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Project Life 2012 Title Page

Have you heard of Project Life? No? You should! The best thing EVER. Take a look at this VIDEO.

On the fence? Convinced? Let me tell you, its a no pressure way to document your life and/or your family's life. It takes away the pressure of scrap booking ALL THOSE PHOTOS. Even if you are NOT a scrap booker...It gets those photos OFF YOUR HARD DRIVE  on your computer and INTO ALBUMS that YOU and/OR your Family can enjoy, EVERY DAY, ALL YEAR LONG.

I say that is motivation enough...don't you? 

 You can go as simple as you want to as creative as you want.  Go even faster and use the DIGI version. Have kids? No kids? Married? Attached? Single? It doesn't matter. What's important is that you are documenting your life. Period. How cool would it be to go back a year later to see how far you have come? 5 years? 10? 20? To be honest, I wish I had this kind of thing available to my great/grandparents and parents.  VERY COOL :)

I have been doing Project Life since 2010...I am behind on getting the journaling for 2010 (photos are completed). Mid way on 2011. That's me- always behind on projects. Pretty much start and stop kinda girl.

BUT...

I want to change that this year. This is the year to make some changes about myself I don't like.

This is one of them.

So...my plan is to stay on top 2012, while getting caught up on 2010 + 2011. I may just do those albums a bit more simple. (I also plan on going backwards in the years as well).

2012 is going to be more about documenting our life and PLAY. I'm excited to try out the different style that seems to be trendy. I love trends...wish I could be that way with my style of clothing. I try, but I don't think I'm even close or brave ;0) I'll just continue to live vicariously through others who have alot of style ;0)

Without further ado...

Here is my 2012 title page.

(click on image to view larger)

* sorry about the crooked image. My perfectionist side is screaming FIX IT! but I'm just going with it today. Its done, and I need to move on. Will try to better next time ;0)*

I hope to keep posting my pages as I go. I am doing Project Life by month (as opposed to daily and weekly spreads.) I wish I could get it weekly at least but...our kiddo is with us mostly weekends, and the other 2 older ones are here and there. Its just easier for me to do it by month- whenever I can get pics...and well, whenever my subjects are being cooperative for me to get the photos. :(

Are you doing Project Life? Are you thinking about it? Here is the PL Creative team- all who have different styles and methods...which one fits you? At this time, some of the products are out of stock but the word is that it will be back in stock shortly. Keep checking back. Don't want to wait? Email or leave a comment...and I will help you with any questions you may have...to get you started on documenting life. :)

 Products used:

Top left:

I used the 4x6 insert (the yellow/gray stripe) Clementine kit by Becky Higgins (Project Life) and then I just glued the left "click" on the left side, Click. (journal card) Three Paper Peonies (digi printable cards) and put the 3x4 insert (gray/white printed card -also from Clementine) on the right.  Added the camera with a heart badge (Ormolu) on top of the vintage camera image that was already on the digi card from TPP.

Top right:

4x6 folded journal insert from Clementine as the background ( I'm obsessed with gray + grids right now). Used my Silhouette for the 2012 numbers, Hello is Amy Tangerine's AC Thickers (LOOOOOOOVE these- she also has a white version that is even better!!) and lastly added strips of patterened paper (stars + hearts).

2nd 3x4 window:

3x4 journaling card from Clementine, added red heart border punch (EK Success), the red stripped tag is from Smash. I just stapled onto a vintage 5 card I found on Etsy.

3rd + 4th 3x4 slot:

 is a 4x6 photo I cut in half and added a scalloped border punched with the yellow graph paper collection from Paper Trey Ink.

Bottom left 4x6:

a graph sticky paper (from a office supply store), Amy Tangerine washi tape, and the "simply a great life" from Silhouette.

Bottom right 4x6:

Clementine('everyday life print) as the background, 3x4 insert is from Clementine as well. Added the " About us" badge (Ormolu).  The red felt heart I purchased on Etsy a very long time ago that is now finally getting used. See, hoarding CAN be a good thing ;0) * you can make your own heart by cutting out felt and sewing it or just punch a heart with carstock, etc. and use a pop up glue dot to make it more 3D.

MIA...but Happy Summer Ya'll!

Hi there...July!!! Time flies, doesn't it? I realized that I haven't posted since APRIL!!?? Sorry about that! Wow, I have alot of catching up to do LOL

I am in the process of getting caught up on business bookwork after the tax season nearly did me in...so I will be back soon with updates. For now, I'll leave you with some photos that sums up what has been going on around here....

Baseball (apil-June)

 

Little dude turned 12, and has an attitude, er, personality to match it ;0)

 
 

My sister graduated high school...

 

Project life photos being edited, printed and put into the 2011 album. Other photos being picked out for a big house wall frame project, and catching up on work...

 

Summer is in full swing...

 

 


Hope you are enjoying your summer so far!! Catch ya later! ;0)  

 

 

Kauai Mini Book

Yay! Its finally finished! Go me! I am so excited about getting it done. The trip was awhile ago, and I have been working on it for about a month now. Its really fat! I used a mixture of different things, and a ton of photos...and definitely memorabilia heavy. The cover is actually a place mat that I bought there, and cut to size. I've been holding onto that thing since the trip!! See honey, some things I hoard will get used somehow! ;0)

 

 
 

TO VIEW THE WHOLE ALBUM: HERE

Here is the list of  the products I used:

washi tape (Pretty tape, Cute tape, Making Memories) 

Fab rips (Studio Calico)

plastic place mat (purchase at a gift store in Kauai and I cut to size)

pattered paper + some embellies ( Studio Calico, Making memories, Hambly, American Crafts)

fabric material/paper/envelopes( bought from etsy and Paper Source)

stamps (Studio Calico, Ali Edwards, cats life press )

Embossing powder ( Zing AC) , versamark ink andstazOn ink)

paper/felt flowers (Making Memories )

paper lace cardstock (the hawaiian flowers lace paper on the back of album- KI memories)

embellishments/stickers (etsy, AC, October Afternoon, Prima, other)

embroidery thread + needle ***Thank you Melissa for helping me with this. I was out of town and didn't have access to the class video and my cousin Melissa ROCKS it in the stitching department!! (Btw,TAKE a class to learn how I did the word stitching HERE. Amy is so talented + inspires me so much that I want to do more stitching on my layouts!)

postcards (bought in Kauai)

alphas (Studio Calico, AC Thickers, Sassafras, Jenni Bowlin)

Border punches (ek success)

kraft card stock (Stampin up)

If you have any questions about what I did, how I did something, or product(s)...please ask away in the comments section :)

***********

 On the journaling for the last pages (img # 71)

The last day. Our flight didn’t leave until 9 pm. The sun had finally come out after a couple of days of rain. So what better way to kill time than to hang out on the beach? Had a lot of fun but certainly a bittersweet trip for me. This may just be the last time I come to Kauai. Too many memories from a past trip...makes it too painful for me. We'll see. Good thing there are other islands...

Thank you to my awesome and wonderful Dad for this trip. I can’t wait to come to the islands with you again!

Thank you to my twin cousin for coming with me. Lots of laughs + silliness, tears shed by me, and the comfort you were to me on this trip. Had so much fun with you!

************

 Journaling for the very last page (img #74) :

 Home will have to wait:
We were in the air yesterday when we were rerouted to San Francisco  - about an hour from Portland-we would have to stay the night in SF. Got to the airport and while we were waiting for our luggage, I told my cousin to go upstairs to the airline ticket counter and get our hotel + meal vouchers. Good thing because when she came back down and said that there was a LINE -of about 200 people and she was the 5th one waiting. HA! Lucky us! So we have been up since 3 am. I have been running on 6 hrs of sleep for the past 38 hrs or so. I've stopped counting!  Anyways we get on the 6 am flight, leave about 30 min late and then about 20 min before landing in PDX, the captain said we had to turn around and go back to SF because of the weather in PDX. It kept changing from snow to freezing rain and the runway people couldn't keep up with the treatments of keeping the runway clear and de-iced. So we went back to SF and hung out on the airport floor for a few hours. Changed our flight time 3 times and right now we have just boarded. Hopefully it'll be the saying-3rd times a charm! Lol now I just have to worry about driving 3+ hours on the mountain with the crazy drivers and snow and ice. Might wait til tomorrow. Also, my car that has been sitting at long term parking -outside in the snow and freezing rain. Hopefully we can get the doors open lol oh and hope my feet don't freeze considering I have on flip flops still. ;) blog you later with a update! Gotta go - about to take off! Ps this is the scene that we have been looking at for the past few hours.
Sent via BlackBerry as written on my blog.

Well there you have it! Hope you like!! :)

Dec. Daily Day 3-16.

Hello! Whew! I finally got caught up. Can I just say that I'm proud of myself for sticking with this and may just actually finish it! Go me! :)

(Remember to click on the image to view it larger!! ) **edit- i will come back tmrw and enter the journaling. some of the photos make it hard to see what I said**

Day 3- santa tag intro

Day 3 intro cont. 
 

Day 3 cont. this photo was taken by my mom's phone. I didn't bring my camera this night (stupid me! i'm working on a daily album, duh!) Thanks mom :)   
 

Day 4. Big game for us Ducks. The Civil War, and this game would decide if we were going to the Rose Bowl or the BCS National Championships. Oh yeah, we're goin' to the 'ship!!!! Way to go Ducks!!! The photo was taken off the tv- we didn't host the civil war this year, so we decided to save our $ and stay home, have a party at a friend's house. This was taken right after we won. The photos on the right : the football I took in the beginning of the fall, and the Ducks Coach, Chip Kelley off from the tv giving a interview after the game as well.  
 

the photos on the left: from a couple of games that we went to that I wanted to include, even though it wasn't the exact day. right photo: envelope that I plan on putting the newspaper clippings about this game as soon as I copy what I have, since I plan on using the original for the OR Duck album I have made  for us.(I just realized that I have not shared this album yet..will do soon!) 
 

back of the clipping envelope + Day 5 intro.
 

Day 5 cont.
 

Day 5 cont. journal + photos of Wade + the xmas countdown calendar.
 

Day 5 cont. A photo driving to his first basketball game, which was an away game, and happened to be the first day it storms + photos from his game and journaling. 
 

Day 6 journaling
 

day 6 cont.
 

Day 6 cont. photo of our front door, snow and boots :)

 

Day 7 -the mantel shot +journaling on the back of the tag.
 

the red felt reindeer pocket (a gift card holder i found at Micheal's-cute right?!)- is holding receipts from errands I did and a mini wallet sized photo I took of the stamps I bought for the Xmas cards + a piece ripped out of movie guide from Blockbuster's about the Eclipse (from the Twilight series) movie I bought.
 

Day 7 cont. journaling about our tree.
 

photo of the tree. So glad I took this pic when I did...a few days later the top tier's lights burned out. Go figure...
 

