Mystery Envelope Layout and an Update!

Well hello my long lost blog readers! I know it's been a while and I can't even say it's because I've been busy scrapping. My mojo just got up and left for a bit, but I managed to get it back together today to work on my layout for Sisterhood of Scrap. We were sent a "mystery envelope" and asked to use at least one of everything which I have done (unless one of the kids hid something and I missed it!) and it was a fun layout to do. Something a little more girly than I usually do for sure, but fun!

Supplies: Cardstock is Bazzill. Patterned paper and matching photo turn are Daisy Bucket. Flowers are Prima and Bazzill. Big brad is Queen and Co. as well as a misc small brad. "Cherish" metal tag is Making Memories. Rub-ons are Creative Imaginations Creative Cafe. Misc ribbon. Dollar store coloured staples. Date was stamped with the Making Memories Magnetic stamp set.

Other than that, it's been a pretty good week. The weather has cooperated and we've managed to get out to the park a couple of days. We went and walked up to the store today for something a little different. We were going to go to the park on the way back, but we had a flat on the stroller! We came home and played outside in the backyard instead.

George and I actually went out last night! Just the 2 of us!! We had tickets to a comedy show that was being done as a fundraiser for Kyle's preschool. We now have a babysitter (university student) and she's great! Kyle loves her and even Nathan only cried for about 5 minutes after we left apparently. We had a good time and plan on doing that more regularly now that we have a sitter. Even better is that her sister also babysits!!

Guess that's about it for us for now. I'll try and do a better job of blogging in the next bit here, but time somehow seems to get away on me sometimes! I want to take some more pictures as well, so we'll see if I can get some of them posted too!

Cheers,

Colleen

One Day Crop at Scrapperie!!

To go along with our Fantastic February Challenge at Scrapperie, you won't want to miss out on all the fun we have in store for you this Saturday - February 23, 2008 at our one day cyber crop!

We'll begin at 10am CST by posting all ten challenges and the sign-in thread. (All challenges will be due by midnight that night.) The fun will continue throughout the day with games, challenges and other crazy chances to earn prizes and points towards the February challenge.

Did I mention random door prize drawings throughout the day? You can win gift certificates, mini scrapbook kits and loads of other scrappy prizes from our Boutique. Oh! The Boutique will have all Vintage Ltd Kits on sale at 50% off!

You do not have to be participating in our Fantastic February points challenge to participate in the crop and win prizes.

We hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Colleen

Weird Wednesday...

This was a fun one to do because the pictures are from '94! This will eventually have a second page since I have more pictures, but I also need to get out my journal and choose some of the writing about this that I did for the page! I used a sketch from my 1 in 48 class for this!

Supplies: Patterned paper is Basic Grey. Title lettering is Heidi Swapp Chipboard, Amercian Crafts Thickers chipboard and Wordsworth stickers.

Well, it's been a weird one here today. I usually have Sophia (my niece), but last night, my sister said that since she was sick, they wouldn't bring her. Then, she was supposed to come over, but only for an hour or so in the middle of the day because my BIL couldn't get home before my sister had to work this afternoon. As it turned out though that didn't happen and my sister forgot to call until afterwards!

We also had to get up early to take George to work so we could have the car since Kyle was complaining of knee pain off and on last night. He actually woke up a couple of times crying. After getting up at the crack of dawn and taking George to work, he feels much better now! Of course!

Now, on to this lovely picture of my poor little spotted munchkin, Nathan. He started about 2 weeks ago with an ear infection and then got the cold that Kyle had. Yesterday, he started breaking out in spots, so I decided I'd better take him up to the doctor and make sure it wasn't anything contagious. We found out that it's a viral rash and isn't contagious, but can take up to 3 days to fully appear and than another week or so to disappear. I feel badly taking him anywhere because it's even on his hands, neck and face now and I can only imagine what people think whe they see him! I took this late morning and I think it's even worse now. It doesn't seem to be bothering him too much though thankfully.

