New Changes are a comin'!!!!!

That's it! New goal! To change up my blog, to post regularly!!!



Here's what's a comin:



-New Look!

-Contests!

-Challenges!

-New Photos & Video!

-Lively Banter :)

-New Quotes

-Life-enriching content :)



Here's a start...on the photos/video part....



Guess where Waldo just visited and had a marvelously relaxing time?







Post your answer!

What do you think?

From Seth Godin's Blog:

Authenticity
If it acts like a duck (all the time), it's a duck. Doesn't matter if the duck thinks it's a dog, it's still a duck as far as the rest of us are concerned.
Authenticity, for me, is doing what you promise, not "being who you are".
That's because 'being' is too amorphous and we are notoriously bad at judging that. Internal vision is always blurry. Doing, on the other hand, is an act that can be seen by all.
As the Internet and a connected culture places a higher premium on authenticity (because if you're inconsistent, you're going to get caught) it's easy to confuse authentic behavior with an existential crisis. Are you really good enough, kind enough, generous enough and brave enough to be authentically a hero or leader?
Mother Theresa was filled with self doubt. But she was an authentic saint, because she always acted like one.
You could spend your time wondering if what you say you are is really you. Or you could just act like that all the time. That's good enough, thanks. Save the angst for later.
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My Review of We R Memory Keepers 12x12 Faux Leather 3-Ring Binder: Nutmeg

Originally submitted at RitzCamera.com

Classic Leather 3-Ring 12" x 12" Binder Albums come in a variety of colors. This acid-free line of albums are made of the finest quality materials, imported from Italy and adorned with beautiful stitching and silver metal accents. Album is made of Italian Faux Leather, acid-free and archi...

We R Memory Keepers 12x12 Faux Leather 3-Ring Binder: Nutmeg

Quality!

By glitter girl from seattle, wa on 1/28/2009

 

4out of 5

Pros: Well Organized, Easy To Load Photos, Attractive Design, Strong Construction

Best Uses: Archive

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

These are the albums I use for my family's "library" - you know, the albums that I add pages to constantly. The D-rings are great as they allow me to get in and out of the books easily. The colors are rich and beautiful. The leather-type material is easily washable and takes being handled by my boys wonderfully. I really like the metal corners - keeps the albums looking nice. I have many other post albums too, but use these for my library albums and like them a lot! Not to mention, Ritz ships them nicely and has great prices! The ONLY thing that can be a downfall is to be sure you don't overload them, or like with any D-ring album, the d-rings will pop open. Otherwise, they are great to work with!

(legalese)

My Review of Bo Bunny 2-Ring Bare Naked Binder 6x6 w/6 Chipboard Pages

Originally submitted at RitzCamera.com

It is very simple to create a one-of-a-kind album with Bo Bunny's 6x6 bare naked binder book. Created from raw chipboard this album is simple to cover with patterned/printed paper stickers and other coordinating embellishments. Six pages included. Features 2 ring expandable binder.

Bo Bunny 2-Ring Bare Naked Binder 6x6 w/6 Chipboard Pages

Good, sturdy book!

By glitter girl from seattle, wa on 1/28/2009

 

5out of 5

Pros: Strong Construction

Best Uses: Display, Photographs

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

This is the perfect "naked" book to get funky with! Make it your own...blow up your photos the same size as the sturdy chipboard inner pages or decorate them "scrapbook style" - either way it will be cute when you are done. The inner d-ring pages make it easy to add additional items/pages to the book. True 6x6" size

(legalese)

My take on Project 365

365 365 365

So have you heard?

Have you heard about Project 365?

Hello? Where have you been? Under a rock?!?

Go here: http://community.creatingkeepsakes.com/store/products/project_365_kit

or here: http://stacysbigpicture.typepad.com/photos/project_365/index.html

or here: http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/

or here: http://www.lisabearnson.com/blog/

Okay, okay, you get the idea. Well I didn't buy the kit. They ran out WAY fast, and in light of our current working situation (read: still without employment) I decided to use what I have or have easy access to - gasp! So here is what I am doing - it is easy, DOABLE, and you can start it ANYTIME of the year using this 9x9 daily desk calendar by Close To My Heart (undated):

1. Collecting ephemera (memorabilia, receipts, etc.) each day.

2. Taking photos as I am inspired vs. daily so I don't get burned out on it 3 months into this challenge...

3. Journaling a little tidbit each night (or every 2 nights) before I go to bed, when the house is QUIET.

Here's what I have so far, I have NOT embellished it yet, that is to come next week when I get together with my girlfriends for a day of crafting. I'll hopefully design the cover then too :) I decide to do this to document my YEAR OF BALANCE, my BIG birthday year! Let me know if you need to get your hands on one of these calendar/planners and I'll hook you up - if you decide to partake in this project I'd love to hear a shout out from ya'! The more the merrier!