Day 8 : i took this photo using the reflection of a xmas ornament. I love how it shows a fish eye like around the living room + and shows the fireplace mantel. Love that I was able to capture my dogs laying at my feet like they always are. + Day 9- a little humor about the thing I hate to do- cooking...well at least I think its funny- the photos/story not the cooking- there's nothing humorious about that!. Not so sure anyone  else thinks I am that funny LOL :)
 

Day 10. Sick still + a piece of mail that was the first Xmas card we got of my cousin and her family- she recently had triplets! Crazy thing.
 

Back of the envelope that I spilt my Starbucks coffee--grrrr! + Day 11 intro.
 

Day 11; Introducing Fred, our elf on the shelf.
 

Day 11 journaling.
 

Day 12 : my sister working @ McDonald's (well I actually borrowed from when I took it last year or so- I once again didn't have my camera on me, and well I knew she would hide if she saw it LOL) +plus a photo I took of basketballs a couple years back- it was all about basketball that day. + plus journaling
 

Day 12 journaling.
 

Day 13 _ filling out Xmas cards and was sposed to send them out the next day at least..but they are still sitting out on the counter...so hopefully no one getting a card from us sees this before they actually get the card in their hands first...sorry if you had to see it here LOL 
 

Our first xmas card as a family :) + intro to Day 14
 

Day 14: my job.
 

Day 15: another job- me working on photo editing + deadlines for senior pics to be sent to the yearbook dept. + another piece of mail (i covered my address and blurred out the sender's for privacy reasons) I knew I wanted to something that had our address on it. This was another xmas card that included a letter update about the family. I thought it would be fun to read in the future.
 

This is actually a part of Day 16, today, where we had dinner tonight + plus the receipt of what it cost. I meant to put it behind the photo for the day but oh well its there and done lol
 

Day 16. Me working on the Dec. Daily album :)
 

This album is getting reeeally thick. I am definately going to have to find bigger book rings. If you have any questions on products or anything, ask me in the comments section and I will be happy to tell you there! :) Hope everyone is doing well, and ready for Xmas. We're not! We haven't started shopping yet!! eeeek! Probably won't be back until after Xmas/New year with the rest of the Dec. album updates...until then....

Have a Merry Christmas!

Ps- To see the first 2 days, look in the post before this :)
 

Dec. Daily Day 1+2

Hello December. I can't believe how fast Thanksgiving came and went, and we are already heading into the third day of Dec. I meant to get these up in separate posts on day 1 and 2...but I fell sick with a sinus infection + a fever of a 101 since last Sunday...I knew I was feeling pretty crummy but I had no idea that I had a fever that high until I went into the doctor on Tues. On top of that, on our way home from the Oregon game on Saturday, the suburban went alittle haywire. We had just gotten back onto dry pavement off of Williamette Pass, and switched over to auto from 4x4 when all of the sudden the car started idling really fast and rough, the engine light came on and the stability feature turned off. We couldn't go faster than 35 miles per hour. Made some calls, and apparently the car's computer went into "limp home mode" (say what?!). Which means that it was ok to drive to where we needed to go but to get serviced ASAP. Luckily we were only about 20 miles away to the car dealership's repair shop...but it took FOREVER to get there. 35 miles per hour aaaaallll the way there. We were tired and now stressed and just wanted to get home. Even though, I tried to look at the positive side of it, and said it was a blessing that it freaked out where it did and not on the cold snowy pass (hardly any cell phone service) and we had our friends following us. Plus the fact that the car shut itself down to a point where it wouldn't cause any more or possible damage. Dropped the car off and was given a free loaner car (a 4 door Hyundai Santa Fe) until it was fixed. This loaner car pretty much broke the tension between Scott and I...and gave our friends a good laugh and had a great time making fun of us :) Well, it DID look like a bright white bathtub that Scott (he's 6'4 tall) was driving. They came up besides us in the other lane, taking pictures and laughing so hard, I swear I thought we were gonna wreck. It was hilarious! Couple of days later, my beloved Sub was fixed and ready to be picked up. All it needed was a update on the computer system (say what?). All covered by the factory warranty. Whew.

Alright, without further ado...here is my Dec. Daily Day 1 + 2. I won't be listing any products descriptions. Getting the photos and writing the info is a tedious job so if you have a question about what was used, please ask me in the comment section and I will be happy to let you know there :)

Remember to click on the image to view larger.

This is the cover. I added a snowflake tag to the top ring.

 
pg 2. intro

pg 3 intro. 

pg 4 intro to day 1. 
 

back of pg 4 + intro photo w/ the candy cane heart (taken by me! I placed them together and put them on top of a turquoise antique table I have by our dining room window. I LOVE the color combination of the red, white and turqiouse blue together) . This is by far my fav so far :)
 

a close up. "Hello December- how I love you so." Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love all of the sparkle, lights, scents, the tree,traditions and the magic of xmas.
 
 

back of pg 4 (loooove the fabric that is adhered) + Day 1. Photos of my breakfast and tea with a dose of my antibiotics 2x a day. The fireplace that I was grateful to have to stay warm while fighting my fever. The wreath that I finally got to hang up on the inside of the front door (another wreath is on the outside- photo will be another day!) 
 

pg 5 (on the back of the day 1 journal pg). Pg 6 is the Starbucks pastry bag that I had stitched but left open at the top in case I wanted to use it to house a letter or journal more. Haven't gotten that far yet....
 

on the back side of the sbx bag + pg 7 intro to day 2. This is a number lace adhered to a heavy transparency page with the painted #2 to make it stand out more. Edged with some red sparkle ribbon :)
 

back side of pg 7 + day 2. I had been wanting to photograph apples for awhile now, and I love the red and green color combo so I figured this was a good time as any. The felt snowflake is actually hole punched and is placed there to take up the empty space I have below the photo. I haven't decided if I am going to place anything there, or leave it as is.
 

flipped the snowflake over to reveal the journaling.
 

pg 8 on the back of day 2 (cont.). I had to leave the house to take the dog to get her stitches out from her knee surgery she had 2 weeks ago and run some errands. After 3 days of staying inside and in my pj's (FYI, I did shower you know. Just sayin'), I was ready to get out, but unfortunately my body was not. By the time I got home, I was feeling really crummy again and super frustrated since all I wanted to do was get better. ANyways, I stopped by Starbucks to pick up a peppermint mocha latte, in hopes of clearing my sinuses, and warming up my throat. Well, I could barely taste it. Thanks alot tastebuds. I took a photo of the sign withthe holiday flavors while I was in the drive thru. SO happy that I did. I also took off the order sticker, used a border punch and stuck it right on the photo. It has the size + the time I got it. Love how it turned out. Holed punch one of the many coffee cup sleeves I have been collecting lately (plan on using these for a mini someday lol)...but isn't the wording so cool? Hmm, I wonder if they have been seeing us scrapbookers talking about and making layouts about their yummy coffee?
 

Not alot of "stories" so far...just tidbits of my day. I'm home alone most of the day so not much going on other than what I usually do. Its the weekends where we see alot more action since that's when we get our Wader bug at our house. This weekend is full of basketball games- Wade and my sister's (who is a Senior this year and captain of her varsity team) on Friday and Sunday. Saturday is the big rival game and last game of the season....CIVIL WAR! Oregon vs Oregon State. GO DUCKS! This game will determine whether we go to the Rose Bowl or National Championship. I'm not going to say anything more. We are a superstitious bunch and will not say anything to jinx anything. LOL! I will say however, undefeated at this point...11-0 and Pac 10 Conference Champions!  

Check back next week for days 3 and 4...at least. I have a busy week coming up to get caught up on the restaruant business bookkeeping and have deadlines for the Senior and a family shoot(s) I had the last couple of months. Being sick, travelling and the car situation has really put me behind. Not to mention getting the tree up and getting our XMas cards out! Wow, only 21 days before Christmas!  Is it time to panic yet?! ;0)

Have a great weekend!

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter.

Fall was here and gone in a flash.

 
We had all kinds of plans to go to a pumpkin patch, carve pumpkins...but those plans fell through. I managed to get some mini pumpkins before they ran out for the season.

 
 

Flu shot time. (photo found online)

 
We all got the shot this year. My first in 12+ years. So far so good...sort of. Wade got his first physical to clear him to play 6th grade basketball. He had to get his 11-12 yr old tetanus shot, and his flu shot. He ended up having some reactions and had a small fever....then he had tummy troubles and fatique for over a week. Missed school and his first week of practice. He ended up going to the ER, thinking that he may have appendicitis...but they determined that he just had a lower intestine virus. He ended up missing Halloween. He had a pretty cool custome that we finally found his size at a Halloween specialty store. Hopefully he"ll be able to wear next year...but I'm not holding my breath on that one LOL I snapped a photo of it just in case...what can I say, I am a scrapbooker. :)

 
Basketball shoe shopping...

 

Whoa! Size 20. Scott wears 15's, but can you imagine?

 

I've been busy with senior photo shoots, and did a shoot for our friends. In return, Melanie did ours :)

C. family...

 
 
Our family :) Thank you Melanie!

 
 
 
Can't wait to do our 1st Christmas cards :)

Hello winter. First snow fall.

 
 
Can't believe the holidays are just right around the corner. Time flies. I am excited about getting the Xmas tree up. I am going to try to follow along with a December Daily mini book project that Ali Edwards came up with.
Have the book semi ready, will just need to add the pics and journaling daily. I cheated with the book to save some time (working on other projects), but will be adding other embellishments/papers as I go. Got the book from Evalicious.
 

I finally finished a project I've wanted to get hung up in the entry way. I was just waiting for our fall family pics. This is a printer's tray from 7 Gypsies. I got it in a kit that Ali E. made up for Cocoa Daisy. I pretty much lifted her but changed a couple of placements and embellishments to make it more for us. I love how it turned out.

 
Hanging in the entry way. LOVE :)

 
Got the door knob wall hook at Pier 1 last year, and the round mirror above that at a local antique store.

Ok, so you noticed that there's a W, right? That's the last initial of Scott and Wade...and I'm obviously not sharing that last name...yet :) I already feel like we are a family, and feel like an W. Here's to hoping that he asks me officially soon. Just sayin'!  :)

Have a happy Thanksgiving!  

ps- I have posted 2 other entries in the past couple of days. See below if you missed it! :)

Update for Aug-Oct 2010.

As promised I'm back with an update...

Starting towards the end of summer...Aug. 5...Scott and I wanted to celebrate our 1 year together so we decided to take a trip back to the coast before school started again. This time it was pretty low key. Just the 3 of us.

 

 

 
 
Nice sand boobs buddy. HAHA!

So we are minding our business and here comes this guy with really long white hair, walking past us..and as soon as he was out of ear shot, Scott goes, hey...that was William Lee Golden from the Oak Ridge Boys. By the time I got my camera out he was pretty far away, but here's his backside lol

 
Devil's Punch Bowl.
 
 
 

 
 
 

Roses from my love :) 

Scott and Wade went deep sea fishing again. This time the weather wasn't all that great. Wade got sea sick, even though he 'd been out 2 or 3 times before. The captain was a real grump, as the people they went out with weren't fishing too smart, hence the grumpy captain. Nothing was really biting....except for this ugly thing. Eww.
 

