While the kids napped this afternoon, I pumped out two layouts. I'm quite impressed with myself, actually. When you've got your groove on, a lot can be accomplished! And, not only did I get two layouts done, I also vacuumed, cleaned the bathrooms, and re-organized and cleaned out the front entry closet this morning. It was a very productive day!
Every day, for the month of February (and then some), I'm tackling one room or cupboard- anything that desperately needs some cleaning and organization, and I'm getting this beloved house of ours straightened up. The girls are going to be three- I've decided I've lived in a baby proofed house long enough, and its time to start bringing out some of my prized possessions. My wedding pictures made it out onto the sofa table, along with my wedding bouquet; my prized hand made table runner for the sofa table (that I bought while visiting Michigan a number of years ago- specifically an Amish town, but I don't remember the name of it), and the table runner for the kitchen table. I need a centre piece, but haven't the slightest idea what to put there!
I printed out a whole bunch of pictures this afternoon- I had a ton of picture frames that I found in my linen closet when I cleaned it out yesterday, and I plan on putting up the rest of my gallery wall tomorrow, hopefully. If not tomorrow, definitely in the very near future. Its already become obvious that I desperately need more picture frames! Currently, the gallery wall is only on one side of the wall into the basement. It may expand to the other side of the wall, too. We shall see!
Back to scrapping. The first layout, Published, is celebrating my first.ever. publication in a magazine. Every so often, I submit my layouts to Canadian Scrapbooker magazine. I make a lot of one photo layouts, and it would be nice if they accepted more of those, but they don't. Well, they do, but they prefer multi photo layouts. Such as the one that was published. The girls were riding on their little scooters in the backyard last spring. Originally, I was going to title my layout Zoomy, because it was (and actually still is) one of their most favorite sayings. But, once I found the paper I used for the layout, inspiration hit me, and I changed the title to Metro. The lamp post was ingenious, and the girl- well, she was too. It just worked. Beautifully!
I picked up the colors in the girls' outfits- the pink in Addisons' dress, and purple, instead of blue, for Maren's dress. That is all in the original layout that I made. That was published.
The layout about being published was made with papers from the Faded Denim collection by Colorbok. Mostly. The green/yellow patterned paper is from another collection, and at the moment I'm not sure what it is. Once again, I was inspired by a layout I found on Pinterest. How did I ever survive before Pinterest?!
There is a tag peeking out from the side of the picture in this layout- its hidden journalling for the kids. The tag reads, 'don't ever give up on your dreams'. Being turned down a number of times didn't stop me from submitting layouts for publication. I kept hoping that one day my dream would come true. And, it did. I hope they hang onto their dreams and never let go. One day their tenacity will pay off.
The second layout, Great Oma, happened while I was flipping through older pictures, looking for material to scrap about our life in Saskatchewan. I feel its important for the girls to know where they came from, and give them a glimpse of the house they lived in for the first year of their lives. I've been avoiding doing it, and part of me still wants to avoid it. I'm not totally sure why- I miss living in Saskatchewan, and part of me wishes we were still there. The other part of me is uber happy that we're here back in Alberta. I honestly can't put my finger on why it bothers me so much. But, its there.
Anywho, when I saw these pictures of the girls meeting their Great Oma for the first time, I couldn't help but smile. She obviously loves children- which is testimony to why she had so many children to begin with (9, as a matter of fact!!) Every time we visit her at Miller, she brightens right up. The kids are the highlight of her day. The smile on her face, and the obvious happiness they bring her, warms me to the core, and makes me smile in turn. She doesn't know who they are; she doesn't know that they are my children. But, it doesn't matter. They are children, they are full of life and energy and purity, and they give her more to be happy about and look forward to than anything the nurses could give her.
The girls were only 5 months old when they met their Great Oma for the first time. She was in the hospital with a broken hip, and I remember her asking whose kids they were when we walked into her room. She remembered me as a small child myself. She couldn't believe I was old enough to have my own children. And, twins to boot!
