The Wickedly Wonderful World of Wustaz

a few more projects

2012-02-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

just playing with some fancy pants this morning

so glad January is over!!

2012-02-01T03:24:00.000-08:00

I love that January is over. January represents cold and dreary. good bye cold and dreary!! I am looking forward to warmer happier weather.

I have been playing with Fancy Pants It's the little things papers for the Scrapping Nook and look what I made -isn't it cute? I am glad I got to use my Spellbinder heart dies again. I can't wait to put some goodies in it and give it away on Valentine's day

The Scrapping Nook DT

2012-01-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

some DT work for The Scrapping Nook. I absolutely loved working with the Echo Park Times and Seasons paper line. I especially love the moustache elements

Scrapbook Queens DT work

2012-01-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

I tried to go simple and linear for my DT work for Scrapbook Queens.

Scrapbook Queens card

2012-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

here's another card I made for Scrapbook Queens. I used a combination of water colours and copics on the card.

More please

2012-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

I was in the mood to scrap. I have really been taken with the colour yellow, maybe because I want to see the sun more... not too sure. Here is what I came up with today using the colour yellow

new beginnings

2012-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

We had a sewage backup into our basement on New Year's eve. not exactly how I wanted to spend that holiday, but sometimes we don't get to choose these things. Immediately we called insurance and the ball got rolling so to speak. The restoration company has been amazing!! as much as an inconvenience this all has been, I have to say I am amazed at the wonderful work they did. My basement is clean and ready to go again. all that in a week and a half. We still have work to be done as far as rest of the house goes and the clean up but the basement is amazing. I am looking forward to having a new space to refinish and claim as living area.

Scrapbook Queens

2012-01-10T06:58:00.001-08:00

I am so happy to be showing off my first project for Scrapbook Queens. I was playing with Echo Park "for the record" paper line. The stamp set is from JustRite. I used distress ink colours pumice stone and evergreen bough from the winter 2011 release. the scalloped layer was die cut using a Nellie Snellen die and then inked with more pumice stone ink. I tied some twine around it and added a beautiful button and some pearls.

hope you like my fun little card

DT call

2012-01-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

"We currently have a DT call out at Sketches: Creatively Yours! This is a Blog that supplies inspiration in the form of free Sketches for scrapbookers & cardmakers. Our Team interprets the sketches and inspires other scrapper and cardmakers through their work. If you're interested in the DT Call, be sure to read all about it through the link below and apply if you're interested!

Call closes on Jan 31 at midnight AST. http://creativelyyourssketches.blogspot.com/2011/12/design-team-call.html "

my very first challenge in the queendom

2012-01-07T02:17:00.000-08:00

please go on over to the Scrapbook Queens and check out my very first DT challenge. it's an easy one to start..... alter your scrapping products in some way. Ink, distress, mist, paint, rip..... the list is endless right? I have to try and think when I used a product and it wasn't altered LOL. This is the example I made for the challenge. I misted the background paper, misted and applied distress stickles to the title and inked up some flowers. (there are more things I did but I will leave that to you to look for LOL)

come on over and check out my challenge and earn yourself a few Diva dollars in the process.

design team call

2012-01-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

"We currently have a "Design Team Call" out at Sketches: Creatively Yours! This is a Blog that supplies inspiration in the form of free Sketches for scrapbookers & cardmakers. Our Team interprets the sketches and inspires other scrapper s and cardmakers thru their work. If yu're interested int he DT Call, be sure to rad all about it thru the link below and apply if you're interested! Call closes on Jan 31 at midnight AST.http://creativelyyourssketches.blogspot.com/2011/12/design-team-call.html "

good luck everyone

I am so excited

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

I was asked to be part of the Scrapbook Queens design team. How exciting is that? I am looking forward to working with Irena and the incredibly talented team she's put together. The store is absolutely gorgeous too BTW if you are lucky enough to get there.... total eye candy. Please stop by the forum or the store and say hi!!!!

OMG!!!!

2012-01-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

what a way for 2011 to go out. we had a sewer backup into our basement. (and it was a good one as far as those things go) what a whirlwind of activity it's been around here since then. between insurance agents, and clains adjustors, and restoration teams and plumbers it has been crazy. and throw me working 12 hour shifts in there and life has been fun. I am sure all of this is a blessing in disguise .... we're only given what we can handle right??

I was able to salvage video tapes of the kids when they were little and I think I have most of the photographs. all my scrapbook albums were up off the ground.... thank goodness!!! however many many things took a hit. (including a bit hit to my scrapbook stuff) the contents team is starting today to catalogue and remove everything.... or 90% of the entire basement.

this has been overwhelming at times and really, in the grand scheme of things, it's not that bad. no one was hurt and no one died so for that I am grateful especially with our family's track record in December. I am so very thankful for all the professionals that have been involved with this since the road began. I am amazed at how nice everyone is, and how they are there to make this as painless for us as possible. ....... for that, I am very very grateful!!!

I love Christmas!!

2011-12-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

we had a wonderful Christmas. I was surrounded by the people I love. we made memories that will last a lifetime..... the boys receiving thongs in their stockings was one of the best memories. we laughed and laughed. Everyone received nerf guns as well. after a few foam bullets to the head and butt, everyone had some great laughs.

We even had a white Christmas!!! that made it perfect!!

I can't believe it's Christmas

2011-12-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe Christmas is a few short days away. where did that time go? I really feel it snuck up on me this year. I know the calendar says the 23 of December but I feel a little robbed of the excitement leading up to this time. I just turned around and it was here.

