Bits of My Bliss

New year..new pages!!

2012-01-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well the holidays are over and the decorations are finally all put away:) This past week I was able to complete some layouts for the design team at Scrappy Chic and was happy with how they turned out. I have another one done but no photo yet....I am still learning how to operate my new computer...the kids are trying to help me out with that though:)

I have decided to do Project Life this year! I have many ideas on how to organize my supplies and hope to have that completed this week:)

We enjoyed a nice visit at my brother and sister-in-law's home yesterday to celebrate Tamara's birthday. It was nice to see their new basement since renovating it due to a flood. So happy to have family close by and get to see each other often.

Four for....Scrappy Chic!!!

2011-11-03T14:51:00.000-04:00

Was so excited to play with some new goodies yesterday!!! I love using up older photos too....found some baby pics of my Victoria as well as an old one of Virg and his cousins. They are not a lot of pictures of hubby when he was younger so I treasure all the ones I have....I was able to photocopy some when we were in Portugal about 6 years ago. SO glad to have them:)

SO here are the results:

The top one has Virg...can you guess which one is him???? I loved using a piece of Ethan's school art work on the one layout. Glad to have kept it and display it properly now:)

Well, Hallowe'en is over.....I decided I did want to take a couple of pics of stuff I had up. I found some silhouettes on a recent trip to Ottawa Street...love them!!

Love this cat...the smile reminds me of the cat from Alice in Wonderland!!

Soon it will be time to think about Christmas....

New stuff!!

2011-09-20T12:01:00.000-04:00

Well, after my last post I did indeed go up to my "room" and do some creating and it felt good:) Here are the results....3 layouts and a mini that I started. I REALLY love the Authentique paper (as you can tell I even left the labelling of the paper as part of my page:) It was fun to use the black and whites I had from the first summer I was done working fulltime...seems so long ago.

Love all the little stuff from the Authentique line...know I'll be using this stuff a lot in my projects!!

I had all my pre-op stuff done at the hospital yesterday...took way longer than I thought but glad to be getting closer to being done:)

Loving this sunshine today...enjoy.

It's been a long time.....

2011-09-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

It has been an extremely long time since I have blogged here....why... I think there are many reasons. I have had my health to worry about since May and really haven't felt quite right and know that once the whole thing is over with at the end of this month I will feel like now things are not so much "on hold". This month I have begun to feel like things are really going to be ok. I know I am VERY blessed with SO much in my life.....my family and friends, relationships that are true and a real gift..that has been a real source of awareness and gratitude for me. My relationship with Christ has been like any realtionship...it's ups and downs, happiness, insecurities. At one point I felt like, OK I know I have a wonderful life...is that about to end? Am I being punished?

I read today that God doesn't want to punish us and yet when things come up we can sometimes feel that way. It's amazing what challenges and experiences can do to really make you understand who you are and look and see what is really there around you. There is so much heartache and suffering around the world and I have so much to say "thank you" for even if I don't realize it is worthy of a grateful heart.

Well, enough spilling out my feelings LOL...

Today is a wonderful, sunshiney day and I am going to create!!

Thank you:)

Oh my goodness!!!

2011-04-30T19:31:00.000-04:00

I just realized that today is the LAST day of April??!! Ok, where did this month go??? Looking toward a busy week next week with a volunteer luncheon at the school, Mega Meet in Michigan, orthodontist appointment for Victoria and Mothers Day on the weekend.

Last night was a creativity night for myself and Keri which we haven't had for ages...so excited to create and got some pages done which make me happy:) What do you think?? think perhaps I have quite a few pictures of Lily???!! Wait until I share the ones where she's wearing her raincoat and carrying daffodils from the garden :)

Also, Virg has started painting my new scraproom/library and am loving the colour!!! Hoping to get the second coat on tomorrow and then we can begin the fun part of putting the furniture back in and setting it up. I know more purging is in order LOL

My boy turned 15!!!!

2011-03-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

Well, this past week has flown by!! We were on vacation for almost 10 days in California and it seems to have taken me just as long to recover:) This past weekend we celebrated Ethan's 15th birthday. On Saturday evening we went to the Red Wing vs Toronto Maple Leafs game and enjoyed Mexican town for dinner beforehand. Yesterday we had a family celebration with a BBQ lunch and blueberry pie (which i had squashed...don't ask!!!) for dessert. Not a lot of pics to share but like this one with Ethan wearing his bit of green in honour of St PAt's....

It's a little blurry but hey....it's a bday picture, right?

Today's agenda includes getting my scrap on....I have 2 pages done for my design team work and need to finish that stuff up this week. I'll share one I completed last week, it's a pic from Universal Studios of my "mature" son:)

I wasn't sure how to use the paper at first...but love the end result:)

Off to exercise for a bit before getting to my to do list...LOVE the sunshine and warmer temps are on the way (I hope!!!)

New pages...loving the new stuff!!

2011-03-08T23:54:00.000-05:00

Did this layout on Saturday evening for Shimelle's 4x6 photo challenge on two peas and pretty happy with the results!! Do you like my straw heart??? Used some fun new paper from Echo Park that I got from Scrappy Chic and love how it all came together.

Our vacation starts soon and got my hair done today and liking how it turned out:) Now to hopefully get a little sun very soon....

Little yellow Bicycle....

2011-02-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

No I haven't been out riding:) This is the name of a scrapbooking company and I just completed a layout with some cute pics of Matt from a walk at a local park back in the fall. The colours worked perfectly with the pictures...what do you think? Although I believe I'll be taking another picture tomorrow when the sun is out!!

Virg arrived safely in Vegas last night and has "miked" me a couple of times...I'm sure he's sorry to be missing the falling snow :) Victoria has 2 friends over for a sleepover and Ethan is out at the show with friends and will be home later so ....I still have the diningroom table taken over with supplies and am happily creating.

My first design team projects are done!!

2011-02-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.scrappychiclivonia.com/

Well....my first projects for Scrappy Chic are completed and some are posted on their website..yeah!! I'm hoping to head over there soon to deliver them and want to purchase some more items of Little Yellow Bicycle's twig collection. I bought some papers when I was there last Friday but would like to add some embellishments. I have pictures of little Mathew on a nature walk we took last fall at a local nature preserve area and they would go perfectly together.

Here's a couple of pictures of my projects:

The above is a mini of the Toronto distillery area we went to in early December..really happy with how it turned out!!

Close up and the full picture of myself and my sister when we were younger!! It's funny looking at older photos...I can remember that lamp and even the flannel nightie I'm wearing :)

Hopefully the warmer temperatures they're promising will mean no more flannel for awhile...I'm ready for spring!

