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/

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...

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).

Doing a Fly By

I'm just popping in quickly today to share a couple of layouts.

On our way to Tennessee last year we went through West Virginia. We were reading about a bridge that we were going to be crossing and it was listed as a must-see attraction. So, we pulled off. It was hot and we had to hike a short distance to see it. When we got there we all looked at each other and said "It's just a bridge." I don't know what we were expecting. Check out the looks on the boys' faces, LOL!

This one is of one of our favourite things to do at the trailer - put together a puzzle.

OK, I'm off. We have a busy day ahead of us. Enjoy your day.

Week Wrap Up

I've been going to the chiropractor three times a week, and, in the course of conversation, he will always ask me what I have on for the day. Then John will come home and ask me how my day was and what I did (no, he's not checking up on me, he's taking an interest in my day.) I usually reply "not much." Most of my day is filled with very mundane activities of a stay at home mom - certainly not blog-worthy material.

So, this morning I find myself at the end of another week, wondering what I managed to accomplish, and what exciting things happened. So, here's my recap of the week:

-I won't include all the boring errands, housework, running boys around all over the map

- Cameron was accepted into the Halton Junior Jazz Band again for the school year. He was very excited to show me the paper telling us that he would be playing 1st trumpet this year. Needless to say, he has been practising the new pieces quite hard to prepare for their first rehersal on Tuesday of next week. I really wish I had taken a picture of the look on his face and how he was beaming with pride! We're so proud of him too.

-Cameron and I attended another training session this week on his lap top. This time we learned Dragon Speak. This will be the main software that he will be using. He did voice training with it, and now he can just speak into the head set and the computer will type his words and follow his commands (Ok, not all his commands, but you know what I mean.) Facinating!! I'm always astounded at the assistive technology out there.

-We have organized the first scrapbooking day at our Church. Once a month we will be hosting a day. There are some ladies who are wanting to begin so I will be doing some beginner classes.

-Matt has been struggling the last couple of weeks with the work load at school. He has some overdue assignments and a couple of tests to make up. Fortunately he has a reading week next week so he will be using that time to get all caught up again.

-we finally ordered our new front door. For those who don't remember, we had a break-in last March. They kicked through the front door damaging the door frame. As a result, the whole door/side light system has to be replaced. It took us a while to decide, but I'm very exctied about what we finally decided on.

This is what it will look like, but just one side light.

Unfortunately its about an 8 week wait until install so it won't be in in time for Christmas.

-we have a free day today. Yay! I actually managed to sleep in until 9:30. All those 6 a.m. mornings are catching up with me.

It's time again ...

for Thursday Thirteen. I'm thinking that it would be nice if time slowed down just a little between each Thursday.

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/

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (Monday, October 19th)

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/

How fun!

I was surfing some of the blogs from the Scrapbook Star girls and I came across this video on Nita's Blog.



What a great way to encourage positive behaviour.

Being Thankful

I'm a little late on this. It was a very busy weekend for me. Still, I wanted to take a moment to list all the things that I'm very thankful for at this time of the year.
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.

Another Week

Another week has zipped by and is coming to a close. At the beginning of the week I always have such great ambitions about what I want to accomplish during that week, but then end up not even getting to half of what I needed and wanted to do. Maybe I shouldn't have such an extensive list, or maybe I need to take extra caffine, I don't know.

Anyway, here's a list of what I did manage to get done this week:

-I finished a recipe/menu box that I've been working on for a few weeks. (I will post more about that when I take pictures.)

-I managed to get everyone to where they needed to be on time

-endless housework

-shopping for Monday's big family dinner that will be here. Today there's still more to do

-I went on a jeans hunt for Cameron's pants. At the beginning of September he had a drawer full of pants. I have no idea what happened to them all. I had to throw 2 pairs out this week because the knees were gone. The rest are mia! I did manage to find two of them at the bottom of Spencer's closet (?!?!?!?!?) He also told me that he had at least one pair in his locker at school. Sheesh!

