Love and Hate

I always forget how busy this time of year is for us as a family.  I definitely have a love, hate relationship with Marching Band Season.  I LOVE watching what the kids have worked so hard for the last few months.  I HATE that we have very little time as a family, one or more of us get sick, we are all cranky and the house is messier than usual.  Only a couple of more weeks and then we can get back into a routine!  Looking forward to that.

In the midst of this I'm trying to stay relaxed and not so uptight.  So the Layout a Day Challenge has been perfect for me, even if I am getting to bed at 11pm on some nights.  I know I should be working on my layout durning the day but sometimes I just get side tracked, which is easy to do.  Here is four more days, enjoy!

Day 4, Close crop.  I didn't want to crop to close but it was a good reminder of how much unwanted stuff you can take out of photos.  

Day 5, Print photos in Black/White and color, then decide which one conveys emotion of the story you want to tell.   I'm trying to use what prints I have already made up these days so a combination of B/W and color seemed just perfect.

Day 6, Use a film strip.  I found a free film strip online somewhere, printed it out and there you go.  I will fill the story in later on.

Day 7, Tell a story with no people in your photos.  Mt. Rainer National Park....no problem not using people here or to many words. 

 

materials: various Making Memories papers, various CTMH papers, Stamps; Dragonfly and Friends(retired) and Wishing Star, Other extras from my stash.

Stories to tell

LOAD 10/10 is underway and we are all enjoying ourselves and scrapbooking our stories.  This month I am hoping to do my best to post every few days.  Life with Marching Band this month is crazy and I'm just trying to help keep my kids focused without becoming the bad mom.

Day 1, Once upon a time - one Mom making her teenage daughter feel special when the focus is on others around her.

Day 2, was to be about perspective on our lives but I made a choice to finish the second page that goes with yesterday.  The perspective page deserves its own page with a little more thought.  Now that I look at this layout again, it is about the perspective I see when I look at my youngest daughter.

Day 3, A photo without words.  The start of this layout happened years ago when I thought I could make 6x6 layouts for my youngest daughter.....ya, doesn't work so well when you are a photoholic ;o)  So it gets paired with other photos from the collection, making it into a larger layout.

Materials: Various papers from CTMH stash, Stamps; Dragonfly and Friends(retired), Various flower punches, EK continous circle punch(one of my favorites!), chipboard letters, Letter stickers from my stash, buttons, and ribbon 

More bits of fall

Last day of September?  Our last couple of days here in Spokane have been in the upper 70's and upper 40's at night, it hasn't felt like fall at all.  I have been sick with a sore throat and no voice so I've been laying low and staying quiet.  It is HARD to not talk on the phone when your children call especially when it is a big part of your day.  I did step outside for a little bit to enjoy a bit of sun, the colors are so beautiful this time of year.

Then I came in and baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, the only thing I changed in the recipe on the breat was from a 1 1/2 cups oil to 1 1/4 cups it didn't seem to make much of a differance.  Both you say?  Yes, one is easy for the kids to grab and go, to the bus when they are running late.  The other is good sliced thick and toasted.  As of this morning one loaf is already gone with the second already cut into.  It is like a potato chip, once you start eating it you can't seem to stop!

Tomorrow October LOAD is on my list of things to do.  There is still time for you to sign up so come join us, we do have a lot of fun and learn things about ourselves along the way! 

Looks of Fall

The wind kicked up this afternoon and left these behind, pine needles. 

They add a differant smell to the fall air when they get a little warm in the sun.  I do wish fall could stay around a little bit longer.  I'm not ready or am never ready to have things all closed up for the winter.  Fall means; tea in the evenings, marching band practice twice a week for my children, pep band for football games and marching band competitions until the end of October.  It all goes so fast, let's all just slow down long enough to enjoy the mild breeze and the smells of fall.

Friendship

Two girls that are best friends, they are so much alike it is scary. 

They are already making plans to go on a road trip after graduation, they want to be in each others weddings, to live somewhere around each other so there husbands can be friends too and they want to have babies around the same time so there kids will be friends.  Big thoughts and Big dreams!  I want it to work out for them both BUT right now we are just working on Homecoming.

We went shopping Sunday afternoon to a local thrift store for Homecoming dresses........spent $23.00 on 4!  Yes, you read it correctly $23.00 for 4 dresses.  Gotta LOVE 60% off sales!!  Then each girl found one's that were a little more expensive at $15 and $20, grand total for 6.....$58.00 plus $10 for shoes. Not bad I say! These two even wear the same size dress and can share each of them.

Now deciding which dress will be worn first, hair style and all the other lovely stuff.  They have both decided to take each other and have fun without the pressure of their first dates.  My handsome husband wants to chaperon the dance so he can take them.....dang it.....need to find him something to wear!   

simple

Right now I am enjoying simple pleasures, things that make me feel warm and fuzzy.

