Friday, November 20, 2009
Three Weeks of Happenings
-both Matt and Spencer have started their in-car driving lessons. Why did we put them both in at the same time? I have enough grey hairs as it it.
-Cameron and Spencer played Oh Canada at the Argos game (with the combined Divisional Youth Band and the Junior Divisional Youth Band)
-we ran the first scrapbooking day at our Church. I eneded up doing a beginner class ... not my strong suit and totally out of my comfort zone!
-we celebrated John's (ahem) 48th!!!!! birthday. Yes, he's older than me! Not by much, but he's older. (as long as I keep reminding him, and myself, of that, it makes me feel younger, lol)
-We went to London to take my parents to Cirque Du Soleil. Wow! What an awesome show! I can't wait to see more.
-I've been bitten. Yes, it's true! I just had to check it out to see what all the fuss was about. Now, I'm a Twihard! My friend, Joanne, loaned me her Twilight books and now I can't put them down. I even had to watch the first movie.
-Milena and I are going to New Moon tomorrow afternoon, to sit in a theatre filled with a bunch of screaming teenagers. What are we thinking??
-Spencer was asked to play trumpet for a school production. It's him, a piano player, and a drummer. I think he's enjoying it ... but it's eating away at all his free time at the moment.
-I haven't had the time or energy to do much in the way of scrapbooking lately. I just picked up a tonne of new pictures from Costco so I really have no excuse.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
You know how sometimes life has a way of taking the wind out of your sails? The past three weeks have been rather stressful around here. I can't really go into all the gory details, but I think we have the whole mess all sorted out and have things in place to help.
I really appreciate those who noticed my absense and were checking up on me. It feels so nice to be missed and loved like that. I had a nice long chat with an on-line friend last night who knows first hand what we are going through. I don't know if it's that misery likes company, or more that it's nice to talk to someone who really gets it.
I've been reading the blogs on my reader list, and have tried to make some comments. I promice that I will get to those very soon.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sketchapalooza
This is a layout about my friend, Deb, who got engaged a few months ago. I'm so happy for her.

1. Satay Chicken Noodles. I think this would probably top everyone's list here. Whenever I make it I make a lot so we have enough for leftovers. Unfortunately the leftovers don't usually last until the next day because they're eaten.
2. Pork Tenderloin - I have a very yummy recipe that has a nice marinade that I thicken into a sauce for serving.
3. Chicken Cordon Bleu - Very fiddlely, but worth the effort.
4. Chicken Divan.
5. Chicken Broccoli Braid - a Pampered Chef recipe. Yum. We had it for supper last night and I have some leftovers for my lunch today. Can't wait.
6. Tacos. Not my favourite, but everyone else loves them so they're on the list.
7. Chicken Enchiladas
8. Chicken Fried Rice - another meal that I make a tonne of for the leftovers
9. Fajitas
10. Roast Beef - John's favourite
11. Teriyake Chicken Burgers on the BBQ
12. Steak - in mom's special marinade
13. Maple Pork
All that being said, my boys will eat just about anything that I put in front of them and they always make me feel like I'm a gourmet cook (which I so am not!)
I'm hungry.
To play along with Thursday Thirteen, or to see others who do, go here: http://thursday-13.com/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... the day is just starting and the sun is rising. 20 minutes ago the sky was still black, but now it's a nix of grey, pink, and orange.
I am thinking... that I could get so much more done with my time if I would just shut off my computer.
From the scrapbook room ... nothing this week. I didn't get anything done. I learned how to download some digital files and how to use some of them.
