Scrap That Thought

2012-01-26T07:08:00.000-05:00

Check THIS out!!!! Fun stuff. GORGEOUS!!!!! Giveaway chance!!! Don't miss out!

I like this layout!!! It's called Sweet Summer Hike. The pic is of my hubby and son. It was on a hiking path we'd never been on before, so it was great fun!!! Normally when I look at my layouts, I see 10 things I wish I could remove or add. Not sure why. lol. This one? I just like it. Funny how you get those layouts, eh? It isn't as though I think it's the perfect layout... it's just exactly what I want. That's a good feeling. I don't have it often in my scrapbooking. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe not..

Do usually love your layouts just the way they are?

2012-01-25T12:31:00.000-05:00

My Very First Mothers Day

These pictures make me laugh when I think about the story. He hated grass at this age, so my husband would pick him up and put him at the far side of the yard, and he'd crawl on fingertips and tippytoes all the way back, complaining and grunting the whole way... and then when he'd make it, my hubby would scoop him up and run him back. What a meanie. We'd laugh so hard, that the baby would laugh.. and start back.. complaining the whole way. Sometimes parents can be so bad. My hubby teases him like that to this day.

You can't tell... but the flags have the words My First on them... so that the title is "My First Mothers Day"

2012-01-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

Having Fun With my Layouts!

Layout #1 "How to Grow a Tim Horton's Boy". This is a funny layout of my son. What makes it funny? He's drinking out of a Tim Horton's cup as a baby. 16 years later, he will be working at Tim Horton's as a Baker and a Supervisor. Hence the title "How to Grow a Tim Horton's Boy". Funny! The other layout is called Life and Fate. It's interesting where life and fate takes us. For those of you who are not Canadian, you should know that Tim Horton's is a Donut//Coffee place that is the most popular in Canada. It was started by a hockey player named Tim Hortons. The way he's looking at the cup makes me laugh. It really does look like he sees his future. I need to get a pic of him today, in his uniform. But I don't have it. I will get a picture the next day he goes into work. I think I'll add it to the 2nd layout. Not quite sure. :)

Layout #2 "Fate and Life"

I did this layout first.. with the intentions of putting a pic of him in his uniform today. Then, I got the idea to do the "How to grow" layout, and I did that one too. I had to. It literally called out to me.

I'm getting addicted to making those flowers. Love doing that. I'm making them by the dozens I think. I now have a box full of various types. lol

This Face!

I get such a kick out of Beauregard's face. He looks at me, and I laugh. His face melts my heart. All wrinkly and sad-eyed. You can hear him say it.. "Don't you love me anymore??" "I just don't got no friends no how." What a dawg.

Mischa Has Taken to the Bottle!

This little doggie loves her bottles. Every time I finish a bottle of water.. and I drink a LOT in a day... she takes the bottle.. and is all about it. And yes.. it's NOISY. I think that might be part of the charm. The noise. Mischa loves to make noise. She loves to bark. And she loves to chat. You can hear words coming from her, she chats so much. I'll have to video a chat one day and put it on here.

It's A Disney World... well... CRUISE!

2012-01-11T12:32:00.000-05:00

The Disney Magic!

December 10 to 17th, 2011

So.. as many of you know, my son went on the Disney Cruise in December, with his girlfriend. We've done the cruise as a family, when he was younger, and we've done Disney World a number of times, of course. This just goes to show that once you are a Disney person... you are always a Disney person. He works full time, is in University in Toronto, full time, studying to be a Television journalist, and he is paying for his own education. Yet.. he budgets to go to Walt Disney World, and on the cruise. I can't help but get a kick out of that fact. We really do teach our kids a lot by our own likes and dislikes... and by what we expose them to. I got these pics from him yesterday, and thought I'd post them for those of you who've never been on a Disney cruise. I highly recommend it! It's amazing. What is nice for those like my son, who travel with no kids, there are adult only pools, restaurants, and areas, that make it as fun for anyone who is going.

My son Dana in white shorts, walking onto the cruise ship

Dana walking the deck

The Mickey Pool and Slide

Dana, Victoria and Sorcerer Mickey

Dana and his girlfriend before a formal dinner on the ship

Dana and his girlfriend

Dana, Victoria, Chip and Dale

The Disney Magic

Santa in the lobby of cruise ship

Dana, Victoria, Pinnochio and Jiminy Cricket

Animators Palate restaurant. It goes from B/W to colour during meal

On the deck

The lobby decorated for Christmas

Their cabin

Themed Tuesdays

2012-01-10T11:59:00.000-05:00

Ok.. So.. I thought I'd try and make this blog a bit more interesting. So each Tuesday, I'm going to go back to giving a sketch, and some themes, related to the month/week we are in.

So... A Sketch!

Here is this week's Titles:

A Cold Day Makes for Warm Hearts
A silvery Homestead
A snowflake is winter’s butterfly
Arctic Blast
On a Cold Winter's Day
Winter and Wine go hand in hand
Snow Angel
Snow Flurries
Cold Winter Nights
January Cold
Baby, it’s cold outside
Better inside then out
Baby It's Cold Outside
Cold frosty morning
Cold hands, Warm heart
Cold, gray light of dawn
Snowy Life
Dashing thru the snow
Dressed to chill
Frosty & Friends
Fun in the snow
Snow Baby
Brrr
Give me Hot Chocolate anyday
Hazy shade of winter
Headed South for Winter
In the frosty air
Is it too cold for dancing?
It doesn’t take much snow for a little flake to have fun
It’s a brrrand new day
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Jack Frost was here
Let the cold winds blow
Making new friends
Winter Bliss
Our winter love
Out in the cold again
God's Wonderland
Ready for Winter
Romping in the snow
Mittens and Scarves and Hats, Oh My
Slip, Sliding Away
Snowbody loves you like I do
Snowbody Knows the trouble I've seen...
Snowmen fall from heaven. Some assembly required
Some Assembly Required
What's Up Jack? (Jack Frost)
Sub Zero
Silver and Snow
The fire is so delightful
The ice man cometh
Snowflake City
Snowflakes and Heaven
The polar express
Polar Bear Land
The weather outside is frightful
There’s a chill in the air
There’s no business like snow business
There’s snow place like home
Walking in a winter wonderland
Where's the fireplace?
Warm socks and mittens here
Snowball fights and laughter
Warm wooley mittens
Warm Winter Gloves
Welcome Winter
Don't Eat the Snow
Winter Wonderland
Puppies and Snow
Sledding Fun
Glistening Snow
Time for Indoor Fun
Frosty and Me
Blue and Silver
Silver and White
Listen to the Snow fall

A Winter Layout

Here's a Winter Layout that I did awhile ago. I like this layout. It's of my hubby back in Sault Ste. Marie, where I was born. We were just dating here.

2012-01-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

January Picks

I'm loving the fact that it's January. All of my favourite shows are back on tv. The more tv I watch? The more I NEED to watch. I have that magical beast called 'PVR'. I can tape any number of tv shows on it. When I want to check some out, I tape them and look later. Well.. when they are good... I get really caught up in them... and I have to tape them ALL the time. Now I'm addicted to

1. Supernatural

2. Grey's Anatomy

3. Once Upon a Time

4. Flashpoint

5. NCIS

6. NCIS: Los Angeles

7. Criminal Minds

8. Personal Interest

9. Hawaii 5-0

10. Bachelor

I'm sure there are others, but I might have forgotten them. It's funny how taste's change too. I used to watch mostly all reality tv. Now? Not so much. Although.. I am watching The Bachelor.. and I'l watch Big Brother. LOVE those. I like PVR, because I watch the shows while I scrap, or while I can't sleep. I don't have the time to watch them when they're on. So... I watch them when I have time. :) What can I say. What about you? What's the show you can't go without watching? Any? None?

Here's a layout of my son. I love these pictures because he's so bright-eyed. Happy. Fun.

Sunday Sunday

2012-01-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

So, I do love a good weekend. Tomorrow? We go back to our weekly grind. But today? It's Sunday! ahhh.

I'm going to spend the day Scrapping, I think. And doing laundry, and washing some floors. But Scrapping will be my main thing. I won't know what I'm going to work on, until I get in there. But it'll be fun. Why? Cuz it's Sunday!

What are you doing with Sunday?

I'm fooling around with the cover of my art journal. It's not much.. but it's just how I've started. I'm going to add to it whenever I work on the journal. Maybe I'll cover it in gesso, and start over. But for sure.. I'll add something. Glitter?? Colour? shimmer? Who knows.

I came downstairs to the family room in the middle of the night, and ended up falling back asleep. Beauregard and Mischa decided that I was the perfect sleeping companion. This is what I woke up to...

Mischa snuggled at my arm

That's Beauregard at my feet

Another Day

2012-01-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

So I got working on a page last night.. and got distracted. I'm REALLY getting into this art journal. It's become a tad obsessive. So.. I put my page down.. and headed into the kitchen to grab my art journal. (Ok.. so it's in the kitchen. I have a large marble table in my kitchen, that I use to prepare food on... keep MANY things on.. and take photos on. What can I say)
So.. anyway.. I went and grabbed it, and INTENDED on working on the cover. But nope. I did a page. The first page. I had to. It was there mocking me in it's dirty whiteness. (dirty because I'd gotten paint on it from the other days work). Mocking me. Dirty whiteness.

So here it is. Notice I journalled a bit more with this page. And I added stuff to it. I'm just going with it. I was anal at first. (Ok.. so the day before yesterday)_ but now? Not so much! It's MY art journal. So why am I looking elsewhere for the rules on what I can and can't do? That sounds silly yes? So.. I am currently making the rules for said art journal. And I've said... Go Ahead, Sandie! Use whatever you feel like! Fun! That just opens things up, doesn't it!

Anybody else working on an art journal they want to share??? I'd LOVE to see yours!

My doggies are beside me, and looking kinda cute. So, I snapped a pic or two of the monsters. We've all gained a bit of weight. Ok.. so Beauregard the Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need and I have gained weight and it shows. Mischa? She's gained. It's just she WAS so darn tiny to start with, it looks different on her. That's my story... and I'm sticking to it.

Beauregard Mischa

Bearegard and Mischa

My Christmas Adventure

2012-01-05T00:36:00.001-05:00

or aka
SO Glad This Didn't Happen When He Was FIVE!
(check out my art journal attempt under this post)

Let me tell you all a story about my Christmas! It's a doozy. I promise. Four days before Christmas, our 19 year old son got so sick, we had to call an Ambulance for him. He'd just gotten home from a Disney Cruise, and we were concerned about Norwalk Virus. He was VIOLENTLY ill. It was awful. I had to stay a bit away from him because we didn't want me to get it. I am a bit immuno-compromised. Not a big deal, but it can be, if I get something like this. So... hubby stepped up and took care of our son Dana. Well... here in Canada... if our doc is off, we have something called Tele-health. You call and speak to a Nurse, and they give you advise. her advice? Get him to the hospital pronto, and she would call the ambulance. So.. off he went.