Heart Love

2011-02-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have some Valenine's stuff out..not much...still trying to get the rooms done..not going very quickly LOL Lily was SO cute today. As we washed and then dried our hands she asked about the heart towel I had hung up in the bathroom that was there last week. SO cute how she remembered and told me she liked it:) I told her it was in the wash...LOL

My design team meeting is tomorrow night...excited and happy that another girl just happens to live 2 streets over from me and we're going over together..yeah!!

Lily and I are watching Marmaduke on the couch, much too cold to be outside. She also asked if I could go to Cinderella's castle with her...too sweet. Love my Thursday girl:)

Design team excitement...

2011-02-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

I'm SO very excited to have been chosen to be a member of the Scrappy Chic Design team!! It's a very dreamy store full of scrapbooking goodies and beading supplies as well. I got the call on Friday afternoon as Victoria and I were getting ready for the Valentines dance for her school. We'll be having a get-together meeting soon so I'll know more details after that.....yeah!!!

http://www.scrappychiclivonia.com/

I also see that of my fav new magazines finally have their second issue coming out...

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_m76uH93KKBA/TUW3r4ogBnI/AAAAAAAABKw/pLQHCPfPvps/s1600/fmscoverspring2011.jpg

Now if only the sun would come back out.....

The sun is out..the sun is out!!!

2011-01-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

Yes! It may be cold BUT the sun is out LOL Hoping this will put me in the mood to get more done around the house today. I NEED to continue on the journey of getting the "rooms switched". I dropped off more stuff to Sue today and will continue to purge my crafting supplies.

Saw this video on another blog...LOVE this idea!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmaWY7Wk0qA&feature=player_embedded

Another way to put my odds and bits in one spot:)

Dropped off my frame, 2 minis, canvas and pages to Scrppy Chic on Saturday....keeping my fingers crossed about getting on their design team. It's my first time attempting something like this so we'll see...

Off to tidy up and get purging...wish me luck!

Baby it's cold outside!!!

2011-01-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Peek a boo!!! Recognize this cutie?! This is the last picture I have taken...back on January 6th. It wasn't as cold out that day as it was today, thank goodness. I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated here...the holidays flew by and I was quite sick and kept things pretty low key which really was a wonderful thing. Now poor Ethan is fighting a sinus/cold virus that has been hanging around for almsot 2 weeks now. His first exam is on Wednesday and hoping his first high school exam goes well.

I'm in the process (long) of trying to empty out my craft space and switch my room with Victoria's bedroom. I have been happily purging and giving away many supplies. I'm really keeping my word of the year "purpose" in my head as I clean up.

I have been working on some projects as I attempt to apply for a design team for a store in Michigan. I'm also contemplating doing some projects for a few local craft shows along with my Thursday girls. We really enjoyed our Christmas projects we did together and have more ideas for creating stuff. We have our Valentines dance in a few weeks and have been helping with that as well.

On the agenda for this week....take some pictures:) and try to continue working on that room...ugh

Travels and treasures

2010-09-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of my latest finds!!! Love these 2 butter yellow suitcases I found this week....used picnik to create the cool effect on the photo. Paid less then $9 for both of them and they are in MINT condition..yeah me:) Although I'm tempted to bring them on my upcoming weekend away to NYC I believe they will be found in my studio as storage.

Virg has called 3 times from Vegas, he's having a great time and was going to a Chris Angel show in a few hours. I did ask him too if he'd like to borrow these for his trip as well...he declined LOL

I am doing a scrapbook album for a friend for her parents 50th wedding anniversary. I completed 3 pages tonight and hope to drop it off to her tomorrow morning. Hoping she'll like how they turned out and excited to continue working on more after I get the album back.

I have Grey's Anatomy taped...shall I watch it before bed??? Hope it was good.....

September is here and back to routines...

2010-09-13T14:05:00.000-04:00

Well, September is here and it's back to school, back to routine and my fav time of year!!! This year is different with Ethan in high school and that means a quieter morning with just us two girls after 7:30am. The crazy rush and arguing isn't going on...it's a little funny getting used to that:) This year my first day of school pictures were also "different"...observe:

Although I do have a couple good ones of Victoria, I fear her days of posing nicely for me are soon coming to an end:)

With Ethan I got zero co-operation......observe:

Oh well, what can you expect from a high school kid, right??!!

I finally got myself back on track and planned my meals for the week and got the groceries this morning. I really do better when I plan ahead and am starting a Zumba exercise class tonight as well as trying to get my daily walks in.....wish me luck!

A New Class starts soon!!

2010-08-27T22:40:00.002-04:00

Joining a new class again on the first of September with Ms Shimelle!!
I may try to start setting up my album....I DO have some supplies/paint colours picked out though!!!

Summer fun

2010-08-24T13:03:00.000-04:00

Well the end of August is nearing.....and although we enjoyed some days at the cottage just the 4 of us last week I really don't have many pictures!! So I though I'd post one of this cutie in her sweet suit from Victoria's birthday on August 7th.

Ethan has his uniforms for high school and his orientation is next week. I'm still hoping he'll co-operate for first day of school pics:)

On Wednesday we'll be celebrating Virg's birthday with a family dinner of lasagna (as per his request) and I'm thinking we'll do an apple pie as he really does prefer that over cake.

Starting to think about a class I'd like to teach in the fall...most surely a mini album...just have to figure out what "theme" it should be...

Our end of summer activites will include a family reunion, trip to Aberfoyle and a day trip to Cedar Point...and yes, I'll take pictures:)

Doing Cartwheels!!!

2010-08-12T22:37:00.000-04:00

I am excited!!!! As I sit here going thru my daily list of blog favourites I check out one of my newest inspirational ones: http://cartwheelsinmymind.typepad.com/blog/ and see one of my layouts on there!!!! It's so fun seeing something you've created shared on another site ....I'm totally GEEKED...I know:)

This week has gone by SO quickly. Last Saturday was Victoria's 11th birthday and we had a group of girls out to the cottage and enjoyed a wonderful day together..Sunday was Mazaaar's and Tony Bennett concert with my parents. This week has been busy with driving kids to golf, sleepovers, dentist appointments...Virg and I had an evening of shopping stateside and dinner out...last night was a bit of scrapping and chatting with a good friend...and today was Lily day:) Keeping fingers crossed that the rain/thunderstorms they are predicting for Saturday decide to hold off. We're having my gal pals from school and their families out to the cottage on Saturday and really would like to be able to enjoy the lake and outdoors.

Here's the latest pic of myself and the hubby from Sunday night. Virg asked my sis to take the picture...he's such a keeper:) Feel so very blessed XO

Soon she'll be 11...yikes!!!

