Bringing the Year to a Close

Wow! I find it so hard to believe that 2008 is coming to a close so soon.

I remember creating a 2007 favourite photos post as if it were yesterday! At the time, I planned to do it every New Year's Eve. A year later, Dec 31st is here, and I haven't even started.
I will eventually put together a grouping of favourites. But as I ponder the close of the year, I realize that my hectic schedule comes from filling our lives with what we love - family, kids, togetherness.
As I've tried to maintain balance in our lives these past couple of months, I sadly haven't had much time for scrapbooking. But as we all do, I've had to prioritize - family first - and that hasn't left time for much else.

And that's OK!

Here are a few photos of the kids doing things they LOVE! I'll get caught up and be back with my 2008 summary photos sometime soon. First, I have to finish my Christmas cards! ;-) Until then, peace, joy, and good health to all of you in 2009. Cheers!

And - lucky me! - I have a full day of cropping coming up with some wonderful friends this weekend to help get our 2009 scrappy goals off the ground. So stay tuned for those previously mentioned Wenonah and Scrapalicious layouts. For certain!

A peek at our Christmas

We had a beautiful Christmas this year. The kids were so full of joy!

I have been documenting our December in photos, as I plan to create an Ali Edward's type Daily Album . I took so many photos on Christmas eve and day; probably too many to fit them all in the album, so here is a slide show of some favourites.


Take a peek at Christmas at our house. Enjoy!

The Very Best for a Blessed Christmas

...and much joy for the coming year, from our house to yours.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Yes, we've been keeping busy this December!

I've had so little time for scrapping with our family's Christmas activities. One thing I have been doing is documenting our December in photos based on Ali Edwards' December album concept, so while I haven't been playing much with glue and paper, I have been taking at least one photo of us every day. Check out Ali's links above; her ideas really celebrate the everyday.
Despite that I'm not much of a cold weather fan, we've taken part in a few outdoor activities this year, with even more planned. At left, you can see us at Canada's first regular season NFL game, where Evan had a blast cheering for the Buffalo Bills, despite that it was a windy and cold day. Notice my hair in the photo blowing in the wind? Yes, it was really that windy!

Now that Christmas is almost upon us, and we are starting to feel somewhat caught up, I will be back to posting a bit more often. I hope that the holidays are going well for all of you. I'll be back with more scrappy posts soon. ;-)

Wenonah Work

I can't believe that I still haven't posted the layouts I created while I was away at our scrapbooking weekend at Camp Wenonah back in October. I wish I could say that I have these layouts ready to go, but to be honest, I haven't adhered the journaling to any of the layouts yet! Yes, I realize it's been a few months already, but it's been a very busy few months at our house.
So, until I get a chance to put on finishing touches and photograph these pages, here is a quick peek at each of them. In addition to these layouts, I also created my All Boy gear album at that retreat. I had a fantastic time scrapping with a great group of ladies all weekend - day and night! It's great to go away with other gals who share my philosophy that sleep is over-rated!
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have won a Scrap Pack monthly scrapbooking kit from Just Cre8, an awesome, Canadian kit club. Here's a peek at the first of the layouts I created with this kit. I love the colours and the pretty patterns of this Prima paper. Isn't it beautiful? And I just love the Scribblz Art that come with these kits; they're so versatile. Check them out here.

And for some exciting news - I'm really looking forward to being the Guest Design Team member for Just Cre8's February 2009 kit! Yahoo, I can't wait!

I also have some Scrapalicious layouts almost ready to post. So stay tuned for full shots of the layouts above, and more scrappy stuff - coming up soon.

Wow Wii!

I made my list and checked it twice - but will still have to grab a receipt to return something to the store. Yes, we bought a Wii to go under the tree a few weeks ago. But today, Evan's school had the final draw for a fundraising campaign they've been doing, and guess what? Evan won one of the grand prizes - a Wii! He called me from school and was so excited he could barely speak!

We're pretty excited to be a Wii family now. We probably won't have a chance to check it out until the weekend, but we're all looking forward to it.

