31 Jan 2008

Good Snowy Morning! We hunkered down for a snow day yesterday. I was so productive! Here's a look at a bit:

Yes! I remembered the camera at piano lessons - and A was kind enough to let me get her a bit in the picture :0 Thanks! We re-arranged the living room yesterday. Afterward I thought to myself - I must be feeling better, I haven't done this in a long time! And I love the layout about what we do with the "Junk" mail - everyday the girls ask if there is mail for them. I'm happy to hand it over. It all ends up in the trash in the end, but this way they get to enjoy having mail to look at.

So - I'm off to post the last of the daily layouts to the BPS class for January. Have a great day!

30 Jan 2008

I had to chuckle at your comment, Regan. I think things are always better remembered that in the present (negative things that is).

So I broke down and signed up for The Greatest Love Story ever told class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. With 29 days in February, I figured I could use all the ideas for pages I can get. I came up with 9 ideas on my own so far - but I'm sure that there's more in my mind - just have to quiet it enough to get them out :)

I so love getting the Shabby Princess Newsletter! It's so pretty - I have to print it out! I just like to look at it. I guess I've figured out what the term "eye-candy" means. And I'm hooked!

So on to the layout today:

I think I've mentioned about our bean days here before. Just recently I made this bean box. It makes more of a mess than I like - so it only comes out about once a week. But it is fun!

Well - I'm off to do another layout. Have a nice day!

29 Jan 2008

Thanks for the feedback everyone! We're having a great day here - the little ones are busy helping me and having fun. I'm taking it easy because I'm hurting today....did too much yesterday :( Silly Me....
Another day, another layout....

I thought about doing a layout on the song "Saturday" but have decided against it because we don't do most of the cleaning on Saturday. Monday is the main day here. Mt. Washmore is the laundry.

Have a nice day!

28 Jan 2008

A grey day - goes with my mood I think. Sad and glad to hear of President Hinckley's passing. He was the prophet the whole time DJ and I have been married (sustained just after we began dating). So - today's page is about him:

Our RS lesson yesterday was on prayer and this prayer that he offered has been on my mind for a couple of weeks previous. I was wanting to find it - so it's an answer to my questioning mind. Such a wonderful prayer. The signature is from The church site - Witnesses of Christ I think. I think this page will go in a quiet book for Church. So many ideas - and a whole year to do them in!

Have a peaceful day!

27 Jan 2008

Sunday! I'm getting a bit out of order on my pages - here's a monthly page today:

Just had to keep up with the page a day pace and I was missing what I need for a couple of layouts....Very fun page, though! If you like the image, you can get a screensaver of the temple pix at http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/boise/gallery/ There are other temple pix there too.

Have to give a shout out to Aaron who tipped me off to googles' reader tool for managing your blog watching. You can go to one place and see any blogs that have been updated (public ones with feed enabled) - so everyone's minus Reg's, Sarah's and Julie's I think. It might be that I just didn't set it up right, though. It really is a time saver, though!

Well - On with my day. Have a great one everyone!

26 Jan 2008

Glad to be passing on these ideas. I wouldn't think about these things if I wasn't doing this album - so it's really a blessing! I used to do treats for my kids at friend's houses (or promise them a treat once we got in the car) - but just by doing it at my house my friends have caught on to the idea as well - so they do it too. Just makes it so much easier to get the kids out the door!

SO DJ went to do his 50 K today and we met him at the halfway point for lunch. He was so tired (5 hours of running!) and decided to stop there. So we took him back to his truck and his home resting now. We're still going to the temple later tonight - so can't rest too much yet. Still - a rest is a rest. On to the layout:

Now I know some might be wondering - who the young couple in the picture at the top page is. That is us - some 12 years ago. Silly Page - but part of the weekly traditions - another template from Kissed Studio.

Well - I have to run and get a quick nap in. Have a great afternoon.

25 Jan 2008

Well - I was even surprised by the number of lids - 46!!! The boxes are scattered throughout the house - and a few are outside. I had been storing all those lids downstairs and now have to decide if I need to keep them all and where to keep them. Outside is working well for now.

I've got to get busy and get the Valentines done! Found a great idea in Digital Scrapbooking magazine - Feb/March 2008 issue. Should turn out fun!

