I scrapped!

Well, I finally got some scrapping done yesterday and that was even with going to work last night! I did this as part of a challenge over at Scrapperie to scraplift (copy) your partner's work, so this is my take on Barb's (scrappeabarbie) layout. Did a quick card with the leftovers from my layout too so I can build up my card stash again!

I'll have to post again later as I have more to write and had done that already and then my post got eaten somehow, so I'll try and add more again later!
Cheers,
Colleen

The Challenge is On!

Well, there's a fun new scrapping challenge starting over at Scrapperie! It's a "Team Supreme" month long challenge and you pair up with someone else to do all the challenges for the month. You get points for completing different challenges, but the key is that you both have to do the challenges! It looks like it's going to be a lot of fun and I have my first one done and my second challenge in the works!

Having a somewhat quieter morning here since Sophia isn't here yet. The boys are having breakfast, so I get a minute. Tracy is leaving town for a few days and is dropping Sophia off on her way to the airport. She should be here in the next hour! Then, we'll be off to take Kyle to pre-school.

On Monday, when he went to school, they went to the police station for a field trip. It was quite the excitement apparently and Kyle told me they turned on the siren! I think they're doing some more stuff related to the police today in class too. He sure loves going to pre-school and not sure what we're going to do when it's done next month! His music class is all over for the semester too, so he's really going to be missing other kids!

Nathan is a going concern these days too. He's decided that climbing on anything and everything is quite fun. You have to really watch him because, he, of course, has no fear either and once he's up on something, doesn't know to be careful about falling off!!

Well, better run before the boys get into a fight! hee hee

Cheers,

Colleen

20 Questions

I borrowed this from Anilu Magloire's blog this morning as a fun little thing to blog today!
The Q & A...

1. regular or diet soda: Caffeine Free Diet Coke

2. salt or pepper: Pepper no question

3. hot or cold weather: Cold for sure...hot weather and I don't really get along!

4. dogs or cats: Dog for sure...not a cat person at all!

5. dieting or exercise: Need to be working on both!

6. cooking or doing dishes: Don't mind either really...though it depends on the day!

7. sleeping or shopping: Sleeping hands down!!

8. Red Lobster or Outback Steakhouse: We don't have these here in Canada, so I guess I need to try them out on our trip to the US!

9. classical or hip hop music: Classical.

10. dancing or playing sports: Dancing

11. back rub or foot rub: Back rub for sure!

12. fruits or vegetables: Both.

13. Grey's Anatomy or House: Lovin' the Grey's even if the season finale was a disappointment!

14. coffee or tea: Coffee without a doubt!

15. curling up with a good book or a night out on the town: Curling up with a book...at least at this point in my life!

16. Straight hair or curly hair: Straight - it's what I've got and what I know. I had too many bad perms in the 80s! hee hee

17. skirts or shorts: Neither, but a long skirt if I had to choose.

18. burgers/hot dogs or Chinese food: Chinese, but it has to be good Chinese and not that horribly greasy stuff!

19. vacationing in Switzerland or Mexico: This is a hard one because I'd love to go to both, but I think I might choose Switzerland since I haven't been to Europe!

20. sports car or SUV: I guess SUV though I don't want to have to pay for the gas for it!
Copy, paste and play along!!

Well, Kyle and I are off to make muffins while the little ones are napping. Then, I need to see if I can do some scrapping today rather than just keep talking about it. I've had time, but my inspiration seems to have left me. Think I just need to get back in there and do a challenge or two to get me going again!!

It's a nice day again, so think we'll try and get out to the park later on!
Cheers,
Colleen

I'm baaaaaack!

Well, it's been a bit since I blogged, but I'm back again. There just seems to be so much going no, but then when I think about what we've been up to, it's pretty much the usual routine. I worked three shifts this week (one evening and both days this weekend), so that make the weekend sort of a write-off.





I haven't been very creative either. I keep planning to go scrap and then I get tired or sit down and find something on TV (that I often don't really even want to watch) and don't make the time to do it. I decided to do something tonight and that ended up being 2 cards for Kyle's pre-school teachers. We're going to be away for 3 classes in the last 2 weeks he'd be at school, but we'll be back for the very last one, so I wanted to have the cards ready to go so I'm not doing them the night before after being away for 10 days! I like one decidedly more than the other, but that happens!

Yes, so the plan is San Francisco! Here we come! There are going to be 9 of us with the kids and we're going down to see Scott and Toni (my aunt and uncle that live down there). We're renting a van and then taking one other car. Mum's a little stressed about getting everything in, but as long as people are sensible and don't take too much stuff, it'll be tight, but I think we'll manage. Looking forward to it!

