Fresh Brewed Life

Before I hit the hay...

2010-03-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Not sure what in the world is going on, but I have caught the bug-first time in a loooooong time that I spent the night hugging the ol' garbage can so I'm back off to rest for the day-it's crazy to think what a mom's gotta do to get the day off huh????:)

I just wanted to share a layout I created for this week Pencillines Sketches and Color Combo Galore. I certainly had fun as I really am into working with small pics right now and have always loved the red, black and kraft combo. This was when we were in Mexico shopping. Braeden tried on a big sombrero and was being typical Braeden-horsing around, trying to get everyone laughing-which he always does-it's what we love about him.

Hope you are off to a great and healthy day today-thanks for dropping in:)

Hold on to your horses-she posted!!!!!!!

2010-03-02T11:00:00.001-08:00

So where does one begin we she has not posted for 2 months???? Because I'm such an indecisive gal,and quite frankly have no idea where to begin, I think I'll do an infamous "right now" post-it will help you to know where I've been hiding and what's been so consuming-and then-I PROMISE to not go so long without a post.

RIGHT NOW....

~I am in the throws of packing, sorting, purging and organizing. WE ARE MOVING!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it, but we sold our house. Back in the fall Aaron and I purchased some property that we knew eventually we wanted to build on. We have a good friend who is also a realtor in town and there you go, before you know it we were showing our house-WITHOUT a for sale sign in the yard. Technically I suppose you could say we sold it before it was even for sale-makes a fun story:) It is a little heartwrenching now and then to pack up all of our things that have taken residency here for the past 7-1/2 years, but I continually remind myself that people make memories, not houses. We are VERY excited, but nervous at all the unknowns. I'm a little apprehensive thinking about how I am going to feel on moving day-which is March 22nd. It will be full of mixed emotions I'm sure. Luckily we were able to find a very nice rental house which will meet all our needs and be very comfortable the next 6 to 8 months.

~I find I am constantly thinking about Bergie heading off to school next year-he is getting quite bored at home with me, but yet I can't imagine my days without him. I'm not sure what I am going to do all day without all that background noise-cars racing, toy guns shooting, superheroes rescuing...It will be a new phase of life that is coming much too quickly-hence the reason I'm always thinking about it!

~I am really focusing on healthy eating, for not only myself, but my entire family. I have my kids eating salad which is a dream come true for me!!!! They like it too which makes it even better-I don't have to fight with them to eat their veggies. Slowly I am working at getting most of the processed foods and junk out of the house. We still enjoy our treats, but treats were getting to be everyday occurances. We have switched over to 90% organic and I am cooking completely and totally "clean." I could not even tell you the last time I've bought a can of cream soup to cook with. Everything is totally unprocessed and raw. It takes awhile to adjust and I'm here to say that we DEFINITELY enjoy our treats (and always will), but I love the Eating Clean concept and will never go back from here. It takes some work because everything is made from scratch-but totally worth all my efforts. Many people will argue that organic and eating healthy is expensive and to a certain degree I would agree with that-BUT when you truely eat healthy, I think you eat more simple-therefore you're not buying as much. I buy things that are fresh and in season-which limits our waste and forces us to use what we have.

(For more on the Eat Clean lifestyle check this out here.)

~I am back to my outdoor running and loving it. I didn't realize how much I missed the time with my girlfriends and how much it connects you with others. When you're outside running in the freezing cold and all you've got to do for an hour is run and talk, you get to know a person pretty well. I forgot how much I loved the fresh air-the way the cold feels on my lungs. It's just amazing and I'm so glad that I haven't "lost it." After a 7 month break, I wasn't sure that I could get back into it so easily, but I did and it's great. I'm also lifting hard and heavy 4 days a week-I will NEVER give up my weights-NEVER!!!

~I am focusing on the Power of 20. I have found that if I just break tasks and projects down into 20 minute chunks I can get sooooo much accomplished it is just unreal. Too often I would squander away 20 minutes here and there, but now I realize what a time waster that is. It's amazing when it's just me and and the timer how much I can accomplish!!!!

~I am...Scrapbooking like mad!!!! Yes, we have lots and lots going on in our lives right now, but I am determined to never stop telling my families' stories and journeys. If I just head down to my scraproom for 20 I can just start pushing things around on a page. Then give me another 20 at a different point and time and another 20 and pretty soon-layout is complete-happy girl:)

~I am...Reflecting on memories of our wonderful cruise. In February, we headed to Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman Islands-amazing!!!!!! We had such a spectacular time together as a family. Grand Cayman Islands are my absolute favorite and I can't wait to return. When you picture the Caribbean-THAT is Grand Cayman. The water is turquoise, the beaches are white and the weather is perfect. We swam with the stingrays which was a neat experience-although not one that I need to re-live anytime soon:) I'm glad I can say that I did it though.

We climbed Dunn River Falls in Ocho Rios which was simply incredible. Poor Bergie was struggling, but he hung in there and climed the whole waterfall-what a trooper. The other two boys had the time of their life climbing it. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture any of it on my camera. As you can imagine, climbing a waterfall with an expensive camera would NOT produce good results. Although it might have been a good excuse to upgrade my camera though:)

Well, I could go on and on since it's been so long, but I will stop here because 5:30 am comes awfully early. I've included just a couple of snapshots of our trip. Keep in mind they are not edited-I just didn't have the time so they are a little wonky and the lighting is VERY harsh.

I also wanted to include a layout that I did recently. This picture is courtesy of sweet little Benjamin-taken on our cruise. I've been playing around a lot with different fonts lately on the computer which has been pretty cool-never thought I would be a computer journaler, but i've learned before to never say never. I've been using my Slice a lot too which was how I made the flowers on this layout. Everything here is from the January Studio Calico kit.

Make sure you stop back soon as I have a lot of layouts to share-have a fabulous evening-thanks for stopping in:)

Krista

Moving on

2010-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that nearly two weeks ago, this is what we were up to. Time passes so quickly. We had a wonderful Christmas, but I'm glad for things to move on now and and life to settle just a bit. My brother and his family joined us to celebrate days after the 25th and so it was as Christmas went on for days at our house. It was fabulous and much fun. The kids enjoy playing with their cousins so much. I am trying to regroup here and take apart the house little by little. The tree is officially down and placed out by the curbside and my Santa's will nestle into the basement hopefully tomorrow, followed by everything else. I am looking forward to cleaning-a good deep clean-we'll see if I'm that ambitious. I always use having little kids as an excuse not to deep clean-you know, just don't have the time with little ones at home-what will I do next year when there are no little ones at home???? Yikes!!!!!!

I myself have been having a bit of fun spending a little Christmas cash and gift cards. I treated myself to a couple of things-this beautiful new printer, a 6 month subscription here, a slice, a few extra little scrap goodies here and here and Photoshop Elements 8.0. I'm guessing it might take me until photoshop 9.0 comes out to figure out how to use it, but I'm hoping that I can remain patient and unleash the potential of this program. I'm excited to try!!!! I guess I must have been pretty good this year!!!!!

For our present to the boys we gave them a cruise to the Carribean-we are anxiousely awaiting our departure as it is so cold here right now. We've never done anything like this before so it will be a new experience for us all, but we can't wait. Now I need to study up on my photoshop so I can have some fun with all those cruise pic's!!!!

I am mostly looking forward to enjoying what's left of the winter and all the coziness that comes along with it. Reading books, hanging by the fire, a little extra time to scrap-all part of the indoor fun.

Speaking of reading, I think my book might be calling my name-time to go and get snuggly!!!! Enjoy your evening and hopefully I'll have some cards/layouts to post soon!!!!

BTW-sorry the pic's in the collage are such crappy quality-if I would have known I wouldn't have made it, but it's done now:)

Santa's Cap

2009-12-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

I had made several projects for GCD this month using their new Christmas collection. This Santa's Hat paper was the last paper that I worked with and I secretly wondered what I would think of it. It turned out I absolutely LOVED it!!!!! The red and white is just so clean and crisp-not my usual style, but I loved the final look of it. Here is one of the teacher's gifts that I made this year.

Here is a Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate bar all wrapped up. The stamp is from Papertrey Ink. And that darling polka dot ribbon is from my stash.
I went with gift cards as part of the teachers gifts this year, but wanted to make a gift card holder. This is exactly the same as in the last post, just using different products. Everything is GCD, except the epoxy sticker which is from Little Yellow Bicycle. I also made a coordinating card to jot a quick little Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the teachers. Braeden will be proudly handing this off to his teacher tomorrow.
This is for Benjamin's teacher. I realize that I did post the gift card holder on the last post, but thought I should show all the coordinating items that I made. I did the exact same thing as above, just used all Papertrey Ink products here. I absolutely LOVE the green and pinks.

And this one is for little Bergie's teacher. He is having his Christmas party tomorrow and it's got me a little worked up-my little guy's last preschool Christmas party. I try to remind myself that there are new things to come-kindergarten parties and programs-but there is just nothing like preschool. I'm guessing tomorrow might be a bit of a sappy day for me.

Sorry this post is so short and to the point-tis the season I guess, but I'm trying to multitask of course and the tea kettle now is screaming my name-literally. Gotta go warm up!!!!! The hot apple cider is calling:)

Are you Ready!!!

2009-12-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

I think we almost are!!!!! It's amazing to me how much work, effort, time and energy we as parents put into making happy Christmas memories for our children. It's worth it all, but I must confess, I am tired this evening. We have had more going on in this one week than I care to admit and I am feeling the effect of it all. It's okay though-I am spending some time here trying to gain some perspective on why we celebrate this holiday season as my little ones are snuggled up into my bed with their Daddy enjoying a Christmas movie. I am enjoying a few minutes of quiet while finishing up some homemade holiday gifts of Pumpkin Cranberry Bread to send off to Sunday School teachers.

I wanted to share a couple of quick last minute holiday projects and gift ideas in case you are still in need of something.
The first project uses an old Papertrey Ink stamp package that I have been holding onto, just wondering when I might be able to recycle it. I made a coordinating card and filled the package with Holiday kisses. These will be sent off to school bus drivers and mailcarriers. All of the papers are GCD and the stamp is from Inkidinkado. I used my snowflake punch (love that punch) and punched out two different snowflakes and then glittered the tips with Tinsel Glitter from Martha Stewart.

This year for teachers I decided to give them gift cards. I made up a little gift card holder so the card can snuggle nicely inside the holder. If you would like me to post a tutorial on how to make these, I would be happy to, just shoot me an email or leave a comment. Once you have the directions to make them they are so simple and you can decorate them up with any theme you have in mind-birthdays, valentines, even weddings. For this one I used my cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder and then decorated it with PapertreyInk Holiday paper and Papertrey Ink stamps. I really love the greens and pinks together.
That's it for tonight!!! I've got several more loads of laundry to catch up on and my bread will be done soon so I better run. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping in:)

Merry, Merry

2009-12-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

Good Monday to you!!!! I am trusting that you had a happy weekend. Ours was definitely filled with lots of hustle bustle, but it was filled with lots of fun. Got to catch up with lots of friends and eat lots of good holiday food. I had to laugh though as this morning I was so tuckered that I had to go back to bed for a bit after I got the boys to school. I don't know that I have ever done that. That must be a sure sign of aging!!!!!
I had a few minutes to play this morning so I thought I would take advantage of a fun sketch. The sweetest Sunday Sketch is up here and this is my take on it. I didn't have a lot of time so I simply stuck with one product line. Everything is from Basic Grey-Eskimo Kisses. The rhinestones are from KaiserCraft, the stamp is Inkadinkadoo and the little white snowflake is from my local craft store. I just love this line from Basic Grey-it's just so sweet with those non-traditional Christmas colors.

Next up, I wanted to share with you one other ornament that I made. Again, I just ran my spellbinders die through my cuttlebug twice with kraft paper. The paper is from Bo Bunny and the Maya Road chipboard snowflake I painted and sprinkled with Martha Stewart Tinsel Glitter. The stamp is from Papertrey Ink. And that's it for today.

We are having my very dear friend and her family for dinner this evening-baked spaghetti, Italian salad and foccocia bread all complete with Christmas fudge and cookies. I'm off to finish the bread and hop into the shower. Hope you are having a great start to your week. Thanks for stopping by:)

Hustle Bustle

2009-12-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yippee-Aaron and I finished our Christmas shopping yesterday. What a great feeling that is!!! Of course there are still just a couple little things here and there that I need to pick up while I'm out and about-but overall we have accomplished everything that we need to before the big day. Now the wrapping-that's another story:)
This morning when we woke up it was ten below here. It's definitely looking and feeling like Christmas. Wednesday school was cancelled and it was so nice to have the kids home. We accomplished a few Christmas cut outs and spent the day just hanging out.
Today I am avoiding all the big crowds and the hustle bustle and trying to get a few things done around the homefront. Spent the morning enjoying Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and some hot cocoa with Bergie. Then off to clean and now I am attempting this

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Raspberry-Truffle-Fudge/Detail.aspx

I am hoping it turns out as I would love to give some as gifts and I plan to take it to a holiday party that we have this weekend.

Onto some crafty stuff here-I haven't played around with a sketch from CPS
in a long time so I thought I would give this week's sketch a whirl. Here is what I came up with. All of the papers are from Basic Grey's new Eskimo Kisses line. I love the eggplant color with the softness of the blues and pinks. The stamp is from Inkadinkadoo. The holly and the silver twig are from Michaels. I covered the stamped image with some of Martha Stewarts Tinsel Glitter. I can't help but sprinkle that stuff on everything lately.

Next up is a little Christmas ornament that I made. I really wanted to come up with something for Sunday school teachers and friends. So once I saw Heather Nichols post I was inspired to create something of my own. I've made several that I will be sharing, but for now here is just one. I used my Spellbinders scalloped Rectangle die and ran 2 pieces of Papertrey Ink cardstock through. I then glued the cardstock together so that the ornament would be nice and sturdy.
Patterned Paper-GCD
Stamp-Papertrey Ink
Glitter-Martha Stewart
Ribbon-my stash
Rhinestones-my stash

Well, I've got a little 3 foot person looking at me with big eyes wondering when he can have lunch so I'm off to hit the kitchen once again.
hope you enjoy your day and thanks for popping by:)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2009-12-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

The joys and busyness of Christmas have definitely arrived here at our home. There are so many wonderful things about this time of year-I could go on and on. Definitely the birth of our King is the center of it all, but along with that I just can't help but get a little sentimental this time of year. It is so wonderful to reflect on Christmas's past-when I was a child-the sounds, smells, tastes and feels of Christmas.
I often chuckle at the things that can trigger a good warm fuzzy memory. The smell of bacon always reminds me of Christmas morning-mom always used to make it then. And fudge-Christmas simply won't come without a batch of Aunt Vivian's fudge. I've continued to carry on some of the traditions that I grew up with because that's what we as mom's do. When I was a young girl I would sit for hours listening to Mom and Dad's old Christmas records. Most of them were country and to most people they would be hideous-but to me they were special, I loved them and love them still. I am lucky enough to have a few of those albums now and it means so much to be able to pull them out and enjoy them once again.
It makes me wonder what sorts of things will be tradition to my boys and what sort of memories will they have of the holidays. It is so easy to grow tired with so many things to do this time of year, but sometimes it's the little things that really matter. A special little Christmas story, watching a Christmas movie all snuggled up in mom and dad's bed, baking cut out's together. I hope my boys will always remember how much fun we had doing all these things together.

Just a couple of cards for you tonight before I am off to rest. I spent a good portion of the day today baking peanut butter blossoms for a fundraiser for our church's youth group and I could use some good down time for a bit. I've baked close to 300 cookies so far, probably could have gotten a few more if I hadn't eaten so darn much batter:)

This card features one of Santa's beautiful reindeer-from MAMBI. Papers are Making Memories and KI. Other products include Creative Imaginations, Papertrey Ink and Queen & Co.

This next card I heat embossed those stars from Papertrey Ink Star Prints. The papers are Melody Ross's new collection from GCD.
See-you can make anything look Christmasy:)
And speaking of Christmas, I think it's going to be a white one afterall. We are in the middle of a snowstorm and it is just so beautiful!!! I don't mind the snow-sure it's chilly, but when you stop and look at the beauty of it-I'm just amazed. I can't imagine being anywhere else for Christmas.

I am falling asleep as I am typing so I think that's a sign to hit the sack. Thanks for stopping by tonight-I've got more fun projects to come so be sure to stop by again soon!!!!

Krista

Making a list & checking it twice...

2009-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is definitely in full swing here at our house. The boys have even done the honor of knocking over the tree once already-I hope that doesn't happen many more times:)
We are decorated, letters to Santa have been written and we are beginning the baking this weekend. My head is floating with so many different ideas for gifts, but I usually don't get to them all, so hopefully I can tuck the unfinished ones into my little head for another year.

I just have one quick card to share with you this evening. Lots of Cosmo Cricket papers and the big chipboard snowflake is from Maya Road. It's been painted and glittered up with Martha Stewart glitter. The stamp is from Papertrey Ink. Well, I'm off to see sweet visions of Sugarplums-just so stinkin' tired these days. I guess that full December calendar is wearing me down a bit. Gonna get caught up on my zzzzz's-Have a wonderful evening.

Krista

Ghosts, Goblins and you can't fix stupid!!!!

2009-10-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

So are YOU all ready for Halloween?????? I think we are-all but the pumpkins being carved-we'll do that in a bit here this evening, but everything else should be set to go.
Halloween night is one of my very favorite times of year. We have so many little trick or treaters stop by for a treat or two along with lots of friends and family that poke their heads in to say hello. There is usually a big crock of soup and apple cider on the stove to warm big and little bellies from the cold (and it does sound like it will be cold this year).
I've got two more little projects for the big holiday to share with you all this evening. I decorated these little treat containers complete with a caramel apple to share for my children's teachers. All the papers are GCD, stamps are Hero Arts and the tag was created using my cuttlebug. The ribbons are from my stash.

This card is also using GCD papers and Hero Arts stamps. I adore that big pumpkin-I'm a collector of all pumpkin stamps:) It will be hard for me to put them away for awhile.

I'm looking forward to all the festivities that this weekend will bring-we have several parties to attend and I really am anxious to catch up and visit with friends and family-what sort of fun plans do you have this weekend?????

I wish each and everyone of you a WONDERFULLY HAPPY HALLOWEEN-enjoy your friends and your loved ones and all the good memories that this holiday brings-(and make sure you eat lots of candy:)

GCD Contest

2009-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!!!!!!! There is plenty of time to get yourself in the game for GCD's sketch contest. You have until October 31st to create a layout using this sketch.

And here is just one of the awesome prizes up for grabs-Head on over to the GCD blog to check out the contest rules.

