LAYOUT SHARE: So Loved and Swimming Lessons

I took a break from card making this past weekend and made two layouts just for fun!  I really enjoyed it!  

That has put me behind in posting and sharing new cards, and also to work on the surprise video I mentioned in my last video.  I have taped the surprise twice and am just not happy with the quality (lighting issues, mainly) so I will be filming again in better lighting and will get that posted soon.

In the meantime, here is what I created using Studio Calico's Blue Note Scrapbook Kit from December, 2013 which is still available by the way.  Just sayin!

Title:  Swimming Lessons

Title:  So Loved

You can't see it from the photo but the three leaves under the title are sprinkled with Diamond Dust and they sparkle just like crushed glass....so pretty!

LAYOUT SHARE: #25

Title:  #25

Journalng:
Madison Scorpions
Second home game of the season.  
(They lost.)  
Kennedy Park, Madison, WI

A mish mash of Studio Calico kits, plus a journaling tag from Scenic Route.

LAYOUT SHARE: First Real Watch

I took this photo on the bus on the way home.  My son was so excited that he had to open up the watch, try it on and set it immediately.  It was too cute of a moment not to capture.

Title:  First Real Watch

Journaling:
A quick trip to Target and you spotted the watches and asked to pick one out.  You said it was your first real watch.

Used just a few bits and pieces of Studio Calico kits + some of my old stash (Scenic Route flower, Sassafras grey button (I think).

LAYOUT SHARE: Drummer Boy

Sorry for the long gap in posting these.  I haven't stopped creating, just haven't gotten them to the blog in awhile!  Enjoy!

Title:  Drummer Boy

Journaling:
Spring concert in Mr. Stein's class.  You played the drums and sang. 
 
Studio Calico Kits used:
35mm - May 2012 (Sold Out)
City of Lights Main Kit and Versailles Add-On - April 2012 (Sold Out)
Glee Club - September 2011 (Sold Out)

LAYOUT SHARE: If I Could Bottle You At This Age . . .

This page is a mish-mash of recent Studio Calico kits.

Incidentally, this photo was taken last year at the Memorial Day parade!

Title:  If I Could Bottle You At This Age . . .

I used old Making Memories felt alphas (blue), and old black alphas (not sure manufacturer).

Journaling:  You are so cute, still tell me "I love you" and hug me every morning.  You are proud of growing up, looking for signs of puberty and showing me how tall you're getting and the muscles on your arms.  It's so fun to see you at this age!  (10 years old)

LAYOUT SHARE: Riding Bikes

I created this layout using Studio Calico's April kit, City of Lights
Check out that bicycle stamp I used across the middle.  (One of the reasons I'm addicted to Studio Calico -- their amazing exclusive stamps for kit subscribers!)

Title:  Riding Bikes

I added some old Theresa Collins bracket paper, a Basic Grey border sticker, and some old black alpha stickers I've had in my stash.


Journaling:  This is how you looked on any given Saturday.  You would ride up and down the street and I'd usually be there with a watchful eye.  This is your second set of bikes and you were so proud to show them off!  Right now I'm trying to build endurance on my bike so we can all go biking around Madison.

Photos:  Summer 2011, Journaling April 2012

LAYOUT SHARE: Why Fit In

I originally created this for a Dr. Seuss challenge but, as often happens, I did not get it posted in time.  I still love the way it turned out and am happy to share it here.

Title:  Why Fit In

A fun Dr. Seuss quote:
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Supplies:  Studio Calico kit Story Hour (March 2012), plus a few alpha stickers and a couple rub ons from my stash

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Cupcakes Flopped

I was listening to Prince's Greatest Hits on Saturday when my daughter asked me, "Mom is that old time music?"  I said, "Why, do you think it sounds old?" and she said "Yes."  Damn did that make me feel old.  I then realized that she's only known music with hip hop influence, nothing rock 'n roll, so it made sense for her to not recognize that type of music.  Funny moment!


On Saturday I made two types of cupcakes preparing for Hubby's 40th birthday party.  I tested caramel toffee crunch and red velvet cupcakes (both from scratch).  The first batch of caramel toffee cupcakes were a complete bust.

completely sunken in the middle.  I Googled that problem and the answers were consistent, wrong temperature or opening oven door during baking, both of which I had done.  I threw these away and made another batch, only this time a half batch.


Both kinds are yummy but I actually like the red velvet more.  It is very chocolatey tasting.  I think we'll be making both of these for the party and maybe a yellow box mix one too.


