Another year comes to an end

so this is it for 2008. I was just thinking about the whole brew ha ha with Y2K and how long ago that seems now. My life is so very different from the New Year's that i celebrated to bring in the new millenium. then I was in Banff with Grant and Ryan and his then girlfriend Caralyn. We had so much fun, and really rung in the new year! We didn't make it to bed until the wee hours, and then we went out again the next night.
This year, as with the past four or five New Year's I am spending a quiet night at home with Grant and the kids. We did have plans to go to the Ramada in Lethbridge with the kids and Mark and Tami and the boys, but those fell through. That's okay. I am so super tired and didn't really want to be seen in a bathing suit next to Tami. (Damn skinny bitch!) ;)
So this means that I need to think about resolutions. and I have. In fact, I have three already. The first is to do something with all of my scraps. I have a huge bin that is home to a whole bunch of paper, but there is no rhyme or reason to this system, so I want to figure out a good one. (I spent a good chunk of the day re-organizing how I sort my paper. I went from "by color" to "by manufacturer" I think I will like this better.) My second resolution is to drink a whole lot more water in a day. I don't drink nearly enough and i really think it might help the disgusting dark circles under my eyes, (that and a good night's sleep...) and the third one that I have come up with is to find a little more patience when dealing with Avery and Cohen. I find that I snap a little too easily these days, and I don't want to be that mom.
so, we'll see. I did pretty good with my resolution from last year to go greener around our house, so I hope to be as successful with these.

Happy New Year.

Casino Layout #1

I worked a casino last night in Lethbridge. The last few times I worked, I was terribly bored and complained that I should have brought my scrapbooking. This time I did. I accomplished three layouts between all of my chip running! And not only did I get some scrapbooking done, but I also made it home alive. The roads were the worst that I think I have ever driven on. Absolutely brutal. I think my top speed was 80km/h, and that was on the last kilometer home. Talk about white knuckles!

Ever since the first snow, Avery has been dying to make snow angels. The problem is that it has just been too cold to go outside, even for the brief time it takes to make an age. When we were at my parent's over Christmas, we went sledding out the back yard where they have a great hill for kids. Avery made a million (at least it felt like it) angels all over the soccer fields. This is simple, and used up some of my left over Figgy Pudding paper from last year. Why I didn't use some of the Christmas paper I bought this year, I will never know.

TFL

Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas!

Well the day has come and gone. And our Christmas started off with a bang, or perhaps a heave is more appropriate. Avery had a fever all afternoon, and started to puke around 4. She refused medicine and was hot all night. Cohen also ran a fever all night long. Grant and I were worried that we weren't going to get our "Santa Business" finished because we were both dealing with sickies, but they were both in bed by 8:30 and we had an hour to get everything done. And we did! I can't believe that we got everything done by 9:30 and were in bed by 10! Who would have thought! Santa brought Avery a Tag Reader, and after a little learning curve, she seems to have it all figured out! Cohen got a Castle Marbleworks and spent a good chunk of the morning twirling balls down the tower. Grant and I got a Wii! He is unimpressed, I am ecstatic! Now to find a Wii Fit! Needless to say, we were quite spoiled yet again this year, but we are truly blessed because we were able to be together, and despite the occasional dash for a puke bucket, we really have our health. Merry Christmas to all, and have a joyous 2009!

Last Night's Layout...

So while my elf, er, I mean husband wrapped gifts last night, I was in my scrapbooking room creating this layout. My PBF Tara gave me some beautiful Making Memories Christmas paper and embellishments for Christmas, and I thought that I needed to do my Santa layout asap. I like the juxtaposition of the flashy letters, and the vintage look of the tags. I thought that went well with the juxtaposition of the subject matter. One nice, one not-so-much.

sorry the pic is crooked, I really need to do Christmas stuff around the house, not blog.

Happy Holidays!

January Calendar Kit

So I thought that I deserved a little me time. Why not? It isn't like there is anything else going on that needs my attention. I certainly don't have any gifts to wrap, or clothes to pack, or cookies to bake. Nope. None of that...... or maybe.... well whatever. I needed a break from the craziness that is the holiday season. So this is the January Monday Night Class calendar kit, and I love it. When I first saw it, I wasn't sure if I did or not. I didn't really think I liked the color combo. now I love love love it. I also love that I remembered that I had liquid aplique, and I used it on the whipped cream on the hot chocolate mugs. (see closeup)

Super cute.

TFL and Merry Christmas!

I knew this would happen

I knew that Cohen would be something for his picture with Santa. I knew it. And I was right! Avery was quite hesitant at the same age, and I was sure that he would balk only because he has been such a sucky baby ever since he got sick. I can't go out of his sight without a cry fest ensuing. So I went in telling myself that a crying picture would be fine. I laugh at it now, but I know that he will really appreciate it at his wedding.....

The kicker... Miles totally rocked his photos. Big huge grins.... Damn cutie.

Avery and I went to the Nutcracker Suite ballet today with my MIL, and some of her friends. it was a girls' day out. Avery was a little devastated that we were going to see ballet, and she would be performing none of it. So, to make up for it, she danced in the aisles during the performance. The best part was when the Sugar Plum Fairy came out in her tutu and Avery says, in a clear, loud voice, "That's kind of a silly dress."

Classic.

I love the silence in my house...

... but it can only mean one thing. Someone is up to something.

I got out of the shower this morning to hear Avery call up to me, "Mom, Cohen drew on my face with markers!" Sure he did. So I came downstairs, and what did I see, but two scribbled on faces; one smirking with glee. (That's my poetry for the day.) At least they were washable. Thank God they were washable. We are going to see Santa tomorrow. Wouldn't that make a cute Christmas photo?

So according to Avery, this is what Cohen did to her, and to himself. Yeah, right. However, between my somewhat contained giggles, I did manage to scold her (omg I sound like my grandma) and then of course, took a picture.

Last night was Avery's first Christmas concert. The preschool kids sang I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. It was awesome. There were a couple of very loud shouters who threw the rest of the group off, but whatever. They got the biggest cheer. I am so glad that I got my friend Darcie to tape it for me so that Grant will be able to see it. I didn't have a chance to take a picture of the kids while they were singing. I was leading them in their song, and I thought it might look a little weird to not let the kids off of the stage until I was done taking a picture, so I had to settle for after.

Thanks for stopping by.

2nd time around

I was inspired by a layout in CK magazine a while back. It a was all about being a mom for the second time, and what kind of mom you are. I loved the idea, especially because I think I am a much different mom this time. I think I have more patience, (with Cohen at least), I wasn't such a slave to routine and the clock with him. I was often uptight and frazzled with Avery, and I think that has affected her personality. She is a lot more independent, intense, and opinionated, whereas, Cohen is cuddly, patient, and a momma's boy. Lucky me because Avery is a Daddy's girl through and through, and I should get some perk after carrying them both for as long as i did! I have wanted to do this layout for some time, and I am so pleased with how it turned out. It is honestly one of my all time favorites! And there is nothing on this page that is new. Everything, down to the rub ons and paper are things I have had for years. I mean, seriously... a zipper? How old is that?

TFL.

finally over it... hopefully

so I think that cohen is better. I think. We were given antibiotics and he seems to like them. I don't blame him. On the advice of Haley, I tasted some. It is yummy. so despite him throwing up again last night, I think we are on the mend. That makes me happy because I am to get at least one full night's sleep before Grant comes home.

the other good thing about him feeling better is that I can hopefully get some more scrapbooking done. I am making SU! calendars for Avery's teacher and teacher assistant, but they still aren't here and her last day is Wednesday, so I need all the time I can get!

I made this little daytimer for my friend Kathy. (sorry the pic is crap. I didn't want to use my flash because of the cover, and I was too lazy to find my tripod...) She is the most go-getter, busy gal I know. I swear our little community would fall apart if she didn't live in it. She is amazing. That said, this all of a sudden seems rather inadequate. Perhaps a stop at Finishing Touches would add the finishing touch. I made one for myself a couple of years ago at the Bloomin' Inn and used it all the time, so of course, after making hers, I made one for myself. It is blue and brown. I used the Basic Grey Offbeat line for mine, and the Basic Grey Recess line for Kathy's. I also liked that I only used scrap paper for them. I will save the planet, one reused project at a time!

28 loads of laundry

That is how many loads of laundry a sick 16 month old can generate. Cohen started puking last Saturday. 16 times that night. And it hasn't let up. I am exhausted. I haven't slept a full night in over a week. And I am so very scared. I have been to the ER in Vulcan twice in the last week, and there is a reason why I doctor in Lethbridge. That said, I am taking him to our family doctor tomorrow morning. I know there is a flu going around, but I think that this isn't a flu. I was sick too, but I am already over it. And I haven't heard of a flu that lasts six days. Why does shit always hit the fan when Grant leaves? Seriously. I would like to boast about being a strong, independent woman, but I am not. And I am really not when I have a sick little man who is dropping weight like crazy. I hope that this will all be resolved tomorrow, but I have no idea how. He has no fever, no ear or throat infection, no obvious stomach pain..... Please let this end.


So I haven't been blogging lately and that is why.

I feel like Oprah

but on a much smaller scale.
Christmas is all about the giving. We all know that. But this year, I have never felt as good about the giving that I am doing. I just finished the orders for the preschool fundraiser, and the orders combined with my commission added up to over $300 in free toys! I am so excited for them. I can't wait for the preschool to have some toys and activities of their own, and to no longer need to rely on the kindergarten for things. Avery is especially excited because the teacher asked her to pick out what to get. It wasn't hard... we had enough money to get just about everything that is still available from the preschool section of the catalog! I am soooooo excited.
As for the other part of the giving... we have some very good friends who have excellent taste. Every year they buy Grant and I something wonderful for Christmas and we always feel inadequate, because our taste isn't as exquisite... so this year, we decided to embrace the inadequacies. We are getting them a basket full of not necessarily useless, but also not always useful stuff. The limit we set for ourselves is $20, and everything has to be bought, or free. So we have the following for the basket thus far.... a toilet plunger, coin rolls, a hot pink candlestick, a book about the legacy of Peter Lougheed, an uncut key, replacement Christmas lights, and an inflation kit. I am so very excited to give this gift too...
Ah, the holiday season... I love it.

Santa's job

I am posting this only because it will make for excellent journalling. Tonight while I was making supper, Avery, who is vibrating about Christmas told me the following gem. "Mom, Santa's job is to make the toys, and my job is to open them."

Truer words have never been spoken

Prorogue... yep that's a word

So I am NOT conservative in my political views. I am considerably more liberal than the majority of my friends, but I really need to vent for a moment.
I live in Canada. The best country in the world, in my opinion. One of the things that makes it great is our strong democratic history. We are fortunate enough to have the right to vote, and have the opportunity to voice our opinions without the fear that we may become targets. That said, I did NOT vote Conservative in the election that occured in mid October. Nope I did not. I was part of the 62% of Canadians that did not support the Conservative party. However, that said, I do not support this idea of a coalition. Are you kidding me? The Liberals, and NDP with the support of the Bloc? Seriously. Yes, I understand that 62% of Canadians did not vote Conservative, but that 62 is derived from the other four federal parties. Yep. We live in a country where the vote is divied up between five political parties. So in the end, 38% seems like a pretty clear number.
That said, I still am not conservative in my views, don't support Stephen Harper and everything that his government is doing, or not doing... but I think that with Stephane Dion as our interim PM, things might get a whole lot worse.

So a coalition between Jack Layton and Stephane Dion is not something that I am looking forward to. And another election... are you kidding me? Didn't the federal parties just spend close to $300 million on the one we had seven weeks ago? Aren't we in a bit of an economic downturn? Is this going to make our country the laughing stock of other nations? That we can't accept defeat, and so have to form a risque alliance? Are we being punked? Is this Survivor?

I can't stop laughing....

Avery says the funniest things. She is currently standing at the top of our little landing, and singing the Farmer in the Dell except that she is singing "hi ho Ontario, the farmer in the dell."

A few more recent layouts

I finished my December Calendar page a couple of weekends ago, and I dawned on me yesterday that it was already December. Already! I can't really believe it. We only just have snow on the ground, and only a skiff at that. I still have a hard time with Southern Alberta winters. I grew up in Central Alberta. Rarely a chinook, and more likely several snow days in a year. There was always enough snow to build forts, and go sledding. Not so much down here. A chinook will blow through as often as once a week some years, and the snow has nothing to stop it, so it just keeps on blowing. Don't get me wrong, I am not asking for tons of snow, but enough to make Christmas white will make me happy. If only there were a way to have snow, and sunny, warm weather at the same time.....

This is another layout that I finished recently. I journalled right on my photo. I saw this done in my "We Dare You" book, and thought I would give it a go here. I am finally putting in some effort into scrapbooking myself. And Grant and I together for that matter.

TFL.

On My Desk

I was blog surfing today instead of finishing my Christmas cards, and i stumbled upon this one. It is called "On My Desk" and people just upload pictures of their desks and creative spaces. The majority of what images were on there were all of nicely organized workspaces, but I thought I might as well do something as mindless as that for today. So this is what my desk looks like right now. I have been trying to finish these Christmas cards for what seems like forever. Although they don't look complicated, there are a lot of mini steps in them, which all take up a bit of time. Not a big deal if I had some real time to finish them, but now that Grant is gone again, I might have to break open a Monster and pull a mini all-nighter! I do have my Christmas letter done, and I hope that having that finished will inspire me to get the rest of the cards done too. I'll let you know.

The Pefect Gift

... for the person who has everything. In my family, we decided to draw names for Christmas gifts. This year, I got my dad. I don't know about everyone else's father, but mine is next to impossible to buy for. Our limit is $100 and he said all he wants is socks. $100 worth of socks??? My dad is more of the practical gift getter, making him also thinking practical is better to receive. So Grant suggested that I give him $100 worth of baler twine. Practical, and we have that here already. Perfect. Except that my mom didn't think that was such a great idea. So Grant decided today at lunch that the perfect gift for the person who has everything is an oil change. So I am going to buy everything my dad needs to change the oil in his tractor. (and I am not going to tell my mom.)
I am also very glad that I am not the person who has everything, for fear that Grant might think that I want an oil change for my gift. If you read this honey... I do not want an oil change for Christmas, no matter how perfect a gift it is....