2010-08-05T22:28:00.000-04:00

Ethan and I went to the mall tonight to purchase a few things for little Ms Victoria who will be turning 11 on Saturday. We'll be spending what looks to be a gorgeous day with friends from school and family. Hoping to enjoy some time on the boat and games outdoors, water balloons and good food.

Here she is 2 years ago....that's how long I've had this computer so those are the oldest pics I have on here.... I still remember when they pulled her out of me "it's a BIG...........GIRL!!!" and yes, she was!!! Almost 9 pounds but to look at her now you'd never know it:) She was showing off her 6 pack to us after supper tonight, again:)

The kids are playing nicely together right now with the Wii...I hope they always have a great relationship as they grow older.

Here's to a weekend of fun at Comber fair, birthday celebrations at the cottage, a nice dinner out Sunday and Tony Bennett with my parents on Sunday.....thinking I may be a little tired on Monday:) !!!

As summer flies by...

2010-07-27T16:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of the two of us taken almost 2 weeks ago...the summer is flying by!! We had gone down to old Walkerville for the Artwalk and to visit my mother (and Dad) at Magana gallery. Virg made a purchase that evening as well...a piece of work by Mom and it now hangs in his office. Tonight we plan to stop by Starbucks for a showing of art and a latte. Virg hopes to stop by to pick us up in the Camaro after an afternoon meeting. Really enjoy the rides in the Camaro..a big part of our summer memories.

Thursday is Lily day and a hair appointment. Should have made the appointment earlier in the month my roots are quite bad!! I always feel good after getting my hair done and think I should make a pedicure appointment for next week...spread the feeling good over a few days:)

Last night was family cleanup and organizing time. With the 4 of us working we got quite a bit accomplished and filled a couple of bags with giveaway clothes and garbage as well. Always feel better when things are more organized and items purged...must do this more often:)

Looking forward to some nicer weather that's warm but not stifling..I might even pick one of the tomatoes that are ready on one of 2 plants in the backyard. Always have lofty dreams of planting a bigger garden but 2 tomato plants and a basil plant are as good as it gets this year...there's always next summer...maybe...

It's been a long 2 weeks....

2010-07-16T11:16:00.000-04:00

...since we've had this little muchkin around!!! With the busyness of confirmation/ graduation I didn't watch my Thursday gal for a couple of weeks. So yesterday was a wonderful day. After Tamara left for work we walked around in the front for a bit then headed to the backyard as we waited for the bigger cousins to get up:) In the backyard we sat in the hammock together. I can't get over her imagination lately!! We talked about the "animals" we saw in the tree. She first pointed out the crocodile who had only 2 teeth! Then we had to be careful of the monkeys who were trying to climb into the hammock with us. We enjoyed waffles for a morning snack (breakfast for my kids!!), trips to WalMart, the pet store and Harveys drivethru for takeout lunch. After naptime it was summer fun on the slip 'n slide....took a ton of pics

And the reason she's wearing a sticker on her nose???!!! She used the potty...yeah!!!! Lots of high fives and praise and of course, chocolate chips always help as well:)

Enjoyed an evening with Keri....it's also been a long time since we had gotten together! Dinner at the Penalty box and then back here for more creating...thinking on this very hot day I'll be doing some more inside. I did order some more prints online so ....why not?!!!

Looking forward to ArtWalk tonight and dinner out.....let the weekend begin:)

Photos of 3....

2010-07-07T12:28:00.000-04:00

Our assignment today is to take photos of a grouping of 3. I took 3 bowls that I have from Portugal all the same style but different in colour. My other photo is of a grouping of 3 items I have on my side table in the family room. I'm posting them here for viewing.....

It's another steamy day here.....soon we're off to cool down at the cottage before heading out for a few days...

New class...new photos...same old frustrations!!!

2010-07-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

We are in the full throngs of summer...sleeping in, staying up late, eating whenever we feel like it!!! Although today I was getting frustrated with how messy the house was and the lack of clean laundry:) So today I think I did 6 loads of laundry and tidied up the livingroom/diningroom and swept and mopped the floor. Victoria was a help with getting the family room done and helping a bit with the laundry. It's SO HOT that I really didn't want to bug her about too much. Ethan enjoyed a full day with friends...golfing, swimming, eating tacos at the Coopers.

The new Shimelle class started yesterday and I also took some pics for that although I can't upload them onto the forum there...GRRRRR!! I thought I had properly resized them but they still looked huge so I didn't post them there but will put some here instead:) I found it hard to figure out which items in our house represent me....there are quite a few things...yes, I really should do some purging. So i walked into my studio and picked up my BliSS can, my old camera from an antique store and my Eiffel tower from the local thrift store. I LOVE all things Paris, love to photograph and BliSS is my word for the year and I found that on ebay and was ecstatic when I won it. A few of my fav stamps are inside it for now. Keri and I really enjoyed our first class Use your Stash and now I have been gifted this class for part of my birthday gift...yeah me!!!

Victoria is playing Who Wants to Be A Millionaire with Leticia right now...she's so funny to listen to. Tomorrow we get to spend the day at the cottage in the afternoon and then off to Toronto for a few days...what fun!!

Good bye grade school.....

2010-06-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

Well, this past week has been a whirlwind....we had confirmation a few weeks back and last Thursday was Ethan's graduation from grade 8!! I am finally feeling better after quite a few days with a bad sinus/cold. Last night I had Keri and Amanda here and we scrapbooked and love how my one page turned out with a pic of Ethan and I at the school dance. Tonight he has a grad party at his friend, Nick's house and then tomorrow we're going to possibly be going up to Virg's sisters place to celebrate Canada Day.

Summer has begun!! As I sit here it's already 10:30 and all 3 kids are still sleeping (Camille slept over:) So enjoying the beautiful weather with cooler temps and gorgeous blue, sunshiney sky. Looking forward to lazy schedules, eating good food, long days at the cottage, time with my kids.....next week looks like a couple of days out of town may be in order!!

So proud of my kids....straight A students:)

a special night, a special kid

2010-06-09T23:35:00.000-04:00

It was a special night here at the Costa household...Ethan's confirmation. He looked very handsome (as you can see!!) and did so very well keeping his tie/suit jacket on despite the warm temperatures. We came back afterwards for some goodies, cappucinos and gifts. Ethan really seems to like the Bible that I had chosen for him....still need to show it to Virg LOL I got some nice pictures and am looking forward to seeing pictures that were taken from Ryan's sister at the church. It was quite crowded in the church but enjoyed having my Dad and Mom beside me in the pew...singing along with my Dad to the hymns. The bishop who spoke at the service was a great speaker. His message was, to sum it up in my own words, in order to see change in the world we need to look to God but that thru prayer and a change in heart people will be the way change occurs. He's provided for us but we need to make it happen. Can't wait to continue to see what God has in store for our David Ethan "Joseph" Costa!!

reflecting.....