I went to a visitation last night after work. It was for a lady who is a best friend of a colleague at work. I didn't know this lady directly but I did know her through the stories that my colleague has told of her brave and valiant battle with breast cancer. This remarkable woman has 2 teenage sons. I was struck last night by the fact that how do you fit in all the advice and love you would impart to your loved ones in a few short months if you knew that's all you had left. I am in awe of this woman. She left a wonderful legacy for her husband and children. I was most moved last night watching her son greet people. It was just so wrong. A teenaged boy should not have to greet his friends at a funeral home to say goodbye to his Mom 3 days before Christmas. That moment in time took me back to December 29 1997 when I was standing in a funeral home greeting my friends to say goodbye to my brother. The feelings were raw and they were still right there at the surface even after all these years. I know what it feels like to be that boy. my heart ached for him. I hope his Mom can look down from heaven and see what a wonderful job she has done with her family.

Take a little moment over these holidays to be truly thankful for the loved ones around you. That is what the true meaning of this season is.

My day 2 tags

2011-12-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun creating Tim Holtz day 2 tag that I made 2 different ones. (truth be told, I cut 2 tags and I didn't want to waste them LOL) I like to take his examples and make them my own with my own little touches.

Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas

2011-12-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. It isn't Christmas until Tim Holtz posts his 12 tags of Christmas....... well today is day one. I was excited to give it a try with my own twists on the tag of course. I didn't have most of what he used so I improvised. I love that I was able to do that. I highly encourage you to give his tag a try with the things you find in your stash too!!

Incredibly happy news

2011-11-08T03:13:00.001-08:00

on October 14 my daughter got engaged. we are over the moon excited for her. They make a great couple and the future is very bright for them. It is humbling as a mother to realize that all the hard work has finally paid off and that your daughter has grown into the person that you always imagined she would be. It actually takes my breath away if I think about it. I wish Paul and Jess nothing but love and happiness all the years of their lives

so very thankful

2011-10-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

We live in Canada and our Thanksgiving was last week. I had to work the Thanksgiving monday and when I got up to go to work, this is the note I found on the counter....... It is a humbling experience to realize that all the hard work we put in to raise our kids has paid off. We have raised thankful, thoughtful children. It made me feel truly thankful!!

inspiration

2011-10-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Inspiration comes from many places. I was inspired to use a certain colour palette from one source and the general layout idea came from somewhere else. I like when these ideas come together. -it's even better when the ideas come together and they work out well LOL.

oh yes, that really is a porcupine quill that I used on the layout. I had to talk really really nice to the porcupine to get his quill LOL

I love weight watchers

2011-09-15T03:38:00.000-07:00

I have been doing weight watchers since May 26. somehow, my crappy eating habits caught up to me. I am like a magnet for weight and it only seems to get worse and speed up the older I get. I decided I had to do something. Weight watchers really isn't that hard. I still get to eat what I want, I just think about what I'm eating before I eat it and I decide if it's worth eating or not. (and trust me, many times it is more than worth it to eat whatever it is!!) along this path I have had many special days.... anniversary, birthday of my daughter, husband and mine, a trip to the cottage which is more like being at club med and the list goes on. What I'm saying is I haven't stopped living and I haven't completely denied myself anything. I am thrilled to say that it's working. I have found a new appreciation for fruits and veggies. I am excited at the prospect of having a veggie stir fry for dinner. I have also found that I love to run on the treadmill. I try to do a weight loss programme on my treadmill and do it for 2+miles every other day. I look forward to it. I even can fit it in before work some days and that means I am on the treadmill at 4:40am. I don't see going back to the old way I used to be. I know everyday I will have to be vigilant though because it's a quick and slippery slope back to being obese and tired but that's OK. nothing worth it comes without a fight and I am up for a fight because I'm worth it. If you've ever thought about doing weight watchers I highly recommend it. BTW as of this morning, I am down 26lbs and I want to go another 25.

do you feel lucky?

2011-09-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Want to Cook up Something Smashing using Bo-Bunny?
No Problem…it’s in the Bag!

The Scrapping Nook has cooked up an awesome Bo-Bunny give away, and we want you to win it! Included in the prize lot is a delectably adorable pink Bo-Bunny purse and a “must-have” black ruffled Bo-Bunny apron, complete with some yummy cooking utensils. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a fun tote bursting with Bo-Bunny scrappy goodness.
Interested in winning? Here’s how:

1. ‘Like’ us on Facebook;
2. Share this contest on Facebook and tell us why you LOVE Bo-Bunny;
3. Follow our Blog;
4. Join our message board. Once you’ve registered, be sure to announce yourself in the ‘Bo Bunny Contest’ forum;
5. For extra entries, submit layouts or cards using primarily Bo-Bunny products in our Gallery. You will receive one extra entry for each Bo-Bunny project you upload.

We’ll draw for a winner of this amazing prize package on
Friday, October 21st, 2011 and announce our winner on our message board.

This contest is open to all scrapbookers worldwide!

more September Scrapping Nook DT reveals

2011-09-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

this is more like the feel that Jillibean Soup's homemade 6 bean soup papers gave me when I first saw them. Wild to think that the wedding layout and these layouts were made with the same line of papers huh?

I still have a few ideas up my sleeve for the rest of the paper I still have from this line.... stay tuned!

September Scrapping Nook DT

2011-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

it's Sept and I am working with Jillibean Soup's homemade 6 bean soup line. when you look at the papers, you certainly don't think vintage do you? well, that's what I did with this paper today. it was nice to be in the groove again and to get my fingers all inky.