We had a great day on Friday while poor George was at work! I don't have Sophia on Fridays, so a friend, Laurel, and her son, Alexander, invited us to go to the park. Laurel has one extra car seat, so I just kept Kyle's and put it in her van and off we went. I'll have to post some pictures later, but we had a blast. Spent time playing on all the park stuff and then in the water park since it was a nice day. Then we had a little snack and it was off to the petting zoo for a bit. The kids were wiped and Alexander fell asleep on the way home and Kyle and Nathan were both asleep very shortly after we got home! To be honest, I laid on the sofa for an hour and napped too!



We rented movies again this weekend for a change. We had been renting quite often, but then found we'd sort of seen anything that we really wanted to and had left it for a while. We saw Happy Feet, which was great, but didn't really capture Kyle's attention the way we expected. Then, George and I saw the latest Bond movie and though I thought it started a little slow as far as the storyline went (though not the action!), I thought it was pretty good! Nice to find something we would both watch too!

Think that's about it for now... Have a great week everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

Spring Cleaning

Well, it's been a busy few days around here as, thanks in large part to mum, I've been doing spring cleaning. Mum came out and helped with the kids (as well as helped me with cleaning!) while I did some purging and cleaning. Feels great to get rid of things we're no longer using. One of the big things was going through all the kid's toys and getting rid of all the real baby stuff since it's not being played with anymore. All the piles of paper on my computer table are now gone too amongst many other things! Have been at it again today during nap time this morning, but want to relax a bit now since I'm working at the store tonight too!!

Not too much else going on around here though. Laurel and Alexander were over this morning for coffee and a visit. We're also going to Queen's Park with them tomorrow. There's a petting zoo and water park and the whole bit and since the weather's supposed to be nice, it should be fun!

I have a new addiction as well and it's all Tracy's fault. It's Facebook and it's a social networking thing. I was sort of "whatever" about it until I got on there and have found a bunch of people I haven't talked to in ages! I'm making plans to get together with 2 girls from high school that I haven't seen in ages! I'm also in touch with some friends I met in Forum for Young Canadians when I was in high school as well as people from when I loved in Japan! It's so much fun!

Guess I'd better run while I have a few minutes and go get something to eat!! The 5:30-9:30 shift is a kind of weird one for me because it seems early for dinner when I'm leaving at 4:45, but I don't get a break on such a short shift, so I need to make sure I've had something since I don't get home until about 10pm!

Later,

Colleen

A weekend away

OK, this was the blog question at Scrapperie:

If you could have a weekend to spend however you wanted (money is no concern) what would you want to do? Where? With Whom? and Why?

I know this may not be terribly exotic, but I'd love to drop the kids at mum and dad's and spend a quiet weekend with George in one of the cabins at Rowena's. Just have a relaxing weekend away and enjoy each other and the quiet as well as sleeping in! We haven't had a weekend with just the two of us since we went to Victoria for Tracy's Masters grad and even that was a trip with mum, dad, Tracy and Brian though we obviously had our own rooms! And a weekend completely to ourselves hasn't happened in so long I can't remember when!!

Well, better go finish off the stir-fry I'm doing for dinner!

Cheers,

Colleen

Busy weekend

Well, yes it's the long weekend, but it hasn't really seemed like it since I've worked most of it to this point. I worked Friday night and then again yesterday and today. The weather today wasn't great anyway, so it was an inside day. The rain was really coming down and it looked like a grey November day rather than a mid-May one.

Work wasn't crazy busy, but we got some things done that needed doing. Also talked to the manager about maybe teaching a bit come fall, so we'll see if anything comes of it. Have to see if anything comes of the design team too as that might cause a conflict if I were on a design team somewhere else. Who knows...fun to think about though anyway - all of it!

I have been doing some scrapping lately, so I'll post a couple of things and then more later.

OK, these aren't the most glamourous pictures of me, but they're definitely special!


I've actually scrapped these pictures already, but these are two of my favs, so I did them again for one of the boys to have in their album too!

I'm hoping to be able to putter with some scrapping tomorrow too since we've all got the day off! Not too much on here other than a trip to get groceries and maybe some more picking up and a little vacuuming. Fun eh?

Anyone that scraps really should check out the site Scrapperie that is in my sites of note on the left! I'll warn you, it's addictive. My other new site is www.facebook.com. I wouldn't say I'm addicted yet, but I know people who are and I could see how it could have the potential!

Well, I'm off for now,
Night,
Colleen

PS If anyone can tell me how I can get a live link in my writing where I can get it a name as well, I'd be very happy. I know I've seen other people do it and it shouldn't be that hard, but I'm only getting a window to give the address and nothing else??

