happy mothers day to everyone!

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

the new parents. proud parents.

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

just a quick hug between bros!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shots I took @ the studio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

quick hello

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

one quick hunter photo

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

our funny super hero!

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

Layouts

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

a layout for my she album,

Dalmeny Scrap Event

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you guys there!

when daddy's in charge...

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

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

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

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

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

a quick ...

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

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

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

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

7 random things about me...

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

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

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

My best random fact is:

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

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

National Scrapbook Day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fun photo shoot

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

isn't he cute?!!!!!

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

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

woo hoo!! I'm going...

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

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

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

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

Ask Leica -working with patterned papers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sorry!

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