From the kitchen... dinner will be very easy for the next three nights. John is travelling and while he's away, we eat a little differently (and not in a good way, lol)
I am wearing... my PJs still. If the truth be known, I would live in my pjs.
I am going... for lunch today with a couple of friends ... at least I'm supposed to be, we'll see how Cameron is feeling.
I am reading... I'm going to borrow the Twighlight books from Joanne today.
I am hoping... that Cameron recovers from this flu bug quickly and that no one else gets it.
I am hearing... Spencer in the kitchen getting his breakfast.
Around the house... two boys are still in bed. One is on Reading Week (and needs to get up soon to get to some assignments) and the other has the flu.
One of my favorite things... the wonderful colours and smells of this season.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
-Chiropractor appointments
-dental appointment
-lunch today (maybe)
-get ready for halloween
-photo editing and layout planning
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This is a layout I did for a scraplift challenge. The ladies in the picure are some of the original lunch bunch ladies. Some have moved onto other things, but some of us are still getting together every Tuesday (for about 9 years now).
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Doing a Fly By
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Week Wrap Up
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's time again ...
Anyway, my list this week is
Thirteen recent songs I put on my ipod:
1. I gotta Feeling - Black Eyes Peas
2. If It Kills Me - Jason Mraz
3. Cecillia - Simon and Garfunkel
4. Kiss a Girl - Keith Urban
5. Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Landon Pigg
6. When I Go - Slow Club
7. Wash Away - Joe Purdy
8. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stafani
9. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
10. Time of Your Life - Green Day
11. Ordinary Day - Emillie Mover
12. Hey There Deilah - Plain White Ts
13. Ordinary Day - Great Big Sea
What's your list about this week? If you want to participate, go to the Thursday Thirteen Meme here http://thursday-13.com/
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window... it's a beautiful fall day. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the air is crisp. I love days like this.
I am wondering... if anyone actually reads my simple woman's daybook when I participate in it.
I am thankful for... friends who share my passion for scrapbooking. I enjy spending time with them either cropping, shopping, or just chatting. I'm blessed.
From the scrapbook room ... I spent the day at a crop on Saturday. I didn't get as much done as I could have, but I had a great day laughing and chatting. I even got my bags all unpacked and all my stuff organized and put away again.
From the kitchen... Satay chicken noodles. Yum!!
I am wearing... my usual Monday morning yoga pants and top, with a green sweater over top.
I am creating... I just finished my menu box to hold my weekly menus and recipies. I will post pictures later.
I am going... To the Chiropractor shortly. I think it's making a difference. I haven't woke up with a sore back in a week.
I am reading... nothing right now. I've been wondering if I should pick up Twilight and see what all the fuss is about.
I am hoping...
I am hearing... the news on the television. Can you believe the Balloon Boy story?? What do you think, hoax or no? It sure sounds like it's a hoax.
Around the house... It's time to get painting again ... especially before things get busy for Christmas.
One of my favorite things... looking out both the window in the family room, and my scraproom, and seeing the big tree right outside with the bright golden leaves ... especially when the sun is shining on it. Beautiful!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Same old, same old around here. Driving boys around, cooking, cleaning, laundry. Nothing exciting.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This was for a challenge where I had to use both bling and a heart on a page. That's a challenge with teenage boy pages.