-I went through Spencer's clothes to see what he's needing for the fall/winter. It looks like we will be going shopping this afternoon for more jeans for him too. Why won't they stop growing?

-we managed to get up the new chandalier - very nice!! I love it.

-I got some more scrapping done.

-I spent far too much time on this computer!!

Well, there's always next week, sigh!

This is a recent layout I did. I took these pictures of Spencer last Spring when he was taking the Go Train into Toronto by himself to attend a Master's Class for piano. It really struck me at just how grown up and independent he is becoming.

Thursday Thirteen

Hmmmm .... what to write for this week's list.

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.

To participate in Thursday Thirteen, go here:
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Blog Challenge

Over at Scrapbook Star we have started a blogging group where we will have some blogging challenges and just share our blogs with each other when we update them. It should be a lot of fun.

The first challenge is a simple one: share your favourite scrapbook product right now.

Well, right now, I'm totally addicted to journaling spots/blocks. I love them. Every time I hit a store, the first thing I'm looking for are journaling spots. I'm starting to build a nice little stash of them. I just need to get over the "they're too nice to use" thought in my head.

These ones are digital, unfortunately! Aren't they gorgeous?

Check out these journaling stamps by 7 gypsies. I need to find these!

Here's are recent layout I did (a very quick and simple one) using a journaling spot. I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of these in the near future!

Trying a new Sunday Meme

Sorry, I don't really have anything blog worthy today so this will have to do. This one is from
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.

Not a creature was stirring ... not even a mouse!

It's very quiet here this morning. I had every intention of sleeping in, but I woke up a 7 and couldn't get back to sleep. So, here I sit, enjoying the peace a quiet, totally envious of everyone else in the house who are still sleeping soundly.

In attempt to make this totally useless post have purpose, here's a random list of some things that are going on around here:

-Matt is doing well at school. He's enjoying the couse (particularly working in the lab) and seems to be keeping up on the work load. I know it was a huge adjustment for him to start at college and to have a full course load. He has met up with some of the "kids" that he met while in Dominican Republic. Some of them are at the same college. He has been hanging out with them a little.

-Matt and Spencer started Driver's Ed this week. Yikes!

-Cameron is doing well with his laptop. If you remember last winter when it was being prescribed for him he was fighting getting one and we got him to reluctantly agree to it. (a lot of kids get one, but then refuse to use it in school - which seems very pointless.) He's been using it in his classes, and he has even had some of his friends ask how he got one. He and I go for another training session in a couple of weeks to learn more of the software that's on it.

-I broke down and went to a chiropractor yesterday for an assessment. There are definately some issues in my neck and lower back, but the thing that concerned me most was that when he asked me to walk heel to toe in a straight line, my whole centre of balance is off and it looked like I was drunk. I have to go back Monday for the results of all the tests and exrays that he took.

-My friend, Deb, is getting married. (I'm sure I mentioned it in a post back in the spring.) They have set a date for May and she has asked me to be her Maid of Honour (I'm going to refuse saying Matron because it makes me feel old)

-it's going to be a busy weekend. Today we have to head into Agincourt. Cameron has a band rehersal in the afternoon and a concert in the evening. Maybe we'll kill time in between at Ikea. I love Ikea.

-Sunday is a DYB rehersal for Spencer so that means going back into Toronto in the evening.

-last night we went to Mother Tuckers to celebrate Spencer's birthday. I was very surprised that he didn't choose Mandarin.

-I'm back in the scrapping groove. In fact, I think I'm going to end this and go and scrap while no one is begging for the computer that sits on my table.

Here's another recent layout:

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!

I need to step it up!

My brother asked us to set a blogging goal several months ago and I said that by the end of the year I would be at 500 posts. Well, if I'm going to make that goal then I need to get busy! I will apologize in advance for the silly and senseless post I will be making ... oh wait, is that any different then I do now? Oh well. Business as usual I guess ... just more of it.

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?

Yes, another layout of Cameron hunting for critters. What can I say. It's the only time he's not making a face at the camera, LOL!

Thursday Thirteen

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.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

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