OMG he might have done it again

2011-08-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

Gary had Gus out for a walk 2 wks ago (while I was at work of course) and Gus came home really sore. I took him to the vet's the next day and the vet said that his other ligament is partially torn. She suggested to rest him for 3 wks and assess then to see what's what. We decided that if it's partially torn just to go ahead with the surgery. Well, today's the day. He is going in for an assessment this morning and if the vet thinks it necessitates surgery, he will be done today. the funny part of all of this is that we have not kept him quiet over these last 2 wks and he seems perfectly fine. I wouldn't be surprised if he says not to do the surgery and wait and see. If that's the case, he will be back in physio to help make that leg as strong as possible. I'm of 2 minds today though...... if it's partially torn, it's not going to heal and I would rather be taking him out on a leash to pee at 2am in Sept and Oct as opposed to Jan and Feb if he needs the surgery then. I also worry about arthritis setting in if it's partially torn and the body trying to heal itself. ..... but I look at him today and he's not in pain, and not limping. He is able to do everything normally.... so I am really torn. I will tell the vet all of this and see what he says...... stay tuned

UPDATE: The vet feels that his leg isn't too bad and he would like to wait and let his other leg get stronger. In the mean time, we will continue with physio to work on both legs now

BTW the scrapbook page is one of my DT submissions for August at the Scrapping Nook. I had come home after working a night shift and I took a few minutes outside to sit with Gus.

Gus is doing great

2011-07-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

hi everyone.... thought I would update you on how Gus is doing. He is in physiotherapy now and doing so well. there is only 6cm difference in muscle mass between his back legs now. (there was 9cm when he started physio last week) He needs some coaxing into the water treadmill, but once he's in there he's doing great. His time was increased in there to almost 17 minutes today and a bit faster too. Leslie the physiotherapist is going to add time and speed and weights to him in the upcoming weeks. He also is getting cold laser therapy on his knee and he gets iced down when he gets out of the treadmill to act as a bit of a analgesic. Leslie is going to start doing stairs with him next week and hopefully he gets in the pool to free swim in a couple of weeks. Leslie assures me he will be almost perfect when we are done with the phsio in a few short weeks. I am so happy. Gus is such a wonderful teddy bear of a dog. I can't wait for him to be back to normal

He's home

2011-04-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

he's home!! I don't know who was more happy to have him home Gus, the other dogs. or us. It is easier to keep him quiet than I thought it would be. you sure can tell he's in pain, and not himself. I slept on an air mattress next to him last night and it wasn't so bad. He did get up and go out once in the middle of the night. I just took him out now and he just wanted to go outside and lay down (I guess for a change of scenery) Things are settling down now with all the other dogs, it's like Gus never left. now we just go full steam ahead to get him fixed up and back to normal

We miss that crazy puppy!

2011-04-26T08:33:00.001-07:00

wow it sure has been quiet around here while Gus has been at the vet's. Things are calmer and cleaner but we miss him like crazy. The update is that he's coming home this afternoon. They need time to get all his medications in line for us to take home. The bill is not too bad either. it is about $1000 less than I thought it was going to be so that is very good. His rehabilitation is going to be pretty intense, but we are ready. I am expecting it to take 6 months to get him back to normal. (I know it took me that long to be almost back to normal when I had my ACL reconstructed)

Gary couldn't be happier to be getting his baby back home too. I bet he sleeps next to his crate tonight. I will update things when we get the bagel eating bionic wonder puppy home.

you make my world happy

2011-04-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

this card sums up how I am feeling these days. I am so very thankful for all the wonderful people in my life!

I love Graphic 45

2011-04-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

I had to scrap a bit yesterday and this is what I came up with. I just love G45 and I haven't been playing with it in a while.... I took this picture of my niece back in Feb. I think.

Gus the bagel eating bionic wonder puppy

2011-04-22T04:51:00.001-07:00

Remember Gus? Wednesday he went in for his CCL surgery (comparable to an ACL rupture in humans) The day started out as any other with Gary getting up and feeding them and then coming back upstairs to get ready for work. Gus didn't like the fact that he got about 1/4 the food he normally gets (as a prep for his surgery) and while Gary was upstairs, Gus ate an entire package of 6 bagels. OMG!!!! I called the vet's office as soon as they opened and after a few phone calls, was assured that he would be fine and that his surgery could proceed.

we saw the vet in the parking lot as we arrived. Clare (one of the vets) was dressed with easter bunny ears on and her nose painted red. She scared Gus and he promptly hid behind me (it's hard to hide a 95lb black lab behind me) and he peeked out at her from between my legs. Clare thought this was hilarious and said "boo" to Gus and he pulled his head back behind me and barked at her. So, if the easter bunny ever decides to break into our house, poor Gus will be traumatized beyond belief and go hide somewhere I am sure!!

All went well with his surgery. Dr Roberts (the vet that did the surgery) said he saw some arthritic changes already. Gus hurt his leg last fall when he was running up the deck stairs (his back leg went through the back of the open stair and he really hurt himself) Dr Roberts feels that he partially tore the ligament at that time and this recent injury was just the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak.

I called yesterday afternoon and he had his IV still and his fentanyl patch was kicking in. can you believe he ate some of his lunch?? SOME???? that is unheard of. I guess the fentanyl is really knocking him for a loop. The office is closed today so I can't find out how he is until tomorrow. They said it might be possible that he come home tomorrow but we are having family dinner tomorrow so I asked that he come home Monday. That way he is healed that much more and the excitement of the other dogs won't be as much. I am so glad that we have a crate for him and that he considers it his safe place. He is going to be doing a lot of time in his safe place over the next 2 weeks while his mobility is severely limited. I know it's a long rehab but it will be so very worth it in the end.

I will keep you posted on Gus' progress

on his way to a beautiful smile

2011-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

no scrapping today.... Ryan went and got his braces on this morning.... or his top ones anyways. He has bugged me for ages to get them on and I finally called and made the appt. He was so excited that he only slept intermittently last night. poor kid. looking forward to seeing what he looks like in 2 yrs when they come off and he has his beautiful smile

more Twig

2011-04-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

so this is what happens when I come home after working nights and don't sleep. LOL

this is what I have been working on.

2011-04-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

I have been scrapping just a little lately and thought you might like to see what I have been up to.... here it is. I hope you enjoy!

