers mini clipboard albums. They are about 14 pages each I think. I used all school type paper to keep the consistent theme. Then I added "Leica" funkiness! I loved using the different dimensions within these 2 books. I'd love to show you every page of each album but unfortunately I do not have permission to expose everyone's kids. sorry. but here are a couple pages! Enjoy. Miss Sherrie's album: Miss Ada's album

In each opening cover Jim & I wrote a little note to each teacher thanking her for what qualities she has helped develop in Riley.

I used almost all index prints of 2x2 or 3x4 in size so that I could show a whole bunch of different activities that took place since Riley started. It was great because I could include lot's of pics and less journaling. (since I'm not always there to know what to write!) sorry, covering some kids faces!

I thought it would be cute to interview Riley about his teachers. See what a 3 year old's opinion is. I am going to do this interview again for Riley's album but since doing this one I have learned to ask maybe more specific questions!

I think that his teacher's will love these little gifts with their chocolates too. Fun little stuff for important people. Remember, spoil those teachers, they are the ones predominantly raising our kids to be who they are, so wouldn't we rather have happy, and ambitious teacher's???

The boys are sleeping right now, and I am totally working on a crazy collage that is forcing me out of my comfort zone. I am trying to combine colours & patterns that people most likely will never put together and see if I can make them work. Hopefully I'll finish it before the boys wake up and then maybe I can post them tomorrow!

official Day 1

2007-06-25T21:55:00.000-06:00

So today is the first day where Jim had a full day of work in SASKATOON! We, his little family, are so excited to have daddy home for good. Our business took some revamping, selling old equipment, buying new & different equipment. but now he is home every single day with us. It is so awesome going to bed together, I'd say waking up together too but we all know that I do not wake up at 5am very well. I think he was actually up at 4:30am this morning. So we had a real day! I made sure he had an awesome supper to come home to( Roast Beef, the fixings and real Yorkshire puddings from scratch! I'm totally Martha Stewarting!) and a clean house, happy kids, and a happy mom because I got all my tasks done today as well as I got to scrapbook while the kids slept. And then my best friend forever, Natalie(seriously since the day I was born!) and her family came over. They had baked us a bunch of goodies. We do that, whenever we bake we always make enough to share with each other's family. It is just a fun little perk that brightens each other's day! So life is really exciting. I almost feel like we are on our honeymoon having us altogether everyday. The boys actually are too wound up that they get to see daddy whenever they want. too funny! What a positive change in our life! See you tomorrow! scrapbook mini albums to show !!!!

a really successful weekend!

2007-06-25T13:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I am back from Alberta. I did some serious work for the cruise. Brought aboard some amazing stores as sponsors for prizes. Remember, this is an all across Canada event...a cruise for Canadians, so of course the more support from Canadian people & stores the better because the cruise is your way to let people know about you. Especially since summer is coming and people are doing lot's of traveling wouldn't you want to be able to know quickly where to stop? I always do! And of course, now I had an official reason to go to scrapbook stores!tee hee. I actually visited 10 stores. missed 2 because they were closed and 2 have relocated and are opening in Aug. But it was so much fun. I can't believe how many amazing scrapbookers there are out there. I met so many women cropping, had some cool meet & greet time. I wish I could have actually spent time cropping at every one. One store had a cool worker that had me in stitiches! So I came home with stories, new friends & of course a lighter wallet! So I didn't get too much time visiting Hunter, but he sure is cute!

what a sweetheart hey? Okay, boys are sleeping, off to finish the covers of Riley's teachers books. And hopefully do some serious scrapbooking! I'm so impressed with Jim, I had cleaned the house before I left, but I came home to a super clean house! So now I can scrapbook without a guilty conscious!

I'm off!!!!

2007-06-22T10:50:00.001-06:00

I am so excited, I just can't hide it...does anyone think I am singing this song??? Oh you guys so know me! Jody, definitely will be hitting all the LSS, eyes will be open !!! Have a great weekend!