The weather this week has changed for the better, now in the upper 60's and low to mid-70's.  I love this time of year!  I spend a lot of time outside enjoying the sunshine and watching the chickens roam the yard.


My son had an interesting end to last week with a new boy in his class giving him $50 in exchange for my son's French toast stick.  Luckily he mentioned it right away at pick up time and Daddy took the money to a teacher to be returned to the boy's father.  My son said this boy actually had $150 in his pocket!  Apparently the boy has had some issues and early this week was suspended for an unrelated infraction. 


Hubby made the best-ever venison chops this week.  I can take or leave venison and it is really hard to cook it well, but this was WONDERFUL.  So good that I picked the meat from the bone.  His secret?  Marinating the chops in buttermilk overnight.  The venison was so tender and flavorful.  If you eat venison you have to give this a try.  You'll thank me later.


My mom spent the weekend and early part of the week in the hospital.  It was worrisome because they couldn't figure out what was wrong with her.  High fever for many days, bad, painful cough, not getting enough oxygen and very dehydrated.  After a battery of tests and almost 4 days in the hospital they determined she has the rhinovirus.  This is not good timing as she has been very busy (and stressed!) trying to plan my Grandma's funeral. 


Here's to a wonderfully eventful week ahead for us all!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: A Teeter Totter Week

This week started off with a gorgeous snowfall.  The flakes were huge and floating softly as they fell.  It was so pretty I shot some video of it.  And the next day we woke up to this:

I appreciate the snowfall much more this year since we've only had a few small snowfalls and nothing more than a few inches at a time.

The weather was perfect for this treat:

A huge mug of chipolte hot chocolate from Theo Chocolates.  The mix is made up of big yummy chunks of chocolate, no powder.  It is awesome!  

We had a REALLY bad night on Monday.  The kids were home alone for a couple of hours and when I came home I saw that there was dog poop in our family room.   Not a happy camper!

The tale begins with my daughter telling my son to let Milo outside.  He said he would after he was done with the computer game he was in the middle of.  Get where this is going?

He forgot to let Milo out.  

Why my daughter didn't let him out--who knows.  

So they both had the pleasure of picking up the mess.  It was a struggle to get this accomplished but I was just the supervisor standing by with my arms crossed and a scowl on my face so I could deal.

After this was done I sat down for a moment and saw that Milo had also puked on the floor.  Lovely.  I asked the kids to clean this up too.  I figured this was part of the mess they failed to clean up before I got home.  

They ended up fighting with each other trying to get the stuff to clean it up and I heard a crack and then really shrill crying from my son.  I was pissed.  Beyond pissed actually.  

I went to check on my son who was sobbing on his bed to find out what happened.  He said he'd kicked Milo's bone at my daughter and she responded by slapping him in the face.  I know from the sound I heard it was very hard and I felt sick.

I somehow was able to manage this all without losing it and explained to my daughter that it was never okay to hit someone, and that slapping someone across the face is much different than having a bone hit your foot.  I said when you are standing eye-to-eye with someone and you slap them across the face that causes more damage then a red cheek.  It is emotionally bruising too. 

I took her phone away from her for a week, and her world stopped.  At least that is the way she felt.  She went on like a two year old telling me I love my son more than her, etc., etc.   My daughter rarely gets this level of punishment so this was a big deal to her, and that is what she deserved.

I sent both children to their rooms with their doors closed and told them they were not allowed to come out unless they had to use the bathroom.  They were supposed to clean their room and reflect on their actions.  They spent 1 1/2 hours in their room before I allowed them to come out on the condition that they would sit and talk about what happened and find a way to make it right.

They acted so happy and played together so nicely after that, it was like two different children.  We have spent a big part of this week talking about these behaviors and ways to prevent them from happening in the future.

We watched an amazing movie called Courageous.  It is one of the best movies I've watched.  It is Christian based and shows how important having an active father figure in the home is.  I have not laughed nor cried as much at any movie as this one.  I highly recommend it, and wish more movies were this family appropriate.  It has already changed our home a bit with my Hubby wanting us to say a prayer before dinner and eating at the dinner table together (something we did occasionally, but not always).  He has also come in to say prayers with the kids and I before bedtime.  It is nice to see him choose to be more involved.

The end of the week was a fun one for me as I received my third batch of Copic markers.

Found a great deal on some new markers at the Sale/Trade board at 2 Peas in a Bucket and couldn't pass them up.  This is the stash I have now.  Haven't counted but around 50 I think.