*My brand new booty slippers!  I've been without a pair for two years.

*Turned on the lights in my fire place.  It pretty when there are candles in there too.

*Pears that I made into a lovely Pear crisp, with just the right amount of topping. 

Scraps

A little more sewing to add to the list of things done.  I've wanted to finish these for a long time, they make me so happy.  I LOVE these potholders!  I made a few for my girls years ago and now finally have my own.  They are nice and thick and you only have one seam all the way around, which it makes really easy for anyone to create.  Darn it, I didn't put my coffee one in the picture.  Table runners have to be the best things for scraps of fabric and using scraps makes me feel good instead of throwing them all away.

My other big project that I have started on is making jean rag quilts for each of my children.  I have been saving my husband's jeans for years(with a few of the kids pairs thrown in) and it is time to start cutting them up.  I do believe that it is going to be time consuming!!  At least it is a start to getting one more box of stuff out of the garage ;o)  Now, if I can just learn to use my scraps of paper like my scraps of fabric, it will all be good!  Speaking of using scraps of paper it is almost time for the LOAD challenge!  You can find out more information here.  Hope you decide to join us, it is always alot of fun.

A bit of creating

As I am learning to be alone, learning to enjoy the company of myself and the company of silence, I have been spending less on my scrapbooking and craft supplies by shopping in my garage.  I realize that sounds funny and it is even funnier to say but it is happening.  It all started this spring with Shimelle's class, Something for nothing.  It started to feel good to start to get out of the habit of purchasing the next and best thing.  I started to evaluate what works well for me in my space, the things I use most often and the things I don't use at all.  As I am going through things my pile of I need to get rid of stuff is growing, it feels so good!

While shopping in my garage I am finding things I have wanted to do for me.  These are just a few of the things I have been up to.  In exactly two weeks it will be October 1 and time for a Layout a Day Challenge soooo keep a look out for what I'm doing. 

A $1 frame from Michael's painted with Claudine Helmuth paints.  Then I added some rubons and matching bling.  I have got to have a cute frame for the gorgeous Grandbabies of mine!!  Then a little painted birdhouse complete with crackle painted roof and buttons.

Then we have a quilt I am sorry to say it has taken me 23 years to finish.  I started it for my daughter Nicole before she was even born, now that it is finished it will be given to her to give to my Granddaugher Sage.

More to come later on!

Listening

I have so much I want to say but I can't seem to get it out so it all makes sense.  So I am listening and learning again.

Don't miss it!

I LOVE it when you have one of those days that you feel no one is really listening to you.  This past Saturday was one of those days for me.  The BIG thing for me was that morning I read this on the Brave Girls website. Melody was talking about being reminded that in our life we get to choose to bloom in the midst of the rocks. I thought it was interesting and I have been there many times in my life.  Then God reaches down and says, "I see you. I am aware you are hurting. I am right here making sure you realize how much I love you".    

That is what happened when I was out on our family hike and I didn't really want to go hiking where the rest of the family wanted to go.  I really had the I don't want to be doing this but I will anyway attitude.  Then I looked and I found these........flowers in the midst of all the rocks. 

Then in the middle of the rocks where we were walking my son saw this one.........a heart.  These two things really made me change my attitude.  I realized I was being seen and it made the world a better place because I slowed down enough to REALLY see.  That God took the time to single me out just when I needed it the most.  So take some time in the coming weeks to slow down long enough and look around.  You will be pleasantly surprised like I was in what you find or what He leaves for you.   

The last weekend

It has been a good 6 days not to mention a good weekend.  Fall has arrived, the nights are cooler....time for another blanket on the bed , the days are perfect with light breezes and the only draw back is it is getting darker at night.......it makes you think you should be already in bed and it is only 8pm.

We took some time on Saturday and did some hiking around the river that runs straight through town.  One of the wonders of this area is you have the woods within just a 15 minute drive.  It really was the perfect day, one I will not soon forget.

A friend of mine this summer helped me to move my Clematis from the side of the garage to its new home in the rock garden.  It was so emotionally hard to cut it so far back but I am happy to report that it is growning!  I am looking forward to seeing it next spring.

What do you see?

Beauty is all around us, most of the time we have to slow down long enough to enjoy it.  This summer I am glad I was able to do that so I didn't miss this in my garden.  What did you see this summer that you will never forget?

On my trip to Nebraska we had a chance to go to the zoo.  One of my most favorite places was the butterfly garden, it was so peaceful.  I enjoyed every little butterfly.  I was really hoping one would land on me or my daughter Michaela but no such luck.  When you first go in to the garden you step into this closed off little room with sliding doors on each side.  They only take a few people at a time because the garden can get pretty crowded.  You are told to watch for butterflies on the path so you don't step on them. 