Elsie layouts, & tball

2007-06-21T21:01:00.000-06:00

This is the best part of this layout, the story... I fell in love with this line,the anticipation, everything. But my actual travel pics are so not accessible. so does that mean I sit and wait till they are? NO! I just created this layout anyways. I totally did it Pam style, because as you know, she is the queen of FAST N FUN pages! (check out scraptology site if you want to know more...) But since doing it, I realized that I could of had a little more fun with it, so I am going to create a 2 pg. spread, change it up a little and enhance with my new idea.s I'll stilll use this layout, but I am literally many trips behind in albums!!! New Zealand, when I lived in Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico, Eastern Canada, when I lived in Quebec City, Las Vegas and then I have pics from all over U.S. except for Florida and Alaska. Heck I might just start making multiples of the same layout just so I can actually show some of these trips. Just kidding, see I AM totally years behind too! When I saw this paper it just screamed water to me, so I think I will have a lot of fun with it. Needless to say I went back to Yesterday's Memories twice today!!!! I wanted to get some more of the embellishments before they were gone again!!! I truly did not think that I would be this fascinated with this line, but I already have another layout done today, but no pic on it yet. Who says you can't use pink for a boys layout??? I think that it actually compliments his outfit well. Especially since the word love is shaded in red too! I love writing on pics too when I know I've already done layouts with the picture untouched. Why not use the white sace. No one says we always have to go and create journaling blocks!

I thought this Elsie travel paper was so appropriate for this car. Same shade of teal, and funky! JIm and this car are so know for road trips. anywhere, anytime, with anybody. He is definitely infamous for his Moose Jaw/ Buffalo Pound runs. Spontaneity is my husband's middle name! So I laughed making this layout but I think anyone that knows Jim will think it is appropriate!

Did a layout for Jenn & Darryl that I am going to take tomorrow. they'll have to do all the journaling! tough. I only scrap the memories not make them so that is their responsibility to capture their life.

you look so pumped! glad you had fun at tball this year!

love your look Riley.

tonight was the last night of tball so they got these adorable little medals. Riley was so proud. He actually hit some great line drives tonight. super exciting!!! Oh and I finally got to meet Angie tonight, a fellow blogger & local scrapbooker, so that was neat.

oh, so I might not blog tomorrow. I am off to Edmonton for an awesome weekend. And to see my sis, bro inlaw & of course baby hunter. love that boy. miss him. I am so going to take hundreds of pics you know!!! I'll so be blogging Monday!!!! hope eveyone has a super weekend....

hello, so lovin the Elsie line!!!!

2007-06-20T22:23:00.000-06:00

sorry, not much to say. Check back tomorrow, I am going to show you some new layouts I made with the Elsie line. okay, enough said, I truly love her line. It is so different and unique. I had to go back to Yesterday's Memories again today and get some more. She just got the whole line in again yesterday (because it sold out in like 1 1/2 days last time!!!!)so I was able to get some stuff I didn't even see the first time around. You know the worst thing is, I love the travel paper so much that I just made up template layouts that will have to wait until I take some new travel pics,(cruise pics...) or I go and make some pics from my stash. The unfortunate thing is my photos are nowhere easily accessible now that I'm renovating that room!!! So I guess I'll just show them the way they are...

also I just have the finishing touches to do on my gifts for Riley's teachers, so if I get a chance to finish the covers tomorrow, then I will show you!

So, today was super busy but sitting here it seems like I can't remember anything I did... ever feel that way? Well back to laundry. see you guys tomorrow!

I can't believe I forgot...

2007-06-20T00:33:00.000-06:00

to post what Riley made for Jim for Father's Day. I guess I was so caught up with getting our computer fixed & back that I forgot I never posted this. I love this little imitation Andy Warhol! His teacher is always coming up with really neat things for the kids to learn about. In art class they study famous periods & styles of art. They learned about Matisse, Post-Impressionist, Monet, Jackson Pollack just to name a few. How cool is that?? a little culture in our boy! And he carried it onto this painting. Since I was an art history major in University I totally dig that they even explore history. riley was so proud to give this to Jim! this artwork is now hanging in our little art gallery! so proud!!!

need a giggle??...

