MY DOODLEY DO DAYS

I Tough Love this kid!

2011-09-21T07:31:00.000-04:00

Well I finally got what the term "Tough Love" means last night! It was horrible, and I know I am going to have to face it again but I felt like I was mommy monster .. I hate that feeling!

Remember this pic???

How about this one?

Well this costume describes my dear daughter Angelina to a T! Half angel .. HALF DEVIL!

Now if you know my daughter you will know that she is hard headed, stubborn, a natural born leader, confident, good at everything she tries and well liked by all her peers. What you don't know is that she reserves all her bad behaviour for home! Let me tell you, she is really pushing buttons and testing boundaries! Well John and I reached our breaking point with her last night and the battle began!

In all fairness it's probably better if I admit that John and I do not always follow through with our discipline methods. We'll ground her and then let her off for good behaviour .. well she got wide to us .. so in her mind she thinks "I can be bad, be grounded for like 5 min.. and then carry on like nothing happened!" NOT LAST NIGHT!

So Ang comes home .. knows she has to write out her words and starts with the attitude. She talks back, jokes around and has blatant disrespect for us. Well she got grounded to her room. She starts with the tears and the door slamming and once she calms down, comes downstairs with apologies (which are only to get off her grounding .. because the minute she is let off .. her behaviour begins again). She is given permission to come down to complete her homework and have dinner then back upstairs. Well here comes the tears ... the door slamming, the disrespect .. the apologies, the bargaining .. AND WE DIDN'T GIVE IN! She spent every minute of her free time last night in her room .. pissed off and utterly surprised she couldn't weasel her way out of it!

John and I were beside ourselves .. I tell you it was harder on us than it was on her, and for the first time I really understand where my parents were coming from when they had to go through this!

I tell you .. in Angelina's future, her strong personality will help her get through many things. I think John and I need to figure out how to teach her there is time and a place to use it .. and being defiant for no good reason certainly isn't one of them! LOL

I suspect there will be many more posts like this in the not so distant future .. but at least John and I have now have a follow through plan and our little angel/devil .. and she knows that her parents mean business! LOL

MMMMWWWWAAAAA!!!!

Balzer Designs - Stencil 101 Free Class

2011-09-12T08:02:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share that I am going to participate on a free online stencil class that one of my fave artists out there is hosting! Julie Fei-Fan Balzer will be hosting a class called Stencil 101 (based on her new Crafters Workshop stencils) starting 19 Sep 11. There will be a total of 8 lessons!

For more information click here! Youhave to send her an e-mail for class access!

Here is a peek of what will be created! :) VERY EXCITED!

ENJOY and share the wealth! :)

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAA

Struck A Cord

2011-07-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

Morning! Been quiet on my blog and don't want to get back into that funk! LOL Much to share on how July went so far but have other things to do today .. so I will blog this Brave Girl message today! I have to admit .. there are times when I feel annoyed by some of these messages .. it can be laid on so thick .. but then there are other times they really hit me! Today .. this one struck a cord and made me feel absolute! ENJOY!

MMMMMMWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

School Award Day!

2011-07-18T08:32:00.001-04:00

HAPPY MONDAY! :)

Woke up this morning with headache (must be weather related), popped an Excedrin and now settling in for my morning coffee. The kids are still sleeping, I have the news on and savouring the quiet before the storm (perhaps literally today ..lol)

I want to post that Summer Fit is going strong 100% .. but my kids are telling me they are getting bored. Honestly I think it's the way I am delivering it right .. more like a drill sergeant lately as opposed to a fun mommy! They are looking at it like homework and a chore .. so I have to get creative to respark the love they started with! WE ARE NOT GIVING UP ON THIS! Way toooooo important (I feel better making that a public statement! .. LMAO)! WINK!

So I have been cleaning out my camera, and my dad placed a wack of pics from his camera onto a CD for me.. and thought .. man I have lots to share! LOL

Today's post will be all about Angelina's actual birthday date at school and Alexa's award assembly!

Mom and dad joined us that day to see Alexa receive her award, and before the assembly, I wanted to stop off at Angelina's class to hand over some birthday cupcakes that I had baked for them. Well her teacher was so pleased to have us there she revamped her morning schedule so we could see a Grade 1 lesson in action! It was a real treat! Also, whenever a child has a birthday, they stand up in front of the class with the "earth", spin the earth and have a friend mock the "sun" .. they then circle the "Sun" the amount of years they are celebrating for their birthday! LOVE THIS .. mini lesson while celebrating! :)

Angie at her desk

Working hard

Getting ready for her "earth rotation"

5th time around

My big girl

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY ANGELINA

Calendar lesson

Great teacher!

Birthday girl becomes the weather girl! LOL

So once Angelina's class had shared their lesson with us, we headed off to the gym to get ready for the Award Assembly. As many of you know, Alexa started her year off with much difficulty. She went under evaluation for a potential learning disability, was very much behind on her reading and skills in her grade and was so low on her self esteem and confidence, that John and I were really heartbroken for her and her struggles. We dealt with many nights of tears, illness, several nights of confidence boosting .. it was the first time we had to deal with our kids heartache!

Well .... Alexa joined a homework club at school, underwent a reading program and went on and Individual Education Plan to see where we could help her improve. BEST THING EVER! We learned a great study method for her, really focused much energy and time, and she just decided to switch it on .. it was like she ready! She jumped 16 levels of reading (and now has a love for books like her mama ..lol), really came into her own on her spelling, math and science tests, and ACED her major final assignment. Her confidence boosted high .. she was in love with school again ... and to reward all that hard work .. SHE RECEIVED "MOST IMPROVED"! To her .. this was the "Oscar" of grade two! LOL Quite frankly it was to us too .. because she REALLY DESERVED IT!

Heading into the assembly .. she was so HAPPY to see us!

Daddy Hugs

See ya inside

Making sure we are still there!

Up she goes!

Far left! SO PROUD! :)

PAPA hugs

Yes I was bawling .. SO PROUD! :)

We also went to Angelina's picnic afternoon with her class, but those pics must be on another camera card cuz they weren't on this on .. LOL I'm a dork!

GREAT DAY .. had a very proud mommy day for sure!

MMMMMWWAAAAAAA!!!!!

Week 1 almost complete!

2011-07-08T07:55:00.000-04:00

It's been a great week .. a deliciously tiring, productive week! So much more on the horizon! :)

Our summer fit is going perfectly so far! We have eased in, enjoyed some together time without over doing it. The girls have completed all their mind exercises, be it thru math questions or english of some sort. They have been introduced to new things (kind of nice to be the one to introduce things), and have been enthusiastic throughout the entire week.

Tuesday we spent the day with the Squires and Yorke family. It was a gorgeous day and we all had a wonderful afternoon full of swimming, snacking and amazing company. My girls reached some amazing milestones with regards to their swimming too .. both jumped off the diving board and slid down a huge slide for the first time. A couple hours later, they were peeling off their life jackets and taking on the deeper waters with no fear. I hate to admit it .. but I think I may have been the one holding them back a little with mommy fear ... they can now officially swim quite nicely! LOL


Alexa and Mommy!


This pic cracks me up ... the timing is hilarious .. if you know Katie .. you'll get why .. WINK!


Beautiful Riley and Kasey!


I couldn't believe how well Kayleigh swam all on her own!


My sweet friend Katie


Gabe .. Angelina's new BFF!


First time on a diving board!


NO FEAR!


Really tried getting Alexa on her fave .. the slide!


Go KATIE!


Beautiful water ,,,,, HEAVEN!


The group of us here taking in the rays and water!


Amazing shot!

So as you can see .. SO MUCH FUN!

Wednesday we took it somewhat easy .. we were all dragging from so much sun the day before, and some rain showers made us feel a little lazy, so we indulged in some tele, Wii but not before we danced our rear ends off while cleaning our main floor. We also got on the floor and did many leg scissors which I am still feeling .. think I overdid it on my hip flexors (I have to remember I am not a young in shape soldier anymore) .. LOL

Thursday we had a impromtu date with my friend and neighbour Manon. She treated us to a breakie and the girls had hair cuts. We stopped at the book market and the girls picked up a couple of books for their summer reading! Alexa picked up two goosebump novels by RL Stein, and we read the first chapter together last night (I can't believe her reading right now .. BLOWS ME AWAY)!

Today we are prepping for Angelina's B-day party tomorrow. Our Summer fit takes us on an Honesty lesson (part of the values aspect). I think we will engage in an open dialogue about "crying wolf", and how honesty makes you feel better about yourself, and makes you a good person. We'll see where things go!

One thing I have added to their books, is everyday if they have done a chore or were exceptionally behaved, helped me out etc .. I have written it on the top of the page. For every entry they receive, they get a quarter for their piggy banks. This way if they wish to make additional purchases, they are learning the value of earning, and saving for something.

I can HONESTLY say (LOL) that there will be a trip to Dairy Queen on Sunday! The girls have worked hard and are off to an amazing start to their summer! :) As a mom, it's been so amazing spending this time with them and we have so much more planned! I have been watching my eating and drinking more water as well ... just trying to live healthier! BABY STEPS!

MMMMWWWWAAAAAAA!

TOPS Girls SUMMERFIT 2011 begins!

2011-07-05T09:23:00.001-04:00

HELLO BLOG WORLD! :)

I have to admit .. I have not been loving the blogging world the past few months .. I have gone into hermit mode and didn't feel like reading and writing all about life! I have kept much of myself (creatively and personally) private! I haven't felt the urgent need to share all that I have done and I have to say I kinda liked it! It's like savouring a piece of yourself that no one else knows! In today's world .. everything about one self can be out there .. and I just felt the need to hold back a little and be true to why I do some things ... I do it for me and no one else! :) I don't need pats on the back or approval .. and I am not saying that is why people share their stuff at all .. just saying this was a BIG reason why I did! Chances are there is only going to be one person who will get this .. you know who you are .. COUGH, Katie Squires, COUGH! LMAO! Thanks girl for just letting me be me, and thanks for the long deep chats, the quiet understanding, watching me bump into the wall and then leap over it ... I swear you are the only person who truly gets me 100% .. Cut from the same stone sweets!!!!!! WINK!

Alright .. sappy shit over with!

So what brings me back to blog land is the fact that I am starting a new journey in my life .... with my girls .. and I want to document it, share it and maybe inspire along the way, and be inspired!

When I first became a mom, I have to admit it wasn't what I thought! I am likely one of the few women in life who disliked the baby stage! I know how horrible that sounds .. but it's honest! My hubs rocked at it ... I swear we are so stereotypically challenged .. but now my girls are 8 and 7 and I have definantely found my motherly groove! I'm actually gonna toot my horn and say I am RAWKING IT! :)

The girls and I are doing a ten week program called SUMMER FIT! I found the books on amazon and have to say ... WOOT WOOT!

This is Alexa's book Summer Fit Gr 2-3

This is Angelinas's book Summer Fit Gr 1-2

The entire idea of these books is too keep the girls sharp over the summer and make the transition from one grade into another as smooth as possible! It also fills a portion of our days, keeps us active, and ultimately (and my fave) bonds us!

Everyday the girls do a mind activity (can be math, story, puzzle. etc) and a body activity (aerobics one day and strength another), and a values exercise highlighting famous people who have left their mark on the world (ie Mother Theresa). There is a full online version and community for the girls to watch videos on how to do certain movements, play games and additional worksheets! I have to say the girls are loving that mommy is moving her rear end with them .. I have done the exercises with them and we have already had a couple of good laughs!

So the catch is that John and I sign a incentive contract each week agreeing to reward the girls if they complete their week. This week for instance, we have agreed to take the girls to Dairy Queen.

I have to say we are off to a strong start ... they are waking up excited, and eager to start their days. I am hoping to add additional fun times like mini excursions, play dates, cooking ans whatever else tickles our fancy!

Here's to going strong, and staying strong! :)

MMMWWWWAAAA

Paying it Forward Katieroo Style!

2011-04-12T09:36:00.000-04:00

I have an amazing blog post to share today! An amazing gesture!

As many of you know, Christy Tomlinson is offering her "She" Workshop for the next few weeks. Let me tell you .. I have been drooling and so excited to take this! Well unfortunantly after crunching numbers this past weekend, and being true to our budget, this month we just couldn't make it happen. I was so sad! I had my list all ready to go, I was eager .... then other expenses came up that trumped my hobby!

So my dear friend Katie won a spot on this workshop thru a pay it forward post that Christy had done on her blog (I had no idea that was happening)! I was so happy for her, called her and we had a great chat! Next thing I know .. Katie calls me back and says that she is giving me her spot on the workshop! I WAS COMPLETELY FLOORED! Here I am in the middle of eating my mashed taters, in front of my family with tears streaming down my face! At first I was like "No way .. you can't do that .. you won"! She didn't give me the choice .. she had already e-mailed Christy! Within 5 min I have a password and e-mail welcoming me to the workshop!

THE BEST PART IS ... when Katie e-mailed Christy to give me her spot, Christy was so touched about what Katie did .....that she gave Katie a spot too! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Just goes to show you, that kindness is often rewarded!

Here we were last night, squealing like little school girls! The excitement was palpable!

TY TY TY from the bottom of my heart Katie ... I am not sure if you will ever truely know how much this means to me! You did this so selflessly and from a beautiful place in your heart. I will do you proud and pay it forward to someone else in my own way! YOU KNOW I WILL! :)

Here's to many days of creativity, and being a part of circle of our dearest friends who are also participating, sharing our stories and work .. all of us together!

LOVE YOU
XOOX

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

BOOK REVIEW - BACKSTAGE PASS by Olivia Cunning

2011-04-11T06:37:00.002-04:00

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It would of been a 5 out of 5 except for the fact that there was much anticipation of the dangerous ex-husband, and in my honest opinion, his character did not deliver!

I loved that this book revolves around a hardcore metal rock band. I have yet to come across a series like this! I loved the self doubt of the strong willed lead female and the persistence of the lead male. I loved reading how they both fought some internal struggles, yet remained very loyal to eachother! MY FAVE part of this book ... THE HUMOUR! I found myself laughing out loud several times at the one liners!

This book is full of hot smut .. serious HOT SMUT .. and I loved every minute of it!

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW - DESIRE UNTAMED by Pamela Palmer

2011-04-04T11:43:00.002-04:00

Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Desire Untamed was my first shape shifter book/series ever, and I have to tell you, Pamela Palmer did not let me down!

This Feral book stars the chief feral Lyon and his soon to be radiant Kara. What I loved about this book was the spiritual/primitive connection to the earth these feral warriors have. The enemy of this series is certainly a force for the ferals to reckon with, and the way this authors described the history that makes the enemy the enemy was thorough. I loved seeing the romance blossom, with that typical much loved big tough man angst I enjoy from the lead man, and the internal and often external fight of attraction and romance from both lead characters.

In conclusion, a great read, and a great introduction to what I deem to be one of my fave series ever! Well done Pamela! :)

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW - KISS OF THE ROSE

2011-03-31T09:40:00.000-04:00

Kiss of the Rose by Kate Pearce

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW WOW WOW! First off let me tell you I was drawn in far before cracking this book. Any author that can smash together two of my fave reading preferences is an A++ in my books!