I played around and got this:

from an old Prima Paintables cardstock sheet I had.  I was in poor lighting and kept getting shadows so I stopped trying to be perfect and just experiment with how the colors blend.  Not too bad for a first try.  

On a sad note, my Grandma (my last living grandparent) is about to die.  She's had no water or food or IV for 10 days and is somehow still hanging on.  It's quite a feat and doesn't depart from the strength she's shown throughout her life and as she has been battling Alzheimer's and has had a poor quality life for many years now.  My mom and my two aunts have told her "It's time to move on" but she still lingers. 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - End of 2011

I can't believe 2011 is winding down.  It has been a marvelous year!  I am also excited for 2012 because I have a personal project I will be working on in the month of January and sharing on this blog.   More about that next week.  :o)

First off, a little gripe.  Movie ratings.  When exactly did the movie ratings get so whacked?  My kids are 10 and 13 now so once in awhile we find it nice to enjoy a movie together.  Problem is, I have yet to find a PG-13 rated movie that is not completely inappropriate for children.   We recently sat down to watch Little Fockers together.   We know that this movie series does get a bit risque and were prepared for some of that but in the first 10 minutes alone there was discussion of erectile dysfunction, condoms, sexual positions, sexual appetite and a drawing of a penis.  We turned the movie off.  Luckily most of this went over the kids' heads but it just leaves me wondering who in the heck comes up with these ratings?  I know it is also common to find swearing on daytime television these days.  Where does it end?  It has been very challenging to expose the kids to these more "mature" movies in a gradual & appropriate way.  If you have any advice, please share.  Otherwise I think we'll be sticking to PG and G rated movies for awhile longer. 

Last week I read about a girl named Katie Davis on one of the blogs I subscribe to.  Katie is 22 years old and is incredibly inspiring.  When I watch this video she just appears to glow and she inspires and humbles me with her courage.  Please do take the time to watch Katie explain her mission.  You may want to grab a few tissues first.

Catalyst Atlanta 2011 | Katie Davis from Catalyst on Vimeo.

There are many other videos about Katie and Amazima Ministries on YouTube that are well worth the time to watch. 

Now, an update on us.  We had an excellent Christmas spending time with both sides of the family, enjoying a wide variety of delicious food and drink and lots of laughter.  I was really wiped out on Monday!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from this past week:

K's Winter Strings Concert

December 22, 2011

He adores playing the viola and often practices on his own.  He has also converted some recorder music to his viola by reading the keys.

K's "big" gift this year - a new alarm clock / radio with mood light and nature sounds that she can dock her iPod in.

Left by Santa in her stocking - Reindeer Peeps.  Aren't they precious?  Other gifts she received this year, Just Dance 3 and Cooking Mama for Wii, Mario Kart for DS, iTunes gift card, Pirates of the Caribbean DVD, lots of drawing stuff, three books, Target gift card, perfume, money and candy.

Hubby received gourmet maple syrup and lots of martial arts books.

Awww....my guys.  I had to take this pic several times because neither of them wanted to give me a nice smile.

K's "big" gift from us--Madden NFL 12 for Wii.  Other gifts he received include Spore Hero and Star Wars for the Wii, Mario Kart for the DS, two books (Kingdom Keepers and the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records), a remote controlled helicopter, Power Rangers, Hex Bugs, iTunes gift card, money, Target gift card, a giant Nerf dart gun and candy,

My gift - some snazzy new sheepskin slippers.  Aren't they sexy?  I/we also received Chili's and Kohl's gift cards, liquor (Rum-Chata, which if you haven't tasted it is delicious!), a frame with our last name hand crocheted inside of it, a carving set and for White Elephant gift exchange we ended up with a pasta dinner set for two, Paula Deen's cupcake mix, water bottle, cozy socks and a Justin Beiber blanket.  (This resulted from many underhand dealings after the gift opening.)

So, plans to ring in the New Year?  We will probably stay at home again this year unless I can find something family appropriate yet fun for all.  Until next year...

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Riding through life

I can't remember if I posted this but about a month ago I started back on daily Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) because I kept going through these periods of just wanting to cry for no reason, curl up under the covers and sleep for a week.   It had been about a year since I'd taken it regularly and I experienced these symptoms that entire time but hoped they would ease up.  They didn't.  So, I reluctantly agreed to give the Fluoxetine another try.  About a week after starting it I remembered why I hated this drug so much.  It makes me incredibly SLEEPY.  I wake up tired, I nap regularly and never feel refreshed.  I simply cannot take this drug.  I am done.  The doctor said we could explore other drugs if the Fluoxetine wasn't working but I don't want to do that either.  In the meantime I can't wait to get some energy back even if I do feel sad for unexplained reasons.  I'd much rather deal with that than the extreme tiredness that I'm feeling now.