To participate in the meme and see others who have, go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
How fun!
What a great way to encourage positive behaviour.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Being Thankful
I'm thankful for
-my wonderful husband
-my three sons
-having a great extended family who are very supportive
-great friends
-having a roof over my head and food on the table
-A God who cares enough for me to have a personal relationship with me
-great health care which won't put us into the poor house
-good health
-hearing the laughter of children
-my cat Oliver who is a great source of comfort and relaxation for me
-time to savour the fleeting moments of my boys and their childhood
-music
-chocolate
-the internet and this information age
-dedicated teachers
-scrapbooking
-a husband who supports my scrapbooking
-the wonderful colours and smells of Autumn
-my ipod touch
-being able to capture moments in pictures
-curling up on the couch in front of the fire on a cool night
-warm fuzzy pjs and socks
-fresh produce
-the 4 seasons
-Tim Hortens
-true love
-the smell of flowers
-mom's pumpkin pie - YUM!
I'm sure I could go on and on, but I think I will end it with saying that I feel so blessed and fortunate. I have all I need in life ... all that's important.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Another Week
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Thursday Thirteen
Well, I guess I will do a completely random list of just thirteen things in my head. This could be scarey!
1. I just bought 4 tickets to Cirqu Du Soleil. We're going to take my parents. I still owe my dad a birthday gift, and we want to thank them for giving up a week to come and chaufeur my kids around while I was away.
2. Thanksgiving is this weekend. I love Thankgiving.
3. On Sunday we're going to go to Guelph to spend the day with John's family.
4. On Monday my family is coming here for turkey.
5. We managed to find a big bird!
6. I bought impulsively ... well, not really impulsively because I've been thinking about it for a long time ... yesterday. I bought a new chandalier for the dining room. John doesn't like it, but I told him he will once it's up. He will. I really love it. I had enough of the cheap Walmart one that's been there for the last 9 years.
7. I got the results from the assessment from the Chiropractor. I has scoliosis! Yes, that's right. The bottom of my spine curves one way and then my neck curves in the opposite direction. No wonder I've been having back and neck pain, and migraines. Hopefully it will get better after he works his magic. I've gone for two adjustments and this morning I woke up without a sore back!
8. I'm still scrapping. Tomorrow night I'm going to Cathy's for a scrapping night at her house ... unless she's too tired from her trip.
9. Wow! Was it ever windy yesterday. I saw a lady who was struggling with her gazebo that was in a tangled mess. I was so happy that I took our canopy off ours when I heard that we were going to get a lot of wind this week.
10. It doesn't look like the weather is going to be that great this weekend. It really feels like winter is coming. It's too early for these temperatures.
11. John's taking the day off tomorrow. It's been a long time since we've spent the day together without the kids around. I wonder where we'll go for lunch.
12. It's a crazy schedule in our house right now. Our normal, sit and eat as a family for dinner, routine is all messed up. We're all eating on the fly right now. Monday and Wednesday Matt and Spencer have driver's ed at 6 p.m. so John has to eat by himself. Tuesday Matt is late getting home, and Spencer has to leave early for Jazz band and I drive him. John's comes home a little earlier but eats by himself and then leaves for badminton and Matt eats by himself when he gets home. Thursday is band practise night so Cameron, Spencer and I eat, Matt eats at school and then I pick him up, and John eats on his way to band practise. Friday is our only evening together right now ... and the weekends. Fortunately Driver's Ed is only for another two weeks.
13. I'm really struggling with the fact that my boys are growing into adulthood. I know it's natural, and I'm trying to facilitate it, but I don't have to like it, do I? OK, sometimes I love it, but sometimes I miss my little boys.
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Blog Challenge
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Trying a new Sunday Meme
Sunday Stealing: The Starrlight Meme
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
I just had a cup of tea and some toast with honey on it.
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
At my Great-Aunt's 90th birthday celebration.
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
Not very well. I have played it a handful of times with the boys and end up embarrassing myself.
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about?
John made me laugh, but it's a little ex-rated so I don't think I'll repeat it here.
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
I think I was in bed by 10:30. I'm an earlier to bed kinda girl. I like to curl up for a while with a book, magazine, or some mindless TV. It's not long before I'm starting to drift off.
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why?
I love living in Canada and would never want to move away permanently. We have lived in Barbados for 5 years when the boys were small and really enjoyed the experience. I would love to live somewhere abroad like that again for a fix number of years.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
I think so, but obviously it wasn't that memorable as I can't say for sure.
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
I have a few friends that live fairly close. I think the closest ones would be Deb, who is about 15 minutes, and Milena, who is about the same.
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits?
I think they can be friendly and even enjoy spending time together, but definitely not friends with benifits ... without it becoming too complicated.
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper?
Ewwww!
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling?
Probably within the last year.
12. Who took your profile picture?
either my dad or my sister.
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Probably the girls I traveled to Maine with.
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why?
About the same. Busy with boys and their rehearsals.
15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes. It would be easy too because there's not much on TV these days that it must-see. Actually, the whole week I was in Maine I think I only watched TV twice.
16. Are you upset about anything now?
No.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Absolutely!! ...and they are necessary.
18. Are you a bad influence?
Ummmm ... I would say no, but my boys may say something different, LOL!
19. Night out or night in?
Night in. I'm a homebody.
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My laptop, my hairdryer and curling iron. (I just have to straighten my hair.)
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Ummmm ... I don't know. Fortunately my family and friends are all pretty healthy.
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"The bus is running late so I'm going to be another 15 minutes."
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
Very content.
24. Do you hate anyone?
No one in particular, just people who bully, and mistreat other people.
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Arrangements being made for Thanksgiving dinner.
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes.
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Just my dh (John)
28. What song is stuck in your head?
None right now, so don't put one there, thank you very much.
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be?
Someone telling me the house is on fire, otherwise they better not be knocking on my window at that time of the morning. LOL!
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50?
No and No I don't want to either.
31. Tell us your Saturday night.
Last night we were at a Salvation Army band concert that Cameron was playing it. We had to drop him off early for a rehearsal so John and I went for dinner - just the two of us. We don't do that often enough.
32. Do you think too much or too little?
I think way too much. I tend to analyse things to death.
33. Do you smile a lot?
I don't think I smile often enough, although one of the mom's from school said that I'm always smiling.
I'd love to hear all your answers to these questions.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Not a creature was stirring ... not even a mouse!