Apple Cider and Pumpkin bars

2009-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

mmmmmmm.....that time of year that I start to crave those nummy little naughty treats. I'm thinking I'm going to fire up the oven later today and bake some bread. I love to bake, cook, create in the kitchen. It's such a feeling of coziness, warmth, all those good things.
Last week my hubby and I traveled to Las Vegas for business. We had a splendid time together chatting, laughing and just being together. Too many couples today in my humble little ol' opinion just don't enjoy each other's company. It makes me so sad and so disapointed that other people choose not to have what we have. I believe it is a choice-it's being intentional. I don't always feel like being intentional about our relationship, but I know that in order to have a relationship that thrives, I must make that choice.

I've had a bit of a hard time coming home and adjusting. The weather was so incredible out West, low 80's and when we arrived back home, the following morning it was 29 degrees. Talk about shock!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has snowed and rained here most days and just been so darn cold. Haven't even gotten around to buying a stinkin' pumpkin for my front porch since I know they will freeze.
BUT, to celebrate the season I do have a couple of cards to share.

These were both created using all GCD papers. I also used a Maya Road chipboard frame, and Martha Stewart glitter.

This little Happy Haunting I used my Hero Arts Stamps on-I can't tell you how many times I have reached for this particular stamp set-very handy set indeed.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Friday-I LOVE Friday's here at our house. I love to plan and prepare for the weekend and the weekend means my kiddos are home:) I am planning up some homemade pizzas for our Friday Night Family Night along with Caramel Apples. Someone is going to get whooped tonight in a game of Mancala:)
Have a fabulous day today-thanks for stopping by!!!!

Krista

A sneaky little secret

2009-09-27T17:44:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to pop by and share a little secret with you-starting tomorrow there is something BIG going on over at GCD that you won't want to miss-I mean, BIG. We have a new awesome, unbelievably talented designer coming on board and it is soooooo exciting. I have had such a time keeping this wonderful secret to myself and now I don't have to much longer. Here is a sneak peak that I will leave you with tonight, but head over to GCD tomorrow to see what all the fuss is about:)

Sniffles

2009-09-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

So wouldn't you know-I eat healthier than you could imagine, take my supplements, strenghten my immune in any way known to man and exercise like a fiend and I am the official first member of the Resnick family to catch a cold. I despise sounding negative, but I simply hate colds!!!!! They just make me feel so run down and icky. There is just no way to shake it either. I'm sipping on my echinachea tea right now and hoping that it's short lived. Perhaps this one will be the only one I catch all season (right).

Despite feeling under the weather, I've managed to be extremely productive today which is always a great feeling. Supper is all ready to roll (homemade pizza on Friday night). Turkey meatballs have been made and baked for the weekend and applesauce is cooking up in the crockpot while I type. I even managed to snuff and sniff and blow my nose through an hour and a half of Yoga this morning. I love to be productive-it energizes me and creates such a sense of satisfaction. I'm looking forward to my boys arriving home today as it is Homecoming. We plan to do a little facepainting before the big parade followed by the big football game tonight. I am looking forward to some much needed down time this weekend though-football tomorrow morning for Benjamin and then we plan to hit a local small town fall festival-I might have to bag the healthy eating for 1/2 a day and splurg with a caramel apple or apple cider-it's worth it right?????

Just one lonely little card for you today.

I love the colors in this one. The stamps are Hero Arts and Papertrey Ink. The flower is Prima and Patterned Paper is October Afternoon. Pearls are also from Hero Arts-I love those pearls, probably time to stock up on those:) Ribbon and lace are Offray.

Well, I'm off to finish getting my ducks all in a row before the weekend. I hope you enjoy your weekend like I plan to enjoy mine:) Be back soon:) Thanks for stopping by!!!

Krista

Indian Summer

2009-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the pumpkin patch with my little man's preschool group. The weather was perfect-just an incredible picture perfect fall day. It's hard to believe that this morning was my very last time of a preschool pumpkin patch field trip-it makes my heart feel sad that my boys are growing so fast. It's fun reaching each new stage with them, but I will always love the innocence of the preschool years where joys are simple and they are proud to hold my hand:)

Today I wanted to share with you all the remainder of my GCD projects. I truly loved working with Grafix. Making my own embellishments from chipboard is just heavenly to me. This first project is using the acetate product. I simply stamped on it using a heart stamp and added a Hero Arts Rhinestone in the middle of each heart. I then used a decorative punch to add a little flair to the edge.

For this one-I used the chipboard and die cut a Spellbinders frame and a cuttlebug die (the music note). Now my boys end of the year piano teacher card is ready to roll:)

I couldn't resist using my butterfly die just one more time with the chipboard. Butterflies and chipboard-what could be better???? Oh-perhaps some glitter?????:)

On this card I used the shrink product. I die cut four flowers with my cuttlebug and placed them in the oven to shrink them down. I then added a pearl to the center of each flower.

All of the paper in each project was created using GCD paper.

Well, I'm off to make a hot cup of Echinacea tea-feeling a bit run down and under the weather.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for all the wonderful kind comments that you leave. I read each and every one and take them all to heart. Be back soon with more....

Krista

2009-09-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends!!!!!! Another great GCD and Grafix day today. I wanted to show you how I used this great acetate product on one of my cards. I simply took a flower stamp and used a Papertrey Ink to create the red flowers. I then used a decorative punch to give it a fun edge (it's really hard to see that in the picture). Such a fun little product to have on hand to give your cards or projects a fun little spin. I used the Sunny Days collection here because it just makes my heart so happy:) I happen to think it's one of GCD's personal best:)

The weather has been so beautiful here-unusually high temps for this time of year, but I'll take it. It will be cooling down in the next day of two so I will be busy pulling out all of my fall decor and getting my front porch all spruced up-one can never have too many pumpkin's right??????
I wanted to leave you with one little creation that I made also using some glorious GCD products (can you tell I love my GCD???). For those of us who love to read-you can never have enough bookmarks right??? I thought it would be fun to whip up a little bookmark for my girls in my bookclub. Here what I came up with. Everything is from GCD except the StoryTime stamp is from my Studio Calico Kit and the border stamp is from Papertrey Ink.

I hope you have a glorious day whatever you might have to do today:) Stop back tomorrow for some more GCD projects and don't forget to stop by the blog to qualify for the $100 in free product prize.

I'm a shmuck!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I know, it's been like two months since I've posted. I feel really bad, life has just happened and the blogging sometimes just takes a backseat to everyother priority in my life. I promise that I will try to be better.

I am excited to share with you a little project that I made for GCD this month. They have teamed up with Grafix and the girls on the design team were asked to created a few projects with their products. Such a great company!!!!!!!! You can really make so many wonderfully cool homemade embellishments with their stuff-but of course my all time, hands down fav was the chipboard. This stuff is great!!!!!!! You can paint it, distress it, glitter it, put paper over it-the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Here is one of my projects that I put together. I ran the chipboard through my cuttlebug, using the butterfly die cut and then painted and glittered it all up pretty:)

Make sure you stop back tomorrow-I'll have more projects to share. And please make sure you cruise on by the GCD blog-sign up to be a followerby Friday and you could win $100 in products!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really do promise to be back at blogging consistently. I love doing it, but life has just been so full. Bear with me until I can get my feet back on the ground-this back to school schedule is killing me and it's already been 4 weeks-shouldn't I be use to it by now????
Have a great day everyone!!!!!

GCD GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

2009-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

Now that you've seen the 4 new awesome collections, how would you like to win all of them for yourself?????? That's right-just buzz on over to the GCD blog and post a comment before Sunday (12pm EST). They will announce the winner on Monday.

Now I am going to enjoy a few more quiet peaceful moments to myself. Mom has the kids at a movie and I am basking in the quiet:)

Thanks to all of you who left the sweet comments during the blog hop-you are all so great:)

Good Morning Glory!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to you on our final blog hop day. Thanks for stopping by all this week-I just love sharing my creations here and I hope you enjoying taking a peak at them as well.

Here are just a couple samples of this beauty-Morning Glory

What do ya think???????? Isn't it gorgeous????? The greens blue's, purples and yellows just look outstanding together.

I've kind of been on this kick lately with little notecards so I decided to whip up a batch for this collection to give as a gift. I love to use a collection like this and mix and match the patterned paper so that they all coordinate, but yet are different.

Now I'm all set for the next time I need a gift for that someone special. Gotta love that:)

Is it just me or is it just breathtaking that it is already August 1st? I can't bring myself to hardly think about it. I walked into Walmart the other day and when I saw the school supplies I wanted to cry. I hope to spend this next month enjoy all the wonderful things that summer has to offer. Living in the NorthWoods, one never knows when winter and chilly weather will rear it's ugly head.

I'm going to pass you along now to my fellow GCD friend and lovely girl-Lynn Ghahary.

Let's see what creative ways she decided to use Morning Glory-I know we won't be disapointed.

Have a glorious day everyone!!!! I'm off to enjoy the sunshine:)

Sunny Days

2009-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

OHHHHHH, what can I say about Sunny Days. Let me just show you a couple pages of this deliciousness.....

There are no words for this superb collection other than-it is just soooooooo me. The reds, the blues, the plaids, the lime greens, the polka dots.....I have found true love:)

I made a little party ensemble with this collection-an intive, treat bag and a thank you. The pictures are a bit "shadowy." It's hard during mid day to get a good shot here.

All I can say is I can't wait to get back to the craft room to work with this one some more:) Fun schtuff I tell ya. Now it's time to hippity hop over to the wonderfully wonderful Angie Hagist.

I hope you are having a "sunny day" wherever you are:)

Day Two

2009-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back Faithful Hoppers!!!! I just love a blog hop party-don't you????? It so so amazing to see how each artist creates using their skills and abilities with all the same collection isn't it????? It is amazing to me how everyone's mind works so differently and beautifully. Hopefully you have enjoyed looking at everyone's creations thus far. So let's get moving and introduce GCD's new Party it Up collection

Myself, personally am I lover of all things polka dot and so I fell for this collection right away. I love the bright happy colors of this line

Here is my little number that I created. Chipboard is Maya Road, flower is Prima and the stamp is from Hero Arts. I glittered and prettied up the chipboard star with some Martha Stewart glitter.

That's it for me folks-tomorrow is my middle son's 7th birthday. I can't wait to see him open his gifts and enjoy his special day. Birthday's are such a wonderful day to celebrate and I can't wait for him to celebrate his. I am going to pass you onto the fabulous Estee Stone now. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do-happy day everyone. Stop by again tomorrow for another collection release day.

Welcome Hoppers:)

2009-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hippity Hoppity-GCD Blog Hop Day Number One!!!!!!!!

There is soooooo much for me to love about this new line from GCD. With having three boys myself, I am constantly searching for boyish lines, but search no more. I have finally found it!!!!!! Thank you GCD:)

I love the vintage, rugged look of this line. It is fitting for the man in your life as well as a cute little baby card-it is so versatile.

You can bet I will be reaching for Vintage Boy again and again. So say no more, I will pass you over to the super talented Sherry Steveson so you can continue seeing how this great collection can be used to create so many different looks. Happy Hopping Everyone!!!!!!!!

MIA

2009-07-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

yes, I know, my last post was how many months ago????? So, so sorry to put those of you in panic mode:) I am fine, I am very, very well actually. Just taking a quick moment to explain.

We have decided to pack it in and move to our cabin for the majority of the summer. It is sheer bliss I tell you. No internet, no daily routine, no daily grind. We fish, we swim, we boat, we tube, we kneeboard, we sit, we relax, we veg, we eat (a lot) we enjoy, we simplify, we listen, we just ARE when we are there-that is why I love it so. So please forgive the bloggy break-I do promise to check in a bit more after the month of July, so don't give up on me just yet. I have been working here and there on some GCD stuff too that I will share in the not so far away future. Have you seen those new rockin' lines that they are releasing???? Make sure you check out them out if you haven't. I hope all of you are enjoying your summer as much as I am mine. It goes sooooo quickly so I am quite determined to enjoy what is left.

Have a wonderful week everyone!!!!

Weekend Giveaway

2009-05-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a quick break from my spring cleaning to mention that GCD is having a giveaway this weekend. Head on over to the GCD blog to check it out.

Have I mentioned how much I hate spring cleaning?????

Have a super day and make sure to get some scrap time in this weekend to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day:) I know I plan to...

Running Behind

2009-04-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

When I met the Grandfather of Time, he said it was no use struggling. Even after all these years he still had too much to do.

This was the story of the day a couple days ago from StoryPeople that is delivered to my email each and everyday. I loved this quote because it has been so true in my own personal life. Thanks to the ever wonderful Ali Edwards, each year I chose carefully and prayerfully and word for the year. This is a word that typically promotes growth and change in my life. A goal that can keep me focused and grounded. I never shared my personal choice for the year 2009, but it is the word SLOW. Strange word I know, I tossed around SIMPLIFY for a bit and was about to settle on it-when I decided it was really to SLOW down that I was after. In every aspect of my life, I want things to SLOW down. I believe that it is only when we slow down that we can hear God's voice and allow him to speak to us and connect with us. I want to SLOW myself down enough that I can make time for a hurting friend. I want to SLOW down enough that I can sit for hours on the couch with my kids on a rainy Thursday afternoon to watch a movie if that's what they are asking me to do. I want to SLOW down enough to really listen to my husband and the kind of day he has really had-not brush him off to the side and act like I am too busy. SLOWING down has been hard because our society is so fast paced today. I feel like I sometimes go against the norm in this department but I'm okay with that. If God needs me to go against the norm to be an example to others, then that is what I need to do. I still struggle through the day at times feeling like I am in a constant state of a rush. But every choice I make leads me to my ultimate goal which is to live in a constant state of awareness and you cannot do that unless you choose to SLOW down in your life. Busyness does NOT produce intimacy and intimacy is what I long for in all my relationships. So no matter where you are in life-there is always tomorrow and there are always things to do-they will get done-they always do. Just prioritze, breathe and SLOW down.

I've got one little bright whimsy number for ya today. This is using all GCD patterned papers. Don't ya just love them???? That bright yellow ribbon is from a craft supply store and the stamps and ink are both from Papertrey Ink. The stamps are part of Lisa Johnson's Life set which I am absolutely loving. I tend to pull out that stamp set for everylittle thing I make these days.

It is rainy and dreary today and I am looking forward to a snugglie, cozy afternoon with my little one as soon as I pick him up from preschool here. I hope you partake in something today too, that fulfills you and brings you much delight:)

Thanks for stopping by:)

Weekend Randoms

2009-04-25T19:41:00.001-07:00

It's been such a good week here. Lots of one on one time with Bergie and that makes me so happy. I love to look back on the week and know that I've invested in something great, in someone, and hopefully that investment will pay off for him in the end. I know it sure has for me!!!
I had my last physical therapy appointment this past week. My stomach is healing up slowly which is so hard for me to just kick back and be patient. What I am learning though is that I can still work health and that is the big picture. Every choice I make of what I do to my body and put into my body is a choice either toward health or not toward health. The goal here is ultimate health and that means more than just a number on the scale.
I started Pilates this week and have fallen in love. It is difficult, but I have really enjoyed it. Something new, something different and I am all about the variety. It is using a toning band which totally confuses this simple little mind of mine. Not sure which direction I am supposed to be going with that darned band and I've had to watch out from banging myself in the head a couple of times. I am hoping to get Yoga going this week too as soon as my video that I ordered arrives. That will be interesting!!!!

We've been to the golf course this week more times than I can count. I love that the boys are so pumped about something that is so active. Benjamin has played 18 holes this week-perhaps the next Tiger?????? I'm not sure that I've ever seen a kid be so hog wild over something like he is over golf.
I spent last weekend at my brother and sister in law's house in Milwaukee. It was so great to spend time with them and my niece and nephews. My little niece is the only little girl in my world and I love any time that I can spend with her. She had to put on a little dance performance for her auntie in her pink and black polka-dot dress-fun schtuff I tell ya. I'm so used to football, collecting worms, climbing trees, fishing, hunting and tooting (boys will be boys you know) that I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself. I was wishing by the end of my visit that I could pack her up and take her home with me.
I've managed to sneak in some GCD time this week. Soooo fun to play with these goodies. Their paper is just out of this world-not to mention all the other fun additions they have like the epoxy stickers and chipboard. It's been such a honor to design for such an amazing company-I feel blessed. This is a layout I put together using their bright skies collection. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the letter stickers are all glittered up-just what you know this girl loves!!!! I've been playing around with my sewing machine a little bit on my layouts and I sure love it. I'm a stinky sewer, but frankly, I'm not sure I'm all that concerned about it. I have lots of fun with it and that brings a smile to my face.

Well, I must go-I know I'm cutting this short, but I've just been interrupted by a four foot little guy who has just decided that he didn't want to stay at his aunties' for a sleepover after all:(
Have a blessed evening!!!!

Milestones...

2009-04-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

I know I am sooooooo glad it's the weekend-how about you???? Any big plans???? I'm so happy my kiddos are home for the next couple of days. This time of year as the weather gets nicer it becomes harder and harder for us to get to bed at a decent hour which makes school mornings a bit on the ugly side. I'm ready to have them home with me, to have all routine and schedules behind us for awhile. I am missing them during the days lately when they are at school, but I do also enjoy my days with little man B. Today as we were going for our daily walk together he said, "Let's visit Mama." Such a little old man stuck in a little person's body I tell ya.' So we chatted about school and what it was like when I was a little person myself. He loves to hear stories about when I was a little girl and I am certainly always ready and willing to share those stories with him. I love giving my children little glimpses of what I was like as a child-of how simple things were "back in the day."

Yesterday Aaron decided to take off Bergen's training wheels. I couldn't believe how fast he learned to ride. I think it may have taken a total of about 5 minutes. He was sooooo proud of himself, which made me sooooo happy for him. Just another milestone under our belt. I have mixed feelings about that-it's fun to see your kids grow, change and master new skills, but it's sad to say goodbye to those ages and stages too. It's all part of change-which is somedays easy and somedays, not so much. All I can do is try to embrace each and every moment and tuck them away deep inside my heart to never forget.

His face in these pictures sums it all up though-priceless-so happy to have captured it on camera.

I've got some craft projects in the works, can't share for a bit though so I'll leave you with one that I can share. I awoke to the boys playing golf in the backyard a few weeks ago on a freezing cold Saturday morning. Bergen was in his shorts with a winter jacket-go figure!!!! You know what they say-pick your battles.