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my Oma (their Great Oma), is Blue and White. To me, they symbolize being Dutch. Most of the artwork in her house, and in her apartment before she moved into Extended Care, was what I call Dutch Blue. I don't know the correct term for it, or what style of art it is. Its just Dutch. Heh. That's where the colors come from in this layout. I thought the yellow would stand out nicely against the blue, so I used a yellow/green combination patterned paper for the journalling spot the title work is adhered to, and for the banner. To tie the red of the title work into the layout, I used a pink paper flower.
I just love how this layout came together. Quickly, seamlessly, and incredibly quickly! And, with the kids (half way through it) interrupting me every two minutes. Of all the layouts that I've made lately, I have to say this one is my most favorite. There is a lot of love, meaning, and sentimentality behind this layout. I'll treasure it for years to come, and I hope the girls do, too.
The sketch that inspired this layout didn't include any room for journalling. I needed to add a little something about the girls meeting their Oma, so added a few lines underneath the title mat, and journalled away. I think I'll have to do more layouts of their Great Oma in the future. They need to know what a good natured, saucy, strong lady she is!
I'm grateful and incredibly glad they had the opportunity to meet their Great Oma. I only wish they could have met their Great Grandmother on their Papa's side (Grandpa). She would have been enamored with them, too.
Till next time...
~a
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Cheers
Good evening! Where has the day gone?! The weather has been gloriously beautiful today- although muggy. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous right through next week, and I suspect that all the thunderstorms that have by-passed us this past week will probably dump on us this week. At least, I hope! Some cooler weather would be almost a good thing :)
I have another layout to share with you. Today, its a two pager! The next few layouts are going to contain a number of pictures. I've finally made it to the point in the month where we celebrated with the girls' twin cousins on their first birthday. If you recall, a ton of pictures were taken that day, so a few layouts are going to be dedicated to that day! I'm waiting on permission from my cousin, but I'm hoping that I'll be able to post the layouts I make with her kids in them. But, if this is the only layout you see of that day (possibly one more), then its because I don't have permission to post pics of her kids on the net! Just a little forewarning!!
The inspiration behind this particular layout comes from the incredibly talented Kelly Klapstein. She created this layout for a new segment in the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine called 'Double the Fun'. We were encouraged to play along and try this sketch out for ourselves- with the possibility (I think) of being published along with her. After thinking on it for quite some time, I decided to try it out. I must say, I just LOVE how it turned out!
All the accent patterned papers are from the same sheet(s) of 12x12 paper. I cut out the mushroom portion of the paper to make the border along the top of the page, and the lined/stitched portion for the bottom of the page. The flourishes were also part of that paper, so I fussy cut it out, then cut it in half and adhered it to the bottom right corners of each page. The banner was also created using the same paper- the parts of the paper that hung off my 8.5x11' card stock base got transformed into that- its double sided paper, so both sides were effectively used. Its incredible how much usage a single sheet (well, two, really, so that I could take advantage of the all the mushrooms and lines) of paper can give you!
For a little bit of drama, I outlined the flourishes, banner and photos in black pen, then decided to make the only horizontal photo a focal photo, by drawing two lines around it, and adding the buttons and ribbon (I wanted to highlight the fact that it was the only picture with both girls in it on this layout). I guess the journalling helps draw the eye to it, as well! (And, speaking of how well things worked- how about the flourishes underneath the only two pictures with water?? In my mind, they kind of mimic water...perfect, or what?!)
Here's a few close ups:
Oh, I forgot to mention that I stamped in a few places on my layout with SU's whisper white ink, using an Easter stamp (of all things) for a bit of a subtle 'something else'.
301* that Maren finally told me (numerous times today) that she loves me (which I never doubted, but its always nice to hear)
302* all four of us had the opportunity to really play this afternoon
303* and how good it felt
304* the slushy/treat dear husband is bringing home for us
305* cuddles with Gregory
306* someone came and had a look at the trailer (here's to hoping they buy it!!)
307* how excited Maren was over their tickle trunk full of toys
308* that their trunk full of toys finally made it into the house!
(and thus begins my nightmare---I'm seriously going to have to go through their toys and donate all the ones they no longer need/play with--they're no longer babies and don't need baby toys!!!)