Friday, October 02, 2009
Freebie

I found this yesterday when I went wandering around the internet. It's very cool to print as a mini book, but I think I just may use it for journaling blocks.
You can find the download here:
whiskergraphics
In other news, last night we were at the high school for the Awards of Excellence night. Spencer got an Honour Roll award as well as the Grade 12 music award. Of course, he didn't tell me until Wednesday that he was getting the Honour Roll award (which we knew that he was on the honour roll anyway) but he didn't say anything about the music award. Actually, I don't even think he knew that he was getting it until it was in his hand. What a guy! We're so proud of him!
Today he turns 17! Where does the time go? I have to admit that I'm struggling with his growing up ... and in all likelyhood leaving home next year for University. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for him and his future, I'm just not ready for one of my chicks to fly the coop.
Here are some then and now pictures. In the first one he's the baby, of course. In the second one he's the cute blondie on the left. (although, they're all cute!)


And now:

Happy birthday Spencer! We love you!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
I need to step it up!
By the way, David has just hit 500 and he started blogging at least a year or two after I started.
OK, so I'll stop blathering and just share two layouts that I completed last week while I was watching the leaves change in the mountains. Sigh!
Why is it that I can't seem to get a picture with my boys now without this happening?
Thursday Thirteen
The last thirteen things I have purchased (let's see if I can remember them all):
1. Two metal pumpkin candle holders. (maybe I should count this as two.) (50%off)
2. Two candles to go into the pumpkin candle holders.
3. Two bags of candies for a project that Spencer is doing at school ... hmmmmm ... sounds suspicious doesn't it.
4. a Fall floral arrangement for our entry way (50% off ... gotta love it)
5. a note pad (can never have too many of these around)
6. a big pack of boy scrapbook paper from Michaels (yay, 40% off!)
7. groceries (I'm not listing them individually because they would take the whole list)
8. a scrapbook magazine
9. lunch from Harvey's (yum!)
10. tea from Timmies
11. the last of Matt's textbooks (actually he bought them with my debit card)
12. some journaling blocks (for scrapbooking)
13. more paper.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Murder Mystery
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Very funny!
My family, and friends who are in the Salvation Army will really appreciate this. Enjoy.
Sunday, September 27, 2009

I'm back after a very relaxing week away. It's always so nice to get away for a week like that with a group of friends who all enjoy each other. I love it. This year was a little more low-keyed than others as there wasn't a lot of shopping and touristy things to do. I thought it was great because it made for a very relaxing week and lots of scrapping time.
The highlight of the week was definately the zip lining. Three of us went. There were 10 zips, two suspension bridges, and two rapels. The longest zip was 830 feet across the tops of the trees with the mountain side below. It was so cool! I loved every second of it and can't wait to go again.


We took lots of pictures along the way. My friend, Joanne, took some videos too. Check them out! There was one video that showed how long the longest zip was, but the file was too big to upload and I didn't want to post it on youtube.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I'm Here.
It's quite beautiful here and I'm really enjoying being able to relax and do nothing more than hanging around with a great bunch of girls and scrapbooking. There isn't much to do in the way of tourist stuff in the area (which is a good thing because then I'm not tempted to go off and do other things.)
Tomorrow, three of us (the only brave ones in the group) are going on a three-hour canopy tour with zip lining. I can't wait!
Sorry there aren't any pictures as of yet. They are all still in my camera. I came to bed early to get rid of a headache, and here I am on the computer. Go figure! I will have pictures to share later.
OK, I'd better go to sleep. We have to be up very early to go zip lining.
Friday, September 18, 2009
I'm off!



Thursday, September 17, 2009
I'm getting there

Monday, September 14, 2009
The Simple Woman's Daybook


Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Back to School Report Card
Attitude - A
Getting ready on time - D (because he fell back asleep on his bed instead of getting in the shower)
Being Prepared - A - (I think he was getting a little annoyed with me checking that he had everything - but he proved to me that maybe I don't need to do that anymore.)
School Day - A - he made it to all his classes, made it to the book store, and made it home without missing a bus.
Looking ahead - A+ - It looks like he's going to enjoy the programme and do well. I think he's going to enjoy his new environment and love being "grown-up"
Spencer:
Attitude - B - he was rather grumpy
Getting ready on time - A - he made it to school in lots of time
Being Prepared - A+ - he was very organized for the day
School Day - A+ - he's quite happy with his classes and teachers. He has friends in all his classes.
Looking Ahead - A+ - He's going to really enjoy his year as a Senior in High School. He does well with the academics, has lots of friends, and is focussed. Great things ahead.
Cameron:
Attitude - C- -if it wasn't for the fact that every five minutes he was counting down on the clock until his "loss of freedom" he might have scored higher.
Getting Ready on time - A+ - this is huge for this very disorganized young man! He was wanting to leave ten minutes early.
Being Prepared - A+ - this, too is huge. He needed very little help from me to make sure that all his supplies were in order and where they needed to be.
School Day - A+ - he loves his teachers, has a couple of friends in his class and is already talking about music (that's my boy!)
Looking Ahead - A+ - I got a call from the SERT and his lap top should be in next week. We (Cameron and I) start our training sessions next week for the software.
Mom:
Attitude - B - I was a little anxious about how they were doing
Getting ready on time - A+ -I'm giving myself high marks for this one because I got a lot done before even starting the school runs.
Being Prepared - F - can you ever be prepared to send your first born off to college?
School Day - A++ - I went to visit some friends at lunch, I got a lot of errands done, and I got a lot done around the house.
Looking ahead - A+ - It's going to be a great school year for all of us.
Monday, September 07, 2009
5 End of Summer Thoughts:
1. Life in our household is changing for us as we send Matt off to college tomorrow. He seems to be OK with it all. I'm sure the next few weeks will be a huge learning experience for both of us.
2. Between music camp, vacation, and spending time at the trailer, I feel like I've hardly spent any time at home this summer. My house is really suffering because of it. It's a total mess and once the boys are off tomorrow I need to get my butt in gear and get it cleaned up again.
3. I don't think I went swimming once this whole summer. The weather really wasn't hot and I need to have really hot weather to get into the water. OK, I did go once when the twins came to the trailer. I got in with them. How could I resist that!
4. I enjoyed catching up with a lot of friends over the summer months ... many that I only get to see during the summer up at camp. I want to try and do a better job of keeping in contact through the winter months.
5. I need to spend the next couple of weeks getting ready for the annual scrapping vacation that I take each Fall with my scrapping friends. This year - Maine!
To participate in this Meme or to read others who do, go here: http://beccagirlblogspot.blogspot.com/
The last hurrah!

