You'll Always Be My Baby

Took this photo of Brady a week or two ago for part of a school project. He's getting so big and becoming such a little man. I wish I could freeze time. Even tho' Jeff and I agree every age has been our favorite, we hate it when we realize just how quickly the time is passing.

For those of you wondering why you rarely see photos of my other son it's because he is on his own and out of the house-although very near by. Just not around alot for those Kodak moments anymore. Cameron turned 20 in April and the time passed quickly with him, too. I can remember when he was Brady's age. At age 9, he walked me down the aisle to meet Jeff at our wedding. In many ways he is far from that sweet, tender little guy I remember. All grown up, independent, stubborn, very much his own person. He's had a rough go of it for several years now and he is struggling with figuring it all out. He's made mistakes and gotten into trouble. Gone down paths I would have never chosen for him. So frustrating at times to even be around him, but he will always be my baby just like Brady. The other photo is a layout I did awhile back with one of my very favorite photos of him. I think he is 5 or 6 in this picture taken at the Balloon Glow in Forest Park when it was just me and Cam. It's hard for me to scrap about him right now, but I know at some point I need to go back and do some stuff with his childhood photos. So many happy memories and details I want him to know.

Love the words to this song recorded by Sara Evans. Sums up how I feel about being the mom of my two boys right now...

in the sunlight or the rain
brightest nights or darkest days
i'll always feel the same way
whatever road you may be on
know you're never too far gone
my love is there wherever you may be
just remember that you'll always be my baby.

Well, I Never!

One of my fav scrapbooking bloggers started a fun little game HERE as part of NSD and on her blog. She asked others to play along so I thought it would be fun to post my "nevers" on my blog. Hope you will play along, too. Here we go-post your "i never, i want to, i will..." scrapbooking related and non scrapbooking related.

So all you nonscrapbookers out there can play along, too. I know you want to! In fact, I'll make it a little more interesting by sending a little somethin' to each of you who post your list. Ready, let's play!

I've never done a digi layout (and probably never will-not computer savvy enough!).
I've never watched America's Next Top Model-this is significant since I watch a million other reality tv shows!
I've never traveled internationally.
I've never seen the ocean-only the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Michigan.
I've never asked my dad if he believes in God or any other "big" questions.
I've never made a souffle.

I want to stop buying unnecessary things-I think it's a sickness!
I want to be more organized and have a clean house.
I want to be healthier and be consistently motivated to lose weight.
I want to go to New Zealand and Australia some day-I've been promising my friend Dena for nearly 20 years and a promise is a promise.
I want to know my children are leading happy and succesful lives before I die.
I want to work on my spiritual growth.
I want to take a "Bella" class and expand my artistic knowledge beyond scrapbooking.
I want to sing again-someday.
I want to do less scraplifting.

I will stop creating self-inflicted stress-yeah, right! I'm Type A all the way!
I will be more kind to my husband-he deserves every kindness.
I will learn to like myself-they say after 50 you don't care what others think, anyway!
I will work harder to be a great mom, a good wife and a loving daughter, sister and friend.
I will purge my scrapbook supplies and get my studio organized so I can actually use it.
I will start going to bed by 10 pm.

Happy NSD!

Okay, well, it's tomorrow, but I'll be busy celebrating and unable to blog so I'm a little early. It's been a crazy busy week and the weekend is full, but I'm especially looking forward to tomorrow. My scrapsister in crime, Tammy and I are throwing our own little crop. Can't wait! We're going to have snacks and challenges and giveaways just like the big guys. We'll be checking in w/ our favs to see how their celebrating-Heidi on QVC, Ali on Creating Keepsakes website and of course, the Peas. We scrappers know how to par-TY! Oh, for you non-scrappers out there-tommorrow is National Scrapbooking Day. :)

So have a good weekend and if we can pull ourselves away from the festivities we'll post some photos of our antics.

