Mama never said there would be days like this...

Christmas 2011

2012-01-23T05:55:00.000-05:00

I didn't post much about our holidays in December, mostly because finding fabulous for less was keeping me on my toes. Getting home each night after a hectic day usually meant unwinding with the family and the mad dash to bedtime. Then came year end inventory. Oh how I loathe thee.

I digress,

Christmas was in fact great. I make it a point every year to be prepared, if not done and ready to enjoy the season before we hit December. Yes I am THAT person. I have to be THAT person with my job otherwise I will turn into some sort of female version of Ebenezer and we don't want that to happen do we? I hear so many people that work in my industry just so grumpy and fed up by the time we get to Christmas Eve that it is just plain sad. Not me my friends. I'm that chipper one in the corner belting out Christmas Carols that doesn't care if you can hear me or not. Chipper because my shopping is done, my home is decorated and I may have a few dozen cookies baked.

You can throw something at me now if you like....

But seriously, it is the most wonderful time of the year so why not be happy. I'm grumpy far to many other weeks of the year, I don't need to be for those four weeks. But I also don't have any time for anything else because I gave all my chipperness away in the 14 hours that I was awake. No scrapping, not allot of visiting. Just home and work...home and work. I'm okay with that too.

But now that it is all over I have slightly more time to do things I enjoy...like scrapping. Tina gave me some papers to work with waaaaaaaaaaaay back in October and guess what?? I scrapped!!!

The first one is some funny pictures that were captured on Christmas day. I love them all because we all looked like we were having fun.

Huge fan of scrapping the 3x4 right now. so easy to create a collage in Picasa and send to your developer. You can fit way more pictures on a single 12x12 layout.

Me and the bigs with Santa. My kids wont go near him alone. Also, I forgot to put a title on this one so I made the teeny tiny chipboard the title just above the picture. It says "Have you been good?" I thought it was appropriate enough...and easy.

And then lastly, one about Scout, our elf. The boys LOVE him, especially M. I have been so impressed that he hasn't tried to touch him for the last two Christmases.

I have one or two more Christmas themed pages that I want to do. As much as I love to scrap the everyday, I love to scrap the holidays. They are part of our memories that I want to remember. In the mean time though I'm reading this in my limited spare time:

So far so good. I got a little emotional within the first three pages of reading it, but that story is for another day. I'm looking forward to the moments that I can curl up with it.

Have a great day!

December Project 12

2012-01-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh all done this challenge for 2011!!!

I have to admit I feel a little relieved. I didn't think I was going to get them all done this year but I did and I'm happy.

Funny thing, I started out this year with a plan to stick with some basic products and a journalling plan and I veered away.

The only thing that stayed consistent was my FB updates. If I continue on with this challenge in 2012, I think I am going to continue with the updates as my journalling.

Since I like everyday scrapping I think it fits perfectly with monthly recap pages.

So here is the sketch:

Loved this one.

4x6 photos...check

All of them lined up in a row...check, check!

Pretty pink Jilli Bean papers from Tina's to work with...Check, check and check!

Here is what I came up with:

I wish that our skin tones were not all blown out but that's what happens with cheapo point and shoots.

Big news though...mama got a new camera.

A Nikon D3100.

I am still learning how to use it and I think I will be going for some lessons.

I know how to change the settings but I am not applying them correctly...AGH!

I honestly cant wait to really know how to use it though.

That's it for today...be back in a few days with another layout....Shocking!!!

We are hunkered down here enduring what is seems to be the Apocalypse of storms...Im sure I'll have other stuff to share!

November Project 12

2011-12-29T18:15:00.001-05:00

Well, well, well, here we are nearing the end of 2011, and I somehow managed to pull off the second last installment of Project 12 for the year.

Don't ask me how I accomplished this, because my scrappy mojo left me somewhere back in October.

Not Sure if it was the new fall routine that caught up with me, my disorganized scrap space, the 2 month bout with insomnia, or maybe dealing with some challenges in my home life but I haven't felt like scrapping at all.

Not one bit. I get home from work and it is all I can do to keep my eyes open enough to eat and give the kids baths.

There have been several nights that I have fallen asleep, clothes and all, in the boys room.

I digress....Project 12 November...The sketch:

I'm not going to lie to you, I balked and panicked when I saw this sketch. Not only was my mojo gone, but any one who knows my style, knows that I am a line `em up nice and neat, add a few embellishments type of girl.

I don't do random, I usually stick with 4x6 prints, and I took so few pictures in November, which on a side note is totally not like me either.

But I'm a good sport and committed to seeing this project through to the end, So this is what I came up with:

No word of a lie, it took me two weeks.....GACK! I replaced allot of the photos with patterned paper, and lined up my photos more like a grid. There are a whole slew of scrappbookers that do random picture placement so well. When I attempt it it looks weird, so I stuck with what I was comfortable with, and I think that's okay right?

I'm happy it is done, but looking back at the month and seeing so few pictures that I took of my kids saddened me a little. I had a few more of Michael, then of Jack and I don't like to have uneven amounts, another weird quirk of mine. I know my head wasn't screwed on straight, but hopefully I'm over that hump.

In the end I was happy to get this completed this morning. Work will settle down soon just after year end, and we will all be settling in to winter days spent indoors.

There is also an impending purchase so near in my future. I`m torn between the Nikon 3100 or the Canon rebel 2Ti. ( I welcome opinions) I have waited so long to buy my first DSLR that I can hardly contain my self and I think this mama might go a little mamma-parrazzi on her kids with her new toy.

So on that note I am going to see if the flyer's have arrived and peruse the Internet whilst the kids bathe.

Happy, Happy weekend to you all. If you are out ringing in the New Year this weekend, please be safe.

Nighty night.

Charity begins where you start it.

2011-12-09T20:47:00.001-05:00

Today, one of our local radio stations held a food drive to collect cans for our food bank.

The goal was 8099 cans.

I was one of many who dropped off some cans, one from each member of our household.

Nothing major, yet all day long I fretted over how little I had done.

I drive by that radio station everyday on my way to work, and on my way home today, if the truck was still there, I was going to buy some more non perishables and drop them off.

As I was driving by on my way home, I saw the food bank truck leaving the parking lot and happily assumed that the goal had been met.

A whopping 17533 cans were collected for needy families in my city.

Nothing short of amazing if you ask me.

A similar food drive took place at my grocery store last weekend.

My eldest and I dropped off some non perishables for the food drive, as well as some cookies for the volunteers, in lieu of him sitting in the drivers seat of a city bus.

He was elated, I was happy to have helped in some small way, shape or form.

I shared these stories with my team today and we talked about how we could help someone in need this holiday season.

Our holiday gathering has come and gone, and there are some funds in our holiday fund that could be put to good use.

A goat for a third world family? Sponsoring a local families holiday meal?

Both great ideas, but if I am being honest there is a slight motive to my giving.

I don't want my boys to grow up needing.

I am fortunate enough to have a job that pays for their needs as well as their wants.

But I really don't want to forget what it is like to need and want and know you can't have.

Because when you forget you take for granted, and I never want to be that person.

I always want to be the girl who cherished the second hand bike that her mother stayed up late nights repainting.

The girl who displays her homemade clothespin dolls somewhere safe every holiday season as a gentle reminder of Christmases past.

This season is never going to be about presents for me, nor do I want it to be that way for my children.

My boys will have lots under the tree, because I can and because I always will want to do that for them.

But more importantly, I want it to be about life, giving, presence, and love.

I want them to know that charity doesn't begin at home, but learning about it does.

I dont need my charity to be recognized, and I'm not looking for props.

But maybe if you find the time and can spare it, a donation to someone in need this season would mean the world to a Mom or Dad trying to make this holiday special for their family.

That is all

Have you ever seen such cuteness??

2011-11-23T18:05:00.001-05:00

Rachelle from Ashford Photography took some pictures of me and the boys a month ago.
To say that I love them is an understatement.
She was able to capture the essence of these two angels of mine.
Thank you Rachelle!

2011-11-21T20:07:00.001-05:00

I'm not Rosemary's Granddaughter.
In fact, I have no idea who Rosemary even is.
I do know who I am, and today I was smacked in the face with gratitude for being me.

I have written posts before about my upbringing, I don't need to go there again.
But I do want to go to a darker place, just in case I need a reminder on a less than stellar day.

I recently met someone who touched my soul in a way very few people do.
My very first impression of her wasn't great. It wasn't bad but I wasn't blown away or in awe or her like I am by some people I meet. Her hand shake was limp, and her voice was soft. To be honest, I often sum up person my their hand shake. Strike one for me.

For what ever reason; fate, karma, a lesson to be learned, this person was able to get past that first impression and on our third meeting confided something in me that wasn't necessarily ordinary, and sadly more prevalent than one would think, but I was surprised non the less. I remember thinking that it was odd that she would tell me a secret when she hardly knew me, but when I meet someone I'm comfortable with I have been known to share.

Today she showed up into my life again with her child in her arms and her eyes full of tears. Frustration that daycare wouldn't accept her son that day because he had a cold was the last thing she needed to worry about.

Imagine coming from a war torn country, living in a room no bigger than a storage room, living in fear every single day of your life. Imagine trying to raise a baby in that sort of chaos, a husband that was not there and wouldn't be there for 12 years, only to make his way back into your life to take advantage of you. Imagine not sending your son to school because you didn't have a decent lunch for him, living in a hotel that you didn't really know was trash but had no other place to stay because the house you just bought was being renovated and the contractor took you for a ride. Imagine the worst crap that you could possibly imagine and then thank your lucky stars that you are not living that life.

I gave this women a ride today to that crappy hotel, with her little son, because she was going to take a cab and I didn't want her to. Her Son needed to be in a car seat, not in a cab or waiting for a bus in subzero temperatures. A teeny, tiny gesture. One that was met with such gratitude that it made me thankful for all I have.

There are times in this life of mine where I am easily frustrated when things don't go as planned; kids not eating their fruits and veggies, not going to bed on time, daddy not helping me as much as I need or want him to, a perfectly furnished house, time to sleep, time to scrap, TIME.

I walked in my house today and was thankful to be there, thankful that my babies were mine and that they were loving little boys. Yes we have our issues but they are mine and I love them. I met Hubs at the door and told him I was thankful for this life. He knew something happened to spark my announcement and asked me about it. I was thankful for that and for the hugs that followed. I held J tonight while he fell asleep, just because I could, just to be able to smell his hair and stroke his soft little cheeks. Who the heck cares that Project Big Boy isn't progressing. He is healthy and happy and that is all that matters. I was thankful to just sit on the couch and watch a movie with M. He played a little longer, we cuddled a little longer, we giggled a little longer. Who cares that he didn't get to bed on time and wouldn't stay in bed. I was thankful for that extra bit of time.

I am absolutely certain that this woman is not looking for charity or pity. I think she just needed to unload some emotional baggage today and I happened to be put on the path that she was on. And while I am not overly religious, I do believe that our paths are scripted. Today I was meant to be there to help her in the tiniest way possibly.

I am far from perfect, but my life? I'll take it each and ever day.

Early morning blogging

2011-11-17T02:58:00.001-05:00

It has been weeks since i have had a decent night sleep.

It seems as though my body has this internal alarm clock that goes off after I have reached a four hour stretch of sleep.

Can't say that it is keeping me very sane...

So in an effort to tire my eyes and lull my brain back to sleep I give you some scrappyness of the very scary Halloween variety:

(Designed for Tina's Scrapbook Creations)

Our Halloween this year was interesting.

I was worried that it wasn't going to go well, as M was hesitant to wear his costume to school that day.

He was just being his normal 4 year old self.

The night of, he was still reluctant until I told him we were going to see our neighbours to get some candy.

Well. he was off and running after that.

It was the first year that he figured out and understood the whole ring the doorbell, say "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You" routine.

It was cool to see the look on his face.

My other sweet, sweet boy was also his normal 2 year old self just rearing to go.

He wanted to go into peoples houses, have a little visit, run through the streets, smash a pumpkin or two...

I took him home a little earlier than M just to save a little sanity.

The great thing about the age that they are at, is that we can do a spin around the block and we are done.

In one hour we were home and M was helping to hand out candy whilst J munched on a Smarty or ten.

I will admit that it was very difficult to get pictures of them this year...all of them were blurry.

