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!!

Gone Fishin'

Today was finally reveal day over at Miracles' Momma's Designs, which means I can finally share with you the latest project I did using her sketch! Yay!

So, its a few weeks late, but good things come to those that wait. Ha. Its all about Mothers' Day, and how I spent it:

Before Heather posted the sketch this is based on, I had been thinking how nice it would be to create a layout with the thought bubble design. But, I had no idea what the subject would be for something so fabulous! And then...ta da! It becomes our assignment. I couldn't have been happier, or more excited!

For the lines connecting each of the thought bubbles, I didn't want to stitch, or create faux stitching. It was too time consuming, and I've never liked the way it looked any other time I did it on a layout. So instead, I used pearl bling to make the connections. I love how it looks! Still kinda time consuming, but with a much prettier effect! (Kudo's to those of you that can stitch and faux stitch- you make it look so beautiful! Not in my case...so, I'll leave it up to you!!)

Some of the pictures here are from quite a while ago (like this past winter), but they were the only ones of the subjects I wanted to include (ie. sister and brother in law). Every other picture of them is goofy, or they aren't together, and because space was limited, I tried finding one of them together that's semi perfect!

181* finally a good day (for the three of us girls)
182* an exceptionally beautiful morning (until the wind picked up again)
183* the surprise dr. Pepper husband brought home (I'm trying to cut back a bit)
184* a well deserved massage to look forward to
185* that Ogre (affectionately known as) is willing to watch my kiddo's
186* even though Addison is in love with him!!

oh my word, you have to see, its the cutest thing on the face of the planet! She flutters her eye lashes at him, smiles at him, says hi to him (whenever he is over), and is just generally enthralled with him! My two year old has her first crush!! hmm...maybe a future layout? LOL


187* tomorrow's
188* the chance to try again
189* "fishing"

hmmmm...the picture isn't showing up in my photo library, so I don't know where it is! I took a picture of Addison 'fishing' with a tree branch this morning, while we were playing outside. This picture is going to make her grandparents *swoon*!!!!! When I find it, I'll upload it


190* upcoming weddings!

So, are you ready for the teaser I mentioned yesterday before signing off? This was a fun one to make, too, and I'm quite thrilled with the way it turned out!

Addison told us that the fifth wheel was her first home. I mentioned that in this post. And, she's absolutely right. What she doesn't know, is that it was her mama and daddy's first home, too! Its been with us through a lot, and it was pure divine intervention that this should be scrapped! I'm so happy I had the chance to! (Its actually inspiring me to scrap a bit more from our past, too, on the days that I don't take pictures for Project 365). So, for instance, an lo of my Oma will be coming up and our loved (and lost) Sarah, and Maren's first (not-so-first-but-that's-what-we're-going-with) hair cut. That's it for now, but that list will probably be added to in the following days...

This particular layout is based on the April sketch over at Canadian Scrapbooker, the only difference is that the sketch is for only one page. I expanded it to make a two pager!

And, to quote my journalling, here's the story: We are currently trying to sell the trailer, but you floored us, Addison, when you said this was your first home. You were absolutely right- more than you know! Daddy had been living in it for a few years before he met me; all in various places around Alberta. He was living in a campground outside Edmonton when we met. After we had dated a couple months, Daddy moved the trailer to Camrose, and I followed after some previous obligations were fulfilled {I was house sitting for my parents, who were on a missions trip to South Korea at the time}. We continued living in it after we moved to Saskatchewan, until we bought our hose in Manor, in October of 2008. After we came back to Alberta, Daddy stayed in the trailer again {in another campground, but this time on the outskirts of Whitecourt} and we three stayed with uncle and auntie. That didn't last long! I hated commuting {because every couple of days we would drive out here to spend time with him} so we all stayed in the trailer. A lot of memories were made here, and we will miss it, but this is how it came to be our first home!