2007-06-19T08:57:00.000-06:00

So as I am on this mission to purge & clean out my scrapbook room again. I am getting rid of ALL my magazines. Donating anything I don't use to charity and making it so I can fully function & work in this room. Now that Jim is home all the time, I won't need to drag my stuff upstairs so I can scrap & hear the boys at night. So I am halfway to the road to scrap with enjoyment. In my own space, that doesn't have to be cleared to eat supper. For those that know me, I scrap anywhere & everywhere. I have "lap" boards to work on for when Jim wants to watch a movie. (I am not able to just watch movies I have to do something.) So Jim bought me this special light that focuses only on your spot so the rest of the room can stay dark. I love it! and he loves it. yes he still quizzes me as to if I actually watch any of the movie. YES! Then I scrap at the kitchen table. And if the boys are waking up lot's in the night or I'm blogging & scrapping at the same time then I am on the 2nd floor scrapbooking at Jim's desk, which I so know my sweetums loves...right? (NOT!) But the built in desk we made for the office is 8ft long and wraps into an L shape with another 6 feet. It is desirable.When Jim asks why I scrap here, I have to tell him it's where my large format printer is, so I get away with the clutter in this space sometimes. (I think he just puts up with it because he loves me!!!!) So I am on a mission, I know I say it everytime, I will only scrap in my designated room, and I never do. So this time I am not going to make such a foolish , unable to keep comment. Instead I will say, I am going to try and scrap only in my room, and when Jim wants me to watch movies with him, then I will bring out a small package of supplies to work with. same goes for upstairs. This maybe is more reasonable.

okay so since I am drastically gutting my room, I have come across so many things I forgot about. I have always had this bad habit of if I like a layout they go right into the album, but if I don't care for it or it needs work or something's missing they sit in boxes or piles until I find that perfect "thing". So I came across these 3 layouts in my needs work bins. I laughed pretty hard about this one. I myself cannot actually believe I cut around us on a photo. I just don't ever do this. So I am thinking that I must have thought it was a good idea, I don't think (could be wrong) I did anymore though. Jim & I laughed pretty hard at this though. Even though I did it 7 years ago, look at the technique & form (tee hee, are you gagging yet???) I am having a blast coming across these oldies! shows where you were in this time of life hey?

Here's a simple one, but I know I could have done more with it. Maybe something more my style. I love this picture though. I rarely take photos when we go to Vegas, I guess I've been there too many times, and I always figure I don't want to be lugging a camera around. Silly girl! Next time I am so doing a full day of photos with all my favourite things to do there.

I did this layout in 2000, I had taken a paper piecing class. It was fun, interesting, still not my idea of fun ! So when I came home from my class I decided to do my own paper piecing. Even though it is 7 years ago that I did this, I remember making this darn palm tree! Every part of the tree is a new piece built onto the other pieces, wrapped with sparkly fibre . I coloured & inked the tree trunk. The "palms" were coloured, embossed, crumpled. ei yi yi. I sewed the fibre around the base too! So, end result, I think a little tacky. still not happy with this layout, but I will always remember the good times (at Figi & making this LO)

2000, I was a maid of honor in this wedding. It was fun! I scrapbooked it and entered it at a convention in Yorkton. I won 1st place for innovativeness. Imagine doing this layout 7 years ago. I'm actually smitten with myself! I was doing doodling, wire work, beading and tearing! If you look closely I actually "inked" the edge. I was way before the times! I actually don't mind this layout. I think my makeup was way too dark but hey, whatever!

Oh, so I didn't take any pics at Lani's surprise 30th but it was a blast. It was a chance to see people that I haven't seen in years and well we all know how to have fun when together. I was even accused of starting a cult. a scrapbook cult, since almost most of my friends are doing this now, taking my classes, their husbands have decided that I am to blame for scrapbook supplies everywhere. Oops! I did have to point out to Chris that Marlys was the queen of scrapbooking, she just hadn't done it in acid free. I merely helped to convert her! Too funny. I was explaining to them how they should all come on the cruise and then the guys could have a great time together as would us girls have a blast doing what we love! Maybe I might have takers...

too funny. Anyways, June is almost done, I'm ready for summer, boating, camping, traveling & just relaxing! I've decided after I've completed these 5 albums for hire, that I'm not even going to take any scrapbook clients for the entire summer. I'm going to enjoy my husband being home, become the total Martha Stewart mom (cooking & making my house immaculately clean) & enjoy my kids! Looking forward to this time!

a few layouts & happy Father's day!!!!