TGIF!

Well, here it is Friday again already! It was a bit of a different day since Kyle wasn't here this morning and I did have Sophia here. Tracy had an extra client meeting and asked if I'd take Sophia! Got a few things done around here and had a little time to myself too!

It's official! I've applied for my first scrapbooking design team! It would be great to be accepted, but I'm also just proud of myself for getting my application together and doing it. I've been thinking about it for a while and haven't, but you won't get accepted if you don't apply! It's exciting!


Speaking of scrapbooking, I've been working on some things lately and some were for my DT application and some were just fun things for me. This is a layout I just recently did of Tracy's grad when she got her Masters degree! It was a wonderful day and it was great to be there to celebrate! We're so proud of you Tracy!

Well, better go and get ready for work as I'm at the store tonight from 5:30-9:30! George and I will be doing the car swap when he gets home. There are some girls from my mum's group that are going to be there scrapping tonight at the crop too, so I'm taking some stuff to stay for a bit afterwards as long as there's room! I'll try and post some of my other new stuff soon too!

2Peas Blog Challenge Question: What summer movie do you want to see?
I'm looking forward to seeing Siperman actually and George and I might even get a sitter one night and go - after all the total craziness has died down!!

I'm off! Have a great weekend everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

Conversation I never thought I'd have...

OK, I had quite a funny conversation today with Kyle and I, thankfully, did OK with it. I was getting all the kids ready to take Kyle to school and we were getting him dressed. He had his shirt on and was naked on the bottom half and I told him to go to the bathroom before we got him dressed because we were leaving soon. He trundled off and when he came back he was holding his "boy parts" shall we say. This is the conversation that ensued:

Kyle: Mummy, what is this?
Colleen: You know that's your penis.
Kyle: No Mummy - this! (As he grabs the part behind his penis)
Colleen: (panicking as I'm trying to come up with the proper term)Well, honey, that your scrotum.
Kyle: OK. (pause) What does it do?
Colleen: (trying to find an answer for a 3 year old) It's just another part of your body and helps to make your penis work.
Kyle: OK (end of conversation and change of topic)

This was one of those conversation that I could have never imagined having. It's not that I was embarrassed, but it's just not always expected and then you're trying to come up with age appropriate explanations. Funny how he just wanted to know and once I answered his questions, he just moved on to the next topic. I'm sure there'll be more of these in my future!

Other than that, we've all had colds around here! Kyle got sick first - from school no doubt. He was sick for almost a week and no one had it, so I thought we'd escaped, but then Sophia and Tracy got it and Nathan and I were shortly behind. It hasn't hit the two of us as hard as Tracy and Sophia though. Poor Tracy was writing 2 big exams for work today too. I'm sure she did well as usual though! I think we're all on the mend.

Kyle had school this morning. It was a nice day and a nice walk up to school. I told him that Nana and Grandpa were coming today to pick him up to go and stay at their house and he was so excited that he wanted to skip school and just have them come and get him! He had fun at school as usual though and then we came home for lunch and mum and dad came and got him. Had a break this afternoon with the little ones napping and then George came home for dinner. Before dinner though, George wanted to mow the lawn in the back, so Nathan and I hung out outside. He's like his brother and loves being out there! It's been a quiet evening with Nathan going to bed at 7 and then just relaxing for George and I.

What a difference from yesterday though! Yesterday was our first official jammies day since Sophia started coming here. She and Nathan were all snotty and not very happy and then I was sick too, so we had an at home day in our jammies! Probably didn't hurt any of us either. The only thing was that it was actually a gorgeous day and warm too!! Had to turn the fan on for the first time!

Well, think I'm going to get myself to bed here at a reasonable time since I'll still have Nathan and Sophia tomorrow and Nathan won't sleep in for me even if Kyle's not here to get up at 6am!

Cheers,
Colleen

Thank you isn't really enough...

This is a thank you to mum for everything she does and has done for me. I can't begin to find the words to properly express how I feel about her. She has always been there for me to celebrate the good times to pick me up in the bad ones. I know that she'll always be there to listen and help me if I need it.

I know there are lots of people that purposely decide to raise their children differently than they were raised, but I think I'm hoping to do as good a job as my mum did with Tracy and I. I'm not saying there weren't times that I didn't like what she had done, but the reality is that I think I always really knew that she and dad were doing what they thought was best for me.

I also remember the utter fear when we found out she had melanoma about 17 years ago and was given a 50/50 chance of surviving it. I couldn't begin to imagine what that actually meant and I think I simply got through it believing that she would survive. There were more tears than one could imagine, but thanks to her strength and the proper care, she did make it through that and I simply couldn't be more thankful.