I scrapped them anyways, doesn't bother me much as long as I have the story recorded of my little astronaut and my little Pablo's excellent Halloween adventure.

And on that note, I hear the pitter patter of little feet looking for me in the night.

Must go see what they want.

Nighty Night.

Remember....

2011-11-11T08:58:00.001-05:00

We have freedom because people gave their lives to give it to us.

Temper, temper

2011-11-08T08:19:00.002-05:00

Mornings in which I lose my temper are always the best.

Yes that is a lie.

I am always filled with a big cloud of guilt that lingers and ruins the majority of my day.

And for what?

Because someone didn't want to put his coat on,

which inevitably leads to us being late, him upset with me, me upset with him.

My inability to explain to him so he understands why he needs to wear a coat is frustrating.

His inability to understand why he needs to wear a coat?

Frustrating.

Putting stickers on the dishwasher was so much more fun than putting a coat on, I get it.

But trying to teach your children boundaries, limits, manners, morals, values and why it is important to eat fruits and vegetables...that is what is hard.

Especially when they are not quite ready to understand their actions, reactions and consequences.

And that my friends, is what is on my mind this sunny Tuesday morning.

October Project 12

2011-11-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Whaaaattttt??

To project 12 layouts completed in as many weeks???

Not to mention I used some product from Tina's Scrapbooking Creations for my DT assignment.

Killing two birds with one stone has been my mantra for the past 4 ~~years~~ weeks.

Where did I find the time?

No clue to be honest.

I rushed and because I did I am just mildly happy with my results.

But the funny little stories of my everyday life are told.

The picture of me and the boys....so my life.

One cooperating one not.

Here is Octobers sketch:

And my take on it:

I was pretty literal with the interpretation.

Anyways...Off to enjoy some more of this unreal weather we are having....14 degrees on November 7th....can you believe it.

Happy Fall!

Septemeber project 12

2011-11-05T17:10:00.000-04:00

REALLY late posting this one.

Life has been so hectic.

It seems that every week a different member of the family is sick.

I feel like my work schedule has been more demanding than usual.

No time to think, eat, play,

And this week doesn't look like it is going to get any better.

I'm taking an extra day off because I don't have child care on one of those days, yet making alternate arrangements for the kiddos off so I can go into work for a bit.

Anyhooooooooo I was able to fit 60 minutes of scrap time int my schedule today.

Go Me.

I worked on this sketch:

and what it took me 60 minutes to put together while sitting at the Thomas train table:

I think it is just OK. Not what I had in mind but it is done.

Plus there are some pretty funny FB status updates in my journalling.

That being said, I think I should be the poster child for this:

When in reality, it is more like this:

Happy Weekend my friends.

All before 10am

2011-10-18T10:19:00.001-04:00

Jack, get down from the table, we sit on chairs.

Jack, please don't tear up the books, they are for reading.

Jack, eggs belong in your mouth, not your hair.

Jack, Get OFF the table.

Jack! Don't slam your toys on the floor.

Jack...Don't dump the apricots on the floor...out of the cupboard now please.

Jaaaaaaack....Don't put that n your mouth.

OFF. THE. TABLE.

Jack. Oh Jack..what did you do? you are not supposed to pull apart your oven.

Jack, we don't use Vaseline to brush our teeth.

Jack..that is for sucking boogies out...Get it out of your mouth.

Jack...we don't stand on Tupperware.

Get off the table. PLEASE!!!!!!

(Don't let the unseasonably warm weather and Mr. Cute fool you. There is a definite storm moving in.)

This weekend...

2011-10-02T20:02:00.001-04:00

M got sick for the second weekend in a row since he started school.
I realized how far away I have gotten from my weightloss journey
Someone finally took out the AC in our bedroom.
I made apple stuffed crescent rolls.
I played and played with the boys.
I did not take one single picture, nor did I scrapbook one.
It took me 36 hours to get through one smallish magazine.`
I fell asleep on the couch, twice.
I let myself get irritated by other peoples opinions.
I gathered ideas and Pinspiration to decorate for the Halloween.
bought me some new D&G glasses.

That is my scintillating post for this evening.

Nighty Night

Not Strawberry

2011-10-01T20:30:00.000-04:00

For the past two years I have baked my mom a cake for her birthday from scratch.

I don't often attempt this but she is special so I thought she deserved a special cake.

This year she requested a strawberry shortcake and all I could think was

"That's a crummy choice for a birthday cake!!!"

Apparently I vetoed her choice and baked up a butter cake with raspberry butter cream icing.

It was gooooooooood!

But It wasn't Strawberry anything.

Apparently it is I that has a "thing" for raspberries because that is what she got two years in a row.

Next year I will deliver what she wants.

(Designed for Tina's Scrapbooking Creations)

Goodnight friends.

Cool For School!

2011-09-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

My little man is doing great at school.

He is responding well to the routines of the class room and loves his teachers.

He will randomly inform me Mrs. Bergeron is at home with her children.

I think one of most amusing things he does is ask his friends what they are doing throughout the day, after he has left school.

For example he just asked Conner what he was doing, and yesterday he informed Jacob that it was not play time it was home time.

I'm interested to meet these little guys on a field trip to the pumpkin patch next week!

And I'm excited to see him interact in a school setting.

I often watch from afar and I have a million things that go through my mind.

"Someone please grab his hand and guide him into the yard..."

"why is he not talking to the other children??"

" Is he happy?"

I'm sure most worry about their babes but I have to admit I am taking my time at letting go.

And of course taking the time to document the memories.

I did both of these this past weekend at my 12 hour crop for Tina.

I love, love, love that shinny Imaginsce paper and the cork Alpha's from CTMH.

I have to admit I have other BTS layouts brewing in my head.....all in due time.

Happy Thursday my friends, I'm off to get kiddos a snack!

HB 2U

2011-09-26T10:26:00.003-04:00

I mentioned earlier that I went to a 12 hour crop in support of children's cancers right?

Well, top of my priority list was to get this little guys 2nd birthday LO done.

(click to enlarge)

Pretty much everything is CTMH. I have a serious love on for the tags and cork alphas.

And the journalling was lifted for this post.

Super simple, super fast.

Have a great day!

August project 12

2011-09-25T17:57:00.000-04:00

Since I was so negligent in getting my July project 12 done on time, I figured I had better get this one posted in a jiffy since I had no reason to not get it done as I attended a 12 hour crop for children's cancer yesterday. (that was a very large run on sentence...)

That's right, twelve hours, no kids, eight completed layouts and a self imposed no talking rule.

Okay, I might be joking about the no talking...

I digress.....

August was allot of fun.

We went out on two big excursions, one to my aunts where the boys swam all day, and one to Sandbanks where you guessed it, the boys swam all day.

That much family time is good for the soul and now makes it harder to convince M that going to the mall is an adventure.

All right then, on to Project 12.

The sketch:

I was all over this sketch since it used 4x6 photos, but after going through my pictures, I had too many that I wanted to use.

Luckily for me, my local photo developer was having a sale on 6x8s (50 for 5 bucks!) I made some collages and had them printed out and trimmed them down. That's like 100 4x6s, or in my case more like 75 4 x6s and 50 2x3s for 5 buckaroos. SCORE!

My take:

(Click to enlarge)

Originally when I laid out my pictures I had 6 smaller 2x3 but I removed them as it looked a little crowded so my sister and I did not make the final cut. I do love these pictures of my Mom, My Boys, as well as my niece and nephews from our trip to the Sandbanks.

I also made use of my Hometown Summer paper pack one more time. That wavey paper....perfect! And as per usual, my facebook updates made up a good portion of my journalling. How else would I remember that I sliced off a good portion of my thumb in August. FYI it's still not healed and it really should have been stitched.

So that my friends was my August. I hope yours was as wonderful as ours.

Thanks for stopping by..I'll be back tomorrow with some more layouts to share from my 12 hour scrap marathon.

Staggered tears take two

2011-09-14T18:42:00.001-04:00

And just like that Tuesday came and M was spending his first full morning at school.

On our first meeting last week we had some homework to do...Decorate a hat

M decorated his with Stars and Thomas stickers that he picked out himself.

He was/is to wear this hat on his first two mornings of school.

We pumped it up so much that I didn't really worry about dropping him off.

I knew he wanted to be there.

He did great.

He stood on the yellow line and waited for "friends" to get off the bus.

He held hands with the girl in the leggings in the picture and his teacher while he waited.

That girl made my morning watching her with him.

He walked in turn towards the play area all the while holding her hand.

He watched in awe at all the children, school buses and parents.

At times I thought he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

But there was not a single tear from him. Not that I expected any from him.

I, on the other hand was a flowing river from the time he lined up until I got in the car to go home.

They were tears of joy and pride. Not tears of fear.

Okay maybe a little fear but seeing him take to the teacher assured me that his morning would be filled with fun.

I spent the morning with his brother, enjoying one on one time.

And when the time came, I went to get him at school.

I watch from a distance him play in the yard, interacting with the children, running and jumping.

I could tell he had a good morning.

When he saw me he smiled and said he had a great time.

We talked with the teacher for a few minutes as I had to fill out some forms and she said he had fun and played well with the other children.

She showed me his artwork, which I'm pretty excited to have him bring home.

He makes me proud that boy of mine.

And when it was time to leave he wanted to get on the bus, but we will be tackling that adventure next Tuesday.

Baby steps for this Momma.

If at first you don't succeed...

2011-09-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

I have a friend , whom I adore.

I don't see her often, in fact hardly at all.

We send messages through FB, follow each others pinboards, and send emails to stay connected.

But if we happen to be in the same city we try to see each other.

She has been my scrapbook cheerleader and inspiration for well over 5 years now.

She said some things to me when I was just starting out that have stuck with me all this time.

1. If you don't put yourself out there, you won't know what you can achieve. Rejection sucks but it happens.
2. Scrap what you love.

So I put myself out there recently and applied to the Bella Blvd Design team.

I decided to apply because it is one of the paper companies that I love. In fact I had been hoarding some of their paper for well over a year.

When the call when up I went to my stash and thought, "well I certainly don't have to buy anything to try out for this call."

And in staying true to me I put together 4 layouts that have been on my mind for some time. I look at them and they make me smile. I love the paper, I love the photo's but most importantly I love the stories. Here they are:

Life lessons...Things I've learned along the way...the hard way.

Tactor-tractor, J having fun on his uncles tractor during our Vacation. I love how he pronounces tractor.

Little brother, Thoughts on J being a little brother.

Pumpkin pulling determination, Mr Independent pulling at least 40 pounds of pumpkin.

There you have it folks, me putting myself out there. I didn't make the team but I'm okay with it. Maybe it had something to do with my blurry photo's HA!!!!

Thanks Lisa for your friendship and inspiration!!

Staggered tears

2011-09-07T21:39:00.000-04:00

My Biggest is off to Junior Kindergarten this year.

3 hours away from home each morning, to meet new friends and learn new skills.

Here in Ontario, JK has a staggered entry. On Tuesday we went to meet his teacher and his resource teacher, both lovely ladies.

And if i were not concentrating so hard at keeping my composure I'm sure I would have enjoyed the process for my little man more.

We have been playing up school all summer long. I have talked about it since I registered him for Kindergarten last February, where I cried amidst all the little ones saying their morning prayer and signing our National Anthem.

We have taken him to the playground at the school during the month of August to acclimate him to the environment, where I may or may not have had tears of joy and pride in my eyes when we peaked into the classroom and guessed at which class might be his.

I called the school last Monday to confess my Mommy fail for not attending the School bus safety training with him. I may have choked back some tears when I was expressing some of my concerns to the resource teacher, who kindly suggested that I bring him in 5 days earlier than scheduled just so he can check things out.

And upon meeting the teacher and resource teacher, there were some moments when I knew I had to stop talking just because the words were going to come out in a blubbery mess. Said teacher patted my arm and said I would be fine.

I will be fine and I know he will be fine.

It's just that he is my first to go off to school and as his mom, I reserve the right to worry and shed tears of joy and sadness.

I have my reasons, we all do.

So next Tuesday is a big day for him.

His first day in the class for the entire three hours, with a few little friends. I'm excited for him for that day.

And the following Tuesday will be his first week at school with the entire class.

The day after, he takes the bus for the first time.

Dear Lord, Please help me really enjoy those moments and help me get past the anxiety of the bus because I have worked so hard at getting him excited for this. And please forgive my selfish tears.

