Thirteen Things

Nothing special in this Thursday Thirteen post, just 13 things:

1. For some reason my music library won't sync to my itouch now. I have all the songs that I've purchased through itunes but none of the songs from our music library. It's very frustrating. I just spent two hours trying to figure out and search for a solution to no avail.

2. Cathy has rented a cottage up at camp for next week (she's off for the week) and is having some of her friends join her for scrapping. I'm going to just be able to go up for this weekend and will have tom come back on Monday. It should be a fun, relaxing weekend.

3. Matt's in the thick of it at school again. He has a few assignments, tests, and other things going on this week and next. Normally that kind of thing would send him into an anxiety shut-down mode, but he's handling it all very well right now and is doing his best to stay focused on the task at hand. I love progress!

4. We had a new furnace installed the other day. Poor guys thought it might just take 4 or 5 hours, but they were here for 8!

5. We went to see "Up in the Air". I love George Clooney, but I don't know. The movie was just so-so for me. He was as adorable as ever, though.

6. school tours start next week for the Halton Junior Jazz band. Then it's Music Fest. The playing season has begun.

7. Spencer has been asked to go on a band trip with another Church as they need help. Unfortunately it's just to Michigan, LOL. -and Mother's Day weekend. Oh well.

8. Matthew has been trying to educate me on World of Warcraft and the role playing group he's with. I still don't get it.

9. Come to think of it, my brain isn't getting a lot these days. It's like I'm living in a fog.

10. Cameron has threatened to ban me from his facebook. He said that I'm stalking him, LOL! (no, I'm not really)

11. I think the fish might be hungry. I keep hearing him "flopping" around at the top of the tank. Maybe I should feed him.

12. We're booked for March Break. At this point we don't know if it will be five of us, or three of us and my sister. It all depends on whether or not the college teachers go on strike. If they do, then Matt will be off and we will all go together. If they're not (let's pray they're not) then John and Matt will go somewhere during Matt's reading week and Spencer, Cameron and I will head to Myrtle Beach with my sister.

13. I think I need to go and get some things packed up for the weekend. I truly could waste my whole entire day on my computer.

To participate in Thursday Thirteen, go here: http://thursday-13.com/

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today ...

Outside my window...is a light dusting of snow that is covering the ground. The air is crisp but it's not as cold has it has been for the past few days.

I am thinking... that I need to go and wake up one of the sleeping teenagers in this house, no, make that two. They are on a PD day today, but one of them still needs to go in and check up on one of his exam marks.
I am thankful for... the time John and I spent with Cathy and Don on Friday. We went for dinner and then went to see the Jersey Boys!
I am wearing...my cozy PJs and slippers. I even wore them out to drive Matt up to the Go Bus this morning.
I am remembering...the smiles yesterday from my sons
I am going... for haircuts, and to Costco to pick up pictures.
I am currently reading...a big, fat, nothing. Hopefully I will get started on the next Vampire Diaries this weekend
I am hoping... that we're able to make a very important decision soon.

On my mind... three different friends who are each dealing with different challenges right now.
Noticing that...I spend way too much time on my computer
From the kitchen... Chicken Enchilladas tonight.

Around the house... are stacks of pictures and scrapbook magaizines with marked pages showing a weekend of searching for some inspiration.
One of my favorite things~ feeling inspired. Let's hope that happens.
From my 365 photos for the week...

Monday (evidence of Christmas still in the house)

Tuesday (Matt coming home from school)

Wednesday - exams are finally over, time to play


Thursday (it's a very long day for Cameron. He fell asleep on the couch after school)
Friday (my sweet boy Oliver)


Saturday (One of our favourite possessions)

Sunday (the couch potato)

To participate in the Simple Woman's Daybook and to see others who do, visit this place: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Do you enjoy a little Sweet Talk?

Join Me For Some Sweet Talking.

We’re kicking off a month-long challenge at one of my favorite sites today … the Sweet Talk Journaling Challenge at Log Your Memory!

I hope you’ll come on over and check it out today … there will be an entire month of scrapbooking challenges with a focus on “real life” journaling, plus the chance to earn points and prizes along the way! And if you’ve never visited before, you’re in for a treat! We have a wonderful group of friendly, helpful scrapbookers just waiting to say hello and show you around!

Get started by visiting the Log Your Memory Blog HERE and get ready to journal your way to becoming a Log Your Memory Sweet Talker!
(And tell them Lucia sent you!)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things that are on my desk right now:
1. some unfinished layouts (I hope to get to these today)
2. a box of page embellishemnts (just because I was too lazy to turn around and put them back on the shelf.)
3. my small HP photo printer.
4. three paper trimmers (yes, I need three)
5. an empty red bucket
6. a folded canvas bag
7. a pad of patterned paper
8. my ipod radio
9. my tape runner
10. paint brushes
11. some letter stickers
12. glasses
13. my empty ipod case

I could probably reach 20 or so, but since I only need 13 I'll stop there. Do you think it's time to clear it off so I can actually work there instead of coming out and working on the kitchen table?

If you want to participate in this meme, go here: http://thursday-13.com/

Oh Milena ....

Guess what I found? How did something like this come out and I not know about it? It's an iphone/itouch app for the project 365 photo a day project. I just have an itouch so I don't have the camera on it (that's for the iphone) but still, it's a cool way of keeping track of my pictures I take. ...and it will look so awesome to look at at the end of the year. The best part is that it's a free app.

...too bad I don't have a camera on the itouch.

For Today...

Outside my window... it's dark and damp. It's been raining on and off all day. I really don't enjoy winter days like this. I much prefer the snow.