Poor Gus

2011-04-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

my poor puppy, Gus, was at the park on Sunday and tore his ACL. I am just sick!! he needs orthopaedic surgery. it's booked for the 20th. It is so sad to see him limping around the house. He can't get up the stairs very easily to our room where he has slept since the day we got him. He sits at the bottom of the stairs and cries and cries and cries. I can't wait to get him on the road to recovery. if you have a moment and don't mind, could you say a little prayer for Gus. I really want as much healing energy headed his way as possible to help him on his road to recovery.

I believe

2011-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

my daughter's boyfriend is going for an interview to get into med school on Saturday. I wanted him to know that we are behind him 100% and think he will do amazingly well.

Good luck Paul! Western will be lucky to have you as a student.

cold enough for ya?

2011-02-20T04:48:00.001-08:00

we were tempted here this week with some warm temperatures.... like +10C warm. LOL just like all good things in life, it didn't last and we are back into the deep freeze. darn it all anyways. the only good thing about that is, it's nice to stay inside and scrap. this is what I have been up to lately with Pink Paislee Sweetness. it is pure yummy

Cassie

2011-01-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is my niece Cassie. She turned 3 on Friday. I couldn't be with her on her birthday, but I was thinking about her and I was inspired to make this LO of her this morning. Love you Cassie!!! hope you had a great birthday.

who wants some Coordinations card stock?

2011-01-22T05:41:00.001-08:00

want to win some Coordinations card stock? click on the link. they have some amazing collections this release

I am just loving the Kaisercraft Up up and away paper. I had to go out yesterday and get these fair pictures printed because they go so well with the line. Here's another LO that I did last night

I have been busy

2011-01-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

There is a fun anniversary happening at Scraptures this weekend. I highly recommend checking it out and tell them I sent ya LOL

I did this LO for one of the challenges that was posted there this weekend. I had to be inspired by the work of art posted before me and I only had 1 hour to create. this is what I came up with. what do you think?? I think I did OK!

OK here's more

2011-01-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

I couldn't not post a girlie LO that I have done recently. I just love that picture

hey remember me?

2011-01-21T04:15:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness where has the time gone? What have you been up to? I have been working like a crazy woman. The way our new schedule at work is we all need to pick up X amount of shifts throughout the year to make up our full time hours. This has everyone going crazy trying to pick up shifts and I am no exception. I would love to have my pick ups done in the next few months, but that means actually picking up shifts and working them LOL.

enough about work, what have you been up to creative wise? I have come out of my creative slump and just what to be elbow deep in paper and lace and pretty things now. this is what I have been doing lately. This is with Kaisercraft's Up Up and Away line that I got at The Scrapping Nook. I gravitate to pretty girlie papers so I have all these "boy" pictures to scrap. this line is perfect for those (I still think I could make pretty girlie LOs with this line too BTW LOL) ....but I better get out more of those boy pictures and get them scrapped

Gus and his dad Trigger

2010-10-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

the top picture is Trigger, Gus' dad. I posted it to see them together. The last time I saw Trigger, Gus was 5 months old and still looked very much like a puppy. He doesn't look like a puppy anymore as you can tell LOL

isn't he getting big? he's about 75lbs now at 9 months. He is a true lab, he loves his food! I'm not sure what he'll weigh when he's done since the vet says he could keep filling out till he's a year and a half OMG!! he is a good boy for the most part. It's nice that he's starting to sleep through the night (that only started in the last 2 wks) for about 3 months I was getting up at 1am and 3:30 am to let him out. I know I would not be happy to have to be doing that for much longer!!!

always fun to find a new way to use the stash

2010-10-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

I got out my Maya Road chandelier crystals and coloured them with my Copics. It's pretty quick, but I had to wait until they dried to string them and add them to the layout. I think they add just the right amount of vintage to the layout.

more wonderful goodness from Making Memories

2010-10-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

check this out. I had to pick up a cute little birdhouse from Micheal's for $1.50. I knew I would alter it somehow.... and this is what I came up with. I used the awesome Making Memories Noel papers and embellishments. I also used some Webster's ribbon, dew drops and some Prima flowers and embellishments. The Scrapping Nook is where I got my Making Memories Noel papers and embellishments.

so nice to scrap again

2010-10-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

I was busy with the Noel line from Making Memories yesterday. Janice from the Scrapping Nook sent me some of the line and this is what I came up with with it. I was busy painting all morning while I was watching the miners being saved in Chile. It was very uplifting. After playing with paper strips, I realized that if I cut the 4" square, I can always mitre the corners afterwards. duh!!! anyways, live and learn right LOL

without further adieu, here it is.

I love fall

2010-10-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to go out for a drive and look at the beautiful fall colours before dinner. Fall is my most favourite time of the year. It has even got me scrapping again. I had done the distress stickles on this paper about a year ago but I never did make a layout out of it .... till now that is. so glad that it's finally done

baby Lauren

2010-09-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

did I mention we have a new baby in the family? meet baby Lauren. she was born on Wednesday the 22nd and she weighed in at 8'13". she is my new niece. she is a wonderful baby and is fitting in nicely to life at home

busy back to school crop at Scraptures

2010-09-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

what a crazy fun crop weekend I had over at Scraptures this weekend. Of course, the theme was back to school. I am usually not very good about getting things done at a crop but every once in a while, the inspiration strikes. well, that was this weekend.
got lots done and the best part is it's still going on for a few days yet. go on over and check it out.... maybe go back to school and do a challenge or 2. tell em Wustaz sent you ;)

spent a great day at the fair

2010-09-21T02:46:00.001-07:00

we had so much fun at the fair on the weekend. we went with my brother and his family. I can't remember having that much fun in a long time. I also got to try out my new lens..... there is a slight learning curve with it, but the shots I got are definitely workable.

I highly recommend getting out to your local fair. the weather is beautiful and who knows what fun you will have

She passed!!