I couldn't put this book down! I loved that there was reference made of Tudor history but that the non fiction aspect didn't dominate the book. I loved how the paranormal story was weaved into the history! Kate Pearce was extremely creative with storyline, and captured the true nature to King Henry VIII and the angst that Queen Katherine, while making me swoon over the hot chemistry between Rosalind and Christopher. I have to tell you I love the best friend Rhys and can't wait to read more about him!

I have immediately dived into the sequel Blood of the Rose (Anne Boleyn is my absolute fave Queen), and I am already completely captivated!

View all my reviews

Some Scrappy Fun and a CHALLENGE FOR YOU!!

2011-03-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

Hi ya readers! :) So I am battling another cold or whatever it is going to evolve into! I had been nursing my youngest this past weekend so it was inevitable! Started with a sour tummy .. but I took some meds and went to bed early last night .. wasn't up pukey so it worked! Will rest as best as I can today, push the fluids and see if I can nip this in the bud! WINK!

So I had a fabo Saturday with my scrappy friends at the Box. Love the laughs and giggles, got to go out to lunch with one of my besties, and just bask in the estrogen fever! LMAO

I did manage to create a couple of LOs ... which is amazing for me as I had lost my scrapbook mojo (damn art journalling .. lol) and I have tons of scrap stash and pics begging to be toyed with. I indeed TOYED! :)

So the first LO was the one that was featured yesturday! And the other LO was one I had done with some OLD STASH! Remember Scenic Route Sumner? Here is a pic to remind you .. it was a few years ago that it was released!

Here is the LO I created with it! :) Thank you Tojo for the die cut flowers .. they were perfect for this LO!

On another note .. I was a DT Feature on the Hello Cutie Challenge Blog the weekend before last! I did a mini interview, and shared my all time FAVE LO EVER! :) Have a read here! Here is a pic of that LO!

You can read all about my fellow DT team member CASS there too!

While trying to decide which LO I wanted to share as my Fave .. I had the chance to go back into my blog and see older posts and the work I use to create! It really inspired me to go back to my multi layered roots! I wanted to post a few of my other faves! Then perhaps ... post a challenge for YOU!

This was a LO that I had made for a white space challenge! I had NOT USED ANY PP .. only white cardstock and of course the embellies! Doesn't hurt that the pic is kinda sweet too! LOL

This was my first attempt at an ATC .. I creates a pocket so I could insert a journal card!

Recent project ... a series of Picture Frames for my parents mantle. Went a little Prima crazy here! :)

This LO won me my BAD GIRL KITS swarovski crystal apron .. but the bigger prize .... I DID NIP THAT GROSS HABIT!!!! Over 6 months and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT!

If memory serves correct this was a lift from Heidi Swapp ... I think .. been years! My hunky hubby and a few words that make me think of him! :)

I am not a journaller .. and it is something I really need to work on! This was a LO that I went crazy on the journalling .. maybe because it there was such a wonderful story to tell! This is my boy Cody when he was a baby! :)

A LO of my beautiful girls and I! I have to remember and go back and do another quote with the bigillion mini letter stickers I own! LOL

I love that tree .. I had flocked it and stickled it ... Xacto knifed the PP ... I just remember this being really fun to make!

OMG .... I chuckled putting this LO together! I love that it is a pictureless LO (as is my ciggy one)! Sometimes it's just fun to play with your stash!!!! :)

This LO went from A to B while I laughed my arse off! The products were just so young and playful .. so the Lo went in that direction as well! A whole lot of crazy going on here! :)

So a little self indulging there .. but hey IT'S MY BLOG .. and I'LL INDULGE IF I WANT TOO! BAHAHAHAH!

THE CHALLENGE! SCRAPLIFT ME!!!!!!! Have a look at the LO's I have posted and lift one of them! That easy! I will RAK EVERYONE WHO PLAYS! If you know me .. my RAKs ... WELL WORTH IT! WINK! I will give this till next Sunday night .. meaning have your LO completed by midnight on Sunday night (all times work .. will not be getting to this till Monday morning)!

MMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HELLO CUTIE CHALLENGE #2

2011-03-21T06:33:00.000-04:00

Hello Cutie Challenge blog Challenge #2 is live! :) The challenge was to find some kind of inspiration in a photo and do your interpretation of it be it an element of the pic .. the colours .. the layout of it! :)

So here is the pic

and here is my interpretation ...

THE BUTTERFLIES .... they jumped right out at me! I chose an old sheet of PP and went nutso cutting all the flowers and leaves out! I then took the new Maya Road butterfly chipboard pieces and inked then .. layered them and stickled them! The smaller butterflies are Jenni Bowlin Stickers that I inked and folded and stickled as well!

Have a look and see what my fellow team members made! :) Turns out the butterflies jumped out at most of the as well! LOVE IT! It gave me the idea though to give this challenge another go and see how different I can make it ... I think that'll be fun :)

THE DUE DATE IS 02 APR .. so bang those crafties out .. and let's see what ya got! :)

MMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAA!

Just me and my girls

2011-03-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

Just a few pics of me and my girls taken this past weekend! We had such a GREAT WEEKEND! OuT for lunch at Jack Astors, and then went and say RANGO at the theatres! Great movie!

Thanks for looking!

MMMMMMWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

HELLO CUTIE CHALLENGE BLOG - WE HAVE LIFT OFF!

2011-03-06T08:46:00.003-05:00

BIG NEWS!

A couple weeks ago I was contacted from a friend of mine I knew from my Bad Girls days. Miss "OH SNAP" Lizzie Oakley (AKA ... OAKLES ... LMAO). Seems Miss L was starting up a challenge blog and had asked me to be a DT member. I was honoured and accepted happily!

The blog is called HELLO CUTIE CHALLENGES and will feature TWO AWESOME CHALLENGES A MONTH that will be available on the FIRST and THIRD SUNDAY of the month. Fancy that .... today is the first Sunday of March ... LOL WINK!

So REVEAL/PREMIERE Day consisted of a COLOUR CHALLENGE (one of my faves) and I decided to make a mini for the occasion.

I must admit I was a little thrown off by brown in here as I tend to gravitate towards a soft black when I work with brighter colours. So that in itself was a challenge!

I have had these CUTE pics of my Angelina graduating from senior kindergarten for a while now, and thought these would be the perfect pics to use for this colour palette.

TITLE PAGE

Do you know those white inserts you get when you buy a new album, well I decided to use them up and make my own mini out of them! I took a KI lace PP as a mask and had me fun with some LIME GREEN and ELECTRIC BLUE Glimmer Mist. I then snagged a wack of enbellies and papers that matched the colour combos and went to town.

PAGE 1

I used some gesso on left side to white out a place to journal on. I love the way my dear friend Katie journals on her pages and I lifted that idea for this mini .. I just may do this more often! :)

PAGE 2

I loved watching Angie sign her dilpoma. It really struck me that day that she had reached a huge milestone in her life ... hard letting go of my baby!

PAGE 3

I found some old Daisy D cardstock stickers in my stash, and as part of this "use my stash" promise to myself, I thought they went perfectly here. I found some K & Company chipboard stickers that I have been hoarding as well .. time to use them up too! LOL

PAGE 4

This was such a sweet moment between dad and little girl. John couldn't make her graduation due to work, but came home with Angelina's first ever bouquet of flowers. Another big girl moment! Nothing melts your heart more than seeing a big strong daddy melt at the sight of his little girl ... SIGH!

BACK

This is the back of the album. I wanted to show a close up of the glimmer misting without all the added pics, papers and embellishments. I wish that the shimmer was so apparent here as it is IRL!

So there it is ... HERE is the link to the challenge and all the delicious work my fellow DT members did as well. The challenge is due 26 MAR 11 by midnight .. details are on the challenge blog!

Oh and as an added bonus .. I am offering my own giveaway here to .. leave me a comment and I will randomly select one winner of a little stash of colour combo related goodies! :) Will leave this open for a couple of days! :)

MMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

In just 3 DAYS!

2011-01-31T07:35:00.000-05:00

Hi my name is Rachel and I AM AN INTERNET JUNKIE ADDICT!

Do you have any idea how serious hard that was for me to write? I had a real eye opener this past week/weekend. My anxiety was thru the roof .. I was in such a bad mood that I didn't want to chat with anyone .. didn't want to read e-mails ... all because I thought I was gonna go off at any minute!

Here is what I did .... I told the internet and phone to F OFF! I didn't care what was happening in the world .. I gave up MY BELOVED INTERNET for 3 DAYS! Wanna know what happened???

My anxiety went away .... I was creative (will post pics later), I played with my girls, I joked with my hubs, I took some alone time to read and indulge in trashy television. I FELT GREAT! No .. I FELT GREATER THAN GREAT! I felt LIGHT!

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what was going on ... I was indulging in the net ALL DAY .. playing my stupid games ... looking for silly things and ignoring all I love! THAT'S NOT HEALTHY! HEALTH is my 2011 word ... and I frigged it up on the first month!

Resolved .... I recognize it ... will only play on the net as I can afford to .. and make sure that it's an enjoyable treat as opposed to MY CHOICE OF CRACK ... LOL Check things off my list before letting myself savour internet life ... making sure that I have balance with regards to my family, creativity, friends and school!

I FEEL GREAT coming to this realization .. and I don't need the approval of anyone to solidify anything ... feels good that I came to this on my own!

Off to enjoy my day ... much to do now that the kids are better! I am not gonna let the net get in my way today! LOL

MMMMWWWWWWAAAAA

Tsk Tsk and a love of READING

2011-01-17T10:59:00.001-05:00

I say to myself for not blogging .....tsk tsk .... LOL I do not want to get into that habit once again! It SUCKS!

So I admit I haven't been all that creative the past few days ... I had a couple of bad days in mind and soul and decided to lock myself in a room curled up with a novel. Not much internet, just indulging in some good reading!

So if we are friends, you know that my love of books is vast ... ! I have a tad bit of an amazon.ca addiction, and yes I have tried the library and I hate it .. LOL I hate waiting ... when I decide it's time to read something I want it then and there! LOL!

So I thought today post could be a quick share of what is on my nightstand (Tojo and ZipZap these will be heading your way soon if you want them)

I have a fondness of HOT SEXY PARANORMAL ROMANCE series. They are in abundance out there, and I do partake! I am currently reading a few of these series (yes all at once .. I have books laying all over the house ..lol) and I love that while the general outline may be similar, the story and the common characteristics of paranormal creatures are totally different. Vampires, werewolves, demons, fairies, elfs, gouls, etc.. they are all differently portrayed in these novels. I love how each author has their own spin!

I just started the 5th book of the Midnight Breed Series from Lara Adrien called "Veil of Midnight"

so far so good!

I am also indulging in my first ever shape shifter series, Feral Warriors by Pamela Palmer ... the first two books were page turners and I am now into the 3rd book called "Passion Untamed" Another page turner me thinks .. LOL

Another Series that I just got into is the Immortals After Dark by Kresley Cole .. I have maybe 50 pages left of the first book called "A Hunger Like No Other" and then I am going to dive into "No Rest for the Wicked"

I did start this series with the anthology that Kresley Cole wrote with two other authors. It is a prequel to this series (which is now at 10 books), and I loved having that little extra insights to the story line. LOL

So ... yes I do love my smut, but it isn't all I read! I love to curl up with some other kinds of books too .. be it non fiction, bios, or anything else! I have on the go and tend to read by chapter is "The Autobiography of Henry VIII : with notes from his fool Wil Somers" ! I am a huge fan of this era, and I am fascinated with this King. So much in fact, that I have a few more books in the wings waiting to come out (will share those on another post)!

My daughter Alexa and I have been enjoying Paranormal State on A&E. I know some might think that she is too young for it .. but her mind really blows me away at times... she asks the smartest questions, and can relay back the storyline in a way that I may not have even thought of. So, watching all of these episodes has be interested in the cast. Ryan Buel is the founder of the paranormal society that is featured on this show and had recently released a book about his life dealing with the paranormal, his team and the cases they have dealt with! So I had to get it .... WINK! So looking forward to diving in!

My hubs and I loved the series The Pacific. As we both have a strong military background, we also have a strong appreciation of the stories that are told with regards to war. One that struck us in particular, is the soldier named Robert Leckie. Robert was a journalist before Pearl Harbor was bombed, and quickly enlisted shortly there after. He is a featured member in the series "The Pacific", and after the war went on to continue with his journalism. He has written many books, accounting for his story as a soldier. I have just picked up my first one called "Helmet for My Pillow". This story is rich .. that is the best way I can explain it! When you read an authors up front and personal experience, especially over something you yourself are passionate about, you feel like in someway you are connected. Reading his trials through his basic training have made me smirk, and the playful nature that one can have with a fellow soldier made me smile ... I almost wish that this story doesn't go where I know it does, because it's ugly! What a brave man, to not just share but to be so vivid in description! I am half way thru (and have been that way for the past couple of weeks), and can't fully commit to the book, because for me it is heavy! I do recommend though!!!!!!!!

So there is my post for today ... I think I should do some book reviews on some books/series that I have read ... there are some great books out there and I know I am just scrapping the surface!

HAPPY READING!

MMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA

ART JOURNAL - POST 2

2011-01-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

HOW FUN HAS THIS BEEN??????????? I can't even begin to explain it .. I have been missing my create groove for so long now .. and I dare say .. IT'S BACK BABY! WOOT WOOT!

Before I post the pics, I just wanted to say thanks to my new blog readers that were referred here thru Art Journal everyday ... I am so excited to not just share my work but to see others work and be completely inspired! I hope you like my next couple of pages! :)

So excuse the pics ... new camera that I haven't figured out settings on and crappy lighting ..! LOL

So remember that insane rub-on page that I posted in my first Art journal post .. here is a pic if you don't know what I am talking about!

Well I turned into an art page about reading .... I am a HUGE READER .. I often have 4-5 books on a go at the same time, all scattered around my house .. so I am never without .. yah it's crazy .. you can think it! LOL To me, getting lost in a fabulously written story is right up there with dark chocolate, red wine, hot bath and great sex! YES SERIOUSLY ... it's that much of a passion of mine! So I gesso'd just the center ... used all kinds of thickers and stickers, and here is what I was left with!

My next page is very warm and vintagey .... I love to collage .. and will try to collage anything and everything. Thru swaps, purchases and great gifts I have a massive collection of vintage like ephemera. So I started this page with just a warm quick coat of paint, slapped on some papers, more paint, more papers, some ephemera .. and after some time this is what I was left with! There is no real significance to this page as far as a subject, I literally let each element happen where it may! I had no design concept, just a paint brush and a desire! WINK! LOL

I did start a third ... I was oogling over some watercolour crayons I had, and felt the urge to just doodle! So I DID! LOL This was made with a black sharpie, and the crayons .. I mixed some colours together, left some alone .. and then went over and blended them with a brush! I have no idea what i am gonna do with it .. but it's there when/if the urge comes over me to add to it!

So that is where I am on my journal ... not bad for ten minutes a day huh? BAHAHA, just kidding .. I did put in a lot more than 10 minutes a day .. but I know myself too and know that there will be days where I won't feel like doing anything creative .. likely cuz I am reading my book, in the hot bath, eating dark chocolate and drinking red wine and wondering when my hubby is gonna get our girls to bed, so that he can get to ours ... WINK!