It was also intersting that there were bird baths filled with fruit and honey water.  The butterflies love these.  Then when you leave, again you are asked to step inside a little room. This time however it is full of mirrors so you can do a butterfly check.

  

A bit of beauty

I am sitting her looking back over the summer, wishing I would have blogged more but then realizing my reasoning for not, I was living in the moment.  I wanted to go with the flow of my days, giving myself permission to just be, enjoy my children because the time is coming all to quickly, that they will be on their own living their own lives.

Summer started out cool for Spokane and today marks the third morning of 48*.  I believe fall is arriving and I am not ready to close up the house for winter.  I want to enjoy a little more of my gardens before they go to sleep until spring.  This past weekend we were able to finally get all the trimming done for fall.  The first summer we were here trimming really didn't get done at all, last summer was fast maintenance because of the wedding.  This year our bushes got the much needed attention they were due.  It has been amazing to see how things just a transformed.  My eyes were opened, to really see the secret garden I have always wanted.  I am really looking forward to spring and to keeping it this way.

Before/After Hydrangea and Variegated Dogwood

 
We have had a few plants come back to life with a little bit of added loving.  The Azalea that had so much snow dumped on it the first winter that the inside was pushed to the ground, bloomed this spring.  The giant Hydrangea bloomed and a White Rose also rejoined the family.  We've been able to identify three more bushes this year with the help of one of our local nursery's, Ritter's.  We have two different kinds of Dogwood and a Mock Orange.  I'm hoping they will all bloom well next year since we have now cleaned the dead wood out.      

The beginning of our summer was spent getting the front garden into shape.  I planted 3 Russian Sage and 2 Oriental Poppies.  The Poppies were planted to late so they didn't bloom.  I sure hope we won't loose all the new plants this winter. 

 

Wonderful

It took me over a week to get caught up from my vacation, which was a good thing because then my husband took two weeks off from work.  What a nice treat to just slow down and really have nothing on the agenda.  We managed to get 4 summer projects done and it feels so great to dream about what we will do next year.

Summer is coming to an end and that means there is less than a month until school starts.  My youngest will be in High School!  Excuse me......can things please slow down just a little bit.  Next week is also the start of Marching Band Camp.  Life will take on a busy spin with practices, football games and competitions not letting up until the end of October.  It might be busy but I count myself privileged to be there for my children when they need me.

Our family has seen two new Grandbabies this year and they are both just so beautiful.  Sage Pearl was born in February and the newest Maximus Walter was born in July.  Both daughter's are doing wonderfully and we couldn't be more happy for them.(and also for us)

I have more to share about my vacation but that will have to wait for another day.  Hopefully it won't take me so long to post next time.  I leave you with a bit of summer.  I'm not really much for yellow but these make me extremely happy!

vacation

One more week and I will be home from my vacation.  I have loved getting away but I am coming to the place where I want to be home.  You know you want to be doing your own gardening when you find yourself talking on the phone outside the hotel(because you don't get reception in the hotel) and picking off the dead flowers off the flowers in pots. 

Highlights for me have been spending time with two of my three girls, my youngest and oldest.  Working with my new son in law and oldest daughter at the birth of my fifth Grandson.  Being able to find a few scrapbook stores and spending time with family.  I am however ready to NOT eat out!  I have pictures to share but not until I get home. 

Hurting children

I've always had a heart for hurting children even when they are my own.  I was visiting Jennifer McQuire's blog today, she happens to be one talented woman.  She also has a heart for hurting children and runs card drives for children in need of encouragement.  She told of a young girl named Grace that just lost her twin sister Ellie to cancer. 

Cancer is such and ugly disease in any form.  Would you do something special for me today?  Would you visit Jennifer's blog, pick up her address and send a word of encouragement to a little girl who misses her sister more than anything?  I would appreciate it and so will Grace. 

A bit weird

I just love weekends, especially when I get a chance to be up before everyone else.  The house is so quiet, it starts it out right for me.  Next school year I need to remember this, maybe I'll make a habit of it.  This weekend also marks a start to a very differant summer for this family.  We are all doing differant things for the next couple of weeks.  My son is traveling to CA to spend time with his Uncle, my youngest and I will be traveling with my Step Mom to NE and my husband has graciously agreed to stay home to watch the animals and work.  His vacation time is already set for later in July.  It is just a bit weird to realize we won't be together.  I will use this time with my youngest daughter to just do as much relaxing as possible and try not to miss my boys to much.