2010-09-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am so very thrilled to let you know that Jessica passed! I couldn't be a happier Momma than today. I always wanted my daughter to have a career that she would never have to rely on anyone to get through life and this career is perfect. It was a rough journey and many times she called my bawling just wanting to quit. The part that was the hardest was she was responsible for finding all of her own clients to work on for school. not only did she have to find clients that would commit to coming 3-4 times and for 3 hours each time, these clients had to meet all the criteria that was required for school. that was the most frustrating part of the whole school experience for her. (and for me too) That is my peeve with the private school that she went to. this is far too stressful..... especially since having already paid $35000.00 to attend the programme.

this is all water under the bridge now. I am so very proud of my little girl!!!

2010-08-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

what does this look like to you? a Sterilite container on my counter perhaps? if you thought that, you would most definitely be right. To me, that container looks like 2 years of dreams, frustration and an awful lot of hard work. That container is my daughter's bin for dental hygiene school with her scrubs in the garment bag on top. She has already passed her board exams with flying colours. Yesterday was her practical exam. We travelled to the city at 6:30 yesterday morning with my brother in tow..... Happily, my brother Kent was a suitable candidate for her practical exam. I sat anxiously in the waiting room as support. 35 minutes into it, Gary was asked to go upstairs....I thought that meant that my brother was rejected as her candidate -much to my surprise, my brother didn't come back down from the examination. It turns out that the only other girl there from her class had her client rejected and my daughter offered her Dad up as a replacement. Gary was accepted as her client and she was able to complete her practical exam too. (had no one stepped up as her replacement, she would have failed and lost her $500 exam fee -how unfair!!!)

now we wait to see how it all turned out. the next 2 weeks will have many trips to the mailbox I am sure.

so look at that container on my counter again. What do you see? I see possibilities, I see the future. I see my little girl growing up.

I am officially a redneck!

2010-08-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

we are back from Nascar. we were at the Carfax 400 at the Michigan Internation Speedway. what a time we had! you have to tailgate at least once before you die.... I can cross that off the bucket list now!. there is something about drinking beer and barbequing in a field that's been turned into a parking lot for 100000 of your closest friends for the day. and to think we started tailgating at 9:30 am on a Sunday!

you have to forgive me, I forgot my camera at home..... I know, shocking isn't it. I had to rely on Gary for the photos. (there aren't very many of them.... I would have taken about 300 LOL) there I am in the middle photo.... the one in the orange shirt and Nascar hat and a beer in my hand (tailgaiting started at 9:30 and the drinking didn't stop til the race was over..... when in Rome!)

Michigan is beuatiful and I would go back there again in a heartbeat. we had such a good time there.

some benefits

2010-08-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

there are some benefits to being up at 3am..... I got the dishwasher unloaded, loaded, cleaned and unloaded again. I also folded up 2 loads of laundry. the best part is I used the Aug kit from Scraptures. I am happy with the way the layout came together...... now I am exhausted and it's time to start my crazy busy day....

God is challenging me!

2010-08-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

I have to keep you up to date on the trials and tribulations of Gus. I would never have guessed what he got himself into last night. Ryan came upstairs with Gus at bedtime and said that he had something in his teeth. (Ryan thought it was a bottle cap) Gus was obviously distressed..... turns out it was a clip it up clip. He had chewed it to a misshapen mess, but it had in fact, clipped to the side of his mouth way at the back. It would no longer open, but it was attached fastly to the side of his mouth. I think I would have been freaking out too if this was attached to my mouth. After numerous attempts at getting it off, Gus was finally free. He again, settled down to sleep and started snoring right away. I know someone up above has sent this dog into my life to test me, but more importantly, to see the humour in everyday life! and oh my, is it funny these days.

oh this dog!

2010-08-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Gus was chasing Peyton up the deck stairs and his back leg went through the back of the stair and his back end just fell. Poor Gary thought Gus had broken his leg. I saw just how much Gary loves his dog last night. He was so worried about him. I came down and it was obvious nothing was broken, but I was more worried about tendon and ligament damage. Initially he wouldn't weight bear on it, and when he did, he barely touched his toe to the ground and it turned in and he dragged his foot. OMG!! I had visions of ligament surgery and months of rehab. (you know it would be me doing all of that) Gary carried Gus upstairs last night and he just layed his head on a pillow and went to sleep. Well, this morning, Gus jumped on the bed and licked Gary's face. all that worry last night was melted away!! Gus is slightly sore today, but none the worse for wear. I swear this puppy is going to be the end of me!!

great news

2010-08-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news to announce. I was asked to be part of the amazing talented design team and the scrapping nook

please stop over and check out all the great things that are happening there. the forums are friendly and very inspirational. stop by and say hi!!!

is summer really 1/2 over already?

2010-08-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

ever feel that time is just slipping away? as hard as I try to hold on to it, it slides away even faster. I guess the challenge is to enjoy the moments and hold on for the ride. here's what we've been up to so far this summer. can't wait to get scrapping these!!

miss me??

2010-07-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a break, getting priorities straight. you know when you burn the candle at both ends?? the centre of the candle doesn't look so pretty anymore. I was in that place. Just when things were getting balanced again, we decided to toss it all up in the air again. Meet Gus!! he is the newest member of the pack. We certainly didn't want to get a puppy at this time, but fate had a different plan for us. so many coincidences lined up and he was meant to be with us. I am here to tell you that after having a puppy for a month, I know I could never have a baby again. I like my sleep WAY TOO MUCH!!!! LOL. Gus is 6mths old and he is really a puppy. right down to the uncoordinated movements and the love of chewing.

let your dreams soar

2010-04-19T07:25:00.001-07:00

it was great times at Scrapfest on Friday with my friends Jillian and Karen. we shopped our butts off (surprise!) and we laughed. is there anything better than that? We were lucky enough to take a fun class and we got to meet lots of new people and to catch up with lots of old friends. I was inspired to dig into my bags of new scrappy goodness and play. this is what I came up with. can I say I love Webster's Pages????

