Two short.....

I 

I am two layouts short of my goal of 75. Bummed? Not really. I don't have that much left to do this year anyways. I am missing some Halloween layouts, and haven't finished Jani and Rob's wedding album, but I don't feel like I haven't stayed on top of things. So.... I will get over it. 

I also don't know if I will be able to set the bar this high for next year. I was offered a long term subbing position that will go until at least April, and possibly to the end of the school year. I am very excited about the opportunity, but I know it will cut into my scrapping time significantly.

Needless to say, 73 layouts is pretty dece for a year. It certainly makes my need for more albums a relevant one. 

Speaking of albums... why are we so willing to spend hundreds of dollars on paper, and then try and skimp on the albums that our pages go into. Maybe spending more on high quality albums will be one of my resolutions this year.....

Maybe.

Layout #67 - Class Act.... that is what I should have called this page!

I was lucky enough to be the photographer for the school photos at Avery's school. The class photos are often the hardest because they are the ones where you need to ensure that 20 or so people are looking, smiling, and not making stupid rabbit ears in the photos..... That said, I do have a couple of kids not smiling.... but my kid is...! Wait... was that wrong?
Anyhoo, the October Afternoon Report Card line is soooo cute and perfect for anything school.... I also used up some Scenic Route chipboard, Jenni Bowlin bingo cards, and some ribbon!!
TFL

Layout #66 - getting there!!!!! 9 to go!

I got this photo of Canada Geese hanging out on our quonset from our deck. They were squaking and making quite a racket. So, I assumed they wanted their picture taken.... The paper was perfect for the color of the photos, and the theme as well! I had originally bought it for baby pictures of Cohen, but used it for this instead. I am quite happy with the result!!!
TFL!

Layout #64

 
There is something about having your name on a road sign. Let's face it. Collis isn't a common name, and isn't likely going to manifest itself in a lot of places that we go. So, I was thrilled to see this sign just down the road from the cabin!!! How appropriate that I am standing on the road...

Layout #63 - Like Father Like Son

I love this photo. It was caught by accident, and it is one of my favorites of Grant and Cohen. They are sporting the same expression, while listening to speeches at a wedding we attended this spring. Too perfect.
Equally awesome is that I used up some really old stuff. Seriously. How old is this Basic Grey line??? and the chipboard letters are from a Crate Paper line that is at least two or three years old!! Love it.
TFL

OMG where has the time gone????

I have been a wee bit of a slacker in the blogging, scrapping, and general life in front of a computer department!! Needless to say, I do have an excuse. But first... this layout was so simple, and I love how cute it ended up. Good old Fancy Pant summer line from a couple of years back, some stickles, patience cutting out the waves, and it was done!

Now for the excuse. I was offered a long term subbing position that will extend until Christmas, and potentially into January. I jumped at it. It is my teaching area, and the age group I love.... how could I say no? So I will have subbed every day in December, plus a few going back into November! At least I will be caught up on Christmas bills this year!

Now to the stress... I don't know that I will make my cut in half layout goal this year! This is layout 62... I have about four more, not posted, and then I am scrapping tomorrow.... That means I need to get 9 layouts done..... Highly doubtful. Maybe when Grant comes home, I will highjack my girls and we will have a day. We haven't had one in months and I think we are due.

Layout #61 - Digital attempt... again

I love the look of digital. Love it. What I don't love is the lack of depth on a page. Sure you can drop shadow to your heart's content, but it just isn't the same. There is something about real texture, and real height, and real foam squares, and real distress ink that gives a page a little something extra.
However, I really do love the cheap-ness and free-ness of it all... and the pace at which I can pump out a page. This one took me about 20 minutes... and that is because there were too many embellishments to choose from. I like it. I don't know if I love it, but, because it was so quick and cheap, I can always do a traditional page as well, and not feel guilty.
Who knows??? Maybe one day I might go out on a limb and become a hybrid... but I think that is as far as I can commit.

Layout #60 - The layout that had us in stitches for hours!

I was really excited to do this page. I had cute fall photos of the kids, and cute paper... what more could you ask for? Well, I asked for a title.... and I wanted to play up the leaf thingy.... So, after close to I bet 30 minutes of laughing about titles..... ("Leafballs" in particular), we agreed on the title here.
TFL!

Layout # 59 - OBG GNO

I had the good fortune to have a night out with some of my best friends from high school this past summer. We had a night of laughs, drinks, and more laughs! This photo was from the beginning of the night, before all of the "debauchery"!
I love love love the Olivia line from Bo Bunny. It was perfect for this shot! Love it all.

laundry.................... I don't get it.