Barefoot Contessas

I am a huge fan of Ina Garten and her Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Recently, I purchased her newest book, Barefoot Contessa At Home . Tammy and I tried a couple of her side dishes last night. Didn't intend for her to have to help me, but it was so fun-and delish, too. Ina's recipes are mostly simple everyday food made with really fresh ingredients. She uses lots of fresh herbs which I've found make a huge difference in how things taste. Anyway, we had a great time and it gave us another opportunity to practice our photography skills.

The casual dinner was in the middle of one of our scrapfests. Tammy got alot more accomplished than I did. She was in the zone completing a mini album and a layout. Earlier in the day, Brady and I attended a luncheon after church celebrating the baptisms that had occured in the last year or so. A friend of ours managed to snap this of us together. What a treasure. I'm so hormonal today and a little down so this does my heart good to see this sweet moment and share it with all of you. Have a good week everyone!

Martha, Martha, Martha

Today is an exciting day! Today the eagerly anticipated Martha Stewart line of papercraft and scrapbooking supplies arrived at our local Michael's store. Although I had not seen any previews of product, I honestly was not expecting much. Having recently partnered with EK Success, I assumed Martha's products would be little more than what was already on the market. I should have much more faith in my idol, Martha Stewart. What a breath of fresh air her products are! They are 100% Martha-her colors, types of products she is always using, high quality, fair price. But so much more than the run-of-the-mill supplies you are used to seeing in the stores. Oh, there are items to be used for scrapbooking, but there are also kits for crafting with your children and items for celebrating in style as well as materials for packaging handmade goodies from your kitchen and garden. I was so excited about these products. To be sure there are items that will not appeal to everyone-oversize scrapbooks and not everyone appreciates here color scheme-lots of nutty brown, orange and turquoise, but there is truly something for every crafter in her line. I was particularly drawn to a set of wooden bird stamps, but refrained from purchasing them-this time. Here's a little of what I did purchase-baker's twine, decorative tape, tags and labels and lime green glittered letter stickers-SO love this font! Can't wait to make something with it all! BTW, her glitter comes in the yummiest colors and is packaged in glass jars similiar to spice jars so you can pour or scoop and sprinkle. :)

And as if that was not enough excitement for the afteroon. I pulled in my driveway to spy a package on the porch-my second shipment of materials for my BPS class, A Year To Remember had been delivered. It was like Christmas I tell ya! Here's a peek at what I found inside. About the time the newness of this class wears off something else pops up to reinvigorate me. I had been hoping it would include some of the ghost butterflies and it did. Also included was the butterfly mask, Tim Holtz applicator and distress ink in worn lipstick (love it!), HS script date stamp, days of the week journalling spots and tangerine bling which looks just like the color of orange freezer pops before you freeze them-totally yummy! And she made us all a fun little button-how cute is that!?

Okay, I have to calm down before I run Cam to work. I can't wait to get back home and get busy playing with all my new stuff. Going to be working on a little mini project and then try to turn out a layout or two w/ my new Martha stuff. Hopefully, I'll have something for you to look at later. See ya!

P.S. The rumor is true-you canNOT use coupons on Martha's stuff and I was told by a checker it will never be discounted. It's part of the agreement she has w/ retailers. It's all about the brand, folks. And she is always thinking-most of her products have a built-in organizing system so they can be stored in 3-ring binders. Oh, and the decorative tape is actually adhesive ribbon and is to die for. :)

Time Well Wasted

Spent some time with my favorite friend last night milling around Target and Michael's. So fun! Love little last minute meet-ups when we each have a bit of free time. She's so fun to shop with--I always find the best things thanks to her! Here's a few of the little goodies I picked up on our jaunt tonight. I'm trying to be SO good. In fact, I was going to Michael's to return a couple items-ended up more like a trade. And I couldn't pass up these luncheon plates from Target after passing them over once.

Anyway, I'm sure you're thinking there's a theme to my life this week-total procrastination. But I call it time well wasted-catching up with my dear friend and sharing a little retail therapy.

Totally Meaningless Stuff

There's alot of totally menaningless stuff that fills my head sometimes. My BFF, Tammy said to me once that she was amazed at all the stuff I think of and about. If only I had the motivation and energy to match and could bring my thoughts and ideas to fruition. Here's some of the stuff knockin' around in my head today. Maybe if I get it out here I can move on and do something productive. Lord knows I am not doing that so far this week! Suprised? I'm sure you're not. And I'm totally outing myself with this photo-just one of many piles.