Of course, since I was taking Nathan's picture, Kyle wanted me to take some of him too!
Well, not too much going on here I guess. Kyle will be home from preschool shortly since another mum is dropping him off and then we have to pick George up from work. I have a parent's meeting with all the preschool parents tonight, so I'll have to tape Big Brother!!

Cheers,
Colleen

And we have a winner!

Sorry for the delay, but we've had every bug you can think of in our house and are still getting over them! I think we're all on the mend though you wouldn't know it from looking at my little guy, Nathan, who has a viral rash and red bumps all over him!! At least it apparently signals the end of the cold and means he's getting better even if he doesn't look it!

Anyway......


The winner is......


As a result of using the Randomizer...


Without further delay...

ALLISON/ALLY!! You had the lucky number so all I need is your address to send you the MM Tag Curler and some other goodies!

Cheers,
Colleen

Layout Tag Reveal and a Little Blog Tag!!

Supplies: Cardstock is Bazzill. Patterned paper and matching stars and "my son" embellie are My Mind's Eye. Misc chipboard swirl. Velvet brads are Creative Cafe by Creative Imaginations. Circle Stamps are Sandylion. Ink is Versacoloor Lagoon Blue. Title Stickers are Basic Grey.

This was done as part of a layout tag at Scrapping Bug. I love scrapping this way with some inspiration and a deadline! It's amazing to me that these pictures are about a year and a half old now already!

And now for a little "About Me" blog tag from Sarah:

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: I was teaching English to international students and living the life of a single girl in downtown Vancouver!

Things on my to-do list today: Well, I've done most of the things on my to do list today since I spent it doing chores and errands. There's still laundry in the washer and dryer than needs to be finished off and then it's a relaxing evening!

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: share it with my family, donate to charity, and travel!

3 of my bad habits: leaving clean laundry in the basket unfolded, chewing ice cubes, snacking while I'm watching TV!

3 places I have lived: Burnaby, BC while I was in university, Vancouver, and Osaka, Japan

5 jobs that I have had: babysitter, cashier at a gas station/convenience store, manager in a women's clothing store, teacher, SAHM!

5 Things people don't know about me: I played basketball in high school, but not until Grade 11. I had a double major in unversity.
George and I met online.
As a kid, I wanted to be a baker.
I have a scar around the top of my right pinkie finger from where it was sewn back on after an "incident" with a door as a kid! The good part is I got the feeling back!

I'm going to tag Darlene, Khei, and Shannon! If anyone else reads this and wants to play, please do and let me know, so I can check out your answers!

Cheers,
Colleen

New Double Page Layout!

Supplies: Cardstock is Bazzill. Patterned paper is Basic Grey. Title work is Making Memories chipboard and rub-ons. Paint for chipboard is also Making Memories. "Everyday Life" rub-on is Creative Cafe by Creative Imaginations. Misc brads. "Love" lettering is American Crafts Chipboard Thickers.

This was done for a couple of challenges and I had a great time scrapping these "old" pictures. it's hard to believe that Kyle is almost the same age as Nathan is now in these pictures! Such a cutie and still is!

That's about it for now as I should be in bed! Worked until midnight and always have trouble winding down after work. Not sure what we're up to tomorrow, but I guess it'll partly depend on how the kids feel since they've been sick. Think they're both on the mend though!

Cheers,
Colleen

PS Only 2 more days to get your name in for the blog candy I mentioned in this post!

A Fun Valentine's Day and some scrapping!

OK, so the major fun for the day consisted of dragging out the blanket from our bed and the pillows from the living room into the large entrance area and having me lay down so the kids could climb over and jump on me! I took the pictures of Nathan and Sophia as they jumped over me and then kyle came and laid down beside me and wanted me to take his picture. He was feeling somewhat better today as you can see though he was still sick and worn out more than anything. Seemingly on the mend though thankfully...

This was me trying to take a picture of Kyle only to have Nathan want to "See! See!"