Thanks for popping in .. MMWWWWAAAAA!

A Quick Post and a Sneek Peek for Tojo

2011-01-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post today! I have been creating, but at a slower rate. I think I may have a mild case of Fifth's, and it's attacking my hands and wrists. I have had a mild fever all week, but it's the swelling in my hands that are driving me batty. If I type too much or craft too long I tend to feel it! Thank goodness for Advil is all I have to say! LOL Hopefully I will be able to share some LO's and more art journal work by the end of the weekend!

I did want to post a little sneek peek og my TOJO's Xmas gift for her. All handmade (which in itself, is amazing I accomplished ... zip it Tojo! LOL) Her scrap room has a black and white modern look, which I love, so I made something that will match it and be useful to her! You'll get it in your hot little hands next time I see you .. likely in just over a week's time! WINK! Enjoy sweets!

That should keep ya guessing love ... enjoy your week! :)

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAA

LORDY Lordy look who's 40!

2011-01-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

A BBBBBBBBBBIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGG Happy Birthday to my sweet friend DORRIE! Today she reaches a life milestone! I milestone that brings forth mocking, denial and laughs (usually not for the one that celebrates). SOOOO I won't be the typical friend who pokes fun at her buddy by posting images like this .....

or maybe this ......

oh this one for sure ..

As I am very sensitive to life's undeniable .. ultimate harsh change as being 40 brings .... I'll just wish you a sweet HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

BAHAHAHA .. I am so DEAD! LMAO

LOVE YOU GIRL .. Have a fabo day .. strut your stuff and show us how to do it proper! LOL

MMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA

Art Journal - POST 1

2011-01-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

Hi there! WELL .. I ACTUALLY DID IT! I didn't just talk about it, or didn't just add it to a list .. I DID IT! I officially started me 1st ever ART JOURNAL! Why in heavens name did I wait .. I literally have so many ideas flowing now that i have had to write them down! I FEEL SO FREE and love that I have no idea what the start of a page will end up like! All I know is that I am PUMPED to CREATE! LOL

So Julie posted a whole wack of examples on the different approaches people take to an art journal. I didn't focus in on too much truthfully, and will keep her prompts in mind when creating, but I just want to be left open and free to do what I want! I decided I was going to create some backgrounds, so that those 10 mins creativity can be put to good use on the days that time is a factor!

So before I post the pages, I thought I'd share what kind of book I am using! I don't have a clue if this is a good one or not (again .. learning curve) but I opted for a mixed media book. I got it at Michaels for maybe $15. Anyways .. will give this a try and then through trial and error will see if it works! Please feel free to post any other types that are out there too!

Here is the cover

So a couple of months ago I started a basic background at Katies! It was a mixture of water colour paints and other paints that I can't remember! What I did learn though, with this type of book, I need to lightly prime my paper with gesso. Other wise the paper can get very soft ... very quick! Water colour paper is likely the most ideal, but again .. I have no clue what I am making .. so the mixed media seemed to be a better choice! WINK

Katie suggested I take the stick of the paint brush and do some swirly lines .. so I did! I LOVE IT! I am seeing this as an underwater funky fish page! LOL I had to snap the next pic too, as i am loving that my spirals are getting gummed up now too ... I bet that'll look so cool at the end .. will have to keep a close eye that I can actually turn my pages though! LOL

I started a collage background with all kinds of paper scraps that I have had lying around! I used some funky edged scissors to cut them and used a matte gel medium to adhere them to the page! I glued on the book and the scrap paper and over the paper. These babies aren't moving! LOL

I love that none of these papers really match each other but when they come together it just works! LOL Here is a close up!

Now on to my fave so far! So I was going thru some stash stuff and I have a ridiculous amount of rub-ons .. which I rarely use. ALPHA RUB ONS .. oh why did I indulge in so many? In 2004-2006 it was all rave .... and guess what??? RUB ONS DON'T LAST FOREVER! LMAO No worries .. I found a solution for the crazy ................ TAAADAAAAAA!

I have everything from Making Memories, L'il Davis, KI, Doodlebug, Foofala, MME and Mustard Moon .. and likely a few more! They rub-ons were CACA .. meaning they were sticking to the the packaging, ripping when they were placed .. so screw it .. oh the page you go the way you want to go! I am thinking of a lil gesso wash in the center with some quotes or books .. OR OR ..... I'll figure it out! LOL

SO there you have it .. off to a good start I think! I am loving this .... and I am loving that my girl Katie sends me e-mails and posts to keep blogging! Thanks for reading sweetie and encouraging me to share! I forgot how much I have loved this world!

MMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA

TOJO let's Sketch/Art Journal Everyday

2011-01-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2011 .. I am happy you are here and I have been waiting for you. I have high hopes for you this year! LOL

A couple of things to blog about today with regards to some creativity aspirations. I want to create SO MUCH MORE in 2011 than I did in 2010! I hardly did anything in 2010, mostly because I have too much crap and no organized space! So John struck me a deal, get my stash place sorted/cleaned and organized by the end of January and I get a mini spa day! NOW HE'S TALKING! Can't remember the last time I've had my piggies painted and polished, a massage and a DEARLY LOVED facial! So aside from a sense of accomplishment, I get a great gift too! INCENTIVE INDEED!

So I have been on the lookout for a challenge sketch blog! I really needed to find something that had some diversity (we all know how I rock those two pagers INSERT HUGE ROLL EYES), and I found this site!

SKETCH SUPPORT BY ALLISON DAVIS

This site has just been launched, and so far I am enjoying it. I love the diversity in the sketches, being a one page, two page, card or add on! If you are shaking your head at the "add on", go have a read and it'll make sense! I have a biggillionnillionfillion pictures that I am dying to get scrapped and the stash to do it!! I have to stop using the excuse that I am not inspired ... that I just don't feel like it! If the sketch is there, the it takes away the design concept excuse ...LOL TIME TO SCRAP!

These sketches will get me off to a great start .. and now that I have publicly announced that I want my Tojo to do this with me .. I HAVE TO DO IT TOO! She is shameless when it comes to calling me out .. (secretly it's what I love the most about her ..lol)

So what do you say chicka .. YOU IN? We can work out terms when you come for air (the bitch is leaving me to go to Mexico with her family .. the fricken nerve ..lol) PSSSTTT .. that may be the only way I get a head start ... BAHAHAHAHAHA! She isn't the only one who is shameless! BAHAHAHA

Tomorrow the first sketch is up! I am looking froward to seeing what it'll be! :)

The other half of my creative aspirations deals with what I love the most .. eclectic, funky, dirty, go with your mood ART! I came across a challenge blog that blew me away! if you have never heard of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, do yourself a favour and check her out here! This lady rawks my mixed media world!

So Julie created a FREE class/challenge/prompts called ART JOURNAL EVERYDAY. The idea is to put aside 10 minutes a day and CREATE! That's it ... 10 MINUTES! Creating in anyway you want! You don't have to commit to making an art journal, but I am! I bought one a couple of months ago, and started making backgrounds prepped for impromtu creative moments. Now it's time to use these pages up! Julie will post s list of prompts that will inspire you grab the creative bull by the horn ... it's so inspiring all ready to me! I am excited to jump in and see what I learn!

If you are interested, find all the information here!

So there you have it! Two places that will become part of my daily routine .. I am hoping that by doing these two challenge sites, it gets me back into my creative groove! I can only imagine that this will open a door to much more .. I sure hope it does!

If you have any other suggestions or ideas I would love to hear all about them!

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAA!

Mom and Dad's Xmas Gift!

2010-12-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

YUP ... FOR REAL .. 2 DAYS IN A ROW! BAHAHAHA Katie are ya still with me .. did you fall off your chair? LOL

So now that I have a new point and shoot, I feel much better about posting my work! The crap thing I had before was wayyyyyyyyyyy too much work! This camera is much more sensitive though so the slightest shake can distort the pic! So I am having to readjust and realize I don't need to really push hard to take a pic .. bit of a learning curve!

I made my mom and dad some picture frames for Xmas. They have tons of pics of their grandbabies but never have displayed any pics of themselves. With all the travelling they have done .. I thought some great framed pics over their new decor family room fireplace, would be amazing!

Here they are!

So these are the basic wooden framed that are for sale at Michaels ($1.50 I think). I had mixed three different kinds of paints to mimic the stain colours on my parents fireplace, and the patterned papers were picked to match the rich mocha/pink/brown hues that they has chosen. Actually I had a stack of PP and my John picked the ones that he liked .. I think he did a great job! The rest is Prima flowers, embellishments, beads etc .... I was so happy with how they turned out .. and my parents faces (especially my mama) was SO WORTH IT! She was like a little kid in a candy store!

I was thinking of submitting them to Prima .. whacha think .. should I???? LOL Regardless felt great to create once again .. and I look forward to much more creating in the future .. (also cuz my TOJO will kick my ass if I don't ..lol)

Thanks for looking! :)

MMMMMMMWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAA

My One Little Word

2010-12-29T08:33:00.000-05:00

I love that every year Ali Edwards inspires other to choose one word to live by for the year! It amazes me how a commitment to one word for a year can really encourage positive energy to flow! This is one bandwagon .. or as my Stechie would say (jump on the hayride ..lol) that I love being a part of!

So 2010 was a big year for me. It was a healing year! 2009 really beat me up, but 2010 lifted me back up, bandaged my skinned knees, and let me soar! 2010 was a year of change, and of accomplishments. I went back to school, I met some great new friends (love you TOJO), made amends with some old ones, I QUIT SMOKING, and just generally nurtured my soul a little! While there were still bumps to go over, I felt better equipped to deal with them.

Now on to my new word! 2011 is all about HEALTH! Health of my mind, body and soul! Time to get back to doing things that make my mind and body strong! Time to jump in with both feet and make some long term changes! My dad is pretty sick right now with heart issues. It has come to all of our attention recently that the heart issues that are genetically predisposed in our family, are not something to take lightly. Actually .. truthfully ... IT SCARED ME! I am almost 100 pounds overweight right now ... that is 10 bags of 10 pound potatoes that I carry on my body each and every day! My knees are hurting going up and down stairs, me heartburn gets so painful, I get sick easy, my energy level is usually low, my back hurts, and I get indifferent at times!

So there you have it! HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH! I am researching and mapping out ways to live HEALTHY! I want my kids to follow this path and I know that if I make these changes, John is right there with me! I love that my group of friends have already ventured on this path .. so I know the encouragement to do this will be at my fingertips.

So I have no idea what you have in store for me 2011, but I know what I have in store for you!

MMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAA

Deal Sites Added

2010-12-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! I know I have been MIA .. and I really want to do better with my blogging in the new year! I just wanted to do a quick post to let whoever reading this know that I have composed a list of Daily Deal sites on the right hand side on my blog. I have found some amazing deals from some of these sites and I thought I'd share the wealth! LOL

Enjoy! :)

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAA

YES .. I'M A QUITTER!

2010-09-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

You betcha .. I'm a quitter ... and while most of the time this isn't a title I like to express ... this kind of quitting is something that I am VERY PROUD OF!

I can't tell you exactly how many days but it's been at least 3 weeks give a day or two, that I have given up my dear cigarettes. They were dear to me too! You see .. I am a freak cuz I REALLY LIKE TO SMOKE! I like it after a meal, it's my crutch, it's my escape .... and while I think I am awfully considerate to others with regards to my habit .. the straw that broke that camels back was my girls ... when they begged me to stop, and reminded me how horrible of a habit it is, and how it's gonna kill me! Well when my 7 and 6 y/o girls put it that way .. what's a mama to do! They teach in school awfully early .. and thank goodness! This mama decided TO QUIT!

Yes ... while I was definantely "spoken" to by my girls .. I really was ready in more ways than one! I was feeling sluggish, coughing too much, headaches ... just not so good. AND SICK ... my goodness ... was I ever sick (and my latest illness was the jumping stone as it was a nasty chest cold and it hurt to try and smoke) ... so that's it! Let's see if this makes a difference!

I've been handling it pretty good .. yes I went thru SERIOUS BITCH stage .. YES BITCHIER THAN NORMAL TOJO! LOL My poor John having to deal with that! My cravings seem to come when certain thing happen ... which at this point leads to believe they were derived more from habit. I have moments when the habit tries to bite me ... but so far so good! I have been chatted thru some serious ones (thanks friends)!

I will admit ... I got a little more than loopy on my birthday and I came home and had a smoke ... IT WAS AWFUL .. tasted like ass, and made me cough like crazy! The next morning I almost threw up because my chest felt horrible and heavy! Always a good reminder when the habit rears its ugly head!

For now .. day by day .. hour by hour ... minute by minute! I say goodbye to a long relied upon "friend" ... you are gonna be missed ... I hate to admit that but better to be honest about it!

On a positive, I am putting away some moula every two weeks .. and maybe I'll just have to treat myself to something pretty big! WINK! LOL

MMMMMMWWWWAAAAAAA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!

2010-09-08T07:41:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to spending the day with you .. we are gonna get our scrap on! But to tie you over until then ... here are some wishes we want you to see!

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAA!


From your grandbabies!


From John and I!

Summer Fun 2010

2010-09-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

Morning! Just thought I'd share a few of my fave pics from this summer! It really was a great one! :) Grab a cuppa cuz there are quite a few here! LOL

MMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAA!

My DIVALICIOUS Alexa


Hunky Hubby and I

My brothers gorgeous Chocolate Lab and I having a friendly swim .. LOL

The Tops family getting ready for a Canoe trip

John taking a load off with his girls!

My dad enjoying a glass of vino!

My 3 AMAZING KIDS!

My pretty babygirl!

The CREATURE OF CORDOVA LAKE! LMAO .. don't tell me I can't poke fun at myself! LOL

The results of day 1! OUCH!

Tops Family going for a ride!

My nephew Noah caught this off the dock .. we were all in awe! He was so proud .. LOL!

My dad and my brother Mike with my dad's much wanted catch!

My GORGEOUS niece Morgan with my Alexa fooling around with the web cam!

The girls at the Museum

This was only half of the cottage .. there was another building for more sleeping quarters! I am in complete awe of how gorgeous this place is!

A Little mid day family dock fishing (ppssst .. I caught a fish too!)

Puppy played hard, and rested hard .. LOL

Even in the rain we had fun! Toy Story BINGO! :)

When did my babies grow up? They look so big here! SIGH

I HAVE TO SCRAP THIS PIC of Morgan! GORGEOUS!

My DIVA DOG wasn't quite sure about all that sand! LOL

My brother with his first catch

My HANDSOME teen Cody and I .. seriously, he's so not a kid anymore!


I don't know how many times we had to kick them off these chairs .. they'd of spent their entire vacay there if we'd of let them! LOL

Back TO School!

2010-08-26T16:10:00.000-04:00

Oh I have a feeling this is going to be one of my fave times of the year! BACK TO SCHOOL! LOL I must admit that after 2 whole months of my kids 24/7, I am ready for a much needed break (mind you I am heading back to school too ... so not much of a break.. but my day will be free to indulge in my own routine of household stuff, studies and gym ...lol) Regardless I think you get the idea that I am excited about it all! ;)

It's so great to see the girls excited about all of this. Alexa has assured me that she will take her baby sister Angelina under her wing and make sure that she is shown all the ins, and the tricks of full time school. Angelina is starting Grade 1 and Alexa is Grade 2! Where did the time go?