This week the family has been doing it's thing.  The kids are both out of school now and so far they haven't needed to call us at work or dial 911.   Lunches have been sandwiches or soup when it is just the two of them.  Most of the time Hubby has been home at least part of the day so they have gone on a few adventures together while I'm here slaving away at work.  They have gone on a bike ride, played softball and gone swimming.   Hubby took my daughter shopping at the mall and suffered through Aeropostale and Claire's while she found ways to spend her birthday money.  They have perused Border's bookstore for deals and spent lots of time in the backyard, in front of the TV and/or computer.  All in all a pretty relaxing summer I'd say.

We took the kids school supply shopping and I had a serious fit when I discovered my daughter required a new scientific calculator for 8th grade.  It was $95 ON SALE.  Seriously??  When I was in school we had one of the basic calculators that cost $10 or less at the local discount store.    What in the world do they need a calculator like this for?   It is more evidence of the technological world that the kids are living in.  I am hoping that in three years my son can use this calculator too.  In the meantime I'm considering buying stock in Texas Instruments.

We also browsed the clearance racks to pick up some clothes to put away for next spring.  I got my daughter two pairs of jeans for this fall and two sleeveless tops.  My son had a better selection and we got him four t-shirts and two pairs of shorts. 

Now that I think about it the $260 shopping spree was pretty modest when you consider the cost of the calculator and clothes.

This week we upgraded the kids' bikes since they had outgrown the Treks that they had.  I kinda miss those pink and orange bikes.  This time my son picked a blue and  yellow bike and my daughter a purple one.  These bikes look huge compared to their older ones.
They are both ecstatic and had to show me their bikes as soon as they saw me coming up the driveway after work.

Ride on!

Quote for the week:
"Do not confuse notoriety and fame with greatness. . . . For you see, greatness is a measure of one's spirit, not a result of one's rank in human affairs."  ~ Sherman Finesilver

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Another Year, Another Chapter

HAPPINESS:  My babies are getting older....

My son turned 9 on July 2nd.  We took him to see Toy Story 3 in 3D and enjoyed a pizza, giant slushie and a big tub of popcorn.  The movie is fantastic!  Seriously one of my fave animated movies of all time!  And, yes, I cried.  Big surprise, right??

My daughter turned 12 on July 5th.  We took her and a friend to a movie on the 4th - she chose to see Eclipse.  Afterward we went to see the fireworks which were AMAZING!  Hubby found the best spot so it looked like the fireworks were right above us...really special!  And my daughter had her friend sleep over.

We celebrated their birthdays with a party at our house on Sunday, July 11th.  We had an Eclipse theme (of the Twilight saga).  I made several black and red heart decorations to go along with the Eclipse decorations.  We made sandwiches, along with broccoli salad, Texas caviar and Fritos and fruit salad.  Also made a S'mores snack mix with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, mini marshmallows and a bag of chocolate chips.  Mom brought her world famous potato salad and a fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil salad and Ben made the cake - marble with chocolate frosting - per the kids' request.  His cakes are phenomenal and, after lots of prodding from us and other friends, he is starting to look into selling his to-die-for cheesecakes from his home. 

This was a hard birthday for me, partly because the kids are getting so big and I am constantly reminded of that, especially by my daughter who likes to think she's no longer a kid, and the fact that she can wear my shoes and some of my outgrown clothing doesn't help.  We have also had them stay home alone for certain days this summer when my niece isn't available to watch them.  We have also made grocery runs without them which is really, really nice, but also another symptom of time and change.  But even harder for me to deal with was the lack of money I was able to spend on their birthday gifts.  Now, we've never been extravagant with gifts and they have never complained but *I* know that what we were able to give this year was very little, I spent $20 or less on each kid. 

What is even more touching is the fact that a recent trip to Goodwill for clothes shopping was exciting for all of us.  We got a huge bag full of clothes for $45.  After that trip we went to Wal-Mart to buy each kid a fan for their room...something that they've been without all of these years.  Each got to pick out their own (my daughter chose pink and my son chose red) and got to carry them up to the cash registers.  On the way to the register I told them, "there's the rest of your birthday presents." and they were EXCITED and THANKFUL.  I felt so proud of them.  I know we've raised some great kids who deserve to be spoiled once in awhile.

This past weekend Hubby had a rare Saturday off.  We didn't do a lot during the day but watched Karate Kid (original) and then played some Badmitton in the backyard.  After the kids were in bed Hubby and I watched Book of Eli.  

Sunday we went to church and I spent part of the afternoon scrapping.  Then we took the kids to fly kites.  It was super windy so it was a fun day to fly them. 

Afterward we called our friend, Ben, to stop by for dinner.  Hubby was planning to make a crepe/mushroom/spinach dish from Julia Child's cookbook.  (I don't know the name of the recipe but I can get it for you if you want to know.)  Everything we have made from there is absolutely scrumptious and this was no exception!  We made the meal side-by-side and Ben brought a French silk pie for dessert.  It was decadent!  

Another share:  I made the BEST molasses cookies ever!  I adore them and the rest of the family is really chocolate chip cookie fans so I get to enjoy these several times before they are gone!  I halved the recipe and had enough to last me for a week.

SADNESS:  I felt like crying when I went to bed last night and again when I woke up this morning.  I don't know why...and I hate feeling this way.  Feeling headache-y most of the week too.

THOUGHTS:   Why can't I be the person I want to be?  I want to be more giving of myself, more carefree, more engaged, more outgoing, and happy.  My husband deserves a better wife, my kids deserve a better mother, and my job deserves more of my attention, yet I always feel like I neglect myself as well.  It is a no win feeling. 

CONFESSION:   I've been neglecting my Wii Fit and I miss it.  I've been eating a lot of Butterfinger and Nestle Crunch bars this week and not drinking enough water. 

USE YOUR STASH - Buttons

Need I explain this one?  We got a package of buttons in our Studio Calico kit last month and I found great ways to use them.  Sorry the scan of this is not great and colors not as vibrant, but it was very lumpy with all the buttons.  :o)

Title:  Show Off

USE YOUR STASH - Chipboard, Rub Ons, Stickers

This week's layout was inspired by a sketch challenge over at Studio Calico.  Happily, the only new product I used on this was the chipboard pennant pieces from Maya Road.  All else was from my stash.

I used two stickers for the border.  One is a striped pattern (Scenic Route) and one is a glittery zig zag stitch (Cloud 9 Designs).  I also used the "I Love You" sticker cut from another Scenic Route border sticker.

The flower rub ons were a great addition to this page, just giving that corner a little accent.  I love subtle accents.

And chipboard...besides the pennants, I used the negative chipboard pieces from some old Scenic Route alphas.  It's so nice to use up this old, old stuff!

Patterned paper is from Cherry Arte and gems from My Minds Eye.  Twine from my stash, Stampin Up I think.  Ink was from Color Box.

Title:  Word

Journaling reads:   Your sudden expression of "coolness" just totally cracks me up!  This was at Panera Bread in 2007.

USE YOUR STASH - Making Memories Alpha Rub Ons, Sticker Negatives

This page again uses a bunch of new Studio Calico goodness, but I also threw in some older things from my stash.  That really is the best way to use your stash.

I have so many of those Making Memories rub on alpha books.  Many of them have no e's, s's, t's, etc., and I really should toss them, but they sit waiting to be used.  I got creative with the "T" in lost by using a "J" and cutting off the curly tail to create a "T."  A technique I've employed often to try to use these up.

I also used the outline of an old bracket journaling sticker to create a home for this layout's journaling. 

Title:  Lost Tooth

USE YOUR STASH - Rub Ons and Photo Border Strips

A lot of this layout is new Studio Calico goodness but I threw in a ton of old rub ons.  Check out the way I used them in this photo border strip.  I also reused a piece of patterned paper that I had punched a circle from for another page.  

Title: I Love This Face

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - We're all just people

HAPPINESS:  It has turned into a gorgeous spring in Wisconsin.  I am loving every moment of sunshine!  A couple of weeks ago Hubby, my son and I went for a walk to a nearby nature conservancy.  As you can see, things are still budding around here. 

We heard lots of tree frogs (couldn't see them) and saw a turtle swimming in the pond.  We couldn't stay long.  Found out a few days later that my son had a tick on his head.  We were able to remove it and so far he does not show any signs of Lyme's disease.