I'm going to go and round up the troops here for a little practice time at our chipping and putting followed by an easy supper of pizza (ordered out of course:) Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Supplies used:

Patterned Paper-Pink Paislee, Studio Calico, Cosmo Cricket

Epoxy Stickers-Colorbok

Chipboard-American Crafts, Maya Road

Alpha's-Basic grey

Buttons-My stash

Stamps-Papertrey Ink

Glitter-Martha Stewart

Other-Punches-Fiskars

Grass Stained Knees and Army Guys (Photo Heavy)

2009-04-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Post-Easter everyone!!! I don't know about you, but my mouth is pretty much numb from all the sugar. I am going to make my dentist one very wealthy man:)

We had such a wonderfully blessed Easter yesterday. Easter service is just such a great reminder of why we are here and what life is really all about. I need to hear that-to be reminded. I become so ingrained in MY world and what is going on with ME-when really it's not about me at all is it???? God wants a relationship with me and desires me-I just need to quit pushing him away and putting him everywhere else but first in my life. He has truly blessed my life in so many ways-my life is rich and full and all because of him-God is so good isn't he????

Yesterday we had our first grass stained knee of the season and I am soooooo sad to say I have no picture of it. The good news is that I think that might mean Spring has arrived!!!!! The temperatures are still brisk here, but we are starting to see little signs of Spring-I can't wait. I am anxiousely awaiting seeing my first daffodil!!!! This morning as I laid in bed it was such a sweet sound to listen to the birds. I just love all the music in nature that returns in the Spring. (I don't so much love the neighborhood Old English Sheepdog barking in my head at 4 am, but everything else is a-okay)!!!!

Benjamin spent the afternoon with his best buddy-his Papa, which left me with the two little men. I was so craving time with them and so we spent the afternoon riding bikes and exploring nature. We ended our little field trip with a stop at a playground. We decided to take tubbie #2 of the day when we got home. I couldn't quite get past the black hands, black faces, black feet-that's life with boys!!!!!! So an hour later with wrinkled little feet and wrinkled little hands, out came my two little lovebugs good as new. They were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of army men in the tub. It was the good guys fighting the bad guys. Of course, just like it happens in the movies, the good guys always prevail-oh to go back to those days-what beautiful imaginations they have.

I wanted to share one layout and a card that I have managed to accomplish over the weekend. Lots and lots of October Afternoon here-love, love, love that stuff. I've posted a complete supply list at the bottom of the post.

It's so nice that I can take pictures of my work outside now that it's above freezing-it just makes for such better pictures.

I thought I would share some pictures from our little corner of the world over the past several days.

I need to sign off and put the finishing touches on dinner. Have a super evening everyone!!!!

An 11 pound box of LOVE from GCD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow-they are sooooooooo gooooood!!!!!!!!!

Supplies used:

Train Boy

Cardstock-PapertreyInk

Patterned Paper-October Afternoon

Chipboard Embellishments-Chatterbox

Stamps-MSE

Embossing Powder-Ranger

Alphas-American Crafts and EK Success

Teacher Card

Cardstock-PapertreyInk

Paint-Making Memories

Patterned Paper-October Afternoon

Stamps-PapertreyInk

Ink-Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy)

Ribbon-My Stash

Other-Punches-Marvy and Fiskars

Pajama junkie

2009-04-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to you Blogger friends!!!! Nothing much new here today. We are hoping to have a break in the weather SOON. My fingers are chilled to the bone as I sit here and type and somehow it just doesn't help trying to imagine being somewhere warmer-kind of makes me bitter actually...

Aaron and I decided to buy each one of the boys a set of new golf clubs for the summer (if summer ever decides to come our way). Our boys seriousely LOVE golf. I think it would be better to say they are obsessed, especially our oldest Benjamin. Here are a couple shots of what our morning looked like on Saturday-mind you temperatures were freezing, but they could have cared less. Isn't that what is so great about kids-they just don't care about the things that adults get their undies in a bundle about. They are so resiliant-love that!!! They are still in their jammies-Bergen and Braeden are total pajama boys-they would wear them all the ding dong day if they could-much like their mama.

And speaking of pajamas-we got home from Vegas on Thursday night and I

don't think I've hardly been out of these since (they have been washed several times already mind you-I knew what you were thinking...) I think the Lord might have a pair waiting for each and every one of us when we get to heaven-they are truly lovely!!! I've been to the grocery store and all over in these babies. I bought them at Calvin Klein in Vegas and I love them so much I think I might get myself another pair. They are like a yoga pant and shirt only better-they are technically pajamas. So yes, for you local readers, the next time you see me in these at Walmart, I am wearing my pajamas!!!! The only thing that could get better is if they made my body look like the girl in the picture who is wearing them!!!! I'm working on it...that's another post for another day:)

I got my Studio Calico kit in the mail yesterday and put it to work this morning. This first layout is the day that we got Eddie. Braeden just loves that dog with every fiber of his very being.

Supplies used:

Patterned Paper-Bella Blvd., Cosmo Cricket

Ribbon-Fancy Pants (not in SC kit)

Letter Stickers-American Crafts

Chipboard heart-Heidi Swapp

Paper Whimsies-Sassafrass

Stamps-Hero Arts

Other-Fiskars Punch-upper crest

This layout is one that I really wanted to capture for Braeden's album. (It is not using my SC kit). That boy can tune out the world like no tomorrow and I wanted him to know what a wonderful quality I think that is. He certainly did not get that from his ADHD mother:) While we were making Gingerbread Houses at school this Christmas he just focused on what he was doing and could have cared less about anything or anyone else. What a great quality!!!!

Supplies used:

Patterned Paper-My Mind's Eye (Penny Lane)

Stickers-Basic Grey

Chipboard-Basic Grey

Ribbon-American Crafts

Label Stamp-Lil' Davis Designs

Labels-Fontworks & Scenic Route

Epoxy Star-Making Memories

Thanks for stopping by today-I'm off to try and warm up my hands with a hot cup of tea!!!! Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!

Fun News to Share

2009-04-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!!!
Happy Monday-did you make it over to GCD today????? If you did you'll know that I have been chosen to be on their Design team-I'm so pumped. Their products are truly amazing and I am thrilled to create for such a great company.
Just wanted to stop by and share the good news and also a layout. This is such a bad picture, but I just didn't have the oomph to dig my camera back out and start over once I realized how bad it was. I'm beginning to think my 3rd grader has a better shot at photog than me:) I've got to run and feed the fam-puppy training school starts tonight-although I have a feeling it's going to be me that will be trained:)
Have a great rest of your day!!!

Because it's Monday

2009-04-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Don't we all need a little pick me up on a Monday????? I know I usually do. So while you're enjoying your cup of morning coffee-stop on by the GCD studio blog. I am in love with their products. I find their papers to be fresh, funky, and whimsy all in one. On Monday they announce their official design team-can't wait to see who made the cut for the chance to work with this awesome company.

On a completely different note-Aaron and I made it home last night safe and sound from our little Vegas getaway. Four nights and 3 days of pure bliss-I LOVE vacation more than anyone you know. I think what I love most is the break from routine. I love to give all my responsibility to someone else, just for a short time. I love to not be on a schedule, to come and go when I please and to not really begin my day until 1pm (which we actually did do one day).

And the shopping-I could go on and on...I think we've decided that from now on we need to bring an empty suitcase for all my goods that I bring home.

It was fun to see the new trends for the summer-lots of blues, chartreuse (I'm not kidding) and purples. Scarves are still a hot item-with t-shirts, tank tops and dressy tops. Leather is back, along with vests. SOunds funny, but put with a little t-shirt they are quite cute. Birkenstocks have stepped it up a notch and put some really cute sandals out on the market. I bought a silver pair and think I could go back and get one in every color. They really form to your feet making it an unbelievably comfortable sandal.

So today it's laundry (although mom did keep up -thank you, thank you), cleaning, return phonecalls and just getting settled. I'm hoping to venture down into my scraproom at some point. It's getting so out of control down there that it almost makes me want to stay away-time to tackle the clutter!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone-and don't forget to stop by GCD on Monday.

Berry Sweet!!!

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the extended blogging break. Life just gave me a couple of curve balls and sometimes I struggle to balance it all out. I think every woman knows what I'm talking about right???? Balanace-why is it so tough???? I've gotten MUCH better over the years though. It's hard to say NO, but in order to keep my priorities my priorities I have to use that word more often than I would like. It's all good though:)

My first card is up over at My Sketch World. Lucy came up with a great card sketch and this Life is Sweet card is what I created. The strawberries are flocked in red. Papers are My Mind's Eye and Graphic 45, ribbon is from offray and the Strawberries are a sizzix die that I ran through my cuttlebug.

I am also a guest designer this month over at 365cards . Pam has created a wonderful card challenge site over there. This month it was all about creating a card based from nature. I chose to pull out some new, but unused stamps from Amy Smyth-LOVE these stamps and it was the perfect chance to use them. I created the flowered paper out of a rose stamp from this set. I like the bright cheerful mix of colors. Papers and flowers are Prima, cardstock Papertrey Ink, Die Cut from My Mind's Eye, rub on from Melissa Frances and the antique brad is from Making Memories. I could make so many more cards based off this challenge-I love to create cards using nature elements-flowers, trees, birds... Go ahead and try for yourself. If you give it a whirl, make sure you leave a comment with a link to your card so I can check it out!!!

I've been trying to get my groove back on after an extended break from scrapbooking. I just haven't felt very motivated in that department lately and that's okay. Sometimes it helps me creatively to just step back for awhile and figure out what direction I want to take with my projects. I like to say-gain perspective-i think it makes me sound so wise when I say that (I'm really hoping the sarcasm comes through over the internet:)

Both these layouts are of little Bergie. This second one I challenged myself to just pull out some stamps and PLAY-you know, HAVE FUN. Remember, isn't that why we started scrapbooking in the first place. I really enjoyed putting this one together. Not your typical boy papers-but I love it!!!! Those hearts stamps are from Papertrey Ink along with the ink-Raspberry Fizz and Spring Moss. Papers are Die Cuts with a View, GCD and Papertrey Ink. Flowers are Prima. Those pictures are really quite awful (they were taken by my 9 year old) but here is a great time to not worry about all the technicallites and just scrap what your heart says. I don't have a stitch of makeup on and I still am in my jammies in these pic's, but it just doesn't matter. What matters is that I have captured an emotion and that little B will never have to wonder how his mommy felt about him.

It's time to wrap this post up here-I will have 2 little men walking through the door who need a friendly mommy smile and hug. I hope you are having a wonderful day today!!!

Sunshiny Day

2009-03-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

This won't unfortunately be a long post as I am headed out the door to pick up little man from preschool, but I wanted to check in quickly to say hello!!! Sometimes in life I just need to step back-reprioritize and take a break from certain things-often times it is my little blog-o. I apologize-we are all good, all healthy, just full to the brim with "stuff." We are in the process of "de-stuffing" though. Basketball is almost finished-wrestling is on it's way into the final weeks and Mom and Dad are happy:) We LOVE sports and LOVE to watch our boys be active-but it always is a breath of fresh air to see it come to an end for another season as well.
I've been busy on the side making some cards that I can't share quite yet, but here is one I made just for fun. Those stinkin' Unity stamps are so fun-can't quite get enough of them. I colored this one in with a watercolor pencil-not my usual style, but I love trying something different. Papers are all from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel line. I also used rhinestones from Kaiser and ribbon from Offray.
I hope you are enjoying your day. It is quite unusual here today-raining and cold. Good day to get the fireplace going I guess. Can't wait for that warmer weather-I'm getting a touch of cabin fever. Although it might have to wait a little longer-a snow storm is on it's way and it's going to be below zero-crazy I tell ya!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Polka Dots & Baby Bumps...

2009-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Today is the most incredibly beautiful day around here. We got pounded last night with TONS of snow. It was quite the blizzard, but of course we awoke today with the most gorgeous scene. Trees thick with frost and inches and inches of heavy white fresh snow-really a pretty picture. Aaron was not quite as thrilled as I-he headed out pretty early to begin his day of plowing. It is so nice when you can be home, cuddled up and enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee:)

I've spent the morning doing a little baking. A friend of mine's father was just diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and so this weekend they are putting on a bake sale/fundraiser for him. It is so hard, living in a small community where you know most everyone when something like this happens. It seems as though in my little town it is much too often that I am hearing of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is such a helpless feeling for everyone who stands by-I wish there was something a bit more proactive that I could do than show up with my bread for a bake sale, but at least it is a way that I can help-that and prayer-everything about prayer is proactive.
I decided to bake up my brown bread, something I haven't made in much too long. It is so tasty and it's been awhile since I've shared a recipe so I thought I would do so at the end of this post.

I had an impossible time resisting this most adorable stamp. Between the polka dots (one of my most favs) and the baby bump, I was sold. What a fun stamp to wish a new mama Congrats on her pregnancy. It is from a fabulous stamp company called Unity Stamps. Their stamps are seriousely incredible. Everything about this company is whimiscal and trendy.

I kept the other elements on the card pretty simple so that the stamp would take center stage. I used Paptertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz ink and cardstock along with Vintage Cream cardstock and a little Pink Paislee paper. Flower is from Prima and that antique brad is from my stash-I believe it might be Making Memories. The Congrats stamp is from Melissa Frances.

This card also uses a stamp from Unity-it is a brand new release called Flowers from Neverland. I used white embossing powder on Papertrey Ink's Spring Moss cardstock. I also used Paptertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz and white Cardstock. Ribbon is from Paptertrey ink as well-Raspberry Fizz and Spring Moss. Stamp is from Melissa Frances stamped in PTI's Dark Chocolate Ink-just a side note-I love that ink. I find that I pull my Dark Chocolate ink out for just about everything-might be a good idea to have it in your stash too:)

I need to head back to baker duty-but here is my recipe-I hope you enjoy it!

Have a good rest of your day:)

Brown Bread

3 cups Raisin Bran cereal
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup hot water
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
2-1/2 tsp. Baking soda
2 cups milk
2 tsp. lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups Raisin Bran cereal

Pour hot water over 3 cups cereal and butter in a mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, milk, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Mix with a wire whisk or mixer until smooth. Mix in 2 cups cereal. Spray bread pans with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter evenly divided into bread pans. Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees. Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let bread cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and let cool on a cutting board.

Strains and Bruises...

2009-02-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

I found out today that I have torn or strained some sort of a muscle in my abdomen-making it very difficult for me to continue my running. The good news is that it is pretty easy to fix-a little physical therapy should do the trick. The bad news is that I really don't like physical therapy-I am not a good patient in this department. I never really do what they ask, just sort of, sometimes when I feel like it.

I love my morning runs so much and hope that this can be fixed quickly. With every step I take though, it is painful and tender-not the most pleasant of running experiences. It's funny how much running has become a part of my life. I couldn't run to save my life a few years ago-unless maybe something was chasing me. And now I love it-it nourishes my body, my health, my mind. Such a wonderful addiction:) Now my sweet tooth addiction-that is something for another day...hence the reason I run:)

I do have some news that is more on a positive note though. I will be designing the next 6 months for a wonderful sketch site called My Sketch World. Lucy ( who owns the site) has some of the most unique, creative sketches. I am so thrilled to be able to be a part of it. Stop on over and check it out-there is a wonderful forum and a gallery with some really creative ladies.

Okay, onto the cards...I had baked up a batch of Snickerdoodle cookies to share (see, there's the sweetooth thing again) and of course, why not throw in a card right???? Papers here are Websters...ahhh Websters, what more can I say??? Melissa Frances paper also and My favorite Things Stamps. Prima flowers and a sparkly little gem from The Paper Company.

Another back to school card. I love being challenged with these bright primary colors.

Unlike what I typically gravitate to, but a challenge is always good. I created this one using a sketch from Mojo Monday. I loved this week's sketch and really was thankful to have the time to play along.

Papers on this card are from Cosmo Cricket. Chipboard from Lil' Davis Designgs sprayed with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (color used-Patina) and buttons, lots of glorious buttons-all from my stash. That cute little ticket is from Jenni Bowlin and the rub on letters from American Crafts.

We are getting dumped on with snow today-several inches by the end of the day and Bergen is just loving it. He doesn't mind that it is snowy and cold-he just bundles up and carries on. I can hear him now as I type, having the time of his life outside. I love to hear him, giggling, chatting with himself-makes me smile and remember how wonderful it is to be a child.

I'm off to warm up with some hot tea. Perhaps some creative time too???? What a way to spend an afternoon:)

Sickies

2009-02-25T05:42:00.001-08:00

One little boy is home today with the flu. I know this is going to sound just awful, but I love it when my kids are home sick. I do not love that they are sick, but I love that they are home with me-lots of snuggling, lots of loving-how could a mama not like that????? So my agenda is out the window today-yipee!!! Nothing major to do anyway.
I do have a card to share. I added a little felt to this one-nothing like a little felt to add some softness to a baby card. I really love creating baby cards. Babies are just so magnificent the way it is and it is such a happy joyous occasion. Makes me happy to create a card for something so joyful:)

For this one I used patterned papers from K&co., Making Memories & Basic Grey. Cardstock sticker is from Pebbles Inc.
Chipboard heart from Melissa Frances, Stamp from Imaginesence and flowers from Prima.

I've got to get back to my nursing duties now:) Have a wonderful day!! Thanks for checking in:)
Krista

Happy Mail!!!!!

2009-02-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today was such a good mail day. I loooooove receiving goodies in the mail-and today was a glorious mail day. Two boxes filled to the rim with wonderful paper goodness-fun, fun-now it's just finding the time to play with it all.

I did manage to scrap the night away last night. Lots of fun treats here on these cards.

Have you managed to check out Cosmo Cricket's new Snorkel Line???? What's not to love???? It is so darn cute in person. It is very versatile also-good for summer cards, baby boy cards or even a fun little birthday or Father's Day card.

I used the CPS card sketch of the week for this first one. I just love how bright and cheerful it is. Makes me happy while I'm feeling the dulldrums of winter. By the way, did I mention that it was below zero here again today-just thought you would want to know that:) I used Cosmo Cricket Patterned Paper and die cut. The felt embellishments are from American Crafts, KI Borderline Sticker and Unity Stamp. If you haven't gotten a chance to check out Unity Stamps, Cath is offering some up on her blog-Moxie Fab-check it out. They are whimsy to the core and sooooo fun!!!! Gotta get me some more!!!

It's a little early to be thinking about back to school when the kids haven't even gotten out of school, but the other day these incredible papers caught my eye and I had to have them.

This one uses my stamp set from PaperTrey Ink. I love that teacher stamp set. It's really much more versatile than one might initially think.

Papers are Pink Paislee, The Paper Company and a journaling paper die cut from Making Memories. All stamps are Papertrey Ink. Ink is also from Papertrey-Pure Poppy and Ripe Avocado.

