Visit With Santa!

As I recall Ruby has the same expression on her face that her big sister did at 2 years of age sitting on this very Santa's lap! She was actually VERY excited until it was time for the photo and Makayla was in seventh heaven!

Godspeed

Slow down!!

Where is December disappearing to? Oh my! Its already the 11th, I've accomplished loads of stuff already, but I have so much to get done between now and this coming saturday! Yes, saturday is my deadline that I set to have the gifts bought and wrapped, some cookies baked and stored for treats for friends and co-workers while waiting for us to finish the baking a week from today and get things packaged up and ready to share. PLUS!! I have to deliver the gifts for the two children we "adopted " from the Giving Tree at Makayla's school to the office tomorrow by 4pm. EEEEK!! Time is running out and I'm running out of steam. BUT!! I will prevail because a whole bunch of people are expecting me to and I know in my heart of hearts I just can't let them down. :-)

So what am I doing on here? Stalling!! ;-) Outta here!

Godspeed

The ScrapRoom's December Reveal!!

Oh my is it ever YUMMY!!

Now hurry up and go order one before they're all gone!!

Godspeed

Thankful.....

As this Thanksgiving Day 2011 comes to a close, I'd like to reflect on the things that I am most grateful for in my life. With a year of ups and downs that we experienced as a family, our list is long, so I'll just write the condensed version......

I am thankful for:
* My son, our daughter-in-law, and precious grandchildren. We were separated for a spell when they moved to a job in New Mexico and it was THE hardest time I've ever experienced. I am so very thankful that they decided that no matter what it cost, they were going to move back home. From that experience we all learned that nothing is more important than family.

* My daughter for being there and doing her best to help occupy my lonely heart while the kids were away. I love her so much and so proud of her! I know just how lucky I am and would never take her for granted.

* My husband, Butch. It hasn't been easy these past 11 months for us financially and having to admit that this time around we wouldn't be able to make it with the semi, was very hard on him. He has always been a hard worker and to admit defeat was tough. Although we had to take this path, he is much more relaxed and doesn't stress over repair bills that were taking over his life, and that makes for a much happier home life!

All in all, I am very satisfied with my life as it stands now. Although we live paycheck to paycheck, may lose our house at any time, we have our family, health, our hearts are full of love and life, and nothing can replace that in our eyes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Godspeed

Sharing!

Been a CRAZY couple weeks here and although I haven't done much scrapping, I do have a few layouts I'd like to share.

First up is this one of us with Ruby. She is now getting into helping out in the kitchen, so after I baked cupcakes, Butch & Ruby decorated. She was so cute in my apron!

Next up are some layouts of our pumpkin carvings. I love that we make an annual tradition of getting together not only for the Pumpkin Patch outing, but for the actual carving. Its so much FUN and we make such great memories in the meantime. :-)

And once daylight decides to Bless Us with its presence, I'll have a few more to share. ;-)

Godspeed

Another Goal Achieved!!

Yes, another milestone in my battle to shed the pounds and get to a healthier me was achieved! Its been YEARS since I weighed under 200 lbs. and well, I DID IT!! My weigh-in this morning was 198.4 lbs. and I celebrated with making some protein bars! Funny how things go from sugary cupcakes to healthy protein bars in a few short months!! ;-)

And since I'm tired of the constant cold salads on these cold, damp nights, I've discovered some healthy soup recipes and here's the first one I will try.

TORTILLA SOUP
1 lb of cut up skinless chicken breast
14.5 oz. can of reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
16 oz. can of petite chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt - optional
1 teaspoon chili powder

In a large pot, bring chicken, broth, tomatoes, and water to a boil. Reduce heat and cook till chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add salt and chili powder to taste, adding more chili powder if desired.

Divide soup into four bowls and garnish with:
1 jalapeno pepper, cut into rings
12 baked tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded low-fat Monteray Jack cheese
2 green onions thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoon. low-fat sour cream
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Serves 4

soup = 165 calories per serving

garnishes = 95 calories per serving

YUMMY!!