309* that their (my) storage trunk made it into the house
(now I can put all the clothes that I want to hang on to into their 'trousseau', or whatever you want to call it)
310* that dear husband (and J) made an even bigger dent in the garage clean-up tonight. yay!!
Here's to a great day, and looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow! Cheers!!
I have another layout to share with you. Today, its a two pager! The next few layouts are going to contain a number of pictures. I've finally made it to the point in the month where we celebrated with the girls' twin cousins on their first birthday. If you recall, a ton of pictures were taken that day, so a few layouts are going to be dedicated to that day! I'm waiting on permission from my cousin, but I'm hoping that I'll be able to post the layouts I make with her kids in them. But, if this is the only layout you see of that day (possibly one more), then its because I don't have permission to post pics of her kids on the net! Just a little forewarning!!
The inspiration behind this particular layout comes from the incredibly talented Kelly Klapstein. She created this layout for a new segment in the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine called 'Double the Fun'. We were encouraged to play along and try this sketch out for ourselves- with the possibility (I think) of being published along with her. After thinking on it for quite some time, I decided to try it out. I must say, I just LOVE how it turned out!
All the accent patterned papers are from the same sheet(s) of 12x12 paper. I cut out the mushroom portion of the paper to make the border along the top of the page, and the lined/stitched portion for the bottom of the page. The flourishes were also part of that paper, so I fussy cut it out, then cut it in half and adhered it to the bottom right corners of each page. The banner was also created using the same paper- the parts of the paper that hung off my 8.5x11' card stock base got transformed into that- its double sided paper, so both sides were effectively used. Its incredible how much usage a single sheet (well, two, really, so that I could take advantage of the all the mushrooms and lines) of paper can give you!
For a little bit of drama, I outlined the flourishes, banner and photos in black pen, then decided to make the only horizontal photo a focal photo, by drawing two lines around it, and adding the buttons and ribbon (I wanted to highlight the fact that it was the only picture with both girls in it on this layout). I guess the journalling helps draw the eye to it, as well! (And, speaking of how well things worked- how about the flourishes underneath the only two pictures with water?? In my mind, they kind of mimic water...perfect, or what?!)
Here's a few close ups:
Oh, I forgot to mention that I stamped in a few places on my layout with SU's whisper white ink, using an Easter stamp (of all things) for a bit of a subtle 'something else'.
301* that Maren finally told me (numerous times today) that she loves me (which I never doubted, but its always nice to hear)
302* all four of us had the opportunity to really play this afternoon
303* and how good it felt
304* the slushy/treat dear husband is bringing home for us
305* cuddles with Gregory
306* someone came and had a look at the trailer (here's to hoping they buy it!!)
307* how excited Maren was over their tickle trunk full of toys
308* that their trunk full of toys finally made it into the house!
(and thus begins my nightmare---I'm seriously going to have to go through their toys and donate all the ones they no longer need/play with--they're no longer babies and don't need baby toys!!!)
309* that their (my) storage trunk made it into the house
(now I can put all the clothes that I want to hang on to into their 'trousseau', or whatever you want to call it)
310* that dear husband (and J) made an even bigger dent in the garage clean-up tonight. yay!!
Here's to a great day, and looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow! Cheers!!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Another Stage
192* for Dr. Naidu
193* the ambulance trip to Regina from Estevan (even though it was a gong show!!)
194* for the awesome nursing staff in labor and delivery at Regina General (and, ironically, how many of them were pregnant at the time!!! LOL)
195* that they only spent 12 hours in critical care after their birth
196* for the great team in the NICU (once again, how ironic it was that so many of them were pregnant at the time!!!)
197* that they were able to make room for us in the NICU
198* that I didn't have to deliver my children in an unknown place( ie. Toronto)
199* for the blood transfusion they gave her
200* and how well she responded to it after it was done
201* that my blood pressure didn't get any higher than it already was before they were born
202* that I had no seizures from said high blood pressure
203* that I didn't need a blood transfusion (my platelets were low)
204* there were no complications from HELLP
205* that they smartened up after realizing I'd become dehydrated from waiting in Triage for 12+ hours waiting to find out what was going to happen to us (when I was first admitted to Regina General)
206* that her brads were nothing serious
207* entering another growth stage
208* potty training
209* big girl panties!!!!