A summer outdoor concert.  I had gotten Scott Willie Nelson tickets for his birthday. Dad and my stepmom had tickets first, also a birthday gift for dad from Merrilene, but I managed to snag some awesome seats. She ended up having to leave early to go to work as the concert up starting alot later than we thought, and someone else was opening the concert, so she didn't even get to see Willie. I felt so bad for her, and my dad. I went and hung out with him about mid concert to so he wasn't by himself. Love you Dad!  
 

The concert was at the Les Schwab amphitheater at the Old Mill District
 
 
 
 

Willie. The man still has it at 77 years of age. I grew up to him and my dad singing together(from the cassette tapes of course). My dad is his biggest fan. He even sounds like him ;0) First thing I noticed was that Willie had cut his hair. O.M.G.
 
 
 

It was a really awesome concert. It would have been more enjoyable if it didn't start pouring down rain and I don't mean just sprinkle. Downpour for almost the entire time he was on. Add drunk people, older and younger alike, making a fool of themselves, was really distracting. Even at 77, he can still make people react to anything he does. Do you know people were falling over themselves when he was throwing guitar picks, headbands, whatever out from the stage? Wade got a pick from a band crew after the concert was over...pretty cool :)

Father and son time. Scott and Wade playing/throwing the football around. He's such a great dad :) 

and HOT too :) Be still my heart. Sigh.
 

Got a new ride in October. A 2009 Suburban. Pretty hunk of metal right? I originally was looking and set on a blackFord Expedition. Until Dad found this for me.  Hello. I will be your new owner.

 

We LOVE it! THANKS DAD :)

The Oregon Ducks baseball team came into town for a mini clinic for younger kids. First there was a scrimmage, teaching them some baseball tips and then autographs. We are seriously thinking about letting the little dude go to baseball camp (weekends or/and week long clinics), that the Ducks host. I think he would really benefit from it.  
 
 
 
 
to be continued....its 1:30 am...will be back later tommorrow to finish....

Photo Booth

I'm following along Kelly Purkey's sketchbook class (with Studio Calico design team contributions)...I'm late as usual- its Day 5-and going backwards :) Ever since Wade and I did a photo booth pic at the beach, I've been itching to scrap it so here's my take from the sketch :)

This is actually a combination of the day 5 and the sketch on the Studio Calico blog on 7/18. **Since KP's class is a paid class, I am not allowed to share the actual sketch.  

Materials:

*patterned paper and corrugated alphas:  Studio Calico kit "Joyland (main) mostly the b sides and Skycoaster add on.  

*camera and bracket stickers: SC kit Whodunit  (it was from SC's limited edition sticker sheet...20% More Flashy (no longer available)

*graph fabric strip- SC Fabrips -no longer available.

*graph artisan tape in teal: Pink Paislee.

*fabric film strip -SC Fabrips from the Documentary line 

Hello Summer.

I cannot believe that we are more than half way through summer already! It sure seems it has flown by...guess that happens when you're having fun, right? ;0)

Well, as you know, I have been working on getting my house decorated and organized. Its pretty much come to screeching halt lately as summer has been here, and I've been working on organizing my photo library, and doing some scrapbooking projects. I will start off with a photo of one of my walls with frames. I had this image in my head, and with the different frame sizes I had no idea how I was going to arrange it. I got the inspiration from Pottery Barn catalogs and other home design catalogs. Man, let me tell you, if money was no object... ;0) Scott wasn't too happy to be the one who had to hang the gazillion frames...but I think he did a really great job :) Thanks babe! I still have a ton of other frames that need to be hung up along the staircase. I've got Scott on bookcase building duty first-(i'm sooo very thankful I have him to help me!!) I'm sooo excited about these bookcases- they are perfect for housing the 12x12 scrapbooking albums...I hope to start on getting those filled up really soon :) I will get pics of those soon so you see what I'm up to!

Baseball in May...Ducks vs Beavers @ OSU's home turf. Look at these skies! All I could think about was how cool they looked and was totally inspired...and well kinda hard to do anything about it when you're away from home at a baseball game with a bunch of boys LOL :) Nah, we had alot of fun that day...even though our beloved Ducks lost :(

Boys getting autographs from both sides. I thought that it was quite funny that Wade actually took autographs from the Beavers considering how much he "dislikes" them. Ok, dude, whatever :)

 

This was after he got his ball signed by the Beavers. Why the sour face? LOL

Wade loves board games, and card games. So do I :) He beat me sooo bad at Monopoly after a 2 day long game...hmmp.

 I went to Portland in June to attendBliss put on by Technique Tuesday. I got to meet one of my idols, Ali Edwards. I was so excited to finally meet her and learn from her. She has really changed the way I think about scrapbooking. I want to tell the story or stories in my books. I want to remember everything that is important in my life. She really encouraged me to tell my story. Not just about the stories of my loved ones, but MY story as well. Too often we are the history tellers, the ones behind the cameras, and very rarely alot of us aren't not in the stories...and that shouldn't happen. You are a part of your life too. Include the everyday life as well. I don't know how many times I have wished I knew the stories behind the photos of my great grandparents. What the everyday life was like of my grandparents and parents. The things they did, their routines, the likes and dislikes. What makes them tick? What are they passionate about? What is their life story??  

I have different styles in which I like to scrapbook. ALot of the time, though, I feel pressured to come up with a trendy design. I've learned that you cannot scrapbook every single picture. For me, it will depend on what the subject is all about. For example. My childhood album. I was set on taking 1 or 2 single pics and designing around that pic, with a cool coordinating product. Now, I'm still going to do that with my absolutely favorite photos, ones that I really want to highlight. Ones that I want to tell the story about...but then for those photos that have a group of images, I will put those into photo protectors that have several slots onto one page, and slip that into the appropriate place in the album. I hope that makes sense. Here is a link to the page/photo protector HERE (there are several different sixes and designs) so you can see what I mean. As soon as I get working on my projects, I will come back and show you. I did this with our "We love our (Oregon) Ducks" albums. I was so excited to show the boys what I had done, and they were really impressed with what I came up with. I think before, honestly, they just didn't get it. Didn't get the whole scrapbooking thing. Didn't get why I was taking all the pics, saving tickets, etc...I think they thought I had lost my mind...but I am hoping that the more I work on these albums, the more willing they will be cooperative when I'm trying to get pics LOL ;0)

Ali and me.  

 
Ali teaching in one of her workshops.

The Bliss teachers-Bev, Darcy and Eileen. Such great and FUN ladies! If you ever get a chance to take anything from either Bliss, or a Technique Tuesday classes @ CKC- do it! These ladies went above and beyond to make the event so FUN. We all came home with a ton of loot, and projects. I will definantly be going back!  

Bliss students.

The scenery from the hotel (the event was held at the Janzten Beach Red Lion. Being there really made me miss being in a city.

 
On my last night in Pdx, I stayed with my life long friend, Ryan and his girl Zoe. He just moved from AZ a few months ago, started a new job and wanted to show me his new place. I was really surprised on how fast he got his place together (makes me cringe on how long it takes me to get my crap together lol )..and even had time to landscape and prettify his yard! LOL I'm totally jealous! ;0)

 
Scott, Wade and I went to the town carnival. I remember these carnivals as a kid. I'm going to incorporate some of the images into my childhood albums. Recently, I went around town taking pics of the places that show my hometown, where I went to school, and lived as a child.  

Wade about to bungee jump...

Not the greatest image but I love that it shows the movement and the excitement on his face. He had a ton of fun...and drained our pockets. Man, these carnivals are ridiculously expensive!

Rock wall climbing...

playing against dad at the water balloon game...

and he won, but he doesn't look enthused by what he won LOL

Yep, this is my hunk of burning love! I can never get a straight, smiling face...I digress...I spose that its part of what I love about him (most of the time! lol) All night, I was saying that we NEED to make sure we save enough money so I can get an elephant ear. I drove Scott crazy with that, but looks like I got what I wanted! ;0) That was my favorite part of the night. YUM!

Happy 4th!!

 

Enjoying yummy summer foods (ok I make this year around but its still a summer thing!) I call it Mom's pasta salad. Tri color pasta, salami, olives, Parmesan cheese, onions (i go without!), italian dressing.

So far, we've been to our local lake a couple of times. I hope to get our own boat someday...so fun, and relaxing. Thanks to the Castillo's we get to play with their toys. :) Great group of friends I'm getting to know :)
   

Wade tubing...

Camp entertainment. Funny you guys!! LOL

Started photographing my sister for her SENIOR pics. Can't believe that time is already here....makes me feel old, and alittle sad at the same time. I'm hoping she stays close to home when she goes to college. My brother is waaay to far away as it is.

Finally, we have been and will continue to hang out at the private pool in our neighborhood. Pretty nice and convenient when its just steps from your house :) Its been awhile since I've had a tan (all with SPF 30 of course!)  :)

My bother and Wade before he headed back to Cali to go back to school- football training & practice has already started! Miss you bud.

Kelsi and Waders.

Mom and me.

 
Family and friends to come play with us :)

 

Be still my heart! Wade manages to scare the crap out of me when he does these back flips into the pool...every.single.time. Boys will be boys....

 

Hope you are enjoying your summer so far! Be back to blogland again soon :)

 

 

  
  
 
   
 

Baseball...and more baseball.

So last weekend was Wade's first baseball tourney of the season...and my first experience as a "bonus' mom with a kid playing sports on a travel team. Early mornings, long days...and you know what, despite of that... I really did enjoy it. Sure, I had traveled for sport events for my brother and sister but this time is was different for me. This time, I got to cheer on my son, along with his mom, sister, brother, and dad-who helped coach. Who (Scott) played catch, pitched, during warm ups, kept the kids organized for batting line up, and encouraged the boys. Watching Scott do this, especially when he was playing and helping his son, it so warmed my heart. All weekend long, I had this overwhelming love for these two. It was hard at times, though, that the little man wasn't really able to show affection towards me when his mom was around, understandably so...but it tugged at my heart that the hugs and kisses he was giving his mom, I was not able to receive that kind of love as a mother does from their child. I want that so much for myself. Does that make sense? Anyways...here is some pics from the weekend. These were taken with my little crappy digi. I had brought along my new toy-a Canon 7d...but I made the mistake thinking it was just like my other cameras...the new battery was practically dead, and none of my other camera batteries, were the same size- new camera is larger, and not only that, the old charger was too small for the new battery. UGH. For the 5 minutes I got to play with the new camera though...wow! What a huge difference! So crisp and clear and the focus points! Oh the beloved focus points...I can't even tell you how excited this makes me. I have been having so many focus issues lately. I ordered a new 50mm f/1.4 lens tonight...I really wanted the f/1.2 but that one is over $1000...no can do right now, but I'm upgrading from the f/1.8 so that satisfies me :) I can't wait to try out the upgraded camera with the new lenses (other is a macro 28-135mm)...really really soon. :)

Wade warming up his pitching arm with Dad.   

At the pitcher's mound...