Saturday, September 05, 2009
Doing some house cleaning
I don't think I shared this one yet. It's from the same trip in March. It was inspired from a layout I saw on the internet somewhere, but it's been so long that I can't remember where.

Thursday, September 03, 2009
It was a very pleasant few days, just Cameron and I. We hung out together, he played lots of video games, and I got my scrapping stuff out. It felt really good to be scrapping again.
Now I'm home and have a lot to do to get everyone ready for school next week. I haven't even done back to school shopping yet. Yikes. It's going to ge a busy few days.
Before I leave and try and get to some of the chores around here, I'm uploading a new layout I did this week. It's the first layout from my Virginia Beach trip I took last year with my scrapbooking friends. I figured I'd better get going on some of these pictures because in a couple of weeks we're off on our 4th annual scrapbooking vacation and I will have another trip to scrap.

Ok, off to do some laundry and unpacking. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Yes, it's true ... sad, but true!
When the other two hit that milestone, somehow it was exciting for me. I knew I still had a little boy in the house. Not anymore. All I have to do is look around here to see that I have three teens who are quickly becoming men. Yikes.
So, as I mentioned in my last post, my niece, Jenn, my nephew Jason, and the twins came up to visit us at the trailer and it just so happened that it was on Cameron's birthday. We enjoyed a very yummy icecream cake and spent the afternoon swimming in the pool.


That night we went into Newmarket to celebrate. When it's your birthday in our house, you get to choose where we go for dinner. Cameron's choice ... The Mandarin. (ouch! - but it was a little easier on the wallet as Spencer was at Music Camp)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
After a busy July and two weeks on the road, I was looking forward to lots of R & R at the trailer for the month of August including lots of time for scrapbooking. Well, I've spent a lot of time at the trailer, but I haven't managed to get in any scrapbooking time. What I have been doing is enjoying lots of time with family and friends:
-My friend Milena, and her two girls came up for a couple of days. It was a very relaxing time.

-I attended a birthday party for my great-aunt who turned 90! It was so nice to spend a day with family that I don't get to see often enough.
-after the family function, my parents came to the trailer for a few days. It was the first time we had them to the trailer over night so we loved having them with us.
-My friend, Joanne, came up for a day of fun in the sun with the girls. Cameron really seemed to enjoy teasing them.
-we got together with friends at the trailer for a fun night of playing cards
-my neice, Jenn, and nephew, James came up for the day with Jenn's twin boys and it just so happened that it was Cameron's 13th birthday that day!
-our friends, Kevin and Bev, popped in for a visit when Bev was coming up to help out with a camp. We really don't get to spend enough time with them, but really enjoy our time together when we do
-my cousin, Carol, came for the afternoon and to drop off her son Josh, who stayed with us for the week to hang out with Cameron
-Senior Music Camp was in last week, so that meant being able to see, and catch-up with many people that I don't get to see throughout the year
I have really enjoyed my time with everyone. For those who know me well, you know that I'm an introvert by nature which means that, while I enjoy being with others, it is exhausting, and we need some "alone-time" to recharge.
So .... that's what I am doing now. I'm home for a few days to recharge (between going for dinner with the girls tonight, doctors appointments tomorrow and going for lunch with Deb on Tuesday). I feel like I could sleep for a week!




