210* (even if they are thick waffle panties)
211* big girl beds!!!!!!
212* play sets!!!!!!!
Yep. Thinking about pregnancy again. And how I am not. Laying in bed last night, while my thoughts were obsessing on the friends who are pregnant, they eventually turned to how thankful I am that me, the twins and my husband were so well taken care of when I was admitted to the hospital and they were born. Honestly, those two weeks were the longest I've ever had to endure in my life, but the reward at the end of it was PRICELESS!!!! (I do, however, wish that I never need to spend time in a hospital- anywhere- for a length of time that's longer than 8 hours- ever again!) Ugh. How boring!!!!!
Yes. Potty training. The last two days Maren's been complaining about being itchy, and I've noticed its every time she pees in her diaper. So, I've been putting her in pull ups, but I went out this afternoon and bought her big girl underwear. We are starting FOR REAL potty training tomorrow. I'm tired of changing diapers, so I figure its about time! I think Maren is tired of them, too. And, I'm sure, Addison will follow suit very shortly. I'm so glad I found waffle underwear at Walmart! I've never seen them there before. I thought the only place I'd ever be able to find them is at Babies R Us. Thankfully I was wrong!
We are also going to convert the kids' cribs into big girl beds. I'm hoping it will make story time at bed time go a little more smoothly. I also realize my nightly scrappy routine is going to fly out the window. I'll probably not get as much done when their beds are converted! We also picked up safety railings (or whatever they are called) to put in front of them so they don't roll out of bed).
Big, big changes are happening in this household! Its pretty exciting!
The last big change, is finally biting the bullet and purchasing a play set for the kids. They'll now have their own swing set, slide, sand box, rock wall, play house and (I think) rings. Phew! I felt kind of bad for them, watching them chase each other around the yard. I couldn't help but think how boring for them that must be! (Luckily there's two swings on this set, so there'll be no fighting over who gets to swing first!) Pictures will follow. Promise!
This happy little number is based on Canadian Scrapbookers' February sketch, and features my sweet little Maren. It will also work perfectly as the last entry over at Scrapbook.com, for the circle challenge, which is the last national scrapbooking month challenge over there. Its my one last chance to win some goodies! Here's to hoping, and if not, there's always next year!!
The picture is another of the ones that my sister took on Mothers' Day up at my parents'. And, from that day, I think this is the last one of my faves. Pretty cute, isn't it?
I embossed the circles with my cuttle bug, using the 'baby's breath' embossing folder
The happy sticker is k & company, and the white letter stickers are...unknown...
I used decorative edge scissors to cut the scalloped circle, and then regular straight edge scissors for the circle inside it.
And, of course, journalling in my own hand. Nothing personalizes it better, I think! Also, the hearts were punched with my Creative Memories heart punch.
Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Its going to be a crazy one in my household!
193* the ambulance trip to Regina from Estevan (even though it was a gong show!!)
194* for the awesome nursing staff in labor and delivery at Regina General (and, ironically, how many of them were pregnant at the time!!! LOL)
195* that they only spent 12 hours in critical care after their birth
196* for the great team in the NICU (once again, how ironic it was that so many of them were pregnant at the time!!!)
197* that they were able to make room for us in the NICU
198* that I didn't have to deliver my children in an unknown place( ie. Toronto)
199* for the blood transfusion they gave her
200* and how well she responded to it after it was done
201* that my blood pressure didn't get any higher than it already was before they were born
202* that I had no seizures from said high blood pressure
203* that I didn't need a blood transfusion (my platelets were low)
204* there were no complications from HELLP
205* that they smartened up after realizing I'd become dehydrated from waiting in Triage for 12+ hours waiting to find out what was going to happen to us (when I was first admitted to Regina General)
206* that her brads were nothing serious
207* entering another growth stage
208* potty training
209* big girl panties!!!!