On to the layout:

Another not-quite daily tradition - so it fits in the weekly section. I love these Kissed Studio templates!

Well - I have to get on with a layout for today.....Have a great Friday!

24 Jan 2008b

Bonus Post for today! I did a layout for the Simple Scrapbooks letter writing deal. I had planned to use a QV letter but ended up doing a letter from Mary Eastman. What do you think?This is the layout I submitted - but this is the one I did first (but didn't have a letter in so had to go back and do):

Wanted to put them both on - they are so nice! Anyway I'm pleased with how they turned out - another template from Kissed Studios!

I counted the lids - and will post the number tomorrow. Have a nice evening!

24 Jan 2008

I'm so glad you liked the layout, Ola. And thanks to my anonymous admirer - I know who you are :) The song we were singing in the layout is Popcorn Popping!

I have been making such progress on my basement - thanks for the inspiration - Sharon! I finally decided to get rid of a bunch of stuff and just have the food storage down there (plus toilitries). So it's really comming along - I have lots of empty shelves ready for more food. I have to show a pix:

I have a little quiz for you. Can you guess how many lids are in this pile?
Answer will be on tomorrow. I have to count them myself ;)

I remember several years ago - back in the trailer days - when we got a tax refund and spent it all on food storage. That was a great year. We were surprised at how much food we got (and how heavy the carts were) for the $$. The car was riding low all the way home :) Anyway, On to the Layout:

Another Kissed Studios Template - same kit as all the other pages :) I'm in the planning stages for next month's album. It's going to be such fun!

Well - that's what were up to in a nutshell. Have a great day everyone!

23 Jan 2008

Good Morning! I am so frustrated with myself. I've forgotten 2 weeks in a row to get a picture of Kimball at her piano lesson (for the book). I have the camera in my bag - just can't remember to take the pix! Maybe next week......

We have 2 friends over and maybe a 3rd later....the girls are having a great time. I'm thinking of all the jobs I really need to get to. Like organizing the basement. Hopefully I can get some time soon. Then again - that seems to be a perpetual job.

Found a great idea in Better Homes and Gardens Aug 2007 issue: They had one of those tools you use for breaking a window in case your car goes into the water. They had velcroed it to the underside of the console lid (does that make sense)? Anyway - a great place to have it handy and keep it out of the way......I've got the very same tool and now know where to put it!

OK - onto the layout:

Can you figure out what song we were singing? I'll tell you tomorrow :) I did think about more journaling - but loved the basic layout so much - I didn't want to add anything more. This FHE was at my in-laws on Monday. We're planning for our garden this year. A must read if you're even considering it is the new version of Square Food Gardening. You can garden really easily - just putting a square frame (2X6's) on top of the existing ground and filling it with good soil mix (think fewer weeds). It looks so doable - and fun that we're doing it this year! As you harvest things, you can plant new things so you always have something growing.

Anyway - enough for today! Have a wonderful day!

22 Jan 2008

Hey there! We're doing well. A busy week ahead - but good! I got 2 layouts done yesterday - so I'm back a day ahead (like I like to be). Here's today's:

These are so fun! I've got my plan for February already - an album about Dj & I - The Greatest Love Story ever told. They have a class with this title on Big Picture Scrapbooking - but I'm planning on still doing the layout a day - so mine will be bigger than the one they offer. :) It will be fun - and very Valentiney!

Have a great day!

21 Jan 2008

Happy Monday - and a holiday at that! We are getting ready for a big bike ride to the park with friends. Should be fun! Had to post my layout before we go, though. So, here it is:

Template is from Kissed Studio - a freebie! I'm hoping to get another layout done so I'm not behind - I like to be a day ahead. Hope your day is great!

20 Jan 2008

Getting ready for another VT visit. I really do enjoy them - even if they do tire me out. It's a good tired. My family is getting ready for a family snuggle and movie when I get back - so I have to get the post done now! Here's the layout:

I'm always making up little songs for things we do. I wish I could put the tunes on as well - but the girls know all the tunes already - and since it's for us, I guess we don't need them on there. Well - time to get going. Have a nice evening!

THis is the first page of the weekly section. Obviously.....