New Year, New Word!

Well it's a new year, 2009! And that means a new word!

As many of you remember, last year's word for me was "Release". Release was good to me in many ways. It helped me to remember to release feelings of anxiety during high stress. To remember that I cannot control others or their actions. To feel free to release the clutter and extra "stuff" I have/had been hanging onto for years. To shed extra pounds that had been creeping on! To practice deep breathing. Many, many things. Yes, release was a very good word for 2008.

As for 2009, well this year is a BIG year for me birthday-wise. That's all I'm going to say about that! Soooooooooo, I think I need a good, solid word. A word I can count on. A word that will stand the test of time. A word to see me through the rough days and the fun times! A word that will remind me that age is only a state of mind. A word that will help me to retain the focus I gained from releasing so much "junk" in 2008 yet, continue to grow as a person. So, my word for 2009?

BALANCE.

I made a sign for my bathroom mirror and one for my ArtRoom window. It says:

BALANCE

Keep balance in your life Balance - Good Chi

Eat balanced meals Balance your weight (by working out often)

Balance your emotions Incorporate checks and balances

Balance: posture Balance, deep breathing, maintain focus

Balance your time Balance your time, don't spread yourself thin

Balance your checkbook Monetary balance = mental balance

Balance your relationships Remain emotionally blananced vs. bankrupt

So, think about it, what will YOUR word be for this year?

Let's make it a memorable one!

Stay tuned for more on MY 365 project tomorrow!

Almost the New Year!

Well well! How was YOUR holiday? We had TONS of snow here so we had a little change up in plans...needless to say no one was getting around very well as we aren't set up around here for this kind of snow! So we did make it to my in-laws for Christmas Eve and had a wonderful time, unfortunately my sil and bil didn't make it up from Newcastle (they live on an insane hill) but we're hoping to reschedule with them later. On Jesus' birthday we hung out as a family and had a nice relaxing day. No one was coming or going anywhere. It was kind of nice! Very laid back and reflective! My parents were able to make it out the next day and we had a great day together. So we got to have 3 days of Christmas this year!

Satuday night we hosted UFC 92 fight night here at the house - now that was fun! We had attended one at a friends' house before, but the snow was so heavy up at their place that they canceled holding it so we took it over - it was a hoot! We may make it a regular thing amongst our friends, rotating houses...good, clean (?) fun! And I loved getting to talk to friends, mingle, eat and shout at the tv! LOL!

Yesterday we finally had church again (ours had been cancelled because of so much snow in the parking lots!) - it was a GREAT service! We go to Marysville Church of the Nazarene - you can see what they're about here : http://www.marysville-nazarene.org/content Great message this week! It REALLY hit home with us! We LOVED it! Then after church friends who had moved away who we haven't seen in 4 years came by for a long visit - I LOVE that about the holidays!!! FOOD, FRIENDS and FAMILY!

Today the boys have a dodgeball/flag football birthday party to attend - talk about boy fun! YES, it's indoors! LOL...we need to go out and get the birthday present today - THAT ought to be fun...taking two boys to Target to pick out a bday present for another boy! Yeah, right. Oh, and we need tp from Costco, don't let me forget, okay, gee, thanks! :)

I know, this post is TOTALLY reading like a "TO DO" list or more like a "WE'VE DONE" list, but what can I say, I'm out of practice! I started homeschooling Jonah back in mid-November, that's when my posts REALLY starting slacking off and I started Facebooking as well, it's more of an immediate response thing, see I LIKE feedback! :) So, I need to get back into the "swing" of things around here on BLOGGER.

So if you're out there and reading this, give me some feedback, let me know how your holidays were, and whatever else you like.

Okay, I need to shower and take my Wii Fit Test for the day...ah yes, something else that's new - Wii Fit! Got it for Christmas - thanks Mom! (It's my new gym since our gym membership is frozen due to no job still! :( )

Okay...seriously....off to shower now!

FACEinHOLE

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Happy December!

Happy December!