A lot of the same papers on this one-The Paper Company. I used a Maya Road chipboard frame-just painted it up, then distressed it with Ranger Ink and Red Ink. The cute little apple brad is from Karen Foster and the flower is Prima. Those cute little stamps are from Autumn Leaves. I just bought them not to long ago and I can really see them coming in handy.

I hope you all had a great start to your week. I love Monday's so much-just being at home-cleaning, reorganizing after the weekend.

I'm off to tuck in my little beauties!!!!

Nighty-Nite!!!

Quiet and still...

2009-02-20T05:04:00.000-08:00

It's still early here and the kiddos are still laying in their beds. Just a few minutes of quiet while I'm drinking my coffee before the day begins.

I've been finding that it is hard to find creative time lately. Every night I intend to head down into my scraproom and it just doesn't seem to happen. I'm so tired at night that all this old lady wants to do is go to bed!!! I think it must be the time of year. It's still so cold here and a nice warm cozy bed always sounds so inviting. Last evening we got a couple inches of snow. It is so beautiful, making everything so white and fresh. I am so thankful that God gave us so much beauty to enjoy in nature.

Well, how about a few cards???? This first one is for the CPS sketch of the week. I am sorry about the lighting-it is a terrible photo-bad time of day to take the picture, but at least I got it done. Funny story behind this one-that darn bow finally got the best of me. I retied, retied, and retied and it just wanted to have that upside down look-so here it is upside down and all. If anyone has any good bow tying tips, I would love for you share. Normally I don't have that hard of a time, but this one just had a mind of it's own.

I also used this week color combo from ColorCombo's galore. Papers are My Mind's Eye and Fancy Pants. Cardstock is PapertreyInk, Stamps are Inque Boutique and Fiskars and flowers are Making Memories. I can't recall the brand of the brads, but they are from Michaels. The friendship stamp are a brand new line from Fiskars-loads of possibility here with all the simple, fun sentiments they include.

This next one is once again using my butterfly die and embosser. Told ya I love that thing.

Paper is GCD (my favorite one) and Melissa frances. Stamp is My Sentiments Exactly and Cornish Heritage Farms. Ribbon is offray and flowers are Hero Arts.

This next one uses Cosmo Cricket and Melissa Frances paper. Die cut is My Mind's Eye. Flowers are Making Memories, and I made those little glittery flowers myself with my cuttlebug. Stamp is Melissa Frances. I love how much versatility I can get with those MF stamps. So many different wonderful saying for so many different occasions.

Well, the day has officially begun around here and I need to get 3 boys ready to head to basketball. I hope you have something fun planned with your weekend!!!

Have a great day!!!
Krista

Signs of Spring

2009-02-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Good chilly morning to you!!!! I don't know where you are reading this from-but where I am at is a bit on the cold side today. Yesterday I thought we may have seen a touch of Spring-the sun was shining and it was about 41 degrees, but later in the day it began to snow and hasn't stopped. Temps will be dropping all day until they are below zero-I guess I will have to wait a bit longer for those tulips and first signs of Spring.
With Spring on the way, I 've been thinking about the bright happy colors it brings along with it-the nature, the flowers-all the beauty that comes back to life after a long Winter's rest. This card was made using Bo Bunny Paper and My Mind's Eye Die Cuts. Buttons from my stash and my Cuttlebug Butterfly and Embossing Die-I think you will be seeing lots of butterflies on my upcoming cards-I love that die!!!

This card is a sweet little simple quickie. I really love these stamps from Inque Boutique. Patterned Paper is Bo Bunny and Gems are from Martha Stewart.

I'm off to attempt my morning workout-it's so much easier to sit here and type than it is to get my backside in the basement and start sweating. Better get it done before I pick little man up from preschool though-speaking of, he had pj day at school today-I'm wondering if that includes the parent's-who doesn't love a good jammie day????

Enjoy your day today!!!!

Krista

one more little love note...

2009-02-13T09:06:00.001-08:00

One more quick little post before Valentine's Day. Are you all ready???? me-not so much-I've got a little furry creature that is keeping me quite preoccupied:) We'll get there though-we always do. I made this card using Kristina Werners Color Challenge-and challenge it was. The colors just weren't working for me-but this is the end result and sometimes we just have to be happy with it the way it is-am I right???? Somebody tell me I'm right:) Patterned papers are Prima, Little Yellow Bicycle. Die Cut is October Afternoon. Stamps are Papertrey Ink and MSE and ribbon is Bazzill
I also found a new website-well new to me called Mojo Monday-it's a brilliantly wonderful sketch website and you all know there is nothing like a good sketch to get me rolling!! This card was based off their sketch challenge for this week. Check it out-you won't be sorry.
Well I'm off to get lunch ready and head to the school for the rest of the afternoon. The kids are so excited for their Valentines parties and I'm so happy to be able to help out.
Have a wonderful day!!!

Puppy Love

2009-02-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

Oh how much fun it is to have a puppy. They are just so loveable. They don't care if you've showered, if you're sad, if you're grouchy, they just love you unconditionally. We are having a ball with our new little baby-but I won't lie-lots of work. You forget how hard this house training thing is-it's okay though because I know it will be so short lived.

Onto some scrappy things-since I've been so homebound here this week with our sweet little bundle of love, I had a little time to participate in a couple of sketch challenges. This first one is for Card Positioning Systems. I do so love their sketches-they just make my mind go crazy with all sorts of ideas.

This card uses Cosmo Cricket's new line. I am in love with the bright happy colors. Hmmm, let's see-die cut is also from Cosmo Cricket, Ribbon is from a craft supply store, flowers are Making Memories, stamps are Inque Boutique, and the the little gems are Hero Arts. The chipboard (Maya Road) has been glittered up with Tattered Angels-the color was Patina and then sprinkled with some glitter. I was beginning to wonder if I would EVER use that Tattered Angels color, but sure enough, there it was at just the right time. Do you ever do that???? Love something in the scrapstore and then it just sits for awhile???? I hope it's not just me. Sometimes it just takes awhile to think on it and decide how it would be used best.

This next little number was for this week's sketch from 2sketches4U. Kazan and Laura do a fabulous job of putting together some really creative and sometimes challening sketches. I love the pink and black in this card-really makes it catchy. Products here are PapertreyInk cardstock, Jenni Bowlin and GCD patterned papers, Melissa Frances stamps, Hero Arts flowers, Martha Stewart little heart gems and the ribbon is from Offray. I painted up that little chipboard frame and then used my polka dot basics set-fun, fun!!!

Just wanted to share with you one more little Valentine treat. I love this color combo together-the suble green with the bright red. These little treats were fun to share with friends. Do you have anything fun planned to share for Valentine's Day??? I love this holiday-some people say it's just a Hallmark Holiday-but you have to admit, it's sweet and makes you think about those you love most in your life.

That's it for now-I have to make it into the shower before the puppy wakes up to play-I hope you are enjoying you day as much as I am mine:)

Our New Baby

2009-02-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

It's possible that I may be MIA for a couple of days-perhaps I have a good reason though. We will be busy lovin' on this little guy:) Be back soon!!!

Happy are we

2009-02-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Happy to be home, happy to have spent the afternoon playing games with my little man, happy to have made some banana bread for after school, happy to have drawers filled with freshly folded laundry-it's been a happy, happy day:) :)

I thought that i might dodge out for a run earlier this morning, but quickly had a change of heart when I was rudely awakened by -19. What's a girl to do, but tuck herself away at home, surrounding herself with the things she loves???? I was able to create 2 good things today-things that I love so much- a scrumptious loaf of chocolate chip banana bread, and a little card to share. Have I mentioned how hard it is to shed those holiday pounds when I really loooooove to bake???? And you wonder why I give so much of it away.......

I threw together this little ditty for a dear sweet friend of mine who has found herself sick once again. Hopefully she will find some comfort in a big cup of tea. Just a little side note-that tea is my favorite-so wonderful. It is made by a company called Tazo and I believe the flavor is Passion.

I also created this card based off a challenge over at Melissa Phillips blog right now. It's all about Polka Dots. I love polka dots, and when I decided to take this challenge I was floored by how many different polka dot patterned papers I have in my stash-that a sure sign that it's time to start using things up!!! I often wonder how long I could scrap without stepping foot in a scrap store or placing an on line order-let's just say it would be a very, very looooong time!!! Anyhow, the papers are October Afternoon, GCD (I think) and Papertrey Ink. Embellies are Making Memories-their Paperie Mocha line-love that line, love it!!! Chipboard is from Maya Road-fancied up with some Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, ribbon is from Offray and the stamp is from Heidi Grace. I really like the orange and turquoise together-oooh how I love orange.

Well, I'm off to get supper going-a new dish tonight-Penne Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas-this should be good with the boys:)

Enjoy your evening!!

Bright and Happy

2009-02-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

Where I live, these winter days get to be loooooong. We had a little taste of Spring on Saturday-it was about 45 degrees. But then this morning we awoke to -4. Often times it feels even colder than that. Today is just a damp dreary day and so I thought it would be fun to do something cheerful and make a fun little card with bright and happy colors. I was reminded when i made this card of how fun combining different color combinations really can be. I tend to lean more toward the soft, gentle colors-the colors that are vintage and shabby. But these bright bold colors definitely make me smile:)

On Sunday we brought two very happy little boys home from their wrestling tournament with a second and a first place trophy. We had a blast watching them, cheering them on. It is so good for their energy level and for their self-confidence. Benjamin has decided to move up to the advanced wrestling group and last night was his first night. I can tell he came home sooooo very tired. The coaches really make those boys work hard, but I love the determination that I see in him. He has that certain spark in his eyes that pushes him to keep going. Those little guys sure know how to make their mama proud.

I'm off to whip up a batch of rice krispie bars with a 4 foot tall little cutey pahtooty.
Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-30T14:13:00.001-08:00

Since I've been all warm and cozy at home these days I was inspired to pull out my "Home Sweet Home" October Afternoon stamps and put them to work. I don't think there is anything October Afternoon makes that I don't like. All their lines are fresh, funky, whimsy-what's not to love???? Stamps and papers are from October Afternoon, SEI and Melissa Frances. The felt flower is from Maya Road. I love the orange, turquoise and brown combo. I used this week's sketch from Sketch This-Janelle creates such awesome sketches that are sure to get the creative juices flowing.

Today was a totally unproductive day for me-I feel so sluggish and lazy. I'm okay with that though-we've got a pretty busy weekend ahead of us, I'm just not as prepared for it as I would have liked to have been (due to the laziness of course). There will be no time to scrap this weekend-that's okay, my little ones are wrestling in a tournament. I can't believe how much fun these tournaments are-it's so awesome to see the boys learning all these skills and techniques. When they lose it is hard, but they are such wonderful teachable moments-we don't all win at everything right???? We just give it our best-100% everyday, all the time. As their mom, I just want to be there to wipe the tears and praise them for whatever it is they do achieve. I hope my children know how proud I am of them despite their losses-that is successful parenting I believe.

Well, I'm off to begin an early supper for the kiddos. Aaron and I are actually meeting some friends for supper this evening-I'm so looking forward to some adult conversation.

Enjoy your evening!!!

Eating Bon Bons

2009-01-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well it's true-I really do stay at home and eat bon-bons:) No, not really-especially since I am really trying to be health concscience of what I am putting into my body lately, BUT I still looooove my baking and can't resist whipping up a batch of this or that and sharing with friends.

I made up a batch of fudge bon bons and thought I would package them up and send them out of my sight to friends.

Here I used My Favorite Things Stamps once again-love them so much!!!! Papers are Melissa Frances and Webster's. I don't care how old the papers are I could never get sick of those 2 lines. Everything they create is just scrumptious. I'm just so excited for all those gorgeous new releases to start coming out after CHA-I can hardly wait to get my hands on some!!!

Well, I'm off to get some cleaning and laundry done today-I'm procrastinating right now, but I know how good I will feel when it's all done.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day:)

enjoy these days

2009-01-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

I happen to love winter. Most people might think I'm nuts, and yes it really does get well below zero where we live, but I just find so much delight in being home. Winter is the time where it's good to be home-it's cozy, peaceful, warm-all things good. I find we spend much more time together, snuggling, giggling, baking and just simply being together. That means so much to me when schedules get busy and we are going every which way.

I love to be creating as well this time of year when it's just to nasty to be outdoors. I created this card for a "inspirational challenge" over on Melissa Phillips blog. Melissa is oh so talented and I delight in every single little thing she makes. I used the colors and the glitter as inspirational starting points for my card. I do so love the pink, blue and black combination together. I forgot to take a close-up shot of this one, but I covered my butterfly in glitter-got have that sparkle ya' know:) Have I mentioned how much I adore that butterfly die and embossing folder combo???? I sure do-what would a girl do without a Cuttlebug????? With Spring around the corner I have a feeling you might be seeing more of that one...

The papers are from GCD, rubons from American Crafts, the pin is from Making Memories and the ribbon, button, and flower are all from a craft supply store.

This next little gem was so much fun to put together. I used this week's sketch from 2sketches4you. I am really enjoying stamping these days and had a good ol' time using these little darling cupcake stamps. They are from My Favorite Things and I love em', love em', love em.' Of course I had to splash on some pink glitter and topped each one off with a little Rhinestone from Kaiser. All the papers here are My Mind's Eye, Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey. Ribbons are May Arts and craft supply. The little purple flower is Making Memories.

That's about it for tonight. I am actually headed out here to get my nails all done up and have some conversation with someone other than a 3 foot tall person:) Enjoy your night!!!!!

Love is in the Air

2009-01-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am 100% in the Valentine spirit. I love Valentines day-it just is such a great time to reflect on the ones who you love and mean the most to you and it forces me to do a little something special to show them how much I care. With these horribly cold temperatures that we've been having here in the NorthWest, I 've been able to spend some much needed time in my scrap room. I LOOOOOOVE these precious little cupcake stamps and have been dying to use them. I used a little new Cosmo Cricket, Making Memories, My Mind's Eye and a Heidi Grace stamp.
After Christmas I purchased a sewing machine-I can't even tell you how much I love it. I have been sewing on every card now and wonder what I ever did without it.
For this card I used some Basic Grey, Webster's, Doodlebug and Making Memories. I also embossed one of the Basic Grey papers with my heart embossing folders-it's just hard to see it.

I'm sure some of you are wondering how our recent trip to Disney was-I'm so sorry that it has taken me such a long time to post-I've just needed some time to refocus and reorganize. After the holidays I always find that I just need to take a break from many things-it's a great way to start the New Year for me.

Our trip to Disney was nothing short of spectacular. The parks were much busier than we expected they would be, but that is why the Good Lord gives us patience. Disney World is so magical to me-I have so many good and wonderful memories tucked away in my heart from visiting as a child and everytime i visit there as an adult I always reflect a lot on my childhood and how in awe I was eachtime we would go there. It's amazing to see my boys riding the tea cups and watching their faces as we ride the boat through "It's a small world." I can so vividly remember doing those things as a little girl and here I am now with children of my own experiencing those magical times with them. Sometimes when I think about things like that it almost takes my breath away.
Well, I'm off-I have a house full of 6 boys right now who are in need of some hot cocoa.
I hope you will stop by again soon-I've got some other projects and cards to share. Enjoy your day:)
Krista

Farewell!!!!

2009-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

One last little card to share. The bags are packed, we are ready to embrace the "Happiest Place on Earth" for a week. It seems like it's been so long that we have been planning, in secret, this excursion. It almost seems sureal that the time is here to be leaving. The kids are excited, the parents are excited:) So farewell for a bit, I will be hanging with Mickey and Friends in a warmer place than where I am right now.
I hope each and everyone of you are enjoying your last couple days of the holiday vacation.
Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I am a bit early, but Happy New Year just the same!!! I was desparately craving some creative time this morning-it's been so nuts around here that I just haven't had much time to spare. I made the decision to rearrange my schedule a bit and begin my day with some crafting-what a way to start a day huh????? I wish I could begin everyday that way. I used this week's sketch over at CPS and took the opportunity to create something for the upcoming holiday. I love Valentines Day and it was fun to switch gears and create something that didn't revolve around Christmas.

Yesterday we had a HUGE snowstorm here. The snow is so deep -I haven't seen snowbanks like this since I was a little girl-it is wonderful and it reminds me of how much I loved this time of year when I was young. I can remember my Dad coming home with the snowplow truck and creating huge snowhills for me to play on for hours. Winter is so magical and I love how I am reminded of that amidst these Northern Wisconsin snowstorms. It is sometimes difficult to be homebound so much, but it brings so much good family time and beauty that how can you not find the joy in all of those wonderful things???

Our company should be arriving later today and I have planned an evening at home, visiting, reminicing around the Christmas tree (that will soon be disappearing). I can't wait to hear the sounds of all the children's laughter-perhaps a movie as well after a good hearty meal of spaghetti, sausage and meatballs-complete with an italian salad and homemade foccacia bread.
What sorts of plans do you have to ring in the New Year???? Hopefully it involves being with someone you love too!!

I haven't ran away...

2008-12-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

at least not yet-I was thinking about it yesterday though:) :)
Just taking a little break from blogging
trying to enjoy some precious time with the boys
had a perfectly wonderful Christmas
came and went too fast
preparing for more company tomorrow for the next few days
leaving for Disney World on Saturday
busy, busy, busy-so you understand the lack of absence
been enjoying spending Christmas $$$ on scrapping supplies
thinking about buying a sewing machine
snowstorm here today-ahhh, another day at home:) :)
Hugs!!!!!!

Thanks Card
Supplies Used:
Cardstock-Bazill
Stamps-Hero Arts & Autumn Leaves
Ribbon-Offray
Button-???
Cuttlebug-Embossing die
Provo Craft Pinking Shears

One last post...

2008-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine the next few days are going to be pretty full and festive so I'm guessing that this will be my last post until after Christmas. Today was a delightful day as I awoke to the snow gently falling down-it was really a gorgeous sight. I love the winter and all it's beauty-especially when I can be home drinking my coffee and snuggled up where it's warm. I spent the day koralling children, baking and crafting. All those last minute delights that always throw us moms into a full force frenzy-combine that with all the coffee I drank this morning and I was acting similar to that crazy squirrel on the movie Hookwinked:) :) :)
I decided to throw together a little something extra for one of my dearest friends this morning. I had already bought her something-but really wanted to give her something homemade and hearfelt as well. I threw together these few cards for her. I think she will really like them-this first one, the dark color is actually chocolate brown, but it looks black in the picture-it looks much better in person-always have to explain myself you know:)

And remember all those cards I was busy making for my mom???? Well, I managed to get quite a collection put together for her, but still needed a way to package them all up cute. Of course homemade cards need homemade packaging right????? I threw together this gift bag to hold all the cards. I love the homespun look of it and I think she will really like it too!!! Making all these cards for people has to be one of the funnest (is that a word???) things I've done in a long time. When you love a hobby like this as much as I do, it really is meaningful to use your talent/gift to share with others.