When does laundry stop being laundry? What I mean is... is it still laundry once it has been sorted? Washed and dried? Folded? Or does it have to be put away to no longer be laundry? Or does laundry just get to be a vicious circle? Are people really done their laundry when they say they are? Because it really never ends... And and speaking of never ending, when does it start? When does it become laundry? Is is laundry once it has been thrown in the hamper? Does it become laundry as soon as you put it on? What about the second it is taken off the hanger? I clearly don't have enough things to do if I am worrying about this, but I wonder what people mean when they say they are done laundry?

how to deal

I don't deal well with disappointment. I don't like to be disappointed, and often I turn that feeling back on myself and wonder what I did to cause the problem. The reality is, it isn't MY problem. I have put myself out there, offered up my time, talent, and experiences, and have to understand that sometimes people are not going to take me up on it. That said, I would prefer the truth rather than some round about laundry list of reasons why something isn't going to work. In the last few weeks, I have been dealt a lot of reasons, which has lead to a lot of disappointment. I have been disappointed with work, people, and myself. The only one I can change is me. The rest will continue to disappoint me; that is a given. I just need to learn to expect less of some, and more of me, and hopefully that will result in happier days ahead.

Layout #58

I think the Quite Contrary line from MME is one of my faves. I have used it over and over, and I rarely do that with a line. Often times, once it is in my album, I don't want it in there again, but not with this stuff. I think this is the third or fourth layout I have done with it. And I still have enough to do at least four or five more!
Can you say hoarder??? :)

TFL!

My treats... no tricking.

So, this year I was fortunate enough to have a son who wanted to wear Avery's hand me down Halloween costume from a from a couple of years ago. That made me happy. I just can't justify spending a lot on costumes that they wear for a few hours, no matter how cute they are. So when I saved $50 by not having to get him a Toy Story costume, I was okay with spending $25 for Avery's dinosaur. And, if you know her, you know there was no way of getting around being a dinosaur. She has had that in her mind since the beginning of summer. So I sent my little dino and her pit crew out with their two cousins and their daddy to terrorize the community.
They were gone for about an hour and a half, and came home with wayyyyyyy too much candy.
The worst part? I just started Weight Watchers, and there are all these tiny chocolate bars staring me down. Taunting me. Teasing me. Daring me not to eat them. Please..... someone help me.
:)

Layout #57

So we went scrapping in Coleman, and hit up the world's smallest and coolest scrapbook store in Blairmore. It is called Machelle's Memories, and she has set up a scrapbook and quilt shop in the space that was a single car garage. And it has a ton of stuff.... things you wouldn't expect to find in such a teeny place. Needless to say, we went, and I spent a few hundred dollars there... Some of what I bought is on this layout. Tara and I did the same page because we both had something westerny to use, and the paper was PERFECT. Equally perfect was the paisley cricut that we made.... I have shied away from my Cricut, but there are so many cool cartridges out there..... I might get back into the game!
TFL!

Layout #56

Despite fighting it in the beginning, and feeling sorry for myself, I am glad my friends pushed me to use up my stash. I honestly have way too much stuff. So much so that I was able to get rid of two full bags of scrapbook stuff this weekend at a crop I was at. I bet there was over 500 sheets of paper alone that got snapped up. So, that said, if I can get rid of that much, and still have tons to work with, I really do have way too much stuff....
This layout is from Avery's last day of preschool. I was a little weepy as you can see in the photo. It is hard for me to let her go. I like knowing everything she is doing, every minute of the day... Does that make me a smother mother?
As for the page... the Quite Contrary line from MME is so perfect for girly photos. I have used it over and over, and don't tire of it. I also used up flowers, brads, and cardboard embellishments from my stash...!

I have wanted the Tim Holtz paper pack for a long long time.... In case you didn't know it about me, I like distressed stuff. A lot. So, when I had a 40% off coupon for a scrapbook store, that just happened to have the paper pack, it was like scrapbooking fate had intervened. This was taken at the cabin this summer on the neighbor's dock... I love the vintage feel of both the picture and the paper..... perhaps one of my faves from that productive weekend of mine!!!!

Layout #55 - 20 to go!

This was another layout I finished a couple of weeks ago. I was on a roll that day... I don't know what the concoction was that allowed me to be so productive, but sign me up! Anyhoo, all old stuff baby! Life Stories by MME paper line, old Riff Raff chipboard, flowers, tickets, metal photo filps and ink.... yay for done!
TFL!