I am thinking... about a good friend. She's been going through a very difficult time lately and she deserves so much more.
I am thankful for... my friendships. I'm so blessed.
I am wearing... jeans, a black t shirt, a grey cable knit sweater, and barefeet. Does that make any sense to you? LOL!
I am remembering... not much. My mind is foggy right now ... from the headache I guess.
I am going... no where tonight. I've been running boys around all day today, and I'll be doing more of the same tomorrow.
I am currently reading... well, not much, except lots of blogs.
I am hoping... that this headache that has bothering me for four days now will go away.
On my mind... the orphaned children that have been arriving in Canada. I hope they are able to adjust to their new lives quickly and are able to be happy.
Noticing that... it's awfully quiet around here right now. Hopefully that means that one boys is studying for his exam tomorrow, and the other two are doing homework.
Pondering these words... I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
From the kitchen... Chicken Stir-fry tonight. I was happy to have a quick meal to make.
Around the house... my hard work paid off and I can relax and enjoy a clean and tidy house.
One of my favorite things~ a clean house!

From my project 365:

Monday: Matt has decided to name the vacuum "Old Denty". Too funny!

Tuesday: I use this box everyday. It holds my weekly menu with all the recipies I need. I love it!

Wednesday: Cameron and Spencer watch some TV together in Spencer's room.

Thursday: My new front door. I couldn't seem to get a picture of it without a reflection.

Friday: Milena, Crystal, Adriana and I started painting classes on Friday mornings.

Saturday: Deb and I went out to see "It's Complicated". Very funny movie.

Sunday: John tried to get Spencer out of bed by playing over his head. It didn't work.

To play along with this meme, go here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/. It seems to grow every week.

I found this over on Nathalie's blog. I love doing lists like this.

1. How old will you be in five years? 53. Mind boggling.
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? John.
3. How tall are you? 5’6”
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six months? My 2 brothers and their families coming for vacation here and us all doing a big family vacation together.
5. What's the last movie you saw? Avatar with Cameron and his friend and his friend's parents.
6. Who was the last person you called? My friend, Janet, to ask where she was.
7. Who was the last person to call you? Matt, to tell me he was on the bus and on his way home.
8. What was the last text message you received? "I'm almost there" from Matt.
9. Who was the last person to leave you a voice mail? The guy from Door Dudes about our new front door.
10. Do you prefer to call or text? call
11. What were you doing at 12 am last night? watching the Joy Behar show while falling asleep.
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? married
13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Boxing Day. They left for Florida shortly after.
14. What color are your eyes? Blue
15. What time did you wake up today? 10 a.m. It was wonderful
16. What are you wearing right now? PJ's
17. What is your favorite Christmas song? Mary, Did You Know
18. Where is your favorite place to be? At the trailer
19. Where is your least favorite place to be? at the dentist.
20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Africa
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? probably still here
22. Do you tan or burn? tan
23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Fire
24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? an email from my friend Joy
25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 8, but some of them are from the trailer
26. How big is your bed? King
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? both
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? with
29. What color are your sheets? sage green
30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1 pillow
31. What is your favorite season? Fall
32. What do you like about fall? the colors, the smells, wearing sweaters
33. What do you like about winter? the peaceful silence after a big snowfall
34. What do you like about the summer? the sunshine and warmth
35. What do you like about spring? Not much actually. It's rainy, cold, and there's too much work.
36. How many states/provinces have you lived in? 1
37. What cities/towns have you lived in? 5
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? barefeet
39. Are you a social person? Yes, even if I’m shy
40. What was the last thing you ate? a bowl of cheerios
41. What is your favorite restaurant? Anywhere I don't have to cook
42. What is your favorite ice cream? Mint Chocolate Chip, when I do eat icecream.
43. What is your favorite dessert? Anything chocolate
44. What is your favorite kind of soup? I don't like soup
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Raspberry
46. Do you like Chinese food? no
47. Do you like coffee? No
48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? not nearly enough
49. What do you drink in the morning? tea
51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? Right side, but only because John likes the left. I can sleep on either/
52. Do you know how to play poker? Nope
53. Do you like to cuddle? no
54. Have you ever been to Australia? Not yet but I’d love to
55. Do you have an addictive personality? I don't think so, but I can get obsessed about certain things
56. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home
58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? My scrapping buddy Heather, and John's niece
59. Do you want kids? Growing up I wanted a big family.
60. Do you speak any other languages? no.
61. Have you ever gotten stitches? only from childbirth.
62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes, a few of times, but only once because of me
63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Ocean, but pool over lakes
64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? I don't care.
65. Do you know how to drive stick? Yes
66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Scrapbooking supplies
67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Yes, a necklace that I never take off, a watch, and my rings
68. What is your favorite TV show? Dr. Phil
69. Can you roll your tongue? Yes
70. Who is the funniest person you know? Adriana
71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No, I never did
72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? just a normal ring
73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? No.
74. What red object is closest to you right now? My tea cup
75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Nope
76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed. I can't stand closet doors open
77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? I have to choose?
78. Do you flirt a lot? I used to
79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? BBQ sauce
80. What is your favorite food? is chocolate considered food?
81. Can you change the oil on a car? no
82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? who, me??
83. Have you ever run out of gas? never
84. What is your usual bedtime? 10 p.m., but then I watch TV in bed until I fall asleep
85. What was the last book you read? The Vampire Diaries
86. Do you read the newspaper? not often
87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Creating Keepsakes, and Scrapbooks, etc.
89. Do you watch soap operas? no
90. Do you dance in the car? no
91. What radio station did you last listen to? CHFI 98.1
92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? a picture of my brother and I when we were babies
93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? A grocery list
94. What is your favorite candle scent? I don't have a favourite
95. What is your favorite board game? Scrabble
97. When was the last time you attended church? 6 days ago
98. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Mr. Featherstone
99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Two weeks
100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? John, making me a cup of tea.

Whew! That was long!

Wow!!!
You gotta go check out this site. I saw a link on another blog and then found myself on it for a long time. Talk about creative!



http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-extraordinary-examples-of-paper-art/

Week three Layout

Here's my week three layout for the Log Your Memories logbook. This week was about songs. I've been wanting to get this into a layout for a long time so I was thrilled for this challenge.

When I was a little girl, my favourite some was the song by Petula Clark, called Downtown. Do you remember it? Man, that was a long time ago!! Whenever I hear the song I'm transported back in time.