What a great reason to need to re-think my Christmas shopping list! ;-)

New Baby in the Family

Stephen and I have been blessed this year with nieces and nephews. Both my brothers had babies this year, and Stephen's brother Justin and wife Rosa just had a baby in October. Their baby girl, the first cousin to share a last name with our kids, was born in October and is named Alessia. Here, Alicia holds Alessia at their first meeting.
Evan, Vanessa and Alicia were excited to meet Alessia and presented her with gifts that they picked out themselves. All of our kids love babies and took turns holding and helping to feed and comfort Alessia. I'm sure there will be more photos to come. Justin is Stephen's only brother, so we expect that these cousins should spend lots of time together as they grow.

I've put a few photos into a slide show, so take a peek below.

Celebrating 10 Incredible Years!

I try to count my blessings on a regular basis, and when I do, at the top of my list is how lucky I am to have found the most wonderful man to share my life with. It's hard to believe that Stephen and I have been married for 10 years now, but it is indeed true. We've been talking to our family about how special we think the 10 year mark is - pretty much since we were married - and it's here! We had always visualized a special, week-long, tropical getaway on our 10th wedding anniversary, just the 2 of us. ;-) But when babysitting disappointments took us by surprise and made a trip down south sadly impossible, we squeezed in a weekend getaway and went north instead.
Although it's neither the luxury nor the weather of the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana we had hoped for, we made the best of it! The food at this little getaway on Lake Kashagawigamog in Haliburton is outstanding, and the Chef took very good care of us on our special night. We managed to do a little shopping and just spent time together reminiscing and planning for the future.

We are so very blessed with our 3 wonderful children, a business that provides well for us, and the love and support of one another. Happy 10th Anniversary to us! Looking forward to so many more in the years ahead, as we grow old and grey together, and watch our children grow up.

What could be better than that?

Special thanks to Indra and Carol for making our mini-vacation possible!

Cover Story

Now that the winter 2008 Canadian Scrapbooker has arrived in stores, it is selling out quickly, so be sure to get your copy soon. I just received my cover layout back in the mail last week, so I thought I would post a photo of the original page. The magazine so generously sent me Corel Painter 4 Essentials software and a few copies of the magazine, along with this layout. I'm looking forward to checking out the software - probably not until after Christmas though! I really don't think I'll get to it before then, seeing as I still need to start Christmas shopping!!

I really appreciate everyone's kind comments - in e-mail, on facebook, in person, at Scrapalicious - wherever! It's been a lot of fun being on the cover, and I cherish every single one of you who has shared in my excitement. Thanks so much!

Scenic Route at Scrapalicious

Saturday at Scrapalicious we had a fantastic time with Vicki Boutin and Layle Koncar. These gals are each a riot all on their own, but pair them up and you have a bust-a-gut, laugh 'til your stomach hurts good time! We created 3 single page and one 2-page LO as well as started an awesome mini album (in the photo below). It was a great day of both inspiration and fun.
Despite Vicki getting lost ;-), we packed in a full day of scrapping. Check our their blogs - Vicki here, Layle here. I have to say, albums like this one look great on the web, but they're sooooo much more delicious in person. I'm truly inspired to use my handwriting more after seeing vacation albums that Layle puts together - while still on the vacation!

If you missed out this time around, Vicki and Layle are coming back to Scrapalicious in January and February 2009. Signs ups will be coming soon, so keep an eye on the store's website, or call in for details. These classes WILL sell out!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas...

This weekend we hit our local Santa Claus parade and had a fantastic time. The weather was cold enough to remind us that it was winter, yet warm enough to last through the parade without freezing! The kids loved all of the marching musical bands and corps - they come by that naturally ;-) and, of course, seeing Santa was the afternoon's highlight.

It's the first time we've taken the kids to a Santa Claus parade, and it made us wonder why we didn't do it sooner. I think a new winter tradition is born!