The school year is quickly coming to a close and although we have arrangements for Brady day to day this summer, I've got to get organized about in-between times and his special activities like baseball, basketball camp, first chance camp, etc. And swimming lessons-I keep forgetting to call about swimming lessons! I so want him to have a fun summer. Trying to get him interested in reading Tom Sawyer or the Hardy Boys mysteries with me and then take a day trip to Hannibal.

On that note, I don't read nearly enough myself. Although I did as a child and well into my teenage years. Would be fun to re-read all the Nancy Drew books this summer. Did you know there's a Nancy Drew movie coming out? I'll have to try to take my niece or go w/ Tammy and Hannah. Also, saw an awesome idea in the Somerset Studio mag I recently purchased. Would love to read Gone With the Wind again and do an art project surrounding it. My Grandma Swan loved this book and movie and passed her copy down to us. It's earmarked for me and would love to do something special with this family treasure. Anywhoo...

I have a couple other projects to finish first. One I've decided will be a Mother's Day gift for Jeff's mom. Can hardly bear to part with it, but it's perfect for her-at least I think so. Getting ready to start on my mom's gift (sorry mom-no hints here). And I'm working on a little somethin' somethin' for Tammy (sshhh-don't tell her!) ;)

And although I've been very creative lately there is always more I want to try and do, but sooner or later I've got to get things cleared out around here. Seriously! I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I guess I think if I can't do it all at once or do it the way I want I just don't try. Something like that anyway, but I've got to get over it and get some stuff done. I haven't even groomed my front landscape and the hostas are peeking out. Maybe this weekend I can do a few things. It's always better when you have someone to work with. Wish Jeff was into that sort of thing, but alas he is not. He has been mowing and has finally realized the value of using the trimmer-silly fella! Try to cut him some slack about it since this is his busiest time of year. After all, I could do it myself if I am going to be particular, right?

BTW, I'm on the look out for a bright pink hibiscus and cobalt blue planter for next to my front door this year. Just outside there is so much I need to do-new mailbox, paint the front door, flowers and would love by Fall to put in an island across our backyard to create a bluebird habitat.

So inspired by the California coast and checked out some vacation rentals yesterday-just for fun. Loved this one. Still wanting to go there sometime. Especially to check out one of the flea markets such as the Santa Monica. Just finished looking through old entries on P Garrison's blog and the flowers from her garden are so beautiful. Love all the old-fashioned varieties of roses she has. Dreaming of a special bouquet of roses, peonies and lilac. Maybe one will come my way soon. :)

And a coconut cake-might have to make one. Think I can? Hmmm...bought Ina's newest book to try. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Would love to be uber organized and need to make time to visit the new Organized Living store. Probably more practical is just to lock myself in the house on a Friday afternoon and Saturday and just start getting rid of stuff. Need to call the folks organizing our church rumage sale to make a donation-note to self.

Okay, this is helping, but still not feeling super motivated to actually accomplish anything this evening. It's amazing how this computer can lull you into a trance. Going to try to do a few things before Dancing with the Stars. I know-I'm a reality tv junky like you would not believe! At least I can fold laundry while I watch. Fun times! Sorry this was so long and if you've gotten to this point then I think you might be a procrastinator like me! LOL

For The Beauty of the Earth

Happy Earth Day!

Celebrating by TIVO'g the Planet Earth series on the Discovery channel. Watching a few episodes here and there. Reminded Jeff it was Earth Day and told him about the series. He's reluctant, but said he'd watch a few with me tonight. I feel really strongly that God's entrusted us with his creation and we need to be good stewards. But like many, I struggle with finding a balance between awareness, practicality and effectiveness.

I think the biggest thing is awareness. For example, I know I need to stop letting the water run when I brush my teeth and stop using large amounts of papertowels (I think I'm addicted). There are alot of very practical things I can do daily just like these to effectively help take care of planet Earth. For more practical ideas visit Oprah Winfrey's website. Her recent "Favorite Green Things" show featured Simran Sehti from the Sundance channel with some easy to implement ideas to help your family go green.