Today I am making some resolutions EARLY:

1. Stop extra-eating tactic to avoid over-thinking current job situation

2. Create Art Weekly (baby steps!)

3. Get a business plan together for art sales

4. Resume exercise regime of 3-4xweek

5. Have FUN this holiday season!

So that's where I'm at...what about you?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We technically started decorating before Thanksgiving...but only because Lar was so ON TOP OF THINGS this year, he had taken the boxes down out of the attic a day or two in advance so I'd have them at the ready. BUT, it drove me nuts to have boxes lining my hallway, all the way up to the ceiling, so I had to start unpacking them the next day! Usually I wait until the day after Thanksgiving...so anyhoooooo, it's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

In light of the job situation around here we are taking a lighter approach to Christmas. We are making a lot of our gifts, and going with what we already had purchased prior to the layoff. I hope everyone understands...I'm guessing they won't care too much. I am lucky that way. Awhile back it would have been a HUGE issue for some, but we took a stance a few years ago telling our loved ones that we were becoming too materialistic. And we didn't want people (including us) stressing over spending too much money and trying to figure out how to pay it off later. So now we pay cash for everything and make at least half of our gifts.

What do YOU do for the holidays? What do you look forward to the most? I know it might be bizarre, but my mom makes this cheeseball that is to die for! I look forward to it each year! :) And I look forward to Christmas Eve at my parents-in-law's house....I like cozying up in front of their fireplace. So...do tell....please leave a comment or send me an email :) BTW, have YOU started decorating yet?

So Thankful!

Happy THANKSgiving everyone!

I LOVE that we have a holiday that is entirely dedicated to being THANKFUL! I don't know about you, but I often think about the things I'm thankful for. This year, we instituted a journal that sits on the kitchen table, it says "Happiness Must be Grown in One's Own Garden" We all are using it to write down the things that we are thankful for. I am LOVING this! Seth drew a couple of pictures and wrote that he is thankful for "mi buter" - LOL! I so enjoy how he spells things just like they sound to him! Jonah wrote that he is thankful for "my brother Seth" - awww! That just makes a mother's heart melt! And Lar wrote about an experience recently and said that he is thankful for a Father that he can spend time with. Isn't that the BEST?

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things that I'm thankful for this year - I'd love to hear what you're thankful for as well - please leave a comment and share :)

I am thankful for:

• my parents, and my parents-in-law -both who care!
• the opportunity to stay at home and raise my boys




• for a strong husband (and that he's a complete dork like me!)


• for heat!
• for snuggly blankets (and boys to snuggle!)
• coffee! (can I get an "Amen!"?)
• the freedom of religion and being able to publicly praise God!
• our new church home
• girlfriends
• deciding to homeschool
• random hugs and kisses
• a tight-knit family



• home cooking!
  
  
• creativity
• art supplies
• a cozy home
  
  
• my extended family members - we are all close!
• the computer
• music
• the opportunity to spend more time with Larry right now
• a family who appreciates me
• the calm that comes with knowing I am not in charge
• my camera!
• having a body that will still allow me to do yoga, Zumba, dance and walk the dogs!
  
  
  WHAT ABOUT YOU? HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!

The Holiday Season Begins!

And so it has! I have gotten out my Holiday Book...the super secret book that I keep track of all my holiday doings/buyings/sendings/comings and goings in! WHEW! It keeps me from losing my mind. Thought I'd get a head start this year with Lar still out of work it'll take some extra planning to make the 'ol dollar stretch this time around.

FINALLY got the Etsy shop up and running today! YAY! My partner was very excited (she is the craftswoman for this endeavor) as she has been UBER-patient with me in figuring out how to set up the shop part of it. Now that I know how, I'm thinking I just might have to open one up for my own stylings and creations!

Sooooooooooooooo, what I want to know is, what is your favorite holiday tradition? What are you LOOKING FORWARD to this year? AND, what is the one tradition that you could LEAVE BEHIND? Something you do, but really don't know why you do it anymore...post a comment and let me know...here are mine:

I LOVE getting down the decorations the day after Thanksgiving (yes, when many of you crazy people are out shopping!) and sorting through my decorations and deciding what's going to stay and what's got to go...I've been simplifying my "style" since last year...much better!

I COULD DO WITHOUT the "Under $x amount gift exchanges". I like to attend the parties, etc. but I really don't need or want the chintzy little gifts - I don't like to buy them and don't know what to do with them after I receive them! I'd much rather do a White Elephant gift exchange (you give or regift something you already have) where there is humor involved and you don't have to feel bad about pitching it afterwards!

