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!