10 Randoms..... some of the funniest things Brittany has ever said.

I love love love Glee... It is the show I look forward to every week. At first, it was because of the talent, and then it was because of Sue, but now I look forward to the funny stuff that Brittany is going to come up with... So here is my tribute to the 10 things she has said that have made me pee a little.

1. Did you know dolphins are just gay sharks?

2. Sometimes I forget my middle name.

3. I don't brush my teeth. I rinse my mouth out with soda after I eat. I was pretty sure Dr. Pepper was a dentist.

4. I did a book report on heart attacks if you wanna give it to the doctor. It got knocked down a whole grade because I did it in crayon.

5. People thought I went on vacation but I really spent the summer lost in the sewers.

6. I'm pretty sure my cat is reading my diary.

7. I was going to order us one really, really long piece of spaghetti like in Lady and the Tramp. I've been practicing nudging the meatball across the table with my nose.

8. Will: Who can tell me who Christopher Cross is?
Brittany: He discovered America.

9. Mr. Hummel: If things get serious, use protection.
Brittany: Does he mean like a burglar alarm?

And my all time favorite...........

10. When I pulled my hamstring, I went to a misogynist.

I love her.

Layout #54

I have had this Prima paper for well over a year. I loved it, but wasn't sure how to use it. However, I think that I was really just waiting for the right picture.... I also used up a bunch of old embellishments while I was at it!
TFL

Introducing

Winston! This is our new puppy. We have been thinking about getting one for about a year now. Ideally, we would have had him before we had to put Sam down, so that Sam could "train" him. However, things don't always work the way you had hoped, so we got him after Sam. We picked him up at the airport yesterday evening, and so far, the last 18 hours have been great! He is going to be a chewer. I have already caught him chewing the coffee table, the carpet, Avery's backpack, Grant's shoe and one of Cohen's shoes. I guess we will have to stay on top of that one!
Needless to say, Winston Von Maxamillion-Cummins is the cutest addition to the family in the last few months!

10 Randoms... Things to be thankful for.

I don't reflect on my life enough in this manner. I don't give credit to the people in my life who make me grateful to be alive. And it seems that it happens at Thanksgiving, and when some sort of tragedy happens. Well, no tragedy, just Thanksgiving, so here is a list of things that I am thankful for in 2010.

1. My family. I have two kids who love me to the moon and back. They tell me every night. And I love them that, times a million. I also have the greatest husband in the world. He makes sacrifices every single day, so that his kids and I are happy, have not only what we need, but also what we want, is kind and forgiving, and loves us all unconditionally. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

2. The rest of my family. Sometimes my parents drive me nuts. Even today, at my old age they know how to get under my skin. But I also know they do it out of love and concern. They want only the best for all of us, and I love them for that. I also love both of my sisters more than I ever thought I could. We didn't always get along, and have such different interests it is hard to believe we can get along at all, but we do... and I love them. And their husbands too!

3. That I can stay home with the kids. Grant and I made a decision when we first had kids that it was important for one of us to be at home with them as they were growing up. Don't get me wrong. I miss work a lot, but I would much rather spend time with my kids, than someone else's. It is hard some days, and we have made a committment to do without so we can afford to have only one income, but I will never regret this.

4. My photography. I love taking pictures. I always have. I got my first camera when I was eight. I haven't stopped taking pictures since then. I have millions of albums to prove it. I also love that I had the chance to train as a professional photographer all those years ago. It has given me the courage, and know-how to get back into the game.

5. The people who allow me to take their portraits. I love that they trust me enough with their memories to let me into that part of their lives. I also love that they are willing to experiment so as to get the perfect shot.

6. Scrapbooking. I am truly grateful for this hobby of mine. It has allowed me to meet and make friends with some of the most amazing women. It has provided me with the solace and serenity I need when the day is crumbling around me. It has allowed me to explore creatively. I love scrapbooking... almost as much as my kids.... ;)

7. Being a Canadian. I love this country. I couldn't imagine living elsewhere. I think that, despite the bickering that goes on in Ottawa, or Edmonton, or anywhere else, we have an awesome country. We have a nation that cares for the people, protects them, nurses them back to health, celebrates them, honors them, and works for them. You can't say that about a lot of places.

8. My friends. I have great ones. I have said it before and I will say it again. I love my friends. They listen, they support, they laugh with and at me, they pick me up, they share their time and talents and scrapbook supplies. They are awesome and I am lucky to know them.

9. My community. I love our little village. Despite the occasional gong show that is small town drama, we are a great place to live. We work hard to maintain our school , swimming pool, main street, and morale, and I am proud to say that Champion is my home.