I know he will be great.

And if there are some bumps along the way? Par for the course..

He's going to make history that kid of mine. I just know it.

Nighty night.

Better late than never

2011-09-05T14:06:00.000-04:00

So July ripped through my life like a hurricane, as did the deadline in August to get my layout done for project 12.

If you can believe it for the first time in 18 months I didn't get it in on time.

I still really love this project, mostly because it is about life.

Those special random moments that happen as you are living.

I also love that it is a double page layout that I can almost always fit in pictures that otherwise may have not been scrapped.

I got my act together this weekend and whipped out my layout.

Here is a reminder of the sketch:

And my take on it:

I have to admit that July didn’t seem to be my best month on record for afew reasons. I was missing some familymembers and I was working ALLOT! I triedto do fun things with the boys but truthfully we just spent time in thebackyard. Mom was at Sam’s for a goodchunk of the month and I found myself exhausted trying to do everythingmyself. I hit a stop with my weight lossjourney and I tried daily to find the good in everything but I found this monthmore difficult to do so. I snapped outof it near the end and July seemed to brighten and lighten up. Here is what Facebook had to say:

July 1 at 12:41pm In light of the holiday, I am taking a breakfrom counting calories and making a yummy dinner and dessert. Not sure what yetbut I certainly have enough to choose from! Have a happy and safe holiday! ♥

July2 at 8:41pm watching Michael dance as Daddy jams. The boy has MOVES ♥

July 2 at 9:55pm Bruce is watching his favorite movie. GroundhogDay. He is denying that it is his favorite, but not convincingly. ♥

July 6 at 10:50pm At the risk of sounding dorky, I really missthe John Tesh radio show on my drive home. ♥

July 7 at 2:34pm The great thing about having boys is that theycan "go" anywhere. :) ♥

July 11 at 3:11am 3:30am and sleep is eluding me. No huge surprises there. ♥

July 11 at 7:21pm My eyes are burning. This Momma is off tobed with the kiddos tonight! ♥

July 13 at 7:36 Nothing like a major corporate visit to helpin ones weight loss journey! Small scale victory this morning! ♥

July 14 at 9:43pm All hell broke lose at bedtimetonight....odd. ♥

July 16 at 7:51am I gave my child a Popsicle for breakfast. Inmy defense it was homemade and only had berries yogurt and orange juice in it. ♥

July 17 at 7:46pm Two things that made me smiletoday...donating too big clothes and The Bigs playing in the pool in our livingroom sans water. LIG. ♥

July 18 at 2:45am Too many things keep me awake at night. ♥

July 18 at 6:44pm my back is just not what it used to be...I'mcreaking like an old lady over here! ♥

July 18 at 8:36pm Two things that made me smile today; Jackcalling "Mickhoool" to come downstairs and play and the boys huggingeach other at bedtime. ♥

July 19 at 6:18pm Thinking about you lots Kulapate. RIP. ♥

July 23 at 9:14pm Carey Hart...Hot. Corey, not so much. ♥

July 24 at 5:20am Happy Birthday to the best mom ever!! You are loved. ♥

July 26 at 7:57pmNew favorite thing that J says: "G'night Mummy." So sweet. ♥

July 26 at 8:00pm what if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God foryesterday? ♥

July 29 at 6:58am The great thing about being a parent is thatyou get to be puked on in the middle of the night...repeatedly. ♥

July 29 at 7:16pm Just cleaned my desk. And by cleaned Ireally mean hid things in storage containers in no particular order. I will bekicking myself when I go to find things. ♥

July 30 at 7:55pm Raise your glass if you are wrong in all theright ways. ♥

July 31 at 1:37pm Can we talk about my child that keepsthrowing up in the night? ♥

And that my friends was July.

In other breaking news, my baby starts JK tomorrow.

I verklempt when I was checking his bus schedule and nearly stopped breathing.

Okay that may be a slight exaggeration but still....

Happy Labor Day Friends.

Excuse my absense.

2011-08-31T23:54:00.000-04:00

I have been spending these last few weeks of summer with my boys.

Life is fleeting and I don't want to miss these moments.

Happy Last day of August!

Thank you for needing me

2011-08-10T23:35:00.000-04:00

Both of my boys were stung by a wasp this morning, presumably the same one.

There were some tense moments when they arrived home crying from a nice morning walk with Grandma with fears of allergic reactions since J has a few food allergies.

He seemed to be the trooper though, barely crying and carrying on in his own carefree way.

M on the other hand was making funny tongue movements, and his thumb swelled like it was a balloon.

I think what was more shocking to me than the fact that they got stung, was that M let me comfort him and hold him while he cried.

He even said " Mommy, kiss the bobo better."

I suppose you are wondering why this is surprising to me?

M doesn't let me comfort him when he gets hurt.

Ever.

Today was pretty much the first time in over two years that I felt I could do my job and try to heal a wound or wipe a tear.

The funny part was the whole time he was crying I was thinking , "wow, he is letting me help him; wow, he is letting me apply some ointment; wow, he wants me right now."

Thanks for needing me today honey. Your Mama needed to be needed.

Honey

2011-08-04T23:32:00.000-04:00

For the longest time J thought my name was Honey.

I would walk in the door from work and he would call out "HUUUUUNNNNEEEEEEY!"

It was and still is so stinkin' cute.

More and more as he is growing though, the special honey greeting is falling by the wayside.

It makes me a little sad because it made me feel special.

He has replaced it though with another special name.

Mommy.

Love that kid.

Nighty Night.

Go your own way

2011-08-04T07:27:00.001-04:00

I have been bookmarking images from the WWW to Pinterest for quiet some time now.

Mostly home decor ideas, scrap ideas, recipes and kid crafty stuff.

I had yet to use an image as a jumping off point for a scrap page untill yesterday.

When I saw this image along with this image I knew I wanted to use it on a page but I had to stew on it for a bit to figure out the story I wanted to tell.

Yesterday I figured it out and came up with this:

I have to admit, it is one of my new favorites. I love the map paper and I love the photo of M. It is soooo hard to get a picture of him looking at me so when I do I really cherish it. Especially in his Indiana Jones hat.

I also had allot of thoughts and feelings that I wanted to get down on paper about an upcoming appointment he has and of course his foray into the academics in September. I wanted to get on paper how much I love him now and always and where ever life takes him I will always be here for him.

I hid the journalling because I was feeling pretty emotional when I wrote it. I also tucked it into a little envelope in the corner for him to read one day.

Any great Pinterest inspiration to share? Link me up! I'd love to see what inspires you!

I'll be back tomorrow with another new favorite of my littlest!

Happy Thursday!

Inspired by:

2011-07-31T20:51:00.000-04:00

As a scrapper I am always looking for different inspirations, whether it be a personal style I admire or a technique that I am anxious to try out.

There are so many talented ladies out there who put pages together that make me run to my nearest LSS and purchase all the latest and greatest products as well as things I wouldn't normally purchase.

Case in point, this punch:

It is a punch anywhere punch. No more constraints as to where you can punch on the page.

And while I thought it was cool, I'm closing in on about 50 punches so I probably don't really need another punch when I have one that does *almost* the same thing right?

RIGHT?????

Enter Davinie Fiero.

Everything this lady touches turns to gold.

And after seeing this layout, and this layout, and heck even this layout I caved and bought both the square and circle punch. I have used them both so far and there is a learning curve for sure until you get the hang of it.

(please excuse the blurry old photos and my apparent lack of photography skills)

I did this one for Tina, using some more Bo Bunny. I have been hoarding these pictures for years. The journaling is about my deep love and appreciation for the ocean. Either one that brackets our beautiful country will do.

My layout doesn't look anywhere as cool as hers do, but it is nice to have amazing inspiration out there to get your creative juices flowing.

What is inspiring you to create these days? Link me up. I'd love to see what some of your favorites are.

Nighty Night

How about some baby...

2011-07-24T05:36:00.000-04:00

Layouts that is!

Tina gave me some Imaginisce papers to work with, and lets face it,

I have no shortage of baby pictures right?????

I'm hitting the ground running this morning.

We are launching a new payroll system at work and guess who needs to be there on day one?!

It is also my Mom's birthday today...Happy Birthday Mom!

In the haze that has been my life for the last 4 weeks I totally forgot to book it off...UGH.

We will be celebrating tomorrow with tacos and cake.

Enjoy your weekend!

June Project 12

2011-07-21T20:44:00.001-04:00

Well hello Blogger!

It has been sometime hasn't it?

Truth be told I have sat down many a time to write something only to erase it and log off.

I have thoughts brewing in my head but it seems for now the heat has muddled them up and they never come out the way I intend them to be.

Even scrapping my memories seem to have taken a back seat to everyday life.

June was busy for our family.

We took the boys on their very first road trip out east to see their Grammy and Aunty K.

They did fabulous on the 10+ hour drive.

Mind you, we stopped allot and stayed overnight in a hotel at the half way point.

But still, props to The Bigs!

Facebook made me giggle as I looked back on it, and I'd like to share but I somehow deleted the file...UGH!

Annnnnyway...Junes sketch:

And my take on it:

(click to enlarge)

Tina gave me these bright and fun Bo Bunny papers to work with so I switched the sketch up a bit to show the variety of the papers.You would now it unless you looked really close but I used seven of the patterned papers. Crazy.....

It's been a long hot, hazy and humid day here with record breaking temperatures so I am still not overly energetic to type. Please forgive me if I don't have anything interesting to share over the next while. I'll be reading just not contributing as much.

Night night.

Convo with the biggest

2011-06-29T20:47:00.000-04:00

Me: Honey, do you know what Mommy's name is?
M: Mommy's name is monkey.
Me: Nope, not Monkey. What is mommy's name?
M: Mommy's name is Jennifer!
Me: That's Right! What's Daddy's name?
M: Daddy's name is Jennifer!
Me: Note quite. What is Daddy's name?
M: Daddy's name is Monkey!
Me: No honey, Daddy's name isn't monkey. What is his name?
M: Daddy's name is The Man!!!
Me: How about Bruce...Do you think that is Daddy's name?
M: BRUCE!!!
Me: And what about Grandma, what is Grandma's name?
M: Grandma's name is The Best!!!
Me: *big smile*

March scrap madness

2011-06-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

I did a little scrapping this past weekend amidst the sickness that has taken over my home.

I have this scrappy quirk that I do a page each month about my boys.

It is not really a growth update or milestone page, just some photos and thoughts.

I caught up with March for M this weekend and did this one using a PageMap.

He looked so forlorn looking out the window at the snow we still had.

I did manage one of J but I didn't take a picture because it was a full on scraplift and I didn't file who it came from so I feel a little guilty posting...

That is all for tonight.

My 2 week vacation is over. From start to finish it felt like there was always an illness to deal with.

The last few days have been longer than usual, sticking close to home because M was sick, sick, sick.

It turns out he has an infected porcupine in his throat that need some meds to clear it up.

I'm hoping he sleeps peacefully tonight.

Nighty Night.

My Journey, The scrappy edition.

2011-06-26T06:41:00.000-04:00

Remember my rant?

I'm taking a cue from the wonderful Cathy Z and documenting my journey through this weight loss craziness.

A picture every month or so and some thoughts and stats jotted down for good measure.

Here is what I did from my original May 23rd picture and blog post:

Nothing like using up the pink papers in my stash to document yourself!

And in other news, it will be five weeks tomorrow since I started my weight loss journey.

I've lost 13 pounds!

4 inches from my waist, 1/2 inch from neck and hips.

I cant say that I have done anything really dramatic.

Okay that is a lie, I don't eat as much as I did before.

I'm not dieting per say but I am using My Fitness Pal to keep track of the amount of calories I eat each day and logging my exercises, which consists of a 30 minute fast paced walk as often as I can squeeze it in.

I did some "research" and figured out how many calories I would need to eat every day to maintain my weight, then deducted 500 per day.

Apparently for every 3500 calories extra you eat you gain a pound. Who knew?

I still don't eat chocolate bars or baked goods, homemade or otherwise but I do allow room for treats, mainly ice cream.

Way more fruit, way more veggies.

And allot of dinners from this magazine which FYI are fantastic!

I try not to let myself feel guilty if I slip over my daily calorie intake, which I have done on more than one occasion during my vacation.

I talk about calories ALL THE TIME. I'm sure my family is sick of hearing about it, but if I don't talk about it I won't stick with it.