And I cleaned the house with bleach. Lots and lots of bleach. I washed doors, and walls, and handles, and taps, and toilets.. and ... well, you get it.

Yeah... you KNOW what I'm about to say next, right?

3:00 or 3:20 am. Christmas morning, I was done wrapping, presents were under the tree, and voila.. I noticed stockings hung with care, and filled. What's this? Hubby is downstairs saying... "Where's the gravol?" Huh? It's CHRISTMAS MORNING in a few hours. Surely not? "Well... I'm not sure", he says... but it feels suspicious. So.. we'd gone out for our usual Christmas Eve chinese buffet, so that could be it, I reasoned with myself. My own tummy was upset. Not a ton.. but it was upset. I'm now thinking... Geez.. I betcha I'm just scared. There's nothing wrong with me. I repeated that to myself as I got my jammies on. 15 minutes had passed, and I grabbed a garbage can with a bag in it, and brought it to the family room with me. (I didn't want to go into that diseased bed with hubby). Oh oh. I'm sick, I thought. I'm really sick! I better take Gravol. I lay down... took gravol x 2 and ugh. It began.

Just after 4:00 am, my son came downstairs... and no, it wasn't in excitedment to see what Santa had brought. Nope. My 19 year old son was asking for gravol for his dad, who was pretty sick. He's concerned about Dad, cuz he knows how sick HE was. But he's not scared. Just thinking well.. this isn't a great Christmas! That is.. until he saw me. I said "We have no more gravol!" oh oh.

And that was when he saw I was throwing up too. And he got scared. As I said... NOBODY wants me sick. When a person is immuno-compromised.. what makes a normal person sick, can make them .. ok.. just much more so than the *normal* person. Now, the poor boy is running back and forth between his Dad and me. And our friends? (we have NO family near us) They are away... or with little ones. We've moved to the country recently, and don't know our neighbours enough to interrupt Christmas. So.. he contacts one of our oldest friends who moved away.. but who is in town visiting. Joanne Martini Pezzano runs around town looking for the ONE pharmacy that is open. Several hours have gone by since we ran out of gravol. She comes with some fresh supply, Bless her heart. What a godsend friends are at times like this. Our son Dana commutes to University in Toronto, so he never went past his first license. Here in Ontario it's a graduated license system, and he never went past having to drive with someone else in the car, cuz he wasn't driving in Toronto. (most don't, cuz transit is easier). So he couldn't drive without us in the car. He's getting his full license this month now. He doesn't want that to happen again. lol

Finally... around 5pm, Christmas evening, Gary and I get up and sit in the livingroom for present opening. I had made my way from the couch in the family room... to the couch in the living room where the tree is. I was still throwing up. I continued to be sick until the next day. It took me 4 MORE days to be up and around. New Years Eve I was up finally. But immediately got sick again. New Years Day I was back down.

We are finally up and around, but it was NOT a very good Christmas. Thankfully, our 19 year old son Dana wasn't 5. He was able to manage thru Christmas. But here he was... just us. No family around.. .and stuck out in the country Christmas day... with sick throwing up parents, and that's it .. for company.
sigh. I won't post pics, cuz the only ones taken were by me, as I lay with my head down on the couch, sick, and my poor boy looks stressed and unhappy. When they are 19, they don't want you posting that.

I was SO ready for 2012. Are you ready for the positive side of this??? LOL Here it is! We've already gotten this nasty.. so we don't have to live in fear of getting it now. It's OVER! :)))

What a Christmas! Wash your hands. There's some nasty viruses going around!

One of my Resolutions is to work on an Art Journal this year. So.. I made one to start with. And I attempted my first page. Not a lot of journaling. But this next page will have more. I got lost in the colour and the material. I'm going to do another page tomorrow... and begin to work on the cover. Here it is. What do you think? Am I way off base? Free for all? thoughts?

New Years 2012

2012-01-03T22:04:00.001-05:00

Happy New Years!
Can you believe it? It is a new year! 2012! It's hard to believe that we are leaving 2011 behind, and grabbing onto an entirely new year. I will not be sad to say good-bye to 2011. In fact... I do so, happily. This New Year, I am all about the Resolution, and keeping said resolution. What are my resolutions? So glad you asked!

2012 New Years Resolutions

I've been sick this last part of December. Ok.. I've been sick much of the year. That leads me into my biggest resolution...

1. I resolve to take better care of my health. I intend to eat better, exercise more, and ensure that I take a keener interest in how I feel. Ok, so yes. I have resolved this before. But THIS time, I resolve to seriously resolve it. Is that possible?

2. I resolve to lose weight. Yeah, ok. This is connected to my first resolution... and who doesn't make these two resolutions. However... this year, I really mean it. Am I repeating myself?

3. I resolve to be stronger. I need to embrace my inner strength, and my outer strength. I need to accept that part of me, embrace it... and throw it out there.

4. I resolve to keep an art journal. What is an art journal? There is a girl who does art journals on youtube, who is fantastic and freespirited. She goes by the name suziblutube. Check her out. Here's her blog too!

Great saying of the week!

What we do for ourselves
Dies with us...
What we do for others... and the world...
remains... and is...
immortal.

Albert Pine

Rainy Day Tuesday

2011-11-29T11:18:00.001-05:00

It's November 29th, here in SouthWestern Ontario Canada. There are some around the world, who assume that Canada is snow-covered by the end of September. We are lucky if we get a slightly white Christmas. and today... mere hours before the start of December ... it's raining. This ticks my son off severely. He is off on a Disney cruise next week... and he wants to leave behind nasty cold weather, so that he can feel like he's paid for the heat he'll enjoy. Aren't we all like that? It's just not nearly as fun, if it's also warm back home. Of course... those of you who live in California, Texas, or Arizona.. or other such warm places... I guess you don't know that joy! There is something absolutely MAGICAL about boarding a plane with a winter coat on, and shorts underneath. I can't even describe it!

And it continues to rain outside. My little puppies are bored, and unhappy, as they snuggle up on their favourite couch, looking at me with the blame in their eyes. Mischa, however.. would gladly haul her tiny 8 pound hiney outside into the rain, in a heartbeat. Beauregard, on the other hand... does not appreciate the qualities of rain. He looks disdainfully outside, completely fed up with the wet stuff... and me for allowing it.

Me? I might have to head into the scraproom. After all.. what else is there to do on a rainy day?

It's a Brand New Week!!!

2011-11-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

That Means a Brand New Start!

I love new starts. Fresh starts. I'm going to claim today as one of those, and I'm going to look forward to it with glee. Why? Cuz it has started out TERRIBLY. LOL So.. what else is there to do, but to claim it as a fresh start!

Ok.. so I was wrong. Or, at least... I was a little overly wishful! A few hours after writing the above, I'd driven my son to the train station, where he boards his train into Toronto for University classes... and I headed back home. I had a bite to eat, and then Poof... the power went out. Gone. No power. No sign of it coming back all morning, either.

So... now where am I?

At the Mall! Using their internet, trying to believe in that elusive fresh start, and finding it running far from me.

Anyway....

I did a Layout! It's from "Once Upon a Sketch"! You can check them out HERE! This is their sketch below! It's due November 30th, and it has a journaling criteria. (I love those)... Here is the criteria...

Journalling criteria: This time the journalling criteria focuses on YOU

as a woman OR ANY female in your life. What is the best thing about

being a woman? Motherhood? Shopping? Make Up? Girls nights?

Gossip? Your journalling can be as long as you wish and in any language,

but you must journal at least 2 sentences on the best part of being a woman.

So, my journaling went like this...

"I dared to dream that one day I would be a Mother. Of all the dreams, this would be my all... my everything... As a woman, is there anything better than the God-given gift of having a baby? A baby!!! MY Baby!!! I am a Mommy... and dreams DO come true!!!

2011-11-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

Oh Beau!

Beauregard jumped up on Daddy's favourite chair, and decided to make himself comfy.

But when Beauregard has something... Mischa the Mischievous Mutt MUST have it too.

So what does Mischa do?

She jumps up too! Check out what Beauregard the Problematic Puggle thinks of THAT!

He's definitely thinking "What the heck? Get OUT of here!"

So, being the good Mommy, I said "Beauregard! Be Nice!"

Mischa looks up with her... "What? What's he doing? Is he in trouble?"

And Beau flops his head down like.. "Oh geez"

I said "Beauregard! Be Nice to Mischa!" Mischa, bored with now

having what Beauregard has, and no longer wanting it...

decides to jump down.

Beauregard, however, is letting me know EXACTLY

how he feels about her butting into his Daddy space!!!

What says dogs don't have their own personality?

2011-11-14T11:52:00.004-05:00

Once Upon a Sketch

Here is my take on the sketch ...

The flowers are made from 2-toned homemade paper. Products are Prima, brads, K& Company paper, c/s (Bazzill), Iron letters. Sanding, tearing, inking, and Tattered angels mist (copper).

My tag says:

At the grand ole age of 2, this little boy knows

exactly what he wants...

with a noogie in one hand,

and a bottle in the other,

he's prepared for anything!

He's quite the Bean. That is why I started scrapping,

to take the picture and tell the story behind it...

And to show the world, he is the

Genuine Article!
(and... I have some hidden journaling underneath the tag.)

Layouts

Two slightly older layouts. I've been looking at older layouts lately. Older ones than this though.. and I want DESPERATELY to redo them. Do you just leave yours? Or do you redo them? Mine are driving me crazy. Now I have already redone most of the very beginner ones... you know.. the ones I did at my first CM parties. I couldn't leave them like that. Now.. the in-between ones? I'm looking at them, and thinking.. with a touch of this, and a touch of that... with a bit of this product, and a bit of that.. etc... I could maybe bring them up to speed. Your opinion?

New Michaels opened in my home town

It's not a scrapbooking store, but it's something! But my first experience there, was not exactly positive! They charged me over two times what they should have. They didn't give me my 40% off where I was supposed to have it. I told them, of course, which didn't do any good. Eventually, had to call someone over, and walk them to the scrap stuff and point out the prices. The one lady answered my questions about scrapbooking products. When I corrected her on the one thing I knew she was completely wrong about, she argued. When I said I knew etc... she then said.. oh well.. I don't know anything about scrapbooking supplies. It's a completely new hobby that's just come out. Huh??? sigh

So ok, I'll stop complaining. But man.. I really miss not having a scrapbooking store in my home town. REALLY miss it!

Have a FANTASTIC Monday!!!

It's A Saturday Morning World

2011-11-12T10:59:00.002-05:00

Do You Want to Help?

I want to start with something a bit sadder than usual. There is a lady who is a fellow Scrapbooker. Many of you may know her. Her name is

Katie Renz

PO Box 5913

Bellingham, WA   98227-5913

She passed away from cancer on Monday, November 7th, at 5:10 am, leaving behind 3

children and a husband that she loved very much, and who clearly loved her equally as

much.  If you are able, or are interested in helping, please consider sending a card to themto help them get through these special days, that are coming up so close to their loss..