I spent some time this afternoon finishing off these babies. This is Aaron's absolute favorite Christmas cookie. I cannot tell a lie, they are time consuming-just lots of putsy steps involved-but I'm telling you, the work IS totally worth it-they are soooooooo good!!! I promise you won't be sorry. I thought I would share the recipe-I got this from a friend when Aaron and I were first married and was so thankful to her for sharing it with me so I wanted to share it with you-consider it my gift to you:)

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy spending time with the ones who mean the most to you.
Hugs!!!!

Dipped Gingersnaps

2 cups sugar 4 tsp. baking soda

1-1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. ground Ginger

2 eggs 2 tsp.cinnamon

1/2 cup molasses additional sugar

4 cups flour 2-12 ounce packages vanilla chips

1 tsp. salt 1/2 cup shortening

Combine sugar and oil-mix well. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in molasses. Combine dry ingredients-gradually add to creamed mixture. Shape into 3/4" balls-roll in sugar. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.
Melt chips with shortening in a small saucepan over low heat. Dip cookies half way (shake off excess). Place on waxed paper to harden.
Enjoy- I'm certain that you will:) :)

The Final Days...

2008-12-19T19:00:00.001-08:00

Just a little nice news to share. I was given this award by my blogging friend Jocelyn. She really is the sweetest person and it's been a lot of fun getting to know her. I know I've said this before, but the internet really is an amazing tool-connecting people from all over the country that would never know eachother if they didn't have that common link-the cyber world. I was totally honored with this award and want to thank you Jocelyn for thinking of me:) What a treat:) :)
I would love to be able to pass this on to a few blogs that are truly fabulous. I am inspired by these ladies daily and they are so sweet too-I think you will enjoy what you see!!!
1. Annie
2. Audrey
3. Danielle
4. Dawn
5. Lisa
6.Melissa
I know I'm missing some of you gals, but it's been a really long day and I just can't think of everyone!!!!!

I've been busy creating some simple cards for my mom for Christmas. I already bought and gave her main gift to her. Early in the Christmas season I bought tickets and took her to a beautiful Christmas concert. I still wanted to give her something meaningful and useful, but nothing major since I had already spent enough. I thought I would put together a variety of cards for her to have on hand to give to people for different occasions. She sends a lot of cards out to people so I think she will really enjoy and use this gift. I've had a ton of fun putting them together too. They are simple enough that I don't have to do a lot of thinking, but pretty cnough that I am still proud to give them. Sometimes going back to simplicity in my cardmaking and scrapbooking is truly refreshing.

I am still going to try and get a few more done tonight.

We are off to look at Christmas lights this evening. Our neighborhood has their annual luminary display tonight. Our whole neighborhood is lined with luminaries-it is such a beautiful sight. It is only 4 degrees here today so I was pretty cold getting them ready and lit, but when it's all said and done it's worth it.
Bergen has been sick the past 3 days-he had to miss his Christmas program this morning and I was totally bummed. His first program:( I have to admit I was tempted to pump him full of Motrin and shove him up onstage, but then I was quickly reminded that it wasn't about me-it was about him and how yucky he must feel. ( I was kidding about the motrin-please don't take my mother of the year award away-oh, that's right, you can't hear my sarcasm through the computer screen:) :)
This afternoon I made Aaron's favorite cookie-Dipped Gingersnaps. I'm hoping to have half the batch left by morning-they are truly delish and one of his favorites-he cannot leave them alone. I am hoping to post the recipe tomorrow-I'm just too darn lazy to dig it out tonight.
I got good news this evening as I found out my brother and SIL and their 3 children will be coming for Christmas on New Year's Eve and staying for several days. I love that because it really helps to extend the season-or at least it makes it feel that way. I love to be surrounded by family and friends during the Christmas season-I cannot even imagine it any other way.
I hope you too are surrounded by the ones you care most about this holiday season. May you enjoy your final days and final hours of preparation before Christmas!!!!!
Hugs!!!!!
Krista

Tonight I am thankful for:

1. 6 more gifts wrapped and placed under the tree.

2. HUMOR-half of our Christmas lights on our tree aren't working.

3. Snow storms-it's weird but the older I get, the more I love them. It's like it makes a good excuse for me to be home all day-you know how I love that:)

4. My Great Aunt's cherished Coconut Bon Bon recipe-enough said:)

little things to share

2008-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle I was able to create a couple of things that I wanted to share. This darling little gift holder was inspired by my blogging friend Dani. Isn't it perfect???? And why did my font just change over to Italic???? I don't know...sorry about that!!! Anyway-I was in desparate need of a gift holder and racking my brain when Dani posted this on her blog. You could make these up anytime of year based on the occasion or season. You could do numerous things with these cute little holders-I chose to use mine for a gift certificate.

My good friend's little boy turns 7 tommorow and so I threw together this little card for him. Quite honestly, it felt pretty good to create something that wasn't Christmas related. I used this weeks sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You.

My kids are home from school for 2 entire weeks now, I absolutely LOVE having them home, but truthfully, I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with them all 2 weeks. We are at that stage where there is lots of picking, poking and chaos:) :) Fun times at our house:) :)
I hope you are all having a great week. The presents are slowly getting wrapped here and I have yet to bake my gingersnaps, mint cookies and cut-outs with the boys this weekend. Enjoy your weekend and try to find a little time to relax and find the beauty and joy in the season!!!!

Hugs!!!!!

A few more gift items to share...

2008-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

I knew that I had to create something based off these cute little coffee mugs and tins this holiday season. I knew they would be perfect for my lunch girls!!! Once a month I get together with 2 dear friends and we enjoy one another's company over an always delcious lunch followed by a good cup of coffee and dessert. I decided that I would put together a little "coffee" ensemble to give to each of them. I decorated these awesome kraft coffee bags with Polka Dots Basics and Snowfall. The large snowflake I embossed with silver embossing powder-hard to tell I know. Please don't be too hard on me when it comes to indoor picture taking. I'm having a heck of a time taking good shots of my cards and layouts this time of year and I refuse to stand outside on my deck when it is -15 (and it really is that cold here:) I filled the coffee bags up with the absolute BEST coffee around-it's called Jazzy Java and it really is sent here straight from heaven.
Inside the coffee mug I placed a little homemade treat that I LOVE-Peppermint Bark. Peppermint Bark is one of the most festive and pretty treats to make this time of year. They just stand out on a cookie tray or in a jar or bag.

Keep in mind that I purchased both the coffee mug and the tin after Christmas last year and got them both for little to nothing-sometimes it really is worth your while to shop after the holiday and just pick up things here and there that you think might make good little gifts for someone.
Here is the card I made to coordinate with the coffee ensemble. I used the large background stamp from Hero Arts-love this one. I used clear embossing powder on a light green cardstock. I then used my Martha Stewart snowflake/embossing punch and my fiskars punch to create the decorative strips.
Here is what I put together for all the noon aides, office staff at school, bus drivers-all those little extra people who invest in my children in the school system. I pulled out my holiday tags collection stamps from Papertrey Ink to create these darling little tags. I used a scallop and circle punch and then tied them up with hemp. I LOVE the natural look of hemp. On each of those little dots, I then used my red stickles-don't ya just love that stuff????? I remember when I bought it thinking-what am I ever going to do with this stuff???? I've come to reach for it often-funny how it works that way huh???? In this bag is my homemade English Toffee-trust me, be careful with this recipe-your hips with never be the same.
In this bag is my Peppermint Bark. I will admit that you must be a peppermint fan to like this stuff-but if you are, then you will love it-I guarantee!!!! Cute, simple and festive huh????? Nothing that cost a ton of money, but all thoughtful little tokens of appreciation-that's what it's all about this time of year right????
Here are the recipes for both treats that I mentioned above. If you try them I certainly hope you enjoy them. Off to play a game with little B before the other 2 get home:) :) I hope you are warm and cozy-the weather is SOOOOOOOOOOOO cold here today-I am so happy at home with my fireplace going sipping on some hot tea!!! Happy day everyone!!!!

English Toffee

1 pound butter (yes, it says one pound-your not dreaming)

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In a heavy saucepan, combine butter and both sugars. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture boils. Boil to brittle stage, 300 degrees. Remove from heat.

Pour nuts and chocolate chips into a 9 X 13 pan. Pour hot mixture over the nuts and chocolate. Let the mixture cool and break into pieces.

Peppermint Bark

1(12 ounce) package White Morsels

1 (12 ounce) package of semi sweet chocolate chips

24 hard peppermint candies

peppermint extract

Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Melt chocolate morsels in a double boiler-stirring until smooth-(I do not have a double boiler-I always just melt mine in a stainless steel bowl on top of a pan filled with simmering water).

Pour chocolate onto the waxed paper-chill so that it's pretty hard.

WHile this layering is hardening, crush peppermint candies.

Melt white morsels as you did above.

I put a little extract in the white morsels-I think about 1/4 tsp.

While holding a strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir this mixture up.

Spread mixture quickly onto the hardened chocolate layer. Work quickly or the chocolate layer will begin to melt and start to "marble" with the white layer. Sprinkle this layer with the larger peppermint pieces. Press in lightly. Let stand for about an hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temp.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes me wish I was a teacher

2008-12-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

I have been busy creating lots of homemade gifts this year and this little teacher ensemble is something that I can't wait to give the teachers. What I love most about homemade gifts, is that often times you can't find something like it in a store. It's nice to give something personal and creative that doesn't cost a fortune too. I got this idea once again from my favorite-Papertrey Ink. I bought a really nice journal and jar at Target and decorated them cute to coordinate. Inside the jar are all types of different questions that pertain to teaching-"What prompted you to become a teacher," "What's your favorite part of teaching..." etc. Some of the questions are really thought provoking and interesting. I would say there are about 75 to 100 questions in the jar. The teachers can pull a question every so often from the jar and journal the answer in the coordinating journal so that someday they can look back at the history of their teaching journey.
What I love most about this gift is that it is something that the teachers can pass on to their children and grandchildren someday. It will help foster some interesting discussion between generations and will be cherished for years to come. I know I sure would give anything now to read some journals and thoughts of my Grandparents/parents-wouldn't you????
Make sure you stop back as I am slowly finishing up some creative and simple projects that I'll be certain to include the recipe (hint, hint):) :)
Hope you all are having a great start to your week and enjoying every moment of this wonderful holiday season!!!!

Cards to Share

2008-12-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Creative title, I know...Just wanted to pop in and share a couple of cards I've made as of recent. This top one is using the new Men of Life stamps from Papertrey ink-such a versatile set-so many things you can do with it. I've decided that I am going to host a small Holiday coffee with close family and friends this year during the Christmas season. Here are some invites that I made up, using the Warm Happiness and Snowfall set from once again PaperTreyInk
This last one is a card that I challenged myself on. I pulled out my scrap container and told myself that I could only use scraps on this card. I thought it turned out pretty cute.
This past weekend was a fun one. We visited Santa did some Christmas shopping and yesterday I baked all day. The snow was falling and it was so pretty to watch from inside where it was all nice and toasty. Braeden was brave and decided to play out in the cold for awhile-he is my outdoor boy-rain or shine, he loves to be out there. Yesterday he discovered much delight in snow angels. I hope you are enjoying every little blessing this Christmas season offers!!!!

Christmas Randoms

2008-12-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged from my sweet blogging friend Annie It still amazes me-this whole blogging, internet thing. Annie lives halfway across the country from me and yet somehow we have managed to strike up a friendship-to find a connection-Amazing isn't it???? Annie's blog is totally worth checking out-she is mom of the year-really Annie, it's no time to be humble-you are an amazing mama my friend!!! She is always an inspiration to me.
Annie had a great idea and thought it would be fun to list random Holiday things about myself

Here are the rules for Holiday tag.......
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself
4) Tag 7 people at the end of your post and link to them
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up…

1. During the Christmas season you can often times find me nestled in front of the Christmas tree with a hot cup of something (tea, cider, cocoa...) staring at my tree. I seriousely LOVE my Christmas tree-all the ornaments from all those special someone's-it doesn't get any better than that.

2.My dream is to someday go to New York during the Christmas season-I can't even imagine the window displays!!!!

3. When I was little (about 8 I think) my parents hired Santa to come to our house for a suprise. I answered the door and was so shocked that I slammed the door in his face and left him stand there in the cold!!!

4. I used to sit for hours as a child listening to Christmas records-literally HOURS-I loved it.

5. One of my favorite Christmas CD's is Bing Crosby.

6. I am still in awe of the magic of Christmas-this time of year makes me feel like a kid myself-I love every little thing about this time of year!!!!

Okay, now for the tagging part-these are some very sweet ladies-some are personal friends, some are just plain inspirational to me for different reasons-Kim, Audrey, Jocelyn, Renee, Krista,
Danielle, Melissa

Today has been a rather lazy day. I was hoping to get another batch of cookies thrown together, but cleaning and laundry took over. I'm hoping to get lots done this weekend. Last night we went to the annual town Christmas parade. It is such a highlight of the season for me-When we got home we had some Christmas goodies along with a cup of hot cocoa. If I could have, I think I would dunked my whole body in the cocoa-it sure gets cold here in Wisconsin!!
!Braeden had so many layers on last night that he tipped right over:) :) It's all worth it though just to see this guy
Hope you all have a restful, cozy weekend. I know I plan to enjoy it-lots of little things going on, but I'm glad to have the kids home for the weekend. Have a great night everyone!!!

It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

2008-12-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Really-what's not to love about this time of year????? The excitement in the air, the decorating, baking-it's just all so fun!!!! I admit, there definitely have been some years that I have been more "into it" than others. But I think now that the boys are a little older, it really helps. For a couple of years, the decorating, baking and all that was so hard because it took so much time and energy-two things that I didn't have. This year I got my Christmas decorations out the day after Thanksgiving and spent two whole days getting everything set and ready for the holidays. These are my beautiful Santa's that I collect. Each one is so beautifully made. I made sure that I have a big bottle of super glue close by though as I'm wondering with 3 rowdy boys how all these pretties will fare this holiday season.

Now I can say with delight that I am done and have moved on to the baking. So far we have made 4 different batches of treats/cookies. This picture is what happens when you include your 4 year old in the processI LOVE having the kids in the kitchen beside me enjoying cooking as much as I do. I remember as a kid so well how fun it was to eat the leftover batter-yum!!!!

This year has been such a treat as all 3 of the boys are so into the whole Christmas scene-it must be wearing off from me. They have loved every minute of decorating, tree trimming, reading Christmas stories and making Christmas lists. It so neat to sit back and watch their excitment. Often times I wonder with a 9 year old how much longer this will last. It's my guess that this could be our last and final year with him-so sad:( :(

I think what I love most about this time of year is the memories. I love to sit back on my couch at night with a hot cup of tea and delight in all my pretty ornaments-each one given to me by someone special, someone who has touched my life in such a way to make it better-to help me grow to the person I am today. That is so meaningful to me.
Here are a couple of my very first ornaments from 1975. How can you not love those???? The bear was made by one of my aunts and the ball was given to me by my parents. Isn't is weird to think that those ornaments are 33 years old???? That's the kind of stuff I like to think about this time of year. I am fortunate to have some really neat ornaments from family and friends through the years. Each one is really so special to me-some of those friends/family aren't even around anymore, but when I pull out their ornaments it is a time for me to reflect on the influence that they had on my life at some point and time. Okay, I'll stop with all the sappy stuff now.

I whipped up a batch of these bad boys today. They are called Angeletties and they are straight from Martha. Oh yeah, I'm a Martha wanna be-I've got so many of her recipes that I am hoping to try this holiday season. Aren't they pretty????? I did some with blue sprinkles too.

On to some scrappy stuff. I've been busy making some layouts, cards and gift items. This bottom layout is from Sketch #2 over at Inspired Blueprints If you haven't checked that website out yet scoot on over there and do so. There sketches are really great. I'm sorry these pictures are really small-not quite sure what is up with that-I'll have to check around and see if I can figure it out.

This card here is from this week's sketch over at CPS. Loved this one. I used some Bo Bunny, Cosmo Cricket, Basic grey and a little KI for this one. Easy Peasy!!!

This next little project is one that I whipped up for Benjamin's teacher. She has recently had surgery done on her eye and I just wanted to give her a little pick me up. I fill the Kraft coffee bag with some Chocolate Peppermint muffins. Isn't the packaging cute????? All of those products are from my new most favorite totally obsessed with website PapertreyInk I'm telling ya, you won't be sorry if you stop by that site-well, your pocketbook might be. Those girls over there have got some major creativity flowing.

Well, I'm off to enjoy a little peace and quiet. It's been a rather crazy evening-lots of tears, lots of upsets-you wouldn't think boys would be so tough, but I'm here to say that many days I am hanging on by a thread!!!!!! So I need the time to regroup before another day begins

Tonight I am thankful for:

1. time to myself today-I know I say this a lot (I must sound like a broken record) but with 3 rowdy boys, quiet time means SO MUCH to me. It grounds me, it helps me refocus, it helps keep me SANE!!!!

2.an unselfish hubby-he has been gone for 4 days so I've spent a great deal of time focusing on his strong suits.

3. time with the boys tonight-love snuggling and reading stories with them-love that they still want to!!!

4. Fudge-Christmas wouldn't be the same without it-I make some MEAN fudge-watch out Martha-you haven't met my fudge yet-but my hips sure have!!!!

Have a great night everyone-thanks for stopping in to check up on me!!!

Busy Day!!!

2008-11-26T11:21:00.001-08:00

Hello!!!! Not a lot of time here-a busy day as you all probably have as well. Lots to do-I'm enjoying a couple minutes of peace though as my two littlest are upstairs playing and creating and Benjamin and his Dad are out hunting. We are off today to pick pine boughs and twigs for my window boxes. It is a high here of 38 degrees today so I figured today was as good of day as any.

The house is spic and span and I am sure the next several hours will be busy with preparing dishes to share with friends and family. It hasn't left me a lot of time to create but I have a simple, simple card to share. I wished I would have done more to the kraft cardstock, but somtimes you just have to leave things alone and be happy that you've accomplished anything-right????I'm really hoping that tonight when the house is still and quiet that I can sneak away for a bit to my scraproom and create some things.
Since it is Thanksgiving I wanted to share one of our favorite recipes. My husband absolutely loathes pumpkin pie (any kind of pie really, he hates cooked fruit). So many years ago I set out to find a good pumpkin recipe other than pie. He loves pumpkin cake, bars etc. Weird, I know. Well, this is the recipe that I've been using for years now and it is truly delish!!!
I hope you might consider giving it a try-if you do, please let me know what you think. Have a truely wonderful thanksgiving and make sure you take a few moments and thank God for every little blessing that you have in your life!!!!!