So I thought I would do a "Back to School" post, to get others in the creative mood .. that and I have found some amazing Back to School printables and/or project ideas, lunch ideas, and a whole wack of other goodies out there, and really wanted to share them! So off we go! :)

Bird Crafts has some FREE images on their blog to download! Here is a peek of a few of them!

Be sure to check out the rest of their blog and store for some other themed ideas and goodies! :)

Here are some sweet little note cards at The Frog Prince Paperie for the kids lunch boxes ... truth be told they can be used anywhere though!

Amazing collection to be downloaded here at Tweedle D Designs!

I plan on keeping track of the girls homework and reading this year, and this is a great craft for them to make so that there is a place to track all of it! LOL
THE COLOURFUL COVERED NOTEBOOK

With all the school activities, milk, pizza, hot dog money that exchanges hands, these are a great idea to have as an "everyday carry" in your kids school bag! I know I will certainly be making these this year!
CARRY ALL TINS

You can't go wrong with a HOMEWORK CHART which can also serve as a daily reading chart

ROLL UP PENCIL CASE

Awesome video tutorial from Angry Chicken, for reusable sandwich, snack bags!

One thing I found last year, was Alexa got really bored of her school lunches. So I had to try and find different things that I knew she'd eat in the small amount of time she had to eat! I did some internet searching for ideas and this is what I found!

SANDWICH ON A STICK

ANYTHING 100 Calorie!!!!!!!! Nuff said! LOL

KRAFT has an awesome article with some ideas here!

Companies Coming (some of my fave cookbooks come from them) has a series of kids cookbooks that have amazing school ideas!

Martha has a load of great ideas on her website, here are some that really stuck out to me!
HAM & APPLE WRAPS w CHEESE

ANTS ON A LOG

Well my friends that is all I have for now .. will share more if i find it! Hope you enjoyed this read! :)

MMWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAA!

DONE .. and not doing anymore!

2010-08-25T20:43:00.002-04:00

Until the urge strikes ... but I am happy with my busy/kid designed blog!

Thanks for the suggestions friends .... thanks for the actual comment Katie ... I'll have some Rachey treats for ya soon! LOL WINK!

MMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

Reconstructing Blog

2010-08-25T19:34:00.001-04:00

I am so not happy with anything I am doing here right now .. so if you see funky things going on .. it's likely cuz I have flubbed something up, or I am figuring it out! LMAO!

MMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAA

Don't know about you - WILL YOU HELP?

2010-08-25T15:12:00.002-04:00

... but the colour of my header hurts MY EYES! LOL I have been searching for a header that will someone match my new template, but have yet to find anything I may like! This is where will you help comes in! LOL

I have been purging and purging as of late, and have decided to put a lil RAK box together for the person who points me in the right direction and helps me get my header done! If I use what you have suggested then YOU WIN! THAT EASY!

Now the only problem is making sure that this gets out there .. aside from my immediate readers, who happen to be my friends that know I haven't been blogging recently! LOL

Let's see what happens! LOL

MMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

Dear blog ...

2010-07-15T08:05:00.002-04:00

Hi it's me .. I know you are still here waiting for my stories and funny's and crazy's .. but I just popped by to tell you that I am having an amazing summer so far and may not be able to visit you regularly! I do miss you and will be back full force after the summer!

LOVE YOU and MMMMWWAAAAAA

Rachel :)
XOOX

Scrap Industry .. SLOW DOWN ALREADY!

2010-06-17T09:09:00.011-04:00

I am sure I am not alone here ... my wallet has had enough .. there is smoke off my personal maxed credit card (thank goodness hubby is smart to ensure that I have a low credit limit). I can't keep up .. and there is so much I want!

Does anyone else feel like this industry is crazy fast? I am just starting to enjoy the products from the Winter CHA .. and there are already pre-orders all over the net for the summer releases! Ya see truthfully .. if I was smart ... I'd wait for those releases to be placed on sale before I buy them .. it's not like I use em up right away! But I suffer from that "MUST HAVE NOW .. OR I WILL MISS OUT" mentality! I know I am not the only one!

I am going to make a personal pact right now ... and after chatting with my girl Heather this morning ... I think she is on to something! I am only allowed to scrap from my stash .. NOTHING NEW PURCHASED. My friend Katie is really good with this .. she gets product .. she uses it! So I am making a public declaration ... 20 LO's ... from stash .. before I am even allowed to look at anything new! I also have to do a serious inventory check .. and decide what to keep and what to sell/give away!

The old Rachel would of done 2 LO's, then broke her personal pact ... but this new Rachel, is very capable of doing this. Since this is a public announcement ... I am counting on my friends to kick me arse if I waver ..... or better yet THINK of wavering! LMAO

20 LO's is NOTHING .. not even a dent! So it's a small first step .. but a step regardless! :)

Anyways .. let me enable your credit cards .. seeing as I cannot/not allowed to enable my own and post some yummies that are coming way too soon! LOL

GRAPHIC 45 - Halloween in Wonderland

SASSAFRAS LASS - Indie Girl

ECHO PARK PAPER - Sweet Summertime

BASIC GREY - Oliver and Olivia

MAKING MEMORIES - Panorama

BO BUNNY - 4 New lines

Peacock Lane

Petal Pushers

Sun Kissed

Block Party

That's enough for now .. will post more tomorrow! :) Wish me luck! WINK! LOL

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

LO - Share

2010-05-27T11:04:00.011-04:00

HI YA!

It's been so long since I have posted any of my work that I have done lately. Part because I'm lazy, and part because my pics are shitty! LOL But here are a few that I haven't posted and I'll have more in the near future under different light circumstances!

So Heather, Nancy , Natasha (soon to be) and I have formed this little "challenge group". Ultimately it is to get those pages done .. and since we all scrap at the same LSS, we can pretty much gaurentee to see each other once a month. The banter that has been happening at those crops make me wanna PIMP! SERIOUSLY! LOL I have been really productive since we started this (not as productive as Heather..lol)and I am using some stash! So I have two months to do 14 challenges .... here are some that I have completed!

ABC Challenge - Letter "A" must have two different Alphas on your page
LO - SWEET GIGGLES

SKETCH CHALLENGE - Stuck Sketch 01 May

LO - LIL SWISS GIRL

SHABBY BINGO Challenge - Pick a line (Noel Mignon)

I picked the vertical "O"
LO - Susie Homemaker

I had a blast doing this LO ... I used the mint chocolate chip glimmer chalk that I won from Tattered Angels ... and HELLO - MELODY ROSS HOMESPUN CHIC .. Sigh .. HAPPY HAPPY! I also must admit.. this LO is going in my Book of Me. I am not Susie Homemaker ... but there is hope! BAHAHAHAHA!

I finished my mom's mini album using the LUSH brown album and the Romantique paper line by Graphic 45 .. and have to get mom to bring it over so I can snap some pics .. but that's another challenge complete! LOL

CHALLENGE - NEW MOON (Noel Mignon again)
This LO had to be about CHANGE (hello .. been there done that..lol), had to include the colours black, white and red. Had to have a flower (thanks for the handmade posy Katie), text or book paper (used a JB button), charm and finally bling.
LO - CHANGE (I didn't post the journalling that will be done on this page, it will be written in all the white space on this page. It is going to be very personal and something that I am not ready to share. Consider it therapy! LOL

I have a couple more LO's but can't seem to remember if they were challenge based ... BAHAHAHA ... let me ask my partner in crime .... OH HEATHER? LOL

So that is enough for now ... I will upload some pics of Mother's Day and odds and ends with the kids sometime later this week/weekend!

Life is good ... thanks for popping on by!

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

A Special post for a Special Gal - HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER

2010-05-19T06:41:00.005-04:00

Don't worry girl .. no need to grab a tissue .... but I am not letting this day go by without a special shout out to ya! LOL

I am SO HAPPY you came into my life ... you were the biggest gulp of fresh air that I so needed and especially in that time in my life when I felt like I was suffocating! You are funny, sarcastic, brutally honest, shoot from the hip and so my kind of gal. I adore you, your hubby and your boys and I can't wait to see where this friendship takes us!

In the meantime ....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

So today I wish you this ...

Even though you are likely feeling like this ....

But don't worry cuz .... I have the perfect solution ..

AND

YOU IN??? LMAO

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY GIRL ... MMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA

HAVE U SEEN THIS? Greyson Michael Chance

2010-05-14T07:06:00.004-04:00

INSANE TALENT .. he sounds better than Lady GAGA! WOW

This is his You Tube video that took the world by storm! Sorry they are cut off a bit .. I don't know how to fix it! LOL

Here is his Ellen Interview

I am BLOWN AWAY! WOW

MMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

The best craft site EVER!

2010-05-12T08:10:00.001-04:00

Where have I been???? Check out this awesome site my crafty friends!

TOTALLY TUTORIALS

Be prepared to stay there for HOURS! Grab a cuppa ... LOL WINK!

MMMMWWWAAAAAAA!

I like this Little Bird

2010-05-11T17:47:00.003-04:00

So everyday in my e-mail inbox, I find a lil e-mail from Melody Ross's Brave Girl site. Today's affirmation really struck me .... Have a read!

This made me really happy today .. like realizing that it's actually cool to be different and awkward! For someone who is outgoing, I've come to realize in many ways, that I am actually quite socially inept. I can be the loud voice, the laughter, the jokester, but I never seem to find the right words to say in a group setting ... it feels forced and kinda strange. I am a deep intense soul .. and I have been berated and cast aside (and absolutely embraced) in my life because people don't know what to do with that .. or it is too much! I GET IT ... seriously I do ... but that's me. It makes me different .... and that's okay! If you've been inside my heart, you will always have that place ... it's like having some kind of special blocked off place that is yours ... I have lots of these places in my heart, for lots of special people. Sometimes those places get closed off for a while .. and ya know .. that's okay too! I always manage to return in my own privacy and relish that part of my heart (your part), and savour it. It's what has made me .. well ME!

So if you have an odd, strange way about yourself that some people sometimes don't get or appreciate ... LOVE that part of you. Chances are there are many people that love it too .. even though the words don't always come out right!

A tad deep yes ... but a tad happy too! :)

Hugs and MMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2010-05-09T09:49:00.006-04:00

Just a quick HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my friends and family! To those that are able to hug their children and mothers's and to those that have loved and lost. To memories, love and togetherness!

A Very Special SHOUT OUT to my mama .... without you my life wouldn't be ... without you my babies wouldn't be, without you my life wouldn't make sense half the time. With you I have fun and laughter, with you my heart soars with love, with you my life feels complete. I LOVE YOU MOM ... more and more everyday! XOOX

For my funny mummies!

Have a great day regardless of whatever you are doing!

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Movie - DATE NIGHT!

2010-05-06T07:22:00.004-04:00

Oh I had a blast last night! I went to see the movie DATE NIGHT with Heather last night and I giggled like a school girl! It's certainly a leave your brain out in left field .... and hunky Mark Wahlberg is HOT! So made my evening seeing him on the big screen with no shirt! SIGH!

The trailer can be seen here!

I recommend it if you are in the mood to JUST LAUGH and like I said above "leave your brain out in left field"!

MMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAA

Internet Findings - Odds N Ends!

2010-05-05T08:02:00.000-04:00

Hi ya! It has been so long since I have done one of these, and there is so much out there to share .... so this one may be extra long ... LOL

Before I start though, I wanted to give Steph a shout out ... HANG IN GIRL and I LUVS YA! XOOX

Here we go!

I have found a new "I WANNA DO THIS"! I want to do this more than any scrapping cruise, or workshop .. or whatever else scrappy ... It's the Brave Girl Camp by Melody Ross. Just with the place I am in my life .. this would be so healing, creative and such a deep experience! No drawn line, free, inspiring, yummy food, and creating! Talk about feeding the soul! :) Hopefully one day I can go to this .. and my girl Heather made mention that if I quit smoking I could put my ciggy money in a jar and save ... So that kind of gives me some motivation too ... LOL We'll see! WINK!

So I NEVER buy stamps .. cuz I find then so expensive for something that I may use once .. I am also not a stamper ... truth be told .. I don't really know a lot about stamping and inks and all that jazz! I never really listened and tried to understand stamping .. it never "spoke" to me really! Not so long ago, I took a tag class at my LSS The Scrapbox and indulged in the likes of Tim Holtz stamps . They were a tad pricey so I never invested. Then I found an ebay auction (shocking I know) and won a few packs of them at next to nothing! I was very pleased! To top it off ... I was referred to a particular set by my friend Dorrie ... I literally GASPED when I saw them!
BRAVE GIRL
I indulged, broke down and bought them ....The project I have in mind ... Oh HURRY STAMPS! LOL

I have been bitten by the cooking bug a little .. and have found so many yummy things to make .. here are some of the recipies!
Picante Chicken Rice Burritos

Cheddar Burgers and Crispy Oven Fries

Easy Cheesy Frittata (I already made this .. OH MY .. if you love basil and tomatos .. you will love this)

Sugar Topped Molasses Spice Cookies (this recipe is hosted on an amazing blog called Good Eats ' n Sweet Treats

I am loving the idea of LIVE WITH PRIMA! This project is my fave ... Oh I wish I could do it!

I asked John to get me a subscription to Somerset Studio for Mother's Day and he said YES! WOOT WOOT! LOL

The TUDORS .. OH MY ... I am hooked! HOOKED! If you are a history buff (even if you aren't) do yourself a favour and indulge in King Henry VIII life and his six wives! What a story! I am now reading all kinds of fiction and non-fiction about this era .. here are some books I bought recently!
WHAT A READ! WOW!

The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers (Paperback)

She is my FAVE WIFE!

The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn: 'The Most Happy' [Illustrated] (Paperback)

This speaks for itself!

Six Wives: The Queens Of Henry Viii (Paperback)

Lots of great summer reads ... that (and many a smut book TEEHEE) and I am finishing the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series (seriously hot sexy vamp action there), and the latest book was just released .... SO EXCITED! I have the Sookie Stackhouse series patiently waiting for my attention! I have fallen back in love with reading!

Tammy Tutterow (I love her name) has an awesome tutorial on Dyed Book Binding here! She uses the yummiest Glimmer mist! Also you can sign up for her daily e-mail and she usually provides you with a gorgeous vintage image free to download! BIG FAN!

NIKKI SIVILS DT CALL! I have some talented friends who should consider applying! HINT HINT! LOL Cut off is 31 May!

HAMBLY DT CALL! Be sure to check out the PDF file at the link I have provided! :)

I am a duvet lover .. but find that the covers out there suck! So instead of buying all new bedding, why not just change the actual duvet cover itself! Here is an awesome tutorial on HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DUVET COVER! Here is a photo of one that was made .. GORGEOUS!

Doily Stencil with a SHARPIE! Read here!

GREAT QUOTE

Do not take lightly small good deeds,
Believing they can hardly help.
For drops of water, one by one,
In time, can fill a giant pot.
~ Patrul Rinpoche

Well .. I do have tons more to post .. but I guess I can pace myself a little! LOL Hope you enjoy the read! Tonight, I am out for a movie date ... so looking forward to it!