2010-06-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful weekend away....have found myself quite tired since I returned and the cloudy/rainy day today doesn't help:) Thought I'd post this picture from last week. A picture perfect rose from the climbing bush that was in full bloom last week. As I'm sitting here my cardinal friend has stopped by again outside to sign his good morning message to me. We've also discovered a robin's nest in our apple tree. It sits low in the tree over the hot tub. There are probably 3 babies inside although it's hard to really see them.

Tonight is Ethan's confirmation and in a few short weeks his graduation from grade school. I can remember his little yellow slicker and turtle backpack...now it's all about the hair and Hollister or his other shirts of choice:) He is still a wonderful kid and hope he contines to be blessed with great friends and follows a path of Christian faith. It's a scary world sometimes but knowing you're not alone always helps.

On the agenda is to finish ironing up a bit, washing floors, help at the school over lunch, wrap a gift, buy a belt and pick up a few groceries. I will have to squeeze in getting myself ready as well:)

Sunday...day of sore muscles and rain

2010-04-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

I know Kara-Leigh will cringe when she sees this picture:) This morning began with coffee and a toasted bagel with peanut butter and time together on the couch. Victoria slept over at Camilles and so Virg and I headed off to the cottage to bring some stuff out there and pick up my camera cord LOL Ethan stayed at home and has been getting some XBox time in before leaving early Tuesday morning for his Muskoka trip. It was actually nice seeing the rain this morning as it means the bushes i planted yesterday and the few plants I transplanted to the front got some well needed watering. the 7 hours Virg and I spent outside together yesterday paid off. the yard looks much better and we got the seed down just in time. Ethan and I went to Walmart this afternoon to purchase some items for his Muskoka trip. He is VERY excited and I know he's going to have a great time. He was up later packing and has written me a note to get the camera we didn't pick up earlier so that I remember to get it tomorrow:) Mom, Dad and Auntie Leigh stopped by to say good bye and have a great time.

Made some banana cake and hope to watch my show, Brothers and Sisters in just a bit. Tomorrow I'm off to get some pictures developed so I can begin the fun part of documenting my week-in-the-life project. Sorry to my family who keeps getting these updates but wanted to write stuff down so I'd have something to refer back to when it came down to "remembering" my week.

Sleeping in Friday :)

2010-04-24T00:04:00.002-04:00

Well, today the kids had the day off school so the three :) of us slept in, so very nice!!! The sun was out but I had started with a headache last night and woke up with one this morning as well. When I get these monthly headaches I usually take Advil gel caps as that's the only thing that seems to help. Ethan stayed in his pjs for the morning and Victoria and I left shortly after noon to Michael's, Wendy's for a quick lunch and then to Canadian Tire. We picked up some bushes that were on sale and a furnace filter. Shortly after we arrived home Virg was home as well. We all headed over to the states with Dad and Ed for a car show, Panera Bread for dinner and then a quick trip to Target. Ethan leaves early Tuesday morning for his Muskoka trip so we picked up some clothes for him as well as the new Avatar movie which we hope to watch tomorrow night.

We're very tired and just typing this out before going up to bed.....not many pics taken today. Maybe tomorrow will be better on the picture taking end. It's suppose to be a weekend of rain. hope to plant my bushes tomorrow and housecleaning and finish getting the items needs for his Gr 8 trip.

Lovin the big blue sky....

2010-04-22T22:54:00.002-04:00

A busy day today with sunny blue and cool.....first our morning walk (Lily and Aunt Lisa with the CTK ladies:) We could see that the same house we had stopped at yesterday had MORE stuff sitting out on the driveway. I picked up a couple of tins and shoved them under the stroller. Angie found a nice dark brown wicker planter and Cathy found some things including a clothes drying rack. When we returned with our vehicles after our coffees I loaded up with come cups and saucers, pillowcases, white mugs, a duffel bag filled with kaleidoscopes:) wicker plates for outdoor eating.....the list goes on and on.

When Lily and I returned home it was fun in the front with bubbles, posing with 2 figurines on the bench (she asked me to take her picture with them on the bench beside her...too cute!) At one point we were sitting together on the bench and I kind of sat back and looked up at the sky "What a gorgeous day, Lily! That's a beautiful, blue sky. I love that gorgeous blue sky." To which Lily proceeds to lean back into the back of the bench, look up and declare "I love that gorgeous blue sky too Aunt Lisa" She made me smile and laugh so much today:)

Whirlwind Wednesday!!

2010-04-21T22:57:00.002-04:00

Okay no new pictures to download....still no connecting cord. This morning I went to go for a quick walk with Marta and Angie had decided to join us as well. travelling down Grand Marais I look down one of the side streets and see a Canadian Diabetes truck at the end of a filled driveway filled with "junk" .....aka unfound treasures in my world:) So I turn down the street...long story short I leave the 2 ladies there as I run, walk, jog back to the school to get my van. I left with a van filled with stuff with something for all 3 of us. I didn't take a picture yet but I will!!! Worked at Virg's office from 11-2, stopped at the high school to pick up Ethan and 3 friends after shadow day there, confirmation class dropoff at 4, finish getting dinner put together, PAC meeting at 6:30 until almost 9, watch the end of Idol gives back, help cut out some pics for Ethan's project (which he is still working on!!) and down sitting down for a bit before bedtime:) Whew!! Oh yes, I forgot about Tuesday......

quickly trying to remember....clothes shopping for a few new spring pieces, pair of sandals and a pillow for my bench outside. Made devilled eggs, 3 loads of laundry, vaccumed up and down and enjoyed a nice but chilly dinner outside.

Another Lily day tomorrow, yeah:)

Trying to remember Monday....

2010-04-20T14:00:00.003-04:00

Okay.....this picture is the last one I have uploaded to my computer. I'm trying to complete the week in the life project but somehow I left my cord for attaching my camera to the computer at the cottage..URGH!!! So I am determinded to still continue to take pics and upload them at a later date:) I will now attempt to look back thru the pics on my camera and remember my Monday and "jot" down some notes here on my blog:)

On Monday, it was a quick granola bar for breakfast for me, cereal for the kids. Monday mornings are usually not an early morning for any of us. Ethan got leftovers from Avo's house from the night before and Victoria wanted plain macaroni. After dropping off the kids I went for a walk with Marta and we had coffee and a breakfast BLT sandwich. Afterwards was a trip to the grocery store and I had a bag of clothes and a box of misc stuff for Value Village. As I passed the lady my things she passed me a coupon for 10% off....so yes, I went inside. SO glad I did....found 4 bamboo chairs which I love and remind me of an outdoor french cafe. Picked up 6 small black and white coffee cups from England, a crackle glazed covered dish from Japan, a milk glass vase/urn, wicker wine bottle holder, scroll spoon holder (which I plan to paint) and a mirrored bottom round display piece (painting this as well). Kara-Leigh came over to watch the kids so that Virg and I could go out for dinner at Mazaar's where we devoured the hummus and drank 2 bottles of wine (almost). We were kindof celebrating 22 years since our first date on April 19th.