A couple more goals for our family are to watch the thermostat a bit more, start turning off the power at the power strip on our electronic appliances and invest in cloth bags for our shopping trips. I'd also like to look into some of the "getting rid of junk mail" services out there. Overall, we just want to begin simplifying our lives and being more concious of our surroundings. For years I have been the poster child for consumerism and I want to take steps to change that. Our bank account will benefit from it as well as the environment. Not an overnight change, but lasting changes often are a work in progress.

Another gorgeous day here. Wherever you are today stop and be grateful for this amazing planet we have the privilege of inhabiting. And to see amazing photos and video go here.

HAPPY MAIL

So delighted to receive my Moo cards in the mail today all the way from England! These are the coolest things I've seen in a long time and a terrifc value. If you haven't checked these out through the Flickr website you should. Can't wait to order a set to use for gift tags at Christmas time. Very cool indeed!

It has been an absolutely gorgeous day here today. Brady and I have spent the day with two of our favorite people-my sister, Marisa and cousin Matt. Yummy lunch at First Watch and then browsing at Barnes & Noble. Aunt Missy's like Oprah-"find a book, I'll buy it for you!" So sweet. And the boys were SO good. The book I was trying to find they didn't have, but that's okay 'cause it's like a gazillion dollars. I was tempted to buy the newest Barefoot Contessa cookbook, but opted instead for the British edition of Country Living and the Somerset Studio magazine w/ the article about Pam Garrison. And BONUS! included papers designed by her-can't wait to make something w/ them. Finally we ended up at video game store and purchased a second Wii remote. Nine year old boys have trouble sharing the remote-well, one of them anyway.

So now we're settling in for the evening. Need to get ready for Sunday School tomorrow and do more laundry-my new favorite thing thanks to Rosie (see previous post). Right now I'm watching a starling on our deck. She's chosen our neglected gas grill for her new nest. Not sure she knows just how hot the sun gets on top of that grill. Eeek!

Okay, signing off for now. Going to get some laundry started, fix supper, etc. Who am I kidding-I'm calling Jeff to blow through Mickey D's for the boys! :) Have a good evening!

In My Book

In my book, here's who's ROCKIN' IT today:

my girl Jenni Bowlin-i'm still using up the stuff from her april kit. her stuff is just so doggone useable!

for keeps sake scrapbook store in st louis-thanks for validating my sense of style and listening to me rant. i can't wait to pick up my order of teresa collins extreme boy line!

me-i had a prodctive morning at work and although i am not accomplishing anything in the domestic dept, i am churning out the layouts like a scrapbook rockstar!

my pal Tammy-she took the most awesome photos of us on easter sunday and i am having a blast scrapbooking with them. hmmm...i think a little thank you gift is in order!

my husband-he has more patience and compassion in his heart than anyone i know. can't wait to head out to the movies with him this evening and spend some quality time together!

So,just in case you were wondering-you guys ROCK!

WOO-HOO!

It feels SO good to be creative. It's such a release for me. My coping mechanism. An outlet for whatever is on my mind, bugging me, stressing me out or just moving me. Started getting the Jenni Bowlin kits again and I just LOVE them! They really get my creative motor going. Often, I start out scraplifting the ideas in her and the guest artist's gallery, but end up putting my spin on it. I've gotten better about not lifting the layout 100% and using what I have on hand. Here are 3 layouts I did yesterday using the April kit. Still pretty much lifted all these layouts, but did my own thing here and there. The "no photos please" layout, was supposed to be for the dare website-the challenge was to use a phrase from a t'shirt. I saw this on a snoopy t'shirt at Sears and it SO reminded of Brady. Like the layout says-he does not like the mommy papparazi! One day though, he'll appreciate that his mommy did all this crazy paper and glue stuff-hopefully.

Almost through with my AYTR layout for April. Need to get brave using UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing something) and add a couple other little doo-dads and it'll be finished. Getting to be more challenging trying to complete my assignments. Still enjoying the class, but have to stay focused to get those assignments done.