210* (even if they are thick waffle panties)
211* big girl beds!!!!!!
212* play sets!!!!!!!
Yep. Thinking about pregnancy again. And how I am not. Laying in bed last night, while my thoughts were obsessing on the friends who are pregnant, they eventually turned to how thankful I am that me, the twins and my husband were so well taken care of when I was admitted to the hospital and they were born. Honestly, those two weeks were the longest I've ever had to endure in my life, but the reward at the end of it was PRICELESS!!!! (I do, however, wish that I never need to spend time in a hospital- anywhere- for a length of time that's longer than 8 hours- ever again!) Ugh. How boring!!!!!
Yes. Potty training. The last two days Maren's been complaining about being itchy, and I've noticed its every time she pees in her diaper. So, I've been putting her in pull ups, but I went out this afternoon and bought her big girl underwear. We are starting FOR REAL potty training tomorrow. I'm tired of changing diapers, so I figure its about time! I think Maren is tired of them, too. And, I'm sure, Addison will follow suit very shortly. I'm so glad I found waffle underwear at Walmart! I've never seen them there before. I thought the only place I'd ever be able to find them is at Babies R Us. Thankfully I was wrong!
We are also going to convert the kids' cribs into big girl beds. I'm hoping it will make story time at bed time go a little more smoothly. I also realize my nightly scrappy routine is going to fly out the window. I'll probably not get as much done when their beds are converted! We also picked up safety railings (or whatever they are called) to put in front of them so they don't roll out of bed).
Big, big changes are happening in this household! Its pretty exciting!
The last big change, is finally biting the bullet and purchasing a play set for the kids. They'll now have their own swing set, slide, sand box, rock wall, play house and (I think) rings. Phew! I felt kind of bad for them, watching them chase each other around the yard. I couldn't help but think how boring for them that must be! (Luckily there's two swings on this set, so there'll be no fighting over who gets to swing first!) Pictures will follow. Promise!
This happy little number is based on Canadian Scrapbookers' February sketch, and features my sweet little Maren. It will also work perfectly as the last entry over at Scrapbook.com, for the circle challenge, which is the last national scrapbooking month challenge over there. Its my one last chance to win some goodies! Here's to hoping, and if not, there's always next year!!
The picture is another of the ones that my sister took on Mothers' Day up at my parents'. And, from that day, I think this is the last one of my faves. Pretty cute, isn't it?
I embossed the circles with my cuttle bug, using the 'baby's breath' embossing folder
The happy sticker is k & company, and the white letter stickers are...unknown...
I used decorative edge scissors to cut the scalloped circle, and then regular straight edge scissors for the circle inside it.
And, of course, journalling in my own hand. Nothing personalizes it better, I think! Also, the hearts were punched with my Creative Memories heart punch.
Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Its going to be a crazy one in my household!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
****SWOON****
Her "new thing" these days:
Kissing my phone.
When her "song" is playing on you tube.
So, she's obviously in love.
But, is it with Jason Aldean, or that particular song he sings?
Because we all know how much Addison loves her tractors! (and her fave song is about tractors!)
21* the cute things they do and say
22* their soft skin
23* the way they smell after their bath
24* a new month
***By the way-- happy May everyone!!***
So, she's obviously in love.
But, is it with Jason Aldean, or that particular song he sings?
Because we all know how much Addison loves her tractors! (and her fave song is about tractors!)
21* the cute things they do and say
22* their soft skin
23* the way they smell after their bath
24* a new month
***By the way-- happy May everyone!!***
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
In the Deep
When reality finally sets in and you realize the person you thought you knew best isn't at all what you originally thought, and it dawns on you that you don't like who the real person is, what do you do? How do you deal with that? Especially when for the last year and a half you've been racking your brain trying to figure out why that person changed so drastically, quickly and permanently?
All the things that were justified and just shrugged off previously are now the biggest impediments to your relationship. It's possible that resentment is filling in the gaps where compassion and understanding used to reside. Frustration and confusion are taking up residence, too, screaming out, "you know how you feel, but what are you going to do about it- what SHOULD be done about it?"