Godspeed

halfway point!

I did it!! As of today I have lost 25lbs and haven't felt this good about ME for a very long time! This diet experience has taught me that when I put my mind into something, I can accomplish my goals and go beyond. Some people say that I'm bragging, but dammit, I own the bragging rights this time!!

As of today.....

*I have lost 25 lbs. and the bounce in my step has returned!
*I eat only fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Nothing I eat comes prepackaged, freeze dried, or in the mail.
*I have learned to cook foods in a totally different way.
*I'm actually checking out gyms to see which would be a good fit for me and not cost an arm and a leg to join!
*and the most exciting thing about today ....... I went digging deep into my dresser and found three pairs of jeans that I haven't fit into for years and guess what? THEY FIT!! NO muffin top, NO laying on the bed to zip them, and NO marks on my waist because they were so tight and digging in!!

HaPpY DaNcE!!!!!!!

And if you REALLY need a visual, think of my weight loss as 100 STICKS OF BUTTER!!!! EEEWWWWW!! GROSS!!

Godspeed

love sketches!

During our crop last weekend, I presented a sketch challenge for the ladies using a sketch from October Pagemaps. It was nice and simple and a great way to use up those small pieces we all have lying around that need to be used up. Here's the sketch and my sample:

Thanks for looking!

Godspeed

lots of layouts!

This past weekend we had an online crop at The ScrapRoom and I managed to get loads done with all the challenges that our MOD Squad presented! It was such a fun way to spend the evening and chat it up with the ladies. Here are the creations that I was able to get done and put a tiny dent in my pile of photos.

Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

inked

Capturing these photos was a treat for me since Ruby doesn't sit still long enough at her age, but for some reason she was more than happy to oblige this particular day! Decided to use the Bella Blvd. Finally Fall collection because those stripes we just the right touch to highlight her beautiful creation!

And on my last visit to Craft Warehouse in Vancouver, I picked up the Tim Holtz Alterations Sizzix die with a 40% off coupon and made those darling flowers. Sure beats the old manual score and fold method. ;-)

Godspeed

Before I proceed.....

.... with the October kits, I think I'll share my September layouts with the TSR kits. I got so wrapped up in my new healthy eating that I completely forgot! Without further ado.....

That was definitely a FUN kit to work with!! Now I'm ready for the October kits. :-)

Godspeed

October TSR Kits!!

This is a gorgeous selection of papers for those Fall activities! We'll be heading off to the Pumpkin Patch next weekend, so these papers will definitely come in handy. Not to mention the actual pumpkin carving and Halloween at the end of the month!! I have visions of great layouts in my head!!

BELLA BLVD. FINALLY FALL:

1 sheet At The Patch (2-sided)

1 sheet Bliss (2-sided)

1 sheet You're A Hoot (2-sided)

2 sheets Kraft Cardstock

1 sheet Finally Fall Cute Cuts (2-sided)

1/2 sheet Finally Fall Miniature Stickers (varies)

SIMPLE STORIES HAPPY DAYS:

1 sheet Birthday Memories (2-sided)

1 sheet Celebrate (2-sided)

1 sheet Make A Wish (2-sided)

2 sheets Suede Brown Dark Cardstock

(1) 12x12 Happy Day Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers

FANCY PANTS SUMMER'S END:

1 sheet Crisp (2-sided)

1 sheet Abundance (2-sided)

1 sheet Harvest (2-sided)

2 sheets Geyser Cardstock

(1) sheet Summer's End Chipboard Banners (varies)

approx. 1 yard Brown/White Striped Baker's Twine

STUDIO CALICO MEMOIR:

1 sheet Linen (2-sided)

1 sheet Book Jacket (2-sided)

1 sheet Flower Bed (2-sided)

2 sheets White Cardstock

1/3 pkg. Kraft Butterfly Stickers

(10) Memoir Chipboard Buttons

(5) Wood Veneer Houses

You can have one too! Just go to The ScrapRoom and order yours today. This kit is gonna be so much FUN!!