Okay, now I need to do some stuff done around the house before the weekend is over. Have a great week!

Drum Roll, Please...

TA DA!!! Here it is. This is the project I did a couple weeks ago. It's called a charm bag and I used the Peas & Carrots line of fabrics from MODA. I tagged along with my mom one day to a quilt store she'd been wanting to visit. I was only hoping to find some Amy Butler fabrics and between my mom and one of the gals at the store walked out with these fabrics and pattern to make a charm bag. A little nervous, but mom, an avid quilter and seamstress walked me through it step-by-step. So fun and gratifying. I still need to add buttons-the daisy button on the front is just stuck on for the photo. Not sure what I'll end up with. The bag is made up of charm squares (4x4 precut) and is lightly quilted. It was a good first project for a beginner with a little sewing experience. The inside is lined w/ coordinating fabric with pockets for cell phone, sunglasses, etc.

This was such a fun thing to do with my mom. The second photo is the bag my mom made. She made hers using the new Anna Griffin fabrics-they are beautiful! It had been a very long time since Mom and I had done a project together. So that was an added bonus spending that time together. I'd like to try another bag on my own (I think) and might even consider tackling a quilt for Brady's bed. We'll see. You can hardly walk in the store and not want to try something. The fabrics are gorgeous. Sweet shop, too. For you locals-The Raspberry Patch in Cottleville.

Well, before I start another hobby or project I'd better try to get some completed I've already started. Hoping next Saturday to clean out my scrapbook studio so I can actually start working in there. It's crazy, but clean or not, I have a tendency to work at my kitchen table. And it's covered right now with about 5 different projects I have going so I'd better get busy getting stuff done and cleaning up.

sunshine, strawberries and to do lists

pretty much sums up the highlights of my morning. woke up to sunshine and jeff complaining about the impending gloomy weather on it's way. i decided then and there to open the blinds and enjoy the sunlight while it lasted. did my 3 mile walk and enjoyed the most delicious strawberries i brought home from the grocery yesterday. they just scream summer and a promise of the warm weather just around the corner. already crossing off items on my to do list-walk, update ipod. nothing like a to do list to get you organized and crossing items off is such a motivator to keep moving to the next item. other items on my list today: clean bathrooms (yuk!), laundry (have i mentioned how much i LOVE my new washer/dryer?!?), barnes & noble with brady (will most definitely include a coffee), a little creativity (have GOT to finish some projects in my head) and a movie with jeff tonight. this is the last official day of brady's spring break so we're planning to go at an easy pace. warming up for tomorrow's list which includes some deep cleaning and sorting-having the carpets cleaned next friday and i've already rescheduled once. i know-i'm so bad. anyway, stay tuned--hope to reveal the project i had been working on a week or two ago. it's been finished, but i needed to add something to it before i shared so that's on my list today, too. okay, more later. hope your day is filled with sunshine, strawberries and a completed to do list if that's what makes you happy!

It Isn't Easy Bein' Green

I agree with Kermit-it isn't easy bein' green. Or cheap either! Meet the newest edition to our family. Isn't she great?!? Reminds me of Rosie on the Jetson's-not sure exactly why. Maybe it's the front load doors or that it is so modern and sleek. We weren't exactly trying to be earth-friendly when we picked out our new washer/dryer, but were instead trying to gain more space in our teeny-tiny laundry room. After looking at traditional stackables we decided we still needed a fullsize w/d and happened upon this model. A bit pricey, but full-size capacity, stackable and the bonus is that it is earth-friendly. Less water, electricity, etc. I keep teasing Jeff that he is becoming an environmentalist. Those who know him well can imagine his reaction! My dad has been a big believer in wildlife conservation for as long as I can remember so I think it's pretty important to be good stewards of environmental resources. Not sure I'm ready to agree with Global Warming completely, but I don't think there's any doubt we're all pretty tough on our surroundings. Jeff doesn't like it when I get on that tangent. Little by little though we're trying to become more aware of our impact on the environment. We've been participating in recycling in our community since we moved here and have been trying to be more conscious of how we impact things, but have a long way to go. Ran across this blog the other day and it is very inspiring. In the second half of the year I'm going to try to read more about compacting and how the three of us can do our part to be good stewards of God's creation. Lord knows we need to simplify around here! And I don't know if I'll ever be able to give up Tide or Clorox. Like I said, it isn't easy bein' green!