Have a great one!
MMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

A Little "TA" HAPPY HAPPY

2010-05-01T16:30:00.004-04:00

And no that does not stand for tits and ASS! LMAO Gutter minds you! HEEHEE

So Tattered Angels (insert happy smilie face) is celebrating National scrapbook MONTH starting today and ending 31 May! A month full of challenges and product and technique tutorials ... OH MY!

Anyways .. seeing that they are by far one of my fave companies and seem to always pop up in my work .. I thought I'd follow along and see what happens to get inspired along the way! :) I really want to learn more and push the envelope on my creativity! I am hoping to do that thru some of these challenges!

So .. off to read the first challenge and to watch some videos .. and hopefully I'll have someone join me (EEERRR Miss Heather??) LMAO

Here are some site links that you can find some info ref all of this fun!

TA Site

TA facebook page

TA Blog

Have fun .. and hopefully tomorrow I will have a project to post ... and have to chance to say CHALLENGE 1 = DONE! LOL

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH!

2010-04-22T06:30:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday sweet friend! Hope it's full of happiness, fun and love!

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAA!

HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-01T10:15:00.008-04:00

Just a quick note to say HAPPY EASTER to my friends, blog readers, family and everyone else! :) If you are travelling, be safe! If you are staying home ... be safe ... fill up on lots of ham and/or turkey, indulge in many chocolate eggs, decorate eggs, enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting and easter bunny happiness! If you are religious, celebrate Christ .. it's going to be beautiful weather for the first part of the weekend .. get out and have some fun! :)

Here are a few fun images to get you in the mood! LOL

MY FAVE ... lol

YUMMY Easter Eggs :)

SPRING LIKE

SO WRONG IT'S RIGHT ... LMAO

SO PRECIOUS

SWEET CHOCOLATE HEAVEN

MMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAA!

Latest Work

2010-03-28T11:43:00.013-04:00

It's been a while since I have had much to post with regards to my creations .. I hadn't really been creating! No secret the past while has been super rough on me too! That being said I have come to realize that creating has been real therapy for me! It's been a place that I can go to and be happy .. and makes me feel good and gives me a sense of accomplishment! Lifts my mood, and spills into the other aspects of life!

So here's hoping this a start to much more .. I've recently met someone who has really lifted me up ... and I am so grateful for that! THANKS HEATHER! :)

Now .. no comments about the shitty pics .. I know I know .. I need a new freakin camera! LMAO

LO - TRUE LOVE
I created this back in January ... but never posted it! A LO of John and I dancing our first dance as a married couple!

So Heather called me out on a challenge to create a LO on Thursday and I didn't the chance to get to it! So I raised the stakes and called two LO's for Friday (which I managed to do..LOL) Here they are!

LO - MY SWEET ANGEL BABY GIRL
This is my Alexa when she was 6 weeks old! I forgot I had this picture .. and as I started scrapping after she was 1 1/2 years old (and before digital photography really grabbed the world by storm) I don't have too many pics of her as a baby! SNIFF! Anyways, I used some of the new Prima papers that I got at The Scrapbox!

LO - MISS YOU
A pic of my FIL a few months before he passed away! I have been thinking about him a lot lately (might have something to do with the fact that I just got back from London) and I wanted to scrap him! I MISS YOU SO MUCH POP! XOOX

LO - SWEET GIRLS
This was a challenge given to me to create a double LO .. OH MAN I SUCK! LOL I am not a double LO person at all .. but it's done and that's that! LOL

MINI ALBUM - BLISS
So this was the mini that brought me back to creative land .... it took me 2 crops to get it done .. and it was Heathers silhouette that was the inspiration! I have gotten the go ahead from John to purchase one ... but have to wait until end summer as we have to be careful with money to ensure Cody can come down! I CAN'T WAIT! LOL It was also Steph's face and words of encouragement that kept me going ... When Steph says "This is your masterpiece!" it tends to stick in my mind ..! I am her numero uno fan doncha know! HEEHEE

So this album started as basic 6x12 chipboard. I used my blending tool and a few colours of Ranger ink .. and covered every single inch. I would then take a stencil and blend over top the base inking. I would glimmer mist several colours, and then glimmer mist over stencils on top of the other misting! So the base was done! I then dug into my fave part of my stash ... my vintage yumminess that I have collected thru junque swaps, e-bay/etsy purchases, friends and other places. I layered and layered .. added all kinds of flowers and bling. I used the inspiring words from the silhouette and glimmer misted them (lemon grass .. YUMMY)then painted then with stickles and shimmers. Here it is .. so much better IRL! :)

COVER

BACK

So that is it on the creative share today! I am currently waiting for a canvas to dry so I can complete my first assignment on a mixed media class I am doing! :)

HAPPY SUNDAY!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Time for a simple change!

2010-03-27T12:03:00.001-04:00

Back to the basics here in blogland! Simple two column gorgeous nature background and pretty much no header! I am happy with it and hoping it inspires me to post more!

Tell me if you like it! :)

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAA!

Olympic Dreams!

2010-02-12T09:45:00.003-05:00

Oh I can feel the excitement in our home today as we get ready to enjoy the first day of the 2010 Olympic Vancouver Games! It's special not just because it is happening in Canada, it's special because there will be hearts soaring, careers made, dreams achieved, tears, sweat, adrenaline, competition .. and when every Canadian roots for the same side!

While watching the Superbowl this year, the theme song "I Believe" came on .. and I was completely smitten, full of goosebumps and tears, but most importantly full of pride! Here is the video I found on You Tube incase you haven't seen it yet .. and I have downloaded it from iTunes too (thanks Laurie :))!

For those of you that would like to have a schedule of events .. here is the link! Keep in mind the timings are in PST and not EST! Think of it as we are 3 hours ahead for us locals on EST! LOL

I am currently watching the flame being passed on to one another thru Stanley Park! We have errands to run today as a family (John's off and we have a PD Day), and then tonight I think we are going to partake in some wobblies, some snacks, some family time and watch the 40 million dollar Opening Ceremonies .... CAN'T WAIT!

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Alexa's 7th Birthday - Princess Slumber Party

2010-02-10T09:00:00.017-05:00

OMG what a blast! I was dreading the screeching and the shrieking, but found (actually John felt the same way) that it was so much fun ... and it was such a thrill to see the gorgeous grin on my birthday girls face! Several times throughout the party we'd hear the girls yell "This is the bestest party I have ever been to!" .. or "I am having the best time of my life!"

So Saturday morning Alexa and I headed off to Goobers for a Mommy and Me Princess Spa Day. Alexa got her nails painted and had little gems adhered. We both got our toenails painted a sparkley blue, she had her hair done, light make-up on, and sparkles all over to finish it off. I bought her a nice white dress, and she had a tiara placed on her head! She was grinning ear to ear ... too precious! I wish I had photos of this but I realized once I got there that my camera was missing a camera card .. DUMB ASS MOMMY! LOL

I took her to Rockin Johnny's for lunch and then to pick up some last minute items.

When we got home, Daddy and Ang had already decorated the place with streamers and balloons and we finished decorating the Barbie dress Cake!

The girls arrived dressed up as Princesses, and the party began. They played games, made bracelets, made pizzas, did present opening, loot bags and candle blowing out! LOL They then got in their jammies, watched movies while getting comfy on the queen size blow up mattress and eventually falling asleep. SIGH!

Morning came and John whipped up some chocolate chip pancakes with bacon, and the girls trickled out by 11am! All of us needed a nap at that point .. and rested for a good couple of hours. Then off the granny's and papa's for her family celebration .. oh and super bowl party! LOL

We stayed at my parents for a couple of days and told the world to go take a hike! It was refreshing!

So busy busy weekend ... but a blast .. here are some pics!

SO MUCH FUN! LOL

MMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAA

A new look!

2010-02-09T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hey ya there! I have decided that I have had my head in the sand long enough and it's time to come back full force ... with that, I need a new look. I came across this free template and I really liked it .. although I must admit I think I may rather save it for the fall and find myself something bright and spring like!

Tell me ... what do you think?

Regardless .. happy to be back in the blogging world .. I have missed it and my blogging buddies! :) Maybe tomorrow between housework and kids, I can actually post about something important .. like my Alexa's awesome 7th B-day! WINK

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

GLIMMER GLAZE! Seriously!

2010-01-05T07:03:00.003-05:00

Oh my ... I am excited about many products this CHA, but this takes the cake! Glimmer Glaze from Tattered Angels! For those that aren't quite sure what that is, have a look at this You Tube video .. can't wait to see it this product up close and personal! LOL

A very appropriate Poem!

2010-01-02T21:26:00.003-05:00

A very appropriate poem for my life right now ... I thought I'd share it with you so you can keep it under your pillow for the days you are finding your resolutions hard. It inspires me!

ENJOY!

DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

Makes me wanna get my arse in gear! LOL

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAA and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009 - I AM NOT SAD to see you GO!

2009-12-28T18:02:00.002-05:00

I'm not .. honestly! It's not been a great year! While yes I have retired from the military, it wasn't without heartache and dismay! I have had people come and go in my life, I have had fights, and weeping and internal anguish. I have had family business, relationship ups and downs, friends who aren't really friends ... I have had to step back more than once to reevaluate my life. This isn't a sob post .. it's a post of truths! It's a time .. more symbolic I suppose with the new year, to readjust and to chuck what doesn't fit ... in all realms of my life! It's time for a clean slate, and I'm allowing myself that self indulgence. I am who I am and I owe no one. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!

I am blessed ... I have a beautiful family, beautiful friends, a hobby I indulge in, other talents that I need to revisit, a chance to indulge my children's youth, and participate in their lives more so than many moms. I have a roof over my head, and food in my belly. I have a husband whom I adore (even while there are times I think I don't ...lol), a best friend like no other, a group of friends that make me laugh, and I have a big heart! I am seriously not wanting fro anything.

Any emptiness and concern I feel, is really of my own making! So I ring in 2010 with no real resolutions .. because that sets me up to fail. I ring in 2010 and with a clean slate, a clean slate for myself, and will only place my energy into something that is derserving of it. There is not much to want in my life! Sometimes I just need to remind myself of that ...LOL

HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2010 be a year of love, wealth in all, and happiness!

MMMMMMMWWWAAAAAAAAAAA
XOOX

Shamelessly Addicted ... RIDICULOUS!

2009-12-15T09:15:00.002-05:00

I should of listened to the warnings .. but I didn't and got playing Farmville via facebook! Now it has consumed so much time it's ridiculous ... I have neglected my daily tasks ... my to do list .. and I can't afford to do that! LMAO

TODAY I PLEDGE .... I can't play anymore until I cross some things off the list! SO SAD and certainly embarrassing! LMAO

On the home front .. not much happening! I went to bed last night with a wicked headache (probably too much computer) and woke up this morning to find my living room rearranged! LMAO John was a busy beaver! I guess he wanted to get a jump on our family decorating. We are getting our tree this weekend, and doing our annual family decorating ... setting up our mini villiage, and odds and sods around the house! I'm really looking forward to it!

I am going to do some baking with the girls too ... we went to the bulk barn and bought some sprinkles and cookie toppers for their cut out sugar cookies. Making some peanut butter chocolate balls today!

I've finished some Xmas gifts .. but obviously can't post them yet .. so I'll do it in the New Year!

Katie and I made a pact that we are going to train together starting January for the May Ottawa run. I am hoping we'll do the 10km, but will be just as happy to do the 5km! I think this will be a good partnership as we are always so highly competitive (in a good way), so why not use that to our advantage and get healthy and lose some pounds! I am writing it here for all to read so that we are held to it by our friends! LMAO

Anyways .. justa quick update ... will try and post some internet findings later this week!

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAA!

Yes I have been creating .. Just too lazy to take Pics! LOL

2009-11-30T12:22:00.013-05:00

The title says it all .. here are a few LO's that I have done but not posted yet! Some are older and some are newer!

Here is a LO I did a while ago of my nephew Noah and my girls!

LO - MY CUZ

The next one was kind of a TEE HEE between Katie and I. We have this thing with calling eachother ARSEWIPE! I know silly but if you knew us then you'd get it. Anyways we both has to scrap this pic ... here is mine. Kind of pretty for such a nasty topic .. but them it occured to me .. that was PERFECT! Kinda pretty and dirty all at the same time ... just like my friendship with my ArseWipe! She thinks the title should be a movie a title .. LMAO FREAKIN KATIE!

LO - ADORATION ANTICIPATION OF THE ARSE

Here is Katie's .. and I love the humour and creative edge she had here .. and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that she included Stechie! LOL

Just an everyday LO of my girls making those dorky faces!

LO -WHAT U LOOKING AT?

This LO below is one of my faves. I HEART the Prima products used here! I used an embossed Bazzill CS, and glimmer misted it to all heck ... soaked it right into the CS. Then I peeled the top layer of the CS and used it on the LO. I handcut all the birds!

LO - ONCE UPON A TIME

On a side note, I have been hired to do a wedding album for a military friend of mine! Here are a couple of the Lo's that I was willing to sneek peek to her.

LO - HAPPINESS

with the hidden journalling tag showing!

LO - WEDDING PARTY

LO - MY WORLD

Isn't she a gorgeous bride?? Man ... the canvas was not hard to work with at all! I am not too happy with the last LO thruthfully, but it's done and that's that. I do like the little chipboard wedding pieces however. Once again, I spritz the chipboard with three different glimmer mists to compliment the papers, and then crystal laquered the top! Looks much better IRL!

Well that is is for now .. I have a few more of my own LO's to share but need to finish my journalling and then snap the pics .. so maybe in a few months I'll actually get around to posting them! LOL

Have a good one and thanks for looking!

MMMMMMMMWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

My Daughter's Heart Amazes Me!

2009-11-22T21:24:00.004-05:00

There are times when I wonder if wearing your heart on your sleeve is worthwhile. There are times I wish that I could just rip it off so that it keeps sheltered, and unbroken .... but for those I wishes ... I wouldn't change the fact that it's there .. big and on my sleeve! It breaks, it loves, it's full of passion, it's jealous, it's kind and at times unkind, but it's mine .. and today I had another life lesson thrown my way, and another reason why I am glad it's there, wide and open and on my sleeve ... today I saw it through my beautiful daughter's character and spirit. I have passed on something to her, and I know it's me she has learned it through because since her birth, she and I have always had a sensitive kind of connection. I know what she thinks, and I know how she feels without her words ever expressing it .. I know because she is me!

Alexa is 6 ... but a wise 6. She is everthing sensitive and kind, she feels BIG whether she is feeling sad, angry, happy, kind. BIG! BIG BIG BIG! She catches the little things and if they touch her soul, they stick .. and she learns from it.

Tonight she cuddled up with me and we watched the movie Into The Wild.

If you haven't seen this movie I highly recommend it. It's nothing that makes you jump out of your seat. It's not full of action, or a high nab you and you can't walk away kind of movie. It's a story. A great story, and a story that makes you look internally. It's directed by Sean Penn (enough said there), starring Emile Hersch. It's based on a true story about a young college graduate that pretty much says F U to society, and to cash (he actually donates over 24 grand to charity.. his savings) and embarks on a life changing adventure to the Alaskan wilderness. Along his way, he meets some amazing people that enrich his life. Ultimately, the wild changes him, and his life and not all for the good! I don't want to spoil this so I will leave it at that!