Bits and Pieces

January already feels like it's been here forever. I've heard that from many of my friends as well. I don't know if it's the dark, cold winter days that seem to drag, or that it's just the post-Christmas let-down that causes it. It sure feels like it's been more than just the 20 days. So far, my 2010 has been fairly uneventful. Quiet! Just the way I like it. Here's a small glimps into my life right now:
-we are in the process right now of looking around for a new Church home. The one that we currently attend is in Toronto and it's quite far and the drive is becoming an issue for us. We're looking at other Salvation Army Churches closer to home that will meet the needs of our family.
-Oliver has still been vomitting. He seems better than he was but I wish we knew what was going on. The vet has run some blood work and done some exrays and everything checks out OK. He was also de-wormed in case that was causing it. Still, it continues. At least he's eating and drinking, so that's a good thing.
- Spencer starts exams on Friday.
-I've been managing to get some scrapping time in at home, but still not as much as I would like.
- we finally got our new door. It was installed today and it's beautiful. I will try to remember to take some pictures later to share
- the college staff may be going on strike next month. Unbelievable.
-I've really been enjoying my Log Your Memories logbook. I know I've said this a few times alread, but its such a great way to keep track of memories, and other tidbits each day as well as a jump-off point for journaling and doing layouts. Check out the link on my side bar.
-I applied to be part of a collaboration project with Log Your Memories. I found out yesterday that I will get to be part of this year long venture. Stay posted for more details. I've never applied for anything like this before so this will be a huge learning experience for me.

So this is a layout I finished last week of our dinner with our friends in Halifax. Great times!

OK, off to put dinner int he oven.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY(January 18th)

Outside my window... it's dull and grey. There's no snow on the ground, just brown grass.

I am thinking... that I need to get some energy. I've still been in post-Christmas recovery mode, I think. It's time to get moving around here.

I am thankful for... that Spencer got his university applications in. He's narrowed down his choices, but he will still have some big decisions when the acceptances start coming in.

What I learned this past week... that sometimes second chances pay off in the end if you're willing to look at things with new eyes.

From the kitchen... Satay Chicken Noodles. I will have a housefull of very happy boys tonight. Hopefully there will be enough left overs for lunch tomorrow. YUM!

I am wearing... white track pants and a cardigan. I will need to put on some real clothes soon.

I am creating... more layouts and a big mess. That's a good thing.

I am going... to the Chiropractor and then to the grocery store. (usual Monday morning routine after a weekend of boys eating everything in sight.)

I am reading... nothing at the moment. I have the next book in the Vampire Diaries series sitting beside my bed but I just don't feel compelled right now to pick it up.

I am hoping... that Seneca College doesn't go on strike next month.

I am hearing... sweet silence.

Around the house... my lack of motivation is evident in the mess everywhere. I have my work cut out for me today.

One of my favorite things... seeing old friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Lots of housework, Lunch Bunch, lunch and shopping day on Wednesday, Chiropractor appointments, doctor appointment, band rehersals ... a few of them

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... my project 365 pics for last week:


Monday - John and Spencer doing the university applications online.

Tuesday - an early morning for Matt as he heads off to the Go Bus to go to school. (don't you love his new leather jacket - it was his Christmas gift.)

Wednesday - my new chandelier in my dining room.

Thursday - Spencer practising piano. I never get tired of hearing him play.

Friday - the school run to pick up Cameron (I was trying to be very discreet so no one got nervous of me taking a picture of kids.)

Saturday - There is always someone on this computer.

Sunday - My Log Your Memories logbook. I'm really enjoying it!

To participate in this Daybook, or to read others who do, go here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Week Two Layout Challenge

The second layout challenge for the Log Your Memories logbook is to do a layout about challenges. Perfect because I've been wanting to do a layout on this very topic.

Here it is:

Here's the journaling:

Life is full of struggles and challenges. I knew that. I didn’t grow up expecting life to be a fairytale. I knew that there would be bumps in the road … and lots of them. Still, when it happened, my whole world, changed. It happened gradually. It snuck up on me.
We were parents of three boys. We knew that Matthew, our oldest, had some difficulties but we just couldn’t figure out what it was exactly. He was always such a smart little boy, and yet there were so many things that he didn’t get … the little things like reading facial expression, making friends, and complying with what we thought were simple requests. We took him to doctors and specialists, all who couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Finally, one day, after another batch of tests, we heard the words “Nonverbal Learning Disorder.” In a state of both grief and shock, we floundered our way through whatever literature we could find and we were finally able to understand our son. He wasn’t trying to be defiant. 90% of his world was difficult for him to understand. He can’t understand nonverbal language. It was difficult to understand how someone who is so book smart, can have such difficulties.
Parenting our son has definitely been the biggest challenge of my life. As the years have gone by, we have seen him improve in some areas, but also seen the increase of anxiety as he tries to navigate a world that is so confusing to him. We have had to help him every step of the way. It’s hard to watch your sweet child be rejected by his peers who he really wants to be friends with. It’s an invisible disability. I have often thought that if he was in a wheelchair he would be treated with so much more respect.
At 19 I know that we will continue to struggle as he deals with his many challenges. It will be a lifelong challenge for him, and us as well, but we also know that out of these great life challenges come life’s biggest rewards. My reward is being knowing and loving the sensitive, sweet person that Matthew is.

Thursday Thirteen

It's been a while since I've participated in this. Time to get back at it.



Thirteen things this stay at home mom did before 7:30 this morning:

1. Woke Matt up.

2. Folded a load of laundry

3. Woke Cameron up

4. Drove Matt to the Go bus for 6:30

5. Came home and had to drag Cameron out of bed because he had crawled back in and fallen back asleep.

6. Made Cameron's breakfast (because he was now late)

7. Made Cameron's lunch

8. Woke Spencer up.

9. Drove Cameron to school early for band practise.

10. Cleaned the kitchen

11. Sorted some socks

12. Organized things in the laundry room

13. Drove Spencer to school for 7:30.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

This is going to be a long one! Grab a cuppa.