Speaking of winter, I'm very excited about this Storm that's brewing, hopefully in time for Christmas. Yes, I will finally be moving into the 21st century with a phone that actually has e-mail, web access and so much more! Hooray!! Maybe I'll respond to e-mails and send photos more often now?? What do you think?? Life is so hectic lately - maybe we had better wait and see. Seriously, sorry to those I'm late responding too... I actually will get to it eventually. Really. Ask Nancie!

The other exciting thing I did this weekend was spend a day at Scrapalicious with Layle and Vicki. It was awesome! More on that coming soon.

Can you believe it's December already? Have a wonderful month, everyone!

The Most Beautiful Baby Girl

Earlier I mentioned that our family was graced with the most adorable new baby niece and cousin. My brother Chris and his wife Lisa live across the country, so I haven't seen too many photos of their beautiful sweet daughter. (Photo by Barbara Heintzman)

Fortunately, Chris and Lisa had baby photographs of Aeden taken by talented Edmonton photographer Barbara Heintzman. This photo is one of my favourites, but you can see more darling pictures on Barabara's blog by scrolling down here. Any of you in the Edmonton area who are in need of a photographer, be sure to check out her site. She also photographed the wedding of Chris and Lisa's friends Bernard & Joy, and you can see the results here. They are absolutely beautiful!

As a proud auntie across the country from all of the nieces and nephews on my side of the family, I'm thrilled that photographers such as Barbara save me from going ages without seeing photos of my niece! Don't you think Aeden's beautiful blue eyes are gorgeous? They would have to be, wouldn't they - she has excellent genes! ;-)

As Seen in Canadian Scrapbooker

It was certainly a pleasure to be featured in Canadian Scrapbooker magazine's Passport to Creativity article for the winter 2008 issue, alongside 2 other awesome Ontario scrappers - Patti Hozack and Lesley Langdon. The magazine provided the product for my Ticket to Ride layout, which is created using exclusively Making Memories Passport Collection product. Check out the article on page 95.
I was thrilled to be asked for this layout of Alicia with her great grandmother, or Babcha, who passed away 2 years ago last month. This layout is one of my favourite pages ever. I love how the photo depicts the patience that Babcha had with her great-grandchildren. Alicia's quote, which truly shows the innocence of childhood, is so endearing. Our sweet Alicia's little heart often overflows with loving sentiments such as this.
The third layout requested for the article was this graphic page which I made following a tropical wedding trip last year. The photo, which is one of my favourites, is of the chairs set up on the beach for the wedding, just before the guests arrived.
It was a treat to be featured with talent such as Patti and Lesley. Congrats to them both, and to all of the talented scrappers featured in the winter issue.

Beauty Inside & Out

It's the last week of the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol challenge over at Just Cre8, and it's been a wonderful ride for the past 5 weeks. The pressure to create work for each challenge has been both inspiring as well as tough, but I love all 5 of my creations, which is what matters most. You simply must head over to Just Cre8 and check out the contest gallery. The talent of the contestants will truly leave you awestruck! I'm so grateful to Sue and to all who put this challenge together. Thanks!
The theme of this week's challenge was Here Comes the Bride - but not in the traditional way. We were asked to come up with a creation using something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. I decided to scrap a layout using an old photo of my grandmother on my Mom's side - isn't she beautiful! Thus the title, Beauty - Inside & Out.


The vintage-y, floral feel reflects my Grannie's personality - very feminine and creative. I owe so much of my love of all things crafty to my grandmother, who was a talented seamstress and embroiderer.

To meet the requirements for this challenge, I used:
- Something old - One of my favourite patterned papers ever, the blue paisley, is from the original Wild Asparagus release from My Mind's Eye, and is co-incidentally called My Favourite Things.
- Something new - While away this past weekend with my hubby for our 10th wedding anniversary (more on that in a separate post :D ), I managed to do some scrap shopping, and picked up the puffy letter stickers from Making Memories. I love that they are new and trendy, yet the black dot pattern ads a bit of a retro feel.
- Something borrowed - My friend Jen, in addition to being an incredibly talented scrapbooker, has what I believe is one of the world's largest collection of Cuttlebug embossing folders. ;-P She so kindly let me borrow a few and I embossed the brown and white-core cardstock with the script pattern. Thanks so much, Jen!
- Something blue - The blue ribbon, also from Making Memories was my something blue. Love love their ribbons!