She won't be there to make their days special, so maybe we can help her out with that?

Nate and Will are going to turn 6 on November 19th.

Hunter will be turning 12 on December 1st.

Kevin (her hubby) has a birthday on November 17th.

You can imagine how hard this is going to be on them all. Having lost their mom/wife at such a young age, all getting ready to celebrate their birthdays, and then Christmas.

Thanks ladies!

------------------------------------------------

A Layout on LIFE

I like this layout. I was so proud of my belly! Isn't pregnancy great?

You can be larger than ever, and not care!!!

It's FRIDAY!!!!

2011-11-11T07:16:00.002-05:00

Remembrance Day

My Mom had me when she was in her 40's, and when she was 16, she snuck into the army. She LOOKED older than she was. It was during WWII. She was booked to go to Japan in the fall of 1941, but as the only First Class Tradesman where she was, she was held back. Her troop left without her. It was a lucky and blessed break for my Mom. One of those stories that personalize the war. Since it was so long ago, it's easy to think of it as not quite real or relevant. I also have a friend's son who is on his 3rd term in Afghanistan. I have known this boy his entire life. So scary. For all those who have served our Country and the Free world... and for those still serving... My prayers are yours. For those who have someone they love, who has served this country and the free world, my prayers are yours. For those we lost, and those who loved them... my prayers are yours.

********************

I'm SO happy! It's the weekend... almost! Hubby and I get to hang together... relax... chillax... kick back... and just BE! BE together. It's good.

Our Chillaxing Teachers...

We learn by example. Our two pooches...

Beauregard, the Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need

Now Beauregard knows how to relax. And he knows how to ensure he has the proper treats,

as well as a warm and cosy place to eat that treat!

If we don't learn from Beauregard, and his form of eating and relaxing...

we look to Mischa, the Mischievous Misbegotten Mutt ...

and HER form of *How to chillax 101*

1. Roll over onto your back, with head as far back as possible

2. Snore lightly with bottom teeth showing in an under bite!!!

3. Spread all 4 leg up & out, so you don't look quite real, and in a

manner that necessitates the photographer to show only your face!

Yeah. This pretty much describes the household on weekends... except for our 19 year old son, who works all his spare hours not spent at University. (Yeah.. weekends don't mean the same thing to him)

Before I say so long for now...

I'll post another layout, shall I?

Friday's Layout?

"The Eyes Have It!"

I love this layout, because I love these pictures. His big brown eyes, slanted down on the ends, big, wide grin.. and his teeny tiny button nose make me smile. And they make me happy. I can't get enough close ups of those eyes.

Thursday!

2011-11-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

Layout

"Summer in Wonderland"

We like rides! Paramount's Canada's Wonderland is just 50 minutes from our home, so we always get Seasons passes. We prefer Walt Disney World, but we can't go there as often! I usually ride the scarier rides with Dana when he was little, because I'd hold onto him tighter than his Daddy would. It's the old over-protective Mommy syndrome. lol

Share a Challenge site with me please????

PLEASE share your favourite challenge site with me? Please please please!!! I can't get enough of them. I also need the push, the inspiration, the motivation.

So kindly leave a name if you have one!!!

2011-11-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

Free Vintage Images

After you've finished with my blog, check out the Free Vintage Images button on the right! It'll take you to Tammy Tutterow's blog, and some awesome vintage images that she offers at no cost. I've already got plans for several of them!

Layout!

This little furry blue chair was my son's FAVOURITE!!! He sat in this chair to watch Barney, to look at his scrapbooks, to watch videos of himself, to eat his night time snacks, and to eat his morning snacks. He sat in this little blue chair the second he got home from Jr. Kindegarten and Sr. Kindegarten. This little blue chair was as much a part of him as his clothes. He felt snuggly and warm and cosy in it. If only they made it adult-sized!

I've never made these flags before, and wasn't sure what I was doing. Not too bad for a first attempt.

I'm playing with another sketch challenge! I'd love to hear about your favourite challenges.

I need to get back to my scrapping.

Sketchy Thursday Challenge - November 19th

Great prizes! Awesome Sketch! Check it out HERE!

What are the Days of YOUR Week?

2011-11-08T11:20:00.001-05:00

What's in a Week?

When I was working in an office, the days of my week started on Monday. DEFINITELY! I didn't consider my week starting on Sunday at all. Now that I am working from home, I still consider the week starting on Monday. Why? Because that's when the business week starts. That's when my child heads back to school. That's when the family life changes. It just makes sense to me. Saturday and Sunday are set apart. Those are the days hubby and I sink into our chairs, look at one another, and breathe easy. Again, maybe that's especially so, because we own our own Company. We can release the stress on our weekends.

How about you? Do you see the week Sunday to Saturday? Monday to Friday? Monday to Sunday? Why?

A Great Sketch Challenge!

I was at Pamela Young's blog, and she's on the Design Team for Once Upon A Sketch . I saw this sketch and immediately had to try it out. So.. I'll post it as soon as it's done. It needs to be done by November 14th.

A Layout!

I have another layout! I'm going to hook up my scanner again. I prefer that look to how I photograph them. Hmmm. Or... maybe I need to spend more time when I do photograph my layouts. This layout means a lot to me. (I know, I've said that before.. but I mean it).

The title?

"It's No Easy Task Being an Ordinary Mother to an Extraordinary Child"

Man. The older my child gets, the less capable I feel...

Another Layout!

"On the Farm"

I've hidden the journaling. You can see the pull down tag under the large picture.

Monday, Monday

2011-11-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

What's the next line supposed to be? ... So Good To Me.. Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be...

Yeah. Mondays are never my favourite day of the week. How about you?

A Layout

"He's Still My Boy"

This layout means something to me. More for the journaling than anything else. Lately, my journaling is becoming so much more important than it ever was before. In the past, I would often just put some glib line down as my journaling. But lately, I've wanted my pages to be more of a story for my son. I want him to know what I was thinking about the photos. I want him to know my deep feelings about what was going on when those pictures were taken.

This picture is of my son at 14. He was still my boy. Still my baby. He was the son who adored his Mommy. As many know, who have *babies* that have grown a bit older, there comes a time when others usurp your position. Oh.. they still love their Moms... but it's different for awhile. My baby, at 14, was still my baby. It wouldn't be long before he became a bit more independent, and a bit more all-seeing of my faults and foibles. Oy. It's a tough transition. That's why it means something special to me. I remember this moment. This time. I remember my boy, and how important I was to him. It was good.

A New Card

"Happy Birthday"

I don't have a lot of Copics, but I have some. Not enough to get the subtle nuances that many do, but I'm still using them until I get more and more. I like this card though. I can certainly do better. I want to take a Copic course. Have you taken one? Do you prefer a different marker or way to colour? I'd love to know!

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-11-03T11:38:00.000-04:00

They Say It's My Birthday!...

Ok.. so my birthday was technically yesterday, but I wasn't online yesterday. My day was full... and of course, my country home had no internet. sigh

BUT... I am officially one year older, and Happy Birthday to Me!

Layout #1

"Carry Me Home to Birmingham"

This is a song. We would scoop Dana up in our arms, and start singing that song to him. He'd laugh and laugh. And we'd carry him everywhere. He'd get what he wanted, and we'd get that closeness we craved. To this day, that song warms our hearts, and we are instantly brought back to those moments again.

Layout #2

"Canadian Idol Judge"

This is Sash Jordan. She was one of the Canadian Idol judges. Dana loved her! When this picture was taken at Canadian Idol, Dana had been holding a sign up that said "I'd leave my Mommy for Sash". The judges and the cameras loved it. Hence the picture during the show! I'm thinking of re-doing this layout.

A Card!

I like this card. I used somebody else's punch at Scrapfest. I'd love to buy this punch. I *think* it might be a Martha Stewart. But I'm not sure. I'll have to check that out. The stamped girl was in our Crop bag. They made it specifically for us, for the Scrapfest ladies. Isn't it cool?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Say hi, and I'll pop on over to your blog too!
Hugs,

2011-11-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

It's Layout Time Again...

I would love to have a girl child too. Girls pages can be done in pink, with flowers and frills, and everything pretty and feminine. Alas, I have had to do my own pages in order to use those items. At least it gets me doing pages about myself, I suppose. But still... my poor son... my 19 year old male child, gets pages with pink, with flowers, and with gems. Too bad. I create a lot for myself, and any future wife or child(ren) he may acquire. I'm not doing all of his pages in blues, greens, blacks, and browns.

What's your thoughts on what you can put on your male pages? Everyone has such strong opinions on this!

A Grad At Last

This is a layout I did of my son's Grade 12 Graduation Mass. I added some side views to show what I did on the page. The paperpiecing of the graduate boy is from a colouring book. I did the journaling and it looked a bit off, so I created a scroll out of the paper I used. I liked it better.

Angelic Dreamer

I like this colour scheme. Again.. not totally boyish, but I like it. It reminds me of the photo I've scrapped, so to me, it suits. I also love this paper. I worked around the BoBunny line. Lovely. Is there anything sweeter or more angelic than a child asleep? Wow. Perfect. It's the perfect meditation. Really. If I want to meditate, and find that serenity, this is what I think of. Not a beach. Not the ocean. This. The angelic face of my child, while asleep. You can practically see their dreams.

A Card

Still working on cards. I'm new at it. And I still have a tendency and a need to put MANY things on the cards I create. The more, the merrier, to me. Why is that? I think you are either a minimalist.. or not. I am not. I also think you can tell much about a person, by how they scrap. The same as how they decorate their home. What do you think?

Have an AWESOME day! I'll post more. I now have steady access to the internet again. Please stop by again?

Thanks for coming. If you comment,, I'll come and stop by your place too! :)

Land of the Living

2011-10-04T06:26:00.000-04:00

I'm back to the land of the living. What a summer. What a time. I'm ready to feel better... feel good, and move forward. Whew. I'll talk about everything that's been going on one of these days. Just want to set it aside for a bit, and begin enjoying some living again.

As part of that, I'm going to scrap... and I joined a new forum. They've got some fun stuff going on. Check the blinkie on the side to see what fun I decided to participate in. I LOVE LOVE LOVE sketches! And they are SO motivational. I need that. I am so looking forward to checking out some blogs. Haven't been around much. Can't wait to hear from some of you. How's it been going, ladies?

What a Wednesday

2011-06-29T10:51:00.000-04:00

Today's Affirmation!

Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief,

than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved.

~Marcus Antonius 

If I had to offer up one of the most difficult things for me to do... it's be positive. I find it very difficult to be positive. I'm more prone to being realistic, or whatever. Maybe not necessarily negative. Just not positive. I always thought.. if I'm not positive.. I'm negative. The people in my life say no, I'm not really negative either. But not positive. Ugh. I really am trying to convert my nature to a positive one.. and it's HARD.