The Simple Woman's Daybook and my P365 pics for this week:

FOR TODAY(Jan, 11th)

Outside my window... snow, not much, but the ground is white. Yesterday Cameron and I were looking out into the backyard at the animal tracks. We have rabbits, and likely anothe cat coming to torment Oliver through the window.

I am thinking... that, as much as I love having all my chicks in the nest, it's also nice to have the house to myself again for the first time in what seems like forever.

I am thankful for... so many things. I'm so blessed.
From the scrapbook room ... I've been very inspired by my Log Your Memories log book. I just wish there was more time in the day to get projects done.

From the kitchen... tonight it is Chicken Cordon Bleu - homemade. Yum!

I am wearing... black yoga pants, a black t shirt, and a black yoga zip up top thingy.

I am creating... a few layouts right now, well, not literally.

I am going... to the Chiropractor shortly and then to the grocery store. I also need to get to the music store to pick Spencer up a new piano book.

I am reading... The Vampire Diaries - yes, I'm still on the vampire kick.

I am hoping... that Matt has a good semester at school. He started back today. He's lucky. They had and extra week and Cameron wasn't happy about the fact that he had to go back, but Matt had another week. Ha!

I am hearing... the sound of the air filter in the fish tank.

Around the house... Christmas is back in the box but John still needs to get the trees back into storage. I wonder how long they will sit there until he gets it done.

One of my favorite things... my new log book!

A few plans for the rest of the week: back into routine here: cleaning, shopping, laundry, repeat. Hopefully some scrapping time mixed in there.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing ... my 365 pics for this week:

Monday, Jan. 4 - putting Christmas back in the box.

Tuesday, Jan. 5th - our first real snow of this winter season.


Wednesday, Nov. 6th - Oliver getting ready to go to the vet. Doesn't he look thrilled?

Thursday, Nov. 7th - I needed to take a "head shot" of myself for something.


Friday, Nov. 8th - candles, tea, a magaizine and the fire on. Does it get any better than that?

Saturday, Nov. 9th - Scrapping the day away.

Sunday, Nov. 10th - Spencer has some big decisions to make! Which University and programme will it be?

I love days like this!

We have a totally free day today. No one has to be anywhere. We're all hanging out at home. I'm still in my pjs and at this point I don't think I will change that!



So, I've been happily playing in my scraproom. I've done two layouts. Wanna see?


The first one is my first layout for this year's P365. In order to keep up this year, I'm going to be relying on Picassa for photo collages, and keeping the layouts very simple. I think I may do the same layout design each week, too.






The second layout is the first weekly challenge for the book http://logyourmemory.com/ . I did a variation on it. My Dreams and Hopes for 2010.

The journaling is as follows:

As I look ahead to 2010 I do so with many hopes and dreams, both for me, and for my family. Our family is growing and changing, and so is my role as a mother.

For myself my dreams and hopes would be that I can spend as much time with my family while I still have them around me on a regular basis. I hope that at the end of 2010 I will be able to have a lot of special moments stored away in my memory. I hope that I will be able to let go of my almost-adult boys, and trust that they are more than capable to handle whatever may come their way. I hope that as my role changes from caregiver to cheerleader that I will settle into my new role easily and happily. I also hope that some of my focus will revert back to myself and John and we can enjoy a lot of time together as a couple.

For Matthew my hopes and dreams are that he will embrace being a college student and will thrive in that environment. I hope that he’s able to make some friends and that his anxiety about school, and socializing are kept to a minimum. I hope that he has successes and is able enjoy this new phase of his life.

As Spencer examines universities, I hope that he will have a clear focus of what direction he would like his life to go. While I selfishly hope that he doesn’t go far, I hope that he will be happy with wherever he chooses. I hope the transition for him is a smooth one and that he develops friendships easily.

My dreams for Cameron this year are that he continues to do well in school. I hope that his thirst for knowledge continues to grow. As he moves into high school in the fall, I hope he does so with confidence and excitement. I hope that he will continue to enjoy his friendships and that he will make new ones.

My hopes and dreams for John are that he will continue to find his work stimulating and enjoyable. I would love to see him be able to have more time for himself and the things that he loves to do. I hope that his relationship with his boys will continue to grow stronger and closer as they relate with each other on a new level.

My biggest dream for 2010 would be that our family would continue to be a close one, and that we will still enjoy being together and will enjoy many times together.

Blogging friend, Joyce gave me this Beautiful Blogger Award. How nice. Thanks Joyce.

The award comes with the following responsibilities:
1. I must thank the person who bestowed this honor upon me.

2. Copy the award and place it on my blog.

3. Link to the bestower’s site.

4. Enumerate seven interesting things about myself. Here they are - I'm not sure how interesting they will be:

-we lived in Barbados for 5 years. We moved there when Matt was 4 and Spencer was 2. Cameron was born there 2 years later. It was a great experience and I would love to live abroad again some day - maybe when Cameron is done school

-I was born and raised in the Salvation Army. We are raising our own boys in the Salvation Army, and music (banding) is a big part of our life. We all play, John and the boys play the cornet, and I play the flugal horn. It's been wonderful having one thing that our family all does together.

-I have three boys, no girls. ...and I love it!!! I find that most mothers don't believe me when I say that, but it's true. I don't miss having a daughter at all (maybe someday I will) but I find the relationship between mother in son is just so special

-I crave organization in my world. I'm not saying that my house is always perfect ... far from it, but I love, and need, to have everything organized.

-Here's one you may not want to know about me - I can burp! I used to have burping competitions with my brother growing up and I won almost every time.

-I'm a bit of a tomboy. I like getting all dressed up once in a while, but I prefer to be in jeans and a t shirt. I would much rather be hanging out with the boys, doing more active things. I'm not into going to the spa, having facials or manicures.

-I'm an introvert and a homebody. I'm happiest when I'm home, and in my comfy close with all my chicks in the nest.