Like how I filled in some of the blanks with the regular type font? Sometimes I get a little irked with the info that gets left out of the journalling, which I feel should be in it. Oh well. I guess it just gives the kids opportunities to ask questions. Right? The other thing I didn't mention, is that the picture with my sister in it, and the one with the tiny little rat dog running on the couch with Kyle (who is my sisters'), is from a trip out she had made to visit us after moving to Saskatchewan. She was also living in Sask at the time, but commuting back to Alberta to work (she was employed as a medic in the oilfield at the time). Her little hometown when that picture was taken is called Nokomis. (She was still living there when the twins were born--she is my person. Got one of those?? She's my person because she helped my husband and I bring the twinlets into the world...I'll be forever grateful to her for that!)

191* having a person

The close ups--I cut all the letters and grass and clouds and the tree and the circle matted behind the pictures with my cricut. A camping theme is perfect- right- because essentially that's how we lived for a number of years...The clouds are scraps from another project.

Now, you may be wondering how it was possible to live in a trailer with two babies, a cat and two adults. And, you're probably wondering how big it is. It was large enough- at the beginning (LOL), but quickly got too cramped and small for all four of us. (Its a 32 footer). We took out the captains chairs that were in the living room, and put the kids' playpens in there, to act as their cribs. They did wonderfully with it- there were no issues at all! They were such troopers! (There are pictures of the kids sleeping in their playpens in the bottom right of the second page). To bathe them, I got creative, and used a giant rubbermaid container. I filled it with water from the shower (telephone shower head) and soap, and VOILA! make shift bath tub!! The tough part came when they wanted to play outside. I wouldn't let them. There was no grass in our camp site, just mud, and with vehicles coming and going constantly, I didn't feel it was safe. Their saving grace was that there is a petting zoo and small playground there, so we would spend a lot of time there. Eventually, we bought a picnic tent, and put the kids toys in there to let them play- until they figured out how to get out. Oi. I'm glad those days are over!

Anyways, so in a nutshell, thats the story of us, and now an lo that documents it!

And, for another sneak peek:

Surfing

171* a freshly mown and watered lawn
172* having the opportunity to relax after supper
173* while husband cleaned up the dishes
174* the way Maren hangs onto our necks if something scares her
175* the way they both jump off their changing pad (on top of their dresser) after changing them (yes, I still use it...) into my arms (and it catches me off guard every single time they do it!!)
176* I can talk/confide in/heart to heart with husband


The next layout I'm going to (actually will be soon) work on is Addisons our first home. Yes, the trailer is the 'first home' that she remembers, but I plan to take it a step further: its our first home, too. Many of you will already know that. Kyle and I had our beginning in that fifth wheel. We moved it out to Saskatchewan with us, and lived in it for the first few months before finding a house and buying it. When we first met, he was living in it in a campground just outside of Edmonton, Glowing Embers. Then, when I moved in, it was after he'd moved to Camrose to start a new job. I followed...I had to wait a while, because mom and dad had been living in South Korea, and were to be coming home a couple months later. I stayed to take care of the house like I'd promised them, then I moved out. In that moment, when he moved to Camrose, and I had to stay behind, I knew I was sweetly, blissfully, incredibly attached. And, there begins our story.

I've been flipping through all our pictures, trying to find some good ones of the trailer, and while I've found only one, so far, that I like, I've been finding other ones that I should really scrap one day in the future. Here's a sampling so far:

I'm not sure, but I think I was pretty selective in choosing what wedding pictures I was going to scrap. I do have a wedding album, and I'm fairly certain this picture isn't in it!! And, I don't know why--I LOVE it!!

Setting up our home outside the shop (Kyle's work shop--also known as the North shop--there were two shops in town; the north one and the south one). Not the nicest location, but it was a step up from where we'd set up in Camrose!!

At the race track with friends' (who also now happens to be Kyle's boss) kid (of two. They have twins, too).

With dear Oma, who turned 93 on Sunday. I printed this picture already, because an lo all about her is going to be coming up shortly, too!

And, my dear Grandma Murray, who passed away 4 years ago, July. This is the only picture I have of her, other than one that's sitting in my kitchen window, that got water damaged when we moved from Alberta to Saskatchewan. It isn't the best, and it was during a pretty dark period in our lives, but its still dear, and she's still precious to us.

This locket will forever be special and dear {and near-literally} to my heart. She gave it to me as a Christmas present quite a few years ago. Back then, it was the only gift from her that I truly appreciated. (Looking back now, I realize that was unfair). Little did I know then that this would become the dearest connection I have with her today! Its surgically attached to my neck; it rarely comes off. If we're going to something special and fancy, and I feel like wearing something different, I'll take it off, but as soon as that event is over, the locket is back on. I love it, and I love her! And miss her terribly! (Ditto for my sister, too).

Engagement day! Christmas Day morning, 2008. After the holidays, I showed up to work (I was working at Walmart at the time), and Danielle and I, who was also expecting (hoping) to get engaged had a show down. As soon as we saw each other, we were like 'so??', and then waved our rings in each others' faces. HA. It was pretty funny, looking back on it now. Neither of us was really sure we were going to get engaged over Christmas, but we couldn't help but think how romantic it would be. (And, at least I got the more romantic proposal...her hubby just kind of pulled out the ring, and said 'so, will you?' as they were driving to family's).

Do I need to--should I--share the story? Its pretty simple, actually. I'm a wanderer, and Kyle learned that early on in our relationship. Its actually more like I'm easily distracted. As you well know. If I see anything shiny or sparkly, I have to go check it out. I may, or may not, say anything about where I'm going. I have my mother to thank for that. She always told us to 'go, leave me alone. you don't need to follow me like lost puppies' while she shopped. So, we learned to go off on our own, but always keep an eye out for her so that we don't get left behind.

It scared him. He thought that I'd left him every time I walked off like that, distracted by something else I thought was pretty or interesting. But, lucky for him, each and every time I would show up again.

So, when we proposed, he thoughtfully attached my engagement ring to a leash. A pink leash. Which, un beknownst to me, would re-appear at our wedding- during the ceremony. (The wedding band was attached to the end of that one). And, he told me that whenever I walked off on him like that, he thought I had left him. He didn't want to lose me, and that's where the leash comes in.

He doesn't think his proposal was very romantic or extraordinary, but I think it was perfect. It was true to us and how he felt, and it couldn't have been more fitting.

(And, now that I think about it, I should get a picture--a good picture-- of the wedding band and engagement ring together. They're nesting, and super pretty! Now I'm just waiting on the third band that goes along with this set! I think its one of those past, present and future type deals. I just hope that when we get around to it, that its still there!!)

And, I know I've scrapped Gregory before, but I just have to do one again using this picture. Its the best shot ever that I've gotten of him! {IMHO}

177* Grandma's
178* Oma's
179* intricately designed silver lockets
180* that cat, aka chicken, aka Gregory

Chuckle

74* how delicious the asian lily smells that Kyle gave me for Mothers' Day- I can smell it all over the house
75* days that aren't a fight to put the kids to bed
76* laughter

Kyle's new favourite thing to do these days is cruising YouTube. Do many of you sit and watch videos there, as a way of vegging out and relaxing? It isn't my cup of tea, but I do have a few things to share with you because they're just so darn cute and funny!

JUST.CRACKS.ME.UP!!!!!!!! I'm laughing just thinking about it!

Maru has got to be my most favourite cat- next to Gregory- ever!!!!! I'm also loving the music that's playing in the bg- very befitting of a cat!!! And, you'll have to bear through this entire video to get to the.best.part.EVER. Seriously. You'll laugh your pants off!! And, I don't mean to make this sound like its a lame-o video or boring. It isn't. Just, the best part occurs at the end of the video.

77* animals

Its a little hard to see in this pic (at this size), but I've stamped (in SU's old olive ink) the numbers 3 and 8 inside the green circles- which when you put them together makes 38. (And, as a matter of fact, all the patterned papers are SU, except for the beige strip separating the blue and green polka dots. I don't know what lines they are, except the green paper is actually Christmas themed).  They're to represent the amount of years my parents will have been married come May 18th- their wedding anniversary. I'm not sure if we'll be in Edmonton (or have any reason to go to Edmonton) before then, so I'm bringing their anniversary card with me tomorrow, when we *do* head into Edmonton. (And, while they are in church, and before we head over to their house, I'm hoping to hit Michaels for a little retail therapy! Eek!) Every little piece of paper here is scraps except the beige card stock base.

And, another card is looming large in the very near future, too. My cousin texted yesterday, letting me know about her twins' FIRST birthday party!!! (I can't hardly believe they're going to be one already!! It doesn't seem that long ago that she called me up, out of the blue, asking me a whole bunch of questions about 'what its like raising twins'. (She actually had my sister do some detective work for her before I got the phone call, so I assumed she was prego with twins, but I wasn't totally sure until she told me). That's the abridged version of that story. LOL. Anyways, it isn't until June 9th, but I've already started thinking about it! Yay O and P! Can't wait to celebrate with you!!!!

A few posts back, I shared a wonderful picture of a piece of cheese stuck to my patio door. It was such a great, goofy thing to happen, that I needed to scrap it. *I* never would have thought to stick my kraft cheese slice to the door. Would you? LOL

Anyways, here's the little nugget of goodness I made to lovingly remember my children's quirkiness by:

Every single piece of paper on this pretty charmer is scraps, except the sentiment sticker at the bottom. I'm love, love, LOVING the polka dotted patterned paper. I'm thinking I should go out and find me some more- in colours other than festive Christmas!!

I hope what I've posted has brightened your day a little - if not the scrapbooking crafts, then at least the video's I posted. They really are good for a little chuckle!

(And, on a side note, let me know if the video's even work for you when you read my blog post. If they don't, I'll add the links so you can go directly to the video on YouTube. When I read my own blog post after posting it, my computer tells me that I've got a missing plug in, so I can't view them. It just makes me wonder if you're even able to see them??)

Blue, Silver and White kind of Christmas

~ 271 ~ big blue snowflakey mugs of steaming, creamy hot chocolate

~ 272 ~ fluffy, sweet home made pancakes (with or without the buttermilk)

~ 273 ~ my address book/card holder

~ 274 ~ magic erasers

~ 275 ~ the black crayon she used to colour on the wall with wasn't permanent

~ 276 ~ at least she didn't use the SHARPIE that was in the other hand

~ 277 ~ the few-and-far-between-people that like my cards enough to ask me to make some for them :)

~ 278 ~ sweet encouragement from certain good friends in the card making department

~ 279 ~ my new runs-smoothly-and-has-no-viruses-or-bugs-or-anything-else-that-could-cause-it-to-run-super.slowly.and-frustrate-the-heck-out-of-a-person-momentarily-hourly-daily-weekly-monthly computer...

~ 280 ~ they went to bed tonight without too much of a fight; someone is still up- I can hear her sweet voice talking up a storm from the room next door

~ 281 ~ the Christmas tree is finally up

~ 282 ~ my floor mat on the floor at the kitchen sink

~ 283 ~ the heat register just above my floor mat that blows warm air on my toes while I'm standing at the sink doing the dishes

~ 284 ~ how sweetly Maren just said 'hi' to me, then 'good morning, good morning' as I gently reminded her it was sleepy time

~ 285 ~ the wooden white bunny resting against the kitchen wall, sitting on the top of my stove

~ 286 ~ finally having an oven that bakes my boterkoek properly!!

~ 287 ~ the quarter-full cupboard of tea

~ 288 ~ SO thankful that miss Addison didn't get hurt as we both fell down the stairs yesterday (I was carrying her)

~ 289 ~ Addison looking at me upside down while she sat in her booster seat at the supper table tonight

~ 290 ~ the only thanks I needed from Maren for discovering home made pancakes was the 'num num nummmmm' while she stuffed a big piece of it in her mouth (in response to daddy telling her to say thank you)

~ 291 ~ my blue, white and silver Christmas decorations

~ 292 ~ especially the baby blue, white and silver bell wreath I have hanging on my front door. Its my most prized possession, I think

~ 293 ~ each and every one of my ultrasound pictures, which are right next to me on this desk, that remind me of the beauty of the two miraculous blessings I have

~ 294 ~ that Maren wasn't hurt when the shelving unit in the bathroom downstairs just about crashed down on top of her

~ 295 ~ I'm thankful I was right there to catch it!

~ 296 ~ full, bright moons

~ 297 ~ one on one time with each of the girls

~ 298 ~ the deer kulbassa that was given us by one of husbands' co-workers. Very delicious!!

~ 299 ~ the Christmas cards that are starting to come in

~ 300 ~ how tolerant of small children Gregory is. He's amazing!

In and Out

Another beautiful day has graced us- this time without the threat of possible rain in the afternoon, so the kids and I are outside basking in the warmth and fresh air. I pulled out their blanket and some toys from inside the trailer, then tied back one of the doors to the tent so they can move about freely. I love that they love playing outside!

We had a quick visit with grandpa K as he was passing through on his way home fro
Peace river, and then since we were already out, I decided to run over to Wally world for a few things. I've been toying with buying a small silk flower arrangement, after seeing another lady in the campground with one gracing her picnic table (along with a pretty tablecloth). But, summer stuff is out and fall stuff is in. It's too early! Maybe next summer, when I have my patio set out, and an actual house to live in!

~26~ good tunes via galaxy on tv
~27~ another opportunity to go camping (or at least a day trip) September long
~28~ a good sleep last night
~29~ watching our favorite summer show together
~30~ random phone calls from mamoo
~31~ the smell of freshly mown grass
~32~ raising their hands over their heads when Mama asks who her big girls are
~33~ the way they clap their hands when they hear the words, "yay", "good job", and "good girl!"
~34~ the way they unintentionally (unavoidably) get dirty when playing outside
~35~ nap time!

Squeals of Delight

The girls' new most favoritest thing in our household, as of late, is GREGORY.

Especially for Miss Addison.

And, its too adorable!!

Any time she sees him, the smiles come out, little coos and squeals generally follow, and the world melts away as she happily and adoringly gazes upon the big, fuzzy four legged animal next to her.

Maren likes him to, but she likes being a little more rough with him. If he's anywhere too near her, he'll find himself missing handfuls of fur--she firmly plants her little hand on his body and pulls out wads of hair. I think she understands the word 'gentle', but she sure doesn't implement her understanding of it when he's involved.

He's learned very quickly to leave any time the kids are in the same vicinity he is. Both mommy and daddy have smacked him when he's gotten a little too irritated with the kids (and therefore swatted at them and threatened to bite). To compensate, he hides most of the time. Actually, he does that anyways, and I think its his way of dealing with all the noise they make (such as grunting, crying, screaming...) He didn't have to deal with them much over the summer because he was outside all the time, but now that its winter and he thinks its too cold to be outside, he hides under our bed, and only comes out if he needs to go to the bathroom or feels hungry or thirsty. Every once in a while he suffers from cabin fever and goes a little nuts (his meows creep me out-they're sooo eerie), but other than that, you'd hardly know he's even there. And, it mostly seems to happen late at night, when husband and I are getting into bed.

And, in his defence, its natural for him to defend himself when someone or something pulls out a good chunk of his fur. He just doesn't understand that they don't understand that what they're doing hurts him. So, we naturally let him know that it isn't going to fly, because its harder to let them know their actions won't fly. They're a bit too young, yet.

Their squeals of delight anytime they see him make their mother squeal with delight- internally, of course. They are definitely their parents daughters- they like animals as much as we do!