Another Layout

I laugh when I remember this. We are a family that sings a lot. We sing out whatever is happening, good and bad... like a cheesy musical. Gary would often pick up Dana.. carry him around, and bouncing him, singing at the top of his lungs... "Carry me... home to Birmingham, it's where I wanna be... it's where I wanna land... da da nanana... la la la la la.. deee da da da da... etc. Cuz we never know the second line to any song.. especially Gary. So... he sings a lot of made up stuff... and da da la la nee nees. What can I say. Cheesy, yes?

Another Week Upon Us! A week of OPPORTUNITY!

2011-06-27T08:46:00.003-04:00

Today's Affirmation

Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb

A Layout
"A Grad at Last"

Our little boy is growing up! When did this happen? My son came down, looked at this, and actually liked it!!! lol Ok... I should explain. He seems to like them all! Or... most of them. He prefers busier pages, though. And he really likes the mini books most. It's not like he doesn't like my pages, it's just that he rarely offers an unsolicited opinbion. I think it's just Dana at 18. (almost 19). But this page, he actually came in and said... "Hey Mom, I really like this page." hmmm. Wish I'd thought to ask him what he liked about it.

Which begs the question...

Who do we design our pages for? Do we do what WE like?
What our children would like?

I guess that's easier when they are little. They like anything. But if you have older children, do you ask them what they like? IF they like it?

2011-06-22T15:09:00.003-04:00

Daily Affirmation!

The one thing I've been paying close attention in my personal growth lately, is to embrace positivity. I want to be able to see the world with icing on it... and not with depressed eyes. I find that if your life has a lot of trials in it, you can sometimes begin to see things with burdened heart and eyes. Certainly that's been the case with me. I'd like to change that. With that in mind, I think today's affirmation is just perfect!!!

We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.

In light of how things are going lately, and with how I am trying to change to a more positive person... I thought I'd post a layout I made awhile ago, called In Transition!

2011-06-21T12:02:00.001-04:00

Layouts.

I finally went into my scraproom. I am so excited. Now I can get back to doing things again. Time to toss out the cobwebs.

My biggest weakness is multi photo layouts and two page layouts. So here a multi photo, two page layout that I just finished last night. I find it so much easier to do a one photo layout... with the pic being around 5" x 7". And clearly most others do as well... since the mags are filled with those layouts, and very few double page layouts with several photos. They always say that's what they want, yet the magazine design teams mostly do single page, one pic layouts. Have you noticed that? lol

hmmmm

This is a layout of my Bean. The picture of the children on page two, has my son in the blue cap... when he was in grade 2. The little girl with the red backpack on, is his girlfriend of the past two years. (they are both 18 now) Isn't that funny? They've gone to school together since JK, and my son Dana was 4 years old. Funny

Today's Affirmation

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,

show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.

Interesting Week

2011-06-20T13:52:00.002-04:00

For all of you who can scrapbook! There is a fun party this week! Check it out! Websters is having a party. It's looking like it's going to be such a good time. There's new product, prizes, chats, and good fun. What more could you ask for!!! Click on the picture underneath.. or in the sidebar. Check it out!!!!

2011-06-17T09:53:00.000-04:00

From My Garden

I have these huge flowers in my garden, that I just love. They smell divine, and are all over my front and back and side gardens. Yay. So I decided to cut some for my kitchen and family room. They are smelling that area of my house up quite nicely!

From the Garden of Some Friends!

My son came home from his girlfriend's house, with these lovely flowers! They were from her parent's garden, and they sent them home with my son Dana, for me. I love that. People are so nice. I love thoughtful gestures like that. They make my day. So thank you Diana, for the lovely, sweet-smelling flowers.

Speaking of Thoughtful, my hubby sat on the front verandah this evening, with a cup of tea.. and did something he never ever does. He wrote me a poem. A poem! My husband has always been free with his words of love, but he's not a writer. And yet, here he was... writing a lovely piece of prose for me! He emailed it to me, and I was so shocked. And touched. My hubby!

On the stoop I sit

Birds Chirp Cars Zoom
The sun sets and the clock ticks
The leaves rustle and flowers continue to grow
I ponder I ponder I ponder
The thought is there
My heart goes beat beat beat
And I know
I love you

And I ponder

How sweet is this??? What a sweetheart. My guy. :)

Leaving off with a couple of my other guys... (and gal)...

Doing what they do best.... Beauregard is eating (a treat, commonly known as deer penis, I kid you not), And Mischa.... upside down, feet up... sleeping!

Life's Happenings

2011-06-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

It's Bieber Fever!

My hubby was golfing last week, with his buddy Kevin, when Kevin's wife emailed this picture of Kevin's daughter. They were visiting her parents (Kevin's in-laws), who live a couple doors down from Justin Bieber's grandparents. They're friends. So looky who came out to take his picture with a happy little girl!!! Justin and his girlfriend were in Brampton visiting Grandma and Grandpa for a few days. Justin put his sunglasses on her.

A Hot Summer (Spring) Ale

Gary was cutting the lawn yesterday, and afterwards, flopped down on the grass, and decided to have a beer to cool off. Mischa likes anything anyone else has. If Beauregard is playing with a stuffed animal, she likes that, if I'm working with a bottle of glue, she likes that. If Gary has a beer... she likes that. Keep in mind, that no animals were harmed in the taking of this picture. Though her drooling self LOOKS like she helped herself to some beer... she did NOT. lol It just LOOKS that way. It really does. Gary snapped this picture because when he set his beer down, she sat there fixated on it, literally drooling. He laughed and laughed.

This is how it really looked with the whole picture in it.

What Makes You a ... ?

2011-05-30T10:57:00.001-04:00

One of the biggest questions of my life is about how to define myself. I have absolutely no trouble calling myself a Scrapbooker. I have no problem calling myself a wife and a mother! I have no problem calling myself a woman! I am each one of these things. There is one thing I struggle with defining myself as, however. Writer.

I write articles. I write poetry. I've had both articles and poetry published. I've had one of my poems chiseled in marble for all time. And I am in the process of writing two books. One fiction, and one... non-fiction. Both have interest in them. But they are not published yet. Because of that, I struggle with calling myself a writer. I haven't had my books published yet, and so.. can I call myself a writer? Many think once you write... you are a writer. Others think, once you have anything published... you are a writer. Others? They think you must have a book published, in order to call yourself a writer. I am in a group of *writers* so called, that don't consider you a writer after publishing only one book. They consider that person lucky. They consider you a writer, after book 2 is published. That shows commitment.

So many expectations from so many different people.

It's so interesting. Why are we like that? And why is it that when people see scrapbooking, they have no problem defining a person as a scrapbooker. Yet, most people who see a person's writing, do not define that person as a writer, unless they reach a certain criteria that they have personally set.

I find that so interesting. Really.

A Gatefold Mini Album

Here are a few pics of a mini album I'm doing for my son. The style is gatefold. I love mini albums. And my 18 year old son prefers them to all other types of layout. So... mini albums it is lately. For him, anyway.

What a Time

2011-05-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

The Royal Wedding!

I just loved it. I'm a tad over saturated, as I sit and watch 20/20 right now, rehashing what I've already watched 4 or 5 times over. LOL Sick right? I'm like the smoker, waking up with a horrid cough, barely able to breathe, reaching for a cigarette. oy

The Eyes Have It!

My goodness. What is this? Another layout? What's up with that! I love these pics of my son. They really show who he is. Those beautiful Precious Moments eyes of his. sigh

The Monsters

So, if one or both of my two monkeys chase the cat(s), they are immediately placed on indoor leash. It's almost always Mischa. But this morning, it happened to be Beauregard. As soon as Beauregard was leashed, Mischa immediately ran over, grabbed the leash in her mouth, and began pulling him all over the place. And I do mean ALL OVER THE PLACE. This little monkey wasn't just FIGURATIVELY yanking his chain... she was LITERALLY yanking it today.

Go figure.

I caught her (below) just as she was grabbing it, and Beauregard looked up at me with a "OH come ON" look.

... and then...

around and around he went with her,

until I removed the leash.

She really is an incredible handful. I can't begin to tell you.

On a Serious Note...

I can't really sign off without first mentioning the death of Osama bin Laden. He was taken out by some US soldiers. It is over. I have some thoughts on this. But I just don't want to get too heavy on this blog. I don't want to cause any stirrings on this blog.

I'll just say "God Bless those who suffered great loss on 9/11" I pray that you have a measure of peace now.

hugs,

Sandie

Work or Play

2011-04-28T11:33:00.001-04:00

Is It Work?

Is It Play?

Sometimes it feels like scrapbooking is work. Usually not. But sometimes. I struggle during those times to get something done. Something that I actually like. I'd love to know what everyone else does during those times. Or if they get those times???

What do you do to inspire yourself and make yourself better... and different? How do you avoid *the rut*?

Here are a couple of layouts I've done.

The Little Blue Chair

On this layout, I used a sketch at Allyscraps. (Love me a sketch sometimes). I've never used those banners before on a layout. So many are doing it, I usually shy away from that. It's just me.

Angelic Dreamer

I love chipboard. Can't get enough of it. I tend to hold onto it though, and PLAN when I'll use it... without using it as much as I'd like. Strange, eh? LOL

Go figure.

I'd love recommendations for any online classes or videos etc. that could help me de-rut myself. :D

Have a GREAT Day!!!

2011-04-20T12:32:00.000-04:00

New Stuff

I like this layout. Not sure why. I just do. I think it's the picture, and the story behind it. My hubby is such an avid golfer. PLEASE! And this is the day... nay... the MOMENT... that our son, Dana... his pride and joy... his life... his beacon of absolute joy...

well... this son, pride, joy, life, beacon, and joy... he got a NATURAL PAR!!!! Wow. What does that mean? Well.. Daddy didn't help him get it. No saying "Oh.. just pick up the ball, and throw it closer"... and no "Just take another shot. It's ok."

Nope. He hit the ball.. hit it... hit it.. and here he is.. ready to sink it on the 4th (at a par 4). Yeah baby.

Make and Take

This is a make and take that we did at the Scrapfest Crop. The flower is made with a strip of cloth, and the flowers are made by the same.

of the 4 legged variety...

And to finish off with a bit of *us*... here's the latest addition to the house... Mischa...

along with my usual Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need... Beauregard.

She's having trouble *getting it* (going after the cats).

And she's driving Beauregard a bit insane.

But so far, so good.

Training is an ongoing thing, and whew... some days I question my decision.

But she's cute. And she's adorable...

and we do get a kick out of her, when she copies Beauregard

in ALL that he does.

And sometimes she just can't get close enough to him...

He will usually let her do as she wants. Sometimes he'll get up and go somewhere else.

And when that happens... she'll usually just head over to her bed, lay down... and go to sleep!

Not sure why she decides to hang mostly OUT of the bed.

Beau? He'll find a spot with me, or with Daddy (as here, in the family room)

... and go back to sleep.

2011-04-15T10:59:00.001-04:00

Sarah's Challenge Blog

Come on Over to Sarah Hurley's Challenge Blog, and join in on this week's challenge. I've done the challenge this week. Check out what everyone did, and just what the challenge is. Here is mine below. I've used Sarah's products to create this card.