5. Nominate seven bloggers that I find beautiful:
-my good friend, Milena of http://milenarae.blogspot.com/

-my sister Cathy http://catsareus.blogspot.com/

-my sister Joanne http://jojosmusings.blogspot.com/

-another friend, Janet http://imblogginglol.blogspot.com/

-and yet another friend, Joy http://thejoyofcreativity.blogspot.com/

- Nathalie http://famille1999.typepad.com/

-Jemma http://jemmasjourney.blogspot.com/

A Stolen Tag

I just saw these questions while blog surfing and thought I would bring them here and answer them for myself.

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you.
My friend Heather shares my birthday and so does John's niece, Lisa. They are two people who I think of every year on my birthday.

2. Where was your first kiss?
Well ... it was in a shed across the street from where we lived. I was five, and he was four. I was such a cougar, LOL!

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property?
Never.

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex?
Yes, if you count play fighting and wrestling.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people?
Hahahaha! No!!!

6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex?
Their eyes.

7. What really turns you off?
Arogance

8. What do you order at Starbucks?
I rarely go to Starbucks. I'm a Tim's girl. When I do, though, I will order a hot chocolate.

9 Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?
No.

10 Say something totally random about yourself.
I'm not a touchy, feely, kind of person. I loved cuddling with my boys when they were small, but other than that I'm just not into it.

11 Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
No.

12. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows?
Only if Cameron wants to watch one, which isn't often.

13 Did you have braces?
No. I wish I had, though.

14 Are you comfortable with your height?
Yes, I'm 5'6"

15 When do you know it’s love?
When you still want to be with someone after seeing them throw up.

16 Do you speak any other languages?
I only know a little French that I learned in school. I wish I was bilingual.

17 Have you ever been to a tanning salon?
No

18 Have you ever ridden in a limo?
Yes, in New York City

19 What’s something that really annoys you?
People who you know are one way, but have a different persona on the internet

20 What’s something you really like?
Chocolate

21 Can you dance?
No and I don't like to dance either.

22 Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room?
Yes. When I was 7 months pregnant with Spencer I was rear-ended. The ambulance came and took me to be checked out. We were both fine.


If you're reading this, I'm tagging you on these questions. Let me know if you answer them because I'd love to see how you answer them.

100 Top Memories of 2009

There was a challenge over at Log Your Memory in December to get your 100 top memories of 2009 onto a layout. Here's mine:

What? You can't read that journaling? LOL!

If you are actually interested in what my top memories are, keep reading (and reading, and reading).

New Year’s Eve and morning, 2009, spent at Cathy and Don’s and playing Wii Bowling
Getting addicted to my ipod touch
Getting together with Deb and Bob for dinner and Wii
A January snow day
My family cramming into my scrap room to watch American Idol together
Scrap shopping and lunch with Milena
Spencer getting glasses
Obama’s historical inauguration
Cropping with Cathy in a cottage at Jackson’s Point for two days
Spending Family Day with my family in Buffalo
Matthew and Spencer getting their G1 licence
Mrs. Gage’s funeral
Spending the March Break in the Dominican Republic
Getting sick in the Domincan Republic
Matt meeting a group of kids and hanging out with them
Our ATV excursion and incident
Our catamaran trip
Our house break-in
Getting a new vehicle
Spending a weekend in Syracuse with the girls
Deb and Bob getting engaged
Halton Showcase
Easter at Joanne’s
Gayle’s visit
Going out for dinner with the original Lunch Bunch girls
The Spring Scrapping Cabin
Going to CKC Buffalo for the day
Attending National Music Fest with both the High Rendition and the Halton Junior Jazz bands and both getting Gold
Redoing our backyard, buying a gazebo and creating our outdoor living space
Going to the African Lion Safari as a family
Sears family reunion
Going to the Badlands in Cheltenham
Mother’s Day lunch with Mom and Cathy
Spencer taking the Go into Toronto by himself for piano Master classes a few times
Cameron’s grade seven trip to Camp Couchiching for two nights
Spending some weekends at the trailer and doing puzzles with the boys
Wonderland trip with the Captain R. Wilson school band
Halton Junior Jazz Band’s final party and Driveway Jam
High Rendition Church concert
Matt’s high school graduation
Canada Day at the trailer and the baseball tournament
Summer Transition Programme with Matthew for Seneca College
Counselling at Junior Music Camp
The final night Faculty water fight where we kicked butt!
Being on Canada’s highway of Heroes to welcome home one of Canada’s fallen soldiers
Our vacation to the East Coast
Driving the Calbot Trail
Beautiful sunset on Cape Breton Island
Spencer getting “lost” on the beach
Whale watching
Seeing the Tall Ships
Lunch on the Halifax waterfront
Going for dinner with Barb and Carmen
Falling and hurting my ankle in Halifax
Seeing the Blue Nose
Seeing Peggy’s Cove
The Bed and Breakfast in Digby
Getting a flat tire in Nova Scotia
The Cave on the red beach as the tide was coming in
Spending a very tranquil afternoon on a beach along the Fundy Coast
Aunt Ivy’s 90th birthday
Milena, Meredith, and Isobel’s visit to the trailer
Campfires at the trailer
Jenn, James, and the twins visit to the trailer
The big storm that came through at the camp
Playing Scrabble at the trailer
Spencer going to National School of Music
Matt starting college
The girls trip to Maine and cropping overlooking the mountains
Murder mystery party
Michele’s sign language
Zip lining
Spencer’s first girlfriend
Cameron getting his laptop at school
Going to the drive-in as a family
Matt and Spencer starting driving lessons
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the Sears family
Spencer getting an honor roll award and the music award
Michael Jackson’s death
Rick’s visits home
On-line chats with Lynne, Mac and Laura
Tuesday Lunch Bunch crops
Monthly Friday night crops at Cathy’s
Oliver getting sick and losing his teeth
Getting addicted to Vampire books, movies, and TV series
Going to the Fall Scrapping Cabin
Celebrating Cathy’s 50th birthday with the family
Going to see Cirque Du Soleil with Mom and Dad in London
Dress shopping with Deb for the Maid of Honour dress
Ruth getting ill and ending up in the hospital
Garnet losing his sight because of Macular Degeneration
Hosting the Clayton family Christmas
Birthday lunch with Deb and Michele
Lunch Bunch Christmas party
Cameron and his friends day out to the movies and Sandy and I driving and seeing Meet the Morgans
Aunt Ivy’s funeral
Christmas Eve spent with family
Christmas Day saw us together with John’s parents, enjoying a quiet day with each other
New Year’s Eve spent with family and friends playing games and enjoying each other.