Mum was also there with me when I became a mum. I had a very long difficult labour with Kyle. He was very late and I was induced at 2 weeks overdue only to take another few days to actually have him. There were points during that when I not only needed George, but her support as well. I'm really glad that she was able to be there (though I think there were parts that maybe she could have done without!!) and see her baby become a mother too. After all that she did a second time when I had Nathan as well.

When we were talking on the phone today, she made some comment about this day being more for people like me with younger kids, but you'll always be my mum and you've more than earned a little relaxation on Mother's Day!

I love you very much! Thank you...
Colleen

A great day...

I had a really great day today and it wasn't even Mother's Day yet! Gotta love that! Well, I already posted about my wonderful morning. After George had his appointment and Kyle had his music class, everyone had some lunch at home. I got started on a little scrapping as well.

After lunch, I though I might take Kyle out and do a few things and give George a little time alone too (while Nathan was sleeping) since I'd had mine. Kyle and I went to the "picture store" as we call it to burn some pictures onto CD. Yes, we do have a burner, but only recently and we haven't played with it enough to figure it out today and just wanted to be able to reformat the camera! After that, Kyle and I stopped at Krispy Kreme so that he could have a sprinkle doughnut.

Kyle's been asking to come to work with me pretty much every day I've been for the last few weeks, so I told him we could go today. We went to the store and he picked out some Spider Man stickers and we did some die cutting of planes, trains, backhoes, motorcycles, etc. He's quite happy now and we had a lot of fun doing it.

As we headed home, Kyle actually fell asleep in the car. He really fights going for his nap in the afternoon, but he generally needs it! I thought since we were out and about today that he'd be fine, but he was tired! We went and picked up the pictures we'd ordered and got some meat for dinner for George to go along with the rest of the dinner.



OK, I think it was George that eyed this one day when we were at Save-On and it's awesome! I love Thai food and it's hard to find around here, but this is really good. It has a bit of a bite to it, but it's not crazy spicy. We just make some Basmati rice and warm this up and there's dinner!! Of course, George had his meat too! It doesn't have tofu in it, but you could add that for protein too if you wanted. Very good...

I finished the layout that I posted at the top tonight. It was a fairly quick one and I did it with some new papers (My Minds Eye) that were fun to work with. Easy when they all coordinate! The pictures of Kyle aren't the best, but he used to play in that castle that mum and dad got him for ages! He'd go in and peer out the mesh window and then tip it over on its side and crawl out. Then, he'd giggle and want you to put it back upright so that he could go do it again. The funny thing is that we just put it up again not too long ago for Nathan and Sophia and they both do the same thing!

I guess that's it for tonight and maybe I'll go scrap a little more before going to bed. I have a new Simple Scrapbooks magazine to read and some new bubble bath too, so I might put them to good use before bed!

Cheers,
Colleen

Quiet...

It's so nice to have some quiet around here! It's not even Mother's Day yet and I'm getting a little time to myself. OK, I could be cleaning, but I'm not! I did manage to get the bathroom done yesterday, so I figure I can relax a bit now. I do have a lot more to do, but all in good time!

George had a chiropractor's appt this morning and Kyle wanted to go with him. Nathan is now napping as well, so I have quiet! Sitting here with my coffee and poking around on the computer. I'm hoping to get some scrapping done later too. I need to if I'm going to get that DT call in on time!

Had a wonderful day yesterday and got out to the park in the sunshine. Laurel and Alexander were nice enough to come and pick us up and she has an extra car seat, so Kyle was the only one I needed to get organized with a seat. Tracy has a booster and needed to come over and drop off a cheque for me anyway, so she brought the booster and we all went to the park! Kyle was quite excited because he got to go to the park with Tracy and then come back with Laurel. He LOVES Laurel! Wants to call and invite them over or go to their house all the time! It was great to get out and enjoy the sunshine!

I worked again last night, so it was my 3rd night in a row. On those days, I really don't see George because I get up when he leaves in the morning and then we swap when he gets home and I jump in the car and go to work. By the time I get home, he's in bed because he has to get up so early. I worked 3 nights this week, so it feels like I haven't seen him for days! It's all good though because I get all weekend off, so we can spend some time together. It's also nive that I can go to work and we don't have to worry about someone taking care of the kids!

Well, think we might go out for breakfast earlyish tomorrow. We want to avoid the crowds! We normally have brunch with mum and dad and Tracy, Brian and Sophia, but Tracy and Brian have a big dinner party they're hosting tonight and they would rather just take it easy tomorrow. Totally fine with us! I can sure understand that! Might go for a walk or something after brunch and then I'd just like to relax and do some scrapping later in the day!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

A little more about me...