Williamsburg Pumpkin Cake
4 eggs
2cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sifted flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 cups pumpkin
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and flour a 10" bundt pan. Beat eggs, mix in sugar and beat in oil. Sift together dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture. Beat in pumpkin. Pour batter into pan, bake 55 to 60 minutes. Cool in the pan 15 minutes-then cool on a wire rack. Frost with bourbon frosting.

Bourbon Frosting
8 ounces soft cream cheese
1/2 cup soft butter
4-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 Tbsp. bourbon
Cream cheese and butter. Add sugar a little at a time. Add bourbon and pecans. Mix until spreadable. I always serve the frosting on each individual serving of cake. If you try and frost the whole cake I always think it looks a little funky and I'm a little bit of a fruitcake when it comes to presentation. Enjoy!!!!

This and That

2008-11-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Marie Antoinette Award
"The Real Person Award"

Thank you so much Monica for passing this award onto me. I was floored actually. Here are the rules:

you get the award-give credit to the one who passed it to you and award it to 7 others bloggy friends that you feel are real in who they are.

Please take time to visit these blogs-you'll find they are worth your while. These are ladies who I love to check in on from time to time (or daily if I'm being truthful).

We had such a great weekend. Very relaxing, very quiet for the most part. We had dinner guests on Friday night-something we have neglected to do for years. For so long I felt like entertaining just got to be so difficult with kids. It really was nice to do some extra cleaning, dig out my china, set a pretty table for 4 and cook something that wasn't a casserole or frozen pizza.

The weather is turning colder day by day here and I have been busy nestled up in my scrap space making Christmas creations. I am anxiousely awaiting a huge order that I placed with PapertreyInk that will have all sorts of goodies to play with. If you haven't visited Papertrey's website-you must do so. Their stamps are incredible and their design team is outstanding-totally inspires me!!!! I can't wait to get my box of goodies-I am already bombarded with some great homemade holiday gift ideas this year. More and more I am really drawn to homemade gifts. There is just someting about giving or receiving something from someone that has been created with their hands all while thinking of you. You can't buy that in a store:):)

This past weekend I decided to whip together a batch of Rice Krispie bars for the kiddo's-now anyone who knows me, knows how much i LOVE to cook and bake-but I have a confession-I can't make RK bars worth a darn-maybe to break someone's window:) :) Seriousely, they always turn out so dry and so very dissapointing. Well this weekend I decided no more messin' around!!! I did my research and decided that it was time to not let these stinkin' bars beat me anymore-I had had enough!!!! Well, my friends I found the secret-MELT YOUR BUTTER AND YOUR MARSHMALLOWS VERY SLOWLY!!! I know-how easy is that????? Melt those two items over the stove top, but DO NOT allow them to turn brown at all. If it turns brown-your bars will be dry. It also helps if you use a whole stick of butter.

Here is the recipe to make Kick Butt RK bars

11.5 cups of RK

1 stick butter

16 ounce bag of mini marshmallows

Grease 9X13 pan really well with some butter.

Melt one stick of butter over the stove top-very slowly

Add one bag of mini marshmallows-melt this VERY slowly

When it is all melted, add your 11.5 cups of RK. Spread in pan and enjoy!!!! Trust me, you'll thank me for these-and you'll be the hit of the party!!!

I'll leave you with a few cards that I created over the weekend and my thankful list

Today I am thankful for

1. a home that I enjoy

2. cold weather-I know, I'm nuts

3. a good pair of slippers

4. hot tea

Have a wonderful toasty evening!!! Please say Hi -I would love to know who some of you are that check in.

a quiet week

2008-11-12T04:33:00.000-08:00

It is early morning here and I love the quietness (is that a word?) of the house. All is calm at this time of day. It is nice to have a week where things are really quiet. I delight so much in just being home, getting projects done and spending time with my little ones. We have recently put up our ping pong table and have enjoyed playing that with the kids in the evenings. Benjamin really needs to work on the concept of "sore loser," but I guess that will come with age. He's beaten Aaron in Yahtzee at least 2 times this week so that has helped-ping pong he has yet to master.
We are working on trying to finish up all that yummy Halloween candy. I love this picture of Bergie that I captured a couple of days ago counting his candy. I remember doing the same type of thing when I was that age. Sometimes we really do forget the simple thing in life don't we???? Kids sure help to remind us though.
The weather is turning colder by the day here and this morning when I woke up in the wee hours of the morning, the ground was kissed with such a beautiful snow. I love those first couple of snows. The kids will be excited when they wake up this morning.
With the cold weather I've been able to spend a little more time scrapping and working on projects. I've completed a layout of Benjamin from 8 years ago-it's so hard to believe that was so long ago.I've also completed a couple of cards. I'm really enjoying putting cards together. Sometimes it's nice to be able to create without having to deal with pictures. That is about all that is going on at our house. I'm itching to fire up the Christmas music and I'm having a heck of a time not pulling out the Christmas decor.

I did finally buy this earlier this week and am dying to find some time to mess around with it-it's my first die cut machine and I can't wait to play. Even better that I could use my 50 percent off coupon at Michaels to get it. I'm sure I will have many happy time creating with it:)

Well, it's time to get the day rolling-I hope you all have a wonderful day whatever you're up to!!!

2008-11-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

We had such a great Halloween this year. The weather was gorgeous-didn't even have to bundle up this time. Usually we are layered-complete with winter jackets, gloves, hats and scarves. I remembered to get the boys outside early this year too so that we could get some decent pictures. Once it's dark-forget it.

We are now on a roll to see how much candy we can possibly consume between now and Thanksgiving. My kids brushing will be monitored:) :)
Little do they know why all their Tootsie Rolls are always missing:)

We had an awesome time at the Gopher Homecoming game on Saturday. Right up until I realized that I forgot my SD card back at home. I felt so awful the whole game. We sat right in the front row too so I could have gotten some great shots. I just sat back and tried to enjoy the game anyway-but it was hard. I guess you know you're a true scrapbooker when all you can think about is how this shot or that shot would have made a great page.

It's so hard to believe that it is November. All the Halloween decorations will start coming down this week and slowly I think I will start putting the Christmas ones out. Usually I wait until after Thanksgiving, but every year I seem to get really stressed when I wait until then. The past couple of years I have felt like all I do is decorate for 3 days straight. This year I think I'll take my time and do a little here and a little there.

It is so nice to look at my calander and see a somewhat slow week. Things have been so crazy around here that I'm in desparate need of some quiet time at home. I even bought some new cozy's at the MOA this weekend so it gives me even more reason to be at home. I could live in my cozies!!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend!!!!

Packin' it all in!!!!

2008-10-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

This week before Halloween always feels a little crazy to me. It seems like there are so many things that I try to pack in. We carved pumpkins this week and I have to say that it is really nice to hand over my position of official pumpkin gutter to the boys. They are now old enough to gut them out and I can do my duty of snapping away with the camera. You can tell by the look on Benjamin's face that he loves the job:)
Earlier this week we made these adorable batty bags for Bergen's preschool class. We had lots of fun putting them together. We then made a batch of caramel corn together and filled the bags up. If you like the bags we got the idea here. They were easy peasy too!
I have been making caramel corn for a lot of years now, but recently was given this recipe by a friend of my mom's. I have to say it is hands down the BEST recipe I have encountered.

Caramel Corn
6 quarts of popped corn
2 cups brown sugar (lightly packed)
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1 tsp. salt

Boil for 5 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp baking soda. Mix really good. Then pour over the popped corn and stir well.
Spread mixture over 2 cookie sheets. Bake in oven at 200 degrees for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes and rotate pans.
Seriousely, you won't regret making a batch of this!!!

Earlier this week we went to the pumpkin patch with my brother and his family. I managed to get one good shot of the boys-and only because I threatened them. They really hate that mom takes so many pictures. I can't imagine why:) :)
Speaking of pictures-I am tossing around the idea of taking Karen Russell's photog class-it's pretty spendy, but I'm thinking it would be worth it. Have any of you taken it???
Yesterday I picked up a copy of this and I am so pumped!!! I've never been into card making, but I've decided I'm going to start. I have so many products piling up down in my scrapspace that it's a great way to use up some of them so they aren't wasted. I've always stunk at making cards to be truthful, but hopefully with a little practice that will change.

Tonight we are off trick or treating. Our neighborhood gets a TON of trick or treaters. It is so fun-I always make a huge pot of soup (which I still have yet to do today) and apple cider. We have lots of visitors stop by and it is such a fun and festive night around here.

Tomorrow we are off to the Minnesota Golden Gophers Homecoming football game-the boys are so pumped and so am I because that means we will head to the Mall of America at some point which means that I will have to stop by Archivers-it would be a shame to drive all that way and not stock up wouldn't it????? Actually I am really pumped about the game too-especially since the dome is inside and heated-I love to be nice and toasty!!! Anyone up to anything fun this weekend??????

Have fun trick or treating tonight!!!!

Today I am thankful for:

1. decent weather to trick or treat in

2.accomplishing my to do list this week

3. my kids wonderful teachers

4. time with my brother and his family

2008-10-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

We are back from the sunny skies of Mexico. I'm telling you, it really was the trip of a lifetime. We had so much fun and met so many wonderful people while we were there. Our all inclusive resort was incredible. It had 5 different restaurants on site-all which were so good. One night we tried a Japanese restaurant and Aaron and I made our first attempt at Sushi. We actually liked it-but I'm not necessarily in a hurry to order it again anytime soon either.

The weather was out of this world-it was at least 100 degrees everyday. One of our last days there we sat in the pool all day long-literally ALL DAY LONG. These aren't just regular swimming pools either-they have lounge chairs where you can just lay in the water to stay cool. It was an endless pool so we could swim up to the end and stare out at the ocean. They also had a pool bar that you could swim up to. I seriousely loved every minute of this trip. It was awesome to be able to pull up to the buffet at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon and sit out overlooking the ocean while enjoying fresh pineapple and chips and salsa until my heart was content-all while being in my swimsuit!!!!

The second day we were there we went deep sea fishing. This was NOT my idea of a good day in Mexico, but I knew it was a big deal to Aaron so I thought I would give it a shot. I did really great-for the first half an hour-after that I spent most of the day sleeping in the cabin below. Between the extreme heat and waves, I just felt so queezy. I did manage to catch about a 50 pound Mahi-Mahi at the demands of my peers that were on board-after that I went to bed-for the next 7 hours!!!!!! It was a long day-but Aaron did catch a huge Marlin-which according to people who fish is a really big deal. He fought that thing for an hour-and then released it-makes no sense to me-I could definitely find better ways to spend my time. I do have to say though that seeing whales, sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins all in the wild was unbelivable-seriousely, there are no words.

We enjoyed the arts and crafts market, a sunset cruise, the beach, Cabo Wabo, the Giggling Marlin-for those of you who have been there you understand and visiting with people from all over the country. It feels good to be home though and settling back into our routine. I really missed the kids-it's amazing how you feel so lost without them.

We have my brother and his family coming into town for the next couple of days so things will be a little crazy. Enjoy your day and thanks for checking in!!!

Today I am thankful for:

1. finally a quiet Sunday afternoon

2. kids who are content hanging at home

3. Change of seasons

The bags are packed

2008-10-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

and we are about to set sail to beautiful Cabo San Lucas for the next 5 days. I'm looking so forward to it, but I'm really missing the kids and I haven't even left yet. I so wish they were coming with. We were fortunate enough to win this trip through our sales department, but children were not included. I know the kids would have a great time and I'm really bummed that they won't be there with us. We are very blessed to have all the Grandparents chipping in to help too-lots of people don't have that same opportunity. I managed to scrounge up the time to throw together a really quick mini album of Braeden's first days as a kindergartener. It's probably one of the simplest mini's I've ever done. Not many frills or fancies, but it's done for him to enjoy. I used all October Afternoon products-which I am so loving that company.

This layout was a collaboration of the boys throughout the last 9 years. I love layouts like that represent a time span so you can see the growth and changes. The journaling reads...
Thank you for teaching me patience and forgiveness. For showing me true joy ans what unconditional love looks like. For reminding me how much fun it is to be sill and the beauty of pure innocence. FOr loving me when I felt unlovable. For just simply being you!!! This last one here I had a lot of fun putting together. With 3 boys sometimes I can't use a lot of pinks and flowers so I knew that I just had to take the opportunity and doll this one up big time. I always used to dress up at my Grandma's house when I was little-full makeup, wigs, you name it. Grandma always had all the fun clothes and goodies to go along with it-every little girls dream. She always let me have a hayday with her makeup and jewerly and it is a memory that I will never forget.
That's it-just a little quick more packing of odds and ends and we should be off. I give you permission to live vicariousely through me for the next 5 days:)
I hope to post lots of pictures next week. Have a great week everyone!!!!

a little humor for you!!

2008-10-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

okay-this is probably wrong that I take such extreme humor in this, but I admit I do. There is something hysterically funny about a 3 year old's pure innocence in this video-please watch it and laugh along with me.

Have a fabulous evening!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_zK2apRHI4

a couple of layouts to share

2008-10-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hey there!!!!

I wanted to share a couple of new layouts-the top one is for Color Combo Galore-I'm seriousely loving that site. If you haven't checked it out you need to-it's a great find. It's all about using color combo's that the team puts together for you. Some of the color combo's you might think may not be your cup of tea, but they always turn out so awesome. The bottom one is a layout of me-something I don't scrap often enough, but really enjoy. I think it's important to scrap yourself so that someday your kids can look at those layouts and really know what was important to their parents

Nothing new much here-we are anxiousely awaiting our trip to Cabo San Lucas later this week. Aaron has been checking the weather there everyday and it is going to be around 90 degrees-works for me!!!

Today has been a pretty lazy day around here thus far. I can't remember the last time I've actually sat down on my couch, curled up with a blanket and fallen asleep. It seems like there is always so much to do-of course I didn't get much rest between the phone ringing and people stopping by-did I mention how excited I am for this trip????

I finally finished the rest of my fall decorating yesterday-I love to decorate for fall. The colors are so vibrant here right now, but the leaves are starting to fall quickly.

I hope everyone else has been up to some fun thing this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Today I am thankful

1.kids who are playing well together

2.just hanging out-with no where we HAVE to go-love that!!

3. friends who make me laugh

You can tell it's fall...

2008-10-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

when your boys are constantly in their Halloween costumes.

The plan was to be Star Wars guys this year, but of course that always changes from day to day. Instead we ended up with Power Rangers. I love their imagination and how they automatically believe that when they have on their suits they are indestructable. Hopefully they don't try and stop traffic or anything!!! I figure they may as well get as much wear out of them as they possibly can

Yesterday we made applesauce in the crockpot. Bergen had a blast peeling all the apples for me. I love having my kids next to me in the kitchen. It makes me so glad that they want to partake in something that I love so much.

I am being asked for recipes on a weekly basis because everyone knows I love to cook and bake so much so I thought once in awhile I would pass one along on my blog.
I am giving you my applesauce recipe as it truly is delicious. The nice thing about it too is that you don't have to babysit it on the stove. Just dump everything into the crockpot and just don't forget to stir it up everyonce in awhile.
Homemade Applesauce
12 c. McIntosh apples, cored, peeled and sliced ( I used Connell's)
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 t. cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 hours on low setting or 2 1/2 to 3-1/2 hours on high. Makes about 6 cups.
This makes your house smell wonderful too!!!!!
I hope you give this recipe a try-please let me know what you think of it if you do.

Lately it has been pouring rain which is allright by me. I love to have the fireplace on and get cozy in the afternoons. It makes me want to cook and bake like crazy!!!!!!
I'm off to accomplish an afternoon to do list. Thanks for stopping by and don't hesitate to leave a comment-I love it when people say Hi!!!!
Today I am thankful for:
1. a refrigerator full of groceries
2. a good run this morning
3. a quiet afternoon
4. all the kids learning their bible memory verses like a breeze-yeah kids!!!!
5. peace in my heart

A fresh new week!!!

2008-10-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

Monday's are my saving grace!!!! I could not function without them. I really get crabby when I see something scheduled for a Monday. I think they are such a divine way to start the week. I love the idea of letting everything go over the weekend and then re-grouping on Monday's.

This morning I have

1. had 4 cups of coffee (and still going-I know it's my vice-hey I don't drink hardly any pop though and only diet when I do so calm down:)

2. completely cleaned out my refrigerator.

3. made my menu plan for the week.

4. made my grocery list.

5. checked into the forum at CMK

6. packed lunches for school.

7. emptied the dishwasher.

8. one load of laundry.

ALL WHILE I AM SITTING IN MY JAMMIES!!!!-that is seriousely the best part-see why I love Monday's-maybe it's just that I love my jammies more-I don't know, but either way I'm loving it!!!

Now before you get all panicky on me-here is what I have not done that is still hanging over my head today.

1. showered

2. vacuumed my van.

3. made my bed.

4. ate breakfast

5. WAAAAAAYYYY more laundry than just that one load.

6. made my phone calls for the day.

7. cleaned out Braeden's room.

8. made applesauce.

9. begun my DT project for Picture This.

10. Menu planned for when we are in Cabo.

See, lots to do yet-we'll see how much I get done though. It's raining and cold today so I'm thinking the fireplace turned on a nap might just be the right way to spend this day:)

BTW-my run yesterday went extremely well. It was one of the most beautiful runs I have ever done. We ran through the older part of St. Paul right to the State Capital. The crowd was fantastic-and I even met a few people along the way. That is one of my favorite parts is meeting all the other runners when you are doing a race like that. Everyone is so nice. I felt fantastic the whole run, until mile 8 when it started pouring rain. I tried really hard to chose joy and not be bitter, but let me tell you-what a challenge that was when you think that hypothermia might strike you down at any given moment. All was good though-after about 5 hours I thawed out and got rid of my goosebumps. A hot shower and a trip to Archivers helped.

I'm off to see what I can accomplish (or not) with the rest of my day. Have a great start to your week-thanks for stopping by!!!!

And I'm off...

2008-10-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday Morning to you all!!!!

Not much time here as I am leaving to stay with some friends for the weekend so I can run a 10 mile race tomorrow. I'm so excited-I've trained hard and looking forward to running it-although I'm a little fearful of the weather. I hate running in rain and it is in the forecast. Big Bummer!!!!!!

I will leave you with some layouts and I card that I've done as of recently.

Have a fantastic weekend-hope everyone is up to something fun!!!!