The last week we have been in full get ready mode.  Last minute chores to do, suitcases to dust off, trying to figure out what to pack and we have also been creating.  Silly as it might be, when I go on a trip I like to have a couple of new things a purse/tote bag, a pair of fuzzy socks and a couple of new clothing items.  My youngest has been wanting to learn how to sew and it was the plan to do that this summer.  So we have taken the week to make that a reality and kill two birs with one stone, we made tote bags and I made a new purse.  The pattern for the tote bag was a challenge for a beginner like my daughter but she did well.  I am very proud of her!  You can find the pattern for the Amy Butler Birdie Sling tote bag here and the Bow Tucks Tote/Purse by Quilts illustrated here. 

So here is to the start of a wonderful summer!   

On it's way?

It is the last day of school, if you can really call it a day.  Seriously, do they really need to go to school for a total of three hours?  It has been over a week that I have had a hard time getting my children out of bed, there is NO motivation what so ever.  We are all excited about our plans for the summer, which I HOPE all work and no one is disappointed.  I am however really wondering if the summer weather will ever get here?  We are 10 to 15 degrees lower than we should be for this time of the year.  I know it is better than having 100 degree weather at least for me but I REALLY need the rain to stop doing it's thing everyday.

The last few months for me have been a jump start to getting things done, mainly scrapbooking projects.  I have discovered again through LOAD a few things.  I LOVE this hobby of mine and I believe I am over the guilt of every being caught up, it is pretty freeing.  I have learned about my style, what colors I use the most and what I love to do on my pages.  I have learned I am not a digital scrapbooker because I have this love affair with paper and pretty things.  I just LOVE it to much!  I know there are pretty things for the digital scrapbooker but reality is I am a hands on woman.  I have also been able to start to pin point the things I have purchased and just don't use.  Again pretty freeing to say it is okay to not use that and turn around, selling it to someone who will.  In my case it puts money in my pocket, so I can take a couple of online classes learning more about product that I own but haven't really used.  Like this class with Claudine Hellmuth and if you want to see a preview of what she has in store you can go to her blog.  With the help of LOAD in February and Shimelle's class I started on a road to spending less on scrapbooking supplies and actually using what I have.  Again freeing, especially walking into a store and looking around and saying........ya know, nothing really jumps out at me on a got to have list.

I shared my layouts in February here on my blog from LOAD but have decided to just post a link to my flickr gallery for the May LOAD.  I also completed my two oldest daughter's wedding albums, that you can see here and here, if you so desire.  For my own fun purpose I am keeping track of how many layouts I do this year and how many photos I will end being used.  Through the end of May, I have made 132 layouts and have used 512 photos.  When I started scrapbooking years ago it was with Creative Memories and I cut my photos into weird shapes.  I have also made a promise to myself that I will use those photos even if they are cut into weird shapes.  So if you see those weird shapes in some of my layouts you will know why.  Enjoy looking!!  Come back and let me know what you think.

Finally!

After weeks of rain here and cool temperatures, I tell you what I am ready for the warmer days!  It is so hard to get caught up on the weeding with the rain.  Finally got out there today, there were some that were over waist high.  Now if I can only get the dog to stop digging a cool spot from under my curly fig tree(that doesn't bare figs) I will be a happy camper.

I made it to my local nursery yesterday for some flowers.  Oh, how I love flowers and color!!  I decided this year to go pretty low key as we have some trips planned.  Plants in pots placed in just the right places so the sprinklers will hit them.  I really don't know how I did without underground sprinklers for years.  I love that I don't even need to worry or think about it anymore.  One of the things that made me totally happy this year was our monster Hydrangea bloomed.  It is so beautiful and I can't wait to figure out how to make it change color.  I promise I will post flower photos as soon as I can.  My video card died this week so as we wait for a replacement the computer isn't happy with the slower built in card OR maybe it is me that is impatient. 

Slowing Down

I tell you what, it is always the best of intentions.  You start each day with a list of things to do, then somewhere down the line you find that your day takes a turn.  It isn't the way it was suppose to be.  That pretty much sums up my life the last few weeks and months.  For the most part I feel like I am on a rollercoaster just hanging on for dear life, just hoping the next corner doesn't make me fall off.

So I think this week started out to be busy but has turned into a lesson of relearning to slow down.  Living in the moment, finding joy that has been misplaced and just being thankful for what I do have.  I am trying to not look at the fact that yesterday durning my errands my key phob decided to not lock my car, making it easy for someone to steal my hands free bluetooth device.  I don't understand why people feel the need to take things that don't belong to them.  I am also trying to not look at the sad fact that my computer has decided to be sick.  Instead I'm trying to see the silver lining......Maybe someone needed the bluetooth worse than me.  I can always buy another one.  I am thankful I had enough time to backup my photos to cd last night before my computer decided to really be sick.  I should have done it a long time ago.  I am thankful I have my hubby's laptop to even be able to post today and wondeful people in my life that are trying to help my sick computer.