And that is what I have done.

Soon I will replace my nightly walks with morning gym visits, and I am hoping that I will start to see some other changes in my body. ( mainly from the butt/ thigh region)

Wish me luck...AGAIN!

May Project 12

2011-06-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

Sweet sweet May, you are trucking along nicely towards the summer sunshine, but you may want to scale back on the amount of rain.

Please.

Lots of stuff going on in our home this past May.

My Biggest turned four, we had a federal election,My neighbourhood imposed a 3 month outdoor water ban, the world was apparently going to end, I passed a huge Loss Prevention Audit at work and I started a weight loss journey.

Whew, I'm pooped just typing that.

I am happy to report I once again completed my layout for Project 12 in a timely manner despite all of this activity!

I quite enjoyed this month and unexpectedly whipped it out in no time at all.

I'm chalking it up to the product.

Hometown Summer is by far my most favorite release from CHA winter.

I visited 4 stores to try and track down some of the embellishments and I'm glad I did! It made pulling this project together zippy!

I may just do the rest of my summer projects with this paper!

I do have to admit I let the Sassafrass labels go this month, but I stuck with my Facebook updates as the majority of my journalling. It made me chuckle. Here's what I was thinking last month:

May 1^st at 9:40pm; Not a big surprise, but after conducting some Google research there is no such thing as a male fascinator. Shocking, I know.
May 2^nd at 5:45pm; Vote!
May 2 at 10:30pm; Regardless of your political beliefs, you have to be in awe of a man that can convert a province. History was made tonight. I'm interested in seeing how this will play out not only tonight but moving forward.
May 2 at 10:30pm; Crazy the stats that elections Canada is reporting for the number of people who voted versus those who were registered.
May 2 at 10:55pm; What will become of The Block????
May 2 at 10:59pm; Majority Gvt. without the majority of Canadians support said leader of green party. Can't complain or have opinion if you didn’t vote peeps.
May 2 at 11:15pm; Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Michael. YAY for leaving three and moving on to four!
May 3 at 1:48pm; Waybulu??
May 11 at 6:41a pm; I wish, I wish, I wish...But I need to do, do, do and that is the hard part.
May 11 at 10:42 am; 10:42am and my brain is already fried.
May 12 at 10:44am; I feel like I have a ton of things to say, but I am too tired to even speak.
May 16 at 6:56pm; Hotel booked at the 1/2 way mark. Levis will never be the same!
May 18 at 11:09am; Does micro-carbonated mean smaller bubbles?
May 18 at 10:18pm; Our grass is so green it is almost fluorescent. I guess we can thank the rain for that.
May 19 at 7:03am; Noon tomorrow....D-day.
May 19 at 7:54pm; And if micro-carbonated means smaller bubbles, is a micro brewery small as well???
May 19 at 8:03pm; I have no will power...really.
May 20 at 10:20pm; You would think that after working 20hours in 2 days that I would be asleep by now.
May 20 10:20pm; See you on the flip side my dear friends. ☺ May 21 6:55am; Well the earth didn't end.
May 22 at 7:47pm; The great thing about white capris pants is that the chocolate ice cream from 4 year old hands shows up quite nicely on them.
May 22 at 8:58pm; An ice cream truck just rolled down my street....For realzies.
May 23 at 7:31pm; My journey starts tomorrow. Wish me luck.
May 24 at 9:14pm; Day one done. I was climbing walls most of the day. This is harder than quitting smoking.
May 26 at 7:11pm; Calories sneak themselves in the most unsuspecting places.
May 26 at 9:36pm; No words can properly describe how sad and tragic that accident was. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Hug your children a little tighter tonight.
May 28 at 2:06pm; Great Glebe Garage Sale, and A great lunch! Love Saturdays off!
May 28 at 9:23pm; Dear City of Ottawa, I understand that the riverside South outdoor water ban is imperative to prevent contamination of our drinking water. I would suggest however that you repair the fire hydrant that has been spewing moderate amounts of water for the last three days (that I have noticed) on Earl Armstrong. Sincerely, someone who would like to use water outdoors.
May 28 at 10:07pm; Stop the presses! I'm having a glass of wine!
May 29 at 3:13pm; There be some crazy drivers on the streets of Ottawa on this activity filled Sunday!
May 29 at 9:12pm; Dang Mosquitoes. Who knew they were attracted to the color black?! I now have eight bites, on my back that I accumulated on a one hour walk. And those frickers weren't so tiny!
May 31 at 8:54pm; My Baby turns two tomorrow. Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Jack!

So now that I have either bored or amused you with my updates let's check out the sketch:

There you have it my Friends, May all wrapped up.

I hope yours was a month to remember.
Peace!

Hot off the presses!!!

2011-06-22T19:59:00.001-04:00

Some time ago I blogged about a publication that had picked up five of my scrapbook layouts.

Some 14 months later it has hit the shelves of bookstores world wide!

The book is called The Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas .

I have been waiting patiently for my copy of the book to arrive in the mail, however Canada Post is in the midst of a strike and I won't be getting mail anytime soon.

I didn't want to peek at it until I had my copy in my hands but alas, last week while we were vacationing in New Brunswick I headed over to the bookstore and perused its pages.

Okay, really there was no perusing. I flipped to the back to see what pages I was on and looked at those pages only. I was a little giddy about it, showing M that he was in a book.

A few of the layouts that they picked up happen to be personal favorites such as this one:

(Photo taken by my lovely friend Lisa Kisch.)

This picture of M always takes my breath away. I can't wait to get this layout back.

The next two were total surprises to me. One is super simple and the other the picture quality wasn't that great.

And last but not least a double about me. I have to admit I love how it turned out. I don't often scrap about myself, but I had a list of my dreams, things that bothered me, and other random tidbits that I tucked around the photos. Again the pictures were taken by Lisa. Its hard to believe that I was 5 months pregnant with J in those pictures. Seems like a lifetime ago.

That's it for tonight folks! I have to admit my zest for blogging has deteriorated as of late due to nice weather and the fact that Blogger has been fussy with their picture uploading. I plan on jumping back on the bloggy blog train soon though! Thanks for the visit.

And just like that...

2011-06-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

He's two

I had to work on his big day but we spent the wee hours of the morning together, checking out the decorations, playing with his new kitchen, and of course taking pictures.

And we had the usual suspects over for a party.
J liked his cake, to an extent. I have discovered he likes the cake, not the icing.
The icing, he likes to paint and squish in his hands.

He was given so many wonderful gifts from all who love him.
His big brother was even exceptional with his patience level for his little birthday brother. He kept yelling It's J's Number Two birthday!".

My sweet number two baby on his number two birthday. May it bring you much happiness and wonderment!

Love you!

Two

2011-05-31T20:51:00.000-04:00

My sweet baby turns two tomorrow.

How the hell did that happen?

TWO?

REALLY?

*sigh*

It is such a sweet age, filled with curiosity, laughter, giggles, and of course temper tantrums.

As it turn out, J's tantrums are laughable.

A hug, kiss and a tickle from Mama make him forget what he was upset about in the first place.
I may bite my tongue but, I don't think I will experience the same intensity of tantrums with him.
I am breathing a premature sigh of relief.

This little guy of mine gives the best hugs ever.

I'm not lying.

The first time he gave one to his Uncle, you could see the look of shock then adoration come over his face.

He was taken back by the strength of those two little arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

Here at the DH household we are a little more used to it but I don't think I will ever get over those hugs.

This little guy of mine is sensitive.

If his brother yells, he cries and gets upset.

If I raise my voice, he gets upset.

If he hears a loud noise, he gets upset.

This little guy is a mess.
A tornado in the path of everything.
He cant eat without making a mess.

He can rarely go a day without wearing two outfits.
His hands are always dirty.
Our playroom will be clean on minute, and not so much the next.

My sweet, sweet beautiful mess.

This little guy of mine is fearless.
No shelf or chair,
no table, toy or tub
no desk or bed has been left unclimbed.
And when he reaches the top of something he does a little victory dance.
I often come out of the shower to see him perched on top our bathroom counter chewing on a tooth brush

Fearless.

This little guy of mine is a clown.
He makes the funniest faces, closes his eyes and thinks you cant see him
Does a really weird squat walk,
Adds the same word into a sentence 14000 times,
and provides endless humour when he is singing.
He is a funny little clown.

This little guy is loved.
I can not even put into word how much love he has brought to my life.
How lucky I feel to be the recipient of his hugs and kisses, open mouth and all.
I know I wont worry about him through life as much, his confidence will take him places.
I often feel so much guilt because I don't worry as much but it doesn't mean I love him any less.

I love him with all I have, all I am, all I do.

Happy birthday sweet, sweet boy.
May two be filled with much happiness and wonderment.

x/o

PS I would have added pictures but what de heck is up with blogger???

Oh to be a Beach Bum again...

2011-05-25T21:23:00.001-04:00

I'm not to sure if you saw my post down below about becoming a better me, but I mentioned several things that I was struggling with in reference to my body image right now.

This feeling has been lingering for some time but I think a project that I had to do for Tina really pushed me to make some changes in my life.

She gave me this beachy piece of paper to work with from Paper House Productions:

I'm not going to lie to you, I was extremely intimidated by creating something that stayed true to my style with this piece of paper.

I dug through some old photos from over 15 years ago looking for pictures of me in St. Maarten. I went there after completing my first year of University as a reward for doing well.

I don't often daydream about the beach, but lately I could trade in my life leading my team and bringing you fabulous for less, and hang with the kiddos all day in a tropical paradise.

Anyhow, I came across two of me on the beach, one clothed and one not so much and had a good stare at myself. Two things came to mind.

I had the best tan that I had ever had in my life
At the time I thought I was on the pudgy side.

So silly, really when I think about it because I was no bigger than a size 8, yet I didn't like myself then.

Why do we do that to ourselves? It is totally and ridiculously crazy.

I used those two pictures to make a page using that paper:

(You can click to enlarge at your own risk)

As you can see I cut the paper in half and used the beach portion of it to go with my photos. You can't tell in the picture but all the tan areas are actually sand paper to mimic the sand.

I have this Layout above my desk where I think it will stay for a while to remind me to be kinder and gentler to myself and as inspiration of a look that I may like to achieve.

Happy Wednesday Peeps.

April Project 12

2011-05-24T20:59:00.016-04:00

I really could have let this project slip away from me this month. Time always ticks by so quickly this time of year. It is so unfair! I got my act together, and printed off some pictures to complete my monthly layout. As I have with previous months, I used my status updates as the journalling. I giggled as I copied and pasted them, happy to relive these little memories:

o Hagen Daz I love you! April 1 at 8:19pm

o "Charlie Sheen's "Torpedo" bombs in Detroit"....Did he really think it would go well????

o And to all a good night!

o Love it when the neighbors take over our backyard...

o Sometimes I resent spell check. Maybe I wanted my letters in small caps. :)

o Day off tomorrow....then off to T.O.

o And so it begins, the season of the lawn. Not to brag or anything but ours is already greener. :) :) :)

o There is some serious procrastination happening in my house right now....

o Jack is sitting on his knees watching I.T.N.G. I'm thinking as I watch him he is one of the cutest kids ever. ·

o Packed and ready to roll in the morn. Is it bad that I am more excited to sleep and see a friend then go to meetings???

o Hotel lobby....waiting for the day to begin!!!

o Mommy, I have to Pee. Mommy you come pee with me? Good to be home. :)

o I have a three foot shadow today.....

o I love a rainy night.

o I have one child in lap and one child on back. I think they like me. :)

o Some one is sporting a new hairdo. He looks pretty darn handsome.

o As predicted the colds have been passed on to me. Sniff.

o Easter baskets filled, Eggs hidden throughout. Heck there was even a bunny in our back yard. Can't wait for the morning.

o First time ever that The Bigs ate some of their Easter chocolate before noon. I must be chillin' out in my old age.

o Reminder to self: Handle life's frustrations with benevolence and grace .

o Shingles flinging off the roof....

o Proud new owners of a new coffee table of the Thomas the Train variety. Lucky boys around these parts lately whose Grandma loves them allot.

o Could the little boys in the choir be any cuter???

o Waiting for the kiss so I can peal myself away from the TV and deal with the roof.

o Michael: Mommy do you want to go pee with me?? Me: You go by yourself; I'm waiting for the big kiss. Michael...reaches up and gives me a kiss....

o I'm not sure who I am more irritated at now, my insurance agent or my Home builder.

o Jack just fell asleep in my arms for the first time in well over a year...proof he is still my baby. ♥

o Michael put curlers in my hair tonight, with intervals of him patting my chest. Kept him busy for about 30 minutes. I love that strange kid of mine.

o I wonder if I should wear a fascinator to work tomorrow.