It was hard to come up with 100 memories.

It's a New Year!

Hey everyone. This is my first post for 2010. Just where did the year go? Didn't we just ring in 2009?

We had a nice evening here at home. Cathy and Don came over, and so did my friend Deb, and her fiance, Bob. We had our traditional Chinese food for dinner, watched hockey, and played some games. Not an exciting party, I know, but we prefer it this way, relaxing at home with people we love to be with.

I don't normally make resolutions for myself, but rather give myself a kick in the butt to get back on track with healthy eating and exercise. I've set some scrapping goals - 300 layouts to do this year and a few of those will be focused on the "real life scrapping" approach of Log Your Memories. I also want to start the project 365 again (snapping a picture a day for the year) but I plan on altering it slightly to what I tried last year to help me stay on track. Hopefully this year I will do a post each week with the pictures and then I will do a very simple photo collage to scrapbook.

That's it. I hope it's doable.

So, to start the ball rolling, here are the first three days of pictures:

Ringing in the New Year on January 1st:

On Janurary 2nd we drove up to Wasaga Beach to spend the day with John's brother and sister-in-law. We had a very nice day visiting with them and Cameron fell in love with Mia:

Yeserday we enjoyed some chocolate fondue that was actually meant for New Year's Eve but we never got to. Yum!

2009 - Simplify, 2010 - Capture

For the second year I participated in Ali's One Little Word for the year. At the beginning of the year participants choose a word to be their "theme" for the year.

My word for 2009 was Simplify.

So, how did I do? Well, I think I did pretty good. I still had a lot of times where I was running around, crazy busy, but I was able to keep things fairly simple this year. I was able to spend more time just doing simple things and enjoying the simpler moments of life. I was able to spend more time scrapbooking, although not as much time as I would have liked.

Overall, I think it was a year where I spent time just enjoying being with my family and friends.

For the upcoming year, I wanted a word that refelcted where my life is right now, and what my priorities are. With one son in college, and another one going off in September, my life as a stay at home mom is changing drastically. My role is not as defined by the lives of my boys. While they are becoming more and more independent and moving off into their own lives, I know that our time together will become less and less.

I've also become aware that my memories of the past are fading somewhat and aren't as clear as they used to be.

With all this in mind, my word for 2010 is CAPTURE. This year I want to focus on capturing all these moments and getting them on paper, whether it is scrapbooking, blogging or just journaling. I want to capture moments of my childhood and my toughts and feelings on things. I also want to capture whatever time I can get with my family and savour the moments that we're able to spend together.

So? What's your word for 2010?

It's all over for another year!

Yes, Christmas, 2009, is a thing of the past now. Since I last blogged I feel like it has all been a blur of activity.

The week before Christmas was filled with wrapping paper, tape, tags, cleaning (lots and lots of cleaning) and a funeral.

My great-aunt passed away just before Christmas. Aunt Ivy was a great lady. She turned 90 this year and we were able to celebrate her birthday with the family. The service was very touching and brought back so many childhood memories spent with her and Uncle Bert at their cottage. So many wonderful memories. I will really miss her.

Christmas Eve our Christmas celebrations started when my parents and Rick and my inlaws arrived around 4 p.m. My sister and her husband arrived at 6. We had dinner and celebrated my mom's birthday. Then we settled into some serious Wii games. Mom, Dad, and Rick left with Cathy and Don later in the evening.

John's parents stayed over night and spent Christmas Day with us.

For the first time, ever, the adults were all up before the kids. We had a leisurly bowl of cereal and cup of tea, enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning before mayhem hit.

The boys seemed to like everything they got this year. The big gifts were a leather jacket for Matt, a cell phone for Spencer (we figured it was about time he got one since he's 17) and a camera for Cameron, a Kindle for John, and a jill-e camera bag for me.

The rest of the day was very relaxing. Everyone happily checking out their gifts and each other gifts.

On Boxing Day we traveled to London for my family's Christmas. The family gathering was a little smaller than usual (only 19 of us this year) but we still had a great time ... although we missed getting in our game of spoons.

Yesterday we went to Guelph to John's parents', to help them out with a few things.
Today I'm exhausted. 4 days of meal prep, serving, and clean-up has taken it's toll on me. I've been curled up in a chair all day with my laptop, surfing the web, and reinstalling programmes from when my computer was in for service before Christmas. Other than heating up some leftovers, I don't plan on moving.

I've managed to upload what few pictures I took this Christmas and am sharing a few here. Some of them ended up edited too much as my computer was very low on battery power and so the screen was dim and I didn't really notice until I was done. Now, I'm too lazy to fix them.

Our tree in the family room on Christmas morning and our tree in the basement.

John always talks about his favourite toy when he was a kid. Rock em sock em robots. So, I had to get it for him.

The Chrismtas table this year.

Dinner time.

Boxing Day

My Dad with his Great Grandsons, Owen and Ethan.

Need a giggle?

The Countdown is on!

So? How's it going for you? I know that it is just as crazy for everyone as it is for me. I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I thought I would just do a quick "what has Barb been up to" post.
It's not too interesting, but here it is:

- Matt had his second interview and it went well. He hasn't heard anything back, but the manager said that he would take a look at the schedule and see where he could fit him in. If nothing else, the interview experience was good for him.
-school is winding down for everyone for Christmas. There are lots of events, parties and concerts to attend these days. I'm on my way out shortly to help Cameron's school band as they go to an assited living facility to play.
-I had a lovely lunch out with my peeps on Tuesday. We had a table of 12 right beside a table of 12 older ladies. It was pretty loud, but they definately beat us out. It was funny because that will be us in a few years time.
-I'm heading out today for a birthday lunch with two of my friends. We all have a birthday within three weeks of each other.
-my shopping isn't done yet, but it's getting close.
-Cameron found all the cookies that I got from the cookie exchange. Half of them are gone. Arggggg!
-John's family (or those who could make it) were here on Saturday for their family Christmas. It was a very relaxed, and enjoyable day.
-We had our Church's Carols and Candles on Sunday. Lovely.
-the boys are almost done their driving lessons ... and I still have hair. Now if the testers would just get back to work!
-Spencer had to play in a small combo in Toronto on Friday night. After dropping him off (it wasn't the kind of thing for parents to stay and watch) I met John after work and we went for dinner and then did some shopping. We don't get enough time like that together.
-My computer was still sick so I took it in to have it fixed. Yay, it's fixed. Now I have to find, and reinstall all my programmes. Ummmm .... finding them is the problem.

See? Pretty boring.

OK, off to more craziness.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's not looking much like Christmas. Yes, I'm one of those who loves to have a blanket of white on the ground at this time of the year. Good news for me, we're getting a little bit today (at least I hope so) and a snow storm on the way for Wednesday. Sing with me ... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ..."

I am thinking... that no one in this house is getting enough sleep these days. It's too hard to get everyone up in the morning and then I have to look at grumpy faces, mine included! Early bedtimes all around tonight. (so, just how do you get 17 and 19 year old boys into bed early anyway?)

I am thankful for... this past weekend being behind me. It was a very busy one with lots of running around, events, and things to get done. (no wonder I'm tired)

What I learned this past week ... OK, it's not a new revelation to me, but it certainly was a strong reminder for me that I don't handle time pressures very well.

From the kitchen... today is cookie making day. OK, stop laughing, it's true. I don't bake often (I'd much rather cook than bake) but I joined a cookie exchange and the exchange is tomorrow. Yes, I'm a procrastinator.

I am wearing... very comfy and cozy sweat pants, and a sweat shirt. I will have to change shortly, though, because I need to go to the chiropractor.

I am creating... well, not much. I went to my sister's on Friday to scrapbook and finished off some layouts I was working on. I also have a very cool calendar kit thingy to make up so I hope to do that tomorrow (or at least get started on it.)

I am going... to stay home as much as possible today. I have a chiropractor appointment, a school run, and Matt has his interview, other than that I plan on staying in.

I am reading... the Twilight Series ... yes, still. (I'm a very slow reader.) I'm very hot and cold on these books. There are parts of them that I can't put down, and then parts where I don't want to carry on.

I am hoping... that Matt get's the job.

I am hearing... the Weather Network telling me about all the snow that we're going to get on Wednesday. I hope they're not be lying to me.

Around the house... yikes! The vacuum has been broken for a few days. That's all I'm going to say about that.

One of my favorite things... Christmas decorations

A few plans for the rest of the week: shopping, cleaning, shopping, cleaning, shopping, cleaning ...

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... my favorite decoration on my tree. My mom gave me this the year Matt was born. The baby is crying because he's hanging by his shirt.

If you want to participate in the Simple Woman's Daybook, go here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Do You Know What This Is?

This is my 500th blog post. Several months ago my brother, David challenged us to set a blogging goal. Mine was to hit 500 before the end of the year. I made it. In one way it's pretty sad because I've been blogging now for 4 1/2 years and am just reaching this milestone now, but on the possitive side, this challenge has made me blog more.

Here we are at the end of one week and the beginning of another. I don't think I managed to accomplish a lot this week. Here's my list:

-got the Christmas decorations up (OK, that in itself is a huge accomplishment)

-went for lunch and dress shopping with Deb and we found and bought a maid of honour dress

-the band played at Sunnybrook hospital on Tuesday night

-we played on the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle yesterday in the mall

-I managed to get a few things purchased on my shopping list

Oh, and this is pretty big. Matt applied for his first part-time job. I know this doesn't sound like much for most young people, but for someone with challenges it's a big step. He applied to work at Tim Hortons (we think this is a good match for him at this time). He went for an interview on Friday and it went really well. He's going for a second interview on Monday so that sounds very promising. The look of pride on his face after the interview was worth the price of admission.

Pray for him on Monday.

I figured it's about time I put this layout up. It's from Christmas last year with John's family. Since his family Christmas is next weekend I thought I'd better get this one up before I have the pictures and layout from the next one. (yes, I'm a procrastinator)

Something else you need to check out

OK, I know that I'm talking to my scrapping friends here, but there could possibly be some others who may want to check this out. It doesn't just appeal to scrapbookers.

On the weekend my friend, Joy, showed us this book she bought. It is a Memory Logbook. It's set up like a dayplanner where you can journal each day. On top of that there are journaling prompts, a list of questions each month, to help jog your memory of old memories, and record ongoing memories. There are weekly challenges with more journaling prompts and then you can get those onto your scrapbook page and into your books. There is a section each week for planing out your pages as well.

Lately I've been thinking that I want to branch out into more of a journal/scrapbook where I can record my own history, thoughts, feelings, and dreams. What a perfect tool for me.

I came right home and went on line. You can purchase a bound book (for either a month, or the year) or you can purchase a cheaper version where you download the copy and print it at home. I did both. I couldn't wait to get started, so I purchased the print-at-home copy for December, and the full version for 2010.

Very cool! Thanks Joy!

You can check it out here: http://logyourmemory.com/. The log books are listed on the left side.

I just found a use for the Christmas Paper that seems to reproduce in my stash!

Isn't this so cool? It doesn't look like it would be that difficult to make either. I think I may need to go through my stash and see if I have enough to do this. What a great way to use my stash.