on line crop this weekend

2010-04-19T04:02:00.001-07:00

yes you heard it right.... we have an online crop happening this coming weekend at PIT. it's to get you all primed and beat the rush for national scrapbook day and provide you with tons of inspiration to create. I have a few challenges up my sleeve that should be fun and make you think outside your scrapping box. I will be around for Fri and I hope to see you there

baby buttercup

2010-04-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

I was at Scrapfest on Friday and I was introduced to the world of Bella stamps. Honestly, I haven't really been tempted until I saw some examples at Scrapfest -oh my, I was hooked then. I picked up a few images in this line. they are so sweet. this card is for one of my daughter's clinical instructors who is due in June with her first child (shhhhh it's a boy!) my daughter and I sat down last night and coloured a few of the images up. I am excited that I have another image coloured and ready to be made into a card.... something to do for today.

gotta love a sketch

2010-04-08T03:01:00.001-07:00

I was given this sketch by Karen over at PIT. it was to be the Thursday sketch on her blog but she received some bad news about her grandson so I don't know if it will be posted over there today or not. I am posting the sketch that I worked from and my creation. I love to work with sketched and make them my own

wanna make a difference??

2010-04-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

how about making a card and sending it to a sick little boy? Lennon is 3 1/2 and he has bravely fought brain cancer for a little while now. his MRI showed more cancer activity in his brain yesterday. We are asking that people think of Lennon and send him a card to brighten his day. This is his address (along with his mom of course)

Amanda and Lennon Hunt 5649 South 31st Street Apr5 Lincoln NE 68516

thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day and making this little boy's day better

April skies ribbon kit

2010-04-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

so here I was sitting at the computer all morning..... 1 1/2 hrs later and here is my very first blog post for SnS. let me tell you I was stressed about it. I am not big on posting on others blogs..... what if they don't like it. it's all well and good for me to ramble on here and all.... but on someone else's blog it affects alot of people. after I got over myself, I got down to the posting. this is what I came up with.... remember it's a first attempt. be kind LOL

BTW aren't those ribbons cute????

who says you have to scrap Christmas photos at Christmas

2010-04-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

well here I am grabbing at Christmas photos to scrap now, now that spring is here. I tried this little ribbon trick along the die cut border. I love how it looks. (and it's so easy) see if you can figure out how to do it

another month, another great kit

2010-04-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

happy April everyone. I hope the beautiful weather is finding you wherever you are. Being that it's April, that means another great kit at Pages In Time. check this out. you better hurry though. I have this combination of products headed to my house, and I don't think all the other add ons are going to last long

bad blogger!!

2010-03-30T03:21:00.001-07:00

I am a bad girl aren't I? somehow blogging seems on the bottom of the priority list. Truth be told, I have been getting educated like crazy for the past month and a half and between that and life, things have been pretty crazy around here. Ryan finished his hockey season last night.... it was a character building year....let's just leave it at that. LOL. he had fun and that's what matters. I am happy to find something that keeps him off his PS3 and is fun and exercise to boot. Jess is very close to the end of her course and is studying for her board exams that occur in May. wow, where did that few years go?

I was asked to continue on the DT for Sketches:Creatively Yours.
it's a great group of ladies over there and I am so thrilled to be working with my buddy Jillian. I am amazed what she can do with paper and ribbon and clay. (you have to check it out)

thought I would leave you with a creation from yesterday.... enjoy

March kit of the month at PIT

2010-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness. I really don't know how Karen keeps putting such beautiful kits together.... and the add ons..... they are to die for!! let's just say new Prima..... hurry over, they are almost all sold out

sketch interpretation

2010-02-19T05:16:00.001-08:00

time for another sketch interpretation.... this time at Pages in Time's blog. Alda continues to blow me away with her amazingly creative sketches. How can you not run to your supplies and get creating after seeing this sketch?
I decided to change up the LO I was going to create to something fun with teenage inspired colours and whimsy...... and this is what I came up with.

check out PIT's blog every Thurs. for more wickedly creative sketches.

sketch interpretation

2010-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

check out this great card sketch that is posted right now at Sketches: Creatively Yours. this is my interpretation of it as a layout.... I love this grid pattern -so not my usual style but it worked out just fine.

scrapping!!!

2010-02-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to get some scrapping done.... OK I admit it. I was procrastinating studying for neonatal resuscitation... but I really have to study tonight...... so this is what I was doing while I was procratiniating I mean trying to study.

I made this layout today. I made all the flowers this morning. the paper ones I made the way Tim Holtz did his during the 12 days of tags. the burgandy ones are made out of ribbon (the same ribbon that the bow is made out of)

off to really study.

just one more sleep....

2010-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

just one more sleep til the Pages in Time crop. I happen to know there will be lots of challenges to get the creativity flowing..... oh yeah, did I mention that there will be prizes?? go get your trimmer warmed up and I'll see you there tomorrow evening!!

three cups of tea and stones to schools

2010-01-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

I went to a presentation with Greg Mortenson last night. He wrote Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools. He is an incredible man. Mark my words, he will receive the Noble Peace Prize. It was an incredible night and I definitely look at the world differently

hey guess what???

2010-01-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

we have a new DT member over at Pages in Time. Her name is Alda Stevens and she is uber talented when it comes to putting a sketch or two together. I envy her!! She did a card sketch for PIT's blog today and this is what I came up with.... imagine it's the same sketch that I used for both cards. stop by the PIT blog and see what you can do with the sketch, I would love to see it!

ever been here?

2010-01-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

check this blog out.... it is dripping with inspiration

Valentine's crop

2010-01-24T12:30:00.001-08:00

Get in on the fun at our Valentine On Line Crop!!!!

Join us for a weekend of on-line fun! Join us for fun challenges,games,chat and a new tutorial! Small RAK's given for lucky participants!