Scrapfest Creations

This card/easel is a make and take that I did at Scrapfest. I love the entire easel look to this card. I need the die that cuts the back part (that creates the easel effect).

This is a layout I created at Scrapfest in response to a contest going on at the crop. We were to use a song or lyrics from the 60's. I chose "What's new Pussycat." It's not showcasing well, but there is a really neat jungle cat beside the "W".

Here is another Make and Take that I did at Scrapfest. It's a smaller canvas that is covered in yummy paper. It's a picture of my son, standing at Epcot.

I'll talk more about Scrapfest tomorrow.

I really had a great time at Scrapfest, as usual. There were so many awesome vendors, who were showcasing amazing product. Fancy Pants was there... as was Maya Road and Zion. I did Make and Takes with all of them... Of COURSE!!!! :)

More tomorrow!!!

New stuff

2011-03-31T12:51:00.000-04:00

New Challenge Day

Today... is a new challenge day at Sarah Hurley's Challenge Blog ! Come by and check it out. It the UK, Mother's Day is near, so the challenge this week is "Mum's the Word". I did a card for the challenge, using Sarah's paper, and her downloads, along with letters and cardstock, and ribbon. So drop by and see what the team made for that challenge, and play along. My card says "Mum's the Word". Inside, it says... But you mean a lot to me. It's not a mothers day card. It's not mothers day here in Canada... and I lost my mom when I was young. So.. no Mom to give a card to! So I don't make Mothers Day cards.

A New Layout!

This layout is called "Summer in Wonderland". It's a layout of our son Dana, and my hubby (I'm the one TAKING the picture, of course), at Wonderland, enjoying the rides and good times. The upper pic is hubby in his car, with Dana in the front (I was to sit beside him when I took the pic). The one pic was him sitting in a Fred Flintstone car, at a fast food restaurant. The main pic, is him at the bottom of a slide. (it was my favourite pic, and just luck that I managed to catch him come down, in a stream of other children.) I can't seem to find my layout mojo anymore. But I'm heading to SCRAPFEST in Kitchener next weekend, and SO looking forward to it! To being inspired. To seeing how the other women create. To participating in all of the Make and Takes with Scrapbook and Cards Today, and in seeing all of the new product. Maya Road and Fancy Pants are both going to be there. Not sure who else. But fun times. I need the inspiration. And let's face it. I need the fun too. lol

Stormy Weather

2011-03-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

A New Layout! Yeah Me!

I mean really.. what else is there to say? I'm just so happy to be creating regularly again. This layout is my son at 5. We signed him up for a Blue Jay Baseball camp. The blue jay trainers came to town to train the little ones and big ones. He was definitely the tiniest. For those of you who aren't ball fans, or not Canadian... The Blue Jays... aka The Toronto Blue Jays are my boys. My team. My guys. :)

Stormy Weather

Spring was just here, wasn't it? Yesterday, we got about 8 or 9 inches of snow. I mean.. come on! What happened? Wasn't I just talking about lovely Spring? Sigh I know that's why this winter descended on us. I know it.

I'm depressed.

What's the weather like on your end?

Top Secret Who?

2011-03-23T10:31:00.001-04:00

Undercover Hit?

and

Top Secret Who-Did-You-Say-You-Are?

So... last night, two lovely police officers were here until close to 2:00 a.m.

Yes! I DID say 2:00 a.m.!

Why, you ask, did you have the police there until 2:00 a.m.???

I took the family van... an innocuous dark blue van, that looks like all other family vans...

went to the grocery store at 9:30 p.m. and then to pick my son up at 10:00 p.m.

That's when it happened!

I pulled out of the back driveway of the grocery store parking lot, onto a darkened back street, that was a short cut to my son's girlfriend's house. I had driven up about 5 houses when a large 4 door dark, inconspicuous car pulled quickly beside me in the oncoming traffic lane to my left, and just as quickly, moved in front of my van, cutting me off... and pulling off towards the side of the road, and forcing me to stop! I stopped quickly, with my heart pounding...

As I stared forward, I looked at two men, dressed in slacks, shirts, and ties, coming at my van.

The first, approaches my door, while the taller one, puts one hand on the front engine of my car, blocking any ability to move forward... staring into my windshield.

What on earth had I done?

I live in a small university city about 45 minutes out of Toronto, Ontario. Our city police force are polite gentlemen, who are nothing like the tv cops who portray large city policing.

I do not ever break the law. I'm the daughter of a cop, with almost all men in my life growing up...

also being cops.

So there is no intimidation factor .

Usually.

As I stared into the eyes of the tall man with his hand on my car, and the other stocky man rapped his knuckles on my side window, telling me to get out of the car...I was afraid!

Now I *think* that I saw the man to my side, flash a badge... but I couldn't swear to that!

I opened the door, and said "Is there a problem, officer?"

He just looked cooly at me and said I'm going to have you exit your vehicle please maam.

"Um.. I need to call my son. He's going to panic if I don't show up!" I responded.

"No, maam. Just get out of the vehicle for me", was his response

I then said "look.. my son is expecting me, and will cause a 911 incident, if I don't show up on time"

At that possibility, he allowed me to call my son.

But my son didn't answer! He often doesn't for one reason or another. He doesn't get the call in her basement, is the main one... so I said.. "I'll just text him that I'm delayed".

"There's no need for that, maam. He's clearly not THAT worried", he said.. noting that my son hadn't answered.

Again.. I reiterated that my son would call 911 with no word from me, and he insisted on watching me text him. Ugh.

After texting him, the officer again said "Please get out of the van maam."

I got out. He ordered me to leave my door open, and DO NOT remove that phone. Leave it on your dash! And then he went on to say "I'm going to have you open this door for me maam", pointing to the back sliding drivers side door.

I opened it.

He then pointed to the wet grass and gruffly demanded... "I'm going to have you go and sit down on the grass for me, maam.

I walked off to the cold, wet, grass.

The two of them proceeded to flash their flashlights thru my van, looking for.....

They looked at each other, and one said something under his breath to the other.

The one turned to me and said, "you may leave now"

They walked to their car, as I got back into my van.

Shaking... I drove to my son's girlfriends.... and he drove us home.

My hubby did not like what he heard. He immediately called the police and asked if they had pulled over my van... blah blah blah.

After checking, the desk seargent called him back and said that nobody had run my license plate. He wanted to send some officers around.

That leads me to the two kind gentlemen who were at my house until close to 2:00 a.m.

VERY different men than the two who'd stopped my van.

Now.. I know there were so many things I should have done during that stop, that I didn't do. I just got so afraid and caught up.. I did none of them. Silly me.

Anyway... it turns out that they contacted some cowboy cops from specialty squads in Toronto... and other forces... and will be sending to several more. But we may never know who it was. It may be so top secret, that they aren't letting anyone know... least of all the public. So I'm left in the dark. Some of their thoughts were that it might be squads checking on illegal cigarettes being transported, or drug runs, or theft rings, or rcmp, opp, specialty unnamed squads, and even illegal aliens.

Believe it or not... I felt better knowing it was probably one of them...

than the previous thought that it was criminal element looking for something else.

This morning...

I am exhausted.

Have you ever had anything like this happen to you?

2011-03-21T12:35:00.000-04:00

Spring!

Oh man. I'm a happy camper. Many say Fall/Autumn is their favourite time of year. Not me! Fall/Autumn is beautiful, for sure... but to me, it just reminds me that the long, cold winter is about to set upon me and my world. For me, Spring is the season. Spring represents new life. New buds. New starts. New beginnings. It represents grass, blue skies, warmer weather... shedding layers... walks without seeing your breath! Ahh Spring is fantastic. I love Spring. And as I look outside, I see what? NO SNOW! It's good all around. I love no snow. It makes me happy.

Finally! What's this? A LAYOUT???

Finally! I'm back to doing some layouts. I had stuff going on that has put me so far behind in life, I couldn't catch up, no matter what. And honestly, some days I didn't even want to try and catch up. It is just no fun being behind in everything. Anyone have some cheese with that wine/whine?

I'm caught up... almost... well.. pretty much. Not quite. I swear, I'll never be caught up now. But I've decided I'm caught up ENOUGH! lol Anyway... Here is a layout I worked on last night. lol It's called "Itty Bitty (base)Ball Player. We signed our son up for hardball when he was 4 1/2 years old. He was tiny. Not only was he the youngest on the team, but he was by far, the tiniest. He was so cute. Gary coached, and I assisted, so we were able to keep a close eye on him.

The uniform we got for him had to be an Extra Small. lol And he still swam in it. That's why I went with this title. So fitting. Just a good time.

Announcement!

2011-03-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

Thought I would announce my fun news! I've been invited to join Sarah Hurley's design team!!!

Check her out HERE, and see how very talented she is. Sarah is from Essex, and designs some pretty wonderful stuff. You need to go to her store, to see what she has to offer. Personally, I love her Wonderland stuff. It's phenomenal. What she also has (and you won't be surprised to hear this, knowing how much I love them...) she has a Challenge Blog!!! Each Thursday, she has some fun fun challenges, that you won't want to miss out on it.

She announced her team, and I quickly looked at their blogs, but I have to go and spend some quality time there. These girls are amazing, and I'm humbled to be on this team with them. Go and check these talented ladies out!

Sandie (me)

Thank God It's Friday... Saturday

2011-02-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

A Great Place to Visit!

Seriously. I want to tell you about a blog that I've followed for a very long time. I used to be on the same design team with this girl, and she's so talented. And she's an excellent story teller. You have to look at her blog to appreciate it. And right now, it's a great time to do so, because she has a phenomenal giveaway. Truly! Go HERE and check it out. You won't be sorry. Then, just head to her front page, and look around. You won't be sorry.

Now... My new doggy? She IS starting to learn. She's still grabby, bitey, bossy, buggy, and boorish.... but she'll then stare at you with her massive underbite ... and melt your heart. And you start teaching her all over again.

And like kids... they are SO cute when they sleep, that you forget how naughty they are when they're awake! If you want to know how tiny she is... this pillow is 11 inches by 11 inches. She makes Beauregard seem HUGE.

What am I doing today?

SCRAPBOOKING!

Seriously! I really am. I've informed my hubby that the dogs are HIS.

I'm heading into my scraproom, closing the door... and doing my thing.

I'm NOT going to be dealing with the training.

I'm just not.

Really!

Tomorrow, I'll actually post something scrap related on here.

Yay!

Follow The Leader

2011-02-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

Let's Play

Follow The Leader

...

Well, on Day 3 of the new Doggie Caper... Mischa, the Mischievous Misbegotten Mutt

has decided that not only does she want to follow Beauregard around

She wants to DO everything he does

BE everywhere he is

and

HAVE everything he has!

For example... if Beauregard lays beside Mommy on the Family Room sofa

Mischa lays beside him with Mommy.

But notice her hind legs... she's ready to rock and roll.

She makes her way down to a full lay down...
but manages to maneuver herself closer to Beauregard's toy...