Happy Easter!

We've had a very enjoyable Easter day. Our day began with a call early this morning that one of the students in our Sunday School class was being baptized this morning. We rushed around so we could be at church early to be there for the baptism. Great worship service and sermon from Pastor Tim and then a lovely lunch at Red Lobster with our dear friends the Heckels. Afterwards, the guys and the kids humored me and Tammy with a few pictures at a nearby park. Managed to get a few good ones inspite of the chilly weather and Jeff's impatience. Its Masters Sunday,you know. Now we're home just hanging out and it's so nice. Hope your Easter day has been a blessed one, too!

Photos were taken by Tammy. Look out all you photogs! I think she has a great eye and my family is so at ease with her. Glad for the chance to finally give this a whirl and so grateful to have these-thanks, Tam!

In the ZONE

The past few weeks I have been so creatively inspired. I've mentioned one of my fav shops here in town-Red Lead and it kind of started with our latest visit there. They always do such cool things. I started out making a couple of their vintage-y paper mache eggs. Love them. Such impact for such little effort.

One of the best little treats I've purchased in quite some time was the little box of Spring goodies from Rebecca Sower (they came in an adorable pink take out box!). So inspired by her, Teresa McFayden and Pam Garrison-love those gals! I've been using all kinds of little goodies to make tags and these little wall hangings inspired by Rebecca Sower. Not sure what you call them really, but I love them! They could be addictive. I especially love the idea of using the curtain ring clip to hang them-so sweet! Totally got this idea from Rebecca. Guess I need to get back to scrapbooking at some point, but these little projects are so satisfying.

Today, I received my first Paper Bella kit from Teresa McFayden. I know I won't be able to wait long before putting it together. Need to put the finishing touches on another special project I just completed and then I can share it with all of you. So much fun-I can't wait for you to see it!

How Green Was My Valley

One of my mom's favorite movies is, How Green Was My Valley. I believe it starred Roddy McDowell and Maureen O'Hara. I vaguely remember seeing it one time-very much a tearjerker. The movie may have even been adapted from a novel. The title came to mind and then all these little factoids about the movie as I look out my window today. It is SO green here right now and I love it! I love the spring when the tree bark is dark and wet and the color of the new leaves really pops. And I'll never forget being in Kentucky during the Springtime and how lush the grass was and how it moved in the wind. It looked almost like velvet it was so dense and dark green. Since green is my favorite color it's no suprise I'm enjoying all the green! It's been very warm here up until this evening when it's supposed to turn very cool again and possibly freeze overnight. Fortunately, my daffodils have already come and gone, but I might have to cover the new growth of my coral bells. Note to self! The photo BTW, was taken over the weekend-today is stormy and gloomy, but no less green.

Enjoying a little quiet while I do laundry (sans dryer-that's another LONG story for another time!) and peruse the internet. Loving some of these blogs lately. This ONE and this ONE and oh, this ONE, too. So much inspiraton among these gals it just wears me out!

Fresh out of anything else to say today, but hope to be able to share a project I've been working on soon. It is SO cute!

Update: mentioned the movie to my mom and she retold the whole story over the phone and practically started crying-me, too! Of course, she said the movie was so good, but the book is even better.

I've Always Wanted To...