This was the 2Peas blogging challenge today, so I thought I'd try it!

TWO Things About Me: I love to travel and my favourite number is 12.
Two Names I Go by: Colleen and Col (one I cannot reveal without making my life even more difficult! hee hee)
Two Things I am Wearing Right Now: Sweatshirt and "comfy pants"
Two Things I Want (or have) in a Relationship: trust (and honesty is part of this for me) and caring
Two of My Favorite Things to do: scrapbook and sleep in
Things I Want Very Badly At The Moment: more sleep and a vacation
Two pets I have: I had a dog named Farmer and a cat named Pumpkin
Two things I did last night: Worked and checked my e-mail when I got home.
Two things I ate today: coffee and ...
Two people I just talked to last: My two boys, Kyle and Nathan
Two Things I'm doing tomorrow: Cleaning and scrapbooking
Two longest car rides: a 6 week trip across Canada and back and a camping trip down the Oregon coast.
Two Favorite Holidays: Christmas and Thanksgiving
Two favorite beverages: Diet Coke and coffee
Two favorite scrapbooking tools: paper cutter and Cropadlie (right now anyway!
Two favorite scrappin companys:MME and Scenic Route, but there are soooo many I love!

Well, just getting our day going here. The boys are having breakfast and I'm having my coffee. I managed to get a shower in befoe Nathan got up though he was awake when I did. He's like clockwork! Every morning right at 6am! I wish he'd learn to sleep in! I was so happy when the time changed because he got up at 7, but that last about 3 days!

I think I'll be seeing Tarcy later and we need to go for a walk up to pay for Kyle's preschool today, but not much else on the go. It's nice, so we may stop at the park too. I work again tonight, but only until 9:30 again and then I have the weekend off!

Better run here for now! Have a great weekend everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

Didn't I say that already??

I'm just having one of those mornings where I feel like I might as well be talking to a wall. Some days when Kyle and Nathan are "playing" Kyle gets a bit rough simply because of his size. I try to explain that Nathan is really still just a baby and that he needs to be careful and generally that's the end of it.

This morning however, Kyle wants to hold Nathan's hand and lead him around as he walks. The only problem is that Nathan doesn't always want to walk and Kyle just ends up pulling him around by the arm whether standing, sitting, or laying down! We've had numerous talks about this and how Kyle wouldn't like it if someone did it to him, but I feel like I might as well be talking to a brick wall here! Just one of those days when you have to take a deep breath and move on. We've established that the next time it happens, he'll be sitting in the naughty chair, so we'll see if that works since he really doesn't like that!

And when it rains, it pours! Nathan is really grumpy and I think it's all those teeth he's got coming in. Now that he's learned to say "Up", he finds it quite convenient and I hear it all the time! Poor munchkin, I'll be glad when all those teeth finally come in for him. Sophia on the other hand has been sweet as pie and a very good girl! They're both down for a nap now though!

Since it's a nice day, I think we'll try and get out for a walk after their nap. Maybe Kyle can wear off some energy! We had a great time at the park yesterday afternoon when we went! Kyle played some on his own and some with the little ones. I swapped Nathan and Sophia in and out of the baby swing since they both love that. Sophia is hilarious! As soon as you put her in, she starts laughing! Nathan was so much fun to watch because there was bark mulch everywhere in this park and he's never wanted to crawl around in it before, but I put him down yesterday and after a minute or two, he was off and playing all over the place! Nathan and Sophia both had turns on the slide and teeter totter as well! A fun afternoon and then home for naps!

I worked last night. It wasn't too busy, but I was busy rewriting the messy request book and trying to get it back in order. I managed to get it all finished of though, so Tara (asst. manager) was happy with that! Going to take in something to work to show her that I finished off too. I won't say what it is since it's something for Tracy and she might be reading! (You'll have it soon Trace!) I work again tonight too and hope I'm not late like last night (bad traffic for George getting home), but at least no one there ever seems to worry about it and they know our situation with only one car.

Well, think I'm going to go have a cup of coffee and then maybe read some books or something with Kyle before the little ones wake up again!
Have a great day..
Cheers,
Colleen

Just another day...

Well, there's not too much going on here today. Sophia got here a little later and slept in, so she's on a bit different schedule today than Nathan is. He's had his morning nap, but is still a bit grumpy - teeth I think.

It's finally a nice day here, but Kyle still has a runny nose. Might see if we can go up to the park here shortly though just to get out! I'm working this evening anyway, but it'd be nice to get a little exercise and some fresh air with the kids before lunch!