This is not a point based crop where you have to collect points for RAK's. All Rak's given away by random draw for whatever challenge its being offered for. You must complete the challenge to be eligible

So mark your calendars and come join us for a weekend of fun!!

Time:Feb 6,2010 at 8am to Feb 7,2010 to 12am.

Location: Pages in time Main forum

great blog alert

2010-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

I found a great blog today and I wanted to share it with you.... check it out. she also has some nice blog candy right now. see you there!!

out with a bang

2010-01-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

2009 sure went out with a bang for us.... we were at my MIL's house for New year's. Gary and the boys (Ryan, Tim and Herman)were outside and Herman had asked Ryan to jump on the skidoo and get something for him from the barn. We didn't know all of this was going on as all the girls were in the house. All we heard was the skidoo revving and then a bang. I thought someone had hit the house.... sure enough I was right. it seems Ryan got on the skidoo and hit some hard ice and snow and that pulled the skis in a different direction than he wanted to go. -he hit a shrub first and paniced and hit the throttle instead of the brake and ran straight into the deck. The only thing that was hurt on Ryan was his pride. It could have turned out so much worse. See how the ground dips under the deck? If he was going faster, the skidoo whould have gone farther under the deck and he would have been hurt if not killed. I am very thankful for that. needless to say, Ryan's nickname is Crash now.

our quest

2009-12-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Gary is on a quest for a black lab puppy. He has been researching breeders and dogs for months. We have decided on Moonlit Labradors in NY. Susan is awesome and so willing to work with us. We won't be ready for a puppy for a year or two, but during that time, we are going to work with Susan so that she knows what we want and what will suit our family best when the time does come. We want a puppy from Gosh. This is one of her first puppies just so you can see what they are like. When I saw this photo, my heart melted and I knew we had made the right decision in working with Susan. so our quest is finally over and the waiting begins.....

so sorry....

2009-12-30T15:41:00.001-08:00

so sorry I have been MIA. what a crazy busy time. Got through Christmas relatively stress free this year. I quite enjoyed it all. We still have 1 more Christmas/New Year's to go.

A new year brings a new kit over at Pages in Time

here it is......isn't it pretty. who doesn't love to play with new Basic Grey? hurry over to get yours and the very nice add ons that Karen has selected.

want to win??? just visit Sketches: Creatively Yours to see how

2009-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

We have a CONTEST going on for you!

What to do:
1) First, please BECOME a FOLLOWER of S:CY, if you aren't already!
2) Use Ann's Sketch and the freebie digi above: "Cat and Mouse" to create a card, ornament, large tag, mini album, -- whatever strikes your fancy!
3) Take a good picture of your creation, then, post a link for us (ie:Gallery or Blog) so that all readers can go check it out!

4) Additionally, send your creation to Ali at pete ali @ eastlink .ca (no spaces.) I will post them on the blog the evening of Dec 8th.

5) Deadline to have completed the above 4 steps is is NOON Atlantic Time on Dec 8, 2009.

Scrapstreet magazine

2009-12-01T03:00:00.001-08:00

you have to check out scrapstreet magazine. It is a great online magazine with lots of articles to interest everyone..... my favourite is this section http://scrapstreet.com/mag2009/dec12/fixtures/disc.htm

I am the discovery designer of the month!!

want to win something?? who doesn't?

2009-12-01T02:50:00.000-08:00

A HUGE GIVEAWAY is happening at Pages in Time!!

Want to know what you can win?
One Grand Prize A big scrap book giveaway that equal to over $150.00 in merchanise!
One $50.00 Gift Certificate
One $25.00 Gift Certifiicate
Five $10.00 Gift Certificate
A Spot on our Design Team as a Guest
Lots and lots of other store prizes
The more you do the more you can win
Ok what do you need to do:
You get points for doing these things:
Stop by daily and post a lo, pic or card at the Pages in time Blog and in the gallery at Pages in Time! State its for the Christmas Givaway! Every thing you enter in the gallery gives you 2 points. If its a X,mas lo,card etc you get an 5 extra points!~You get 10 extra points if you join a challenge and do the challenge!~You buy a gift certificate here for a X,mas gift or even for yourself at least $10 you get 3 points if you buy one $25 you get 5 points,and if its above that you get 10 points!~You join a group and participate in it! 6 points if you are already in one,start a new group -10 points!~Do one of the X,mas games that is posted! Each week a new X, mas game, anyone who participates gets 5 points-Winner of the games gets 10 points!~Find the hidden Santa's around the site and tell me where you found them, you will get 5 points for each Santa you find. There will be one hidden Christmas tree ,one Angel, hiding through out the month, find them and you get 15 points!
More Extra Bonus Points:
Post a tip or technique -3 points for each one you post.Post a sketch (has to be your own) 15 points. Post a Holiday Recipie-4 points each one you post. Leave a comment on Karen's blog 3 points each time you do. Post a video-6 points. Start a new Discussion anywhere on the site 4 points.
Extra Extra Points!
Have the most friends here on line 20 points! Have a friend sign up 15 points each friend that signs up! Blog about our site 12 points! How am I going to keep track of your points,you will keep track of your own points then send Karen as email [do not post it in the forum] your points, you can keep adding them up through-out the month. Karen's email is pages_in_time@hotmail.com.
This is going to be fun,j oin in our first ever Christmas BIG GIVEAWAY! I promise everyone who enters wins! This is going to be a fun way to win prizes!!! Come and join us!!

this is the link to get to all the giveaways

Paper Trunk blog

2009-12-01T02:36:00.000-08:00

you just have to check out the Paper Trunk blog

just click on the Paper Trunk name.... it will take you to their blog where you will find my layout!!! wanna know how excited I am??? I am going to have to tell everyone I know..... think of all those poor labouring women I am going to talk their ears off about it. bet you are glad you aren't in labour at my hospital today LOL

our first assignment at Pages in Time

2009-11-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

this is our first assignment at Pages In Time. We were given this absolutely gorgeous image and we had to create something (card,tag,LO,art) with it. I made this this afternoon. I should be sleeping since I have to work 12 hours tonight, but I just had this idea burning in my head and had to create with it. I will just make due tonight..... LOL

Pages in Time DT

2009-11-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

it was just announced. I am on the newest design team for Pages in Time. It is a really fun place to be inspired. go on over and check it out..... tell them Jennifer sent ya LOL

shhhhhh......

2009-11-16T07:57:00.001-08:00

don't tell anyone, but I did a layout this morning..... I had to. I am never too busy to squeeze a little scrapping in even if it has to be at 5am. here it is.....
isn't that paper gorgeous??? It is Paper Trunk and I give it 2 thumbs up. I am definitely going to find more gorgeous papers from this company

anybody else having a crazy busy month?

2009-11-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

holy cow it's Nov 16 already. I knew it was going to be a tough month for me, since I am SO busy. Happily it is already 1/2 over. I was honoured to be asked by my manager at work to become our hospital's intrapartum labour support expert. I felt that was quite an honour. I was asked to join a task force and develop a workshop for new hires and preceptors the fine art of intrapartum labour support. I didn't realize the work that goes into a workshop. We have prepared for 7 months before with rolled our workshop out. whew, that was a ton of work. well, we are now 3 workshops in and I am loving it. I don't enjoy the 2.5 hour drive to one venue (1 way) but other than that, all is good. so I am doing these workshops this month (6 of them) and I am also the creative director for our unit's entry into the saftey expo at work too. I am doing all of this on top of working full time. I don't ever want to wish time away, but let me say right now, I will be happy when Dec comes and all I have to worry about is my full time shifts. better go and dive back into the piles of laundry that seem to be everywhere......

Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team

2009-10-29T03:07:00.001-07:00

Yeah!! I am so excited. I have been asked to be on the S:CY DT. how cool is that. it is a great place with lots of really interesting sketches. I know that I wll be challenged and I look forward to working with all the talented ladies there. go on over and check it out!

can you believe we are almost at the end of October?

2009-10-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

wow, where did that month go? for me, it went by with me wishing for our hot tub to come. we used to sit out on the deck and dream about when it would come and how nice it would be. I can't believe how fast it all went.

I was at Jess' school yesterday as her very first client. She started her clinic time yesterday. I can't believe where all this time has gone too. it seems like just yesterday that we were headed into her school for the admissions interview and exam. She is almost done and ready to start her career as a dental hygienist.

take just a little time today to slow down and enjoy life. it is a wonderful thing and it's just whizzing by.

ahhhh this is living

2009-10-24T18:14:00.001-07:00

wow, we are having quite a time with the hot tub. even the night where it was spitting a little bit and was windy, we were in there.

want a chance to win?

2009-10-24T04:52:00.001-07:00

go check this out

it's here

2009-10-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe it. it seemed like we researched hot tubs for so long -it never felt real. Then once we ordered one, we were told minimum delivery was 4 wks. again, it seemed like forever. well, I called the store yesterday and was told it was in. the only problem was someone needed to get there to pay the balance and to take the chemical course. Gary was about an hour and a half away at work and I was about 45 minutes, but I had to work til 7:30 pm. Gary was able to cut out of work early and get there and get all the necessary bits done. it just so happens that I took vacation tonight so I am home. I am not home on Mondays or Wednesdays for about the next 3 wks when they are able to do deliveries and installs. I guess it was meant to be for today. they got it in the backyard (no easy feat.... it weighs 1100+ lbs dry) and situated where it needed to go and wouldn't you know the heavens opened and the rain started just as they were ready to hook up the electrical. we started filling it with water and the water was brown.... I don't mean off colour... I mean milk chocolate brown. of all days that they water mains get worked on why today? anyways, we drained out the first 8" that was filled and started again. good to see it all for when we need to drain it and do it again ourselves. I will update when the install is all done

it's Monday again.....

2009-10-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

how did that happen?? Monday again and time to go back to work. I have a busy week -working Monday and Tuesday and I have to get ready for a meeting I have on Thursday. I am part of a group of nurses that is putting on workshops for other nurses (new hires and preceptors) on intrapartum labour support. I was asked by my manager if I wanted to be our hospital's labour support expert and I jumped at the opportunity. It is a bit unnerving at the moment. Thursday's meeting is the "dress rehersal" for the actually workshop that gets rolled out starting the beginning of November. It will be a crazy fun busy time for me as these workshops happen.

I scrapped a little yesterday.... it keeps me sane and grounded. The new DT will be announced very soon at S:CY..... wish me luck

creative round up!!!

2009-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

yeah it's up. there are some beautiful pieces of work there. go on and check it out at Sketches: Creatively Yours. Ali, you outdid yourself..... well worth all the wind and power outages :)

guess what tomorrow is?

2009-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

tomorrow is the creative roundup at Sketches:Creatively Yours. If you want to be inspired and see tons of talent, then that's the place for you!! see you there.... oh yeah, a little birdie told me there might even be prizes to be had...... I'm just sayin'

my fairy name

2009-10-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

so this is my fairy name

Your fairy is called Tangle Elfglitter
She is a cheerful sprite.
She lives at the bottom of tangled gardens and in hedgerows.
She is only seen in the light of a shooting star.
She wears tangled dresses of multicoloured petals. She has delicate green wings like a cicada.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful family that I am truly blessed to have. My niece Cassidy competed in her very first horse show. She's 20 mths old. All of my siblings and my Dad came to support her. My other niece and nephew also competed. It was a great day and it was so nice that we were all together. It felt like it did 25 years ago when my sister and I were competing.

I hope you all have made many memories that you are thankful to have this weekend.

save the date

2009-10-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

check out Creatively Yours sketches on October 16. Ali is showcasing lots of great talent and the inspiration will be flowing.