Godspeed

Phrase three!!

WOW! it's been a whole phase since I posted and it went by so quickly! Kinda getting use to this "lighter me" and liking how it feels. :-) 

I lost another 6 pounds these past 17 days and celebrated tonight with a glass of red wine with my dinner. I was so excited to see that red wine is "legal" in this phase, so bought us a nice bottle of  14 Hands Merlot from a local vineyard in Paterson, WA, and savored every drop in my glass. A bit tipsy by the end of that 5 oz. glass, whoa!! Guess that's what happens when its been nothing but lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and proteins going into my system for the past 34 days. ;-)

Godspeed

Phase Two!

I made it thru the first phase of the 17 Day Diet, having lost a total of 14 lbs. in 17 days! I'm pretty happy with myself and ready to conquer the next phase starting today. I have some new recipes I get to try and got busy at it today!

I made some delicious power cookies and WOW!! were the ingredients ever costly! How come things that are so good for you cost a fortune?? No wonder the obesity problem in this world, a box of macaroni and cheese is only 50 cents! There's just something wrong about all that.......

I also need to get up and move around more. The weather here has turned to nasty cold and wet, so I bought a ZUMBA! game for the Wii. We have such fun with the Just Dance For Kids so I thought why not, give it a try. Wish me luck!!

Godspeed

New scales!

How many people do you know that get excited about a new bathroom scales? Well, you know at least ONE now!! ME!! It has the capabilities of not only giving you an accurate reading on your weight, but your BMI as well. And I am especially excited to report that on day 13 I have lost a total of 13 pounds!! YAY!!

Now its time to get dressed and enjoy a nice cool walk with Maggie. Hope you have an excellent day. :-)

Godspeed

It's BAAAACK!!

My mojo that is! I've been concentrating so much on my new healthier eating that I haven't thought much about scrapping. I think I pretty much have it under control so onto putting my creativity to good use. :-)

While waiting for my new The ScrapRoom kit, I've been trying to use up some of my older stash. The problem is, there's so much in each one that it never dies!!

This first on "The BIG 30" has a rather cute story. Journaling on the tag tucked into the pocket states "All you wanted for your birthday was that HUGE Costco chocolate cake! I'm not sure what got you all started with the icing on the tooth, but it sure has made for some great comments by all who see it! Happy Birthday! Love you!!"  Yes, we have an odd sense of humor!

This one is from the working vacation I took with Butch last October. It was this truck stop that was under remodeling, not at all attractive on the outside but the inside is loaded with darling antiques & great food!

  

In "ready 2 ride" it was Ruby's first experience with the seat on the back of Greg's bike. I love the expression on her face in the first one - Does Daddy know what he's doing? - but the in the other, she glows with trusting eyes towards him. LOVE it!!

Thanks for stopping by, now I'm off to create more before my mojo goes back into hiding again!

Godspeed

NINE POUNDS!!

You saw that right, I've lost NINE POUNDS IN SEVEN DAYS!! My pants feel better at the waist and not cutting into me when I sit down! No coffee still and only natural sugars, well almost.....

I haven't been 100% faithful to the diet set it place, but I also haven't given up and to me, that's more important than that popsicle I had yesterday or that thin slice of cake the day before, which I didn't finish cause I was starting to feel nasty inside. PROGRESS!! This morning I woke with a headache and all I did was crave a bowl of raisin bran cereal. Weird huh?? Yes I did cave in eventually, but as long as I don't stray too far, stick to the portion size, and get carried away, I should be okay.

I don't expect to see that large a number at the end of week two, but I am doing my best to get that scale under 200!

Godspeed

SUCCESS!!