I did think of one more daily page to do. So that will probably be tomorrow. With the Days of the week - that's a song that they teach the kids in Kindergarten here....so imagine it with music.

DJ and I got out for lunch today and some light shopping. I requested the Monk series' from the local library. Very excited to watch what I've missed. So much fun!

I do feel a bit more exposed putting all these layouts on here - but they are all a part of us - and nothing that shouldn't be shared. It's good. I'm thinking of 2 more albums - a I'm Thankful For book and a book based on the list of what children should be able to do at various ages. It's from a book with a picture of a kid scrubbing a toilet on the front cover. Can't remember the name......I'll work on it. Just something that might help explain to my girls why I expect them to help out.....I keep telling them that they are mothers in training. :)

Well, I started another suppliment/medicine today. It's a powder you put in milk or yogurt. Then there is a pill you take with it. Supposed to see a difference in 3 weeks. I'll let you know. Oh - and for those who saw my finger back in August that got smashed in the door of the motorhome......it's finally back to normal and all grown out. So - for a deep smash (below the cuticle) it takes 5 months for the nail to get back to normal.

Have a nice weekend!

18 Jan 2008

Glad you have ideas comming - now you just need to sit down and start. I can't tell you how good it feels to be accomplishing something. I'd be happy to show you how to do these, Jules!

All the girls are home today - a day off. I'm looking forward to some good work on the house this weekend. The layout today is a little different - a more serious tone.....So here it is:

I love the old pictures - it's just there are so few good ones. Too blurry - etc. I used this one anyway. Tomorrow will be a light layout - probably the introduction to the weekly traditions.

Have a great day!

17 Jan 2008

I have a fun layout for today. Took some thinking to figure out just what/how to do it. I wanted to do more - but my photoshop skills are lacking still.....I'll learn more soon! I have a lot of cleaning to do today - so I'll keep the post short. Here's the layout:

Well, that's about all....Have a great day!

16 Jan 2008

Good Morning! I woke up early, had a good couple of hours then before I ate I took my meds. Oops! Had a horrible stomach ache. Took a nap with a heating pad and feel much better now.

Have to add this link in case anyone needs a reason to celebrate today: http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/jan.htm Every day is special. I think you can put in the other months and get lists for them too.

On to today's layout. I really like how it turned out:

It has such a fun tone to it - just had to do it! I'm still deciding what to do today.

Make it a great day!

15 Jan 2008

So glad I could pass those ideas on to everyone! I'm just getting a digital scrapbooking group started in our ward RS. We have no "groups" in our RS - yet that is. I'm tired of looking at what other wards are doing and feeling a bit gyped - so I've decided to take action. It will be fun to get inspiration and ideas from others.

Today I'm feeling a bit yucky. A couple of the new meds make me sick for a while after I take them - so hopefully that will abate soon.

On to today's layout!

DJ really wanted me to move that ribbon - but I think it's kind of cute and silly. Adds dimension as they say.....Plus the program I was using isn't as maleable as others - so I'll take what I get. And yes - I know it's an old picture - but it does have us all in it.

I was surprised to get an email from Lain - the gal in charge of the class the other day. Complimenting me on the Colors layout. It was a really nice surprise :)

Well, Have to get a layout done today - Have a great day everyone!

14 Jan 2008

So glad you're enjoying the layouts, Grandma! Becky - that was one of the wordarts in the Digi Chick Call to Act kit. It's a nice Monday - I'm doing computer stuff while watching reruns of Monk - they had a marathon on yesterday :)

So on to the layout today:

So enjoying these layouts - but I think I'm running low on daily traditions - so it will be onto the weekly ones soon:) Still that same kit....

I came across a great fix for a zipper that won't stay up - particularly pants - since a picture is worth a thousand words - here's a picture:

Put a key ring through the pull tab and loop over the metal circle (not sure what that thing is called). Then button the top part as usual. It works like a charm! I so didn't want to sew in a new zipper. Hope this helps someone else - found it online somewhere...

Also - have a great FHE idea. Why not hold a Singing Bee (like the show) as an activity during FHE? If you've never seen the show - the contestant sings along with the "backup singers" until they cut out - and the contestant moves to the next level if they can sing the next phrase (or a few words). You could use primary songs or hymns. Came to me as I was watching the show. A great way for the kids to learn the songs!