Eventually, she gives up, and just grabs it
and begins chewing, while keeping an eye on Beauregard.

Since she's making too much noise, Beauregard heads to the floor for his rest.

and of course, Mischa the Minx.... follows...

and begins to butt her head into Beauregard....

But Beauregard ignores her in favour of some rest.

But Mischa will have none of it.

She proceeds to mount him!

and then COMPLETELY forgetting that she is a SPAYED FEMALE

she mounts him AND tries to have her way with him

if you know what I mean!!!!!

Beauregard then gets up and looks at me as if to say
OH COME ON! Do ya SEE what she's doing???
Help me, Mommy!
I'm getting a little fed up!
and besides... I'm the GUY!

Of course... with Beauregard standing there...

Can Mischa be far behind?

No.

"Whatcha lookin at?" she seems to be saying...

"Oh hey, Mommy!"

So Beauregard goes to head outside for a break

or maybe a potty.

And toddling beside him...

uh huh

His shadow

The day went on and on like that until Beauregard toddled off to bed with Daddy.

Me? I follow much later.... and then end up back on the sofa in the family room

in the middle of the night.

And with me?

Mischa!

But after following Beauregard's every move...

has made her very tired.

Exhausted, in fact.

But in the middle of her sleep

she must be dreaming

of getting at Beauregard

Cuz she's all over the place in her sleep.

and then morning came...

and we're about to start all over again.

What on earth will today hold?

Day 2

2011-02-23T13:46:00.001-05:00

Day Two

AKA

The Continuing Saga of
Beauregard, the Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need

- and -
New Sister-- Mischa the Mischievous Monkey Faced Mutt!

Ok... So I solved one problem! I went out last night, and picked up a 30 foot leash. Now, I've secured one end of that leash to my back deck stairs. The other? I attach to a squiggly monkey, in order to send her in the backyard to do *pee pee*. (or whatever) (but I CALL it pee pee, and she gets it) I think. I send her out, when Beauregard makes the call.

Notice how long the leash is! She can follow along behind Beauregard, and yet, he can still go to a part of the yard that she cannot get to, and *do his thing*

She does like to be where Beauregard is, but she NEEDS to be connected. That girl can move. And she doesn't move TOWARDS you. She moves in several directions... none of which is the one you want her to take. So that leash is a Godsend. And it keeps her safe. Beauregard does tend to sniff and wonder at that contraption connected to her. I think he's more concerned that it'll end up on him.

If I go inside, she'll do her business, and come back up to the door. That's where I'll find her... a little face, almost lost in the back door span.

Of course, once we are back inside, I sit on my large comfy couch, and try and get some work done on my mac laptop. Next to me, is Beauregard, and then my Monkey, Mischa sits just behind him. But... let's face it. This is Mischa. She doesn't play second fiddle very well.

And being further away from me than him?

That is a problem.

But not an insurmountable one.

I didn't get the picture, but with so little space available,

the monkey decided that the best way around Beauregard

was OVER him.

And she proceeded to climb over him, to get here.

Hmmm. Her smile is evident. Beauregard's

is not.

Day two is running smoothly. But if she leaves the room, I tend to follow. Why?

Because yesterday, the little minx left me some lovely nuggets in the shag Martha Stewart rug, in the great room by the fireplace.

What fun!

And yes... I did step in it.

Effectively smooshing it into the shag.

And having to cut it out

Yep

Day two.

One more day put towards an effective training program.

whew

SPLASH!!!!!

2011-02-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

Jumping in With Both Feet

Whew. We've been looking at adding to our fur family for awhile now. Beauregard could use a companion. Then, I was on Kijiji, and there she was. Her family had to give her up. No time for her. Us? Well.. I guess we did have the time. Cuz... we looked at her... and decided that we were going to adopt her. Her family changed their mind... and then called back and said they changed their changed mind. The end result? A new fur baby in the house. Now we have two cats AND two dogs. Joining Disney, Jaguar (the cats), and Beauregard... the Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need... is our latest and greatest... Mischievous Mischa, the Misbegotten Monkey. So what do you think? Am I crazy? Or what? Mischa is one year old... spayed, of course. But with no manners. She doesn't come when called. She doesn't sit when told. She doesn't, for that matter, do a single thing she doesn't want to do. I've got a lot of work to do. She IS, however.. snuggly wuggly, teenie weenie, and cute as can be, in a monkey face kinda way. LOL FYI.. she is a Puggle cross Morkie, with a serious underbite. Interesting mix.

And.. oh yeah. She's stolen our hearts already.

Beauregard and Mischa, coming to terms with each other.

You mean I gotta share with HER?

No! She meant, that as the girl... I get to keep it for myself!

I think I'll stay over here and watch from a distance...

When did I lose all control over this joint???

Hah! I grabbed another toy. And it's mine mine MINE.

So now, begins the long journey of training Mischa. Training her to come when called. To sit when told. To drop when asked. To get down when instructed. To leave it, when ordered. And to stay, when in danger. It's gonna be a long 3 months.

Do you have any pets? How many?

Hump Day... or Harrumph Day

2011-02-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

Some days are days meant to be spent lounging around, watching t.v., scrapbooking, and remaining in comfy flannel pj bottoms, with a warm and cozy sweater. That is what my *today* is to me. And I am taking complete ownership of that fact. Here are a few of my layouts. Do you ever feel that your layouts are sometimes just repeats? Do you happen to know of anything awesome around the web, to get my creative juices flowing? A FAB contest, or challenge? A fab group that inspires??? Please let me know! I need them.

Letting Go

2011-02-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

A Difficult Day!

Today, my baby... my little Bean... my sweet little angel eyes... Dana Joseph Maximillian... is doing something that scares me silly. Parenthood doesn't get easier as they grow up.

I remember when he was living inside me. I'd had several miscarriages, and the doctor said "Don't tell anyone! You may not hold onto this pregnancy." My other doctor then said --and only after several months -- "Sandie.. you are seven months along now. This baby can live no matter what now!" Whew. Good times. Once we got through the fear and the pain, the next years were nothing but joy. They were the best of times. They were everything we wanted, and more. This baby was definitely worth it! Now, this *baby* is 18 years old. EIGHTEEN! But still... he remains MY baby. My one and only child. He commutes to Toronto each day, for school. He's going to be a television journalist. But today? He's not coming home. He's heading into Toronto by train, and then he's taking his girl to see Bon Jovi, after school, and they are just staying overnight in Toronto, so that they can just head into school from there. (she commutes to another Toronto school)

Going to a rock concert at night, in downtown Toronto, and then making your way to your hotel? Gone are the days when I can take care of him by keeping him close. Now I have to take care of him by letting him go.

That's so much harder.

I spent the first years of my marriage trying and waiting to get pregnant.

Each month felt like a year. Each loss, like the end of the world. A renewed loss, a guilt and a shame.

Then I spent the first months of my pregnancy waiting until the baby could live outside of me.

Each month, again... felt like forever. Please let me keep this baby.

Then I spent the first months of his life, waiting for him to grow stronger and older.

He kept asphyxiating in his sleep. Very quietly. We found him almost blue more than once.

The doctor said it was time to order a SIDS monitor for him.

So he could no longer sleep away from us. Terrifying.

We waited for the threat of SIDS to pass.

Waiting - Waiting - waiting...

He was SO worth the wait. This great love of ours. Our one and only.

To us.. my Love, my husband Gary, and I...

Valentines Day is as much about Dana, as it is about us.

We have our Great Love, which has provided us with Our Great Love.

And letting that great love go... so that he can soar, and begin his life, and search for

his own great love story!

That's the joy and the fun of it.

But it's still Letting Go.

Like all of the fear and the waiting... it's worth it.

But it's hard.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!!!

Character, Characters, and the character of Characters

2011-02-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favourite things...

I need cheering up today. It's been one of those weeks. REALLY one of those weeks. So I thought I'd post some of my favourite things.

Favourite movies: Parent Trap (old and new), McLintock,
Favourite themes: Comedies, Futuristic, Horror
Favourite singer: Michael Buble
Favourite tv series: Big Bang Theory
ALL Star Trek shows. (geek alert)
Favourite guilty pleasure: Hmmm.. it's gotta be reality shows. I'm addicted.

Here are some of my favourite Scrapbooking projects. I'm not sure why they are my faves. For various reasons, I guess. Sentimental, products used, or whatever. I love acrylic. LOVE it.

This is me, some years ago. It was a time of great transition, because it was a few days after my Mom and best friend passed away. I had bought this suit to wear to her funeral.

I like these cards. Again... I don't know why. These are just some of my faves. LOL

Favourite altered item. Ok, this is ONE of my fave altered items. Again.. not sure why. I think it's because I love to learn. I'm a writer (hence the book)... and I just played with it. No agenda. Hmm.

What about you? What is something that is a Favourite to you?

It's A Cold Cold World

2011-02-10T11:15:00.003-05:00

AKA

Sad Sorry Face of a Bored Beauregard

the Problematic Puggle of Perpetual Need

So, the weather outside is frightful,

the snow.. not so... delightful...

there's really no way to go

in that snow, in that snow, with that Beau.

Um.. ok.. bad poetry stealing aside... Beauregard is a sad puggle. And he's not one to let his mopeyness go unnoticed. He's bored, and he's a bit teed off that he's stuck in this house. Now.. as houses go.. it's not a bad one size-wise, to be stuck in. How much room does a problematic puggle require? There's 2500 sq ft of roomyness for him to *mope* around in. And for the most part, he is moping in a 5 sq ft radius. Which 5 sq ft? Why the 5 sq feet surrounding ME... that's which!

It's just too cold out right now, for him to go out walking... or even playing in the backyard. I DO play with him inside. We play fetch, tug, whatever. But not enough for Beauregard. He wants more. He wants to walk, and potty in strange places. He wants to run with his ears flopping around him. He wants out of these walls. Poor baby. I have been taking some pictures of my poor, put-upon puggle, these last few days. As you can see... life is rough on him. Poor little guy.

So without further ado... I give to you...

Bored Beauregard, the Poor Put-upon Puggle of Perpetual Need...

Mini Books

2011-02-06T13:52:00.000-05:00

My son informed me that he likes my Mini Books best. Go figure. I didn't think he liked those at all! I thought that at the stage he's at (18), my scrapbooking was very much low on his list of things to enjoy. And I thought the mini books were lower than all of it. Shows you should never make assumptions... even about those you know best in this world!

Anyway... I'm working on a book for him now. It's a Grad/Prom Book. Here are a few pics of it. Of the cover, and of an inside shot. I'll post it when it's all completed.

Do you do mini books? What kind? This is a paperbag book. I should have fixed the ribbon prettier when I took this picture... but I don't have the camera handy to retake it, I love paper bag mini albums. What's your favourite kind?

I Didn't Go To CHA But...

2011-02-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

Ok.. I didn't go to CHA, but I DID have some fun at Two Peas CHA Winter 2011. There were a ton of challenges. Unfortunately, I only uploaded 2. Here are the two I uploaded. One is called Howdy Pardner. My son with my cowboy hat. He loves to pose, in any way. The 2nd one is You are Our Heart. Again, my son, getting ready for bed at the cottage. he was sooooo tired. He grabbed his bottle, put his hands together under his head and whined bed? Mommy? Dadda? seep? Ahhhhh. Poor little baby. He looks so tiny and itty bitty on that sofa bed. LOVE that baby.

Check it OUT!!!!!

There is a good time going on right now. If you like sketches, check out My Sketch World! From February 1 to 20th, there are a TON of sketches, and prizes, and fun, and games, and chats, going on. I think it looks like quite a party. I'm not involved in this site, so this is just my unbiased opinion!

I'm SOOOOOOOOOO glad it's the weekend. It has been a very difficult week. I just want to close the doors to my house, and say goodbye world. I'm safe and sound in here with my family. Ugh. Do you ever have those weeks?

Rewarding Beauregard and his Daddy

2011-02-01T11:54:00.001-05:00

Walking Beauregard

It's cold out, so Gary... sweetie that he is... will walk Beauregard whenever he can, so that I don't have to. When they're out, Gary waits for him to potty a bunch of times, before he brings him home. You dog owners get that! Beauregard enjoys his potty. And is a frequent participator of the potty parade. So, when I'm not with him, Gary enjoys sending me pictures of *his boy* enjoying the potty moment. Thought I'd share. I don't know why. LOL For some reason, a picture of Beauregard in the middle of a potty moment, shows his personality. And it makes Gary and I laugh. Well... Gary more than me. But there you go. What crazy thing do YOU take pictures of? You know... as families and individuals, we enjoy and get a kick out of certain things others may not *get*. And that's what makes us unique. So come on and share... what picture opportunity do you take advantage of that others may not understand. LOL

NEXT.... An Ice Cold Ceasar to warm the body.

So what happens when he comes in from the cold? Beauregard jumps up to snuggle and warm up with Mommy. And Gary? He sits down to a nice Ceasar that I made for him. He enjoyed it so much, he took a picture of it, to send to some friends... just to say "Hey... here's what I'm doing. Watching golf, and sipping a spicy Ceasar my wife made.

So here is Gary's old lazy boy chair in the family room, with the handy-dandy spicy ceasar, ready to warm his sweet self with, after walking Beauregard to the nearby park. Gary loves him a ceasar. And apparently I make a good one. And I don't even drink them. Go figure. What's your favourite drink of choice? The *go-to* drink that makes you feel good, as you sit in your favourite spot?

Design Team Choice de Jeur

I've sure been enjoying seeing all of the new CHA product! Wow. Just amazing stuff. How awesome to be on one of those teams, and to have a supply of that yummy goodness, arriving at your door!

One day. One day, I'm going to apply, and I'm going to get chosen.

One day.

If you could choose... what Design Team would you like to be on, that you are not currently on?

Cha Sneaks

2011-01-29T18:56:00.003-05:00

CHA happenings!

You gotta love this time of year. All of the sneak peeks. All of the new product! Just so many, it's a bevy of beauty! I'm going to be talking about some faves of mine. Here's one of them.

Check out Maya Road's Sneak Peeks. They also have a giveaway going on!!

Click HERE if you want in on the giveaways below...

Want to win one of our $35 prize packs of New Releases?

We have 4 ways for you to do it. You can leave us 1 comment for each thing you do for up to 4 comments / chances a day.

1. Leave us a comment here with your favorite item from today.

2. Become our friend on Facebook and share this post on your Wall.

3. Share this peek with an online forum you are a part of and tell us which one it is.

4.Blog about it on your blog and leave in your comment your blog name.

Make sure you leave a comment for each item you do!

That is it! We will close the comments to this post when we share our FULL CATALOG tomorrow night!

Enjoy!

It's a CHA Weekend!!!

2011-01-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

I Wish I Was At CHA!!!

Yay! For those of us who don't have the ability to go to CHA... there's a great celebration at TwoPeas! Head HERE, and join in on the fun! The girls at 2Peas know how to have a good time, so if you wish you were there... you'll want to be HERE.

I wish I could go back to some of the days that I scrapbook. I remember holding my baby boy. That feeling of tranquility... of all being right in the world. I remember sitting with my son in the back yard, creating scenes of fun around his pool, and his laughter. I would love to be sitting on the chair right now, by his pool... or sitting in his pool with him, reading Harry Potter. I would love to be able to return to those days.

Of course... then, I would be deprived of another little face that I've gotten quite used to....

and that is THIS little smiley, handsome, hardheaded fella!

My little Beauregard, the problematic puggle of perpetual need. You really can't have it all.

Jaguar, Disney, and a Beauregard aka MY OWNERS

2011-01-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Jaguar

Jaguar... is somewhere in this house... roaming around, and most likely engaging in mischief, or sleeping. Jag has two modes... trouble, and sleep. Nothing in between. He's like a child, however. When I don't hear him... I need to worry. Unless he's sleeping. Sometimes, I just chance it. I sit back and assume. Well.. you know what they say about assuming???!!!!

And then there was Disney!!!

Disney is a stereotypical cat on the one hand... and completely a dog, on the other. He is standoffish, self-reliant, self-absorbed, with an extreme fetish to grooming himself until he shines. He has a somewhat grumpy countenance, and he doesn't appreciate Mommy going OUT to work.

But LATELY... I've been working from home! Disney (and he's there right this minute), sits extremely close by my side, as I work. I have a Macbook Pro, so I don't need to sit at the desk. I sit on my sectional in the family room. I can keep my leg up (owie leg... long story)... and I have my paperwork nearby... and there is Disney... snuggled up close to my side, occasionally head-butting me to let me know how appreciative he is to have me so close, and that I apparently recognize that my true place is at home, and by his side.

and that's fine. I'm ok with catering to my kitty cat.

and he's ok with it too!

HOWEVER!!!!

And then there was Beauregard!

The problematic puggle of perpetual need.

As Jag thinks he's Dennis the Menace,

and

Disney thinks he's a Dog...

Beauregard knows he's the boss, the owner, the neediest noodle in the universe.

Well... in HIS universe, at any rate.

The closer Disney snuggles, the more unsure Beauregard gets. Surrounded by several pillows, and going back and forth between them, Beauregard does not, at any point during the day... leave my side, other than to eat, drink, or potty.

A puggle rhymes with snuggle, and that's what they do. They are needy little beasts, that live to snuggle with their Mommy and Daddy. It makes for a warm day, despite the frigid temperatures outside. I have my guys on either side, loving me unconditionally...

And it is unconditionally. All they ask is that you LET them love you. They want to be near you. See you, smell you, touch you, snuggle with you. And their world is a wonderful, safe, and happy place, when they get this. Wow. Animals are humbling. Even the arrogant beasts that live in my home.

Do you have any animals?

What is their personality like?

2011-01-21T11:00:00.001-05:00

Medieval Times

The meal presentation. It starts with soup and garlic bread. Very tasty. And no.. still no utensils. you drink the soup.

My Birthday present from my son Dana. My birthday was November 2nd. Such fun!!! I was pretty thrilled. i would have preferred to have my husband AND son there... but ... hubby and I headed to the castle in Toronto, to attend the dinner and tournament. Good times. We got seats at table one, right down in the front. That was awesome. So close to the festivities and the horses, and the men on horseback!!!! Yepper. We were on the side of the black knight. Each section has their own knight.

You can't really tell how close we were sitting... but trust me... we were as close as we could get, without being IN the pit with the knights. It was a good gift. And I've wanted to go there for so many years. Too many to count. I'm posting a few pics, just to give you an idea of events. I highly recommend that you go and see Medieval Times. it's not just for children. It's a fun Mom and Dad date. There were plenty of adult only groups. Go.. have fun.. indulge in the fantasy!

Gary loved the soup. So did I. Very yummy. And who doesn't love the excuse of eating with your hands?!

So many things going on!

The entire event is one ongoing story. Like watching a live movie.

A beautiful spectacle!

The King and Princess, as they address their guests.

Ready to eat, and enjoy the show.

There were a number of horses that did amazing things. What awesome beauties.

Another picture of our black knight.

The Prince finally returns.

Here is a picture of our black knight.

Here is our knight, dressed in all his finery, ready for battle. And yes... they DO battle!

This is the man who told the story, introduced the knights, and the events going on. He spoke with the King, the Princess, the Prince, and the Knights. Very cute.

A Falcon and his trainer. This falcon was incredible. You will see him fly out from his trainer, and return... soar, eat, dive, and return again, on command. Amazingly beautiful animal.

Here he is with his trainer... about to be sent off to those of us around the area. He flew out over all of us, and was so gorgeous.

Here is the gorgeous falcon, flying and soaring over our heads. He was much closer than he appears. So wonderful.

Our manservant. For food, we had potatoes, chicken legs, bun, etc. And NO utensils. You eat with your hands, as you would have had you been eating at the castle during these actual times. The bowls and things are iron or steel. Heavy

Many things take place during the event. Parades, horse shows, battles, you name it.

Here I am at my table. The empty chair is Gary's, and he's taking the picture.

Our lead man and speaker again. Very sweet and appealing accent, ladies.

Beauregard missed us, so here he is with the paper crown on his head, sitting on me, and completely unwilling to let me out of his sight. He's a very dramatic fella.

Sketchy Thursdays

2010-11-16T23:10:00.003-05:00

Sketchy Thursdays, and Can I Keep Your 4?

Hey! I decided to do up this sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. Then we had a big rainstorm, and my uploads not working. Doesn't it always go that way? Anyway... here's my take on a wonderful sketch!(and just look at this sketch. Kinda makes you want to check them out eh?) If so.. head to Sketchy Thursday's blog!

Just to let you know about this page... I took Sandylion Damask paper, and rolled them into rolled strips that resemble logs. That's what I've popped the pictures on. I liked that effect. It shows better in person. The journaling says: At this age, you are sweet, loving, kind, adorable, and every good thing I could ever hope for. There will come a day when Mommy & Daddy are no longer so important, when your life and interests move away from home. But for now... can I keep you 4???!

Happy Birthday to Me!... and many more.......

2010-11-02T10:23:00.001-04:00

I stayed home from the office today. I thought about going in, but hubby and I said for me to take the day off... and since we're the bosses... that's what I did. :) I love puttering around my house. And since it's my birthday, I don't feel like I have to DO a ton. I feel like I can breeze the day a way somewhat. I'm going to scrap, watch tv, and play online. Do a BIT of housework. We'll go out to dinner tonight. Hubby and son always take me out to dinner on my birthday, and give me presents. LOL It's good to have a birthday, eh? LOL Not much. It's good to be me today. :)
Not sure if I've shown the following.. but I have some newer things I've worked on, that I like.

Anyway... here some recent things that I've done. This is called Disney & MGM Studios. These were taken on our first trip to Walt Disney World. My son was 6, and so completely in love with Mickey... and ALL the characters. What a gloriously magical time. This layout is very 3-D in actual appearance. Too much so, to get a proper scan, so I took photos of it.