 Since this is my first year watching Wade, I had learned that he has really improved this year, as last season, he was struggling. Scott said that Wade was batting better(300), and from seeing him play that weekend, I could tell he did well. He pitched some, played 2nd base, right short stop...where last year, he was playing outfield, but sitting out alot off innings, and striking out at bat. Its nice to see a little boy's confidence soar after seeing him struggle with other sports. He's listening to his dad, and his coaches...he's growing up. He has found his niche. So proud.

Waders throwing some heat, baby :)

Wade's head coach (kneeling far right) talks to the boys after their games, points out the mistakes but makes a point to talk about the good plays, hits, praises those who have been struggling, and hands out sunflower seeds, candy bars as rewards for those who try their hardest and make good plays/hits.

Love this kid :)

The boys played a total of 5 games that weekend. Including the championship round. They wanted a "3 -peater"...but it just wasn't their year this year. However, they did place 2nd...not bad at all, right!? The last game was a struggle...having been exhausted from being at the ball field since 7 am (both days I might add), and the championship game at 3:45pm-their 3rd game of the day, and dealing with a long drawn out, drama filled previous game (some coaches and teams forget why they are there to play -besides to win that trophy at the end- to have FUN. These are 10-11 year olds for crying out loud!) And, well, the other team was just better this year. These boys are still winners though. They played their hearts out, got some confidence and big smiles from ear to ear when they made a big play...I'd say that's better than winning the whole thing.

Here's the team and coaches with their medals.

 
Some funny ones...pretty explanatory all by itself...

 

the boys love their coaches :)

oh yeah, then there's the pile up on a the head coach :) LOL

All in all, fun weekend. Scott and (as well as the other parents, I'm sure) I got home late evening on Sunday, tuckered out and sunburned...but pretty darned proud of our boy :)

 
  
  
  

Bella Beach.

Hello Everyone! Thank for waiting so patiently for me to post our Spring Break @ Depoe Bay/Bella Beach pics! I'm warning you now..its really long...so sit back and enjoy :)***I also wanted to mentioned that my copy right and business name is now called "studio9 photography".***

Road trip! Kids now days have the best stuff to take along on trips. I think Scott and I, in our generation had walkmans, books, car games such as slug bug (which our kids definitely LOVE to play and basically know they can get away with slugging us LOL), license plate games, parents singing (ugh, let's NOT go there)...you get my point. These guys have laptops, PSP, Dvd players, iPods...pretty much anything electronic that is portable- they bring. I have to mention we did bring our Wii to the beach... :) Reminder: click on the images to view larger...

THis is the beach house we stayed at for a week. Beautiful house with oceanfront views. Stormy days, and high tides were kinda scary, and freaky at times..but I don't think it could get any better than this.

 

The Looking Glass House is the one that is on right ( 2 upper floors). To see inside this house click HERE  . This house is sooo nice. Its a dream of mine to have something like this one day...

The kids enjoying the beach as soon as we got to the house and unpacked. THis was my first experience as a "parent" seeing our kids having fun and squealing while trying to outrun the waves. This made my heart soar, and so very happy at this moment.

Wade is fearless. I love this one of him. It just shows the feeling of being free..of being a kid with no worries.

Father and son. They were throwing the football around before I took this photo from the house deck above. I wonder what they were thinking or talking about? Then again...knowing these two, probably nothing at all :) Just taking it all in.

The boys went deep sea fishing. The girls and I stayed behind...I for one get sea sick so that wasn't a option...besides...fishing with a bunch of guys and the smell didn't really appeal to us girls LOL Anyways, this is the boat that took them out. I heard that the Captain was pretty cool.

 
Out in the deep blue sea- cold to start with! But, the day ended up sunny and warmed up a bit. I'd say it was a pretty good day for fishing.

Scott pulling up crab pots.

With one of the crabs he caught- there is a pic of him about to kiss it, but I will spare you that one.

Basket full of the fish they caught. I'm not sure what all the names of these are but can I just say one thing...EWWW.

 
This is the one that Wade caught- its almost as big as him!! HAHA!

So this is what the girls and I did after the boys got back. Pedis :)

 

My sister and cousin came along to stay with us for a few days. I am so glad they did. We had a ton of fun with them. The kids missed them pretty bad after they went home...so much that they actually said they were "bored". What?! How in the heck can you be bored at the beach!? I texted my sister and asked her if they could come back? LOL

Kids having fun jumping waves...

Here's Dad...watching over the kids...he constantly warned them to always pay attention, to never put your back to the water...

Why? Because something like this could happen....

See that little foot sticking out on the right? Yeah. Scared Kelsi to a point where she was crying and saying that she was not going to play anymore! She calmed down and was fine...and played more in the water during the rest of the trip...cautiously, and now knows Daddy wasn't kidding and will probably listen to him more often...(by the way, I was taking shot after shot when I caught this, and no I wasn't standing there watching this all go on. I too rushed toward the water as soon as this shot was taken. I had no idea that I had captured this moment until later. Just wanted to clarify LOL!) 

 
Soaking wet and COLD but having so much FUN. For those of you who have never been to the Oregon Coast- the water never gets warm, even in the summer.

Family picture time...

oh yes, this HAD to be done...hilarious! monkey ears bud...

I ended up taking some school year/senior pics of these girls...gotta say that wave in the background is pretty cool. And, many times I had to run away from the tides coming in (hey I did have expensive camera equipment in my hands!!...but I made the girls stand in it. How nice of me :) 

Scott enjoying a nice cold beer at sunset.

 
  
Here we are trying to get a pic together but kept running away from the waves LOL.

Managed to get one. Thanks to my sister :)

 
Thankfully we got at least one night that was it wasn't raining that we were able to go down to the beach and build a bonfire. Roast some marshmallows...yummy smores!! ( I didn't intend to cut off anyone's head- it was pretty dark and couldn't see the screen on my little digi) I so LOVED this. THis was one of my favorite times.

Can there BE anyone cuter than this?

 
We spent one day in Newport down at the historic Bay front. Boats docked.

 
  
 
 
 

These guys are hilarious to watch. What a bunch of FAT & GROUCHY sea lions! See the one that is trying to get in -on the right side of the pen- underneath the lion that has his head up in the far right corner? Oh man, did he really PO'd the others. Lots of barking, growling, biting. I mean c'mon HELLO, they were trying to bask in the sun and sleep! That one was a trouble maker for sure...

Speaking of sea lions. We were hanging out on the deck one night when I noticed this guy coming up on the shore. Poor thing wanted to hang out, but then other people saw him eventually, and scared him away. I don't understand why people are so dumb when it comes to stuff like this- don't you know you are supposed to stay away from them?

This is Wade with Johnny Depp! Who woulda thunk we'd run into him at the beach! I'm being totally serious!

Ok, I'm totally kidding. Just a wax figure of him. Darn.

Kids used the hot tub ALOT. I found them in here one morning at 9 am. Hey they gotta get a bath somehow right? (kidding) 

All in all, I think we had alot of fun, despite a few challenges, but no family vacation wouldn't be complete without them, don't you think?? The next few photos are just some I took to add to my fine art collection. I will be showcasing "gallery-esq like"-  in my new frames for the house that I am still trying to decorate 6 months later after we moved in...ENJOY :) Ps- these are available to purchase. Please leave me a comment or email me for a price quote. :)

 
   

Home.

A sneak peek...Be back soon with a post of pics from our beach trip :)  

Happy Birthday Hopper!

Today is my sister's 17th birthday...

 

So her. So FUN. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little sis :)

Here is the card I made her.

 

I half scraped lifted/ half got the inspiration from a fellow Studio Calico member LaVoneDesigns. I used the "Yearbook" kit on this- this line is from Cosmo Cricket "Boyfriend"...the bottom part with the skates is Sassafras, letter stickers from American Crafts and Jenni Bowlin. I looove it! I'm anxious to use the line in other layouts I have lurking in my brain.

So, I did a layout today...its FOREVER since I have scrapbooked. I have missed it..but I am alittle rusty. I haven't decided if I am going to keep the page I did or redo it...I know I should just leave it alone and call it good and done. We'll see...Hope you are having a good weekend so far! Up early (i mean EARLY for me anyways LOL) for Wader's basketball tourney games... Goodnight! :)

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! See ya next year!! :)

 

Catching Up.

Getting in some time to update a bit...

September...

The boys converted me from being a Beaver's fan to a Duck's fan...hey, you try living with them! LOL But you know what, it doesn't even really matter...I have never had this much fun in my life...Here's my first game vs Cal Bears.

Autzen Stadium

 

this is our view behind our seats. This jumbo tron is huge!

 

the view in front of us.

 

One of the many Super fans I know... ;0)

 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

My sister (a beaver fan LOL) and cousin (a duck fan) came us...

 

Nice fro!

 

I think this qualified as our 3rd or 4th date...

 

with Joe, Scott's Bff, came by to visit us....

 

Our first family photo :) I had this enlarged, matted and framed to put on the fireplace mantel at our new house...

 

father & son...

 
 
October...

Its the little man's football season. First pads, helmet and real hitting. We are really excited that Dad (Scott) is going to be coaching his 6th grade team next year :) I took these of Wade in our neighborhood lawn (park- whatever it is) since we weren't going to pay for the professional prints when i could do it myself... 

 

 
  

My 2nd Oregon Duck game...vs USC and its Halloween!

 

 

This is my "costume" LOL

 

Scott and I ready for the game...

 

Our friends Joe, Melanie, Joyce and James...along with the photo button of Melanie's Dad, Norman, who suddenly passed away in October. The family and close group of friends took it really hard...he was a funny man, and a real flirt. A good man, and he will be missed. 

 

Besties and "brothers" Scott and Joe...

 

Tailgating! I actually LOVE this! lol

 

Wade and me

 

Us girls...

 

My new friends...what a wild group but oh so fun and I {heart} them!

 

A family photo op at a waterfall on the way home from Eugene...

 

November...

Noel and Scott have become really good buddies. She adores him. Isn't this adorable?

 

My brother Pat's first official college football Roster photo...{Palomar Comets}

 

First college football photo of him playing...

 

His team did really well this year...made it all the way to the first 2 rounds of  the playoffs. Ending with a 10-3 season. He didn't get to play as often as he did in high school, but for a freshman, he did get a pretty good amount of playing time. Here's alittle info taken from his school's website:

The J.C. Grid-Wire ranked Palomar No. 8 to end the 2009 football season on Sunday, the seventh time the Comets have finished in the nation's Top Ten..

Palomar also was ranked in the final Top Ten in 1991 (No. 1 by the Grid-Wire), 1992 (No. 6 by the Grid-Wire, 1993 (No. 1 by the Grid-Wire and USA Today), 1998 (No. 1 by USA Today and No.  2 by the Grid-Wire), 2001 (No. 10 by the Grid-Wire) and 2002 (No. 4 by the Grid-Wire in Joe Early's first season as head coach).