I know there was something else - but my mind is blank. So, hopefully when I remember, I'll write it down. Have a great day!

13 Dec 2008

Sunday - a wonderful one! We have several meetings yet to go - but are enjoying the slower pace of the day.

I think the idea for the traditions album came from Stacy Julian's Scrapbooking book - Can't remember the title (green cover - has tag ideas inside). It talked about looking at things differently. I checked it out from our local library....Anyway - I have a list that I started with categories of daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, special/other. You could even have a holiday section - but my holidays are going in the yearly section. So far I'm just doing the daily list. When you look at the idea in categories - it makes it a lot easier. Basically, think of it as if you were doing a book to help someone understand how things go at your house - a cheat sheet if you will. That's what it is. One thing you won't see is a page in mine on doing hair for the girls daily. I aspire to that - someday. It just hasn't happened yet. I might do a section of things I want to try or do in the future. That's where that would be. I won't give my list away - you'll have to keep checking back to see what shows up. But really, each family is different. We each have different rituals, traditions, etc that we rely on. That's the beauty of doing an album like this - we can get ideas from others, but ours will ultimately be different - based on many things including our time of life! As I think of more things - I just add them to the list. This really is the most fun I've had in years!!!

Regan - I have a magazine that I think of you everytime I look at it - it's Creating Keepsakes Special Issue - 101 Hip, Handmade Gifts. I think some of the things are just your style! Anyway- you can see more at the web site - there are even some free downloads :) Love those! The idea looks like a great one that I'll have to try sometime!

Today I have a layout that is connected with yesterdays. You'll see what I mean:

The block got to be a bit loud on the uncarpeted floors - so I updated the spinner. The kids know it's more fair than mom and dad choosing who says a prayer when. It's really caught on!

So I need to do a layout for today. Not sure what I'm going to do yet....surprisingly!

Have a great day - thanks for checking in!

12 Jan 2008

It's a short post today. Just been helping split more wood. Today we have Jared and Ed over to help. Such a help to us!!! So - here's the latest layout:

It's more vibrant than the other pages - but it would have to be, talking about color. It sets the stage for the layout I'll do for tomorrow. You'll have to wait to see.

Have a great day!

11 Jan 2008

Thanks Reg and Becky! I so want to create that warm feeling for my girls. The world is cold enough - no need for home to be ;) I have 3 pages for you today! I'm running low on ink so I only got 2 printed. I did check Costco.com and found that you can print scrapbook pages there too - $1.49 for 8X8 and 2.99 for 12X12. Just had to let you know. I'm still intrigued with the idea of making a game and found a link for the cards to print on. Wanted to share for any interested:

http://www.plaincards.com/Shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=46&cat=Kits+To+Make+Coated+Playing+%0D%0ACards+%2D+%0D%0AOnly+Ships+to+Continental+U%2ES%2E

Long link - and there are other products available - different size cards etc. The kit seemed most practical to me. Sometime down the road......

Today I'm hoping to slow down a bit - date night tonight and all :) Without further ado, the layouts:

Top layout is page 2 of my Traditions Album. It has quotes from the movie on it - about traditions. I had the movie going while typing furiously to get it in. I just love the way it puts things, though. 2nd layout is after prayer in the book. 3rd layout is after scriptures - it has portions of a talk by LeGrand R. Curtis. I've been using FotoFusion for these layouts - and learning a lot about how to use it - I just love the look it gives things - with the shadows and all - easy to use. If you're doing 12x12 it probably won't provide the resolution you want - for export to Jpg that is. It saves pages in it's own format (of course!) - The resolution I get on 8X8 is 250. That's the max - but if you get the next level up (I have the starter program) it will let you save at a higher resolution (bigger pix too). It prints things fine on the printer - so if you're exclusively printing your own stuff it might not be an issue. Is that technical enough or what?

Have a wonderful day!