For instructions on how to make this go here:
Christmas Wreath

It's Heeeeeeere!

Yes, Christmas time is here. Yikes! How did it sneak up on me like that? As I was falling asleep last night I started to have a panic attack. I haven't started shopping yet, my trees are in place but there are no decorations, I mean, it's December 2nd already ... what's wrong with me?
OK, I know, I know. I still have lots of time. Maybe the panic attack had something to do with the fact that the radio station I listen to is now all Christmas music, and last night was our first official Christmas event with the Band.

Maybe I need to turn the radio off, and have a cup of tea. I like that idea.

So, the retreat this past weekend went well. We had a really good time. As usual, I took too much stuff, got far too few things accomplished, ate way too much, slept too little, and laughed until my sides hurt. Perfect weekend! It doesn't get much better than that.

It was our 22nd anniversary over the weekend. Can you beleive it? How is that possible? It has just gone so fast. I know it may be cliche, but I would marry John all over again. He is my other half and together we are whole. No matter what life throws at us, it just makes our relationship stronger.

OK, enough of the sappy stuff, LOL!

It was also my birthday on Monday. 48! FORTY EIGHT!!!!! I spent the day with my friend, Deb. We went for lunch and then we went dress shopping for her wedding. She already has her gown so we were looking for a Maid of Honor dress. We found one, and I love it!
We were going to go out for dinner as a family, but by the time we were all home, I had a headache and I was still exhausted from the weekend so I ended up crashing on the couch and we ordered in. Much better! The best part of the day ... getting a kiss from all my boys!

The Retreat

I'm off today for a much needed weekend of R and R with my peeps.

Someone asked me about the retreat that I go to.

This is a scrapbooking retreat that runs twice a year, Spring and Fall. I started this retreat back 2002 or 2003 ( I don't actually remember at this moment). My sisters and my cousin were talking about how much fun it would be to have a scrapbooking retreat at our Church camp. So, we looked into it, and decided to go for it. At the first retreat we had 24 ladies (our facilities held 32), which we considered a huge success. Everyone loved it so much, we decided to run it twice a year and it quickly grew to 32. At one point we booked another winterized cabin and we went up to 38.

From the retreat we decided to start our weekly girls week and hit the road. We book a big house somewhere different every year and set up our scrapbooking stuff and spend the week scrapbooking and touring. There's 20 ladies that go on this vacation every year.

A year ago I decided to give up the reigns of the retreat as my attention was being drawn away to the scrapping vacations. My cousin, Carol, and my friend, Pat, now run the retreat.

So, now I get to continue to attend the retreat, and, as I said to Pat, I feel helpless (because they insist I just relax and enjoy) and free. It's nice to be an attendee.

So, I will leave here shortly to pick up a couple of girls, and we are going to spend the day shopping and going for dinner before we check into the Scrapping Cabin.

Ahhhhh. I'm really looking forward to this. I'm so fortunate to have a husband who recognizes my need to take these times for myself and to spend time with my friends, and encourages me to do so. (maybe he just feels sorry for me living in a houseful of boys.)

Before I go, here's a recent layout I did. It was a scraplift out of one of the Creating Keepsakes Magazine, and they had the guitar template on their website. I really love how it turned out.

This is the Halton Junior Jazz Band last year. They had a final get together and pool party at one of the family's homes, and the kids pulled out their instruments in the garage for a jam session. It was very cool.

Daybook

It feels so good to be participating again.

FOR TODAY(Nov. 23rd)...

Outside my window... it's a beautiful day here in Southern Ontario. The air is crisp, the sky is blue and the sun is shining. It's a perfect late autumn day.

I am thinking... that I just might make my blogging goal by the end of the year, to reach the 500 blog post mark since when I began blogging.

I am thankful for... the abundance of support out there.

From my scrapbook room ... it's a mess right now with paper all over the floor and stacks of pictures as I try to get layout packets ready. I'm making progress.

From the kitchen... tonight it's Chicken Fried Rice. Note to self, make lots for leftovers for lunches and snacks.

I am wearing... jeans and a sweater. Perfect Fall wear.

I am creating... not much these days. My scrapping time and energy has been limited.

I am going... to the chiropractor shortly. Am I the only one who hates having my back cracked?

I am reading... the last book in the Twilight Series.

I am hoping... for some possitive results from a med review that we have scheduled this week.

I am hearing... the sound of the kettle getting ready to boil for a cup of tea.

Around the house... we have some major cleaning to do this week to get the house ready to get the decorations out.

One of my favorite things... curling up in front of the fire with a cup of hot tea. I know I've used this one before, but it is one of my favourite things.

A few plans for the rest of the week: it's going to be a busy week - lots of cleaning, driving boys to rehersals, packing up my scrapping stuff, attending the retreat this weekend (from Thursday to Sunday), appointments.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:

Simple Times!

If you want to participate, go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/. Come on, try it. You know you want to.

Three Weeks of Happenings

-halloween came and went. (why does that seem like it was so long ago.) I was both happy and sad about that. It was the last year for any of my children to dress up and go out trick or treating. Since Halloween isn't one of my favourite occasions, I'm glad, but sad that my baby is growing up.

-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.

Wow! Has it really been three weeks since I've blogged? It's not often that I neglect it for that long. Actually, in many ways, it seems like it's been three months.

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.

Sketchapalooza

I decided to kick my creativity into high gear (especially before December hits and I'm forced to put it all on hold.) I love using sketches when I scrapbook so I signed up for Sketchapalooza. It's a fast paced class that lasts for 4 weeks with 20 different sketches (4 each week). It started this week and so far we have had two sketches. Wanna see the finished layouts? Well, even if you don't, here they are:

This is a layout about my friend, Deb, who got engaged a few months ago. I'm so happy for her.

And one about the special bond I have with Rick (my younger brother with Downs Syndrome)

If you're interested in joining in on the fun, I'm sure it's not too late. Just go here: http://feelingscrappyclasses.blogspot.com/search/label/Classes

Thirteen of our Favourite Meals

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/