Preschool Pumpkin Art!

What a day!  It has been so crazy here weather wise!  Windy and blustery to say the least.  Good news is that I still managed to get out for a walk even today. 

Was sort of a funny one with George being off and then me being on preschool duty (helping out), but without Nathan there!  He still hadn't been on antibiotics long enough for the bronchitis to come today, so I just took Sophia.  We had a fun morning and then I came home to the news that the meeting I was going to have in the afternoon was cancelled, so I wasn't exactly upset about that.

Puttered around here with the kids this afternoon while George went and did the groceries for the week!  I then went and got Kyle from school and dropped him off and kept going for my walk.  Planning on a fairly relaxing evening and some class prep for later in the week!

One of the things we did do this afternoon though was pumpkin art!  Nathan's preschool teachers were kind enough to not only let me bring home art for Nathan, but sent one for Kyle too!

This was what I spent part of the morning at the preschool doing - helping kids paint and make Jack O Lanterns, but with "sparkles" (aka glitter) of course!  Messy and fun!  Kyle had as much fun as Nathan!

Oh they're crazy!  And I love them to bits!

Hope everyone here is staying warm and dry!

Cheers,

Pumpkin Patch!

Well, it's that time of year for pumpkins, goblins and ghosts!  However, it's also the time of year for germs.  Unfortunately, I've got a nasty headcold and Nathan has bronchitis we found out today when we took him to see the dr!  Not good, but hopefully he'll be feeling better in a couple of days now that he's on medication for it.

Anyway, we did have a wonderful preschool trip to the pumpkin patch this past week.  It was a trip through a working farm where they grow the pumpkin too, so the kids had fun seeing the animals and machines and things too. 

I had to laugh because we were told that we could have a pumkin, but it had to fit through this hole or we'd have to pay more.  I told Nathan and he proceeded to find the biggest possible pumpkin that would just barely get through the hole!  I actually had to turn the pumpkin at one point to get it through.  He's quite excited!

Looking at these pictures, I realized that I didn't manage to get a picture of Brian and the kids.  He got a bit of time off to come on the field trip and I know Sophia and Matthew loved that!  A good time was had by all!

Well, gonna go relax for the rest of the evening!

Cheers,

Working on Changes...

Well, I'm not sure why, but I wasn't quite ready to tell everyone what I've been working on, but I think now's the time.  I've been working on.... ME!  Yes, I finally went back to Weight Watchers in July and have since lost 33lbs.  I'm no where near close to being where I want to be, but I'm proud of the accomplishment and happier for it.  I have more energy and just feel good about making better choices for myself and being a better example for the boys. 

The top picture was Summer 2009 and the bottom one is early Sept., but I can see the change even there.  Can't wait to see more change and see myself in more pictures.  I made George a deal that when I lose 50lbs, the reward will be a family picture that I can feel better about!

Making good changes that I can live with... for life.  I'm getting daily exercise just with walking though I'm looking at maybe going to a gym just because it's getting dark so much earlier now.  Making better food choices and less of them!  No rocket science - just real life!

It's an interesting journey to be on though seemingly different from the last few times I've done it.  I feel ready this time...  Ready for change.  Enjoying the process too. 

Here's to making changes and feeling good about it!

Cheers,

New Class Calendar!

If you're local, just thought I'd let you know the class calendar for November/December is up and you can see all the fabulous samples in the store.  So much to choose from if you're looking to make some Christmas cards or work on a little project of some kind!

Check it out HERE!

Here are mine...

Frosty Fun (running again)

Winter Joy (running again)

Jovial

Merry Christmas from Echo Park

Wishes Come True

Traditions

Snow Day

2011 Calendar from Basic Grey

Come and join me for some creative fun!

Cheers,

The Wiggles...again!

OK, I think with today's concert, I will have officially seen The Wiggles more than any other group!  More than U2, more than The Eagles, more than John Mellencamp...  Yes, the Wiggles!  Amazing what you do when you have kids.