Nothing is no longer an option. Pain is just going to keep returning and the resentment will only grow as a result. Forgiveness has been asked for and given, but how much more...how much longer? Next time, when things get returned to normal, it will be another excuse of another kind. And forgiveness will be asked for and given.
Just-- why won't it stop?
~21~ loud footsteps of a toddler perfecting the art of walking
~22~ the kind, thoughtful people that hold doors open for us when they see us coming
~23~ two well-behaved children that were easily entertained and preoccupied while their mama visited the doctor
~24~ the sweet way she picks food up off the table and holds it up for mama so she can put it back in the bowl she's feeding her from
~25~ and how her sister has picked up that habit too
All the things that were justified and just shrugged off previously are now the biggest impediments to your relationship. It's possible that resentment is filling in the gaps where compassion and understanding used to reside. Frustration and confusion are taking up residence, too, screaming out, "you know how you feel, but what are you going to do about it- what SHOULD be done about it?"
Nothing is no longer an option. Pain is just going to keep returning and the resentment will only grow as a result. Forgiveness has been asked for and given, but how much more...how much longer? Next time, when things get returned to normal, it will be another excuse of another kind. And forgiveness will be asked for and given.
Just-- why won't it stop?
~21~ loud footsteps of a toddler perfecting the art of walking
~22~ the kind, thoughtful people that hold doors open for us when they see us coming
~23~ two well-behaved children that were easily entertained and preoccupied while their mama visited the doctor
~24~ the sweet way she picks food up off the table and holds it up for mama so she can put it back in the bowl she's feeding her from
~25~ and how her sister has picked up that habit too
Monday, July 25, 2011
Catch up
July has rolled around and it's found us still living in the fifth wheel, and hoping with every day that graces us that it will be the last. Moving into a house of our own and selling the old one seems like dim hope these days. Everytime we trip over a baby, baby gate, or ourselves, comes the inevitable "we need to get out of this trailer!"
Although our frustration is mounting with every mishap, the month of July has found us busy and continually proud and surprised by our children. The month began with maren taking up walking and more recently talking. We are saying "no", "mommy", "cookie", and a few others. I think Addison has begun saying "dad"- or at least very close!
My mother in law and father in law came to visit for a couple days a couple weeks ago while the rodeo was in town. It had been quite awhile since they saw the kids. We were even able to sneak in a quick date night sans kids one night. LONG overdue and THOROUGHLY enjoyed!!
Next came the most anticipated event: adding another member to our family. My sister and her (now) husband planned a surprise wedding for this past Saturday. We knew about it (my parents and I) but as for the rest of the family it was a shocker. It was fantastic! And I am so thankful to have a new brother (so is my husband)!!
We are home for a few days and then we are off again on a camping trip. We will be meeting up with my husbands step family for their annual family reunion- just basically an excuse for going camping. I am looking forward to it.
So I've beenneglecting writing becUse it's such a nuisance using my iPhone, but I suppose I should just suck it up, since it feelsike we'll be living in the trailer forever!!
Although our frustration is mounting with every mishap, the month of July has found us busy and continually proud and surprised by our children. The month began with maren taking up walking and more recently talking. We are saying "no", "mommy", "cookie", and a few others. I think Addison has begun saying "dad"- or at least very close!
My mother in law and father in law came to visit for a couple days a couple weeks ago while the rodeo was in town. It had been quite awhile since they saw the kids. We were even able to sneak in a quick date night sans kids one night. LONG overdue and THOROUGHLY enjoyed!!
Next came the most anticipated event: adding another member to our family. My sister and her (now) husband planned a surprise wedding for this past Saturday. We knew about it (my parents and I) but as for the rest of the family it was a shocker. It was fantastic! And I am so thankful to have a new brother (so is my husband)!!
We are home for a few days and then we are off again on a camping trip. We will be meeting up with my husbands step family for their annual family reunion- just basically an excuse for going camping. I am looking forward to it.
So I've beenneglecting writing becUse it's such a nuisance using my iPhone, but I suppose I should just suck it up, since it feelsike we'll be living in the trailer forever!!
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