Now back to my Lexa. John and I are pretty liberal parents. Meaning, I don't shelter my children from much. We would rather be present and explain and answer questions, than sweeping things under the rug or by them having to learn it from someone else untruthfully. So tonight Alexa asked me all kind of questions about this young mans adventures. She was completely engrossed in the story, and laughed where it was appropriate, and cried where it was due. She just opened her heart to it all. I was so amazed that she is so young but could really feel in the most appropriate manner!

After the movie, she started to cry again, and said "Mommy, do you remember the man when he was so sad? When he was sitting in the middle of the road and crying .. that made me so sad for him" She then began to paraphrase the reason behind it. I then had a heart to heart with my angel, and told her that she was lucky that she could be sad when it was okay to feel sad. That some adults don't even know how to feel like that. I told her because she could feel the sad, that makes her heart big to really appreciate and feel the good too. I told her that her life is going to be so rich because she feels so big.

SHE AMAZES ME. I know some might think .. she is too young to differentiate .. but I say NO WAY! She is a rich rich soul, and it shows in everything she does. her dance, her singing, her play, her arguements .. she is passionate! I see big things in life for my girl .. and yes I am biased as I am her mom .. but she really is going to leave her mark someday .. YOU MARK MY WORDS!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

School Pics, NEW MOON and a Thank you!

2009-11-20T07:53:00.007-05:00

Well no secret from my previous entry that I have gone thru a bit of a hard time .. that being said with the help of my family and my closest friends .. it's been a week of healing for me! Thank you to those that have called, e-mailed and left me comments and messages. I feel truly loved and cared for from those I treasure the most. Have made some changes, and continue to grow to be the best I can be! It's going to take some time ... and I am ready to tackle it day to day!

I have decided that there is no golden horseshoe out there .. or if there is it it certainly being hogged by others! LOL I managed to catch another cold, and had a minor throat abcess (which is healing now, thank goodness), but I am at my wits end with the illnesses that have harboured my home this year! So vitamins are distributed, more fruits and veggies, healthier lifestyle all around is our best aid at this point. I have found a humourous attitude has really done much for my soul this time around too...LOL

On a happier note, my girls had their school pics sent back home recently! I tend to get the CD of images so I have the copyright license, so I am can play. I just got them this week, so I will post the basic of images for my family, but I am looking forward to having some photoshop fun! LOL

Here is Alexa's GRADE 1 Picture

Is it me or does she look particularily grown up? It's crazy .. she's 6! LOL She is really enjoying grade 1 and has taken to the full day of school quite nicely!

Here is Angelina's SK Pics

Sorry for the back grounds .. LOL Ang is right behind me and wanted these ones posted! Again, I look at my baby girl and I am in complete awe! Remember when she was just a baby?? MAn times soars by!

So tonight ... I have a hot date with my one of my BFF's Katie to see NEW MOON! The lady was wise and bought the tickets well in advance. We're planning on having some dinner, then stand in line to make sure we can atleast sit together, and play Twilight Trivia and knit! Man we know how to have a good time huh? BAHAHAHAHA I SURE THINK SO! WINK!

Hugs and have a great weekend all!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

Maybe I need a Good Cry!

2009-11-15T09:18:00.002-05:00

It has been a rough while for me lately. Much I haven't shared with even my closest friends and family. I am not gonna air my laundry on my blog ... but things have to change .. THEY HAVE TO! I feel like I am spiraling in this deep abyss, and I can't find my way out. The silliest things are bothering me .. and I am walking around as of late with a broken heart and soul. I hide it ... I am very good at hiding it ... I try to smile and brush everything under the rug, or lessen the severity cuz I don't want to face it and/or burden anyone ... which is silly cuz my family and friends are there for me ... I just don't know how to ask for help! Maybe this is it ... the depression I have been expecting and just never allowed myself to cave to. Maybe I need to cave and just go thru it already so that I can find my way back! Maybe it's time to admit that I am not all that atrong right now ... and that's okay .. It is okay right?

I need to get off this rollercoaster of emotions .. it's making me sick .. literally! I feel like a bundle of nerves and I am looking into things that aren't there .. over analyzing! It's snowballed enough already!

Well .. here are the tears, and I am just gonna let them flow .. I need to let them flow .. to get them out .. so that I can lay my head down and have a good peaceful rest already .. so that |I can wake up and start fresh!

Sorry so heavy ... I just had to get it out!

KATIE 1 - RACHEL 0

2009-11-03T07:49:00.002-05:00

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ... I admit defeat! I hang my head in shame and won't offer up any excuses like my entire family was so sick thru most of the month of Oct, and I had to look after them, and I was too busy to scrap, and I really needed my rest to be the best mommy and friend I could be .. I AM NOT GONNA GIVE ANY EXCUSES ... insert roll eyes! BAHAHAHAHA!

So .. honestly ... Katie kicked my big beautiful behind in the LOAD Challenge for Oct .. I mean she didn't just beat .. she creamed me! LMAO .. So now I have to put together a gorgeous kit from my ridiculous stash, for her creating pleasure!

All I have to say is thank goodness it's nearing the end of the year .. cuz I am gonna try and keep up (I seriously doubt I could beat her) in 2010 with her ... A likely serious set up for failure if you all know Katie and her speed scrapping ... but it'd sure be fun to try!

And yes .. if you think it's ridiculous that we compete .. IT IS .. but it keeps us both motivated to scrap .. hence why the friendship works .. WE LOVE TO KICK EACHOTHERS ARSES! BAHAHAHA!

Have a look at her flickr account ... enjoy!

LOVE YOU KATIEROO! LOL

MMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA

Scary Halloween Urban Legends!

2009-10-29T10:59:00.012-04:00

I REALLY LOVE HALLOWEEN!

I love the scariest, creepiest, blood drenched, eyeball popping, soul sucking darkness of it all! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the stories that make your skin crawl and your hairs stand on end!

So no creative entry today .... just some hard core HALLOWEEN READING! Grab a cuppa and enjoy!

OH AND TO STEPH .... don't bother with this post on my blog hun .... I know you don't like getting creeped out .. and with Stephane hunting you don't need to read this girl! LOL LUVS YA and I'll do a Stechy friendly post for you soon! MMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAA!

All are curtosy of About.com!

AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU DIDN'T TURN ON THE LIGHT?

Two dormmates in college were in the same science class. The teacher had just reminded them about the midterm the next day when one dormmate — let's call her Juli — got asked to this big bash by the hottest guy in school. The other dormmate, Meg, had pretty much no interest in going and, being a diligent student, she took notes on what the midterm was about. After the entire period of flirting with her date, Juli was totally unprepared for her test, while Meg was completely prepared for a major study date with her books.

At the end of the day, Juli spent hours getting ready for the party while Meg started studying. Juli tried to get Meg to go, but she was insistent that she would study and pass the test. The girls were rather close and Juli didn't like leaving Meg alone to be bored while she was out having a blast. Juli finally gave up, using the excuse that she would cram in homeroom the next day.

Juli went to the party and had the time of her life with her date. She headed back to the dorm around 2 a.m. and decided not to wake Meg. She went to bed nervous about the midterm and decided she would wake up early to ask Meg for help.

She woke up and went to wake Meg. Meg was lying on her stomach, apparently sound asleep. Juli rolled Meg over to reveal Meg's terrified face. Juli, concerned, turned on the desk lamp. Meg's study stuff was still open and had blood all over it. Meg had been slaughtered. Juli, in horror, fell to the floor and looked up to see, written on the wall in Meg's blood: "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights!"

THE BOYFRIEND'S DEATH

A girl and her boyfriend are making out in his car. They had parked in the woods so no one would see them. When they were done, the boy got out to pee and the girl waited for him in the safety of the car.

After waiting five minutes, the girl got out of the car to look for her boyfriend. Suddenly, she sees a man in the shadows. Scared, she gets back in the car to drive away, when she hears a very faint squeak... squeak... squeak...

This continued a few seconds until the girl decided she had no choice but to drive off. She hit the gas as hard as possible but couldn't go anywhere, because someone had tied a rope from the bumper of the car to a nearby tree.

Well, the girl slams on the gas again and then hears a loud scream. She gets out of the car and realizes that her boyfriend is hanging from the tree. The squeaky noises were his shoes slightly scraping across the top of the car!!!

THE BABYSITTER!

A teenage girl is babysitting one evening. The children have been put to bed and the babysitter is in the living room watching TV. Just then, the phone rings. When she answers it, she hears a man laughing (alternatively there is either silence, or heavy breathing) on the other end. He asks her in a gravely voice to "check the children". When she asks who he is, he hangs up. Rather than checking on the children, the teenager decides to ignore the call. The stranger then calls back several times throughout the evening, demanding to know "Why haven't you checked the children?!", each time with increasing anger. The babysitter becomes frightened and calls the operator. She asks him to trace the call. When the stranger calls back again, the babysitter manages to keep him talking for several minutes, in order to trace the call, but when she asks who he is again, he again hangs up. Then, the phone rings again. This time it's the operator. He orders the babysitter to get out of the house, as the calls are coming from the other telephone line inside the house. The operator tells her the police are already on their way (in some versions, the babysitter calls the police herself). As the terrified babysitter races toward the door, she hears, and then sees, a shadowy figure clumping down the stairs. She runs from the house in hysterics into the arms of the awaiting police. They kill (or in some versions, arrest) a madman wielding a bloody butcher knife. The children are all dead, silently hacked to pieces by the madman, who had gotten into the house through an upstairs window, murdering the children as they slept in their beds. He was waiting for the babysitter to come upstairs, as he intended her to be his next victim.

THE HOOKMAN!

A teenage boy drove his date to a dark and deserted Lovers' Lane for a make-out session. After turning on the radio for mood music, he leaned over and began kissing the girl.

A short while later, the music suddenly stopped and an announcer's voice came on, warning in an urgent tone that a convicted murderer had just escaped from the state insane asylum — which happened to be located not far from Lovers' Lane — and that anyone who noticed a strange man lurking about with a hook in place of his right hand should immediately report his whereabouts to the police.

The girl became frightened and asked to be taken home. The boy, feeling bold, locked all the doors instead and, assuring his date they would be safe, attempted to kiss her again. She became frantic and pushed him away, insisting that they leave. Relenting, the boy peevishly jerked the car into gear and spun its wheels as he pulled out of the parking space.

When they arrived at the girl's house she got out of the car, and, reaching to close the door, began to scream uncontrollably. The boy ran to her side to see what was wrong and there, dangling from the door handle, was a bloody hook.

HUMANS CAN LICK TOO!

A young lady is alone in her apartment. She goes to bed with her dog on the floor beside her. In the middle of the night, she is woken up by a strange sound. She is alarmed, but reaches down to the dog, who licks her hand. She is reassured and goes back to sleep. In the morning, she finds the dog hung in the shower. Where the dog slept, she picks up a note which reads "Humans can lick, too."

THE KILLER IN THE BACKSEAT

One night a woman went out for drinks with her girlfriends. She left the bar fairly late at night, got in her car and onto the deserted highway. She noticed a lone pair of headlights in her rear-view mirror, approaching at a pace just slightly quicker than hers. As the car pulled up behind her she glanced and saw the turn signal on — the car was going to pass — when suddenly it swerved back behind her, pulled up dangerously close to her tailgate and the brights flashed.

Now she was getting nervous. The lights dimmed for a moment and then the brights came back on and the car behind her surged forward. The frightened woman struggled to keep her eyes on the road and fought the urge to look at the car behind her. Finally, her exit approached but the car continued to follow, flashing the brights periodically.

Through every stoplight and turn, it followed her until she pulled into her driveway. She figured her only hope was to make a mad dash into the house and call the police. As she flew from the car, so did the driver of the car behind her — and he screamed, "Lock the door and call the police! Call 911!"

When the police arrived the horrible truth was finally revealed to the woman. The man in the car had been trying to save her. As he pulled up behind her and his headlights illuminated her car, he saw the silhouette of a man with a butcher knife rising up from the back seat to stab her, so he flashed his brights and the figure crouched back down.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE READ!

MMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

COUGH, HACK, SNIFFLE, BARF, SLEEP!

2009-10-26T08:08:00.003-04:00

AAAAHHH the glorious reality of my life this past week! LOL

John and I are much better, and Angie is good to go to school today .. but Alexa .. oh my poor Alexa .. is really gettin her arse kicked by this bug! While she is more energetic, she crashes quickly and hard. Her cough is still nasty, but no fever, and she is eating and taking in fluids. Still not gonna send her to school to spread that around so I am asking for her homework to be sent home so she can get caught up! These bugs seem to be getting worse and worse throughout the years .. so scary!

So the weekend was eventful regardless of the fact that we were down and out for most of the week! Saturday started by taking Steph's canvas class at The Scrapbox. GORGEOUS! Katie decided to surprise us by joining us for the afternoon!

John dropped the kids of at my brothers for the night and we went out on a date. A much needed date let me tell you! We ended up going to Lonestar for dinner, then grabbed a Starbucks (pumpkin spice latte of course), and went for a nice drive around the city! Once we got home, we had a few wobblies and curled up on the couch and enjoyed Twilight, and Saw V. Both are awesome! I won't go into details on what happened next cuz this is a PG blog .. but let me tell you ... WOW WOW WOW! LMAO!

Yesturday we slept in, and went to pick up the kids. Had a small visit with my brother and his fiance Karine and their kids, and then went to DeSerres so I could pick up a couple of much needed things (insert roll eyes cuz you all know that I NEED IT!) ... LOL We then drove to Barrhaven and caught "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" 3D. What an awesome movie! The girls giggled and it was so warming to see them sitting between John and I, with their little popcorn combo on their laps, and the glasses on their faces... it was so much fun!

We then went to Kelsey's for some apps and dessert, and home for the night! It was wonderful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUNKY HUBBY! I am so happy that we celebrated as a family and had such a fun time doing it. The girls and I are going to bake a cake and make him a nice meal on Wednesday and then we are heading to my parents place this weekend for Halloween and Birthday celebrations (John's, my niece Paige, and my brother's).

All and all a great weekend, and I am hoping that this week I can get caught up on some e-mails and some blog reading .. oh ya and HOUSEWORK! BLAH! LOL

HAPPY MONDAY!

MMMMMMWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Can't catch a Break!

2009-10-20T12:25:00.002-04:00

Horrible ear infection right now ... I look drunk when I walk and so much pain and pressure! THIS SUCKS ARSE! :(

Some Strange Things!

2009-10-16T06:41:00.015-04:00

So while surfing the net and enjoying that marvelous first cup of java this morning, it occurred to me that there are some serious strange things out there .. especially creatively speaking! LOL Anyways, art is art, and ones person perspective is anothers horror or delight ... so you decide ... what do these things say to you ... is it so far out there, or is it down right cool and interesting??? Regardless, I am sure they will make you think HHHMMMMMMM!

Enjoy!

SLASH - Paper Under the Knife. This is an exhibition that the Museum of Arts and Design will be hosting soon. It's all about paper art ... this picture really drew me in, and made me want to go and have a look at some of the pieces out there ... go on and have a look .. bet you'll be completely blown away!