2007-06-17T17:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Father's Day! I love this man! He never enjoys getting his picture taken but I enjoy taking them anyways. This one is so characteristic of him, always laughing, happy. Jim you are the best father! The boys & I love you!!!!

So I finally scrapbooked this pic. Totally loved it, but didn't know how I'd make the LO because I did have a lot to say. I still have my typical signature doodles that I do, but I kept it a little more lowkey as the journaling is the most important thing. Happy Father's Day dad, I love you lot's and thanks for helping us mold our children into unique outstanding kids!

I really like how this layout turned out. really dimensional! as you know I love to sew on layouts. It has hidden journaling (behind the web) room to add more tags. Riley is such our little super hero!

first off, I love this Melina photo! she always captures their true essence.again my favourite paper. just a few things I want to remember about Jager.

a fun time last night!

2007-06-16T09:24:00.000-06:00

Last night, Debbie's friends bought all these masks for them to wear. These ladies were a blast. Then all the kids wanted to wear them.

The kids sure got a kick out of these masks. They all put them on and ran around. The adults laughed pretty good.

I took this shot in total darkness, I love the glow around him! The boys were just in heaven. They played all night with their cousins and had a blast!

now off to get some things done before tonight's surprise 30th. (I'm banking that she's not reading this since she is in a ball tournie all day!) looking forward to this! Oh and by the way this new "cougar" has entered the hall of fame. In returning the favor that was once done to her, her sister put this bday girl's pic in the Star Phoenix today below the obituaries section. Look, it's a doozy!

have a great Father's Day Weekend!

2007-06-15T17:06:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone, I hope that this weekend is wonderful! spoil those sexy men in your life, don't forget your dad's either!!!! Definitely can't post pics tonight, kinda in a hurry but check back, I'm going to have photos!!!!layouts!!!! this weekend we have 2 surprise bdays so it will be a blast! have fun!

hi!

2007-06-14T20:51:00.000-06:00

sorry I have no exciting pics to show you, I'm busy working on year end gift's for teachers,tball tonight and still a million other things. I did take half an hour today to myself because I no longer could let the Elsie line sit there untouched. I made the cutest layout. I'm really excited about!!!!! but now I need a pic. too funny. but I still love it. If you are looking for the Elsie Flannigan line (KI Memories) I got it at Yesterday's Memories, and I'd get it now because she has a HUGE sale on. Needless to say I know where I left my money... but I'll be living scrap happy for a long time! Have a great night.

field trip day to Wanuskewin! Awesome!!!

2007-06-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

so when a day is going the way it is, what more should happen??? did you guess right??? a flat tire! sweet. my husband is absolutely ill with food poisoning, so I have to call my bro & mom to come and rescue us because we are on an extremely busy highway section, definitely not walking with the kids. So mom came and ran us to school to catch the bus for our field trip. When we returned to school the truck was there waiting for us. So that was awesome. I think Joe (jim's brother) and cousin came to fix the truck. haven't heard the whole story yet, but a big thank you to all the parties who helped us today!!!!!

what a gorgeous day for a field trip!!!!! Wanuskewin had so many events going on it was a blast! This is what greats you!

This was the what the inside of the hole that the archeaologists were digging. These are actual bones they are finding, not ones just placed there. These are students working on this site dig from the U of S. They gave us a brief talk about what they were finding, the buffalo jump that used to be here, and bones that they've traced to 5500 years ago. Cool hey?

riley and a caterpillar on him. The kids just love caterpillars!

I kind of cropped this guy so you can't see any of the kids faces (as I don't know them or have permission to show them either) He was an amazing dancer. On the last dance he pulled kids from the crowd to dance the round dance with him. He chose Riley and he loved it. Riley was trying to sing like him all the way home!

This is a really neat cultural place to take your kids. we had fun at it. If you are interested in seeing pow wows at all they are having some big performances coming up. I've always thought they were great!

Doodling #3:Multimedia Class Tonight

2007-06-12T23:50:00.000-06:00

Here was the example for my multimedia class tonight. We did quite a few techniques. (embossing, hand doodling, sparkles, stamping, pencil crayons,creating our own lace look) Still simple layouts and you could elaborate as you desired (more or less depending on your style right? If you want to see a few of the other's from the class check out Scraptology's site. Everyone's was different. That is the perk about our classes, we give you an example and teaching and then we want you to make it your own. It is so much fun watching everyone's pages come alive. I especially love the doodling classes because people get to see their own designs take shape. This doodling #3 (multimedia) doesn't have a huge focus on hand doodling, it incoporates commercial doodling products and what ways you can alter things to be unique. Remember sometimes too much doodling is too much! and their are some companies that have perfected this technique for us to learn from or use. So if you don't feel comfortable with your own hand style then try out some from Rhonna Farrer, Fancy Pants to name a couple.

here is the demo I did in class. When I figure out what I'll use it for then I'll complete the page. I came home and picked out some wicked ribbon that matches wonderfully! This layout I wanted to keep strong, therefore the minimalness.

Tonight's multimedia class was so much fun!

after church!

2007-06-12T23:26:00.000-06:00

I swore that I'd never be one of those moms that dress their kids the same. But what am I doing??? and the worst part is I LOVE IT! I usually like the boys to just compliment each other but I love them in little oxford vests. They actually have so many vests. hello am I a geek or what? but I think they look so cute walking into church and of course gramma & grampa are telling everyone that these kids are their great grandchildren. so proud. Riley really knows how to work the seniors too. Full smiles and "how are you's? to everyone. He is so polite I am always proud! Jager mimicks Riley so I hope that is a quality he picks up.

Riley kept begging me to take his picture on these logs but he kept looking at Jager & laughing, this is actually the best shot. I like it because I can remember what they were doing!

little Riley is really into photo shoots right now. probably because I have been taking an amazing amount of pics. And he loves to look at them.

So sunday school is finished for our church during the summer, so the boys are sad, they love the singing. Jager knows the songs too and hums any words he doesn't know. It is adorable. So I'm contemplating going to a different church just for the summer, does anyone know if Forest Grove Church or Ebenezer have a Sunday School program through the summer. They are the closest in our denomination so I'd love to find out. email me if you know. I know there are so many awesome programs out there all over the city, but I have to find one that is close. It is crazy trying to get everyone ready for church and breakfast eaten and arrive on time. thanks!

yesterday at the guys ball game...fun!!!

2007-06-12T23:25:00.000-06:00

Hello!

2007-06-11T22:22:00.000-06:00

so how is everyone doing? I have been so busy. must be the time of year. A lot of changes have taken place for us this month, exciting ones and it is cool. But I have been behind on blogging! sorry. I did get quite a few things accomplished so hopefully I can post some tomorrow! On one last note,

I still have openings for tomorrow night's Multimedia doodling. We will be incorporating patterned paper, sewing, stamping & hand doodles. Also introduce some glitter, and more. If interested let me know!!!!

Well, got to go. post tomorrow some fun stuff!

just another day...

2007-06-09T20:34:00.000-06:00

so is anyone ever looking for cool things to do with their kids? Last night we took the boys to see Shrek 3 at the drive-ins. It was awesome. We love going to the drive ins as a family. the boys love it too. we make all our own drinks and popcorn and take our pillows & blankets. we have to make sure the boys have a late nap in the afternoon so that they aren't grumpy and can see their whole show. The 2nd show is usually an adult one and its great because the boys always fall asleep after their show. It's something to think about. For 2 adults, 2 kids it only costs $22.00. a lot cheaper than the movie theater AND who cares if your kids make noise, they are only going to drive you nuts because you are in your own vehicle!

so the boys had an incredibly long nap today (thanks to the late night last night) so I got some serious scrapbooking done! awesome. I even have quite a few pages done now, I just have to go and print the photos. Those are my favourite! I knew which paper I wanted to work with, went on the computer and looked up which pics would match it, preplanned what sizes I would do for each pic and now I just have to place the pics on! Sweet! Jim and my brother had to haul some machinery that Shane bought so now with both boys asleep, and Jim won't be back till after midnight, I am so going to continue the roll I'm on. Scrapbook away!!!!

Layouts, layouts, layouts! I know a long time coming!