When we heard they were coming a little while ago, I figured that Nathan would want to go, but that Kyle wouldn't this time.  Thought he might think it was a little kids thing.  Was I ever wrong!  Hes as excited as any of them.  I had to put a sticker on the calendar after we got the tickets so they would stop asking me when it was.  We're also going with Tracy and Brian and the kids.  George didn't want to go, but I can't really say as I blame him.  I asked if he wanted to take the boys today and I could stay here and get some prep for classes done, but that was a no-go!  I really do enjoy watching the boys and how excited they get though.

Well, going to run for now.  Will update about Thanksgiving later as we had one dinner last night and will have one here tomorrow night!  So very much to be thankful for...
Cheers,

Christmas Cards All Year Round!

October Challenge!

Hi Everyone! The countdown is on...Christmas is just 3 months away. I hope the inspiration at Christmas Cards All Year Round has helped you with all your wonderful Christmas cards.

The October challenge is going to be a card that has stitching (real or faux) and distress the card in some way....anyway you like.

*Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of OCTOBER! (this challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)

This month the RAK is another great stamp set!

Please upload your cards to your blog, a gallery, or photobucket and remember to give us the EXACT links to see them HERE. You can do 5 of the same cards or 5 different ones (as long as they follow the current challenge) If you do 5 of the same, please show us a picture of them altogether. Thanks!

***Also, if at least 20 people create 5 cards we'll pick a second winner!***

Can't wait and see what you create this month! Have fun!

Cheers,

Happy October!

OK, so a little late, but better than never?!  I really don't know (*once again) where last month went.  We just seem to be so busy these days what with school, preschool, Matthew and Sophia being here 5 days a week, karate, Beavers starting, etc, etc that I can't keep track.  One day just seems to blend into the next...

So this past week has been one of those where everyone seems on the verge of a cold, but I'm good so far.  I made sure I got lots of sleep last night.  Slept through my alarm and was woken up by Kyle this morning at 7:30 after sleeping 10 hours last night!  Mum arrived shortly after with Matthew and Sophia and the craziness was on.  Nathan slept until about 7:45 too, so it was a little rushed this morning, but we all got where we needed to be on time and now I'm relaxing with a Starbucks iced coffee and Matthew is playing.  Quiet...

It was nice having mum here yesterday.  She was in helping Trace since Brian was out of town last night and then she helped me since I needed to take Kyle to the orthodontist - yes, already!  He has some issues that the dentist recommended be looked at by someone else, so that's what we did.  I basically walked out having spent about $1000 and he's only 7 and that wasn't any braces!  He needs a full orthondontic workup and then he'll probably need about 6 teeth pulled and a special thing put on one of his back teeth to help it come in straight rather than into one of his other molars.  He's missing 2 adult teeth (hereditary and I'm missing one), but that will be dealt with later.  Fun times!

Kyle and Nathan also asked if I'd take "special" pictures of them, so here they are...

Nice eh?!

Cool kid!

I have a very full class to teach tonight - 18 people!  Well, there are 4 people that aren't actually going to be there because they asked for kits, but it still means 14, so it should be fun.  This is the second time I've taugh this class and all was good last time, so we'll have to hope for the same!  It's a fun Christmas card class called Snow Much Fun.

It's going to be a busy weekend too!  Work Friday night, dinner at mum and dad's Sat night, going to see The Wiggles (again!) on Sunday and then we're hosting George's family for dinner here on Monday!  A crazy fun-filled family weekend!  And we can only hope the weather is as gorgeous as it is today.  Beautiful...

We're also thinking about Opi today...  Hard to believe it's been a year since we lost him. 

Well, a million things to do and not enough hours in a day as usual, so I'd better get moving.  Have a fabulous week!

Cheers,

Cottage Christmas cards

I loved this line of paper by Imaginisce called Cottage Christmas as soon as I saw it and I knew the 6X6 paper pads would be perfect for class.  Love how the prints are all smaller too and you get 3 sheets of each print in these pads!

This class includes the paper pad and a sheet of the "glass" stickers as well as everything else you need to make the 7 cards you see!  This class is also available as a kit and you can see all of these in person at the store anytime!