I should have been doing some cleaning last night since the house needs it, but I scrapped instead. I was working on something I'm going to submit for a scrapbooking design team. For those of you that don't know what this is, it's a group of women that are hired by a company to design layouts and work to showcase their monthly products. I've never put my work out there like this before, so I'm kind of excited about it. I know there are a lot of talented scrappers, so I may or may not get accepted, but I'm getting a little outside of my comfort zone by submitting my work, so it's a good thing. Either way I enjoy doing it and like my work. We'll see what happens...

I have some other scrapping I want/need to do (for the design team submission), but don't think that'll get done today or even until the weekend since I work the next 3 nights. I have the whole weekend off though, so I think I'm going to ask George to take the kids out for a bit on Saturday, so I can clean the house in peace and get a lot done! Then, Sunday will, of course, be my day to sleep in and take it easy!

Guess that's about it for here today! Oh, I need to go book my time off for my holidays before I forget about it again! Will post about that another time. Looking forward to it though!

Cheers,
Colleen

A wonderful day!

Well, I'm rushing around here trying to get myself ready before the kids are all everywhere! I need to go get my cup of coffee though too! Be right back...

OK, now I'm ready! I had quite a nice day yesterday. Both the little ones napped well and though Kyle didn't nap, I knew it would mean we could put him to bed early, so I didn't really push it. Nathan and Sophia were both cranky after their afternoon naps, but I think it was teething in both cases.

George got home and fed the kids and them we actually did cake. George and I hadn't eaten, but we wanted to have a later dinner together. George got this delicious cake called Chocolate Euphoria and it was really good! Kyle was very helpful with singing to me and blowing out the candle. After cake, we got the kids ready and put them to bed about 7pm and George went to go get our dinner!

As it turned out we ordered enough food for 2 meals. We ordered Japanese food and thought the rolls would be smaller, but they were all quite big. We had veggie tempura, miso soup, inari, tamago, chicken teriyaki roll, kappa maki, BC roll, a vegetarian roll and 2 yam tempura roll. All of it absolutely delicious!

Tracy popped over for a bit after the kids went to bed too. She brought me a card from mum as well as one from her and a wonderful gift of some Mary Kay stuff she knew I wanted and some gift certificates for Tim Horton's! Yeah Trace! You know me very well!

After that, we just watched a bit of TV together and went to bed at a reasonable time, but it was really nice just to have some time with George when we could simply spend it together.

Well, everyone is up and about now, so I guess I'd better finish this off here, but before I go...

THE WINNER - I just got Kyle to pick one of the numbers 1-18 from a bowl and he picked #5 which is Sarah!! I'll need your address!!

Have a fabulous day everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Well, this is going to be a quick one since I tried this earlier and had problems and now I have 3 kids here as well! I had a nice morning surprise today when Kyle woke up and the first thing he did was sing Happy Birthday to me! I couldn't believe he remembered on his own. He and George made me a card, but Kyle had to give it to me yesterday because he was so excited!

I managed to have a relaxing coffee and shower already this morning, so it's going well. I'm hoping to get a little scrapping in later on too! The Bachelor will be my guilty pleasure to watch tonight too! I sometimes tape it though too because of all the long commercials and boring bits! We'll see!

I have the three kids today. Kyle was supposed to go to school, but he's got a rather thick green stuff coming out of his nose (sorry for the visual!), so I don't think they'll want him. His disposition is good and he doesn't seem sick though, so I'm not sure what's going on. George and I are going to have a later dinner tonight and order take-out sushi after the kids go to bed. Tracy ordered it from here the other night to pick up on the way home and I was thinking about how long it'd been since I had it, so it's her fault! hee hee

Thanks to those of you that have sent e-mails, cards, online messages and called this morning already! Birthdays aren't celebrated the same way as you get older, but it's still nice to have them acknowledged!

Now, in some cultures, the person having the birthday does the giving, so I'm going to do a little of that myself today! For all those that leave a comment on my blog today, you'll get entered into a draw for a few little scrapbooking goodies (sorry for any of you that comment and don't scrap!). I'll do the draw tomorrow morning! Make sure to leave your e-mail if I don't know it already!

Have a fabulous day!
Cheers,
Colleen

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Well, here it is again - a day to celebrate our addiction! Yes, for those of you that didn't know, there is a National Scrapbooking Day that is celebrated with lots of sales and women scrapbooking all over the place! I would like to be scrapbooking today, but if I'm going to do any, it'll have to wait until tonight because I'm working today and tomorrow!