Celebrating Life Album

2010-04-09T20:18:00.003-04:00

Here's some pics from my 6 x 12 album I'm doing with Keri
from an online class. It's with Shimelle and has you using your existing stash...of which I do have lots of supplies to chooses from:)

Really enjoying the weekly prompts and this past Wednesday I was scrapping the day and night away...as my messy house bears witness:)

Hoping to maybe complete another page tonight. I did do 2 loads of laundry so does that mean I don't have to feel guilty??!!

Looking forward to what promises to be a gorgeous, sunny day tomorrow.

Rain and snow...it's March for sure!!

2010-03-25T22:46:00.004-04:00

Here's my Thursday gal, Miss Lily with her new spring outdoor apparel:) After our morning walk which happened at the mall due to the spring showers this morning....we ducked into Old navy. I wanted to see if they had something to add to her birthday gift as we are celebrating her second birthday on Sunday. At the back on their clearance racks i found this adorable coat and matching boots!! Although the coat is a size 5 Aunt lisa simply rolled up the sleeves a little and voila:) Here's just a couple of shots before heading out to pick up Ethan and Victoria after school.

And the young gentleman with the gray hat trying so hard to ensure his mother doesn't take his picture??.....he's going to be 14 tomorrow!!! I can still remember holding him after he was only a few hours old and thinking how beautiful he was....and he still is...we are blessed.

So excited with the creativity things going on...hopefully the sun will be out as promised and I can take pics of my layouts:)

It's a new Year!

2010-01-11T09:32:00.002-05:00

Doesn't this guy just make you laugh??!!! When Virg and I had returned home from getting paint for this fella's room I noticed that my camera bag was open and one of my lenses was about to fall out!!! Ethan had borrowed my camera to take this self-portrait..and I love it! I like how you can see what's behind him reflected. This was the "character" he portrayed as he answered the door to get his sleepover stuff from Blake's dad. He threw open the door and "yo-yo Mr C waz up?!!" Virg and I were cracking up..we had dared him to do it. He needs to go into acting I tell ya'.

Well, the holidays are over and we survived the first week back to school, back to routine...Victoria came home early one day last week due to an upset tummy and the next day Ethan stayed home with a bad head cold. Last night Virg and I finally worked together to get both trees down and all the Christmas stuff put away. Hoping to motivate myself to keep going with the tidying up today. This is a busy week with meetings at the high school Wed night, mtg for Muskoka trip Thu night, confirmation & gymnastic classes, out for lunch Wed and out Friday night...at least there are no bills due this week:)

Okay for today I will spend some time finishing up main floor, 1 hour in Ethan's room (we're trying to redecorate it, new furniture is ready) and then 1 hour tidying up upstairs, menu for the week figured out and creating for 1 hour today as well. I will post what "creating" I did tomorrow:)

Christmas memories...

2009-12-26T15:24:00.002-05:00

Well, it's the day after Christmas....it's pretty quiet around here now as it's just Ethan and myself here at home. Victoria is with her friend, Camille and Virg has gone up to Toronto with my dad for the hockey game toronto vs Montreal. Ethan is still lounging in his new Christmas eve pjs playing XBox as I sit here playing on the laptop. Christmas although it was a rainy day was sunshine here inside!! We enjoyed a Christmas eve celebration with Virg`s family with lots of good food and church service at 9pm. The kids were very happy to have their cousins there for that night as originally it didn`t look like they`d be down. Victoria was the first one up and woke up her brother and then us around 7:30am. we opened stockings and the rest of my family arrived around 9am. After opening gifts it was time for a big breakfast at the diningroom table...naps in the afternoon and then a huge turkey dinner around 6.

I thought a lot about Amanda and Joe and how different their Christmas would be this year....continuing to keep them in our prayers and hearts. The message I really heard this year was that although God doesn`t promise to put a `bandaid` on all the things that can happen in your life, he does promise to always be there for you and with you. It`s good to know you`re not alone in this world...we can`t control what happens in our life but we can decide how to act and make choices.

With the new year about to begin I`ll soon have to think of my word for the year...things I`m looking forward to in 2010....travels, creativity, learning, faith, friendships, high school for Ethan...change is one of the most definite aspects of life:)

Christmas cheer

2009-12-16T22:46:00.003-05:00

The days are now in the single digits (according to our official countdown cheerleader, Victoria LOL) I do believe I have only 2 more things to buy and then I am done...I have begun wrapping and after the next 3 days of busyness I will finish that as well. Our real tree still just has its white lights and silver star topper but eventually I will place the red and green decorations on it. I had some friends over this afternoon for coffee and goodies. It was a nice visit and I gave them their gifts for Christmas which they enjoyed...handmade gifts. I have more handmade things to finish up and am happy to have either found "vintage" treasures or have handmade gifts for most of my family/friends this year.

I really think I'm doing a better job of just enjoying more of what this season is all about rather than stressing about silly things. Look at these sillies!!! I feel blessed to have great friends and family in my life and our health...what more could one possibly need. I am counting my blessings and enjoying the yellow suckers that are the moments that I will enjoy in honour of a little blonde angel named Malik.

A wet and warm day....

2009-12-13T22:42:00.003-05:00

We went today to Sloan's to get our real Christmas tree today. It was chilly, wet and muddy!!! The Hagg family joined us and we had a wonderful time!!!!! I say warm because truly the warmth of friendship and the spirit of Christmas was a big part of our day. I enjoy spending time with all the kids and they all get along so well together even the ages range from 5 to 13. We were there for almost 3 1/2 hours before we decided we had better go and pick our trees before they closed for the day:) The kids really enjoyed the haystack maze, broomball hockey, slingshots, zipline....despite the drizzle (I was really hoping for some snow). Because of the poor weather they only charged us for the tree and no extra charge for the activities because they didn't have the kids train running and one other activity that I'm not really sure of..LOL

SO I think both families picked some pretty great looking trees...yes? Maybe next year we'll have snow instead of mud. My washer is getting a workout tonight by the way....

A Little more of Christmas

2009-12-02T22:28:00.003-05:00

As soon as Victoria and I had placed the tree skirt around the tree...here comes Jack to pose as the purrfect Christmas kitty! Both he and Sedona love sitting under the trees. We've got decoartions on the tree now and I have my urns done at the front of the house. Our advent countdown canvas I made a couple of years ago is now displayed as well. Looking forward to going to get our real tree on Saturday. Right now it's raining outside...maybe by tomorrow am it may turn to some snow??! Would love to have a white Christmas this year, fingers crossed:)

The last day of November

2009-11-30T21:50:00.003-05:00

Although I enjoyed a wonderful Crafting at the Cottage day on Saturday I'm still quite pooped today!! I didn't take one picture but hope some of the other ladies will pass some on to me...

I went out with Kara-leigh today to the mall for a bit before we went to pick up a few groceries. Finished Christmas gifts for my nieces and a gift for my Mom. So tomorrow is December 1st and I feel like I'm in pretty good shape (we'll see how long that feeling lasts LOL) Trying to have as many handmade gifts done as I can manage:) I know I can place a lot on my plate and then get all down on myself if I can't complete everything...must try not to do that this year.

Went over for a quick visit to see Virg's parents. His Dad is doing amazing well considering tomorrow will be a month since his surgery. He was showing us how he can walk without the use of his cane. We only let him do a short distance but you can see how happy he is with his results as well. That's very good news considering one doctor told him he was very close to having to use a wheelchair just 6 months ago!!

Doctors appointments tomorrow for myself and the kids. After much deliberating back and forth decided that the 3 of us would get the H1N1 shot. Especially after having a asthma scare last Friday night at a girl's house who had 2 dogs...not fun!!

I signed up for Theresa M's Christmas ezine...excited to look it over tomorrow. Virg is already asleep on the couch so thinking we should both head upstairs for an early night. Making lists tomorrow to help organize myself...we'll see:)

A picture posted of Miss Lily Christmas morning here last year....can't wait for this year!!

Praying and Preparing....

2009-11-23T10:31:00.003-05:00

Feeling a little scatter brained this morning...the weekend was lovely but just flew by! I am happy that UPS was already here and my 9 boxes of stuff for the school fundraiser order have arrived. Now I don't feel tied down waiting for him to arrive.

Praying for Amanda, Joe, Aida, Malik, Kate and little Eli. Poor Malik has been suffering quite badly with head pain and it was time to bring Malik back to the hospital. Hoping he's feeling more peaceful and the Fryers can feel the love being poured out to them.

It will soon be time to start decorating for the Christmas season but did want to share this arrangement I have in the livingroom. I love the colours of autumn and placed the dried yellow roses in there after they had lost their inital luster but love the dried beauties as well. Love the silver bowl I found in Value Village last month. After cleaning it up you could really see the details around the top and on the handles.

Plans are underway for a crafting weekend at the cottage. I've invited some ladies from Scrap Therapy out to the cottage for this coming Saturday. I have gifts that I'm in the process of making and hoping Victoria is in the mood for helping Mommy tonight. The boys are off to a hockey game tonight so it'll just be us at home:) Off to tidy up the kitchen and organize my thoughts with a to do list which always helps!!

some creating...

2009-10-15T14:08:00.003-04:00

So it's now getting cooler (ok down right COLD these last 3 days!!) and that always puts me more in the creating mood. Here are 2 layouts I've done over the last few weeks...the 2 friends one was done rather quickly and I didn't think much about it, just did it...and I like the results!!

Lily is over today and is napping rught now. Despite having vacinations this morning she's been in a great mood and even took her to the grocery store with me to pick up a few things this morning. Of course I found a cute hat for her there :) Yes, I took a few pictures but will post them another time.

I must do something with the apples we picked....maybe tomorrow pie making will be on the agenda!!

A change of seasons

2009-09-30T09:48:00.003-04:00

Well, looks as if fall IS really here now....although this past September really was the weather we should have had in August!! Ethan finally wore long pants today after realizing that it was a little cold for shorts yesterday but of course I'm just Mom, what do I know?! We had our annual Meet the Teacher BBQ last night, I brought my camera but did not take any pictures :( I was quite busy helping out then sitting down with Virg to quickly eat a hamburger and then run off to meet both teachers. Victoria's teacher is new to the school and seems like a wonderful, motivated and organized teacher. When we were in her classroom we discovered that Victoria had won an award that morning for Character Counts for the Respect pillar...WOW!! Ethan is in grade 8 and he was really off on his own most of the night hangin out with friends (quite a few of whom were girls :) His teacher, Mr St Louis who we were told already was great does indeed seem to be another gifted teacher. We are very blessed with a school who does have some super teachers and a great sense of community.

We`re continuing to keep the Fryer family in our prayers.....Malik is a very special fella who has a brain tumor. Seems like God is calling him home sooner than we thought...love Amanda and her family and pray for them all the time.

Poor deglected blog...

2009-09-11T14:52:00.003-04:00

Funny how the summer just fly by although the weather we've been having this week is a lot more hot and humid than the whole summer it seems!! Started watching Lily on thursdays and have had 2 weeks with her. Of course you know I'll be taking a ton of fun photos...here's one from last week..

Looking forward to a night out tonight at wine fest in Amherstburg and thne hockey starts this weekend for Ethan. I'm really thinking about visiting the farmers Market on Saturday...something I've always wanted to do and really want to do some creating as well. I have some new pics developed and itching to do something with them.

Off to pick up Victoria...Ethan rode his bike today with his friends and don't want to have Victoria walking by herself.

Summer laziness...

2009-07-15T18:18:00.003-04:00

Well, can't believe that July is already half over!! The weather has been quite nice except today it did get quite muggy in the afternoon and around 4:30 I went over and kicked the air conditioning on again.

Been kind of in a funk the last few days....not much energy to do much. We had the Dragon Boat races on Sunday and even though I was only in the first race, the day being out in the hot made me quite tired and drained the next day.

Victoria has been busy this week visiting and swimming with her friend, Cynthia yesterday and then she spent the day over at Camilles. Ethan (poor fella LOL) has been here at home with me mostly. I picked up a badminton set at Canadian Tire and we've had a few matches between the two of us. Harry Potter's new movie is out tonight and Ethan and Auntie Leigh are having a "movie Date" together!!! Victoria wants to just chill out here in the house tonight and if Virg makes it home after his meeting and before going out to play cards, we may make an ice cream run. I was hoping to post a few pictures, although not recent...I must take more pictures!!!...the battery is being charged at the moment.

I did spend a little time in my room upstairs and completed one layout after seeking inspiration on the Studio Calico website. I did a layout using pictures of Spring from around the cottage. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress made there this weekend and Virg informs me we'll be doing some painting while we're there.

Get to see this little muchkin and her Mommy again tomorrow night for dinner. She's such a dear and am looking forward to my Wednesdays with Lily beginning in September!

It's a beautiful but HOT day in the neighbourhood!

2009-06-24T13:51:00.005-04:00

Although I really should be doing some tidying up around the house just wanted to post some pictures before doing the other "fun" stuff LOL Went out this morning to get some needed lawn chairs for the big fireworks show tonight down at the river and some snacks as per Victoria's written request: gummy bears, chips, Fruitopia yes, I will also be bringing some mixed nuts, green grapes water for healthier choices too. Another item on our fireworks night supply list is glow in the dark bracelets and necklaces so got those at Dollarama as well. So of course before going to the grocery store I stopped off to look....and picked up these goodies:

As I'm checking out I see this interesting wood box on the shelf and score!! It's filled with all stamps from I'm assuming an old general store perhaps? It does smell a bit like old tobacco so I have it airing outside but I LOVE it!!!!!!!

I also have to share some pictures from a recent visit with Lily and Tamara last Friday. We sat in the backyard and had lots of smiles and playing of peek a boo from her....just Loving her curls at the back of her head. Ethan had the same thing until his first haircut.

Not sure how to organize my pics to load and display a little nicer...sorry!!

Summer is coming!!

2009-06-13T15:24:00.003-04:00

So one day this past week after school the kids are I were talking about summer vacation and some of the things we wanted to do. We decided to make up some lists. Their lists were actually daily chores they wanted to accomplish as we talked about having quiet mornings and then by 10am making sure beds were made and then before heading off with friends and stuff we'd get our daily tasks/chores done first. I was making up the fun list of stuff to do LOL On Studio Calico this morning I received an email with a cute idea of making up a summer list....I used some scraps from my pile and made this piece up for us. Thinking I'll use it on a page with photos from our summer in a mini in September!!

Virg is out making a floating dock for us to bring out to the cottage tomorrow. He just called and is very excited! His friend, Colin made up the design and they're at his place working on it. It's 8 x 10 and says "it's like a floating party platform!" Can't wait to see it :)

June is flying by!!!!

2009-06-08T23:17:00.004-04:00

Last Friday I cut some peonies from the front bed and placed 3 sets around the house. Gorgeous blooms and so many due to the rain we've had the last few weeks. On Tuesday I brought a friend out to the cottage to show her the "before" of the kitchen as we wait for the real work to begin (hoping this means tomorrow!!) After that we went to L&K Antique place and I picked up a few things :) including these cute pastel name place holders. I put them around the vase on the diningroom table and like the look.

As Virg and I looked over the calendar for the month we seem to have a lot of weekends booked but that's fine....just looking forward to summer...relaxing by the lake, late evenings, no more school lunches to make, having my kids around, nothing on the agenda days....

Look what happens in a year.......

2009-05-07T22:21:00.002-04:00

Look at these two cuties!! Look at how they've grown...these pics are almost exactly one year apart (minus a week or two).

Ways in which they've changed...

Victoria..she's gained confidence and ability in gymnastics, grown a size in clothing and a size larger in shoes, lost 4 teeth, enjoyed trips to Portugal and Southern States, stopped her habit of biting her finger nails (for the most part!)

Lily..she's learned how to say Mama and Dadee, walks like a pro, laughs, almost has her first tooth, started day care, made new friends, uses her finger nails to "tickle"

Ways/things that haven't changed...

Victoria..very excited to have a baby cousin, still has her hair in a shorter style, still enjoys plane rides but is not patient on car rides, still flips her hair behind her ears

Lily..is loved greatly by her family, still amazes me with her beauty, dresses superbly, changes each time I see her

One thing for sure that hasn't changed and I don't think ever will....these two are crazy about each other!!! Cherish your special cousin bond....love you girls!!

Signs of Spring..May

2009-05-04T16:05:00.003-04:00

Although it's a bit cooler so happy the sun is out! Later this week we are expecting rain so thought I would head out to the yard and take some pics of the early signs of spring that are appearing around here at home.

After returning from what I think was one of best family vacations last weekend, we went for a day out to the cottage Sunday. Gorgeous warm weather had us outside for the majority of time. I got some weeding done and finally pulled out the rest of 2 ugly bushes that I had cut right back last summer. Virg and I started packing up some things from the cottage and demo of the kitchen should begin next Saturday...yeah!!!

Saturday I had an awesome day with Keri and a group of wonderful scrapping ladies out in Harrow. I finished up a small mini with pics from Slide Rock park and did 3 12 x 12 layouts as well. I so enjoyed being with the creative "energy" of everyone and met some new scrap friends as well. Tammy and Michele had some delicious sandwiches and a ton of great prizes as well.

My blessings are many....

We're here!!!

2009-04-21T00:17:00.003-04:00

We've been enjoying our time here in Sedona and have been blessed with gorgeous weather!! Today we enjoyed some gorgeous views on a pink jeep tour we took this afternoon. At the top of Snibley Hill (sp?) we had a great BBQ dinner before heading back to the hotel. Although it's only shortly after 9pm here we are all just about ready for lights out. Being outside for most of the day really wears you out and we have another full day of fun planned for tomorrow...here's some pictures for you to enjoy :) These two pictures are from our visit to SLide Rock yesterday. I can't believe that both Ethan and Virg made their cold ride down Slide Rock!!!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T10:50:00.004-04:00

Taking the time here and now to record our Easter celebrations. The weekend was full of food and family times. We went to Good Friday service at "our" church and enjoyed listening to the stations of the cross service and seeing some families from school. The afternoon we spent some time cleaning around the house and Ethan had some friends stop by for some road hockey, Virg was happy to join in for a bit when they were short a man :)

Saturday we had my family over including little Lily who was celebrating her first Easter and therefore we had to have an egg hunt. Victoria organized them with letter stickers on each egg to spell out "Lily is a cute girl" Next year we hope to have some surprises inside for her instead!!

I found a cute Paris themed shirt and some cute red and white polka dot pants and I found her one of those cute fluffy yellow chicks that peep when you hold them on your hand!! It was a really nice time together and enjoyed the food:pork roast, scalloped potatoes, broccoli asian salad, hot cross buns, asparagus and an almond cookie torte for dessert. Mum brought a purple basket of chocolate goodies which i have in the living room hoping to keep them away from me!!!

Easter Sunday service was wonderful!! Father Nelson is a great speaker and he always says something that speaks to me. Although it was a tad chilly, the sun was out and made for a beautiful day. Victoria and Ethan looked for eggs in the backyard, using Victoria's dress as a basket! They enjoyed their visit with their cousins and we celebrated with an ice cream cake after dinner for dessert to celebrate 3 birthdays: Ethan, Samantha and Virg's mom.

It really was an enjoyable weekend just visiting with everyone and enjoying good food and wine. I have to admit I was real tired by 10:30 last night and was happy that we have a day off school today!

Junk treasures!!

2009-04-08T13:32:00.002-04:00

After picking up a few groceries I went across the road to the Value Village and found some treasures......my most favouritest one...an Eiffel tower!!! I was nearly jumping up and down when I found it. I must have had the biggest grin on my face. Found some wire racks to use in my studio to hold some 12 x 12 papers, milk glass vase, old croquet balls (can see these in a bowl at the cottage!), gorgeous green brooch and an awesome lunch pail. Giddy with excitement..sad isn't it :)

Take a peek...

SC challenge...comfort colours

2009-04-07T23:08:00.002-04:00

There's a scrapbooking kit club that I've belonged to for almost a year. It's been a real blessing since our the LSS store that I worked at closed in January (very sad, missing it SO much!!) Studio Calico is wonderful for inspiration and challenges and sharing. The most recent blog post was a challenge to discover your comfort colours...your go to colours, the ones you tend to gravitate towards. I love colour and combinations. I loved helping customers put together "kits" for their projects, it's one of the things I most enjoy when first beginning a project.

So, I've included photos of things that I've found that inspire me...as well as pictures of a recent mini album I completed.

I discovered that it seems the earth tones are "safe" and comforting. Sunny, buttery yellows...deep red, browns and accents of black. From art from a fav artist, James Tissot to the colours we have in our home...I found a link, a connection.

Adding published beside my name!!

2009-04-02T23:27:00.001-04:00

Well....it's official I have my first published "article" and a layout on scrapbooking .com....and I'm quite excited!!! My Mom has emailed some of her friends and Keri was sweet and called me this afternoon. I had coffee with some friends this afternoon and they were very sweet when I told them as well. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful and supportive friends.

Tomorrow is the day Ethan has anxiously been waiting for since his birthday last Thursday. We will be bringing him and 6 of his friends out to the cottage for a sleepover. So hoping the weather co-operates so we can do some things outside. Look for pictures next week!!

Tomorrow morning I have Lily and Tamara coming over for a visit. Tamara returns to work next week and Lily has been going for small visits at the daycare a few times this week. It will be a time of change and adjustment for everyone. I remember those times for me...daycare really was a great experience for my kids. I think especially for Ethan as he was a quiet kid and it helped when he enterred kindergarten. It seems like that was SO many years ago now :)

One year old today!!!

2009-03-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful day to celebrate the birthday of our precious LILY!! We enjoyed a wonderful celebration on Saturday with family at Lily's house in Amherstburg. So happy we didn't have a rainy day as they predicted but some sun and nice times with everyone there. Here's a few photos to share of a sweet girl who's loved to bits....happy Birthday Lily Noelle XOXOXOX

Mother of a teenager

2009-03-27T20:02:00.004-04:00

Well, my son is now officially a teenager....he was excited by the idea, me not so much...it seems like time just goes by way too quickly when it comes to kids. I'm so proud of the young man he is turning into, the choices he makes, his friends, how he treats others...oh sure the occasional teenage scowl has been seen, the rolling of the eyes but that's ok. I've always felt blessed that he was chosen to be a part of this family, we are definitely the lucky ones. Some pictures of his family celebration here last night. A friends get together is planned for next weekend at the cottage with 6 of his friends.

Tomorrow looking forward to celebrate this little one's 1 year birthday!! She was a sweetie last night.....full of smiles and love.

Spring Break

2009-03-16T22:36:00.003-04:00

Loving the warmer weather we enjoyed today and it's suppose to be even better tomorrow...yeah!!! Victoria is over at Camille's for a sleepover and Ethan was over there as well as I worked at the office for a bit this afternoon.

On Friday I received my new Studio Calico kit and am so anxious to play with all the papery goodness but that probably won't happen until after we return from Niagara Falls. The kids (including Virg!!) are anxious to use the water park and although it does look pretty cool I am not excited about putting on a bathing suit!! What I am excited about is what happens the next day when we visit a large antique market and hopefully Ikea! What's even nice is that the rest of the family is just as excited as me...ok, almost as excited.

Planning on staying at the cottage on the way home Saturday. This past weekend when we arrived there on Saturday there were a ton of swans on the lake. Our neighbour counted almost 80 at one point, it was an awesome sight to see.

Hope this warmer weather continues and my energy increases....have to get back to eating better, it does make a difference.

PS Can you believe this picture was taken exactly one month ago??!! On Saturday Virg actually took a kayak ride on the lake...crazy weather.

Looking forward to....

2009-03-10T22:58:00.002-04:00

I'm SO looking forward to my hair appointment on Thursday....with this rainy, dreary weather getting your hair done really does help!! And, again, I've waited a little too long to go back. I've only got 2 more days to wait. The kids have appointments for Friday as well. Ethan agreed to Friday as it's the last day before March Break as the day for hair cuts. I'm sure this is because he then has a full week for it to grow more before returning to school!!

We booked a night in Niagara Falls for next week while the kids are off from school. It has a new and large waterpark so the kids are especially excited. We're hoping to go to Toronto as well. we have an open agenda but may try to stop at the AGO...saw it in a commmercial today and the new addition looks beautiful!!

Tomorrow night I hope to be scrapbooking at Amanda's with another friend, Shelley. I picked up some new pics of Lily and some from the cottage as well. My room is almost there!!!! I have some stuff ready to pass along to Shelley tomorrow night and dropped off some more magazines to the secretary at school today. Feels so good to be getting organized and purging and finding some stuff...it really helps to get the creative juices flowing.

Friends, family time away together, scrapbooking...lots to look forward to here!

Sunshine...yeah!!

2009-03-06T14:40:00.005-05:00

Loving this weather today, NoW it's starting to feel like maybe spring will arrive soon. I should be full of energy but am not doing much this afternoon. When it was still cloudy and rainy this morning I did go on the treadmill so that was good. Made a small trip to Remark farms and picked up a soup and salad and some more fresh fruit and salmon for tonight's dinner. I must get back on board with weekly menu plans.

This week I did accomplish some more cleaning up in the studio and completed 2 layouts. I'll post them here and show you a pic of some tulips I brought home too....they should soon be opening.

mini album Our Weekend Together

2009-03-03T16:56:00.002-05:00

Starting a new blog and using my first entry to show a mini I completed this past weekend. Although I am still in the process of cleaning, purging and organizing my studio....ugh! I wanted to create so I pulled out the newest kit I have from Studio Calico and some pictures from a weekend Virg and I took together in September 2006. The colours worked well and I had some pictures in 5 x 7 as well as 4 x 6. I used a chipboard album I had from Maya Road and used Making Memories paint (shopping bag) as well. I figure it took me about 2 1/2 hours and really pleased with how it turned out!!!

I also have something that will be shown on scrapbooking.com in their April newsletter...I'm very excited!