Oh my lucky stars!! I've been faithfully following my new eating plan and WHOA!! lost SIX pounds already!! SIX pounds in THREE days!! I haven't had a drink of coffee since I started and don't feel fatigued at all. And the food I've been preparing is wonderful. Fresh fruits and veggies with lean chicken and a nice assortment of fish, and I'm creating all sorts of different dishes and enjoying each meal.

I know, I know, people say the weight you lose at first is water weight. Well, as long as that water is also removing fat cells from my body then all I can say is YES!! I'm in HAPPYVILLE!!!

Godspeed

A new month, a new way of eating!

Today is the start of what I pray is the path to a healthier me. I am tired of this extra poundage that I carry around and have hopefully found a "diet" I can stick with for the long run and finally shed it. I want to be able to run around with my grandbabies - who are the little loves of my life! - and be around to watch them grow into adults and have babies of their own. In order to do that I must take better care of ME, starting today!! No excuses this time!!

That scale looked mighty ugly this morning - no I'm not telling - weight's been documented, and if all goes well I WILL be minus 2 to 3 lbs. by this time next week!!

Wish me luck! Godspeed

Summer Fun!

Oh, to be young again without a care in the world!


Godspeed

Oh, what a beautiful morning!!

The sun is shining ever so bright thru my window and you can just feel the "happiness" throughout the house!! Love my sunny days and savor every moment of them since I know that the doom and gloom of the PNW winter is just too long sometimes. So again today, I plan on spending as much time in the sunny outdoors and let my troubles fade away. :-)

But first, I want to share with you the layouts I put together this past week. These are of our local county fair. As a family, we hit the gates before they open and shut the place down at night! We have such fun times and share such great memories!! Those paper doll images from October Afternoon were so fitting for these first two layouts!





Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

TSR Sketch Challenge!

Every month on the ScrapRoom Blog, they have a sketch contest which is open to anyone who subscribes to their blog. Enter for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the ScrapRoom Store! Here is my interpretation of that sketch for August:


Still chipping away at the never ending stash I've acquired!

Godspeed

Attacking that stash!

Yep, been using up some older kits to make room for the new ones coming! Using sketches by Allison Davis and it makes it so fast and easy with her measurements and placement instructions!



Went ahead and premade some others for when I get those photos finally printed. :-)

If you haven't checked out her site, you really should. She has some wonderful ideas on handmade embellies that you can make from papers that you already have! Money is tight nowadays and I don't want to give up my favorite pastime - besides my grandbabies that is! - so without cutting corners, I can still come up with some nice looking layouts without alot of fluff!

Have a great scrappy day!

Godspeed

Big Idea Festival at BPC!

Big Picture Classes is at it again! Another freebie for us! Click on the blinkie and register today! Class starts August 15th, hope to see you there!!



Godspeed

Great Scrapping Weekend!

I know I'm a tad bit late, but last saturday, August 6th, we had a member hosted crop at The ScrapRoom and I managed to get some things done. First up, here is the challenge I issued:

OOPS! Challenge

We’ve all had it happen, the perfect photo op where you’re all ready, you only get one chance, and oops! You didn’t check the setting on your camera and the color is HORRIBLE! What to do?? Your chance is now a thing of the past …..

For this challenge, grab those off-color photos and change them to black and white! And while you’re at it, make those photos two different sizes and follow this recipe for that perfect layout!

Your Ingredients:
* at least 3 pattern papers
* a banner
* buttons
* mix up your alphabets
* journal strips

If you want to use several photos, please feel free, but there must be at least two different sizes. If you’re daring and want to expand it into a double page layout, go for it!!


I will say that this is something I don't do enough of, but watch out! I think the black & white look is AWESOME!!

For this next one, we were given a sketch and had to complete it in one hour. I followed the sketch to a tee and was done in 45 minutes! That doesn't happen very often. Makayla is so darn cute in that catcher's gear!!


And for this final challenge, we were to do a simple layout, not alot of fluff or too many papers, just simple and focus on the photos:


It was alot of fun and the games were a hoot, and an all around good way to spend a day of scrapping with your "cyber friends". :-)

Godspeed

Future Scrappers!

Our MOD Squad leader Amy over at The ScrapRoom issued us a challenge to use a movie title in a layout. Butch is a HUGE Star Trek fan and while looking for photos to scrap, I came across these three and it just hit me! Here are Makayla & Ruby, The Next Scrapping Generation! Sorry, couldn't help myself!


Makayla has just the cutest smile!!

Godspeed

The ScrapRoom August Reveal!!

What a fun kit for those summer photos, celebrations, and all around good times!! These are going FAST so head over The ScrapRoom and order yours today!!


AUGUST 2011 Cafe Club "Flavors of the Month" Kit Includes:

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE SWEET SUMMERTIME:
1 sheet Summertime Stripe (2-sided)
1 sheet When Life Gives You Lemons (2-sided)
1 sheet Summer Garden (2-sided)
2 sheets Bazzill Sunbeam Cardstock
4-5 Sweet Summertime Clear Cut Shapes (varies)
(1) Sweet Summertime Layered Felt Sticker (varies)
(1) Sweet Summertime Ticket Card (varies)

SIMPLE STORIES 100 DAYS OF SUMMER:
1 sheet Sweet Memories (2-sided)
1 sheet Hello Sunshine (2-sided)
1 sheet 100% Summer Fun (2-sided)
2 sheets Bazzill Maraschino Cardstock
1 sheet 12x12 100 Days of Summer Fundamental Cardstock Stickers

AMERICAN CRAFTS CAMPY TRAILS:
1 sheet Evergreen Point (2-sided)
1 sheet Buffalo Lake (2-sided)
1 sheet Appleton Cove (2-sided)
2 sheets American Crafts Chestnut Cardstock
(1) Campy Trails Patchem (varies)
(1) Campy Trails 12" Chipboard Border Sticker (varies)
(1) Campy Trails Journaling Postcard (varies)

MY MIND'S EYE HATTIE:
1 sheet Boy Woven Stripe (2-sided)
1 sheet Buddies Argyle (2-sided)
1 sheet Happy Polka Dots (2-sided)
2 sheets Bazzill Blue Spruce Cardstock
(1) sheet Hattie Label Stickers
coordinating Wooden Button Mix

Coffee Flavor of the Month: RED VELVET CAKE

Can't wait for my scrappy package!!

Godspeed

Hello AUGUST!!

What a beautiful way to start out this month - the sun is shining bright, a slight breeze in the air, and in the low 80's during the day. Gotta love the summer months in the Pacific NW! And to think we wanted to moved away from this slice of heaven?! Glad we got over THAT!!

Before diving into this week's WT Tag Challenge, I noticed I forgot last week's, OOPSIE! I really like how these two came out. This first one I was challenged to use some type of fabric or equivalent (crocheted flowers), metal (brads), and five pattern papers (Basic Grey Lemonade collection).


Since school will be starting again in four weeks, I thought it was time to scrap Makayla's kindergarten portrait. Better late than never, right?!

And my Scraplift Challenge was to incorporate the "whimsy" feel and doodling of the person ahead of me. In it I used Fancy Pants Rough & Tough and gave it a "girlie" twist!



And since I was in a scrappy mood, I went ahead and got a few more layouts completed. Have I mentioned it feels GREAT to scrap again?!?





Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

I did it!!

I finally did the "Get More Pages Done" Challenge at The ScrapRoom !! Something I have not accomplished in months! Yes, I am very proud of myself at the moment. Here is my last entry:


YAY ME!!

Godspeed

Two more in the books!

I love participating in challenges with time limits because it really gets me motivated to get my layouts done! Willow Traders has a "scraplift tag" challenge and a "challenge tag" challenge for the past few weeks and this week I joined in. What fun! They have a wide array of scrappers and its such a joy to see the different variations.

My "scraplift tag" challenge using the Fancy Pants Its The Little Things:


And my "challenge tag" challenge using LillyBee Designs Hello Sunshine. The challenge given to me was to use three different types of embellishments. I used ribbon, buttons, and a brad. My challenge that I issued was to use polka dots and strips pattern papers, and some stitching.


Hopefully they'll continue this because my desire to scrap is back!!

Godspeed

Ahhh.....

This is one Happy Momma & equally Happy Gramma once again! The kids are back home where they belong and settled into their place. As life is starting to get back to some form of normalcy, if that's possible, I have found the desire to get back to my favorite pastime, scrapbooking. :-)

I dug right into my kit from The ScrapRoom and created these two layouts. The first one is using Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer. My grandaughter is such a ham in front of the camera and she demonstrated for me "how to eat the perfect popsicle!" Her favorite at the moment is the cotton candy one she has here:


As you can see, I tend to keep it rather simple and let the photos tell the story and this second one demonstrates that as well. My grandaughter and I were making critters with the Cricut for her, and I couldn't help but make these diecuts for this layout using the Lily Bee This & That collection:


Here I am with the grandbabies trying relentlessly to get that perfect photo of the three of us. Well, it didn't quite happen, but we had so much fun trying that I just had to scrap these anyways! After all, life isn't perfect, so why should all our photos be! ;-)

Godspeed

They're HOME!!!

Tonight my family will once again be complete! Although I've had the grandbabies since Sunday night, the kids will be here in a few hours with the moving van with their belongings! It has been a horrendous time for us all and so glad this chapter is coming to a close.

They will be staying here with us for a bit, Michelle will have to find herself a job, but we can do anything as long as we're together!

Godspeed

Scrapping!!

Here are two more I created last night and this morning using Basic Grey's Sweet Threads Double shot kit from The ScrapRoom.

The first is our impromptu egg hunt that we had for Makayla and Ruby just before they left for New Mexico in March:


And this one is from a photo shoot the kids did in September of 2010. Love these photos and can picture this layout in a frame on the wall!


Godspeed

Been creatin'!

I will admit that I am scrapping in spurts more out of lack of interest than lack of photos and supplies. It's still hard to scrap some of these photos because I miss those little people so very much. So once I received my newest box of The ScrapRoom goodies, I had to get motivated and get some layouts together. And boy, am I glad I did!

This first one is of an object, Ruby's little purple pair of high top tennie runners. Why you ask? Well, I love those shoes and all the memories that we made together while she was wearing them! I decided to use this layout for framed artwork in their playroom. It came out so stinkin' cute!!


My next one I did, using the same Pebbles Happy Go Lucky collection, is just Ruby being her silly little self. Boy these photos make me smile! She is such a "busy bee" and these photos just capture the very essence of her personality!


If you look closely, you'll see those purple high tops of the first layout I posted! LOVE THEM!!

And just an FYI, the official countdown begins tonight - 20 days and a wake up, we'll be picking them up from the airport!! CAN'T WAIT!!!

Godspeed

HELLO JUNE!!

Oh my goodness we have had such cold, rainy weather here and no temps above 60 degrees so far this year. I am thankful that we don't get the flooding rivers or tornadoes of the Midwest and southern states which is much worse by far. However, it is time for us to get something other than wet, don't ya think?!

Anyways, this past weekend we celebrated Memorial Day with Nicole & Stephanie at their place. It was good food and great company but with four people missing, it just wasn't the same. We thought of them constantly and can't wait till we can all BBQ together again this summer. July is gonna be one heck of a month and we have alot to pack into those 27 days that they are here!!

Until then, I scrapped the photos I took. Besides the obvious group photo of the four of us, we have Nicole cooking up a feast on the grill, chatting with Butch about her and Stephanie's upcoming road trip, and sharing a brew with moi. :-)


Here's to a drier, warmer June!

Godspeed