All right so now that I have bored you to tears with my updates, and maybe had you chuckling trying to envision me wearing a facsinator to work, I'll get down to business. The sketch:

And my take on it:

(Click to enlarge)

I have to tell you I worked on it in the wee hours of the morning after I wrote yesterdays blog post. I was a little weepy and needed some cheering up. My boys have that affect on me most days.

Off to bed early-ish tonight. I went for a big walk today and ate better. I feel good but I am wiped out!

Nighty Night.

Disclaimer: I tried but I was to tired to fix the formatting tonight...but holy cow what a mess!

A better me

2011-05-23T19:24:00.002-04:00

I have been in a slump for a couple of weeks.

Nothing seems to pull me completely out.

The problem is me.

I don't like me very much right now.

Somehow over the past 5 years I lost myself.

I don't really miss her, that 32 year old self, but rather how she looked.

Funny thing about that 32 year old me, she didn't like herself either and wanted to be the 23 year old her.

I don't want back my youth, I just want back my body.

My tummy that I was once proud to show.

My arms that I would think nothing of baring.

My legs that used to be slim.

Now I look in the mirror and I don't see much of anything I like.

I'm getting wrinkles and still battling acne.

My eyebrows are in need of a good wax, instead of a pluck or two.

My hair could use some highlights.

And my body needs a whole new overhaul.

I have been feeling like this for almost a year.

I let myself go when I was pregnant with J because I bounced back pretty quick with M.

I wasn't perfect, but I could still shop most places.

Now I feel trapped with my choices.

I feel like I'm teetering on the edge of stores that I have no interest in shopping in, but panicking when I need something new to wear.

Last summers clothes are getting tight....How the hell did that happen?

Food, no will power, no restraint.

At 194, I feel like a blob and I have no idea how to start, how to say no, how to change.

I read this blog daily and she brought up an interesting point.

Why is it that when our kids come to us upset, hurt,or frustrated that we help them figure out what the problem is and not stick a bowl of ice cream in front of them.

Why cant I apply that concept to my life, 'cause I'll have you know that when mama has a bad day she heads straight to the bakery isle.

I know part of it is that I'm tired.

I have slept entirely through the night without waking ONCE in four years. I am not lying either.

And it is a catch 22, I need energy to exercise but I know exercising will give me energy.

I don't want to go East in a few weeks and know that people are saying to each other, "wow, she'd put on weight!"

I don't want to stand beside the skinny girl anymore and think that I could never look like that, because I know somewhere in me I have the power to change.

But the truth is I'm afraid to try because I'm afraid to fail.

And that has to be the most pathetic thing I have ever felt.

So tomorrow I start on my journey, one that will be harder for me than quitting smoking.

I have no idea where it is going to take me.

I have no idea what I am going to do.

I have no idea if I will succeed.

I know I have to say goodbye to some foods because I do not know the meaning of moderation, but I'm not sure that deprivation is a healthy attitude either.

I know I don't want to have to wrap a towel around me tightly when I get out the shower so my husband wont catch a glimpse of naked me.

I know I have to exercise.

I know I need help.

So tonight I am saying goodbye to this version of me:

And hello to a better me.

When I get there, I think I will reward myself with this.

And if you have any tips, tricks, recipes, inspiration or anything you think might help me in my journey, link me up. I'd love some more motivation!

Im here...barely

2011-05-17T02:05:00.000-04:00

Lots on my mind,

Pretending to take a break but really just have nothing to say.

M's Birthday was fun.

He is getting more and more interested in parties and they still make a huge impression on him.

He knew right away that there would be presents.

He knew there would be a special cake:

I knew he would love it:

Getting ready for J to turn 2.

Another special cake for him.

And then off to Freddy beach for our first family vacation.

We are planning to stay in Quebec city over night to ease the kids into a long drive in the car.

It usually takes B and I 10 hours to get there.

We are planning the better portion of two days.

Should be fun!!!

Goodbye 3

2011-04-28T19:30:00.001-04:00

Someone in turning 4 in a few days.

Four...

Frig.

Four years ago I was in the hospital on bed rest, anxiously awaiting this child that would forever change my life.

We were walking along a road near our house one night when I snapped this picture of you. I watched you and your brother run, play and explore all the while, strong winds were whipping through your hair. It became acutely obvious to me that you were leaving the toddler years behind and moving into the preschool years. My heart filled with so much pride and love. Looking at this picture makes me reminisce on the year you have had…

Three was not an easy year for you. It wasn’t so much that it was terrible; it just wasn’t what I was expecting. You are not a child that I can spring things on and a lot of the times you would like for things to happen on your terms. Sometimes I accommodated this when it pertained to small things like getting dressed, but a lot of times parenting is not a negotiation and it was really hard trying to teach you this.

We really worked a lot on kindness. You are such a sweet and loving little boy but you really like your play time not to be interrupted by Jack. He loves you so much and I know you do too. I can see it when you decided at a certain point in your day that it is time to run and play with him. But playing with him has to be on your terms. You do not like it when he tries to play with your toys or investigate what you are doing. You like to play alone a lot.

You learned to share a room with your brother this year, then quickly decided that that was not for you and come looking for Mommy and Daddy in the middle of the night. Gone are the days when you would go to sleep on your own, in your own bed and stay there all night. You have taken up camp in our room. You fall asleep there, we move you into your own room and then you find your way back into our bed sometime in the night.

You found a new love in Thomas. We have collected movies and trains for you to play with. You sing along to the songs and sometimes do a little dance. Your love of the Wonderpets has diminished but you still like them every once in a while. You started to watch full length movies but far and few between are the ones that we watch right to the end. You stop and go back to the beginning to memorize the lines. Your fav’s are Charlotte’s web, The Bee Movie, and The Lion King.

You liked to play with Playdo a lot this year. And I do mean a lot. I liked that you were being creative so I was continuously getting new tubs as the old ones dried out. You tried your hand at painting as well but your attention span is short and you only really enjoyed it for a few minutes. Balls and blocks still seem to be among your favorite toys. You like to build towers over and over again. Repetitiveness is just a part of who you are. You could sit at the table and fill a jar full of buttons over and over again for over an hour.

You speak and refer to your self in the third person still. It’s funny to hear you say “Michael has to get things going!” I’m not really sure what you want to get going but it makes me mile. You have funny little accents that you try out regularly. Grandma says it sounds like you have marbles in your mouth. I especially love the British accent. Your vocabulary is coming along. It isn’t perfect and some days I worry how you will communicate at school. You follow direction well and like to help out Mommy with all kinds of things, but you just don’t have that two way conversation that I would liked to have with you. I know that you will get there when it is your time.

I tried hard to teach you about God this year. We went to church a lot and learned goodnight prayers and to be thankful for what we had. One of the most special moments I had with you was one night when you started saying your prayers from memory one night with out prompting. I especially liked when you said you were thankful for your police hummer.

We experienced some wicked temper tantrums this year. And I do mean wicked. Nothing seemed to work to calm you down. I tried everything. Some days I felt like the worst mother in the world. There was one night that I gave up and cried at night at the top of the stairs only to have you come out of our bedroom and crawl into my lap and hug me. You certainly have the Jekyll and Hyde thing down pat.

You became really attached to me this year. A lot of the times I couldn’t leave the room without you calling out to me. You became a very cuddly little boy, often crawling up into my lap in the morning just for a snuggle. You even started to ask for hugs and kisses. It always makes my heart full.

This job of mine to teach you to be a good person is so hard and some days I am so afraid I have messed up. Other days I see your smiling face and your funny little conversations and I know you will be just fine. When you leap into my arms, there is a trust in your eyes that reassures me that I am doing an okay job at this parent thing. I am excited to see what four has in store for you, excited to see you start school and make friends. I pray that it will be a kinder, gentler year for you and for me, and that your fourth year is filled with much fun. Where ever the wind blows you this year Michael, remember that I will always, always love you.

Night Night.

Close enough

2011-04-27T20:14:00.002-04:00

Before I had my two boys I had these three.

They are not mine but I have shared special moments with all of them.

Before mine, they were what I scraped.

I feel like I have stories about them that still need to be shared , but for today I will share this:

(created for Tina's Scrapbooking Creations)

If I was not blessed enough to have two of my own, I knew with them I was close enough.

Happy hump day!

A chocolate morning.

2011-04-24T21:46:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful family day here at my house today.

It started early at 6:30 AM with an egg hunt.

M was totally into it this year.

He kept exclaiming " I found another one Mommy!"

He quickly learned how to unwrap his little foil eggs.

I let him.

And J would find a plastic egg, crack it open and stare at the colored foil egg inside in awe.

Then he would shove it in his mouth foil and all.

I let him.

I don't usually let them eat chocolate before breakfast...Heck I usually save chocolate for a treat.

After they found their eggs they discovered their baskets placed at the table.

Their baskets were filled with some new trains and a book each with another little egg treat.

One of the boys wasn't much interested in his basket...

Can't say I blame him.

Its not often they get to eat chocolate at 7:00am.

The rest of the day was filled with playtime, fueled from said chocolate.

My sister came over with the fam and there was another hunt.

The boys found treats hidden in their room and abandoned the rest of the crew to eat their new found treasures.

Needless to say it was 9:00pm before both fell asleep.

A wonderful day with wonderful company.

And at the end of it all, the chocolate was moved into the ~~garage~~ Man Den for someone else to consume.

I hope your Easter was as blessed as ours.

nighty night.

March Project 12

2011-04-18T10:18:00.002-04:00

Egad March blew chunks!

Honestly I had the March blues, cabin fever or the grumpiest of grumpies 90% of the time.

March came in like a lion, stuck around like a lion and then slowly crept out like a Lion. I really did not feel like myself this month for one reason or another, I didn’t feel like the best Mom and I certainly was not enjoying work this month. My skin was acting up; my body seemed to be failing me at every turn, or at least my resolve to do something about it. I gave up on going to Church with two toddlers. Everything seemed like an epic fail, and Facebook updates didn’t sound that upbeat either:

☻March 2 at 8:35am: Dear Jack...I am only asking for 10 minutes, Please stop climbing my back.

☻ March 2 at 10:15pm: Ottawa friends...A referral for a dermatologist to fight this redonkulous onslaught of adult acne.

☻ March 3 at 8:35pm: Michael’s new habit: Clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth , whilst humming race car sounds. Perfect.

☻ March 5 at 7:49pm: 3 nights in a row I have had the privilege of having front row seat & backstage passes to the live performance of Michael’s "I'm almost 4" temper tantrums. Sets included, "I don't want to take a bath", "I don't want to go to bed", I need a new band-aid", I don't want to brush my teeth", and my personal favorite, "MOMMY, MOMMY...COME BACK HERE MOMMY!!" I'd like to give away my tickets to tomorrow nights performance.

☻ March 6 at 8:55pm: Pinning...slightly addictive.

☻ March 7 at 7:52pm: Tell me please that the almost 4 year old crazy tantrums are going to go away.

☻ March 11 at 10:21pm: Praying for the people of Japan. Thinking about you Lisa. Stay safe!!!

☻ March 17 at 6:39pm: Me= grumpiest person ever.

☻ March 19 at 7:22pm: Learning shapes with Michael.....Quatrefoil is a tricky one.

☻ March 19 at 8:07pm: Creative juices are flowing.

☻ March 20 at 8:30pm: Banana Split.

☻ March 23 at 7:58pm: Michael: Michael is going to school in September!!!

☻ March 23 at 9:33pm: mumble mumble mumble....Me: who are you talking to over there? Bruce: Ted Nugent...he's going to get his ass whooped. Me:*crickets*

☻March 25 at 10:15pm Longest. Day. Ever.

☻ March 27 at 7:12pm Love it when my patience fails.

☻ March 29 at 9:22pm Retail therapy at my favorite store.

☻ March 30 at 11:33am It is WAY too nice to go to work today. I will go, but it will be grudgingly.

March did leave. My grumpies left with it. I’m sure the world rejoices when I am in a better mood. I’m positive April will bring more smiles then showers and flowers. ☻

So here it is...My Month documented with pictures to prove it existed:

(click to enlarge)

I'm happy to report that two weeks in I am in a much better mood. The snow is gone, with the exception of the freak show blizzard that happened after dinner last night.

Looking forward to the months ahead.

I have it on good authority that there will be some parties around these parts of the Thomas variety in two weeks.

Happy April to you!

x/o

J

Together, feeding the birds...The scrap version

2011-04-10T20:48:00.000-04:00

It's not often that we all get together lately.

With Family priorities, full time jobs, shift work, rare weekends off, its hard to get together.

It's also a bonus to get pictures taken together.

You know what I do with those pictures right???

(click to enlarge)

Tina gave me these papers from my little shoebox to work with.

So cute.

I laughed when she gave them to me because they were a little outside my comfort zone and that is exactly what she said.

I think it is because I am so used to using brown, aqua, yellow, red and orange for my pages.

Notice I snuck the brown and aqua in anyways.

Old habits die hard...

And that concludes my drive by blog post for the evening.

As always, thanks for the visit!

Nighty night!

HAWAY!!!

2011-04-03T08:48:00.000-04:00

Say what?

That is how my little J says Hooray.

We were driving in the car last month and "if you're happy and you know it" came on.

The song ended and a little voice from the back seat said "haway!"

So frickin' cute.

Tina gave me some Jillibean goodness to create with soooooooo you KNOW what I did....

Off to enjoy this sunny day with the boys,

Happy Sunday!

Back when I thought Jesse James was cool....

2011-03-24T22:43:00.000-04:00

I used to love watching Monster Garage with hubs.

This was also B.C. during the "don't get out of your PJ's and watch Nascar all day Sundays."

ahhh good times...good times.

Believe it or not dear old Jesse was my latest inspiration.

What you say?

How could that possibly be???

Behold my friends, My latest creation for Tina's Scrapbooking Creations.

Hee Hee.

My boys love to get into that Garage of ours.

And I'm not sure if you remember, but it has become the "Man Den" of our neighbourhood.

Shag carpet and all.

*shudder*

But my boys are busy making memories in that garage so I try not to think about the grime.

One day it will be a funny memory.

Mostly because I took these pictures and wrote down the deets.

I'm good that way. ;)

Nighty Night.

February Project 12

2011-03-15T22:48:00.000-04:00

MY OH MY, February was fun!

There is partial sarcasm in my written tone there.

I was on Vacation for half of the month because Gramma was away whooping it up in Vegas.

I had a couple of challenging days with the boys during that time but interestingly enough some of my favorite pictures from February came from those days.

It just goes to show that you always have to keep your eyes peeled for those moments, otherwise you just might miss them.

Soooooo, me and my Project 12.

Have I mentioned that I love this project?

Have I told you that my Sister is on board this time????

Have I told you that I used the same products this month as I did last month??

Nope...Haven't told you that yet because you haven't seen what I did yet....silly me.

The sketch:

I had a really hard time with this one.

I don't normally do well with photos that are randomly placed. I'm usually a line em' up kinda gal.

But not one to back down, I pushed my creative self..HA!

It started out looking like the sketch when I started placing my patterned paper...until I added the pictures and embelies and my journalling.

Then it morphed into something else...

(Click to enlarge)

I used my sassafrass monthly labels for the title again.

I also used the same paper pack as last month. One of my all time favorites from Basic Grey.

You can't see my journalling for two reasons.

1. It was way too long for the space.

2. I really wanted to use these envelopes. My new favorite product. It is tucked away in there.

I just love the picture of my babies walking side by side....gives me the warm and fuzzies.

So there you have it. In the end I enjoyed the process and that is always going to be what counts.

Nighty Night!

It was supposed to be muddy.

2011-03-13T22:54:00.000-04:00

We went for a walk today through one of the many parks in the greenbelt today.

We were going to feed the birds.

I had it on good authority from my tour guide that the chickadees would eat out of your hand.

It had been raining for days around these parts, after a huge dump of snow.

We were prepared for mud.

There was no mud.

But there were chickadees that ate out of your hand.

Clearly, I had mistaken the chickadee for a Pterodactyl.

And I was not the only one that was a little freaked out.

Ahhh the boy is all mine.

Soo many funny pictures from today.

I feel some scrappiness coming one. ;)

Nighty Night!

Please excuse me...

2011-03-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

While I unplug.

Nothing noteworthy to report.

Dealing with tantrums and it is sucking the life out of me.

Family Day '11

2011-02-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

I swear to you it is by far one of my favorite statutory holiday.

No presents, no getting ready for church, no stress.

Just chilling out with my favorite people.

So what did I do today?

Clearly I mistook Facebook for twitter as I was constantly updating my status to the latest happenings in and around ma maison.

Case and point:

11:00am-ish: Baked some bread, made some muffins, roast for dinner. Feeling pretty domestic today.

12:00pm-ish: Nicest email in my inbox today. Thanks Jill.

1:00pm-ish: I love that Canada Post is working today! I love getting fun snail mail!

2:00 pm-ish:Black and Yellow!! HELLO!!!

4:00pm-ish: Another pea extracted from the depths of someones nasal canal. Seriously? It has been at least 4 days since we have had peas.

5:00pm-ish: "M, take the Eiffel Tower out of your mouth please." Never thought I'd say that.

7:00pm-ish: Today may go down as the day that I updated my status the most. I swear I was hanging out with the kids all day though, being a proper mama.

Yep, that was my day. Paid to boot, with minimal refereeing.

And I didn't even shower OR get dressed.

Neither did The Bigs.

Love my Family.

Nighty Night.

Little love bugs.

2011-02-13T21:05:00.000-05:00

Just finished my little treats for my little sweets.

Mama won't be home in the morning to give them their treats so I put them at their designated places at the table.

Aren't those love bugs just the cutest.

Just small enough to put a tiny hot wheels car and a little treat.

Plus these jars filled with kisses from Me!!

The lighting is terrible but I don't think anyone is going to care about that in the morning. They will be too busy begging grandma for candy!

Happy Valentines Day.

May it be filled with lots of love.

January Project 12

2011-02-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

I'm at it again for 2011 with some changes to my process.

If you haven't heard about Project 12 head over here to read about it.

You don't need to do the sketch, you don't even need to take pictures should you not feel like it.

You just need to document your life in any which way you chose.

I have decided to try and make it easier on myself this year.

I bought these and these when Bruce and I were in New Brunswick in December with this project in mind. I'm going to use them for my title on every layout. No need to think about whether or not I have enough letters.

I am also going to include my more memorable facebook status updates in my journaling. Not exclusively, but the stuff that I think may be important to document for future reference. It takes the pressure of remembering what happened all month when you are a busy working Mom.

So that is my approach to Project 12 this year. I was pretty excited to work on January's yesterday.

Here is the sketch:

And my take on it:

(Click to enlarge)

I truly love the end result this month, mostly because look at those babies of mine. (toddlers I know but still my babies.)

I wasn't paying attention to the sketch before I printed my pictures so I made do with 4x6 prints and just trimmed the middle ones a wee little bit, and of course I kept the craft cardstock and used my new favorite border punch. I find it simple but I'm cool with that!

That's all for tonight Peeps. Off to bed early as my 18 day vacation officially ends at 8:00am tomorrow morning. What was I thinking scheduling myself this Sunday?

Nighty Night!

Dear Sam,

2011-02-07T21:09:00.001-05:00

I was trying to find a way with words to tell you how important you are to me, but I'm terd. Plus I think I may have told you how I felt when you corrupted me at Milestones last week.

Love ya sista sledge!

Before four

2011-02-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

B and I have never really been a couple who travels or dines out often.

Our idea pre kids of eating out, was take-out.

We stayed in our PJ's on Sundays and watched NASCAR.

I had regular haircuts, wore make-up and read often.

B played video games and golfed.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss those days.

Before four we were good.

Now we are great.

I wouldn't change our chaotic life for anything.

(Click to enlarge)

Another layout for Tina, using some more cupcake love.

To say I love this paper would be an understatement.

I love hearts...love them.

I try to incorporate them into most of my layouts.

And an excuse to use pink always makes me happy.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

An ode to yesterday...

2011-02-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

Okay so maybe not an ode, but a reminder to myself that I have 2 very good reasons to slow down and maybe look at things more from their perspective.

Originally this page was going to be called "The contents of my heart" to go with all the heart themed products that Tina gave me to work with but after yesterday I needed to write down how I was feeling and the page morphed into something else. Plus I am totally not opposed to using pink on my pages with my two little guys.

Off to hang out with my biggest while the littlest naps.

Happy Saturday Peeps!

It was one of those days...

2011-02-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

One hour into our day it started.

The hitting, biting, the throwing of toys.

The pushing, the shoving, the screaming.

It was not a day I wanted to be a part of.

It was not one of my finer moments in parenting.

M was in his room twice today.

After the second time I vowed to give all of us some space.

So I did what I don't normally do and let him play on a different floor than J and myself for a good portion of the afternoon.

It was slightly peaceful, but M was still tired, and cranky, possessive and unkind, that it still made the afternoon difficult.

I tried for 4 hours to get him outside for a walk, but he was having none of it, Until 1 hour before dinner.

Of course.

So out we went for a walk around the block.

The sun was just setting and both of them looked so stinkin' cute waddling in their heavy snowsuits.

The air did all of us some good.

Until bedtime...

Then it all went to the pooper again.

M is going through some sort of Idontwanttogotobedrightnow phase.

Paired with MommyMommyMommyyoumustliebesidemewhileItrytosleep phase.

Every. Night.

I'm tired of the drama at bedtime.

The scolding at bedtime.

The raised voice at bedtime.

The complete frustration at bedtime.

Tired.

As I lay there with him watching him fall asleep tonight I wondered about a few dozen things.

Is he scared?

Does he know I love him to the moon and back?

Is he trying to one up me?

Is this a power/control issue?

What the beep am I doing wrong?

Giving in?

Loving him to much?

Not enough?

Not spending enough time with him?

Spending too much time with him?

I was a Mother I didn't want to be today.

The mother that scolded to much, raised her voice to much.

I made a conscious decision to let technology go today with a few minor updates here and there.

I didn't craft,

I didn't shower,

I didn't do dishes.

I didn't make dinner, and opted for leftovers paired with nuggets and fries.

I tried to be present.

I just don't think I did a very good job of it today.

Groovey kind of love

2011-02-02T10:40:00.000-05:00

You and I have allot of fun together.

Laughing at the most inappropriate times together.

You acting goofy, me acting goofy.

We totally get each others insane sense of humor,

And I love that about us.

(click to enlarge)

A page for Tina using the new LYB cupcake love , American Crafts Dear Lizzy and the WRMK Sew Easy.

Hunkering down amidst the snow storm that seems to have 1/2 the continent under siege.

Thankful that Hubs is home to play and snuggle with me and The Bigs today and tomorrow.

Stay warm!

J's Big Day.

2011-01-31T21:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday J was finally Baptized.

He will be 20 months old tomorrow, and surprisingly he was the youngest yesterday to make this sacrament.

When I was contemplating baptism, I really struggled with the decision.

I am not a cradle Catholic.

In fact I was only Baptised when I was 12 years old.

Because of that, I really struggle with religion.

It is not that I don't believe in God, because I do whole heartily.

I just sometimes find it to be too institutionalized.

I also have a hard time with the fact that the Roman Catholic Church is one of the most lucrative institutions in the world.

But more and more I am going to Mass on Sundays, with my children and really trying to listen with my ears and my heart to what the priest is saying.

My initial reasoning to have them Baptised was not a very good one.

I wanted them to go to a Catholic school as I felt and still feel that the experience with religion, faith, community will be good for them. Their school will be able to teach them things that I feel inept at.

And in the end, if the boys decide that this religion stuff is not for them, at least they have something to base their decision on, rather than no experience or knowledge at all.

I try to take my role seriously. The operative word being try.

I take them to church and I am teaching M to say a night time prayer.

It is hard, because Hubs is not Religious. He has faith but doesn't feel that he needs to be inside a building to prove/profess it.

To each their own....

Any whoooooooooo, Yesterday J was baptized.

He wore the same outfit that M did for his baptism.