10 Jan 2008

I so enjoy hearing your feedback, Becky! I'll put the pictures on bigger so you can read the journaling better. Yesterdays was: Some things require frequent attention. Such is the case with is pot. We put water in it when we have a fire to add moisture to the air. Otherwise, within a couple of days, we have itchy, dry skin. It's easy to forget to mind the pot. It takes a couple of days for the humidity to return to normal if we have missed a day or two. We end up needing to moisturize our skin to compensate for the loss of moisture in the meantime. Such is the case with the daily traditions. They affect the mood and tranquility of the home more than we realize. It is often only when something is missing that we find its true Value.

I am so excited to blog every day and share my layouts with you! And since I've been printing them out - I'm filling my album too! Today I'm hoping to do two layouts - and I need to recover my spinner. That's for a layout too - so you'll see it :)

We have a friend coming to play today - the girls are going to have a great time. The snow day was good - but the girls are glad to be back to school. Activity Days last night was homemaking skills - puppetmaking. It went pretty good considering we had a large group and 2 sewing machines going. Next time is the planning meeting- very excited about that. I am anxious to make the word strip to go on the wall, too. Might have to start that today too!

On to the layout:

I'm not sure what I'm going to do the layout on today - we'll see. I had several good ideas - just as I was trying to get to sleep last night. Didn't open my eyes to write them down :( It's better than having spanish words going through the mind.....

Have to add just a couple things. I learned how to make your pictures look like drawings yesterday - and how to make a stamp (like postage) out of a picture, and how to make a letter with a picture in it. Feeling so smart! I've TIVO'ed Scrapbook Memories on BYUTV - and they have a great section that somehow has been motivational enough to help me learn. I know there are a ton of tutorials online - but I just haven't taken advantage of them. I'm just taking my time learning!

Have a great day!

9 Jan 2008

We had another fun evening working on the puzzle. We end up sitting closer as we're looking for pieces than we usually sit. It's a good thing! Maybe we'll finish tonight - that is if I can hold off on finishing it today. It's a snow day here - and the troops are restless. We're planning on making some butterflies that we can put over the spots where they've dinged the walls upstairs. Should be fun. The first butterflies that my computer found in my scrapbooking stuff were from Miss Mint's kit for this month - After Midnight. They are beautiful sequined butterflies that I am anxious to print out and use!

I got my Leapfrog Mind Station going last night and uploaded Kimball's spelling words to her turbo twist cartridge. Felt really accomplished.....I might have to check out the math equivalent of the turbo twist. That has been a really useful, durable toy. It even has a headphone jack that allows you to have quiet - or take it along in the car :)

I am excited to share with you 2 layouts for today. I was so pleased with how they turned out - the start of my traditions album. Here they are:

The first one is the opening page for my Traditions album. I used a background from the Digi Chick Call to action kit and just added the words on top. Fancy font is Chopin (or something like that). The bottom one I created in my FotoFusion program - I love the Clean and Simple look to the page - I'm hoping to use that look a lot in my pages. I also used a element and background (small squarish) from the Digi Chick Call to Act kit. I'm going to use that for my color scheme for the whole album. This is the first real "theme" album I've done - and the excitement level is high! The second page is the header page for my "daily tradition" section.

Have a great day everyone!

8 Jan 2008

Good Morning! It's a snowy day here - I'm hoping it lets up enough for me to get out a bit later :) We'll see. I spent the morning organizing our games. I like using the Kirkland soap boxes for things like this. So we have a box of whole family games, and one of big-kid games. DJ and I started a puzzle last night. It is the most frustrating puzzle I've done in a long time - no fully interlocking pieces. But we had so much fun working on it! We're expanding our evening activities to include reading, games, puzzles, etc - not just watching the TV.


Thanks for the comment, Ola! I love your new picture. Becky, I have to explain a bit about the format I'm doing for the layouts- basically 2 sizes now. 4X6 - easily printed by Costco :) - and fits so nice in the regular photo albums; and 8X8. That size I can print on my printer at home. So I've got a file of the 4X6's waiting to be sent to print - and I print the 8X8's as I go. I'm looking forward to doing some pages on family traditions. Anyway - with a whole year's worth I'll get a lot done no matter what I choose to do! And I'm slowly learning how to use Photoshop Elements.
On to the layout for today:

Before my haircut - I could pull my hair all up into a bun - My girls accused me of looking like Ms. Trenchbull (from Matilda). I brushed it off until I saw these pictures of me helping at the school! I am explaning how to can pumpkin to the children in lively story form. That's why I have a crazy look on my face. Makes me chuckle.....

Have a great day!

7 Jan 2008

Becky, thank you so much for the positive feedback! I'm feeling so good just doing the layout a day. Amazing what a little goal can do!

Feeling so great today - really! I've had a couple of nights that were just regular (toss and turn) but I have been feeling great today. I tackled a couple of big things that needed done - and feel so good about getting that done. Hopefully I won't crash!!

I do have a treat for you today - 2 layouts. Then I have to go and do one for tomorrow :) Here they are:

After downloading Stacy Julian's permission letter about scrapbooking any way that works for you (no particular order or anything) - I've been doing what I feel like doing. I don't think the picture of me and the girls is especially flattering, but what can you do?

Have a wonderful day!

6 Jan 2008

A nice Sunday. I am home with Taylor who woke up with her neck hurting - and a low-grade fever. So we're playing it safe. I'm busy on the computer - doing a couple layouts and some family history. Here's the layout for today:

Simple but helps us remember an usual event when we were visiting Grandma Sue and Grandpa Chuck.

I hope your Sabbath is going well. Have a wonderful day!

5 Jan 2008

Saturday - and we've been chopping wood! The less said about that the better - but it does have to get done. Becky - when I've entered the classroom - it has a few promts along the top - Welcome, FAQ, Audio Message, Chat Room, Gallery, Message Boards, and Email Lain. There isn't really any materials beyond that - you just upload your layout to the Gallery each day. I also joined the reading group and am listening to the Book of the Month. Not something I'd pick myself - but that's the fun of a club.

For those who wondered - DJ's eye is top left, then the rest of us follow clockwise - age wise. So Taylor's is the bottom left. I was pleased with how it turned out. I'm even more pleased that I'm actually doing layouts instead of just collecting kits!

The medicines I'm taking are non-prescription so far. And I'm kind of doing one at a time so I can see what really helps and what doesn't. And starting with the non-prescriptions....somehow it seems easier that way.

I think that answers all the questions. I think....anyway - on to my layout: I used a quickpage from Amy Fenner...

And this is my desktop for January - Thanks to Shabby Princess for the Base (can't think of the right word).

4 Jan 2008

I probably should have clarified a bit - the BPS class only goes through January - so just a month's worth of layouts - but still! So......here's mine for yesterday:

I think Becky is the only one who saw the previous try at incorporating the eye pictures...not as nice as this! I wanted to put so many other quotes and things on - but I had a headache coming on and had to finish it quickly. I like how it looks like a series of unfortunate events. I learned quite a bit while I was working on this - I drew the boat and the spyglass myself! Anyway- makes you wonder what I'm going to do tomorrow - right? I haven't started yet and I'm really not sure - so it will be a surprise to all of us :)

Such good news this morning - I slept so well last night! I think I was in the same position all night! It's been years since I've had sleep that good. I have been waking up so much easier and more alert. I did go back to bed after reading the paper - and slept for 2 hours, but I could have stayed up if I had needed to. I'm so impressed with the sleep stuff I'm taking. Its Revitalizing Sleep Formula - with Fatigued to Fantastic on the box as well. It just takes me one pill a night and it's been working great! I'm still taking my Calcium and Tylenol (Extended Release) at the same time. I'm feeling so hopeful. And my headache is under control with regular Tylenol. :) For those that want to know....

Well, I hate to leave you in suspense - but check in tomorrow and I might have more than 1 layout to share (have to get caught up from days 1 and 2)! Have a great day!

3 Jan 2008

I had to chuckle at myself, Aaron! What a nut I am! I am so excited for you to have that subscription!!! We had some days recently when my cell phone was totally run down and the charger was broken - but that is fixed now. Call me on that - you can leave a message that way :) Otherwise, if I miss your call on my home phone - I'll never know it. I really like not having a flashing light attracting my attention when I get home (like on an answering machine). I'm looking forward to talking, though.

We spent 6 hours at my in-laws fixing my broken headlight - new years day. And that was after my half-hour working on it myself here at home! One of the pins that held it in place had been drilled in too far and was a real pain to get out - we still have to find another part to fix the damage from drilling it in too far. And we had to get on the ball and fix the thing because we got stopped twice over the weekend by the police! We were so blessed to find out at the first stop that DJ's licence had expired on his birthday (in October!). So he renewed it first thing on Monday - just in time to present it for the second police stop! We had replacement lights in the car with us and I spoke convincingly of my efforts to fix it. So - just a warning on the light.

Today we have my niece Hailey over. The girls are having a great time and have a lot of adventure planned. We'll see how much they get done. I signed up for the layout a day class/experience at Big Picture Scrapbooking - so I'm going to have to get busy and get my layout done for the day. I have in my mind what I want to do - just have to pull it together :) It's a free class so if you're looking for some motivation - you can sign up through the 15th!

I'll have to put my layout on here tomorrow. Maybe that will be my daily "thing" for the year! Have a great day!

2 Jan 2008 (Thanks Aaron)

Sorry about the extended break. I guess that's what we get when kids are off school and the whole schedule is thrown off. I have so many project ideas - I really need to spend some serious time on the computer getting them done. Unfortunately, I've had some serious brain-fog and other symptoms going so that has also contributed to not getting on like I should. With the new year, I've begun a new treatment regiment - so I'm optimistic that it will help. From the book - Fatigued to Fantastic. We'll keep you posted. So far I've had 2 nights of sleep without my usual Tylenol PM - they haven't been the most deep sleep ever but I do feel more alert in the morning!



The girls really enjoyed their Christmas. The camera is not currently at hand so pix will have to wait. I was pleased to see that they were content with the gifts we gave them and the Barnes & Noble trip (gift cards from Grandma Kaye that we had them exchange names to use) went so well that I think we'll do the exchange at Barnes and Noble again!



Today I'm going to tackle my "book" of stuff that has frequently called phone numbers, various miscellaneous things, etc. It sits in the phone center but is sorely out of date. Hopefully I can cute it up a bit too. I got some great forms off the real simple web site - if you're looking to get organized too. Things like a "crib sheet" with family rules, habits, quirks, etc - including how to turn on the TV and the DVD player. I really liked it and plan to add it to this notebook. It even has a Stain Removal guide.



If I haven't mentioned it already - you need to check out this web site too: http://www.sneakychef.com/

Amongst all the links I got most of the base recipes (while I'm waiting for the book to be available from the library). I've been making cute recipe cards and would be willing to share them - as the recipes ARE readily available. Anyone interested?



So, my resolutions for this year are

1. Be more content. I went to the dentist today just for a cleaning and was visiting with the hygenist about how many comercials, etc. promote discontent in weight, health, possessions, life in general. So this is number one for me. It doesn't mean I'm not striving to be better - it just means that I need to be more grateful for what I have and am and feel the contentment/peace that is available.

2. Love more. Again I hope to do better with the little snugglies and special times that become available. Just before the new year began, DJ and I realized something needed to change in the girls bedtime routine. They just play and run around till all hours of the night! So I decided we would take one of the bean bag fillers upstairs and it would be my "spot" for enjoying the girls. Now we do scripture power up there, say prayers, and then I read to them. The little ones really are tired as they don't get naps anymore and as I read they gently fall asleep. The older ones are usually still awake - but are calm and ready to wind down. This is one way I can show love (and get real benefits from a quiet house!).

3. I'm going to dig into my pictures this year and get closer to caught up! Doesn't mean I'll get all the way, but closer for sure. Each of the girls got a photo album for Christmas (santa gift) - that is empty. I'm looking forward to filling it up with pictures of each of them - even small scrapbooked pages printed as pictures.

4. Get back into Family History. I enjoy doing it - I just need to sit down and do it! Doesn't mean it will be a lot or frequent - but it will be something!

5. Eat better - just include more vegetables (deceptively delicious) and really next to eliminate sugar (not total elimination - but almost). I feel better when I eat this way - I need to be kinder to myself.



Well - that's the list. I might start some new exercise - but that isn't part of my resolutions. More like an experiment. How's the saying go: Do more of what works and less of what doesn't. :) Now I've got to take time to read up on what you've all been up to. Here's a picture we have on our wall (with the prayer quotes) and we gave copies of it to each of our parents for Christmas.

I love this pictue! Make it a wonderful year!!!