(Okay, so I actually kept this one, but you get the idea! LOL!)

GO VOTE!

And just remember...

No matter what, no matter who, no matter when,

God will still be in charge.

Whew!

Now do you feel better?

I know I do!

Are you In?

Tuesday AUTUMN CREATIVE with your kids!

Remember the good old days when we used Crayola crayon shavings to make art? Well, guess what? You can STILL use them to make art at your age! Art good enough for framing! And YES, it's STILL fun! The one shown below is one I made with my two boys last year and it STILL looks just like this! The colors have not faded! I put it up in the attic over the summer months, but we got it down a week ago and it's just the same! AMAZING!

Here's what you're going to need for this project:

Crayola crayons (others will do, but might be a bit soft)
sharpener big enough for crayons
Wax paper
Iron
Fall leaves
Construction paper, stapler/tape/gluestick OR
Frame (optional)

DIRECTIONS (read through first):

1.Take and tear two pieces of wax paper slightly larger than your frame (you will cut it down to size later).

2. Set aside second piece of wax paper.

3. Place fall foiliage on first piece of wax paper as you desire - if it's too bumpy it might not work. However, I DID manage to make a few "helicopters" work, just place them towards the center, not the edges or they won't seal.

4. Sharpen crayons over your creation so that shavings fall all over project randomly. Be generous. Spread them out with your fingers if need be. Use several colors. Make sure to get shavings along the edges so it will "seal properly. Make sure no leaves are poking out - you want wax paper or crayon shavings around the edges, not foilage, for best results.

5. Place second piece of wax paper on top of all of this.

6. Iron on low setting - just hot enough to melt the shavings and wax pieces together. Move your iron in circular motion over entire project until all shavings are melted and piece is melded together. **If you don't have an iron you use just for crafts - please place a hand towel over the project to ensure you don't end up with melted wax or shavings on your iron (and turn up the heat just a tad) :)

7. Trim to size

8. If framing in a glass frame, you may choose to carefully tear off the top sheet of wax paper, as shown in the photo above. To do this, simply tear top piece off slowly while wax is still warm (re-warm if necessary). Once removed, place glass on top of piece and then invert frame to place backing on.

9. If not placing into a glass front frame, you might want to hang these on a window or slider door for an entirely different effect (see comment below) - cut construction paper "frame" and gluestick or staple/tape to edges so light can pass through the waxed paper portions. VERY FUN!

**Your kids will LOVE this project and so will you - collecting the foiliage is LOTS of fun. You can do this in two parts if you like, foiliage one day and creating art the next. We framed two pieces and the other two we made outline paper "frames" for and hung on our slider door like stained glass - VERY COOL EFFECT!

Let me know how yours turns out!

Doctor, Doctor, give me the news...

I've got a bad case of...ERP! Okay, okay, this ISN'T the 80's anymore! Sheesh! This IS 2008 and I am a MOM! A MOM of TWO, COUNT 'em TWO BOYS who have Doctor Appointments up the YING YANG this month! Let's see...where in the Yellow Pages does one find a person who's sole service is to drive little ones around to these appointments, take in the information, disseminate it back to you, soothe them at the appointments, calm them afterwards, PAY the required fees at the appointment (not to mention find the other monies before and afterwards - we ALL know there are ALWAYS more MONIES involved). Oh, did I mention entertain in the waiting room? Wrangle them up at school? Write the notes dismissing them from school and remember to give them the notes and hope and pray they pass the notes on to their teachers? And then REALLY hope and pray they'll be in the office when you arrive 10 minutes later than you should be to pick them up for said appointment? And when they are not in the office, will locate them in their classroom to find that they are also not ready to leave said classroom either, because, on THIS particular day, they are having FUN (yes, the one and only day in the entire school year!) and don't want to leave, this person will have a magical solution for this scenario that will separate the child from the FUN and SPLENDOR of the classroom without a hitch and get them to their scheduled dr. appointment on time - because of course, they would never be caught in traffic or have to stop for a potty or snack or anything of the sort to avoid a meltdown because they are a MAGICAL CREATURE who DOESN'T EXIST!!!

HOW DO I KNOW YOU ASK? BECAUSE I HAVE LOOKED ALL OVER THE YELLOW PAGES!

Hmph!

Sigh.