It was a pretty big day for him and the Mass and Ceremony was smack dab in the middle of his nap time. I had a very tired babe on my hands.

Not sure if you can see the smiles on our faces here but J decide to let out a toot just as Father finished pouring holy water on his head. Totally inappropriate, but I was suppressing so much laughter I actually had tears streaming down my cheeks.

And Auntie, who is also Godmother to both my children did a good job helping out with the boys.

My favorite picture from the ceremony; we all look so involved in what the Priest was saying.

We then went back to my house to have lunch. J didn't survive the drive home and was out within minutes. I woke him up two hours later so he could enjoy this: (YEP..I made it from scratch!)

Afterwards he was all smiles and I snapped my favorite picture of the day.

Isn't he a little angel?

Nighty Night.

A Tasty Snack

2011-01-26T23:37:00.000-05:00

On my last trip up to see Tina she gave me some Doddle Bug goodies to play with.

I was and still am in love with this Bon Appetit Line.

The little oven mitts make me happy.

I had visions of using this paper and embellies to do a page about my Christmas baking but pictures where not taken so that idea was scrapped...(HA!)

I pulled out the papers on Monday and after looking through my pictures I knew what I would do.

M has a funny new little request that he uses several times a day.

"Can I have a tasty snack????"

It cracks me up every time.

I find myself saying out load when I am in search of a snack.

This particular day he was wanting a croissant, and proceed to devour not one, but two.

I happened to get this picture, which is far from perfect but was perfect for the memory that I wanted to preserve.

I know I have said it before and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, these moments are why I scrapbook.

Sure I could journal them or blog about them but I love to look through my albums and read the funny little stories that I wrote about and look at the pictures that I paired with them. It makes me smile.

And because I don't like to waste my scraps of paper, I whipped out two little cards.

Simple, but I like simple.

Off to bed.

Today kicks off my 17 day vacation.

SO excited and Soooooo in need of a break.

Nighty Night.

Almost 18 months

2011-01-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

A quick double page layout for J's baby book about all the things he is almost doing.

He is such a lovable little boy!!!

Enjoy your day!

I cried...

2011-01-25T13:01:00.003-05:00

Last week when I heard the radio commercial informing me that this would be the week.

I cried when I told my Boss that I was feeling a little sad about it.

I cried when I went to sign him up this morning.

He will be 4 in 3 more months.

He is JK bound in 7 months.

I know I will have a steady stream of tears those first few days.

He stills seems like a baby to me.

Me.

2011-01-18T16:54:00.001-05:00

It is not often that I scrapbook about myself.

Rare really.

When I started out that was all I did.

Then the kiddos came along and they are far more interesting for me to look at in an album.

That being said *maybe* one of them, or their wives, or their children might like to know what I was groovin' on this particular cold, bleary January day.

10 things I love:

1. B and his everyday humor that keeps me laughing. He is able to turn a bad day into a better one and a great day into a fabulous one. He is my soul mate. I know this.

2. My Boys.Everyday is an adventure. I never really knew what unconditional love meant until they came around.

3. My Mom. She helps me everyday with the boys. I'm not too sure what I would do without her.

4. Sam. She is my best friend. I can tell her *almost * anything. I love that we can laugh at ourselves.

5. Our home. It is simple and modest. It won't be our home forever but it was our first that we owned and allot of love was experienced here.

6. Scrapbooking. It is the only craft that I have ever stuck with. It is my therapy and my ME time.

7. Shopping. Not really for me anymore unless it is scrapbook supplies. I like to buy for my babes.

8. Flyers. I anticipate them every week. I love to see what is on sale and drool over someday buying a new camera.

9. Singing at the top of my lungs in the car. It helps me relax after a not so great day at work.

10. Blogs. I read hundreds in my Google Reader account. And by read I mean skim through the pages for inspiration with life and scrapbooking. Another way I spend my ME time.

Funny thing about this list. I really haven't changed all that much in the last few years. My needs and wants are pretty simple.

Okay my wants are not simple but know I don't need them to be happy.

With the small exception that I want a haircut, and I do need it to be happy.

I'm starting to feel like a hippy!

And that Want/need is part of balancing my needs with that of the families.

Surely they won't miss those long hippy locks???

Have Tuesday peeps.

Growing up...

2011-01-15T20:44:00.001-05:00

M: uhhhh Mum......
Me: ????????
M: uhhhhh Mum????
Me: Yes sweetheart??
M: Uhhh Mum, can iiiiiiii play with dis????
Me: Yes you may, but could you go back to calling me Mummy please?
M: Okay Mum.

It shouldn't really come as a suprise....

2011-01-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

...that when I have been at work more than home for a stretch that it upsets The Bigs.

What I find especially pleasing (and by pleasing I really mean it makes me want to poke my own eyeballs out) is when M feels the need to bully his brother in order to monopolize my attention.

Fun. Times.

He knows when he is doing it, and can he ever turn on the charm or puppy dog eyes when he knows he has done something really unsavoury, like biting his brothers fingers and breaking the skin.....

Today he looked up at me and whispered "I love you too, Mummy" right after a particular event in the kitchen pantry.

Yep, I love you too kiddo.

Love you to the moon.

But please, please, please stop with the bitting, hitting, kicking and general roughhousing of any living thing.

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And just because I want to remember his charm, (like I would forget it) A little LO I did today using one of Becky Fleck's sketches from her PageMap2 book.

Enjoy your week!!

December Project 12

2011-01-05T22:50:00.001-05:00

I did it!

I completed every single one of the sketches from the SACT Project 12 challenge.

Yay me!

So December...oh how I love December.

I dubbed it stress free month and working in the industry that I work in it takes great strength to live by that mantra for the entire month.

It wasn't perfect by any means but it was perfect for me.

I didn't let finding fabulous for less get under my skin,

I let the kids ~~tear apart~~ gently look at all the ornaments on the Christmas Tree.

B and I bonded.

Grammy came for a visit.

I watched the excitement and anticipation of the big day through the eyes of my children and really tried to teach them the real meaning of Christmas.

They are still too young but I still felt good about it.

I hope your holidays were as magical as you wanted them to be.

Sooo now the sketch:

And my take on it:

(Click to enlarge)

Happy it is done.

Happy to have a ton of pictures with B in them this month. And by a ton I mean I had more than a dozen to choose from .

Happy to have a nice pic of my two Moms.

Happy enough with this project that I am going to do it all over again!

As always thanks for stopping by.

Nighty Night.

hi!

2011-01-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

It is one of his favorite words.

He says it with such passion, you can't help but smile.

Love this kid.

One Little Word

2011-01-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

Balance.

At home,

At work,

With my partner,

With my children,

With myself.

That is my word for 2011.

You can read about it here, here, here , here and here.

Hello...

2011-01-01T19:59:00.000-05:00

2011.

I can already tell you are going to be amazing.

I am not going to put too much presure on you,

But I can just feel that you are going to go my way.

Thank you 2010 for showing me the way.

Project 12 November

2010-12-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

It almost didn't happen.

I don't remember what happened in November,

Where I went, fun things I did with the boys.

Nothing, Nada, Zilch, Zero.

I turned to Facebook this morning to try and jog my memory and decided that my status updates would have to be good enough as journalling for this month.

I may look back one day and giggle as I flip through my P12 pages.

You can find the sketch here.

I accidentally sent my scrap files to my external hard drive and I am too lazy tonight to go and plug it in...

Terrible.

And here is my take on it:

I tried to keep it simple, mostly because I rushed through it.

The boys sleep has been erratic,

Finding Fabulous for Less has been chaotic.

I turned another year older

And a special angel was sent home.

I am still surprised that I am getting it in with about 20 minutes to spare. ;)

Wishing you a peaceful evening.

x/o

J

Exactly what I am talking about....

2010-12-13T21:47:00.000-05:00

The complete look of joy at something so small as getting to touch Christmas balls hanging from the lights.

Life should be like this always.

Christmas Mini

2010-12-12T20:28:00.001-05:00

Bonjour!!!

Only 13 more sleeps and I feel more and more festive as each day passes.

Work: busy
Shopping: Almost done
Baking: Tomorrow and Saturday
Tummy: Full from a wonderful dinner out with the Fam.

In scrappy related news, I finally finished a mini album for Tina last week.

I don't normally do Mini albums but I have been really inspired by the December Daily concept, started by Ali Edwards and done by so many talented scrappers.

I'm pretty sure it won't happen here so I did a blank album to put my pictures of Christmas day in after with places to journal little memories.

And there you have it.

Off to let my Dinner digest.

Nighty Night.

Conversations in the night.....

2010-12-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

‎1:31am December 8th, 2010....

Michael: Mommmmeeeeeee.....what are you dooooooooooing??????

Me: Sleeping........

Michael: Merry Christmas Mommmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeee.

Me: Smiling in my sleep.

Today,

2010-12-05T20:26:00.000-05:00

I put up the tree.

It is slightly top heavy with all of my special ornaments.

Plastic, wood and fabric ornaments fill the bottom third.

Badness has been pretty good about it so far, but this is just the beginning.

M helped me decorate it.

He ran back and forth from my Christmas totes to the tree, resting ornaments on the branches.

At one point he even tried to sit on a branch and quickly learned that it would not hold his weight.

My heart was full as I took the time to watch M help me decorate and as I watched J as a toddler discover the tree, it's lights and all the pretty decorations.

I knew I had a smirk on my face.

Later in the evening we ran out to do an errand.

The snow was falling softly from the sky.

J was in silent awe, watching the sky and trying to catch the flakes.

I love this season.

Scout

2010-12-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

Meet our new friend that will be hanging out in the D/H household throughout the holiday season.

Scout has been hanging around in funny places so far.

He kindly reminded me that it is now December 2nd and I should be putting up a tree.

I kindly reminded him that ~~Badness~~ J, is going to destroy everything in sight, so I'm trying to hold out a little bit longer.

Every morning when I ask M if he has said Good Morning to Scout, he immediately looks to the last place he has seen him, never some where different.

This reaction highly amuses me.

When he finally finds him he exclaims " Der he is Mummy!!!"

Cute.

In other breaking news ~~Badness~~ J is 18 months.

CRAZY!

25 pounds, 86 inches.

Today he was sipping his water happily and when he put it down he let out a big "AHHHHHHHHHHH"

I asked him if it was refreshing 'cause that was a pretty grown up response to some water sippin'.

He just smiled.

Cute kids.

Nighty Night.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

2010-12-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

I am feeling so grateful this year.

It seems different this year.

It could be the sense of peace I am feeling about my life.

It could be the excitement that I feel to share this magical month with two little boys, who don't quite get it yet.

It could be that I am proud of myself for trying hard to share with my children the true meaning of Christmas.

It could be that I have *almost* learned to walk away from the everyday stress of work, especially this season and know I gave it my best.

And if for what ever reason, my best wasn't good enough that day I have excepted it and moved on.

It is too important a time of year to let anything ruin it for me and my family.

It is just too magical.

I'm pretty sure I have said that sentence to my team already 14000 times.

I *think* they think I'm a leeeetle loony.

(Insert shrug here)

I'm trying to find everyday magical moments that make me smile this month.

To look beyond the temper tantrums and hissy fits.

Trying to smile and nod, even when I know I am right and someone may be wrong.

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Tonight my kids went to bed late.

J was having trouble settling and M was wired from an afternoon nap that he rarely takes anymore.

I was in their bedroom, cuddling, soothing and rocking J.

In the dark I could see M rocking back and forth, mimicking my movements.

These moments.

They are precisely what I am talking about.

Special little moments that make me happy to be right where I am.

Don't get me wrong, I will most definitely have a tantrum or two of my own this month when the boys do something to frustrate me.

But my goal is to slow down, enjoy the little things, and try to watch this season through my children's eyes.

Join me won't you?

The boy is growing.

2010-11-22T18:05:00.000-05:00

And at a rapid rate.

He is so funny now, looking for approval to his silliness.

Becoming better at sharing.

The three year old temper tantrums have slowed.

The jumping on the beds have increased.

Along with the crazy flips of the couch.

He is Daddy crazy, Mommy crazy, and crazy in his own right.

He cuddles and cuddles now, showering me with hugs and kisses.

He likes playing with Daddy's "toys".

Currently in his hand is the "stud finder", but he also likes the Itouch and my camera.

He no longer naps, save for today when he passed out on the couch for a 1/2 hour.