The Gird-Wire's final 2009 Top Ten: No. 1 Mt. SAC (which beat the Comets in the Southern California title game, then defeated College of San Mateo 7-6 Saturday for the CCCAA state championship), No. 2 Blinn (Texas), No.3 Fort Scott (Kansas), No. 4 San Mateo, No. 5 East Mississippi, No. 6 Navarro (Texas), No. 7 City College of San Francisco, No. 8 Palomar, No. 9 Fullerton and No.10 Arizona Western.

December...

The biggest game of the year is here! Civil War! Oregon Ducks vs Oregon St. Beavers. We are fighting for the championship title in the Pac-10 and the chance to play in the Rose Bowl at Pasadena, CA, New Years Day 2010. We had an extra ticket so we invited my dad to come with us. Here we are before we headed over to the tailgate.

 

I'm not a drinker and this is our friend Jeanie giving me my first "Duck fart" shot (isn't that a lovely name for a drink? lol). This consisted of Jack Daniels,  Baileys Irish creme and amaretto. (I've heard people use Kahlua, Bailey's and Crown Royal)- whatever... like I said i'm not much of a drinker, and I made quite the face and danced a little jig as I took the shot and swallowed. It was so gross! LOL

 

 

Scott and I being silly...duck faces maybe?

 

hmmm, LOL I wonder where he gets his personality from?? ;0)

 

me and my dad :) The look on his face was so funny when he first stepped into the stadium and looked around...I was in awe too, the first time I experienced Autzen Stadium, the people, how loud us Duck fans can get! We have broken the decibel record so many times! LOL

 

Can't ever be serious (well most of the time)...but he is so much fun and always has me laughing. I {heart} him :)

 

and him too :)

 

We win!!! Such a nail biting CLOSE game!

 

Isn't this NUTS?! This was so cool to see and experience!

 

We are the Pac-10 Champs...and going to the ROSE BOWL!!!!
 
   

my boys, the super fans...We LOVE our Ducks!

 

(photo below taken from the internet) We will be going to Pasadena, CA! Only Scott, Joe and Melanie will get to go to the bowl game. Just short on tickets (Scott got lucky as he was offered the 3rd ticket from J & M) that were being sold at face value..they are now ranging anywhere from $300-650+ from the last time I checked...after Xmas, we just couldn't afford 3 more tickets...the kids and I will be watching the game on tv back at the hotel...at least we are going to travel down there, will be able to attend the Rose Parade and going to Six Flags on Sat. So excited to spend New Year's Eve and Day there!!

 

Let's see...what else? We have been busy on the weekends, hanging out at home and going to Wade's basketball games. He's on the travel team so we spend alittle bit of time in the car and gym LOL I love it though!

 

 

This will be our first Christmas together. Last xmas, I was in a world of hurt and had no idea what was going on in my marriage. My whole world turned upside down. The divorce was final this past week. I also found out the rest of the truth- the real truth- not the made up stories I had heard over and over. Had no idea that the ex husband was still speaking to his ex girlfriend, a year after we were married (2003), and was planning on divorcing me blind and marrying her. Turns out, he doesn't have either of us. I didn't know this until the other night. Realizing that the last 7 yrs of my life was a lie, and I was totally oblivious to most of it. I guess everything really does happen for a reason...because what a difference a year makes. I am happier than I have ever been in my life. I am excited and so looking forward to my future with my boys. Scott makes me smile every single day. He makes me laugh several times during the day. He is open, honest, genuine and all around good man. I am anxious to see what is in store for us...I really think that my dreams will come true....

 

We just spent a early xmas this past weekend with my mom, step dad, brother and sister. Patrick has come home from college- and will be here for a month. He was so happy to be home after 6 mo. away (wow!!) and we are so happy to see him. He got to meet Scott and Wade for the first time. I hear he approves :) Here's Scott and the kids playing foosball.

 

Mom's fireplace and tree decorations...

 

Annie, the dog...how humiliated she was to have to wear the santa suit and hat. LOL

 

We played with the Wii...boxing mostly. I was even forced to play against my will and so very frustrated when my guy was not doing what I wanted it to do, especially when I was boxing like mad and it was taking a rest. WHAT?! Aaarrgh. Sore loser I was..but almost peed my pants from laughing a few times. LOL Mom was kicking everyone's butt until Wade. LOL I'm telling you, the kid stands there, doing almost nothing and he wins! How does that even happen? :)

 

Not my best shot, but I love this pic all the same. Scott is such an awesome Dad. Totally sexy I must say. Makes me fall in love with him all over again :)  

 

I crack up every time I see this. These guys are so nutty, makes me nutty too, but soooo happy :)

 

The 3 sibs. Wow, how we have grown up. I am 33, Pat is going to be 19 in March and Hopper 17 in February....time sure does fly...

 

Well, there it is. The last 3 mo. or so in a nutshell. I am still trying to unpack a ton of boxes, trying to figure out what to put on the walls at the new house (yes I know, pretty pathetic after almost 3 mo of living here lol). Finish my new scrap room so I can scrapbook again...always (and forever) behind...what can I say? Life happens...

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Long time...no Bloggin'.

Hi everyone! Its a been awhile...and I've gotta warn ya...this is going to be photo heavy- but I don't think I will hear you complaining, right? ;0)  LOL

{Remember, click on the photos to view larger}

First of all, I wanted to post the B Family Reunion pic I promised a few weeks back...

Had a great time seeing (and meeting) everyone..and seeing the old pics and hearing stories about our family. Its really cool as you get older how much more interested you are in your family history and learning about where you came from :)  

Been SUPER busy.  Going to be even busier with another move. Yes, ANOTHER move. It's a good one though! I'm moving in with my boys, Scott and Wade :)

The House

and hereis the link to see a preview of inside...and get this...we have a community POOL, basketball court and playground. Lots of walking trails. A really nice and safe neighborhood for Wade, and for me to take the dogs for their walks (all 3 of us need WALKS! F-A-T!!! lol).  

 I am so excited to start my new life with these guys...and have the family I've always wanted. Without going into it and getting completely mushy, let me just say that I am filled with complete LOVE and HAPPINESS for these two.... Speaking of, here is me and Waders cheesing it up..

  Wade is a real ham when it comes to taking photos of him...here's his famous signature model pose...

"How YOU doin'?"

Gotta Love this kid! LOL

A few weeks ago, Donna Downey came to Oregon!! For those of you who don't know who she is, she is a ROCK STAR in the scrap booking world. I have always admired her artistic talents and have been wanting to take a class from her for sooo long...and FINALLY! I got that chance. I am so inspired by her, she makes me want to paint all day. I have been struggling with the fact that I have been wanting to cReAtE and PLAY like mad crazy lately but I just can't because I have to move in 2 1/2 weeks! HA HA! But, its all good because I am excited to set up my new (again) scrap studio... So anyways, Donna is hilariously funny as she is talented. I can't wait to finish these 3 class projects that we were working on...stay tuned for those pics (eventually! lol).... If you ever get a chance to take her classes- DO IT! I PROMISE you! You will NOT be disappointed, and its TOTALLY worth the money....

Donna with the "Bloom" class...I wont go into detail just yet until I finish mine...but I will say I was really happy and surprised with the size of this album and how EASY it is to put together with FABRIC! Yep, my new addiction ;0)

My sister Hopper, best friend Angie and me.

me using watercolor crayons

angie doing a technique with the crayons ( I can't believe how easy this is!)

me painting- I L-O-V-E to watercolor and paint- I am planning on doing a canvas type project soon- so inspired- I will show you a page out of the fabric/canvas scrapbook that I did that's my absolute favorite...soon ;0)

tired but having sooo much FUN!

the 3 of us with Donna

{side note: i gotta say i either need to lose some boobage or get a better bra! OMG.}

me and my idol :)

my best friend and I at the airport - I miss you!!

Alright, onto the next trip just a few days later...a 16+ hr car ride...my mom, step dad, and sister went to San Marcos, CA to visit my brother who is going to Palomar College, playing football. It was so surreal to see him playing at the college level... (photos by mom)

 OUCH...way to kick butt in their house LOL Go Comets!

The proud family of no.19! Sure wish mom was able to get in this one...

We spent a day at the beach...

Our family pic...this was a challenge. LOL Camera set up on the tripod, a timer, me having 10 secs to run back to the group in my place (without tripping and falling into the pool), and 2 pain in the butt teenagers -making faces or ducking out of the photo as the camera was going off LOL We ended up with this....not bad, right?

then mom wanted to do a funny one, and well, the 2 pain the butt teenagers weren't having it...

All in all, we had a great time visiting Patrick. We sure miss you baby brother! See you at Christmas! Love you!

This was much too long (and typepad was not cooperating with me- thank goodness for the auto save feature!)...Anyways...I will be back soon, after the move most likely...Hope everyone had a great summer and is looking forward to fall (my favorite!) Scott, Wade, Hopper and cousin Shanna are going to the Oregon ducks vs Cal next weekend- so maybe i'll be back to post pics, and Wader's football game pics as well. Blog soon! :)

Happy Bday Dad!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my Dad! I hope you like your goodies, cookie monster!  Love you!

 

Here is the card I made for him:

{click on image to view larger}

 

Supplies used: Cardstock- unknown, Cupcake stamp- Unity Stamp Co., SU! ink/pens in Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Crushed Curry,Tempting Turquoise, HB letter stickers-AC puffy thickers, "dad" letters- Making Memories, and the polka dot pattern paper- My Mind's Eye.  

Graduation 2009

My little brother's graduation was this past Thursday night...can't believe its come and gone already! While I had the camera in my face most of the time, I didn't have time to cry and reminisce as I was trying to be sure I got the shots of him (as well as other parent's kids that asked me to...and I was also having lighting and technical issues with my camera. So frustrated.)... Besides, i'll have my chance when he leaves for college in a couple of weeks! 18 years sure did pass by really quickly... Congrats little buddy. Your family is so proud of you! You have so many promises for the future. Follow your dreams and don't forget who you are and your beliefs. Love you kid :) If you want to view his senior pics, go here.

I absolutely love this one. Brady, the real tall one!! LOL, is Pat's walking partner- one of his best friends since 3rd grade. I think it captures the boys' excitement and happiness about this day...

 

I think the boys found their parents :)

 

National Anthem

 

Student Body President Address

 

The seniors doing their last "roller coaster" (Bryon was talking about the roller coaster of life)- this is famous for at our school  sport events known as the "Black Hole" for more on this here .

 

Battle Hymn of the Republic sung by the choir. Mr. Rick Plants is retiring this year, so this was his last performance. Awesome guy :)

 

Thank you parents!

 

Pat receiving his diploma and a hug :)

 

Congrats Class of 2009!!!

 

 

Oh yeah, he's outta heeerrre!

 

with the  proud family!

 

proud girlfriend who graduated last year (finally huh!?)

 

At the grad party- one of the events was the hypnosist- this was hilarious! I think he had them hypnotized for a good hour and half. I had never seen this, so I went about 12 am to check it out. So glad that I did! This is right after he had them sit up, say some things and out again. There were alot more scenes that were much more funnier than this! (Brady is the one in the very back, next to the girl with her red grad gown still on- with his head in the chair. HA! HA! Patrick apparently was too cool to go (j/k) - he had done this before, and was out doing the other events at the party . lol Afterwards, the kids were so confused hahahhaha  

decorations from the open house my mom and step dad hosted at their house, for friends and family.