Enjoying Fall

2008-10-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

There is so much beauty here in the NorthWest this time of year. I can't imagine not being able to experience the change of the seasons. Sometimes it literally is breathtaking how beautiful this part of the country is.

Nothing much new here-I went to the Pumpkin Patch with Bergie today. We are so fortunate to have one of the most incredible patches around. Unfortunately it was so damp and chilly-but we made the best of it anyway. Tonight we went to our new cabin to try and get some work done. The view was awesome so I wanted to share some pictures.Isn't that sunset gorgeous???? I'm so happy I captured it on film.

That's about it-hope you all are enjoying your week.

Tonight I am thankful for:

1.quiet evenings

2.the beauty in nature this time of year

3.strong friendships

4.lunch with Aaron today

I. Need. Me. Time!!!!

2008-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel as though all your time is just too scheduled. I feel like that lately and I'm really not digging it too swell. When it gets like this I feel like I'm drowning in stuff-busy, busy, busy is just not for me. I am really craving a day to just chill-jammies perhaps????? Nothing better than a jammie day. Hopefully I will get that wish soon!!

I woke up this morning to what I thought was an infected nose piercing. I won't descibe gory details, but the guy who pierced it, swears it's not infected. He thinks I just slept on it and as I long as I keep up with what I'm supposed to do, I should be fine.
Nothing else much new here-I am going on a field trip with Bergie tomorrow so I should have some good pic's to share.
I did manage to get a layout done today so I thought I would share. I took the challenge from The Design Experiment which was to document what I would wish for if I were granted 3 wishes. Of course I'm a mama-so everything had to do with my family and my children. The journaling is impossible to read so I will write it here.
If I were granted 3 wishes...
1.that my boys would grow to be men of God and follow his plan for their lives.
2. that Aaron and I will never forget the reasons we fell in love. I would wish that our friendship and love grow stronger every year.
3. that as a family we will always remain close. Someday distance may keep us apart physically, but I always want us to feel a strong connection.

Have a great evening everyone!!!!
Tonight I am thankful for:
1. an understanding husband (trust me on this one)
2. Bergie not putting up a fuss to go to his room for down time.
3. my fireplace

WARNING!!!!!!!!! LONG AND SHOCKING POST!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's been such a long and crazy week-so much fun though. Everyday this week began bright and early at 5am with weight training and running. I am finally feeling some effects of my hard work-YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Although when you eat as much junk as I have this week it kind of does this counterbalance thing-or so I'm told:) I've got my 10 mile race coming up this weekend and I feel SO ready for it. I've trained hard and my running is going incredibly well-no hip problems this time around at all.

Friday was such a crazy and fun day that will forever be etched in my memory-I swear I haven't had that much fun in years. My best friend Lisa and I headed out at 5:30am for the Warrens Cranberry Festival. For those of you who are not fortunate enough to live in the beautiful part of this county and do not know what the "CranFest" is-I'm so sorry. There we were crafting and shopping with 30,000 other Cranfesters-no I'm not exaggerating. It is shoulder to shoulder people-but it's all part of the fun. Crafting, cranberries, greasy fried food, apple cider-you name it. I bought some really great Halloween decorations and some great things for the front porch. This festival seriousely offers something for everyone-everything from artsy craftsy to flea market junk. It is truly amazing and something that every woman should experience. By 2:30 we both had ran out of $$$$ but of course does that mean we head for home??? Your nuts if you anwered yes to that one!!!! We proceded an hour down the road to EC and over a crazy conversation at the local Olive Garden-Lisa and I decided that we should investigate the possibility of getting our nose (ses) pieced. Well, I'll cut the story incredibly short, but after hemming around at the tattoo and piercing parlor for an hour I finally said "that's it-we're going for it!!!!!"

Now keep in mind, most best friends exchange some sort of token such as those little heart necklaces-you know the ones that one half says "Best" and the other "friend." I guess it says something about Lisa and my friendship-things just aren't simple with us crazies. Now for those of you who read this and know me well, I'm sure you're picking yourself up off your computer stool at the moment-I'll give you a minute here.Okay-are you composed???? No, this was not a hasty decision. It's something I've wanted to do a long time, but I guess the saying is true that there is strenght in numbers. It seemed so much easier with Lisa there. Here we are with our "piercing artist" Kris. Super nice guy-lots of stainless steel going on in his body though. Hence the reason it took us an hour for him to convince me that getting my nose pierced really wasn't going to be painful.

While we were in the tattoo parlor we met a group of really great college kids and they kept poking one another saying-"see that will be us in another 15 years." -thanks guys, that really makes me feel ancient!!! Don't they look young though???? I can remember how much fun it was to be in my early 20's. These kids were great-really good kids who just liked to have good clean fun. They stuck around to watch us have needles driven through our noses and afterward we all had our pic's taken together. They told us of this crazy and fun idea they had called spontaneous Wednesdays. It all started a couple of weeks ago when on a whim (and on a Wednesday) they decided to get something pierced together as friends. Now they carry on the tradition and each Wednesday they do something spontaneous. That made Lisa and I think of how much fun we had doing something crazy and totally unplanned so we came up with the idea of one Friday a month doing that's called spontaneous Friday. I have no idea what the next spontaneous Friday has in store for us-but trust me when I say that is totally the fun of it all. Life is so planned out when your a mama and it's great and freeing to take one day and just live unplanned.

I've been so busy this past week too applying for several different design team positions-who knows what will happen, but I'm excited to hear back from them and hope that something works out.Today we ended the weekend with a trip to the apple orchard. This is one of my favorite traditions and as usual we had a great time. Now I've just got to figure out when I'm going to get all these apples peeled and ready for applesauce-at Braeden's request.

Next time I post hopefully I can post a few layouts that I've done recently-just not quite yet though. Have a great evening everyone and thanks for stopping by.

Tonight I am thankful for:

1. Fun and crazy friends

2. fun filled weekend

3. Running partners

4. Family time

2008-09-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just LOVE Monday's?????? I used to hate them with a vengence-back when I was in school. But now I love them. It's such a great day to get everything back in order from the weekend. I love letting things go over the weekend and not giving a hoot until Monday.I like to make a big pot of coffee and get to work. Typically I will have 4 loads of laundry done by 10am and dinner made too.
We had a great weekend-Aaron had off on Saturday which is always really nice. It kept making me think all day that it was Sunday though-I'm still not used to him taking off on Saturday's. We headed up to the cabin and really accomplished a lot. I cleaned while Aaron painted. It made me a little grumpy that I had so much cleaning to do-I have a hard time beliving that someone could leave their place so dirty. I would like to think when we have sold homes in the past or our cabin, it was spotless. Needless to say though, i pressed on and got the job done.
Yesterday I ran 10 miles before church. It really felt awesome. We ran a great country route-the sun was rising, the air was cool-couldn't have started the day off any better. I love running those long miles when everything feels like it flows. My legs did tense up though around mile 7, which seems to happen often. I did manage to get in an hour nap too-I'm thinking there might be a new Resnick family rule-naps on Sunday's!!!!
That's about it around here-I'm off to spend a lovely afternoon having lunch with good friends-after not seeing one another all summer I'm looking forward to it.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Beautiful fall weather
2. a great workout this morning
3. boys getting up with no problems this morning
4. a filling bowl of oatmeal topped with a nectarine for breakfast:)
Have a wonderful day everyone-thanks for stopping by!!!!!

Thursday Randoms

2008-09-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Nice title huh????? Can you tell I'm running out of creative titles for my posts????
What is it about napping that totally rejuventates me????? I have officially decided that everyday I will be taking a rest time myself. Getting up at 5am is killing me!!!!! It really cuts into my day, but I've decided that napping is just something that I have to do. It feels as though I get absolutely nothing accomplished as it really cuts into my day, but I guess it really boils down to priorities and getting up early and running is a major priority to me-everything is a trade off isn't it????
Today I volunteered in Braeden's classroom. It's so fun being around the kids. They are always so complimentary and kind and of course ALWAYS happy to see me. Six is a beautiful age isn't it???? I wish I was always that happy to see everyone-sometimes I'm not even happy to see myself:)

I have started tanning to prepare for our trip to Cabo San Lucas. I literally have not tanned in a tanning bed since high school-totally brings back memories of preparing for the prom. It's amazing how relaxing it is-this might become a habit I'm afraid!!!
I will leave you with my October layouts for Picture This DT. I'm not usually into a lot of theme stuff-but Mr. Campy from Cosmo Cricket is really quite adorable. What is it about a Smore that I can't resist?????
Have a great night!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!

Don't try this...

2008-09-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

It is completely unrational to think a person could run 8 1/2 miles, move furniture all day and then lift weights the following morning-I am still exhausted from all the above and do not recommend it to anyone. My backside is so sore that getting up and down the stairs is quite the process. I'm still waiting to see results from all of the above-I'll let you know when that happens.
We are officially out of our cabin. Papers were signed and the keys were handed over to the new owners yesterday. I felt sad, but excited at our new place. Being there on Sunday made me realize what a neat opportunity this new place is and will be for our family-good times ahead I know.

I've been slowly pulling out the Halloween decorations. We got these pumpkins from my Brother and Sister in Law and they seriousely are to die for-love these things. Think of how cute they would be as a wedding gift with the couples last name as the mouth????? Benjamin asked me this morning-"Mom aren't you rushing Halloween a little bit?" Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate so the earlier it all comes out the better.
We are settling into a schedule finally. It seems as though it always takes a little time to figure a new back to school schedule figured out.

I will leave you with these cute pics of the boys-just being themselves.

Today I am thankful for: 1. a whole entire day to myself today
2. lunch with Aaron
3. Beautiful weather
4. a day without screaching and whining-sorry Bergie.
5. a very long coffee date with a very Dear friend.
Thanks for stopping by-have a great night!!!!!

Has It Really Been That Long Since I've Blogged????

2008-09-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Oh My!!!! I guess I need to fill everyone in on what's going on in our busy little lives and explain where I've been all this time.

-My Dad had been terribly sick for 6 weeks and so many trips were made up and down the road visiting him in the hospital. He is doing a little better now-but it's been a long go for him.

-Lots of school shopping and preparing for school.

-A trip to Milwaukee to see my brother, SIL and their 3 kids

-3 birthdays in our family-all within 2 weeks of eachother

-A trip to Valleyfair

-We decided to sell our cabin and buy another-a little bigger so we have more room for company and a much prettier piece of property-we are in the process of moving everything from one place to the other right now.

-A very wonderful, relaxing trip to Las Vegas last week-without kids:)

While everyone else was settling into their back to school routines, I was sipping on Pina Colada's poolside at Paris Las Vegas, so I am trying to get a little settled this week. It's strange not having Braeden here with me, but hanging out with just Bergie has really been lots of fun too.

That's really about it-I'm trying to stick close to home this week and get some scrap projects done. Only 24 days until my 10 mile race so I have been busy training for that as well. Lots going on, but all good schtuff!!!!Some Pic's to share-first day of school photos

Self portrait of me by the pool, just to rub it in!!!!:)

A layout to share

2008-08-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Normally I am not a Basic Grey fan, but this Ambrosia collection is way cool!!!! The colors are so rich and warm. This is a very dear and precious friend of mine taken on Thanksgiving of last year.
We are getting ready to head to my brother and sister in law's for the weekend to celebrate my Niece's 6th birthday. Unfortunately, Aaron cannot come along so I am making the 5 hour drive myself-I think they might refer to that as torture. I'm excited to see the kids though and once we get there it will be a great time. It seems so awful to think this is the 2nd to the last weekend before school starts. As Benjamin said yesterday-I'm just sick about it Mom, just sick.
As much as I love having them home-I am anxious to get back to a routine. What are your plans this next week before school????

another birthday boy

2008-08-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that he is 9 today!!!!!! The time really does fly. I've got his absolute favorite in the oven-German Chocolate Cake. I know, not many kids that age like that kind of cake-but he does and I love that about him. He likes what he likes and that's all there is to it!! He stands his ground on what he is passionate about. He is a delight and a pleasure to have as a son.

As much fun as this summer has been and it has been a great one-probably the best so far but, I will confess I am ready for some routine and some sort of a schedule. It is really tough by this time to have all 3 of them here all day everyday. They are picking at eachother, fighting, irritating one another and the chaos level is growing. Time to switch gears I say...

Have a wonderful evening!!!!!

One special boy is six!!!!

2008-07-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

Six things that I love about you Braeden:
1. your tenderness
2. your freckles of course
3. your unbelievable imagination
4. your ability at such a young age to not conform
5. you are not afraid to be yourself
6. your hysterical sense of humor
Where has the time gone???? I know-we say it all the time don't we???? But seriousely, it is so hard to think that he is six and will be off on a new adventure soon called kindergarten. If there was only a way to keep them little.

We had a small birthday party in the backyard yesterday. Braeden is not one for the big birthday extravaganzas so we kept it small-complete with a Spiderman slip-n-slide. The slip in slide was an absolutely fabulous idea too right until it was time to put it together-hopefully they won't want to play on it often because it takes about 3 days to put it together-plus Aaron worries about his precious lawn-does he not have bigger things to occupy his time????

I have been asked to start designing a little more for my local scrapbook store that I am currently serving on the design team for. I am pretty excited about it. Getting to work with new product is always so much fun!!!! Actually, the store owner wants me to work with both new product and old product as well-hopefully the old product will be shed in a new light that will inspire customers to purchase and get it off the shelves. It is actually a challenge to come up with new ways to use old product so that it looks fresh and exciting-not old and outdated. It is a fun challenge for me that gets me thinking outside of the box.

Other than that we are just trying to soak up some sunshine and enjoy what's left of the summer. I cannot even begin to think about buying colored pencils and notebooks. I feel a knot in my stomach everytime I pass the school section in stores.

I'm off to get a shower before the kiddos are up-hopefully I'll get some of new layouts posted soon!
Have a wonderful day!!!!

2008-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have a new little gamer in the house!!!!!!!!!!! He is not quite 4 and trust me, he totally knows what he is doing with this thing. I thought for sure he wouldn't have a clue, but oh no-he has got it figured out. I'm 33 and I can't figure it out-something wrong here???????

Braeden lost his first tooth over the weekend. He was worried that they tooth fairy would not be able to find him up at the cabin, but she did just fine. Losing teeth is always a reminder how fast they are growing up. Although sometimes when they are fighting and arguing as much as they have been lately, the thought does cross my mind that they are not growing up fast enough( I am kidding of course)

Benjamin had fun the other day playing around with my camera. Actually, the pictures didn't turn out too bad although I don't have a stitch of makeup on. I guess I'll have to rely on my 8 year old to get me in front of the camera instead of always behind it.

I'm trying as hard as possible to keep the kids busy. I'm having a lot of fun with them (except the fighting) and it seems as though they actually do better when we are on the go. Yesterday we went to the Cities to the Science Museum. The Star Wars exhibit just opened and we had a ball. It's a lot of information to take in, but everyone had a great time. Except when I had to carry a screaming 3 year old out because I am the worst Mom and refused to pay 3 times too much for a toy at the museum. I think they are coming to take my mother of the year award away today for that stunt!!!
Today is my parents yearly excursion with the kids to the fair. It's looking like severe storms so I'm thinking we are going to have to try another day. I have little desire to walk around amongst poop filled barns, mud puddles and hail.

One final note-we are growing the boys hair out for the entire summer-personally I really like it, but just out of curiosity-do you think it is cute or do they simply look like neglected orphans?????

Have a fantastic day!!!!!!!!

Today I am thankful for:
1. a quiet morning
2. family time
3. healthy kids

Where has half the summer gone????

2008-07-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe as I am writing this it is already July 8th. Summer is flying by-I'm so glad that I am enjoying every moment. We had a fabulous 4th of July. The weather was beautiful-perfect temps for being on the lake. Spending the 4th of July at the cabin is just so beyond fun. Lots of people decorate their boats for the occasion and there is a big boat parade. We didn't decorate our boat, but I took the jet ski down to the parade to watch it with Benjamin. Everyone's boats look incredible and people are out on the lake squirting eachother with huge water guns, water balloons, hoses, you name it-stay out of the way if you don't want to get wet because anyone is fair game.
Our little neighborhood has a block party complete with all the wonderful potluck food that I love-you know, snicker salad, deviled eggs. chocolate picnic cake etc... all the stuff that makes me run really hard!!!! The kids spent half the day filling up water balloons for the their big water balloon fight. It's too bad they get used all in about 3 minutes-they work so hard to fill them up. I am really enjoying my time with the kids at the cabin this year. Benjamin and Braeden have both learned how to tie worms onto their poles and fish themselves and Bergie is just happy swimming around. This year we bought a swim raft and it has been a huge hit. That is the problem with a place on the water-you have to splurge and have all the fun toys or it's no fun. The raft is great for the kids because they just go nuts pushing eachother off and playing King of the Raft.
Benjamin and Braeden both attempted water skiing this weekend. Benjamin got up for about 5 seconds, but Braeden only tried one time, but didn't get up. I hope they keep trying- I really want them to learn when they are young-otherwise they get too scared. I never learned when I was young and wish I would have.
Wednesday's I have been having a babysitter come to the house to watch the boys so that I can have some time to myself to get some things done or do something fun. That's been going really well-it's so great to give the kids my all 6 days out of the week and know that I have one day that I can take and treat myself.

I have started a new class at BPS-Stacy Julian's Have More Fun. It will incorporate lots of photo album scrapbooking in the month of August and September, but in the month of July it will mainly focus on putting the fun back into scrapping. In 2 more days I am also taking a photography class. I am sooooo excited for it to begin, but also nervous as dumb as that sounds. I want so badly to figure out all the fun features on my camera-but I'm afraid I may fail. It can be very complicated.
That's about it for now! We are just really staying so busy trying to enjoy each and everyday. The summer's here is Wisconsin are so short so you really have to savor them while you can. I would like to post more often, but we are just gone so much lately. I promise to post when I can! Have a great rest of the evening!!!

2008-06-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

I'm alive, I'm alive!!!!!!
We have really been on our toes here lately. With company, and the cabin amongst other things, blogging has just taken a back seat. I'm beginning to wonder if I haven't signed up for too many things. It feels as though we never hardly have a free day to do what we want. Someone has to be to summer school, soccer camp, wrestling camp...maybe next summer I'll think through all that stuff a little more.
I have a whole ton of pictures that I am trying to download from my camera, but for some reason, they won't download. It's a bummer too because I have some really great pic's on there-as much as I love digital, sometimes I have to wonder. So because of that, no new pic's to share.
It's finally feeling like summer here-we are off to the pool today for the first time this season. I am looking forward to it-maybe I'll even get a bit of a suntan!!!!
Have a great Thursday!!!!!

2008-06-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

So proud of this little guy. He has been so excited for weeks to run our town's festival race which was held tonight. He ran a 2 mile race and completed it in 18 minutes!!!!!! That a 9 minute mile-pretty awesome for an 8 year old who never runs!!!! He and Aaron ran most of it together. I think it's really neat that they did it together. Benjamin was very proud of himself.
Today Bergie and I went for a nice long bike ride. After we had a little friend of his come for a short playdate. I couldn't believe how awful Bergen was. He was snotty and sassy. Quite frankly-I wasn't sure what to do with him. I think he just feels as though he is in control when he has a friend over to his house. Control-something being the baby of the family he never has!!!! Let's just say it might be awhile before I am up for another playdate-truthfully though, I would rather teach him these things myself before he gets into Kindergarten and has to learn the really hard way.
I just started Darci Dowdle's Baker's Dozen Class over at BPS and this is my first layout. It's been kind of fun actually. Darci asked for 5 or 6 days that we collect specific items to fill each egg of an egg carton. For example, one day she asked us to collect 5 brads in so many colors, 13 flowers and so on and so forth. She did the same for our pictures. She asked us to label 13 manilla envelopes and each day she asked us to put specific pictures into those envelopes. For example, she asked us to put 4 personality photos of one person into envelope #6. Starting today, we actually we able to complete our first layout. She asked us to pull our products from egg #10 and our pictures from envelope #6 and create a layout. She provided a sketch and gave us some ideas for our inspiration for our own page. Here is my Layout-I actually like it a lot better than I thought i would. The idea of all these suprises was a bit scary for me. The tags at the bottom of the layout are all fun little facts about Braeden-which is who I chose to create my page about. The next layout is just a fun one that I did for my LOM class about the People that We Love. I chose to complete a page about my brother and I. Very different-I never scrapped about anybody much other than my kids, but I loved it!
I think we might finally be tasting a little bit of summer around here. It wasn't a heat wave today, but it was pleasant-low 70's. My kids literally have been begging to pull out the slip and slide since March-I compromised and dug out the sprinkler though. I am off to bed now-I know, my life is so thrilling isn't it???? I've been up since 4am so I am beat-5am will come all too early. Tomorrow I am actually getting up to do weights with some friends. Hopefully we will have fun and get fit at the same time!!! Happy Tuesday!!!!

First day of summer vacation!!!!

2008-06-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

We are off and running-it's officially summer break. Day are longer, bedtimes are later and schedules are somewhat thrown out the window. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Despite the fact that it is not really all that warm today and there is a good breeze-the boys decided that they wanted to play in the sprinkler. They are nuts!!!! It would have to be about 90 and no breeze for me to even be able to think about that. Maybe I was more fun when I was 5 too though...

The boys started summer school today so Bergen and I headed out bright and early for Walmart. We've got a full stocked pantry and fridge-not only for our family, but for all our neighborhood kids who hang out here.

It was great having some one on one time with Bergie this morning. Tomorrow I think we will go for a bike ride. I'm actually learning that my kids do better when they are a little busy. They enjoy playdates and things to do. It definitely interferes with my love to be at home all nice and cozy, but I know it is good for them and good for me too. We signed up today for the summer reading program at the library. We have to read 5 times for 20 minutes to turn in our form and then start again with a new one. I used to be soooo good at reading one on one to Benjamin, but I've been more lax with Bergen and Braeden. This forces me to sit down with them and spend time reading some good books-plus they love to get the prizes for all the reading they do.

We decided to stay home from the cabin this past weekend and just have a weekend at home. It was actually really nice for a change. After school on Friday we had my dear friend and her kids over to make ice cream sundaes. I'm suprised the kids didn't get sick with everything they put on their sundaes. Everything from gummi worms to peanut butter cups. I got sick just looking at them-the kids thought they were great though. On Saturday Aaron, my mom and Dad and I took the kids to the June Dairy breakfast. Thousands of people come out for these things and they are so fun. They make the best pancakes and eggs too. A local farmer always hosts the event and it is complete with a petting farm and wagon ride. June is dairy month and since Wisconsin is the dairy state-well, there you go. These events are also big political events and so my good friend had asked me to get signatures at the breakfast for her for her nomination. She is currently the District Attorney for our county and her term is coming up here shortly. Most people were pretty nice, but some-not so much. It made it a little nerve wracking for me-but I made it through and got quite a few signatures for her. It made me realize that everyone is welcome to express their opinions, but you can do it in a nice way.

Yesterday we had two graduation parties. Ahh to be 18 again. It's hard to go back in time and remember what that was like. All I can vividly remember is my life with kids-that's okay, I like it that way:)

Some exciting news-Friday I was in the middle of doing something in the kitchen and the telephone rings-of course what do I do first but look at caller ID-It said Stacy Julian-I thought , "this can't be." Oh, but it was!!!!!!

Now for those of you who don't know who Stacy Julian is, it would be like Tiger Woods calling my husband. Stacy is one of the biggest names in the scrapbook industry and she has totally changed the way people view scrapbooking and the way people actually scrapbook. Let's just say I'm a HUGE FAN!!!!!!! I am taking a class from her now, I've mentioned it before-Library of Memories and I was having some problems uploading my work to the website. She personally took the time to call me and check in to see if there was anything she could do to help. This is a class with hundreds of people. She has a whole team of individuals that she could have had call-but she called herself-how cool!!!!After I stuttered and made a fool of myself for the first 5 minutes I finally pulled myself together and we chatted for a bit. Couldn't possibly be a sweeter person. What I think I love most about her is her incredible positive attitude. She goes 100 miles an hour with her 5 kids, her work, teaching schedule and more, yet she always remains positive and finds deeper meaning to life and her surroundings-I LOVE THAT!!!!!!!!

Well, I better scoot-laundry needs to put away and my little ones are awfully quiet-better go check and see what the damage is....

Today I am thankful for:

1. a fully stocked fridge and pantry-love, love, love that

2. daily menu plans this week.

3. Lots of outside play time today.

4. only 2 more days until Lance, Amy and kids get here!!!!!

5. of course-my call from Stacy Julian!!!

quick hello!

2008-06-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post this morning-busy day today. Actually, busy week. I must confess, I just can't wait for school to be finished!!!! Yesterday we went to Como Zoo for Benjamin's 2nd grade field trip. We had a lot of fun and my very favorite part was the Conservatory. The gardens were so beautiful-these were a couple of my favorite pic's.
Today we have the all school picnic. It wouldn't disapoint me if it was rained out. I know, how awful is that???? I just get tired of going, going, going all the time. I am looking forward to care free days, no set schedules and warmer weather. My poor kids have been asking to play in the slip and slide for 2 months. I'm beginning to think we might never be able to get it out!!!
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Today I am thankful for:
1. only 3 days left of school
2. being able to go to the zoo with Benjamin
3. mom watching the other 2 so I could go to the zoo.
4. last night of soccer tonight.

Scrappin' Machine!!!!

2008-06-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

Aaron left late yesterday afternoon for a short business trip and I must say I never mind when he goes. Trust me, I always love it when he comes back home. But whenever he travels it always seems that I can let my tight schedule go right out the window and that is a good feeling. I also always enjoy doing some sort of a project while he is away. Last night it was scrapbooking. I stayed up until 2:30am scrapping away. Here are all my completed layouts. Sorry, I know I am a terrible at taking pictures of my LO's-please if you have any advice for me post a comment. Sorry about the white dishcloth in the background.
Funny thing is that I am really not all that tired today. Sometimes I find that if I stay up late like that once in awhile it actually energizes me. I revel in quiet and alone time so to be honest, I feel pretty refreshed today regardless of the fact that I only got 3 1/2 hours of sleep.

This weekend we headed for the cabin for just a quick one night stay. We went out for chocolate chip pancakes at this little local restaurant on Sunday morning and this is how we occupied ourselves-talk about simple pleasures huh???

I'm off to water my flowers and to check on my children who are currently in a time out for smashing potato chips at the grocery store. Never a dull moment!!!!

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

Today I am thankful for:

1. time for me last night

2.my new freckle friends kit arriving at my door-yippee!!!

3. only 9 more days until Lance, Amy and kids arrive.

4. Uncle Bob and Aunt Sandi arrived safely home for the summer

5. found a babysitter to take the boys one day a week for the summer.

6. Lessons on mercy and grace-continually seem to have to learn this one:)

Finally a day at home

2008-05-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

I feel like we've been going 90 miles an hour for weeks. Today I promised myself no matter what we were staying home. Technically I guess we did leave when we headed out for a nature walk this morning. Braeden was so in his element, running and exploring. He collected many things on our walk including pine cones, flowers, leaves and rocks. It is so much fun to see him get so excited about learning and nature.
After our long walk and time spent reading library books, I decided that it would be okay to scrap a couple of pages. It felt great to put together a couple of layouts. This time of year is really hard for me to scrap because the kids want to be outside all the time.
This afternoon it really cooled off and it was nice to turn the fireplace on and just settle in-those are by far my favorite days.
It's been over a week since I've blogged so here is our week in highlights
Had an awesome time at the cabin for the holiday weekend. I think we slept in everyday we were there until at least 8am. One morning I even had coffee and read in bed until 9:30. That's life at the cabin-see why I love it so much???? I managed to read a whole entire book when we were there as well-another plus. The kids fished and took our new paddleboat out for spin quite a number of times. They play so hard during the day that they just drop at night.

Jane and Wendy took me to Eau Claire for my birthday on Tuesday night. We shopped and of course had to hit Target. I found some cute things-for the kids of course:)
We had a great dinner at Panera Bread and naturally Cold Stone is right next door and who could pass that up when they offer a free cone for your birthday????????
Wendy bought me a box of gourmet chocolates that are to die for too. Good thing I started running this week!!!!
Braeden is done with soccer as of this week and Benjamin has one more week to go. It's been so fun, but I will be glad when it is done.

For those of you who are my scrappy friends, I just bought Lisa Bearnson's 50 Moments-Scrapbook the Pages That Matter Most. AWESOME!!!! Well worth the $$$$$$. I think it is a resource I will grab again and again. So glad I picked it up.
Also, I am just finishing up my Library of Memories class here in about 2 more weeks and have decided to sign up for another class over at BPS. This one is also taught by Stacy Julian (who I would take any class that she taught-love her) and it is called Have More Fun. It's all about putting the fun back into your scrapbooking. We will complete several photo album scrapbooks which I think are so clever. Please consider signing up as well. I know several of you have told me recently that you are really struggling with your scrapbooking and I think this just might be a way to help you out-just a thought. Check it out her e.This is one of my latest design team projects. I made a little accordian album called We Swim. There are actually no pictures in it, but it is all decorated and ready to go so that after this summer I can just put the pic's into place. We spend so much time swimming in the summer that we practially live in our suits-literally. I thought it would be kind of fun to dedicate an album to something that we love to do so much. That's about it for now-I've got to be up early to run so I better get these legs to bed.

Have a wonderful evening!!!!

Tonight I am thankful for:

1. to be back running

2. Jane's company again when running

3. the upcoming weekend

4. a day with no where to go

5. quality time with the kids today

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!!

2008-05-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my most thoughtful friend Jane,we had a little birthday celebration this afternoon-for myself!!!!! Aaron and I have been married for 9 years now and I have never gotten a birthday cake yet so when Jane heard that she was on a mission. Those are all of her sweet 4 children in the picture as well. Thanks so much Jane for making my birthday a special one-you are an amazing friend!!!!!!!
Off to feed the kids an early dinner-it's soccer night-only 2 night left-yipee!!!!!!!!!

My little graduate!!!!!!

2008-05-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem possible, but another school year has gone by for one of my children. Today was Braeden's preschool graduation and I am feeling the pain of yet another milestone. He is SOOOOOOOO ready to go to kindergarten, but it's always hard for me to let go, ready or not. I feel so lucky that I was able to have that extra year with him and I think that the extra time really helped him too.

We were so fortunate to have the greatest preschool teacher-Mrs. Nelson. She is a woman that is to be admired greatly. I seriously cannot say enough good about her. She is fantastic with the kids, but sadly she has made the decision to retire. I'm so sad that Bergie will not have her, but I am also happy and excited for her We all can't do the same things forever and usually there is a point in life where God calls us to be somewhere else. I wish her the best of luck and I really hope to be able to stay in touch with her. I consider her a friend and would love to keep our connection going. It's too bad I'm so awful at staying in touch with people:(
Tonight I am thankful for:
1. one less child in school
2. lunch with good friends today
3. my new Pandora charm from my dear sweet friend Lisa
4. the wonderful teachers that God has placed in the life of my children-each one thus far has been nothing short of excellent and a blessing!!!
Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!!

2008-05-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

AHHHH, the end of yet another week. We are one week closer to summer vacation-I can't wait. No schedules, no routines, and by June 15th I will be going mad!!!!!!! That's okay though, I am seriousely ready to enjoy some summer vacation. Friday night we packed up and headed to the cabin. It was pretty chilly so we all piled in bed and watched some of Planet Earth-amazing footage. If you haven't seen it I would highly encourage you to check it out. The world really is an amazing place and this video reminds me of all it's beauty.
Saturday Aaron had to work so the boys and I just hung out at the cabin. We did head into the closest town for awhile just to get some fresh air and get out for a bit. The boys had gotten some water guns for a gift awhile back so this was the first time that they have been able to use them. Let's just say we had 2 little boys with very wet pajamas. We did have one casualty as Bergen did fall into the lake-fully clothed. I'm sure there will be more times of that yet to come.
Aaron made a big wonderful breakfast this morning and the kids found a little turtle. Would have loved to bring it home, but it's always a better idea in theory. Braeden would love to have some sort of an animal and I always feel like every kid should grow up with animals, but the timing is just off.

Benjamin had his first piano recital today. He did so well, but he was so nervous. All those memories from when I had my recitals came flooding back to me. I used to get so nervous that I literally thought there was no way I could play, but I always managed to get through it year after year.
I was so nervous for Benjamin, but he did a really great job. He did one solo and a duet with his teacher.

BTW-yes, I am sick and tired of listening to Feist, but the playlist people will not send me my password and username to change the songs on my blog. I've emailed them at least 10 times and they will not get back to me. The only way I can change my music is if I login and I can't do that right now until I hear back from them-so sorry. Maybe turn the volume down on your computer for now:)

Happy Sunday Everyone!!!!
Tonight I am so grateful for:
1. time together at the cabin
2. a good night's rest last night
3. not cooking tonight
4. Time to rest this weekend

Exhausted!!!!!

2008-05-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it's that I began my day at 5am or that I have a swollen gland the size of a grapefruit, but I am shot today. It is 7pm and I know that I could easily head up to bed. I'm guessing due to the stated above grapefruit sized gland that my body is trying to fight an infection.

This morning I priced some things for a garage sale that I am going in on with a friend. I find it is so much easier to take things to Goodwill. All this pricing stuff is for the birds as they say.

I'm not up for blogging much this evening, but I will leave you with a couple of layouts that I completed as of recent.this first one is a picture of Bergie-he used to cry everytime we sang Happy Birthday to him-actually scream and bawl would be a better explanation-I just felt compelled to get the story down on paper. The second layout stems from a thought I had on Sunday riding home from church. I couldn't believe how noisy the van was on the way home. All of them were talking, pretending to shoot machine guns and lord knows what else all at the same time. I started to laugh and think about how quiet our house will be someday. I have learned to somewhat embrace this chaos and again wanted to get it down on paper.

Thanks for stopping by-I am headed up for a hot shower!!!!! Enjoy your evening!!!!

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

to all you wonderful mommies!!!!! I hope each and everyone of you are enjoying your special day-at least I hope someone has gone out of their way to make it special for you!!!!

Aaron bought me a Pandora bracelet for Mother's Day. I've been admiring them for awhile and I think it will be a lot of fun to have. I've only got one little charm for now, but I'm sure my collection will grow quickly.

We went and had brunch today with all the Mom's-mine and Aaron's. Had a great meal and spent the rest of the day at home. It was really cold and windy out today so it wasn't a good day to be out. I managed to organize some pictures and even complete one layout. I would share it, but that would require that I actually get up off my stool, take the pic, upload, blah, blah, blah-no thanks too much work for me tonight.

I hope everyone is enjoying their day!!!!

Happy Sunday!!!!

Tonight I am thankful for

1. good pictures on mother's day

2. a little time to myself this weekend

3. healthy kids

4. a good marriage

It seems as though I've fallen off the blog wagon

2008-05-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

but hopefully I am back. Last week was very busy on top of the fact that I couldn't post any pictures due to our computer virus so I guess I just didn't feel compelled to blog much. BUT NOW.............................FINALLY-I have a good reason to post. Picture above is my new toy and I LOVE IT!!!!!!! I have been wanting a DSLR for a long time and I finally got one. Last week when Aaron and I went for a night over to the Twin Cities we found a National Camera Exchange. I thought it would be fun to poke around in the store and talk with someone about the different cameras and some ideas for down the road. I never thought I would actually leave the store with one. I had initially made up my mind that I wanted the Canon Rebel xti. Once I actually talked to someone with a lot of experience with camera's though, I decided suprisingly that I really liked the features of the Nikon. On top of the camera, I also purchased an extra lens which is great for things like sporting events. I took it to soccer the other evening and had so much fun playing with it and I didn't even know what I was doing!!!! With my camera purchase I also received 3 free photography classes so I hope to be able to take advantage of those and learn how to release this camera's potential.
Both boys are loving soccer and having so much fun playing. It's nice to see Braeden finally coming out of his shell a little bit. He is really trying hard and participating. He also doesn't seem so self conscience this time around.
I am co-hosting a baby shower for my good friend Steph this weekend. It's been so long since I've done one of those!!!! We are doing a brunch so I am looking forward to trying some new muffin and quiche recipes.
On Sunday I went with 2 of my dear friends to get our flowers for the summer. Every year for the past 6 years we pick a day or an afternoon to head to a little farm and flower market called Klingers. They have some of the most gorgeous basket you could ever imagine. It's always so fun to get them home and plant everything. I really enjoy growing flowers and would love some year to turn that into a little bit of gardening. The boys really would love to do a vegetable garden, but it seems as though we just don't ever make the time to get one going.
Here is a shot of some of the beautiful flowers-I love this picture!

It was a week ago already that we celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary-how time flies!!!! Our waitress at Benehana's took this picture of us. I'm sure the food was fantastic, but I couldn't taste a thing because I had such an awful cold. We really had a lot of fun together-it was a very nice suprise to get away for a night.

Well, I'm off to do baths now. Enjoy your day today!!!!

Today I am thankful for:

1. Half an hour of quiet time this morning.

2. No commitments for this morning.

3. most of my flowers got planted yesterday.

4. a clean house.