So, alas, alack, I have been taking the kids to their Orthodontist, Pediatrician, Vision, "Talking" Doctor and Chiropractor appointments without any help. SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.

And yes, it is getting OLD.

I am ready for a break. How about you?

And don't get me started on after-school sports...at LEAST I have HELP with that! (thank you Big Lar and G'ma and G'pa Ski!) I bow to those of you who have to tackle that one by yourself as well...oh my - you deserve a medal!

Care to Join Me? Let's tell our stories!

wwww.JessicaSprague.com - registration begins Oct. 20th and is FREE!

Let's take this online class together so we can tell our Stories and have something to chat about TOGETHER! :)

Want to get together before this? Come over on Friday...I'm having a Tastefully Simple party at my house at 11:30am - Yummy snacks will served (it's a food company!) - perfect time of day to take a lunch break if you're working! And trust me, by Friday, you'll be wanting a GIRLFRIEND break from all of the rain we're supposed to get this week - ugh!

Another project I just challenged myself with is from Ali Edwards - her A Week in the Life album. You can find the details here: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/a-week-in-the-life.html I don't know about you, but because of my last post, I NEED to just dive in and make myself DO something! I haven't even begun my creative journey yet...so here goes! I picked up my camera this a.m. (and as you can see, started blogging again last night!). I started scrapping again Sat. night and ordered up a BUNCH of photos from Shutterfly Sat. afternoon...I feel a creative spree coming on!

Want to go to Croptoberfest with me on Nov. 1st? I think there's still room...it's from 9am - 11pm and is around $35 I think...let me know - I'm going to be registering this week...I need some CREATIVE GIRL time!

AND I also have the Etsy shop 1/2 completed...excited about that! I'll post more once it's done and open for business :)

Hugs to you! Stay dry! Let me know you're alive...drop a comment, an email, or show up Friday :)

What is UP?

I think there is something in the air...

something that is keeping all of the women I know from getting it "together" this Fall.

So far I keep hearing the same things from most of the women I know...these things being:

1. There is not enough TIME in the day!
2. I can't seem to get a regular SCHEDULE together!
3. Things keep POPPING up and eating up my time...
4. I'm in the CAR all day
5. I am feeling so OLD
6. How did I ever have time to work?
7. My house is a DISASTER
8. I miss my FRIENDS
9. I miss my HUSBAND
10. I am TIRED

So, what IS up?????

Wasted Days and Wasted Nights...

Yes, it IS a country song!

And it is my life! Wasted? Hmmm...I'm not sure about that...A LOT has been being done, just not ART, as I had hoped! I have NOT gotten the Etsy shop up and running yet (sigh!) and I have NOT been in the Studio as I had hoped...I have NOT even been volunteering at the Thrift Store the last two weeks because things have been so hoppin' crazy!

I HAVE been:
-prepping and doing the GlenEagle garage sale (read: getting rid of TONS of junk around here! YAHOO!)
-Spring Cleaning (in the Fall nonetheless!)
-hosting two great U.K. coaches for a week (check out www.UKsocca.com for more info)
-taking the BOYZ to soccer/swimming and going to soccer games
-working out like a madwoman (read: ENDORPHINS BABY!)
-going away with dh for a MUCH NEEDED weekend!
-going away on a weekend "lifebooking" retreat with CTMH girlfriends
-Designed, ordered and received my new business cards - yay!
-Making and taking the boys to TONS of different types of dr. appointments (eyes, ped's, psych's, etc.) trying to make sure we get them ON THE RIGHT TRACK and get them WHAT THEY NEED to learn best.
-figuring out a daily/weekly routine that will work with the new school/teachers that the BOYZ have this year
-sorting through a TON of paperwork and bills and financial YUCK that I avoided all summer long!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooo, needless to say, this week, I am hoping to:
-get the Etsy shop up and running!
-get in my studio again!
-start blogging daily
-continue my workout regime
-keep eating HEALTHY (fell off the wagon there for a week or two...oh my!)
-oh! And figure out FaceBook...my newest discovery - chalk that one up to the two STUARTS who were staying with us - thanks a lot guys! :)

Okay, I promise to post a more insightful and artistic posts as the week progresses...
keep checking back for photos and inspiration :)

Good NIght for now...and hey - does anyone know where the expression "Bloody Hell" came from anyway? Do tell....

Note to Self:

Remember - always be true to your inner voice.

happy Sunday!