 

some of the food (thanks to my cousin, aunt and uncle who helped set up)

 

My step dad, the grill king :)

 

the cake.

 

the grad with Gpa B.

 

all of us with Gpa.

 

Gpa with most of his kids.

 

And Annie, the dog, who constantly gave me near heart attacks all day when she ran out to the road twice, almost got run over once, and ran away. I joke that I am the only one that cares about her and that I am going to rescue her from her evil family ;0) What can I say? LOL

 

We get to do this all over again in 2 years when this one graduates.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, mother in law, step mom,grandma, aunts, cousins, best friend and scrap/blog friends :)

I cooked breakfast for my grandma & grandpa this morning and then going over to my mom's later to hang out with her and give her gifts :) Hope you all had a great weekend and Mother's Day :) 

Ps-

Here are the cards I made for my mom and grandma. I wanted to make more for a couple of people but I ran out of time...and plus I was spending alot of time helping other people make cards for their moms..so...

 

 

Stamps from Stampin Up(mom's day and tweet bird), butterfly from Pier 1 (its actually table confetti that comes in a pkg), ladybug ribbon from Micheal's (on sale for $2!!)  The bird one took alittle longer (from cutting out the stamped images and piecing things together- this one was actually a similiar lift from one of SU mini catalogs) than the butterfly one (5 min tops!) :) 

Btw, I had to share...I was looking at my embellishment center that I am using to store my paints, glitter, ribbons, etc and I was not liking that I couldn't see all of the colors. I got the bright idea (i'm being sarcastic here lol) to lay them down, bottoms out (lol) and viola! Color galore! AND, I have made room for more-believe me it was filled to the gills! See told ya it was a good idea :) Why didn't I think of this before? Duh. 

  

**I have edited the last post -added more pics :)** Go look!

Pottery painting.

I don't think she'll read this today but just in case---MOM if you are stopping by the blog- please don't read  any further until later :)

 

**EDIT** added more pics- scroll down to see.**

This is so fun! Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Patrick, Rylie and I went to a pottery painting place to make something for moms and grandma for Mother's Day. I will do this again very SOON, for sure! So...we found out that we would have to wait 5 days before we could pick these up..OOPS. SO, we improvised with pics of our creations that will go into the cards we made so they could see what they were getting!

 

 

 

Patrick with his picture frame -pretty good for a boy ;0)(this will have a pic of us 3 sibs)

 

Rylie with a latte mug and coaster for her mom.

 

and me with a coffee mug for my grandma ( I was already giving mom other gifts) My colors are sposed to be a darker peach, lavender on the inside of the mug (with a black hand drawn heart on the bottom inside), and the darker purple polka dots. So we will see how it turns out color wise after it has been glazed and finished. I hope they come out as these are my grandma's favorite colors and she loves polka dots :)

 

My sister didn't make it today with us- but hopefully she'll come next time! :) So fun ! I may even bring back my grandma as she used to do this kind of stuff when I was a kid :)

Prom 09

This is just the majority of the pics I took tonight (or last night as it is 1:45 am right now lol)Still have quite a few, the kids with parents, etc Loved seeing all the dresses and colors. The girls did a great job with the table- especially the yummy dipped strawberries! Up next...is graduation in 31 days... ;*)

Rylie.

{**edit** added 3 more at the bottom of the post}

Mini shoot for my brother's girlfriend- she needed headshots so we got together at my mom's house. Isn't she pretty? I loved how they turned out :) Probably some of my best work. So, I am posting same images in color and B&W...b/c I just can't decide which I like best lol ! ;0)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These didn't make the cut but I still thought they were cute. THe first two are in mom's kitchen-loved the color of the walls and the afternoon sunlight.

 

 

Family Pics

Its been a looong time since I had been included in the family pic with my mom, stepdad, brother and sister. Last time I think was 1x in the last 20 yrs LOL Why? I am guessing that either I wasn't living with them or I am always the one behind the lens...so tonight, at the last minute, we took some with the help of my brother's girlfriend. Thanks Rylie :) *edit* YES! Patrick's ears are pierced now. I didn't think he was going to actually do it. Brave boy ;0)

 

with Annie, the dog :)

 

What a goofball! But this is how Terry always takes pics- and this is actually pretty decent- usually its really goofy faces- not a smile!. LOL

HI.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone :) I know that I have been slow on getting those kits up. I know that there have been aloft of you that have been patiently waiting- so sorry! They will get up! I need to make some $ lol :)

It has been so insanely busy for me- I'm not sure how LOL, but alot of projects -birthdays, and helping my mom put together a Basketball book with articles and pics over the years, and this last season for my brother and his senior team mates. The banquet is on Monday night- so we have been working like crazy to get 50+ articles, 72 pics and all things creative put together for this book.

cover for the BB book- all the following images by me.

 

I will miss this.... "ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!"

 

Getting pumped up before the game- Quist, their team manager, gets the boys dancing to "I like to move it, move it" (song from Madagascar). LOVE this.

 

the "black hole" - these guys are awesome- what amzing team spirit :)

 

and the inspiration...

 

All in the midst of trying to get the tax stuff done for the business...I am about to receive photo orders for my seniors as well. My brother is in a school play- Beauty and the Beast- playing the Candlestick. Opening night is this coming Friday. He will also be in the school's senior class "Cougar Pageant" towards the end of the month- that should be a riot. Can't wait to see him in those two events!

I plan on having a garage sale, too.  Looks like April is going to be a busy month. Which is good. I need to be busy. Things on the personal front are looking up. I hope to see my Husband soon, and that we continue to work on our marriage. Its been a hard road, still painful, but as long as we are communicating and working hard together, I think we'll be ok...and better for it. Still alot of work to do, but I am hopeful and positive.

I will also be working again at our restaurant and continuing to do book work 3 days a week, starting tomorrow so I will have to get a new routine set up for myself. I have included walking the dogs at least 1x a day- would like to work up to 2x a day now the weather is getting better. Sometimes, I have to just force myself to just get outside, take a breather, and its great for the dogs too. They LOVE their walks. Doc says they gotta lose weight too, just like their mama ;0) 

This pic is from last year in their skinnier days :) 

Last but not least, CONGRATS to my baby sister, Hopper! She got her license yesterday! Ok, so I am scared too hahaha ;0)

 

Alright, enough blogging for today- need to get back to work! :)

(not sure why this is coming up in the white strip? weird.)

Birthdays in March.

My brother's bday was last week (same day as my best friend!!), but I didn't have the chance to post pics of his bday and the project mom and I worked on. 2 days before that, was his girlfriend, Rylie's birthday. Here is the card we made together. It was intended for her to frame later in a 5x7 frame....she loves butterflies and I love the 3d effect :) Here's her card:

 

 

My brother's bday dinner:

FELIZ COMPLEANOS PATRICIO! ( I think i spelled that right? lol )

 

Patrick, Hopper and Rylie. I wanted to do this again bc when my brother had his 13th bday (same place), we did this(minus the g/f lol), and i wanted to have a comparison. I'll post that as soon as I find a copy! :)

 

the typical family photo (except my sister was being pretty good that day lol).

   

His nice watch from our parents and my sister. His nickname is Cash money (as well as my sister), or Cash (goes with the last name, which I won't reveal but you see where it comes from). Such a pimp.

 

 My mom and I made this together. It originaly was sposed to be a 2 sided card and turned into a mini book lol She pieced together the front cover, and tied on the sprocket gear , placed the wording and I ended up finishing the rest of it. I used Tim Holtz's masks for the first time. Loved the effects :) The white card stock holds 1 pic on each side of my brother growing up...from baby to 18. We still need to add more pics in between the ages (ran out of time!). But it was cool to see his face when he was looking thru the pics :) I came up with the idea to have each of us (mom, dad, my sister and I) write something for my brother. Mom came up with the title. Love it :)

 

 

 

 

This is what he was doing when Rylie and I were finishing up the book (after we had to kick him out a couple of times)- thank god for her help! I had her cut out the cardstock and pics- she did a awesome job and a was definately a life saver!!

 

Ok, I have had some people requesting pics of the cut and color I had the other day. I learned a new trick for a styling hair style from Rylie with twisting part of the  side part and hiding the end with a clip underneath. SHe also braids that part as well, which I have tried and love it :)

 

Ok, back to creating some more! I have been adding walks with the dogs and gma into my day so I am staying plenty busy...and I will be adding more hours of working starting Sunday. I am trying to get myself into a routine, and making sure I get at least 1 layout a day in. Anyways, hope you are having a good day/night....blog later :)

Happy 18th Birthday!

 

Happy 18th Birthday to my little brother, Patrick. Man, time flies. So proud of him! He has worked really hard all these years to get where he is today. I know he'll go far, no matter what he does. He gets to go on a "grown up" trip to Seattle with his girlfriend and her family.

 I know this will be a good thing for him...a chance for him to be a "kid" just having fun, one last time, before the real hard work begins and the many sacrifices he'll have to make to succeed. (He will be leaving for college, in San Diego, to start training for the football season within a week after graduation! YIKES!) I wish I had given myself that chance when I graduated, instead I decided to be a grown up and get a job, apartment- not so fun after the reality hits... LOL

 Have fun buddy :)

Here are some of my favorite senior pics I took of him, that I haven't shared yet {and maybe a couple I already have?}. Note to self: make a mini book with his senior pics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks bud for going along with the many poses and hours, for me to get what I wanted! lol I can't wait to get those basketball pics. I just remembered that I still have the FB locker room and field/stadium ones to edit! :)

  

Wrapping up the football season.

My baby brother Patrick is growing up (while I just keep growing OLDER). He just finished up his last high school football season. Still waiting on what college he is going to go to next year.... Pat finished up the 08 season with career highs in receptions (48), recieving yards (803) and touchdowns (13)  A starter since his sophmore year in 2006, he is the all time leader in recieving touchdowns in the school's history. For his whole high school career stat total: Receiving (88) yards (1504) and TD (15). 

 

image by: Lacey A. (me!!) :) click on image to view the whole thing.

HONORS:

2006

1^{st Team IMC Wide Receiver}

2nd Team IMC Return Specialist

Honorable Mention All-State Wide Receiver

2007

1st Team IMC Defensive Back

2nd Team IMC Wide Receiver

2008

IMC Defensive Player of the Year

1st Team IMC Defensive Back

1st Team IMC Wide Reciever

We are so very proud of you little brother :) Now...onto basketball season! YAY!

Hello Oregon

{Warning-lots of pics- Don't think you'll mind though ;0) } 

As a scrapbooker I wanted to make sure I had some photos to scrapbook my moving "journey"....as I stated in my last post, it was the WORST one ever. Mostly dealing with movers and having too much stuff. I had 2 set of movers-one in CA, and the other in OR. The 1st set I have used before but I wouldn't recommend to anyone, honestly. According to the movers here in OR, they packed the truck and trailers HORRIBLY- and they were shocked to see the state it was in. Might explain why (besides the obvious- too much stuff!) I ended up with the 26' uhaul truck, 2 trailers, my car, and my dad's truck. I just don't get it-I gave away soooo much stuff and I still had too much. Should've gone with my gut instinct and just had that garage sale. I still have a few items that I couldn't find room for-the CA movers are sposed to be coming thru on the way to Seattle, and said they would drop off the stuff...haven't heard from them so I am hoping that they still mean it...and not steal it or decide they weren't taking the trip after all...gotta call them soon. 

So, I will start off with the 1st pic of my handsome husband and I, taken the day after I got to see him after 2 mo. apart. We had lunch at Gill's and took this near the bay. Miss living at the beach sooo much! I miss my Husband even more--he went back to Seattle (well, mid west and Tx back and forth). So, its been about 2 weeks since I last saw him. Miss you so much babe- hope to see you here next week for the high school football "Civil War" game and get to come home with you to Seattle and spend some time with you and explore the city! So very excited about that!

 

Morning of the move-see Noel peeking out the window :)

 

Buh Bye California! This is along the beginning of the bay in Eureka.

 

The drive really is pretty along the coast line...just over this hill is the ocean.

 

Redwood trees forming tree tunnels at times. These trees are HUGE. Ones I wanted to photograph though, was either on really narrow curves or no where to park the uhauls.

 

Good bye ocean - will miss living near you :( {the really good news though...as soon as we move into Portland, we will be about 45 min away! YAY!} There's my Dad there in the side mirror- had no idea i was taking pics while I was driving (guess he will now! lol really, I was safe and not even looking at where I was pointing the camera-so it's all good!) 

 

Narrow roads with curves- kinda scary with the uhauls lol

 

The girls, Noel and Sophie in the crammed packed backseat of the car (FYI- we were stopped for road construction when I took this...just thought I would let you know that fact. LOL)

 

me and the girls. You can see  how PACKED the car was. The girls did really well actually. I ended up putting my feather bedding and blankets underneath them-under waterproof and puke proof blankets of course (lol) Think they loved that! Slept pretty much the whole 8 hrs of the drive.

   

Tunnel some where between the CA/OR border - there's a tradition that Dad thinks that my great grandma Margaret ("Nanny" to me) started with the tunnels- every time we went through them, we would honk like crazy! I remember Dad doing this when I was little. I have always done it since then, and so grateful that I was able to finally find a tunnel and capture it for a story in my scrapbooks. 

 

HELLO OREGON. Soooo NICE to see you again!

   

 

I was driving along and happened to see this...really they had room on the other side- I promise. Noel (the one on the left) kept hogging all the space so little Sophie had to resort to this position. LOL

 

EMPTY, and I do mean probably driving on fumes. I NEVER EVER do this. I am such a freak about having a full tank or at least half way when I know there will be alot of miles in between. Man I was so nervous..but good thing Dad was right behind just in case...

 

Pretty huh? Of course I forget the name of this Mtn. Some where near Diamond Lake. Its actually alot prettier when there is snow on it.  

 

Are we there YET????

 

So, finally got to my hometown about 530ish pm I think it was. Still had to go to the storage place, meet movers #2 and unload, and move some stuff up to my grandparents then return one of the uhauls. I would unload the other trailer in the morning (with the help of my baby brother) We were exhausted by the time we were done but so happy that I was here. 

This is the view from my room at my grandparent's house. Again, soo very pretty with more snow. I used to drive by these mountains on the way to work.

 

My grandparent's back yard. Yes their grass is really like this! I'm telling you, its like a lush green carpet, with lots of bright flowers all over the place. I love sitting out here in the evening with them while we have our dinner...or watching the girls RUN and PLAY. I can't wait to have a backyard like this at our new house we buy in a few months. Hey g'pa- going to have to get some pointers on how in the heck you keep this yard so lush and green!

 

Noel and Sophie love the yard too! They went from yards that had rocks and dirt- to not being able to run free-tied up to the deck :( to this. They are so loving the freedom!

 

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to my Dad for moving me and my stuff (and helping clean up the other house!!) Once again, you have bailed me out! Love you. To my grandparents for letting us stay here for awhile, taking over your space, and to grandpa for letting me use the wall of his beloved garage for all my scrapbooking stuff! :0) To grandma for cooking us yummy dinners, and I hope that I am helping you out enough to earn my keep!! LOL THANK YOU! We love you both!  Oh, and I don't want to forget my little brother Patrick for coming over and hauling the heavy stuff to my room and out of the 2nd uhaul trailer. HUGE HUGE help- dude you don't even know :)

I have been having a great time looking around this town again, and seeing the new changes. Man, I have never seen so many houses, and new stores. I am particularly happy about some of the places that are close- but that's a whole other post. Went to Patrick's 2nd football game last friday. They won! 42-7. Yep, can you say ass whoopin? LOL Patrick scored 2 td's, and by the 3rd qtr, he was pretty much done playing for the night. The game ended up being kinda boring after that since we were so far ahead (and if you are a Mt. View fan, its rarely ever boring!). LOL I love watching him on the sport highlights on our local news channels. I have been looking forward since last year to football season, and I will be here for Basketball too! My favorite. Didn't get to go to 1 game at all last year so it'll be really awesome! Excited to see the boys defend theirIMC (inter mountain conference) champion title. Game #3 on the road this Friday night in Pendelton. Lets go for 3-0!! Go COUGS! Oh, and I turned 32 while i was here. :)

Procrastinating so I might as well update :)

HI there!

Here's what i've been up to:

Icky yucky packing. UGH! I'll be GLAD when this is all over and we are in our permanent home of our very own! Soon...i hope. I can't wait to see what we actually get. After all, this is the BEST time if any to buy a house. SO SO excited! I also can't wait to see my Husband...last time I saw him I think it was like June 29th! Way too long. Had some struggles during this time but I think we're going to get back together stronger than ever. See you in 2 weeks babe!

OK, so 1st of all, I came home from going to my local scrap store (more on this in a sec), checked my mail and I had some happy mail from Lain Ehmann! I saw thisand said, "no way! Then I said, calm down, it may not be that, just open it 1st". LOL Sure enough it was! Click hereto be directed to the website that will tell you more about it. I actually was looking at this awhile back, after seeing a advertisement, and for some reason I didn't get it-which is really unusual for me LOL Anyways, so Thank You Lain! You ROCK! Here are a couple of pics.

 

ok, a  couple of blog readers- HI ROBYN & CARA- had ask me these questions awhile back , and have been waiting patiently for me to answer (so sorry!!). Their questions:

**from Robyn: Did you have to take any pictures specifically for the album or did you use ones you had already taken?I did have some of the pics already as I am a believer in documenting the everyday life and things. The others that I did photograph, Ialready had them in my mind, but never got around to taking the specific ones just yet, so this was perfect. It really doesn't take alot of time to set that up. You don't really have to "set" it up actually. Just photograph it as it is and as it happens. It just so happens that it was the perfectionist photographer in me, that some of these pics were "staged". The mess however, was not! ;0)

**from Cara: Did you find you were constantly buying new product to fulfill this mini album. All the stuff you used is gorgeous and the way it is all laid out, I don't think I could ever come up with something like this, as much as I would love to do a similar project. How structured was the class? did you take PP1 by Lisa, I am considering PP2 so would love to know what you did in PP1? Lacey - sorry for the "twenty questions", love to hear from you if you get the chance. First of all, please don't ever think that you couldn't ever come up with something like the mini I did- because you can! You just need alittle inspiration and put anything that you have in your head that you want to create, to reality. Just let go and PLAY. The only thing I had to buy for this class was the mini book itself. Alot of the things that I used was the stuff I already had. If I did use anything new, it was just b/c I am ALWAYS buying new things! LOL Big picture really encourages you to use what you have on hand, but sometimes, there are classes that direct you to scrapbook.comfor a list of supplies, in case you do need something that they are using in class, but its not really required. In my case, its usually just a excuse for me to go shopping LOL ;0)  The class was pretty well organized-as far as "structured". Classes come with hand outs and advice but in no way does it tell you have to do it this way or that way. What I like about BPS, is that I can download handouts and audios to work on later when I am able to- and at my own pace.  lastly, I did not take Lisa's first Product Playgroundclass. I am, however signed up to take her 2nd one and PP2:the albumsfollowing PP2. 12 weeks of glorious scrapping layouts and then mini books- I can't wait! I hope to get thru most of my stash and pics that I have been hording and actually get some work done. If you are interested in taking these classes, there is still time!! Go here and here to sign up!

Thanks ladies for the questions! If you have any more for me, or if I missed anything (or anyone!), please let me know and I will be happy to answer them! :)

Other news...

I wanted to mention that I have joined a new kit club. It happens to be my local scrap store. Scrapper's Edge has released their very 1st Kit of the month! Don't worry, its a non commitment type kit club.  Very cool and CONGRATS Scrapper's Edge! Click hereto check it out and help support them! These ladies have been very good to me, helpful and willing to listen to my jabber and I will miss them when I move :( I will post a pic of the ladies and I as soon as I get them taken :)

Remember when I was talking about my family restaurant? Click here to see it, if you missed that post. Well...after the vote, we got a interview for the state paper called The Oregonian. Click here to read the article. Below are the pics that was included with the article- that you can't see online.

a customer drinking the famous Marion Berry shake, and the front of our building (click here for more info on our Oregon berries). Our fresh Strawberry shake is pretty awesome too :)

These are our cooks - and there's my dad in his "spot" in the very FAR end (with the mustache,hat and glasses- hey dad!) 

I have to say, though, while the article was pretty good, and we were very excited about this...there was a disappointing part. I was left out completely and to no fault was it to my dad or our manager. He gave them our Picture from when we 1st took over and then one that we took just before I left for CA, spelled my name and told them why I wasn't there. I just felt that the reporter left out a part of the story.  I just felt like I worked very hard for 9 years to help make what the Sno Cap is today. I realize that they probably had a word limit or whatever, but I strongly believe that the whole story wasn't told. Other than that, I am very proud of what our little place has become. I don't know how many times Dad and I have said, WOW, we have created a monster! The day the article came out, we had alot of people that had not ever been in before, come by.  Guess what the majority of the shake flavor was? YEP. The Marion berries.  Dad called at the end of early afternoon, to tell me that they had used at least 7 gallons of the berries!!! Usually we go thru just 2! He also said that someone came in with a large family, and they come thru every year for their family vacation in Sunriver I believe it was- have never been in before-and said that they will be making the stop as a part of their tradition! Cool right?  So, thanks to this article and everyone's vote- we had the best weekend EVER in the history of the Sno Cap. Well, at least for us. lol So, thank you for anyone who has stopped in and tried us out- we appreciate the business! If you haven't been by, you should!  ;0)  

Ok, I have procrastinated enough for today- off to start packing again :) Leave Thursday to fly to Tulsa for my 1st ever CKC(Creating Keepsakes Convention)...and to see this girl (and her family)...My very BFF in the whole wide world! 

Can't wait to see you Angie!! Blog and pics of CKC coming soon!

PS- did you see the last post about my little brother's football highlights video? If you didn't, click here to see the post.

Best in Central Oregon!

 I just got a call from my dad that our little tiny restaurant has been voted #1 in Central Oregon (in a SMALL town called Sisters) according to a online voting contest set up by a local community magazine called The Source. We weren't even aware of this!  How cool is that!?  We have been voted #1 and #2 before, but every time..it's just so awesome! This has been in our family for over 30 years. My grandparents owned it for 18 years, before my dad retired from Les Schwab after 25 yrs, and decided to buy it April 1997. I, however, "retired" from the business, after 9 1/2 yrs last year, when I moved to CA to support my husband with his job promotion. I am however still doing the books, and consulting. It is year 2 of the very busy summer season, and its still very weird that i'm not there.  Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my "lady of leisure" life now! ;0) hahaha But, I still miss some of the locals(hi ya Hank and Bear!!), my dad, my manager (we are very good friends) and the rest of my family. So happy to be closer to them in a few weeks. Anyways, the mag will come out in Aug. I believe. I will be sure to post when I get my copy. Here is one of the articles featured in our local newspaper about us a few years ago.(from Bend, OR-yes, the hometown of the world's 1st pregnant "man"...so cool to hear Oprah mention our town! lol)  ...click here to view it.  (By the way, this was before I did a remodel--see pics below to see the change.)

So, here's a alittle collage I did about 2 years back. It shows the front of the drive-in (oh btw, the sign had not been repainted yet, but I hear it has been before the winter hit last year, or was it this spring?- I haven't seen it yet! lol) Anyways...there's a couple pics of our famous home made ice cream (this was blueberry cheesecake--we don't make that flavor anymore- got too expensive with the cheesecake pieces) and bacon burgers..yum, now i'm hungry! LOL I haven't had a Sno Cap burger since last year! Can you guess what the 1st thing I'm going to do when I move back? Oh yeah!  

Here's me about 4+ years ago:

Before I left for CA, I did a remodel (while dad was in Mexico! haha Don't worry, he knew about it! Got you didn't I?). Even though it's not my dream remodel, but it looks 100% better, fresh and "new" and I love how it turned out for the most part. Can you guess what my favorite part was?   

The FLOORS! I looooove them! Oh, see the window back there? That was redone a couple days later. Replaced with one large piece of glass- soo much better and it just totally opened up the space, if you can believe that lol. How do people order you ask? Right there at the counter. Right now, since its summer, just imagine all the booths filled, both sides of the counter has a line out the door, and all of our outside seating in the back is filled up. Yeah, its totally CRAZY in the summer.

this is the tiny tiny kitchen...let me tell you, this is where alot of the action is! LOL This is old fashioned cooking people- made to order burgers, hand written tickets, hand dipped ice cream and machine mixed milkshakes.

The Mushroom Swiss Burger

Bacon Burger and Fries (also available with cheese)

Our very famous "Power Pac" Burger. This thing is a whopping half pound burger on a 6 in. bun and all the fixings.

some more yummy ice cream on a waffle cone :)

the soft ice cream in "half and half"

Here are samples of the t-shirts we sell...if anyone wants one, let me know, and i'll send you a email with my address if you want to send a check (or pay by Paypal) and I'll make sure you get one. Colors and sizes vary- and I'll call and find out what is available.  

I hope you have enjoyed the "tour" :) Don't you wish you could sample some of this yumminess? Me too! Excuse me while I go have my Lean Cuisine dinner now... (UGH!!) 

Ps- Happy Birthday to my Dad! Love you!

Small update and a sneak peek.

G'ma left this morning...actually it was her 2nd attempt! Originally she left on Sat. morning at 6ish am but was back at about 11 am, and 400 mi. later--the road that she was on was closed due to the wildfires around Northern CA...and small dent in the front of their new car. She had hit a rock when she was turning around to head for here--and this was with the "aid" of i think it was a firefighter or road worker (not sure). I think her little heart broke :( But, its something that could be fixed...so she's dealing with it ok. 

Anyways, I think we both got what we wanted and that was to extend her visit! Sat. was my wedding anniversary and since my Husband was in MN ( i thought he was in TX!), she took me out to dinner :) We went to Applebee's. I had a steak with mushrooms and garlic, fat loaded garlic mashed potatoes w/ sour cream, bacon bits, cheese and Caesar salad. She had a fish dish, sorry don't remember what its called. It was good to have her back and with me that day on my anniversary.  I think, otherwise it would have just been kind of a sad and lonely day for me.  Marcus did call me later that night. I could tell right away how exhausted he was.  He has been going  back and forth to MN and Tx, and back to Seattle.  I think its just alittle bit too much, but he's handling it the only way he can- just work, work and work. He says that in about a week and a half, he "should" have at least 2 weeks of no travel for work, and is going to try to come home and visit or he'll get me up to Seattle. I worry about him sometimes... I didn't like the sound of the exhaustion in his voice. I hope he has been able to go swimming in the hotel pools to get a bit of a break and clear his mind. Its going to be like this I think until they get the company up and running... Miss you M. :(  

Ok, so I have alot to get caught up on (and yes get that motivation to actually start packing-ick Even though I have NO clue when the actual moving day will be at this moment). I've got projects to either finish or/and start, as well. While g'ma was here the last 2 days, I needed to get caught up since I did nothing while she was here, so she told me to do whatever I needed to do, and she would just watch tv and crochet. Well, I tried to stay in the dining room and work on projects, and just felt so guilty and just wanted to be in the same room as her so I moved my project into the living room-used a tv tray and a couple of kitchen bar stools for a "work table(s)" LOL We watched a ton of movies and she worked on my blanket and I worked on my project...good times :) Miss you already G'ma!

Speaking of the project...its a class from BPS, called "Scrap-booking: it Matters"- that was actually going in March--told you I was behind! I didn't really know how I was going to do it, and its turning out more cutesy (and colorful!) than artsy like I had in my mind, but then again, its only in the beginning stages so...Here's my G'ma getting suckered into painting a couple of chipboard album dividers for me :) I hope to have the energy and the determination to keep busy when I get to be her age!

my makeshift "worktable(s)" area

and a SNEAK PEEK of my project...

Happy Anniversary!

5 years today. Happy Anniversary babe! Miss you...wish we could celebrate like we had planned(me flying to Seattle to visit and explore the city with you), but I guess that will just have to wait! (he's in Texas right now for work) Love you.

Grandma & Me

My g'ma decided she was going to come see me and drive all the way down to CA from OR-a 7.5 hr drive-all by herself. She got tired of waiting for someone to drive her! LOL She came on Sunday, and so far we have had a blast. My husband bought me a sewing machine, and I wanted to get it while she was here so she could show me how to use it.  It took us awhile to figure out how to get it set up--she said that this machine was more modern and not like hers...over 30 years old, so she wasn't sure if she could figure it out. But, between her and I, we did! Thank god for picture instructions!!! Either one of do well with word instructions!! LOL Then, we just played around with the dials and different stitches. After playing for awhile I was very very excited about FINALLY learning how to use a sewing machine! I can't sew a button to save my life! LOL THANK YOU g'ma!!!  Maybe one day, i'll get brave enough to actually sew fabric together and make some cool stuff...but for now, i'll stick with using it on my layouts.  ;0) 

As I type this, she is crocheting me a afghan with some of my favorite colors (light aqua, apple green and just touches of yellow)..so i'll get pics of it soon...but for now...

Ps- She LOVED the mini I made her- i'll post the other one that i made a few months back (the same one I mentioned in my last post that I would link to 2 peas- just haven't gotten around to getting those photographed and posted. But, it made her cry! Pretty sentimental stuff :)   

Happy Father's Day

to my dad Terry .

my step dad Terry...

... to my grandpa's- Olan, Morrie and Otis and father in law Larry. Happy Father's Day! Love you all!

33

Happy Birthday to my handsome Husband Marcus :) He is 33 today! he he Old geezer! lol Just kidding. Wished you didn't have to work today though...but your favorite dinner and chocolate cupcakes will be waiting for you! Love you!

Oh, just to embarrass you further {you know you love me! lol} here's an oldie! {isn't he just cute?)

Btw, here is the bday card I made for him..just really simple. Tried out the new Cricut Expression. Pretty cool cutting machine.

 

 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my Nanny {aka Granny} We miss you!

and to my very wonderful mother- in-law Alberta, who I have not been able to meet yet. {SOON I hope!}

Starbucks & friends

POTD-Here is Angie and I acting like a couple of dorky kids when she was here.Cracks me up every time I see this. lol Had so much FUN! And, so she went home and left with me a addiction...Starbucks Mocha Light Frapp with extra ice...and a brain freeze on the side.

Having a BLAST!

I am having the best time with my BFF Angie :) We have been scrapbooking today...yep I have totally gotten Angie addicted to this awesome hobby! LOL Here's a couple a LO's I did...

More to come... :) Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Ps- Lain and Jill...i got the notice that i got tagged by you...will do those in a couple days :) 

So excited!

My BFF is coming all the way from OK to see me -TOMORROW! I am so friggin excited!! I haven't seen her since her, Matt, my ultra awesome pilot friend and I,went to Disney World almost 2 yrs ago. Angie and I vowed to have a visit at least once or 2x a year from now on!  SO SO SO SO stoked! :)

Ok, on the other hand, I am bummed b/c I saw this one day and saw it again today on miss Lain's blog {love this chick btw!} She cracks me up on her podcasts. I want to make one soo bad but I don't sew. Not even a button. Now how sad is that? If you are interested, {and can SEW! humph) here is the pattern, courtesy of Heather Bailey. How super cute would that look with my new haircut? Seriously.

Ok, off to clean the house and maybe start on a project...pics coming soon :)

Ps-for those of you who don't know how to check out the stuff i'm talking about...when a word that is been underlined and in color, means that there is a link for you to go check it out :) So, just click on it and when you want to come back to my blog, just go up to your back arrow and you'll be there again :)

Oopsy Daisy

I didn't forget in real life, and I didn't really forget to post this...but I really do have a good excuse...I was in the middle of packing for the move, so I wasn't blogging at all....


Happy Birthday to my baby brother, who turned 17!!!!! March 18th. Man, I feel OLD once again (i'm going to be 32 this year for gosh sakes!) . He's driving, has had a girlfriend for about a year now, about to go off to college in a year...my baby brother is growing up! He really is turning into a quite a young man. He's very smart and multi talented, handsome, and just all around good kid :) I miss going to your school games and yelling at the refs or players who do you wrong (LOL),and just cheering you on! I am very proud of you buddy. Enjoy life at a slower pace, take in everything you see and experience...believe me, you'll be thankful that you did. Love you very much :)


And...Happy Birthday to my best friend Angie who turned 31, also on March 18th! Thank you for always being there and being my truest bestest friend. I can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks! Love you!



More bloggin' and pics to come....