10. My health. I am watching loved ones deal with illness and disease, and I am thankful every day that I continue to be healthy.

Layout #53 - T-Rex Terror

I was able to ditch my havesting husband, and kids to spend the day scrapbooking with a crop club I joined this year. It was a majorly productive day. I got five pages done, as well as five pages in the Basic Grey 2011 calendar. I was pretty pleased!
This is of our trip to Drumheller this summer. Of all the kids, I wasn't expecting Avery to be afraid of the T-Rex... but she was. I love I was able to catch this photo of her hiding behind Grant.
And, despite buying the paper and ribbon new at the Scrapbook Carnival, I also used up some old buttons, thickers, journaling stickers, and journaling sprouts!

Layout #52

Egg hunt..... a page that I threw together, but I am not entirely thrilled with. I do love the SU! paper though. I bought a whole pack of it last spring, and I love the colors in it. They are muted but kind of bright at the same time.... if that is possible!

TFL!

annual fall photo shoot

Every year I take the kids outside in the back yard to take some fall photos. Today was the perfect day for it. We have had nothing but crap weather lately making it impossible to take decent pictures, but today was 20 degrees and gorgeous.I am sure my kids are nothing if not tired of being the subjects of my photo shoots, but I would really like to get a picture of the two of them smiling, and looking at the camera at the same time... Is that too much to ask? Probably.

I did take close to 100 shots of them today... and did get some decent ones, but nothing I think is too amazing. However, I also am convinced I have worn the two of them out, so, maybe when the snow flies, I will get some good winter ones.

Layout #51

I love using wallet sized prints on a layout. It gives the chance to get so many more on a page, but even with a double page spread (which I hate doing, and rarely do unless I have to, and am never pleased withe the final resuly) I couldn't fit every picture on the page. So, I got crafty. I sewed two extra strips of paper to the right page, and added another 16 photos to the layout. It becomes an interactive layout, and I still don't know how to deal with those once inside my album, but for this page, it worked to get everything on the page, yet still allow some of the awesome Bo Bunny goodness to show through!
TFL!

Layout #50 - so close to the goal!

This Daddy Day Care page took me at least five minutes to do... Okay, maybe ten. But no more than 15. Seriously. I love love love the Bisous PDQ paper. It is so easy to whip something up that looks finished.
I was also able to go back to some old PDQ chipboard that I had that I didn't have a plan for because I had used up all the paper... and guess what? I was able to use up some old shit! And seven old buttons, thickers and other alphabet letters. Wahoo!
My goal for 2010 was 75 layouts, and I am 25 away. I know I will meet my goal because it is scrapbook season. I was actually supposed to scrap with my peeps today, but Cohen woke up sick and I knew the other moms wouldn't be too impressed if I showed up with my snotty nose kid.
I am not too distressed..... yet. But I do have a crop club scrap day at the beginning of October, as well as a weekend retreat at the end of October, and another scrap day at the church, crop club, and another retreat in November... and hopefully one more day away in December.... so... If I don't make the goal then I pissed away these last three months of the year!
TFL

I survived..... but barely!

So my scrap space is back in order... for the most part. There are still some things I want to tweak, but at least I can see both the floor and my desk. Both important parts of a room, if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to procure a paper shelf from the old Sheep River Scrapbook Co. and I love love love the extra storage space that it gives me. I was able to lift my old paper rack on top of it, stash the bottom under the desk, and get rid of a whole clear drawer thingy. (Yes, that is what they are called.... I googled it.)

So, the good news is, I am able to scrap again in comfort. The bad news is, that won't be happening for a while. I have all of the school pictures to proof, as well as final preps for The Breast Crop this weekend in Red Deer, and I really need to remember that my daughter goes to school twice a week now.... puts a damper on sleeping in!

I'm Going In.................................

I am going to attempt to clean, not tidy, my scrap space. Not for the purpose of scrapbooking however. I am feeling more and more claustrophobic whenever I go in there, and next week I will be plopped in front of my computer putting together school picture proof sheets, and I can't sit in that room for that long in the state that it is in....So, I am going in. If you don't see or hear from me in a while, please send help. It is very likely that I have been buried under a pile of paper, or tangled in my Clip It Up, or held hostage by my albums that want a more prominent space for display... So, please, worry about me until my next post, and hopefully that one is one where the room is not so scary, or cluttered, or altogether creative energy sapping. I just need to decide, before I start, what to do with all the stuff that I am going to ultimately get rid of.