I think practically everyone at Precious Memories is working today! Not only is it NSD, but it's their 9th anniversary, so it's a big deal. There are sales (30% off everything and some special things even more discounted!), games, draws, make and takes, etc! It's going to be a busy one! It should be fun too with all that going on and people in what we hope is a good mood!

Even better to make people smile is the sunshine that seems to have shown up today! Finally! Of course, there are also worries with the nicer weather that if it warms up too quickly there's going to be massive flooding! Many cities along rivers are shoring up their banks for fear of what might happen. Let's just hope everyone is prepared enough and that is doesn't even happen.

I haven't had much scrapping mojo lately! I think it's because I got out of the habit of doing a little something everyday and my supplies are a bit unorganized too and that really doesn't help me. I did do some last night though that were part of a couple of challenges on 2 Peas in a Bucket, so here they are!




I've actually scrapped the pictures in the second layout already, but for another album and I wanted to put them in Nathan's book too because this is when Kyle told him he was his best friend for the first time! So cute! I'm not sure I'm loving the first layout, but it's not bad and it's finished, so I'm moving on! Not every layout is going to be a work of "art"! Hope to do another one or two tonight as well!

The 2Peas blogger question was also about what scrapping tools I'd like. I'm not sure there's really much I do want other than some very expensive items!! I think I might like a Wishblade and I'd love a 12X12 printer and scanner!! None of those things will be coming into this house any time soon. Hey, while we're at it, I'll add a new computer to that list as well! Other than that, I might like the MM slot punching kit, but I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of it. I'd like to see someone demo it! Pretty much have everything else I need for right now!

Have a fabulous day! I'm just finishing off my coffee and then need to go get ready for work while I can. Nathan is down for a nap and Kyle is out "helping" George work on the car! Kyle has 2 weeks of music class left (including this week), so he'll be off doing that a bit later too and I can even take him before work, so that timed perfectly!

Better be off!
Cheers,
Colleen

The Grass is Always Greener

As I was watching the 2 hour Grey's Anatomy last night, one of the themes that kept coming back to me is that "the grass is always greener on the other side". Is it simply human nature that we want whatever we don't have rather than being thankful and appreciative for what we do have? The main character Meredith also talked about "dreaming" and how we always seem to be striving for something in the future and when we get there, the dream simply changes instead of being able to savour the accomplishment and the being "there".

Don't get me wrong, I know how lucky I am to be at home taking care of my boys (and now Sophia) and I'm thankful for it, but I won't deny there are the "what if" days. What if I went back to work? What if I had had kids when I was younger? What if I had met George 5 years earlier? What if we had more money? What if... I'm beginning to think that these two words should never enter our vocabulary because the fact is that discussing that doesn't change your reality. You either make a decision to do something different or count your lucky stars that you have what you do.

I think sometimes as adults we also forget how to "dream". It becomes about things rather than about an accomplishment. I feel like my life right now is in an interesting state of flux because I really do enjoy what I'm doing now, but what will I be doing next year? 5 years from now? 10 years from now? I can't answer that and I think that's actually a good thing for me - the planner. I have to let go a little and let things happen and make decisions as they do rather than trying to plan everything. I also have to remind myself that everyone has days that we wonder why we do what we do and that even though I'm looking after the kids and think I shouldn't feel that way, that it's normal! Not every day is going to be perfect, but there are always things to be grateful, so it's about finding them!

Take a little time to be thankful today for what you have! Leave a comment about what itnis you're thankful for today! I know the first thing I'm thankful for today is that I got a little time to myself this morning.

Cheers,
Colleen

I've been TAGGED!

Another blogger than I've been following of late is http://toniarmstrong.blogspot.com/ and she tagged me, so the idea is that I answer the same questions and then "tag" other people and get them to answer them as well.

Firstly, reveal seven random facts about yourself and then tag seven others...
1. I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger.
2. I'm double-jointed.
3. I'm a lefty!
4. I've seen sunrise on New Year's Day at Angkor Wat in Cambodia
5. I've been to all 10 provinces.
6. I had blonde curly hair as a kid (and now it's dark and straight!!).
7. I love the sound of waves on a beach.

Secondly: share some favorite blogs you visit for inspiration.
http://aliedwards.typepad.com/ - This is Ali Edwards blog and I love her style and her attitude about being creative! I use this for inspiration for scrapping all the time!

I don't have too many others right now that I can think of, but I'll post a few more later when I think of them! I'm off to tag a few people!
Cheers,
Colleen

Morning coffee

What is it about that first cup of coffee in the morning?? I just love it! There's the wonderful smell of the coffee after you grind the beans and then there the sound of it running through the coffee maker. Of course, we have an older coffee maker, so it's a bit noisier than most I imagine. It's all part of my morning coffee experience though! Then when you pour that hot, dark liquid into the cup just anticipating the taste. I only use one of 2 cups for my coffee - the one in the picture and another floral one that's even bigger. The size and weight of the cup is important! I also need to make sure it's a substantial cup as I don't want to be running back and forth for more right away.