I'm a big Ellen DeGeneres fan and at the first of the year she talked about creating a Life List. Of course, her list consisted of things she wanted to accomplish in her lifetime. Daydreaming today, I was thinking about things I've always wanted to do, but for one reason or another haven't or most probably won't ever do. But they're fun to think about. Here's a peek at a few...

drive a volkswagon convertible
travel to exotic places-Australia and New Zealand, Paris, California (well, it's exotic to this mid-western girl!)
live near the ocean
be independent and not care what other people think
ride in a horse drawn carriage in the snow
be skinny

What have you always wanted to do? Hope everyone out in bloggyland will participate and leave a comment and share. :)

TGIF

Really, thank goodness! The past month has been stressful at our house. Yesterday, I finally could let out a big sigh and felt like the stress had been lifted. Not sure why. I'm a total control freak so it's not like I gave up anything. Maybe I was just so tired of it that I couldn't hold on to it anymore. Anyway, did what I could at work today, checked in with my Jenny Craig consultant (lost another 1.8 pounds, BTW) and came home to kick back and catch up on my TIVO. Noone else here for a good hour and a half after I got home. Ellen and broadway on The View and a good cry and I'm better. I think it's "the change", but I cry about everything. Marky Mark was on Ellen and I cried. The cast of Les Mis on the View and I cry. The opening of the children's garden at the Botanical Garden and I cry. Geesh! Now, my BFF, Tammy will tell you I'm just a crier-an emotional gal. But lately it is ridiculous. Our preacher claims to cry at mall openings-that's me! No kidding!

Anyway, had something really cool happen in my world today. But suprise! I didn't cry. But I was so excited I was shaking when I called Tammy and my hubby to tell them. I got an email from Heidi Swapp today! Yep, me. I'm a little star struck and was so excited. Evidentally, she's been periodically sending students emails about their posts to the gallery. So, see, not that big a deal really, but cool nonetheless.

Not really sure where this is going actually so I guess I'll sign off. Brady is hankering for a pretzel and an icee from Target. Seems like a good excuse to make a run there so I'm off. Enjoy the weekend. Jeff has to work most of the weekend, but Brady and I are looking forward to a quiet, relaxing weekend. Might even do some cleaning around here. Oh, and some artful pursuits as well. Whatever you're doing-enjoy!

P.S. My apologies for breaking the "never post without a photo" rule of blogging. Sorry. No photo for rambling thoughts. :)

AYTR Update

Thought I would give a little update on my year long class with Heidi Swapp over at Big Picture Scrapbooking called A Year To Remember (AYTR). This class is centered around a calendar album which is, in and of itself very cool, but for those of you who are less familiar with BPS, here's a little breakdown of the class schedule which will give you an idea of what we've been doing. Class "meets" each week online on Thursday's with a downloadable lecture from Heidi. She breaks the month up by making the first week about a Life Challenge, week two is the Art Challenge, week three is usually something more indepth or seasonal (this month was about St Pat's Day) and week four is usually the bonus week and she covers a technique or another type of challenge. She really encourages us to make the class our own. To go at our own pace and do as much or as little as we like. After all, this is about learning to live with intention-creating a year to remember.

For the most part, I have been able to complete the challenges and assignments, but the last month I have been slipping a little further behind each week. I've been determined to get caught up and I've finally completed my March layout. Our challenge for March was to count our blessings and then send thank you cards to folks to show our appreciation for what they add to our lives (this is one I didn't get done). Our art challenge was to take a word which summed up how we thought about our blessings and use it as our title. I chose "lucky girl"-lucky in love, lucky mom, lucky to have you (my siblings), lucky pals (me and my BFF) and SO LUCKY (me, Jeff and Brady at Disney last year).

Every month I say "this is my favorite art challenge!" This month we used so many cool techniques I had not done before. Great little tips here and there including making our own ghost embellishment with acrylic paint and transperancy. And I loved all the fun ideas for St Pat's Day-some I was able to do, some I'll use next year. I am really loving this class. I'm hoping to do a little more catching up and share my February layout later this weekend (also a favorite!). I just need to add a couple finishing touches to it. All of the layouts have had so many layers to them and have challenged me. My challenge to myself for April is to try not to just copy Heidi's example. I always end up changing things slightly anyway (see how I worked in a little orange?), but I'm hoping to really break out of the box this next month. Seriously, I really am-hoping at least. My scrapsister, Tammy knows I am a BIG scraplifter. :)

Okay, well, just wanted to share what I've been doing in my class. My MIL asked Jeff this week if I was enjoying my class (they gave it to me for Christmas). I have to say most definitely!