He still tries to push his brother around and take things from him, But J is holding his own.

He is addicted to Thomas and still likes The Wonderpets.

He is starting to show empathy; When J is crying, periodically he will say comforting words.

He ate a carrot the other day. RAW. It floored me.

Yep, Three and a half is fun.

I'm not kidding myself into thinking that there won't be ~~some~~ allot of bumps along the way, but he truly is a joy to have around.

Our growing family.

2010-11-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

No I am not pregnant, although lately I have had little yearnings.

Sadly we are done having babies.

Some days it feels so final, so sad.

Other days I am okay with it.

I had some pictures of me pregnant sitting on my desk for quite sometime and more often than not I am about to start a scrapbook page, I begin with a story in mind and type my thoughts down for the journaling.

One of the reasons that Tina said she chose me for her design team was that I journaled on my pages.

Those words are probably one of the biggest reasons why I have stuck with this hobby of mine.

I want my kids to know how I feel about them, to document milestones, traditions, everyday moments.

It is their stories that I want to share, and a little of their Dad's and mine.

Like Starbucks winter marketing suggests,

"Stories are gifts....Share"

Brilliant.

So with those pregnant pictures in mind I set about writing my feelings and creating a double sided page about being pregnant.

It wasn't all the gloom I made it out to be, and I wanted the boys to know that.

The Story...

It is no secret that I was not one of those women that embraced pregnancy, but looking at these pictures I feel the need to clarify and get my thoughts down….

I desperately wanted to be pregnant. For four years I wished for both of you. And month after month I was disappointed when I found out I wasn’t. And then came the day when I knew I was. The date was September 18th, 2006 and your Dad and I were driving to New Brunswick, the Nova Scotia for Aunty Karen’s wedding. I knew that day. I knew the next morning. I knew on September 23rd before I even took the pregnancy test. I knew our first baby was on the way.

From the start my body felt terrible. I was nauseous 24/7, for fifteen weeks with you Michael. And Jack, it lasted 13 weeks with you. I had sciatica for both of you. I had a low lying placenta for both of you, however Michael, yours took a turn for the worse 6 weeks before you were to be born. I had to be hospitalized on bed rest to make sure we could bake you longer. And Jack, well it eventually moved up and you were born at term.

I suffered from insomnia for both of you, right from the word pregnant. I think it was more from worrying about being your mom and doing a good job more than anything else. Many nights I slept on the couch when I was pregnant with you Michael, and many mornings I slept at the base of the basement stairs while I was pregnant with you Jack, while Michael played.

Jack I felt your pregnancy was harder than Michael's. I was so tired. I gained more weight. I could barely walk or play with your big brother. It wiped me out. But days after you were born I felt great.

Those were the down sides for me. What I verbalized about the most, which I realize now, is such a shame. What I didn’t talk about was how happy being pregnant actual made me feel.

I complained about the morning (read all day sickness) allot. Truth be told, I was happy. Happy because it meant that I had a growing baby inside me. I had read somewhere that sick mommy equaled healthy baby and I thought about that more than anything.

I subscribed to pregnant milestone updates and had great fun reporting to Daddy what fruit like size and weight you were, or body part was developing inside of me

The first time you both moved I remember so well. Michael I was in a hotel room in Kingston and I was 18 weeks. Jack I was at home in bed and it was 16 weeks. I remember thinking it felt nothing like the butterflies that I read about. It always made me smile to feel those small flutters, kicks and punches. Even as you grew and kicks grew harder and feet began to take up permanent residence in my rib cage, I was happy. I walked around with my right hand pushing down on my right rib all day trying to get you both to move your feet but, you never did. Secretly I liked the contact.

The hiccups were non stop. All day and all night. They always made me smile even though they made me nauseous. To me it meant you were growing.

The ultrasounds, every last one of them and there were a lot. I loved them, loved seeing you grow from peanuts to infants right in my belly. It amazed me. Made me smile and often brought me to tears.

The fear I felt the one time in the hospital when we thought we lost a heart beat. My feelings and fear confirmed that I was ready to be a mom. The tears I cried after both of your births, the overwhelming sense of responsibility that I felt to both of you to make sure I did everything in my power to be the best mom I could. I cherish those feelings of insecurity because I know they push me to be a better parent.

Pregnancy may not have suited me well, but I knew that it was temporary. The bottom line is this. Not only were we growing a family but we were taking on the biggest responsibility of our lives. That is what these pictures mean to me, and I am now wishing that I had more of them. They represent not only the love between Bruce and I but the love I felt for both of you while you grew inside of me. I will always, always cherish these pictures, no matter how I felt I looked or how fuzzy the quality. And I will always love you both.

Halloween Layouts.

2010-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

Count them peeps.

Three Halloween-ish layouts.

All for Tina.

First up, my cute, not so spooky Halloween decorations.

Yep...I scrapped them!

Next was about our not so great Halloween experience this year.

I love how this one turned out.

I love how the story got told. Makes me happy.

And lastly, our pumpkin decorating tradition.

At our home, one pumpkin is bought for each member to decorate or carve.

The journaling includes some humorous tips from my first pumpkin carving session.

Again, I'm glad I have the memories.

It was so fun playing with these Pink Paislee and Doddle bug papers from Tina's Scrapbooking Creations. I loved the canvas tags and I loved the sparkly AC cardstock. Definitely the most Halloween I have ever scrapped.

Thanks for stopping by!

Today I want to remember

2010-11-11T20:26:00.000-05:00

I want to remember that I live in a free country, that cost men and women their lives. I take this for granted far to often.

I want to remember that I am loved. Loved by hubs who continually reaffirms this through words and gestures that are unexpected and so appreciated.

I want to remember this morning at 5:20am, the 20 minute cuddle in the dark, on the couch, where J held onto me for dear life and I could see his smile in the darkness.

I want to remember tonight as I lay next to M, how he called out for me to cuddle with him, and just when I thought he was asleep and I was about to leave the room, that he snuggled even closer and wrapped an arm around me.

I want to remember this season, my most favorite time of year. The crisp air, the blue skies, the crescent moon. Nothing, not even grumpies will ever wreck this time of year for me. It is too magical, too special.

Nighty Night.

Charming, lovable boy

2010-11-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

My friend sent me a little care package in the mail a couple of weeks ago with Collage Press goodies in it.

My LSS doesn't carry Collage Press and to be quite honest I had never heard of it prior to her being on their design team.

The had some cute papers, perfect for my little munchkin, and I whipped up a quick LO, inspired by Ali Edwards.

I love her over sized picture LO's, quick and easy, clean and simple.

Isn't he cute?

Off to make these for a not so great day tomorrow.

Nighty Night.

Climbing pumpkins

2010-11-06T06:04:00.000-04:00

Clearly I am amazing at enforcing rules with my children....

Of course I had to make a LO for Tina about it....

Have an amazing weekend.

I'm working straight through it.

Jealous aren't you???

Grumpy Spirit

2010-11-04T08:08:00.000-04:00

My Little construction worker was not into the tricks or the treats this year.

And the littlest?

Lets just say I'm dressing him up in his costume today to get some pictures.

Pictures that were never taken because of a massive mitten meltdown.

I have some Halloween scrappy stuff to hand in and no pictures.

Need to get creative.

Happy Thursday.

Awake

2010-10-30T22:42:00.001-04:00

There are days on end where I could sleep at the drop of a hat.

Tonight apparently is not one of them.

I was lying in bed wishing for sleep with my eyes close but I was wide awake.

WIDE AWAKE.

Maybe it is the excitement of our first snow fall,

In which I celebrate (yes celebrate) by putting the kids in their new footed reindeer PJ's.

Maybe it is the excitement of Halloween tomorrow night.

(totally laughing at myself though for talking up two holidays in one day.

Maybe it is thinking too much about November and December scheduling and making time for everything and everyone.

Or maybe the cup of tea I had two hours ago.

Who knows...

Truth be told I like these quiet moments where no one is needing me.

This is my alone time.

The time when I rejuvenate my mind and spirit.

Time to get things of my chest,

My creative outlet fulfilled in some little way.

ahhhhh the silence...

I'll leave you with another LO I did of M.

I totally love this picture of him from this past summer.

The two of us were spending some alone time up by the river feeding the birds.

There is an old Mill there (Watson's Mill).

We go there allot to feed the ducks and watch the water flow under the bridge.

The Mill is apparently haunted and it is beautiful there.

I always envision it filled with white lights and candles, round tables with perfectly pressed white table clothes, the perfect stage for a little intimate wedding reception.

I digress...

The building is old and made of stone, the perfect backdrop I think for a photo.

He looked so sweet sitting there on the bench....Makes my heart happy!

Happy weekend and Happy Halloween!!

October Project 12

2010-10-29T19:28:00.002-04:00

I know, I know.

October still has two days left.

But ya know what.

Those two days will be filled with Halloween pictures,

that by their own right will need separate layouts.

Just call me organized this month. :)

I have to say when I saw the sketch for this month I was nervous.

I don't do well with random pictures that are neither lined up or symmetrical.

As well, the circles, and stitching??

Beautiful but it didn't fit in with my crunched for time month.

If I had a sewing machine I would rethink,

however hand stitching wasn't in the cards this month.

I made do and in the end I was pretty happy.

The sketch:

And my take on it:

It's done, I'm happy!

Now to focus on Halloween.

So excited for this year.

We have been talking it up allot, so M is getting excited!

Can't wait to take pictures and show them to you!!

Have a great weekend!!!

x/o
J

ps the !!!! are intentional!

Buckle up!!

2010-10-28T18:48:00.001-04:00

Just stopping in quickly to share my second layout for Tina.

I love that she gave me the Jillibean soup paper to work with.

Kraft, bright colors, boy themed...uuuhhh...heeelllooo!

Perfect for my little guys,

who BTW love the car.

Stay tuned for another car themed layout.

and on a side note, I started the pumpkin carving tonight.

In case you are new to my blog or need a good laugh, you may want to head to my October 2010 archives and read this and this.

I swear those posts will never get old.

Nighty night.

2010-10-27T23:35:00.000-04:00

He was walking across the parking lot, just as I was pulling out.

I let my foot of the gas and let my car roll slowly so I could watch him for a couple of minutes.

He was wearing his ball cap and jean jacket that I have come to recognize,

and his hands were shoved far down into his jeans pockets.

I couldn't see the expression on his face,

but I could almost feel the disappointment that he was going to feel when he figured out that his daughter had already left for the night.

He comes often to see her.

Sometimes walks her to work and shares a morning chat and a cigarette.

Sometimes at dinner, and sometimes to walk her home after the late shift.

We often exchange a smile, a hello, a few niceties about his daughter.

Seeing him tonight made my heart hurt a little.

Had she not told me, I would have figured it out on my own.

There is something far too familiar about him.

The way he carries himself maybe.

The loneliness that is implied by his frequent visits.

His eyes.

The eyes always give a person away.

He reminds me of my Dad.
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.
.

I drove away tonight thinking of him, thinking of mine.

Wondering about addictions, diseases.

Wondering about friendships, and faith.

Wondering what I could have done better or differently as his daughter.

Wondering what if...

Remembering the nights when I didn't want to go out with friend but was happy enough to go see Dad and play cards.

Remembering the nights where I was too busy to go say hi.

Remembering the calls when I need help, needed advice, needed my Dad.

Remembering that life is too short and you can loose someone before you have a chance to tell them that.
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I want to tell her these things.

Tell her to stick around sometimes because he may just want some company.

Tell her to spend time with him now, before its too late.

Tell her that she only has one Dad.

But she is young and has to figure these thing out.

Sort through her anger, her fear

He has let her down in a way that a parent shouldn't.

I want to tell him to take care of her.

I want to tell him that she is really hurting because of him.

I want to tell him that he can get through this, many people do.

He has to try.

For himself and for her.

But I'm not going to.

It's not my place.

I am here to lead and coach her.

To listen when she needs to talk.

Not share too much of my infinite wisdom with her and not meddle in their business.

I will just be the silent observer in the parking lot, hoping that their ending is a happy one.

Because I am not her Mom, nor his Daughter.

And it seems like the right thing to do.

Maybe.

Laughing at myself.

2010-10-25T18:20:00.001-04:00

Did anyone notice that I misspelled the first in my title down below?

Ahhh I love it when I do crap like that.

I'm keeping it there just for kicks 'cause I'm cool like that!