This was the picture I was trying to take before with Kyle and all his muscle that he likes to show off!

After wearing the kids out and getting them some lunch, everyone went for a nap. Kyle stayed up and we cuddled for a bit after the kids went for their naps. He had lunch on the safe again and though that was quite good. After they were all down, I managed to get a little scrapping done and did this layout for a Scrapperie Challenge by Shannon (Swell) that was to use a Love Song title as part of your layout, so I used the "Always" by Atlantic Starr.

Supplies: Cardstock is Bazzill. Patterned Paper by Basic Grey and Moxxie. Title lettering is American Crafts Vinyl Thickers and EK Success Bookworks. Flourish stamp by Autumn Leaves. Ribbon is American Crafts. Hearts are cut from Moxxie patterned paper. Round Embellishment is a Sandylion Stamp. "Love" stamp is Studio G (Hampton Art).

We had a nice dinner after George got home. We don't do too much for Valentine's but he was very thoughtful and sent me a card in the mail that arrived yesterday. What he wrote in it and the simple fact that he thought to do that actually made me cry. He brought me a little bouquet of chocolate roses today too.

For any of you that read my blog yesterday and read about my woes with Sears, here's the update! I talked to the manager this morning and she apologized telling me that they had called everyone on the list and that somehow we just weren't on the list. HELLO - not my problem! She said she give me a free sheet, but I planned on getting more than that when I saw someone in person.

I went tonight and the girl had been instructed to give me a free sheet, so she could refund one or comp me one for next time. I asked if there were extra prints - which there always are because they try and sell them to you when you pick yours up. There were 3 sheets and she started by asking which one I wanted and I was looking at them trying to figure out what to say to her to make sure I got all three and then she suddenly suggested just that! I ended up with some B&Ws with a vingette that's quite cute. I'll post some when I get the chance! I have to say that the girl tonight was very apologetic and sympathetic as well!

OK, think I'd better get to bed here! I have another layout to post tomorrow as well!
Cheers,
Colleen

A sick little boy!

Well, we went from a busy day full of energy yesterday to sitting on the sofa with a temperature today. He sure doesn't sound very good and I'm a little worried he has croup with the nasty cough he has. I guess tonight will be the real test. I've got a humidifier in his room and hoping that helps a little. His termperature responds to the Tylenol and then goes up again as the medicine wears off. He just got up hot again, so he got another dose since he was overdue and I keep taking his temp and marking it down since we had a bad go last year around this time and when I took him to the dr, I couldn't answer all the questions he asked. This time, I hope we don't have to go to the doctor and it's extra info for me!

I said I was going to do the Photo a Day thing and I haven't been doing well though it is in the back of my mind and I'm taking some pics I wouldn't necessarily have taken as a result. This is one I took this morning in the kitchen of the glass flowers I have as the sun (what's that?!) came through the window. The sun didn't last too long, but it was nice while it did.

And what was with Big Brother being on again tonight?! I thought it was on tomorrow or Friday since it was just on last night. happened to be flicking channels and found it half way through. I missed why the one couple got booted!

OK, get this! So I had to rush off from online Scrapperie bingo tonight to pick up pictures at Sears because they make an "appt" for you to do that. Mine was between 5-8 tonight. Made a special trip (almost 30 minutes one way by car) and NO ONE WAS THERE! That department was closed and no one else could help me, so they suggested I come back tomorrow! I have the paper with the appt time and, let me tell you, they're going to get a piece of my mind!

Guess I'd better get to bed in case it's a long night with a sick little man. With any luck he'll get some sleep (as well as the 3 hour nap he had this afternoon!) and feel better in the morning!

Hope you have a very Happy Valentine's Day!
Cheers,
Colleen

Hard to Believe!

Wow! It really is hard to believe, but today was the day I had to register Kyle for Kindergarten. I really couldn't have imagined this day coming and for some reason, I was the one that was nervous!