This is an altered canvas. This Graphic 45 paper was so pretty. I just saw it as a canvas on the wall. No pictures, just pretty enough to stand on it's own. For it's own sake. I get a fair bit of comment on it too. I took the canvas, painted it, and used various shiny metallic colours, along with distressing.. and attached the paper to it. I distressedm, inked, and painted the edges of the paper before attaching it. I added colour here an there... just hints of it. I also attached bling in some spots. Then I added several flowers of varying sizes. I loved that. I twisted some twine, and wrapped green rafia around it, to make long flexible stems, and attached some leaves too. It hangs in my family room, beside the secondary fire place.

Have a Great Day Ladies (and gents)!

When's your birthday? How do you celebrate it? Do you get gifts? What do you want for your next birthday?

2010-10-31T17:57:00.001-04:00

I had a great time at a blog hop this weekend. Go and Check it out right HERE

Start the blog hop at Pamela's! You won't be sorry! I've been a follower of her's for a long time, and her work is great inspiration.
And don't forget to check out the member's blogs. Many diamonds here.
Here's the sketch she did up.

Here's my take on the sketch

It's called Favourite Canadian Idol Judge. We used to go to Canadian Idol several times a year, and my son's favourite judge was the singer Sass Jordan. He held up a sign for the tv cameras that said "I'll leave my Mom for Sass Jordan. She got a big kick out of it Here he is at her seat with her, before the show.

2010-10-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

2010-10-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

New Layouts and Contemplation!

This is a page I've wanted to do for awhile. It's called "Slipping Thru My Fingers". It's from a song in Mama Mia. Here are the lyrics. They are about a little girl, but I've applied them to my son.. my little boy/young man. The song was by Abba. Seriously, one of the most meaningful to me, I've come across.. to me. Have you ever had a song that you scrapped, or that created the perfect page meaning for you?

Here are the lyrics to Slipping Through My Fingers...

Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning

Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that Im losing her forever
And without really entering her world
Im glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think Im close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when shes gone theres that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I cant deny

What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
(slipping through my fingers all the time)
Well, some of that we did but most we didnt
And why I just dont know

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think Im close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers...
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile...

Here are a few of the other layouts I've done this past week.

2010-10-04T03:49:00.000-04:00

Missing In Action!

I don't know if I've been missing in action... or missing in IN-action. However.. with the new move, work, and getting the right internet set up... I've not been keeping this space up to date. I intend to change that. I have the internet fixed now, and things are so much easier when the internet is actually working right. Yes? :)

So.. how have you all been???

Cards, Cards, and More Cards

I had a good time at World Card Making Day at weScrap ! I made a batch of new cards, learned some techniques, and had fun with some ladies ! Here are some of the cards that I made.

This is a Misting challenge. I stamped the lips with red ink, and emossed the one lip with gold embossing. Then I sprayed Glimmer mists (4 colours) around the page, and wiped it off, to make this look.

This is a gatefold card technique that I learned. I really enjoy this style of card!

Another gatefold card!

This is a card I made at card tag

This is the other card I made at card tag. Fun!

I'm BACK!

2010-08-18T09:56:00.002-04:00

Port Orleans.. Page 1 and 2 together

Port Orleans "The French Quarter" at Walt Disney World

Page 1 of Port Orleans with hubby and son. Our resort room was in the building ahead. BIG resort!

Life has been SO crazy lately, I can hardly describe it to you! Crazy, Crazy, Crazy!!!! I've let this place go, in order to get everything and everywhere ELSE in my life, in order! So sorry. I'm back now, and intend on creating some order here. I hate disorder. Did I mention that? I sent out some prizes to some people. I appreciate your thanks folks. Katey... got your card! Wow. You are talented. So glad you liked the stamps, and can use them so well. Wowsers. The good ole US/Canada border can sometimes cause some commotion too. lol Sorry to Laurie for the extra cost they added at the border. And sorry to Amanda that hers were lost or delayed. If you still didn't get them, I'll send more. I have others I was putting up, so you'll be taken care of.

Speaking of fun with the US/Canada border... my own package was double dutied too. LOL I got a wonderful box of goodies from Scrapbook Fran! Check her out HERE

What was the wonderful surprise? A box of eyelets of every colour imaginable. I LOVE me some eyelets!!!!! She also tossed in a mini decorative album (LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT) AND... I got the FAB containers they were all in! I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE containers!!!!!!!! I'm just saying! And there are so many other fun things in the little compartments other than just eyelets too. I went thru it all, played with it, and then added to it last night. It's sad really. Is anyone other than me, an eyelet hound? An addict to the hole-y treasures??? I went thru most of my eyelets doing some sessions with some seniors... so this has just really replenished my stock.

Anyway... I HAVE been scrapping and doing cards, layouts, mini books, whatever. I haven't put any up in awhile. I'll start adding a pile here.

The Journey! This is a canvas I have over my office desk at home. My son in Kindegarten and Gr. 12.

Check it Out

2010-07-24T08:19:00.001-04:00

A Great New Product! Check it OUT!!!

I had an opportunity to play with some great transparencies from a new company. She's not knew... but this venture is. You all know Debby of Debby's Dare ... well, she's designed these, and they are so wonderful. There's more than just the transparencies that I've used. Go and have a look at what others have designed this past week, and see what she's about. You won't be disappointed. She's not a friend of mine... (though, hey, we could be).. so I'm being straight with you. This is what I actually think about her stuff. I've been going to her blog for awhile now, and I'm excited to be a very small part of getting to show this off.

Here are the two projects that I did. (I did more, but of course, with the move, I wasn't able to scan and upload them. Crazy times lately. :) For the card, I tried to show off the transparency on a light cardstock, so I put it against an ivory pearlized cardstock, trimmed it a great deal, cut it in half, and retained the bottom part for another time. I also trimmed the left side off of it, and outlined it in brown pen, as well as used rubons and stickers for the birthday and 60 years young wording. The stickers and a pop up sticker cardstock were used for effect.

In the layout, I used most of the transparency. I wanted the full size, and I put the transparency against a pearlized green cardstock for effect, and to bring it out. It has such a lovely ethereal quality, that I felt I wanted to capture that look.

Be sure to check out Debby's Dare... and see for yourself what she's going to be offering. You won't be disappointed. Gotta love new scrapstuff!!!!!

We've Moved!

2010-07-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Crazy times. So much change in our world... and I can barely think. We needed to move... but it's still stressful. Our son was raised in the other house. 17 years! Can you imagine? 17 years we lived in that house, and now here we are in the new one. I'll post pics once we aren't living in abject chaos. I'll post pics of inside and outside. The best part? It's got 1,500 sq ft more than the last one. The other good news? It has a scrapbooking room for me, that's NOT in the basement! Yeah! It's on the main floor, with french doors leading to it... off the kitchen and laundry. How perfect is that? AND it has doors leading onto the back deck! Very handy. Pics will come, I promise!

June 29, 2010

2010-06-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

My Baby Graduates

My baby is growing up. He's graduating HIGH SCHOOL! I can hardly believe it! He has graduated high school. I need to keep repeating it. Where did the time go? Where did it go?

One day, I was trying and trying to have a baby... and the next day... I was holding onto that baby, as he became a man. It just doesn't seem possible.

As we sat in the Church, (the largest one in town), we pulled open the agenda, and poof! There was his name! Our little baby had won some wonderful awards! You don't know that you've won awards until the actual graduation, so it was a shock to us and him. He won for Leadership at school and the Community. He won for marks, leadership and volunteerism, at school, and in the community. He was also noted for his attitude and how well respected he was. It was a proud moment. He graduated with honours, and distinction. And we felt honoured by him.

Congratulations, Dana... My baby... My young man!

Happy Birthday to Hubby!!

2010-06-09T11:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my WONDERFUL Husband, Gary!

I am sorry to have to break it to you all... but I truly AM the luckiest and most blessed woman on the planet!!! My husband is such a great guy. We've been together since I was just 18! That was .....

are you ready for it???????????????????

Oy

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30 Years Ago!!!!!!!

Wow. Hardly seems possible!

Anyway... Here we are, at the office... and my man is celebrating a birthday. 29 AGAIN!

Last Night!
Last night, we went to an awards show for Dana. We knew he'd gotten some award, but didn't know why. He received TWO awards. One was for exemplary achievements in the city and at school. We are very proud of him. I promise I won't go on and on again. LOL I am in the middle of buying a camera. Ours just went wonky. So last night, I bought a disposable for the event. So no pictures for now. :( Sorry.

Me!?

I am seriously trying to decide where to go with my scrapbooking. I love what I do. I can't imagine going through a day without Scrapbooking. And I want to belong to a community, and get close to those in it. I just want to find an *online neighbourhood* that fits. I've been looking. With that being said, I've tried out for a few Manufacturing teams. The last two I applied for had full mailboxes. The first one let me submit, because they knew they'd had issues. The second one? Not so much. In fact, I got a terse sentence back saying I was too late. Period. I went way out of my way to submit to them. I drove to another city looking for their product. I set time aside in the middle of a move. I took time away from work. I just did whatever, because it was worth it to me. I can take submitting and not getting the position because I'm not what they are looking for. But after submitting a number of times, and then discovering they didn't get it, and submitting a bit past the deadline because they didn't get it, and then too bad, so sad. Ugh Ugh Ugh. I'm seriously considering not submitting anymore. Maybe I'm not cut out for manu teams. Are you on any? Did you know anyone on the team when you were invited on it? Advice?

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T10:52:00.001-04:00

This Proud Moment Brought to you by CHANGE and the Number 17!

Today! It's been an interesting few weeks, with all the changes I've mentioned. Last night, for example, my son went to his very last meeting as Catholic School Board Trustee. So.. Gary and I had to go and watch. LOL We watched him give his report, and watched them thank him for his service. It was SOOOO sweet, and such a proud moment for us. He was sitting there in his Crested jacket, and so confident at the grand old age of 17!!!

Then, when it was his turn to stand and give his report to his fellow Trustees, he stood proud, confident, bold, and clear. I wanted to shout out. "That's my baby!!" lol He was even confident enough to make a joke, and respond to questions.

Lastly, they were called forward by the Director of Education, along with Father Chair (Father Noon), to receive an acclamation and Certificate. I was fighting back my tears.

When the night was over, the Director of Education handed Dana a letter of reference. This letter will go with his portfolio to his upcoming University, along with any jobs in future. It's something to keep always. We read it on the way home.

Wow. What a night! First thing this morning, he had to attend an Applause Breakfast, where he made some presentations as Trustee. (His official duties aren't over until the end of June). We dropped him off there at 7:15am. (busy boy). Then.. tonight? We are off to the Awards night at his school. We received a letter with tickets because Dana is getting some award. (I'll tell you about it tomorrow). It's been a bit of a crunch for us lately. So many highs. So many wondrous, and stressful events. It's hard to even put it out there. So amazing. Thanks for reading/listening. LOL