I add my French vanilla creamer to the coffee and stir gently. The anticipation as I bring the cup up to my mouth and get another smell of that wonderful brown liquid. And then there's that first steaming hot sip that seems to permeate every part of you and really means the day has started (whether or not I've already had a shower - which I usually have by the time I get my first cup!). Yes, I really do love my morning cup of coffee and can't imagine going without it!

Well, other than having had my wonderful cup of morning coffee, I've had my shower and I've fed the kids and have the 2 little ones in bed already! They're dressed and ready to go once they get up, so I'm off to finish getting ready and to get Kyle dressed since we're going up to a local community play group thing. Kyle loves and I thought Nathan and Sophia would too. It'll get us out of the house and give us something to do on a yucky day again here. It's not raining though yet and it would be nice if that held off until after we got back!

Have Survivor, a 2 hour episode of Grey's Anatomy and a hockey game on tonight, so I guess it's a relaxing night at home. Might not get an scrapping done, but I'd like to! Have to see what I can squeeze in!

Well, better run! Happy Thursday everyone!
Cheers,
Colleen

Wet! Wet! Wet!

Wow! Of course, today would be one of those days where I had to take Kyle up to preschool and it was absolutely pouring! Since we now have one vehicle that George takes to work, that means I walk with the little ones in the stroller and Kyle walks with me. We got everyone all bundled up and the second we stepped outside, the sky just opened up! We were soaked by the time we got to the end of the block! I had asked Kyle to wear his boots, but he didn't want to and I figured he'd learn something from this, so his feet were wet of course! I'd thankfully remembered an extra pair of pants because even with the longer raincoat, his pants were still wet.

I dropped him off and we headed back here for naps. The rain had pretty much stopped by then and the walk back wasn't bad other than the fact I was pretty much soaked through! The rain had stopped by the time I got home and it looked like there might even be a little clearing going on!

The kids had good naps and we bundled up again and set off. Once again though, as soon as we got a half block from the house, the rain was torrential! I wore George's jacket going back up because mine was soaking! Now, they're both in the garage drying! It was quite funny actually and Nathan and Sophia are fine with their jackets, blanket and the rain cover. Kyle loved wearing his boots on the way home (I took them up for him when I picked him up!) because he could jump in all the puddles! He's quite a ham as usual!

Had lunches and played with the kids. Nathan is just waking up from his nap and Kyle just laid down, so there's not much of a break for me! I work tonight as well for 4 hours and will leave as soon as George gets home! Better go get my "big" boy!

Cheers,
Colleen

Patience

pa·tience Pronunciation[pey-shuhns]
–noun 1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.
- According to www.dictionary.com

There are some days when I just need a few minutes to myself in the morning. I know I'm not the best morning person and I never have been. I get up early at 6am so that I can shower and get ready before Brian drops Sophia off. All I'd like is even 15 minutes (though preferably longer) to get my head together and get going in the morning. Kyle though has the bad (in my opinion) habit of getting up 2 minutes after I do and then seemingly start bouncing off the walls and incessantly asking for things. Some days it's just a little too much. This morning was one of those days!

I hate it when I speak sharply to Kyle and I always regret it when I do. This morning was one of those days when I had to remind myself over and over not to do that. We have a rule now that we don't even talk about the TV going on until after Brian has dropped off Sophia, so that's not an option even though I would have loved to have turned it on for him this morning! Instead, I got him some cereal and a cup of milk and went and had my shower. I made it was awake enough afterwards to better deal with him. I also have to remind myself how lucky I am be to be able to stay home with my boys and provide Sophia with a fun, loving place to come as well. I've really fortunate even if there are mornings and even days when it doesn't feel like it. So much of it is in how you look at it, so when I remind myself of where I am and what I have, I can only smile.

On a completely different note, I'm on a bit of a "spring clean purge" again here. After watching a heart-breaking Oprah yesterday where a family had to clean out the things from their son that passed 5 and a half years ago. I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard this would be, but they did seem better off for having done it. The guy from Clean Sweep was on there and was talking about generally cleaning out stuff and I really need to do some of this. George and I keep talking about it, but never seem to get around to doing it and it needs doing! He's also bad about keeping things for the "just in case we need it" or "we'll be able to use it for something sometime". I've just had enough of all the stuff and want to get rid of some and want to organize the rest!! We'll see how that goes!

Cheers,
Colleen