Forgive me, I couldn't find who the artist of this piece is. I'd be sure to credit is I knew!

Check out this freakish yet amazing cake (I love abstract art) from megpi's!

Well while I am chatting 'bout cakes I have to say I love the site called CAKE WRECKS! Here are a few of the cakes featured over there that made me LOL!

I could go on and on .... you get the picture! LOL

Here's a pumpkin Penguin ...LOL

Here at Bloggie Stylish you can find a picture of how you can dress your doggie up as grapes ...LOL

UK Artist Jason Hackenwerth made these Balloon monsters!

Even donuts cannot evade science! LOL Created by Kevin Van Aelst

I can't seem to find the original artist to this but what a way to use your potatoes! LOL

WOW .. check out these nails! Curtosy of BOING BOING!

Well that's about it for now! STRANGE HUH?? Hope you enjoyed ... now off to get my monkeys up and at em, and start their day!

MMMMMWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

WOW JENNI BOISVERT FROM SHIMMERZ!

2009-10-15T05:29:00.000-04:00

I have to admit this ... I ADORE JENNI BOISVERT! For those of you that have no clue who I am talking about then please let me introduce you to her!

I first "met"Jenni at Bad Girls a couple years. She was a member at first and soon after that was asked to join the DT there for obvious reasons .. her work is CRAZY INSANE TALENT! She is a digital goddess IMHO as well and one of the best photographers out there, but when it comes to her creative projects .. she blows my mind!

I just watched this tutorial of this canvas she made for Shimmerz (she is a proud DT member there), and I am loving it! Do yourselves a favour and have a look at it here!

If you are into Graphic 45 aswell ..... then Jenni is your girl! WINK!

I adore you girl .. and thank you for always being an inspiration to me ... I always feel like getting my creative on after I visit your blog and your DT sites! Hugs and LUV YA!

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAA

Creative Day!

2009-10-14T06:56:00.009-04:00

Today will be a great creative day! I start my Alter This class over at My Creative Classroom. I am really looking forward to getting my hands dirty and learning some new things .. hopefully this will give some new inspiration as I haven't been super pleased with all I have been creating lately. I am lucky to have my friend Dorrie join me on this adventure! It'll give us a chance to hang out and get to know each other better!

So I haven't posted my LOAD the past couple of days, and have already told Katie I owe her a kit (our little side bet), little did she know she was getting one anyways ... BAHAHAHAHAHA! I have to say that to make myself feel better and justify my falling off the wagon! LMAO Is it wrong that I am sending her fall off the wagon too vibes??? LMAO Well Katieroo .. atleast we'll always have brutal truth! HEEHEE

Here are some LO's that I have posted over at LOAD and needed to post on my blog!

EVERYDAY I LOVE DAD - 06 Oct

A LO of my brother and his handsome son Noah! I placed this in a shadow box for him to hang in his new home!

FUN IN THE SUN - 07 Oct

My girls enjoying some summer fun!

OH MY WORD - 08 Oct

I have always loved this pic of Ang when she was a baby! I thought the title went really well with the pic! LOL

HI GRANNY - 09 Oct

My kids always had a thing with pretending they were talking to Granny on the phone!

SWIM - 10 Oct

This pic is so old! This is Alexa as a baby, and her first time in her mini pool!

PRETTY IN PAINT - 11 Oct

Alexa looking most intent in getting this painting done! LOL

12 Oct - where's the wagon I fell off?
13 Oct - chasing the wagon, but didn't quite make it! LMAO

HAVE A GREAT DAY FOLKS!

MMMMMMMMMWWWWAAAAA

LOAD share!

2009-10-06T08:56:00.007-04:00

After a fun filled scrapping weekend with my girlfriends I do have work to post! Here are the LO's I have posted for my LOAD Oct 09 so far! I will post more of them later!

LO - YOU BRIGHTEN MY DAY - 02 Oct

Angelina at her B-day party this past summer .. thanks Katie and Steph for getting this up for me .. even though I gave you the wrong PW ...LOL

LO - "ARR" LIVE LIKE A PIRATE - 03 Oct

I know I know .. shitty pic! LOL But I took this in my mom's basement at O DARK BUFFALO and I am way too lazy and sick right now to retake it! LOL This was Angie at last years Pirate Day at school!

LO - TOGETHER WITH JOHN - 04 Oct

This is my sitters hubby John. Henny and John are part of our family now and have become surrogate grandparents to our girls .. we are truely blessed to have them in our lives!

LO - MY CHEEKY MONKEY - 05 Oct

Alexa just having a cheeky moment .. a simple LO!

Well that is about it for now ... I am in bed sick with a nasty ass cold .. and I have a mild fever .. so I am taking it easy today! Just got Alexa off to school, and Ang and i are gonna snuggle until she has to get to school .. then curling up for a much needed nap! John has the car today so I am hoping this means that he will be home early today!

Thanks for stopping by!

MMMMMMWWWWAAAAAAAA

A shout out to DORRIE!

2009-10-05T09:02:00.002-04:00

Thinking of you today babycakes .. a new you! Hugs and kisses!

Here is a little TEEHEE for ya!

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAA!

Yes I am BACK! LOL

2009-10-01T19:37:00.012-04:00

Okay first things first .... Laurie be sure to take deep breaths cuz if you hyperventilate cuz I actually blogged, I'd feel really bad! HEEHEE!

So ... how are ya all? LOL It's been a busy time in the Tops house .. and I am certainly not gonna blog all about it in one sitting .. so I will pick an event, and add a LO .. and then hopefully that'll keep my blog mojo rolling!

So let's see ... hhhmmm OH YA APPLE PICKING!

So a few weeks ago, when it was much much warmer, we went to the orchard in Orleans and indulged in what I thought would of been a full afternoon of fun. Well the full planned afternoon actually took 20 minutes ... BAHAHAHA! But it was a fun filled 20 minutes!

So my girls go rip roaring down the hill trying to find the perfect tree with some luscious mac apples... well we had to go quite a ways down as all the apples in the trees near the entrance had been raped and pillaged, and looked like they had seen a better day or two .. but the trek down the hill was so worth it!

Here are many shots of our fun filled 20 minutes! LOL

So there it is .. 31 pounds and 23 bucks later! LOL I have since made 8 pies, but I have to make apple sauce yet, and apple muffins for the freezer! Oh and I can't forget candy apples! LOL

On the scrapping front ... I have made a few pages that I need to upload! But today I embark on a new adventure with my fellow scrappers, Barb, Nat, Dorrie, Katie and Sonya! I am participating in LOAD (Layout A Day) for the month of October. That means 31 LO's in 31 days ... it's crazy to think that I will even come close, but this SAHM stuff leaves me with 3 whole hours of afternoon time to myself every weekday ... so I think I just may have a chance .. truth be told .. if I fall off the wagon who gives a shit cuz it'll be far more scrapping than I would likely have gotten done! LOL Katie and I also have this strange competition thing between us .. so GIRL IT IS SO ON! LMAO

Anyways here is my 01 Oct entry! This was a pic taken of me on my honeymoon as were leaving Punta Cana in 2001! I got to use some of the Bo Bunny I had in my stash and some of the new Prima flowers and stud centers.

HONEYMOON HAPPINESS

I also wanted to give a shout out to my girls DORRIE and KATIE! They just found out that they have made The Paper Passion DT team. These girls are super talented and I know they are gonna add some spice to their projects and inspire a whole wack of scrappers ... INCLUDING ME! WTG Ladies ... kick some arse, I'll be over there soon to lend my support and take your challenges! MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAA!

This weekend I am heading to my mom and dad's! Mom and I are are signed up for a two day crop over at the Scrapbox .. I am looking forward to spending some scrappy time with her .. it's been a while since we have been creative together! Then on Saturday my hunky hubby is bringing our girls there and Sunday we celebrate my dad's (AKA PAPA) 60th Birthday! I see football and chili and lots of fun with my brother and his family too! All around it's gonna be a blast!

So good to be back .. wish me luck on my adventures ...! WINK!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

I forgot what 5am looked like!

2009-08-13T06:33:00.013-04:00

YAWN! Well the alarm woke me at 0515 so John could get up, and I just couldn't fall back asleep. So I got up and enjoyed a coffee with my hubby, saw him off and then made some oatmeal muffins as a surprise for the girls when they wake up!

I forgot how much I enjoyed this time of the day. When I was working we were out of the house by 0630-0645, and I loved the serenity of the community, the smell of the air, the chirping of the birds, and the play of the squirrels. I sat on my back step this morning and just delighted in all those senses... it was bliss!

Soon enough the kids will be back to school and the rush of morning won't let me enjoy these few minutes of serenity (unless I set my alarm a few minutes earlier ... which in the fall I may do) .. so I will enjoy them while I can!

I can't tell you really just how happy my heart is right now! I am so blessed!

So today is the library (we watched National Geographic yesturday as opposed to going to the library, so I have a ton of knitting books to pick up), a play date at the splash pad with Katie and her girls (it's suppose to be high 20's.. feels like mid 30's), then after that come home and chances are John will already be home, and get a yummy homemade supper of fish and chips with corn on the cob! YUM YUM YUM! HEEHEE

In the meantime I have been meaning to post some pics and some videos of the summer.. so here they are!

Angie really loved her cousin Cyd .. although once Cyd left here, I can't say the feeling was mutual ... LMAO However, here are some sweet pics of the girls snuggling while looking at the laptop .. and then Angie sleeping, and then .. well.. Cyd joining her! LOL

Oh and here are a few more of the Go Kart race track from EastPark in London! SO MUCH FUN!

Angie and Mommy getting ready to burn rubber and beat Daddy and Alexa! LOL

Alexa and Daddy!

Last for now .. and certainly not least ... this one is for Laurie!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

MMMMMMMWWWWWWWWAAAAAA!

SAHM BLISS!

2009-08-12T12:18:00.002-04:00

Hey all! Now that I have some time to blog I have to get this baby rolling! LOL

So my niece left on Sundays with their dad and Oma! Angie has recooped (she had a virus that left canker sores in her mouth), and all is less crazy!

So starts my first week as a SAHM! It has been heavenly! I have said screw the hard housework until the girls go back to school, and have been focusing all my time on them! Between trips to the local library, grocery shopping, park playing, general tidy in the house, back to school workbooks to get them back on school mode (and make the summer to school transition easier for them), cooking healthy meals and homemade everything, laughing and general play with the girls ... I am so tuckered at night, that I gladly leave the bedtime routine to John. With so little to do at night cuz I do it throughout the day, our family time has been an absolute treasure!

Today I am registering the girls in their swimming lessons and I think Alexa is going to do an activity called "Razzle Dazzle Pom Dancing" (at the community center 2 min walk away from my home), and Angelina is going to do a "Chefs R Us" as she is loving helping me with meals and baking! So that'll fill up some time in the fall and up until Xmas and then we'll likely continue with swimming and they can choose another activity to do in the winter! The ages that they are at right now is so much fun .. and while they are in classes I can run a few errands! I have also decided to do all these activities during the week. As Ang is only in half days, afternoon Sr K, we can do her activities in the weekday mornings, and Alexa early evening (means a later supper). This way our weekends are free to do as we like! Last year was a bummer cuz all the classes were on Saturdays, so we didn't get much done .. So we;ll try this out and see how it goes!

I have decided to take a couple of classes myself ... probably in the winter I will take a sewing class, and in the fall I am planning on signing up for a Floral workshop, and a seminar on healthy lunches. Just to get me out of the house and socializing and meeting new people too!

So that is pretty much it on the news ... I have a playdate with Katie and her family tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it! I am looking forward to hooking up with Karen and Dorrie sometime too! Man this summer is just passing by so quick huh? LOL

Have a great one!

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAA!

LOLO Come HOME!

2009-08-05T08:28:00.004-04:00

Angelina is seriously missing her surrogate mommy! I am missing my dear friend! Hurry home Laurie!

OINK OINK OINK! LMAO I hope this made your day .. !!!!!

MMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAA

COME PLAY - ABC SUMMER CROP!

2009-08-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

My gal pal Lucy Chesna owns this awesome blog called My Sketch World. She has turned that awesome blog into an awesome Community called My Sketch World. Lucy and her DT are hosting a fun filled ABC SUMMER CROP!

Come on out and join us for some fun challenges and some games, and some good times! I have known Lucy for a few years now, and she has never let me down!

See You THERE!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAA!

Internet Findings - This one is for you Steph! LOL

2009-08-01T09:42:00.053-04:00

I know that my girl Steph loves these posts and since it's been so long since I have done one, I am dedicating this one to her! LOVE YOU BABE!

Before I begin, it's not one of the happiest days in the Tops residence. Cody is as I type flying home to Halifax... everyone is a little heartbroken! I am glad my nieces are still here for the week to soften to blow for my little girls, but I have a hubby who's pretty down and out right now. If you know my John, you know he doesn't get down and out all that much! I imagine it'll be somewhat of a somber day, but we'll survive. I'll post some funnies in some future posts to highlight some of the happy's we did have together! LOL

So I haven't been scrapping but I have been knitting up a storm! I made this shawl for me to wear in the fall .... it was so much fun to make! The yarn was so soft and colourful! Here are a couple of pics of it!

Some up close look at the stitching!

Found this awesome recipe for an avocado salad! YUMMILICIOUS!

Bad Girls August Kit has been revealed! The name is "Le Rue de Paris"
and here are the pics!

My fave is the bird cage .. oh and the colours of the entire kit and the shabbiness! I can't wait to see the projects that are suggested with the kit! EEEEEKKKKK!

I have decided to scrap my arse off for the month of August ... and get my money's worth of the Lifetime Moments Summer Scrapfest ... LOL I have done horribly this summer so far, and I always look forward to these challenges! So this month I am aiming for 15 LO's! Chant with me .. YOU CAN DO IT! LMAO

I've decided that Laurie has spent enough time in Winnipeg and I need her to come home! MAN I MISS MY GIRL! LOL I am also sending her HUGE CYBER HUGS cuz I am really happy that she had some great news to share! MMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA Babe!

August Page Maps can be found here!

I came across this site called BookDaily. You get to read the first chapter of new releases, classics and everyday books. Then you can decide whether you would be interested in reading it. I have added so many books to my library request list because of this site. They do give you the option to buy the book, but seeing as I live in cheapville errrr smartville (LOL) now, I don't buy them anymore! I put my big girl panties on and learn patience and waiting for the availability from the library! LOL

So this past week has been a big one in the scrapping world! CHA Summer 09 in Orlando Florida! I have some stuff preordered already, and I thought I'd post some of the yummy's that have just been released!

Let's start with my fave manufacturer EVER!

PRIMA

Can you say OH MY! Steph are ya droolin babycakes??? LOL I SURE AM!

Here is some new BASIC GREY!

INDIAN SUMMER

EERIE

ESKIMO KISSES

NOOK AND PANTRY

BLING IT

BLING IT ON

YUM YUM YUM!

How about a lil MAYA ROAD?

FANCY PANTS DESIGNS

TRICK OT TREAT

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

DANCING GIRL

LITTLE SPROUT

ROUGH AND TOUGH

I can go on and on and maybe will post a few more in some upcoming posts, but I think that is enough for now! LOL

Katie has been busy scrapping up a storm (no surprise there..lol) Have a look here!