Hope to you see some of you that are local at a class soon!  The new calendar should be out veeeery soon!

Cheers,

New Passion

Now, some of you that pop by once in a while might remember that Kyle was doing Hip Hop last year.  Well, during spring break, we tried a one week karate class partly for something to do and partly because Kyle had been talking about karate.  This was an inexpensive way to try it out and not have to get a gi or anything.  Well, he loved it and it's all I've heard about since. 

We talked about doing it over the summer, but we were so busy that it didn't happen.  Finally after hearing about it multiple times a day for weeks, I registered him a couple of weeks ago and he's loving it!  He's already asked about belts and how long he has to practice before he can be tested.  We registered him for a month to get going, but I don't think that'll be the end of it by any means.  He can go 3 times a week, but only needs to go twice; however, we've been there 3 times a week since he started!  I'm glad he's found something he's enjoying.  It's unfortunately the same nights as dance though, so we've dropped that for now. 

Of course, Nathan had to get in on the pictures even if he's not taking karate!  I asked if he was interested in trying it, but not yet at least.  I want to find him something that he'll enjoy.  We need to get him registered for swimming soon for sure!

Well, that's it for right now.  Better go think about getting the kids an early lunch as they have preschool this afternoon!

Cheers,

Happy Monday!

Yes, well, since Tracy started her new job last week, it's not quite as happy as it used to be since I have my niece and nephew now on Mondays too, but such is life.  I went to bed early last night and got up with a little more time to relax and get going.  What a difference it makes!  Everything ran more smoothly this morning for sure.

We got soaked taking Kyle to school.  It was only drizzling when we left, but the sky opened up while we were walking to school and it was pouring for our walk home.  We came in, got jackets changed and grabbed preschool snacks and off we went again.  Dropped Nathan and Sophia at preschool this morning and they were excited to be there.  Matthew and I headed home with a stop for a Starbucks for me!

At home here, I was puttering on the computer while Matthew had a snack and played.  I saw a sketch for a card (LPSC86) and got inspired.  I grabbed my last Taylored Expressions kit and played!  It was wonderful to be doing something that wasn't for work and just for fun!  I always seem to be short of birthday cards and these Penny Black stickers are easy.  I stamped a birthday quote on the inside as well.  Sorry about the poor lighting for the picture, but on a rainy day...

Well, I'm now back from getting the kids from preschool and need to get them lunch and Matthew in bed, so I'd better get going.  Hope you're having a good one!

Cheers,

A Sneak Peek of an Upcoming Card Class!

OK, so for anyone who's local, this is a sneak peek of an upcoming October class that I'll be teaching called Winter Joy!  It uses paper and chipboard from the Bo Bunny line of paper with the same name.

The pictures don't really do the cards justice because between the gems and glitter added to them, they're pretty sparkly!  The best part is that you'll do the 6 cards in class and then have a lot of extra chipboard and paper to take home to do some more cards!

The October calendar isn't out yet, so there isn't a date, but keep your eye on the website and your e-mail (if you get the newsletter) for more information!  It'll be out soon! 

There will be kits available for this class as well. 

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Back to School!

...and apparently back to blogging!  Wow!  I was shocked when I saw the last date that I'd posted anything - more than a month ago!  The summer seemed to fly by, especially the last bit and here we are back at school again already!

Nathan and Sophia has their first day of preschool today.  It was a shorter class and only half the kids (the others go tomorrow), but they were excited.  I forgot to take pictures before we went since it was a little rushed getting Kyle to school and then the 2 of them to preschool, so we took pictures when we came back.

These two are so darn cute together, but they both have trouble smiling without the cheeseball smile these days!  So funny!

Anyway, preschool went well and Matthew and I went and ran a couple of errands while they were there since it was a shorter class.  Came home and had lunch and did some cleaning and then it'll be time to pick up Kyle here before I know it!  Dinner after that and then I'm teaching tonight and I think the class is full now!  Yeah!

Anyway, guess that's about it for now.  Will update on Kyle and the rest of us soon, but all's well!

Cheers,