I'll miss the pressure of posting a new creation every Wednesday night, but boy, will am I ever looking forward to catching up on my sleep now! ;-)

The next Canadian Scrapbooker

The winter 2008 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine comes out December 1st. Check out the table of contents here.





Seeing my layout peeking out from that banner makes me smile! ;-)

Sweet Newborn Treasures

Another week has come and gone so quickly, I almost cannot believe it. Last week's challenge in the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol contest was to create a gift for someone. It was timely, since I had been meaning to put together this photo frame and gift box for the latest baby girl in our family. I'm grateful for this challenge, since I just somehow wasn't motivated otherwise! ;-)
Stephen's brother Justin and his wife Rosa had a baby girl in October, whom they decided to name Alessia. Alicia, Vanessa and Evan were thrilled to meet their new cousin, the only first cousin they have on Stephen's side of the family so far. Our kids just love babies, so they were completely sweet, loving and gentle with her. All of the kids, including Evan, took turns holding and caring for their cousin. I've taken some photos of the children together, but with the issues we've been having with our computer lately, I just haven't had a chance to upload them, much less get them edited and posted. Hopefully I can get to it soon.

I picked up the memory box and photo frame at Michael's, and altered them in colours to go match the baby's room. Both pieces were painted using Making Memories paints, and the beautiful new papers from Rouge de Garance were perfect for the box, labeled Sweet Newborn Treasures. The frame, which I decorated to hold an ultrasound photo, says Awaiting You in distressed American Crafts Thickers. Matching Hambly scroll rub-ons and chipboard flowers from Fancy Pants with a spritz of gold Maya Mist on each embellish both pieces.

I've been having a blast participating in the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol Contest. Week 5 is the final challenge week, and it is coming up this week. I'm really looking forward to it. Check out more info on this challenge over at Just Cre8.

I Love Doing Laundry!

I have to say, if all of my laundry made me this happy, my chores would be such a joy to do! The paper here is from My Mind's Eye's Laundry Line, and it's completely gorgeous. It's my latest Scrapalicious DT kit.

I can't wait to play with it!

Also in this kit is a chipboard alpha set from Basic Grey, fun pom pom trim from Bazzill and the latest distress stickles from Tim Holtz. Want to do some laundry with me? I'll be starting it soon, so stay tuned! ;-)

Who's That (Cover) Girl??

I can't believe that it's been more than four months since I posted this and raised the curiosity of some of you. ;-) I was so excited tonight to get my first sneak peek at the Winter 2008 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker online over at Just Cre8, since this is what my toot post was all about.

I have to admit, I don't usually toot. I'm not really a superstitious person, but I always feel like I shouldn't count my chickens before they're hatched, not just when it comes to publications, but generally in life. So now that I've actually had a peek at the magazine, I'll come right out and say it. . . .

I'm a cover girl! Yahoo! This is my first cover ever, and I'm absolutely thrilled! I can't wait to have this mag in my hot little hands! Thanks for letting me share my excitement. :-)

Littlest Madonna Fan

As the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol contest continues at Just Cre8, this week's challenge was to be inspired by one of 3 selected ads. I selected an ad that reminded me of the days of psychedelic rock, and with that in mind, I couldn't help but be inspired to scrap our little rocker, Alicia.


I created my page inspired by the ad's colour palette and rock and roll feel.

This is a copy of the ad I chose. Don't you think psychedelic rock when you see this design?

I had a ton of fun creating this week's layout, although I don't think I want to admit how late I had to stay up the night before the deadline in order to complete it! ;-)

For the story behind this tiny rock and roll sweetheart, see here.

