October Jumpstart Sketch!

I feel accomplished! I just finished up my layout for The ScrapRoom October Jumpstart Sketch! I used everything from September's FOTM kit, Life is Beautiful from Fancy Pants. Yes, a month late, but the embellishments from that kit just seemed appropriate at the time. LOL!

My husband and I have been facing some very trying times these past few weeks and we just needed some time to chill and decided Happy Hour at the Brickhouse in Vancouver on Main was just the place. As we were letting out all our pent up "ARGHS!" and "Thank goodness thats over!" it was time to be silly, hence the crazy selfie!

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed my layout!

Godspeed

Colors of Fall ....

something different

One mystery of cooking dinner for me has been, how do you liven up the potatoes? Having the same mashed potatoes night after night is such a bore, so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to mix it up. It was fantastic and the only thing I'd do different is add some bacon! Who doesn't love bacon, right?! LOL!! Mixed up a meatloaf, added some sweet corn, and DINNER! Check it out tonight .... You're welcome! :)

Ranch Potatoes

serves 10

9 red potatoes

½ cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 cup cheddar, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Slice the potatoes in half, lengthwise, then slice each half lengthwise three times and across four times, to cube.

3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop in chopped potatoes, cook 10 minutes.

4. Drain potatoes and mix in ranch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until nicely browned.

6. While still hot, mix in cheddar.

7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

8. Serve warm and enjoy!

ramblings ....

When I went back to work, I didn't think I'd be this busy! Just as I'm getting the hang of things, life happens .... without going into many details .... I've yelled .... I've cried .... I've prayed .... and today I had to realize that I'm not cut out for certain things anymore. I reached a limit and it didn't feel good, I broke down in front of strangers who understood considering the situation, but it made me feel weak. Weak is not in my vocabulary, or so I thought. I came to the conclusion it was my way of telling myself that I was at a different stage in my life, and it was time to step aside and let another continue. That said, I left early a bit frazzled, and now I can move on.

Thanks for listening ....

Godspeed

On track!

This morning I wanted to get the last of the fair photos in the book. Here are my two kids doing what they do best, challenge each other in none other than bumper cars! Not sure who won, but do know that the look on my son's face shows that he made an awesome hit on his big sister! LOL!

bumper cars!

That'll be it for now, the sun has returned for a bit and my outdoor pots need cleaning out to get ready for Halloween decor! Have a great day all!

Godspeed

So many changes!

Since my last entry ....

• Seasons changed from Summer to Fall  
•  Leaves on the trees are changing color 
•  I came out of retirement
•  I landed a job as a substitute aide for the school district
•  And finally, our calendar went from September to October

Needless to say, my self imposed challenge went completely out the window! But, this is a new month and a chance to start again. 

This morning I made time to create this layout of our visit to the County Fair in August. Using a mix of papers from Jelly Bean, Authentic, October afternoon, alpha by Thickers and October Afternoon, a mixture of Basic Grey chipboard pieces from my stash, and a sketch from Scrapbook Generation, its complete! AND a two page layout at that! 

County Fair 2016

Time to get some chores done, so I'll leave you right here. Have a great afternoon!

Godspeed