I figured it might not be that much fun only because I needed to take the 3 kids with me. I put Nathan and Sophia in the stroller and packed snacks and off we went. By the time we got there, some people were already registering and I thought we'd be about the first people there. We all filed down to the school library and picked up a package of stuff to fill out. Of course, I ran into some other mums of kids going to preschool with Kyle and who'll be in the same school though not necessarily in the same class.

We had a long form to fill out and then had to stand in line. I was trying to keep the little ones in the stroller, but I eventually gave up and let Nathan out to play with the Lego they had in there for the kids. Sophia wanted "uppy", so I hung onto her. We waited and got up to the front and I had to apologize as she was asking me questions about things I'd forgotten to fill out on the form. The reality was I was so distracted trying to keep all the kids happy and get out of there as quickly as possible that I just plain missed some questions! After her checking the form and the documentation for our proof of residence (to show we're in that catchment area), we had to get in another line to see the Public Health nurse and for her to check immunizations. All was good though Kyle needs a booster shot before starting school in September.

The kids really weren't happy by the time we left and Nathan and Sophia were both crying. Of course, to make matter worse, I had to put them in the stroller to get everyone out of there in a decent amount of time. We went out to the playground at the school to play and run around for a while anyway and that was good until we had to go home for lunch!

I had taken the camera with me to the school and wanted to take pictures, but there was so much going on that I didn't get even one! I took a couple after Kyle got home from preschool so that at least we have some pictures from this momentous day. Kyle was being his usual silly self though and we have the funny grin in the first picture and then the grumpy face in the second. He makes me laugh!

Well, better think about getting to bed here I'd say as it's been a busy one. I did manage to watch the first episode of Big Brother tonight and it looks like it's going to be a good season!

Cheers,
Colleen

Blog Candy Preview...

OK ladies, I posted yesterday that there would be a fun Making Memories tool in with some other stuff for my blog candy and here it is - Making Memories' Tag Curler. There will be some other things as well, but I hope this'll find a good home! See the original post for more details on how this could be yours!

Not too much going on here today really. Nathan is getting over his ear infection. Kyle is coming home from Nana and Grandpa's this morning. He was supposed to have field trip today, but it's only 30 minutes and I don't really have anyone to watch Nathan since mum was going to come today, but she's not feeling well and neither is Nathan. (Hope you feel better soon mum!) I would've also had to take George to work and then pick him up so I could have the car and it was just all too much today for 45 minutes of songs. We'll sing at home!!

Hope you have a great Monday and here's hoping mine includes dome scrapping later!
Cheers,
Colleen

Happy Blogoversary to Me and Some Blog Candy for You!

Well, everyone, it's hard to believe that I've been doing this for 2 years now, but there you go! I can't say I blog everyday and there have been some dry patches, but I love being able to use this as a way to keep in touch with people and to share my scrapping stuff!

So to thank all of you that pop in here from time to time and have recently pushed my counter over 10,ooo, I have some blog candy for you! I don't have time to post a picture right now because I need to get ready for work, but I'll tell you that there's a fun Making Memories tool in there!

All you need to do to get your name in for the prize is post a comment and tell me something you like or would like to see more or less of on my blog or a comment about the good/bad of blogging in general. You have a week to do this and I'll choose a winner next Sunday, February 17th!

Cheers,
Colleen

Quick layout and a tag!

This came together so quickly with this sketch from my NYCScraps.com class and the stuff from the January Scrapperie Canivale kit! I had to take a picture of this one rather than scanning it because the flowers made it too lumpy!

Supplies: Cardstock is Bazzill. Patterned Paper is KI Memories Pop Culture. Misc felt flowers that I got in an RAK! Title lettering is American Crafts Chipboard Thickers.

I also got tagged by Katy, here so here goes!

• You must post the rules before you give your answers.
• You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name.
• Each fact must begin with that letter.
• If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
• After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
• At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

My middle name is Jill...