We also went to see the Glen Gerard Magic Show.  This is our second year going to see him perform on behalf of our local Crime Stoppers.  He is amazing.  My son is really getting into magic lately and Glen was nice enough to show him how to do the card appearing in your hand trick and how to make a ball disappear from your hand.  I thought it was so cool for him to share his knowledge with my little guy!

I volunteered my Hubby for one of the tricks:

SADNESS:  Bret Michaels from the 80's band Poison suffered a hemorrhage in his brain stem last week.  I haven't followed his career since high school but he certainly touched my life in the teenage years.  Things are still touch and go but it looks like he'll pull through.  Thank God.  Is it only me who cries over these things?

Also, Wednesday as I was on my way into work my niece Kayla's song "Raw and Real" came on my MP3 player.  I had to take several deep breaths to literally keep myself from bawling.  I love this girl.  I admire her strength and honesty.  I just wish her mom were here to share it with us.  Then again, Kayla probably wouldn't be singing now if it hadn't been for losing her mom.  I believe everything happens for a reason.

THOUGHTS:  I came across this article "Justin Bieber Mania Continues as His Mom is Knocked Down" and just couldn't believe the hysteria surrounding a "star."  I have never gotten that level of excitement over another human being, not even my husband.  Of course I have a list of celebrities I'd love to meet and I'd be excited but to swarm another human being, or take away their privacy with the way they are relentlessly touched, stalked and photographed just because they are "famous."  I don't get it.

There is little that separates "them" from "us."  We all start out the same.  It is what we do with our lives that determines our potential outcome.  In the celebrity world it is also important how much money you have, who you know and what you look like.  Do those factors really measure one's value to society?  I don't think so.

One thing I do know is that who you surround yourself with is of your own choosing.  Whether you are "famous" or not you will struggle with the same internal demons or perhaps even to a greater extent when those extra pressures of living up to another's standards are placed upon you.  Life is a journey--be happy with who you are. 

CONFESSION:   Since my last update I have been guilty of not only watching but enjoying "Tori & Dean: Inn Love."  Ack, I said it.

Happy 4th!!

Happy 4th of July!

We spent the day quietly at home for the most part. After dinner we got ready to go watch the fireworks.
We always watch the Monona fireworks because they are within walking distance and just as good as Madison's Rhythm and Booms.

This year we walked down with our neighbors and sat together. Hubby, Little Girl and I went in search of some drinks and spent about 40 minutes in the carnival area trying to buy $3 bag of cotton candy, $5 for a large fresh-squeezed lemonade (YUM!) and $10 for two funnel cakes. The funnel cakes are a must at any carnival I must say, so the wait in line for them was worth it.

We headed back to our blankets with about 25 minutes left to spare. The kids were pretty restless but they did ok. Once the fireworks started though, it was insane!! The neighbor girl SCREAMED over and over and "we're going to die!!!" She needs to become an actress...really...she's got the drama to spare. The dad was very vocal too - "YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHH!" for nearly every firework (which led me to uncontrollable giggles).

On the way back home the kids arranged a sleep over. Girls at our house, boys at theirs. They are still sleeping right now and I'm just enjoying the coffee and quiet.

Soon we will be making chocolate chip pancakes - Little Girl's request for her birthday breakfast. I'll write more about their birthdays next week (Little Boy's was the 2nd) after we've had their party.

Sketch Challenge Layout - Imagination Highway

Created this for a sketch challenge over at A Peek Into Yesterday.

Title: Imagination Highway

Supplies:
Cardstock (Bazzill)
Patterned Paper (Little Yellow Bicycle, Far Flung Crafts)
Stickers (Making Memories)
Chipboard (American Crafts, Heidi Swapp)
Rub Ons, Buttons (Scarlet Lime Kit Club)
Pen (Uni-Ball Signo)
Adhesive (Ad Tech)

Journaling:
It's a typical boy thing I suppose - to love cars and wanting to collect them. You love to play with Matchbox cars and when you see a sporty car on the road you]ll exclaim that it's a "sweet" car.

Memorial Day Parade / Guest Designing

One of my favorite photos from the parade. My Little Guy plugged his ears again this year in anticipation of the fire trucks coming by (he's almost 8 now). Ever since he was a baby he'd do this. My daughter joined him a few seconds later.

And on the way home we stopped for pictures here.
And then Little Guy grabbed my camera and took a picture of Little Girl and me.

Did I mention that I'll be guest designing for ScrapFriends for two-three months? I have a couple reviews coming up, one for Core'dinations cardstock and one for Glitz Designs stamps. I'll be sharing some layouts with you soon.