2007-06-08T19:53:00.000-06:00

So here are a few of my latest layouts that I can show you. I did submit a few of these to mags but haven't heard back yet. The other ones you'll have to wait till the issues come out. I had so much fun making this one. It is totally a mommy sucky page. My little boo is such a momma's boy. and so I decided to do a page about this. It has hidden journaling and is a really fun page.

So baby Hunter is so sweet!!!I love him! again, I left room for Jenn & Darryl to write their notes to him. so I can't wait to see what they write.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, I actually think that being pregnant is the most miraculous time in your life. I don't see shame in showing such an amazing way that our bodies change to grow these little beings. My sister carried her pregnancy so well. hello, so envious!!!! having 3 pregnanices in 3 years, my body is stretching in weird ways that I'm not quite bouncing back yet! I love these pics of her!

*****edited***** It has become apparent that .some would like to scraplift this design. GO AHEAD! but let me save you 5 hours of work....this pink paper comes with the scalloped edges, the background doodling, the white edged doodling, all I added was the dark doodling. I didn't even do much doodling because I didn't want to overwhelm the magnificent photo or the subtle background. a simliar paper comes in blue & beige! I just inked the edges, add black dots and glossy accents. And in fact one of these on the top left is a Fancy pants stamp. Everyone knows, I like to doodle and have spent many hours, and hours on doolding, but realistically I have 2 young children so I DO take advantage of fantastic papers companies make. (then I CAN get more pages done in the same amount of time!!!) have fun!!!******

I have really loved pairing masculine stuff with a burst of feminine touches. I think you can get away with it when there is a woman on the photos. strong male colours and then soft touches like flowers & "bling". of course my hand doodling. which I love to do!!!!

So now that I've completed Jenn & Darryl's wedding album I am working on their pregnancy & first family shoots. I am LOVING being an auntie!!!! And I sooooo love to work with fantastic Melina photos!!!!! Isn't it cool how modern the baby paper is getting?

Because Melina & I had so many photo shoots this year, which has been very odd for me. I'm always behind the camera, but moments have presented themselves so we had fun. But it has totally allowed me to make a really cool "she" album. I have made quite a few specific topics for this album.It will be neat to see how I've chnged in 10-15 years. Maybe I'll do my "she- the next generation" then!LOL

I'm actually laughing with my amigos over the fact that I have been using an unbelievable amount of flowers and I have only men in my family!!!!

Here is one of the layouts I scrapped of Jager playing football. I like it but I think it is missing something. not sure what. any suggestions??

I think I did over 60 plus pages for her wedding. I wrote some journaling on it but I mostly lefther spots on all the pages to write their thoughts and feelings and etc. I think that is something they will have to do since it was their special day. My sister and I have way different tastes. She really likes things a little more plain and I LOVE collage. So I toned down her pages, I tried to make them so that they won't be dated through the times too much either. This one of dad walking Jenn up the aisle is all my own hand doodling. I had so much fun with this page. I really like the crispness of the white page too.

this was an overlay I made but it didn't quite "pop" on this background, so I painted just behind the words. It is showing up quite beige but it is actually more off white.

If you have never gone to the Muttart Conservatory I highly recommend it. It is really beautiful. They have four different pyramids ahowcasing different climates of plants from all over the world. It is magnificent. I have actually never been to as cool of an intimate wedding.

the trail of dots is Martha Stewart's glitter line. it is such fine glitter, so I had fun using it.

I love the church photos the best, such awesome architecture!

the white is a pentouch marker (yesterdays' memories got a whole bunch in) this is one of the best opaque markers and it writes on photos amazingly well!love this pen! I went over the doodling with glossy accents after to make it pop!

I don't know if you can tell but I altered all the rub ons to change the white into more of a complimenting colour that was in the wedding colours.truthfully one of the most expensive pages I've ever made. (because I used unbelievable amount of rub ons to complete the look. love the result though. and I'd never spare an expensive for my sister!

Enjoy! thanks for looking! Have a great weekend.

a few shots from Wacky Hair Day today at Riley's school. Of course I had to do Jager's hair to match his brother! They were a hit. Riley and his mini

2007-06-08T19:48:00.000-06:00