I Believe in You

For week 2 of the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol contest over at Just Cre8 our challenge was to build a layout using a rebus puzzle - that's using pictures or sounds rather than words. After spending time this weekend taking photos of the kids playing in the leaves, the rebus I B {leaf} N U came to my head pretty quickly, so I decided to go with it and to use some of the photos I just took. The girls are so sweet together; it melts my heart!
Then, when going through the photos, I realized that I had one of Alicia holding a large leaf, so I used it as part of the title. This was certainly a fun challenge, but I almost didn't get it done in time, since posted on Wednesdays by 10PM isn't easy at our house. I love the result though!
I B {leaf} N U!

Journaling reads: I love to watch the two of you play together. You know how lucky you are to have each other. You are best friends. You can’t imagine a day without playing and confiding in your twin sister. I know you will always bring joy to each other’s lives. I believe in you. Alicia and Vanessa, 5 years old, October 2008.

See everyone's entries for this week's challenge here.

Pumpkins and Drowned Rats!

Stephen was away on a course all weekend, so the kids and I were very busy with everything from ballet to hockey to the gym (for me!) to picking out the perfect pumpkins for Halloween carving. We tried - without much success - to get some fall photos taken too. No great shots, but lots of fun!
Unfortunately, the day we went to pick out our pumpkins called for rain, and rain it did! The clouds were dark and grey as we drove to the pumpkin patch, and while we made it through most of the afternoon dry, moments before it was our turn to load up our pumpkins, a downpour started.
Once we got home, we got a few pumpkins out and tried to take a few more photos, but we looked like drowned rats by that point, don't you think? At least the kids' spirits weren't dampened, as you can see - they were full of spunk in all of the photos! I'll have to try for a few more once we do some carving.

In the interim, I have to get to Scrapalicious this week to get some laundry started, and between that, the kids' school and activities, work, the next Cre8ive Idol challenge at Just Cre8 and Halloween, I don't think I can squeeze in anything else!

Stay dry, and have a great week!

Obey Your Thirst

Despite that our kids have been back to school and all of their activities for some time now, I still can't seem to accept how busy our lives are! I barely have time to scrap, and regardless, I couldn't resist participating in the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol contest over at Just Cre8. Our first challenge was to create a layout using a well known advertising slogan. I chose the Sprite slogan "Obey Your Thirst" to go with this photo of the girls drinking straight from the hose this summer.


Journaling says: Yes, we had apple juice, lemonade and freezies available to you, but on a hot summer day, nothing refreshes like water straight from the hose!

There is a ton of amazing talent in this contest, and now that this week's layouts are available for viewing, the gallery is packed with great pages. Take a look here. There will be a layout a week for 5 weeks for this challenge, and fortunately for me, I guess that means I will be scrapbooking a bit more often than I have been recently! Stay tuned.

The Harry Potter look

Here is our sweet dude's latest look. Doesn't he look smart? Evan is very comfortable with his glasses already, and doesn't seem to mind wearing them, thank goodness! He's had them about 2 weeks now, and has only forgotten them once so far. Thanks, JK Rowling, for making wearing glasses cool! It sure makes a Mom's job easier!

All Boy!

I spent a fair bit of time at my recent scrap retreat weekend at Camp Wenonah working on this gears mini album from Maya Road from my latest Scrapalicious DT kit. This album was a ton of fun to make, and with the gear shape, I couldn't help but make it a boy themed album. If you have a boy in your life that you want to make an album for, I highly recommend this one. Not only is it a great, unique shape, but it's just the right size for those 4x6 photos or wallet size photos we all seem to have.
I used a lot of sandpaper and metallic inks on this mini book, which went nicely with the concept of metal gears. I also love these sprocket gears from Tim Holtz, and thought they were the perfect embellishment for this album. Since I have a ton of photos of Evan, it was easy to plan this album. It took a bit of time, but was well worth it. I finally finished the journaling this weekend.

I put together a little slide show so that you can check out each of the pages of this album. Take a peek. These gear mini albums, as well as a variety of other shaped album from Maya Road, are available at Scrapalicious.