1. Japan is a country I lived for 3 years and absolutely love! It would be fun to take George and the kids someday...
2. I think having crisp, clean sheets is one of the little pleasures in life!
3. Living in the moment is something I'm really striving to do and not worrying too much about what's ahead of us.
4. Lists are my friends, so this is right up my alley! Yes, I'm a lover of lists! Sometimes I write things on my list that I've actually done just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing them off and seeing that they're no longer on my list of things to do!

OK, I'm going to tag...
Sandi
Joelle
Tobi
Tara

PS...I haven't forgotten about your tag Tobi and it's on my list to blog tomorrow!

Well, think that's about it for now. Not an exciting day by any means, but I got a break with Kyle at preschool and the kids napping, so it's all good. Kyle is very excited because he's going to stay with Nana and Grandpa this weekend! And then I'm working my regular shifts and George may get some overtime on Saturday, so it'll be a working weekend for us and some alone time with Nathan!

Have a great night and keep yours eyes open for some Blogoversary candy and a double celebration since I just went over 10,000 hits! Some fun stuff on the way!

Cheers,
Colleen

A couple of cards this afternoon!

Well, I managed to play a little this afternoon after getting Kyle to preschool. Brought the little ones home on the bus and put them to bed. They crashed right away and I got out some scrappy stuff! The card on the left was for a card sketch challenge on A Walk on the Mild Side and the other card was inspired another one on her blog.

Supplies: Misc Cardstock. Patterned paper is all Basic Grey Blush. Flowers are Primas. Ink is Palette Burnt Umber. Button is Autumn Leaves MOD. Brad is Making Memories. Misc ribbon.

Well, I tell you, I deserved a little time to myself this afternoon after managing to get Kyle to preschool in the yet MORE snow we got this morning! Brutal. I know I've been saying it for ages and I'm saying it again, but I'm soooo over the snow! Pushing that stroller in it is awful. After the snow, it rained, so it's a nice mess out there now, but it doesn't look too bad for driving at least.

I guess I'd better go for now, but I'm hoping to get some more scrapping done tonight too and can't wait for the new sketch tomorrow for my online class.

Cheers,
Colleen

A New Layout!

OK, so I decided to try something new and I'm currently taking my first online scrap related class. It's called 1 in 48 and it's done by Hillary Heidelberg at NYCScraps. The idea is that you get a sketch for a layout every 48 hours and that's how long you have to try and get your layout done. The first one was posted today and this is what came of it!

Supplies: Patterned paper is all Basic Grey. "Celebrate" sticker in the title and the title rub-ons are Making Memories. 2006 is American Crafts Thickers. Misc flat top eyelets.

Jen has a blog questionnaire today, so I thought I'd play!

#1- What is your favorite color?
Right now - red

#2- What is your favorite meal?
This is a hard one because I like so much ethnic food! I've been craving Japanese food though lately - tempura yam roll!

#3- What is your latest scrapbook project/page?
See above!

#4- Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what do you have?
No pets in our house right now!

#5- What is a funny thing that happend to you in the last month?
Hmm...apparently not a very funny month since I can't think of anything other than the million funny things Kyle said in the last month!

#6- Do you wear lipstick or lipgloss?
I wear lip glass pretty much all the time.

#7- What is your least favorite room in your house?
Probably the computer/scrap area (common area) or maybe the living room

#8- Preference- plaid or stripes?
Stripes for sure!

Well, better be off to bed!
Cheers,
Colleen

And we have a winner!

Now, some of you played along with my gratitude blogging challenge and some of you also turned it into a layout. I said I would send along some goodies to someone who did the layout, so here goes...

The winner is.... Traci!

Please send me your address so I can pop something in the mail for you! Thanks everyone that played along! Appreciate it and hope it was fun!

Keep your eyes out for some more blog candy in the next bit...

Cheers,
Colleen

The Party's On!

Well, it's February 1st and the month long party at Scrapperie is on! Don't forget to check out my post about it yesterday! There are some great prizes and there will be multiple winners! Come on over and join us and don't forget to tell them who sent you!!

Cheers,

Colleen