Steph got her Basic Grey LO put on the Basic Grey site! CONGRATS GIRL! Here are copies of her latest work too ... YUMMY!

Katie we so have to make this this month with the girls ..... HOMEMADE SIDEWALK CHALK! The instructions are here!

Well I am all blogged out for now! I think I have left ya with some good reads! LOL I am looking forward to getting back to normal and establishing a routine with my family! I'll be making my blog part of that routine too!

HUGS AND MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Let's try this again! LOL

2009-07-27T02:32:00.002-04:00

Laurie mentioned that the video below was set on private and that it couldn't be seen by my blog readers (thanks for the heads up girl)! So here it is again .. you should be okay to view it now!

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!

This is what happens when you mix teens with a 6 year old!

2009-07-26T13:05:00.003-04:00

Oh I am such a proud mama and auntie right now .. INSERT ROLL EYES! So while I was sick in bed, my nieces got their meat hooks in my innocent daughter (that's a load of crappola if you know Alexa.. BTW - WINK. So Alexa decided to get jiggy with it, and I see a real future in exotic dancing for her .. OH DEAR NOT NOT NOT!!!!!! LMAO I for see some serious blackmail at her wedding though ....

Enjoy!!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

OPPS forgot to mention that it's sideways for the majority of the time .... I don't know how to manipulate it! LOL

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAAA!

EASTPARK FUN! This is a long post! LOL

2009-07-17T10:02:00.022-04:00

So yesturday we took the load of kids (the entire load that I am bringing home to Ottawa..lol) to a place called East Park here in London ON. We had a freakin blast! We spent over 7 hours there and came home last night pleasantly exhausted!

I realized this morning going thru my pics that I must of had so much fun cuz I had forgotten to take pics of all of us in the waterpark! LMAO Man that pissed me off! LOL So I will just have to give you the play by play version! Grab a coffee or drink, cuz I am gonna blog big baby! LOL

So we get to my BILs place to pick up the older kids (Cody has been spending a lot of time with his cousins there as opposed to us stuffy old people) and after kicking some teenage arse to get moving, we were ready to go!

Here are the monkeys at the front of the park!

So John and I look at the price packages for entrance and proceed to snip and snark at each other cuz our communication skills with a wack of excited kids is something to be desired for! LOL All is well however and we decide on the waterpark with three extra activities each!

Here is Angelina and Cydney waiting to get in!

We decided that we were going to do the Go Karts first! Man that was so much fun! I drove with Angelina and John drove with Alexa while Cody, Morgan and Cydney drove themselves. I must admit that John and I had a little competition going on, and I beat his ass silly! BAHAHAHAHA! He doesn't call me Rachel Andretti for nothing ya know! HEEHEE!

Here are a few shots from the track!

Here are my girls and I getting ready to get into the cars! LOL

So like I mentioned above .. I didn't take any pics of us in the waterpark (I was having too much fun) but here are a couple of pics from the Go Kart track of the waterpark!

Cool huh? So before we head into the waterpark we decided to have a quick lunch. Then off we go! We find out that Alexa is big enough to ride all the slides but Angelina is only allowed to ride the one .. but hey it's not the kiddy ride so she is okay with that. We grab a mat, and up we go! I find out as we are getting ready to slide down that I can't ride with Angie. I ask her is she is okay with that and she say "YUP". I go down first so that I can at the bottom to make sure that she is okay and to maybe catch her is needed. I go down and I am so shocked as to just how bloody fast it is .. my legs are above my head, I can't sit up, we go thru a dark tunnel .. and all I am thinking is "OMG Ang is gonna freak out!" My anxiety is thru the roof at this point, the lifeguard tells me I can't stand at the bottom of the slide (like I listen .. sorry but that is my baby coming down, and it's her first time). John is there with me, and tells me to calm down and I am near panic at this point .. my heart is racing and I thinking of the worst case scenario .......... THEN...................................... here comes Angie, sliding slowly and happy on her mat, giggling her toushy off, happy as a pig in shit! I WAS FLOORED! She splashes in the 2 feet of water at the end of the slide, runs up the little stairs with her mat and goes for round number 2. I almost started to cry! MY BABY IS NOT A BABY ANYMORE .. and I had realized just how protective I am with her! I was so proud of her! Then Alexa comes down the slide full of giggles and laughter just like her sister .... she did so amazing too! John flies down next and is going so fast that he makes a splash like a whale at the bottom .. I LMAO so hard ... we then came to the conclusion that us fatty's must go super fast compared to the little ones .. although i totally thought it'd be the opposite! All the kids got stuck midway on the slide cuz it was so slow! BAHAHAHAHAHA! GO FIGURE!

John takes Alexa on the super big slide that you can ride double on ... and my goodness she really is a water baby! They went down several times, and each time just got faster!

The kids all played in the splash pad for a bit, then headed off to the arcade to play some games, win tickets and come home with a bunch of useless breakable trinkets! Man I miss being a kid! LOL

The lot decided to continue with the extra activities, so Angie, Cydney and Alexa went into the huge jungle gym to play around for a while, while the older kids (including my hubby..lol) went rock clmibing. I got some shots before my camera started to poo poo out (what a shocker there huh?).

Here they are!

The girls in the ball pit and the jungle gym!

Then the group rock climbing!

Morgan and Cody

John and Cody

All of them climbing!

I used Morgans camera to snag a bunch of pics of the bumper cars and she got the funniest video of John on the rock wall, but I'll have to post them at a later time as I don't have her memory card!

So after a sun and fun filled day, we came home exhausted and insanely happy! It was worth every moment!

Today it is raining, and we are taking it easy! My niece Cassandra and my nephew Brody just arrived, and we haven't seen them in a year. I can't wait to cuddle them silly!

So have a fabo day and MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

OH MY FREAKIN GAWD!

2009-07-16T18:54:00.002-04:00

DOES MY BLOG HEADER AND BACKGROUND RAWK OR WHAT?????

EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

So I bought this banner and background at the House of 3! Then after cursing my computer in HTML code, I decided to throw a poor pity me e-mail to my girl Laurie to get this straightened out for me. SHE DID! LOVE YOU BUNCHES BABE AND IT LOOKS AWESOME! Thanks for adding my name title to the header as well! IT'S PERFECT! I OWE YOU BIG BIG BIG! LOL

I still want to change my sidebars, but now that my blog looks inspiring to post on again, I can share with ya!

So I have some pics to post but will have to do it on my laptop a bit later (I am at my BIL's home computer right now), and much news to sahre. It's been a great trip here in London! So good that I am returning ith two more kids... lol MY nieces. Morgan is almost 16 and Cydney is 11. So between my 3 and then my two others, I am gonna have a hopping house! LMAO! I can't wait ... fun times!

So I will leave with this post now .. be back with stories and pics asap!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Hijacked Rach's Blog...

2009-07-14T22:11:00.004-04:00

Now don't go getting all excited that Rach actually posted THREE times in one week!!! I agreed to help her out a bit with the changes to her blog so I just HAD to hijack. I thought about posting some really brutal picture of her but a) i don't have any and b) I love her too much. But let's be honest - it's mostly because I don't have any (that I can think of)!!!

So instead I chose to post a picture of the two of us that I really love...

It was taken at the Vicki Boutin retreat...it was the first time I ever roomed with Rach and believe me I WAS TERRIFIED!!! I've witnessed what she is like without her morning coffee tee hee. But as it turns out, I had NOTHING to worry about - we got along amazingly well and it was a great chance for us to bond.

Happy Retirement Lovely...I hope you are enjoying a fun, relaxing and HEALTHY week!

Love you tons (and I hope you like the new look)...

Diva Loca

Gonna have some changes ...

2009-07-12T20:06:00.001-04:00

So if you are visiting and the blog looks wacky ... that's why! LOL

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAA

DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SCREEN!

2009-07-12T10:00:00.002-04:00

Yes cuz I am blogging! LOL I really didn't have a choice however, as I am sure that Laurie would of started to threaten my life had I not posted already! LMAO

So we are in London ON right now having a visit with my in laws. We arrived last night and had a great drive down! It's always a late night the first night as we are trying to cram a whole year of news into a few hours. We tend to forget that we have the whole week to catch up! LOL

So much has happened since I had last blogged but I will post all about in the next few posts ... otherwise I'd be here all day and my kids wouldn't tolerate that for a second! LOL

I also wanted to change the entire look of my blog as I was really never pleased with the outcome of this look! LOL

So I leave you know with a HAVE A RAWKIN DAY!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

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Here Ya Go Oma.. This One is For You!

2009-03-30T09:13:00.004-04:00

Thanks goodness for my very patient and loving MIL! LOL She'd of hung me by my toenails if I made her wait any longer for these video clips of Alexa's 6th birthday party! LOL

This first video is og the girls just having some fun.. and I was trying to figure out how this video camera works... LOL The picture looks really blurred so I am gonna have to check on that to see if I can frig around with the settings!

Here is Angelina signing Xmas Carols...LOL

Alexa opening her B-day gifts!

Cake cake and MORE CAKE! LOL

So, watching these videos has made me realize just how annoying my voice is... LMAO Is that what I sound like everyday? EEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK if it is... BAHAHAHAHA!

Now to get motivated enough to upload some of the LO's I had done a while back! I am hoping my mojo returns soon, cuz I have been a bad bad girl lately and have all kinds of new goodies to play with! I just need a fire under my butt to get moving!

Speaking of mojo.. my mom has been scrapping up a storm! Here is a link to her gallery at Bad Girls. She has also created the most amazing LO she has ever done IMHO... I am rather partial to the pic.. but the creativity that went into it, blew me away! Keep RAWKIN the BG style mommy! You are just starting to come out of your shell.. I suspect and can't wait for you to WOW WOW WOW everyone! LOL

Here is the LO I was just chatting about.. she used the BG March Kit "Windsor Court"! Can we say PRIMA anyone?!

Mom is using this LO to enter in the BG Totebag challenge. The challenge was to use fabric on your LO! I think the way she used it is absolutely genius! She rolled it and made a vase to hold her paper flowers in... LOVE that and certainly not something I'd of ever thought about! Awesome Awesome job mom!

Well on that note.. I am gonna go and rest for a bit! I have an ovarian cyst that is either about to burst or has burst... it quite painful.. Good thing I am taking my HAPPY HAPPY meds...lol

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

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Will be updating this weekend!

2009-03-27T18:05:00.001-04:00

WINK! My MIL is about to curse me something fierce if I don't get her U Tube videos of Alexa's B-day up here...lol

I luv ya Ma... you'll have it by the end of the weekend! LMAO

MMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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PPPSSSTTT I am alive

2009-03-17T06:07:00.002-04:00

Hey ya folks.. I am alive.. just have not been feeling the blogs lately... haven't been reading them and haven't been writing on them.. sorry bout that... if I am a regular reader.. I promise to leave the love as soon as I am out of my blog funk!

SPRING IS COMING.. thank GAWD!

MMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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HAPPY B-DAY ALEXA

2009-02-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

My SWEET ANGEL Alexa Emily Antonia Tops is 6 today! It's so hard to believe how fast time has flown right by me. I remember it clear as day the entire pregnancy, and giving birth to her! I am truely truely blessed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL.. MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH!

MMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAA!

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Lots of scrappy goodnes out there!

2009-02-03T16:02:00.002-05:00

Well i have been enjoying catching up on some reading in the blog/scrap/art world.

Wilna's He(art) class has started and it swimming in lots of He(arts) indeed. Gosh that woman is ubber talented!

Also am part of the A Year in Colour blog that Miss Kari (aka Artsy Mama) is hosting. A whole year of beautiful colour... Not too late to pay and join.. so worth it scrappers!

Also... just paid for the e-zine of one of my fave artists Teresa McFaden (My Minutia called Love Letters.

I'm working on Winterfest over at Lifetime Moments too.

Can't forget the terrific Bad Girl Project 52 blog too.

I am not realistically thinking I will be doing it all, so I did the smart yet nerdy thing and created documents so that i can record it all for future projects and inspirations...

Consider all of the above therapy and a chance to meet new online friends! WINK!

MMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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I'll ALWAYS remember you my DEAR DEAR Friend

2009-02-01T12:00:00.002-05:00

Some of you know that I have recently lost a dear friend, and have been in deep mourning. What you don't know is that this lost has hit many military medics, friends and family hard!

Sadly, Randy took his life last weekend. There is no clear reasoning as to what his state of mind was and what his heart was troubled with, as there was no signs exhibited. No cry for help, nothing.

John and I attended his wake on Friday, and were reunited with many of our own loved ones.

I do know, that Randy was a sweet soul, who experienced horror in ways that a human never should. He did many tours overseas, and the hellish Rawanda where a medics job consisted of the worst kind of torture a mind and eyes can see. Everyone process this differently, but you never get over it.

Bless you my sweet friend.. I will grief for you and your family always! May you find the rest and peace you so desperately needed, and may your return home to Newfoundland to be buried with your loved ones, be one that gives us all closure and peace of mind. You will be rested... but never forgotten. You were a brave medic who touched the lives of many, and you made a difference in so many lives.

This is the obit from the Ottawa Citizen.

MURPHY, Randy William November 28, 1971 - January 24, 2009 Murphy, Randy William (formerly of Foxtrap, NL), passed away at home in Ottawa, unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2009. He is survived by his very loving and devoted common-law wife Jennifer Clinton and young daughters Capryce and Kyana (Pembroke, ON); mother and father Shirley and Bill Murphy, brothers Lewis (Joan Hann) and Danny. Randy was an extremely kind hearted ever-smiling man with a heart of gold who deeply touched the lives of all those who knew him. He was dearly loved and cherished by all his friends and family and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. He was a loving and devoted father whose daughters meant the world to him and he was deeply dedicated to them. In the past year, his 2 young dogs Miley and Maddox brought much joy into his life. Randy was a valued member of the Canadian Forces Health Services Group and had a fulfilling 18-year career with numerous deployments including Rawanda, Bosnia, Haiti and Afghanistan. Randy was very well respected by his peers and held in a high regard by those who knew and loved him. Resting at the Kelly Funeral Home 3000 Woodroffe Avenue, Barrhaven, Friday, January 30, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Saturday, January 31, 2009 to Notre Dame Cathedral, Sussex Drive, for Mass of Christian Funeral at 10:30 a.m. with reception to follow. An additional Service will be planned for St. John's, NL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a trust fund for the education of Randy's young children. If any of Randy's friends would like to bring personal memorabilia to the ceremony, it would be welcomed and appreciated.

I will miss you Randy, and you'll always have a place in my heart!

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Bubblegum Smackin Cute :)

2009-01-24T10:51:00.002-05:00

Wow I didn't realize how much work there was to redoing the entire blog... LOL I se that I am going to need a few days to get things ironed out!

In the meantime... I made a little siggy! I wanted my blog to be bubblegum smackin cutsie... tell me whatcha think?? Is it so far that?

MMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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Changing My blog

2009-01-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

Please hang in there.. I am playing with HTML Codes and who knows what may happen! LOL

I am hoping I'll have a cool looking blog soon enough! WINK

MMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAA