journalingjunkie

Love u much

2012-02-11T09:05:00.000+02:00

I used MemoryClips by Ramona's - love u much, available here at ScrapMatters, and this template set.

Jordan

2012-02-11T08:51:00.001+02:00

I used KimB's Precious beginnings (boy), L Drag Designs - So pLastic alpha and [url=http://shop.scrapmatters.com/product.php?productid=10517&cat=0&page=1] Double Pager volume 2[/url] by MemoryClips

Previous Valentine's Day celebrations

2012-02-11T07:03:00.000+02:00

Do you have big dreams?

2012-02-10T09:04:00.000+02:00

Amber Shaw's Designs - available at Funky Play Ground Designs, here.

New release at ScrapMatters, double pager volume 2 from MemoryClips by Ramona

The key to your heart.

2012-02-10T08:47:00.000+02:00

Design by Tina's - the key to your heart, available at DigiridooScraps, here.

I also used Holiday Stackers from MemoryClips by Ramona - available at ScrapMatters.

Love forever or love hurts?

2012-02-10T08:29:00.000+02:00

Pixelily has 2 Valentines kits available this week, depending on how you feel about love.

You can find this at Funky Playground Designs, here.

I used a template from MemoryClips by Raomona - Holiday stackers volume1, at ScrapMatters.

When love doesn't last or hurts, you have this more muted kit to use.

Also available at Funky Play Ground Designs.

Holiday Stackers, at ScrapMatters.

I am a chick flick girl, are you?

2012-02-10T07:03:00.000+02:00

Inspiration station

2012-02-09T07:03:00.008+02:00

I used this template by Jessica Sprague,

The challenge over at ScrapMatters was to use this image as an inspiration piece.

I used the central heart, the foundation of grunge brushes, pearls instead of the green spheres and a key for the key-like elements.

Roses are the flowers I love

2012-02-08T07:03:00.000+02:00

Some recent LO's of mine

2012-02-07T19:37:00.002+02:00

I used :

and

Curious you

2012-02-04T07:50:00.000+02:00

I used column volume 1 from MemoryClips by Ramona, available at ScrapMatters, here.

and her full kit, Curious You, ScrapMatters.

Home is where your heart is...

2012-02-04T07:32:00.000+02:00

I used A Fresh Start by Elise's Pieces - available here, at the Digichick.

And a template from MemoryClips by Ramona - available at the ScrapMatters store, here, called Holiday stackers volume 1.

Language of love

2012-02-03T06:16:00.001+02:00

I used Amber Shaw's Language of Love - available at Funky Playground Designs, here.

Add on 1 is this cute alpha.

Add-on 2 is a group of clusters

Then there is also a mini kit called Puppy Love.

and a template from Road side Designs - down digi lane maps.

Feeling the love?

2012-02-02T07:03:00.000+02:00

From Amber Shaw (previously called Ruby Lane) her Project 1440 February

Avalaible here at Funky Playground Designs.

and some template freebies from MemoryClips

February is here...

2012-02-01T16:08:00.000+02:00

and ScrapMatters have a Mix-a_kit where the designers are given the same colour scheme to play and create with.

from Steph Designs - For the love: elements, simple papers and patterned papers.

from MemoryClips: love U alpha and clusters.

All above available at ScrapMatters here.

We are in love & girls night out.

2012-01-26T08:50:00.000+02:00

First up is Elise's Pieces - We are in love.
Elise has released another stunning collection, I was especially taken by the rich pinks in this one.
Having a daughter I can never get enough pink and the pinks and oranges remind me of the tropical islands we've just holidayed to.

We are in love is available exclusively at the Digichick and is on sale.

I also used MemoryClips by Ramona a template from her Holiday Clusters volume 1,

available at ScrapMatters.

For this one I used Amber Shaw's (previously Ruby Lane) kit - Girls night out.

This is available at Funky Playground Designs.

and another MemoryClips template from Ramona - minimal style volume 1.

St John - Antigua

2012-01-26T07:03:00.001+02:00

The kids were still sleeping so we left them aboard ship for this outing. We explored St Johns the capital of Antigua, an island of the West Indies. Andrew organized a taxi tour with Derek for $25. He promised us 2 ½ hours seeing rich man, poor man, beggar man, tief! Antigua seemed a poor country having got it’s independence from Britain 30 years ago. Slavery abolished in 1843 and the red in their flag represents the bloodshed. People used to jump off Devil’s bridge rather than be taken as slaves. Houses were colourful, some brick and some wooden, many off the ground on stilts due to the hurricanes and flooding they experience. Annual rainfall is 48”, last year they had 5” in an hour. Very lush vegetation, grow bananas, coconuts, pineapples, papaya, dates and sugar cane. Tourism is an important source of income and they have a medical school that many people from neighbouring islands come to study at.

We stopped at Nelson’s dockyard and enjoyed some fruit punch heartily laced with rum, their museum didn’t have too many exhibits apart from the one Andrew took a fancy to. Next was lookout point where we met “sexy Lou” she was such a character I had to take her photo, and there we saw the original canons that had guarded this bay, as well as Eric Clapton’s house and the rehabilitation centre he founded.

St Thomas

2012-01-25T07:31:00.000+02:00

St Thomas

Is nicknamed the Rock City. It lies in the Caribbean Sea and forms part of the district of the United States Virgin Islands. They have a population of 51 000 and a land area of 80.9kms. The Danish were poor managers of these islands and allowed USA to purchase them in 1917. They grew sugar and this brought prosperity until 1848 when slavery was abolished and the increase in labour costs made them less competitive.

We got a tour to sight see the island ($25 down to $20) A negotiated with Winston the muscle man. We saw the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and Koki Point beach and Skyline Mall. They had a cable trip to the top of the hill but it was way too much for us to take for that short distance. The island was not the most prosperous, school children wear school uniforms and they have gorgeous beaches. They also drive on the left hand side of the road, even though the drivers sit on the left.

It wasn’t the most exciting island and we were back on board ship by 2.30pm.

I used a template by Janet Phillips - too many photos 60
Wishin' & Hopin" & Waitin' by Sweet ShoppeDesigns

Washington

2012-01-24T07:03:00.001+02:00

I played along at ScrapMatters - you can find their challenge in the forum here, with freebie template.

Title: Washington, DC

Journaling:

We really enjoyed touring the City of Washington DC. The weather was a little cold but we were wrapped up fine. We hopped on and off of the bus, seeing all of the famous sights. It was incredible seeing these places in real life, walking around the air and space museum, seeing the Jeffersonian, the obelisk, the White House. Knowing that we’ve watched NCIS and Bones and these shows get taped in Washington DC. So many monuments and American history in one magnificent city. I loved the historic Georgetown too, quaint buildings and a totally different vibe, almost Parisian.

I used the template kindly provided by MemoryClips by Ramona.

and this kit by WM squared designs.

Safari adventure

2012-01-23T07:03:00.000+02:00

My safari adventure:

My first safari drive at Shamwari was one of the best experiences of my life. Seeing the animals up close, feeling I could just lean out and touch the ellies as they sauntered past, hearing the noise the rhinos made as the grass they were biting ripped, hearing the lions crunch through the bones on their kudu kill, watching the cheetah surveying the veldt as though he did in fact own it. All of these first time experiences were far more magical to me than anything Walt Disney could create. My dream is to take the children with us. Maybe someday?

I used Year in review clusters template by MemoryClips available at ScrapMatters,

and this kit.

New Year's resolutions.

2012-01-22T07:03:00.001+02:00

Most years see me making resolutions to lose weight and get fitter.

To drink 2l of water a day.

Move more and eat less.

I have the self control to do it, maintaining it however is a whole ‘nother story.

I feel the additional weight, get depressed and eat food that makes me feel better at least short term.

I haven’t met a chocolate bar I didn’t like.

Cake is another pitfall. I have so many excuses as well – there are birthday parties, tea dates, saying no can be seen as rude.

This year is the same. I have 10kgs to lose. Probably the same ten I lost 2 years ago.

I look after myself in so many other ways, why does this have to be such a battle. My age, my sweet tooth? Determination – that’s what I need.

I should just start. I missed the beginning of January so lets aim for February.

Wait that’s Valentine’s Day and CJ’s birthday. There really isn’t ever a good time to start is there?

I used Pixel Gypsy's - A new you and MemoryClips template - minimal style volume1.

2011 the year that was

2012-01-21T11:53:00.002+02:00

I used:

MemoryClips by Ramona template - Year in review clusters (Scrap Matters)

Affirmation by Elise's Pieces (the Digichick)

Is it Paris?

2012-01-20T12:37:00.000+02:00

I got to play with Design by Tina's latest kit - Un peu de la France, releasing today at Digiridoo Scraps here.

at first I did a LO about the Empire State Building.

I also used a template by Road Side Designs.

Then I went back in time and fished out actual Paris photos - the one on the left my favourite of Eiffel.

I used MemoryClips template - Double pager from ScrapMatters.

For all the Mom's out there

2012-01-20T08:26:00.002+02:00

Here's an article for you.
http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/04/2011-lesson-2-dont-carpe-diem/

my Comfort

2012-01-19T15:48:00.000+02:00

These stunning templates available at ScrapMatters, here.

Amber Shaw's - My comfort at Funky playground Designs, here.

My journaling:

When I learnt to read a whole world opened up to me. First it was the Famous Five, then the Hardy Boys and I never looked back. Books were my friends, keeping me company and transporting me to the most wondrous places. Now I can pick and choose but still find books engrossing. My penchant for romantic suspense by Christian authors is well known and my bookshelf often borrowed from.

Quote me...

2012-01-15T18:57:00.000+02:00

Sometimes not too many words are needed, sometimes just a quote will do.

I used Blissful ( a collab between Design By Tina, Digidesigned by Wilma and Cindy Ritter)

and Bits of life wordart from Suddenly Artistic.

Airport Beach, St Maarten.

Getting my children and the aeroplane in the same shot and in focus = priceless.

What makes him happy?

2012-01-12T08:27:00.000+02:00

I used Amber Shaw/ Ruby Lane's My Man Kit, available at Funky Playground Designs.

MemoryClips by Ramona - available at ScrapMatters.

Title: Toms
Journaling:

Having watched Seinfeld for years, visiting Tom’s restaurant was on the top of Andrew’s list of things to do while in New York. We were cold and weary after walking around the Intrepid all day, but that taxi drive to Toms started his smiling and our dinner there totally made his day.

Intentional

2012-01-11T17:18:00.000+02:00

I was inspired by Forever joy.

Let's face it: there are many things I want to change for the better in my life. And though I consider myself a very practical Martha - I read blogs and am so inspired to get organised, lose weight and choose joy…to live in the moment, to go with the flow and accept everyone all the time. etc etc.
Hmmm. Did I just mention I am sceptical, cynical and practical?

My word for last year was delight and I started off well, but really maybe I am just too Eyeore/melancholic to be delighted by the curveballs and unexpected crap I contend with. Make no mistake I live the ideal life (apparently) but often I focus on the 10% less than instead of the prevailing actually great parts of the day.

So this year’s word,
in•ten•tion•al [in-ten-shuh-nl] adjective
~done with intention or on purpose; intended: an intentional insult.

Is similar to the previous years: 2011 = delight, 2010 = focus, 2009 = balance
ie all a reminder to stop and choose.
Intend to act, rather than a knee-jerk reflexive react, intend to look for delight in the everyday mundane. Intend to take in the details through all the senses.

For me to set goals (ie lose weight and get appointed to a digi shop design team and to have a LO accepted and printed by Creating Keepsakes.) To actively work towards those goals, to go to gym or to choose, intentionally to have that piece of cheesecake and latte with a friend rather than decide the diet is trashed and stop working on the food that I ingest.

To lighten up.
To stop and enjoy the moment or object that I am giving my attention to.
It's easier when it's a good moment.
When kids are getting along, enjoying one another’s company, when the cheesecake simply melts in my mouth and the latte is at my right hand to wash every last delectably delightful mouthful down with.
When all the things on my to do list are done.
The appointments made, supper planned etc.
To savour that moment after everyone else has left the building and I am truly alone at home.
To cuddle a cat, feeling those purring vibrations that give me more endorphins than a visit to the gym.

Then, there are the other 10% of the moments.
Like "there’s cat kotch on the carpet again”.
Or the shriek/scream of the inevitable strong-willed siblings bickering and taunting one another while I am cooking supper.
My world wobbles and like Pavlov’s dogs I react and add my shrill tones into the mix. How in the world do I “delight” in this?
Let me tell you that the glass of water wants to be thrown, half-filled or empty! At BOTH of them, if not all three…although really I’d need a full glass for that, especially if they are moving targets.

Truth is ~ I don’t enjoy my children.
There I said it. I love them, but like them? Only really one at a time or when they’re being cherubic and all sleeping in their beds.
Most of the time I enjoy their company, probably at least 95% of the time, (if you take the full 24 hours of the day, including the hours thaye’re at school and sleeping) but THAT screeching 5% of the time unbalances my world and I let it unbalance me.

But now I want to step back, take a breath and see the perspective that this is just a few moments in today and not the end of the world/family/my sanity.
I can't make everyone in the house happy all the time.
Besides being impossible, I can’t make them choose correctly, they have to learn that it's not sunshine and roses all the time- that we take strain with life’s pressures and then all seem to take those less stellar emotions out in frustration on one another.

They are going to be bored, stressed, anxious, scared, and yes, just plain otherwise, sometimes. Balls will drop, but hopefully they will be the rubber and plastic ones and not the delicate crystal ones.
This too shall pass.
I guess it's a matter of redefining what constitutes a "problem" and then removing all the inevitable little road bumps of the day out of that grouping.
They are not problems, per se, they are just part of the ebb and flow of the day.

A day I will intentionally enjoy each morning and a day I will thank God for each night. Because at the end of the day I am married to a wonderful man and have been for the past 23 years.
At the end of the day I have 2 children in heaven I will be re-united with one day because I know like I know that I will go to heaven because Jesus died for me too. At the end of the day I have three hale and hearty children with their own unique personalities and great qualities.
At the end of the day I live in Cape Town, South Africa one of the best places in the world.
At the end of the day I have a gorgeous home that reflects us filled with beautiful treasures collected on our travels.
At the end of the day the four cats we have bless me with their purrs and affection.
At the end of the day I am blessed, very richly blessed.

My thanks to:

Steph Designs - Early winter

Available here at ScrapMatters.

And

One little word templates from MemoryClips by Ramona.

Available here at ScrapMatters.

Quotes

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000+02:00

I have been busy creating layouts for the bingo challenges at ScrapMatters.
The first one I just used a scattering of words and a quote by Anne Frank.

Kit is Snow Day by Elise's Pieces
Template is Gratitude template eleven by MemoryClips by Ramona.

This one used Time well spent by Elise's Pieces and
Gratitude template 14 from MemoryClips by Ramona

I digi dare you...

2011-12-04T07:35:00.000+02:00

Playing along with the Digi Dares today, you can find the challenge 254 here.

* One photo only. Make it the focus of your page.
* No faces in the photo. The picture has to be centered on an inanimate object that helps you tell your story. (If there are residual body parts in the story… ie kids feet by a pile of toys, etc, that’s fine. But NO faces. No people as the focus. Got it?)
* Journaling. Give us the details of the story that your photo is telling. We want people twenty years from now to be able to understand what this photo means to you.
* Have your journaling interact with / overlap your photo somehow. You can journal around the perimeter of your photo, journal straight on your photo, use your photo as
the background, overlay journaling strips over your photo… however you want to interpret this is fine.
* Stitch your photo down somehow.
* Kraft. Use kraft paper or elements or alpha. Whatever. But get some kraft on this page somehow.

My papers and elements are from Design by Tina ( kraft is designer stash 6, kit is Back in time)
Elise's Pieces for the stitching
Journaling strips from Shabby Princess - harvest Spice

New York at Christmas time.

2011-12-01T15:10:00.001+02:00

I used Holiday Glam - a collaborative kit between Ruby Lane and Digilicious Designs to showoff some of my New York photos from last year.

The kit will be available at Ruby Lane;s store at Funky Play Ground Designs, here.

Thanks also to Ramona of MemoryClips for the template.

Happy Black Friday

2011-11-25T08:25:00.001+02:00

Just a reminder that Design By Tina is spotlighted and her entire store on sale.

Then some DT layouts from me:

First from Pixelily Designs @ Funky Playground.

Thanks to Ramona for another great free template.

Then onto Steph Designs, she sells at ScrapMatters, here.

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

2011-11-23T15:58:00.001+02:00

but only because we don't actually celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving in South Africa.

I do wish all of you a very blessed Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.

I got to play with Meredith's latest release: Christmas wishes.

You can find this kit, here @ Scrapbook bytes.

My thanks also to Ramona at MemoryClips.

Some latest releases:

2011-11-18T07:08:00.000+02:00

From Ruby Lane...

First up is Bountiful - available at Funky Playground Designs.

on sale 37% off, here.

I also used MemoryClips - gratitude template six, available here.

Next is Funky Fall, still Ruby Lane available at 35% off on sale, here.

and you guessed correctly, another template by MemoryClips - this time gratitude template 14.

Boy I am thankful that Ramona creates these one for every day this month.

If you love them as much as I do, don't hesitate to visit the blog, grab the templates you love,

and leave some gratitude as I don't think they'll be there for ever.

From Design by Tina, we have a cooking kit.

And a reminder that she is the spotlighted Designer at digiridoo scraps.

Her whole store is on sale 30% off from the 18 to the 30th of November.

In my kitchen is available and also on sale, here.

I am thankful for my Sisters in law.

2011-11-17T08:15:00.000+02:00

Elise's Pieces Designs - guesting at the digichick for November, you can find this beautiful kit here.

Journaling:
I am most thankful for family.
That this family that I married into accepted me with wide open arms and made me one of their own.
This family tree is so welcoming and blessed and I am overjoyed to have been grafted into these branches, all part of the rich heritage created by Grandad Jack and his parents.
This legacy of unconditional love and acceptance that can be passed down through our children and grandchildren.
God's blessing and favour upon our relations.

I also used MemoryClips gratitude template ten by Ramona, you can download those free from her blog.

Thankful

2011-11-16T22:10:00.000+02:00

Here is Meredith Cardall's Designs: Attitude Gratitude

This kit is available at Scrapbook-bytes.com

I know that I have linked you to Memory Clips before, but here is another link again.

I appreciate these templates, they have made my dt work so much easier and faster since I began using them.

A second from Karen.

2011-11-16T07:15:00.000+02:00

I asked my three to hand write a list of the things they are grateful for

this is what they said

Nancy

telly

shoes

food

santa

chairs

eyes

school

Stanley

wii

play station

computer

electric guitar

dsi

ipod

kitchen

house

parents

grandparents

food

drinks

toilet

bed

school

friends

football club

cricket club

Santa

birthdays

life

brother

sister

name

Arthur

bed

treasure box

guitar

kitchen

computer

Santa

Grandma

Grandpa

chocolate

for Arthur and Nancy I rewrote their list underneath the handwritten list so we would still be able to read and understand it in a few years

Then in a short commercial break: News from Design by Tina:

Karen's challenge 116.

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000+02:00

Karen made a LO about the bits of Nancy she is thankful for.

the journaling reads

there are so many things I love about Nancy 1. the cute face, freckles, big eyes, just adorable 2. her odd little felt pen tattoos- these look like measles 3. that she likes me to do her hair in the morning 4. her imagination- at the Wolves she decided to make up the score as she didn't like the real one.

What a great take on the challenge.

Next challenge 116

2011-11-14T08:55:00.000+02:00

Is to create a thanksgiving Lo.
Include anything from my list:
The colours : cream, yellow and teal OR
Multiple photos OR
a list of things you're thankful for.
This challenge runs from the 15th of November to the 30th.

There are some fabulous free templates for digi scrappers that you can find at Memory Clips, here.

Linking you up

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000+02:00

Do you often not feature in your scrapbooks because you're the one holding the camera?
Tips on getting into the frame because your children want to see you in their albums too.
One story down.

Telling stories: because you actually did have a life before you had children.
Telling stories : Pensieve.

Sometimes you want to add journaling but don't want everybody to be able to read it.
Shimelle: adding pockets.

A really great blog post about where to start telling your stories.
Something I haven't really thought of doing because I start at the beginning, through the middle to the end, but I need to try this one next.
Chelle's Creations : go fishing.

Just friends

2011-11-10T22:35:00.000+02:00

is Elsie's latest release, on sale now, it is a beautiful gender neutral kit that can be used for many things but I was inspired to capture my daughter's first crush.
She speaks about him ALL THE TIME.
She confides to me that he fills her dreams too.
I am not really that surprised, she seems to be just a little obsessed, wrapped in the emotions of her first crush.
Now tell me, who was yours?

Available at the Digichick, here.

Olivia's challenge 115.

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000+02:00

This is my One Great Day LO. It is of our day in Nice, my favourite from our summer vacation. We visited the market early morning then went into the city centre. In thee afternoon we went to Phoenix Parc & later had dinner in Cannes. The day ended with a scenic journey back to our accommodation via the coastal road.

DSD

2011-11-04T07:49:00.000+02:00

Sale time...probably my favourite time of year.

I used Design by Tina's - Old treasures and Designer stash 6.

Challenge 115.

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000+02:00

24 hour day

All in one amazing day.

A special day, an ordinary day.

Capture one person or one family,

24 hours from start to finish.

Here is Karen's challenge 115.

1. 10.26- a flower in the tropical bio dome

2.10.29- Arthur exploring the tropical dome

3. 10.43- Nancy enjoying the tropical dome

4. 12.09- listening to a story in the Mediterranean dome

5. 12.18 = trying to get a good photo of Stanley

6. 12.18- me and Stanley

7.12.55- all our names on the GIANT fridge

8.13.06- Nancy in charge of the camera!

9. 13.22- our lunch - pizza and the most enormous scone with jam and clotted cream

10. 13.26- Arthur listening to another story

11. 14.05- random photo of me while we listened to another story

12.10 .52- Stanley and James braving the viewing platform at the top of the tropical dome

time well spent

2011-11-03T16:39:00.000+02:00

Elise asks us if we had any suggestions for a kit.
I said I would love one about time, how we spend it, the things that make up our days as women.
I have been so blessed by her awesome latest kit called: Time well spent.
It is available here at the digichick and is on sale for digital scrapbook day. (DSD)

My days seem to be filled with lots of busyness,
making school lunches, dishes, tidying the house, catching up on emails and blogging, watching the clock and making sure I won't be late to collect the children again. Just today I went with hubby for his X-rays. He was told to be nil per mouth from 10pm last night and even though he told me there was no anesthetic involved I thought I'd better go with just in case I needed to drive him home, because life happens you know?
Allowing my oldest to drive me to collect his siblings, that stressful time is a narrow period in our lives and I'd rather be potty training.
Deciding what to make for supper, grocery shopping, over seeing homework and free time in front of the pcs. Finishing the last few episodes of Heroes season 5.
All in a days work.
And my time, nothing better than curled up in bed, with a purring Siamese, soppy love story in hand and a mug of orange tea at the ready.

Thanks Elise, I love it.

Which one are you?

2011-11-02T13:40:00.000+02:00

I am thankful to Kim Broedelet Graphics and Designs, Kim is a fellow South African and she blessed me by allowing me to create with some of her beautiful kits. She sells at ScrapMatters.

This one was esp fun for me to recall now that my oldest is 18 years old, finished school and learning to drive that once upon a time I wondered if he was a boy or a girl.

My journaling:

My breasts are tender, I feel ratty and bloated, the test is positive.

I am pregnant.

I am hopeful, excited but a little concerned and wary as well.

Will this be it, this pregnancy ending in a live, squirmy life changing baby?

If you’re a boy I love the names Joshua and Jonathan, for a girl Sarah or Hannah. I want to buy stuff, cuddly toys and décor items. Please let the doctor see, don’t be so shy. My first born, I really want a boy first, but if you’re a girl, I still want you. I want you, little one to feel loved and accepted regardless. But I want to know which will you be? Will my days be filled with toilet talk, dirt and noise or flowers, tea parties and emotional turmoil? Just a little peek, a little hint?

Inspired by

2011-10-31T08:49:00.000+02:00

A layout created by Krystal Hartley on the me so scrappy blog, you can see that here.
I used her journaling as a jumpstart to mine.
I also used a template by Scrapping with Liz and a kit by Tracie Stroud Designs, called Tomorrow's yesterdays.

Time. It keeps on going. When I was young I thought it ticked by so incredibly slowly. Waiting for my birthday, waiting for a holiday trip seemed to take years instead of weeks. Now I realize that the kids are growing up way too fast. Honestly 2 of them already taller than me! Slow down, hesitate or even just stop for a little while.

Sometimes I’d love the chance to turn back the hands of time, to go back to my wedding day, to not apply that white eye shadow as concealer. To when the boys were young, small, those rosy warm slept on cheeks, to sniff that scent in deeply and to watch them toddle and run away from me. To those days that time seemed to drag, those days when I’d get nothing done, when I was so looking forward to the time they’d be bigger, older, more able to do for themselves, or the ultimate for them to all be in school and for me to have some time to myself, to read a book or meet a friend for coffee.

I think back to when I really was young and thin, not just that thing I say when people aim a camera in my direction. The smile lines and dimples that are wrinkles now. The body that is slowly succumbing to the good food we eat and the force of gravity.

Time keeps marching on, our oldest nearly finished school, his last few exams ahead and then his driver’s test, next month, then on to Uni next year. It seems like not that long ago it was my driver’s test, I was nervous and passed second time around on the 22^nd of November (was it really 1984?) He is such a man now, I can rest my head on his shoulder, his smell is that of men’s deodorant, not flings, sticky suckers and marie biscuits smeared all over his cheeks. Stubble covers those self-same cheeks. the middle one leading his clan in modern warfare 2, me not giving him enough credit for that. This boy man who needs to be reminded to apply deo, to do his chores and willingly helps his sister, whether it is downloading songs onto her brand new cell phone or Afrikaans homework. She is growing so fast now too. I wonder if I’ll be the shortest in the family soon. She is growing in beauty as I am aging.

Time can be relentless, however family and these relationships are eternal. If I have to grow old then there is no-one that I would rather spend these years with. Us both with tighter pants and wrinkles and getting older – together, just where we want to be.

Some more dt work from me

2011-10-28T19:23:00.000+02:00

First is : Keep your chin up, created by Pixelily Designs and for sale at Funky Playground Designs.

Next is Gameplay, created by Steph Designs and available at ScrapMatters.

photoalbum

2011-10-28T13:15:00.000+02:00

Design by Tina has created this beautiful versatile kit to scrap all your photos, there are such richly textured papers, every day elements that we need to date and beautify our pages as well as stunning PNGs that can be used as brushes. What are you waiting for?
On sale until th e1st of November, right here at digiridoo scraps.

Designed by Meredith Cardall.

2011-10-28T07:03:00.019+02:00

My journaling:

I love that we borrowed some outfits and props from Aunty Nikki and you didn’t need much more encouragement than I wanted to practise taking photos on the patio. I can’t say that the reflector worked that well, however having you posing, laughing at your mistakes and embarrassment and just enjoying the process made the endeavour totally worthwhile. That and the fact that I now have gorgeous photos to scrap and know the kind of poses I want. Roll on Friday – party day I am (almost) ready!

Template set: Layered up volume 1 - available here at 9th and bloom.

We don't celebrate Halloween in South Africa and I have a problem with it spiritually, I did compromise with using this kit in some ways, but I only used those parts of it that I am comfortable with.

Treats only

Hatching butterflies

2011-10-27T06:38:00.009+02:00

title: hatching butterflies

I noticed some fat green caterpillars on the nasturtiums one morning and showed you, right there and then you decided that you wanted to hatch some more butterflies. We got my big rose bowl, put some leaves in the bottom and settled them in your bedroom. When I went to check on them I noticed that they were trying to escape but I found three of them on your lamp and curtains and returned them to the bowl, adding clingwrap to keep them inside. It only took a day or 2 and they started spinning. Another 2 days later and they’d lost their heads and were pupating. They were moved to the spare room where I checked on them every few days. When I noticed that the pupae had changed colours so that we could see light and dark coloured butterfly inside I knew that it would be soon. Sure enough the very next day we had 2 butterflies out and allowing the blood to flow into their wings. We removed the clingwrap and placed the vase outside. The final butterfly emerged the following day. Such beautiful pale green wings. I loved watching this little miracle with you all over again.

Template from Janet Philips - Sweet shoppe - 2 many photos # 31,
Green and blue papers and butterfly brush - Elise's Pieces - All natural and Boyish Charm - ScrapMatters
Pink papers and flowers from my digi stash - not sure of the designer sorry :(.

prompt 6

2011-10-26T11:25:00.000+02:00

I know that I am so not even doing these prompts in order, but my thanks to Ali Edwards for her storyology class.

We have had various “talks” already, the one about pimples, pubic hair and periods. Now I want to share with you the things to look for in a good husband. I didn’t have many things on my list.

1. I wanted a man who would be taller than me ( that included being stronger than me, not only physically but someone that I could look up to and respect)

2. He had to have blue eyes (I know that seems fickle now but it was very important to me back then, coming from a family with brown eyes I wanted to add some blue eyed genes into the family gene pool)

3. He had to have a good sense of humour (he would need it to put up with me at times)

4. A bonus point was awarded for having a British passport (that was also more important in those days as you could travel to more countries than SA citizens.)

I want you to take note of the things your Father does for me. He brings me flowers on special days, like my birthday and anniversaries. He remembers what we were doing on this day 10 years ago as well as on this date umpteen years ago. He loves to tell stories and reminisce, giving value to me and our joint history together.

He opens the car door for me; he helps me when I ask him, knowing that I need help right then, when I asked, not next week. If I could do it myself I would have sorted it out myself. If he is there I allow him to rescue me (and you) from spiders, even though he only puts them into the spider relocation programme, I am totally capable of killing my own arachnids and other bugs but I allow him to protect me and rescue me. Choose a man that makes you feel protected and safe. Choose a man that your family approve of, generally they are not looking through rose tinted glasses and they see how he treats you and if he is good enough for you.

He is generous and would give me the last shirt on his back if I wanted it. Choose a man who has a good work ethic, you need a man who prioritises his family and earns enough to support you so that you can stay at home and be a housewife if you want to.

Your Dad makes me tea in bed, or water or coffee or whatever my beverage of choice is that day. He goes the extra mile for me. He hands me the remote when I want to watch something, knowing that his news channels and finance updates will still be there when I am done.

He asks for my input when he needs to make a decision, especially if it will affect me or you children. He ways everything and then decides what is best. He allows me to disagree – sometimes loudly without EVER raising his hands or voice to me. That one is a deal breaker my girl, if a man ever shouts at you or raises his hand to smack you, walk away – you’re worth so much more. He needs to treasure you and value you even when you’re wrong.

He lets me wear my pj’s when I need to be comfortable and warm and cosy, even if he would prefer me to be dressed a little smarter and more femininely. He tells me I look great, even when my hair is mussed and I feel like cat sick. He has learnt not to mention the word fat ~ not at all now.

He takes the time to thanks me, even the little things like supper, a cup of tea or collecting something for him. Little words of encouragement sprinkled liberally throughout my day. He phones every day to see how my day is going and what I am doing and how the children are. He loves you children and is very involved in the intricacies of your everyday lives. He may not remember that you don’t like avo, but he will buy the pizza and then take off the avo bits out of love for you.

He goes shopping and will pop something into the trolley because it was a good price. We have tried various new brands to see if they’re any good. He will just get what is on his list so if you want a choccie, add it onto the list, he isn’t a mind reader. He tries his best in his own way.

Find a man who will change dirty nappies, pick up cat hurl and has a strong stomach with bad smells – he is probably going to need it when you have children.

He speaks well about me behind my back, even my quirks and foibles. It is never funny when a man derides you for being different, making female somehow “less than” male. You can’t be mean and then say “only joking” as an escape card. Not funny, not joking, not acceptable.

By all means choose someone who you have chemistry with, but he must be a good friend to you too. The one you run to when you have good news to share, the one who gives his shoulder (and clean tissues) when you have a need to cry. Someone who understands you and thinks you’re wonderful just the way you are.

As you get older now, and spend more time away from home and my immediate control, choose wisely who you spend your time with and what you do. God made us to fall in love with a man that we spend time with, it happens and sooner than I may be ready for. Think of your Father and choose well, like I did.

Thanks also to my friend, Mel who wrote a similar letter to her daughters that served as a jumping off point for me.
Thanks to Meredith Cardall Designs - 9th and bloom for the template Layered up, volume 1 and the kit - bushels of love.

I write because

2011-10-25T10:08:00.000+02:00

http://aliedwards.com/shop/project-classes/storyology

I signed up for Ali Edwards' class storyolgy and the first prompt caused me to journal the following:

I write stories because they’re important to me. I reckon that I would have kept a diary to pour my heart into when I was younger had I not been worried that my privacy would be violated and all the deep things I had written would be cheapened in the reading and sharing of them with others.

I want to remember things that happen, how my life is right now. What the children do and say, the small everyday things as well as those life altering things that happen, that need to be worked through and processed. In many ways after we got married and when the children were younger I would write letters that expressed what our lives were like then. The events and emotions that swirled around me at that time. Taking photos also helps to jolt memories and bring back thoughts long forgotten. Because I sometime struggle to see my glass as half full, scrapbooking and blogging remind me of the good things. Often hubby would come home from work and ask me about my day and I’d say that it was terrible. Meanwhile something fairly small had happened (often just before he walked in the door) and I’d allowed that to colour my recollections of the entire day, whereas actually those 5 minutes of yucky shouting at the children were totally overshadowed by many hours of nurturing, teaching, playing and just loving them. So often when the days run into each other and every ordinary day is so much like the day before it and the day after it, we forget the sunshine. The highlights, the things they said to express love, thanks, make me laugh etc.

So often I forget and I hate that. I want to remember all the little details and delights of my life. Even in the worst of days there is always something good that can be found of you look hard enough.

I tell my stories because I am the only one who can. No one else remembers what I do, sees what I do and is moved by what moves me. Often I will burst out laughing by something I see. Yesterday it was a poster in China town. A skinny blonde model with the highest heels and short pink socks. Let me say that only the Germans can get away with socks and sandals. Even remembering it now I am smiling. Next week that thought would be so far removed from my mind, replaced with the next thing I see or experience. No I didn’t take a photo, no I didn’t even tell anyone, but I appreciate that my oldest would have understood my humour.

I write because I want to remember.

I write because life is good.

I write to give context to our lives and happenings.

I write to process issues that I am dealing with.

I write because to read what life is like now, in 10 year’s time will take me straight back and I will be able to enjoy it all over again with the perspective that change affords me.

I write to be creative and to share my thoughts and experiences with anyone who cares enough to read it.

Why do you write?

What prompts you?

2011-10-22T07:03:00.000+02:00

The digi show has a really great podcast about journaling prompts.
Here is the link.

Through them I discovered a few new great sites to ~~stalk~~ visit.
Friday letters being one of them.

Their prompt :
On a regular basis, what words do you share with your children to remind them who they are?

This reminded me of a song I used to sing to them when they were young:
"you are my little sausage roll,
I love you lots and lots,
and even when I smack your bum/ hug you close/kiss your cheek
I love you lots and lots."
Now how to create a scrapbook LO around that?

Always remember

2011-10-21T07:31:00.021+02:00

A brand new release from Meredith Cardall Designs - a collab with SuzyQScraps.

I made 2 layouts with this gorgeous kit.

[url=https://ninthandbloom.com/shop/product.php?productid=2961]Always Remember, a collab by Meredith Cardall and SuzyQ Designs at 9th&Bloom[/url]

I kept the journaling large so that it will be legible in the galleries, as I print my layouts at at 12x12 I would resize them before I print them out.
In case the fact that the journaling is out of proportion and bothers you as it does me.

Roles you play

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000+02:00

I just read this blog post at Log your memory.

It made me think of being a stay at home Mom.
Feeling taken for granted sometimes and overlooked at others.
Then I thought about the "others" that I impact.
The friends of my children.
Those whose Mom's work full time.

those I give lifts to,
those I photograph at events their Moms can't make it to
those I feed, an extra sarmie here, a cooldrink there
those who remind me of myself, small and battling to fit in, be acceptable, stay below the radar, not to draw attention, being different

This wasn't a role I carved for myself, yet one I fulfill anyway.

Made me think of when I was growing up, the parents of my friends who did the same for me.

A few years late for appreciation, but lets just pay it forward anyway.

Then some additional links you may enjoy:

Janet's post about being where she wants to be - validating the Mom at home.

Organizing your bookmarks at the daily digi.

Sharpening your layouts before posting to the web, Scrapping with Liz.

Story teller spotlighter from Darcy Baldwin Fontography

Challenge 114

2011-10-18T08:01:00.000+02:00

What you wear, what defines your style, makes makes you look like you.

The colour of your hair, the way you wear it.
Your fav type of shoes and what size you take, are they comfortable or sexy?
The shape of jeans, bootleg, flair, skinnies.
Do you always wear make-up, earrings, other jewelery?
Handbag colour, shape.
Other accessories.
What you always take with you when you leave the house.

I don't know if you've noticed (or not) that the team submitting for the challenges is getting smaller and smaller all the time.

I have.

I am struggling with knowing how to continue but am loathe to let this little spot shut down, am open to suggestions?

Anyone?

Finding your voice

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000+02:00

My goal when journaling is to tell the story behind the photos.
You know how years ago we'd leaf through someone's photo album and they'd lean over our shoulder and tell us stuff about that photo.
The where, how, why they took the shot.
The background story to the importance of THAT specific image.
Back in the day when photos were more expensive and people thought more about taking the shot and the cost of having it printed out.
I want my journaling to be as though I am right there, chatting in your ear, in my words to you.

For instance these photos are all printed out and are in my photo of the day album.
Photos of everyday stuff I wanted to capture but not necessarily create a LO about.

My middle son and new kitten, Topaz.
Topaz gets playful after he's eaten and if you don't play with one of his toys he'll find something else to play with. Here he tackles socks and legs.
The legs are getting hairier - the boy/man is growing up.
The holes in the socks? What can I say I have no idea, other than he comes home, kicks off his shoes (sometimes that even happens while he is still in the car and the smell...!) and walks around for hours in socks until I moan at him and make him take them off. This child of mine will sit under a blanket with a frozen ice brick on his chest wrapped in a facecloth so he is the perfect temperature, but I digress.

This kitten is so spoiled he has his own toy box.
He grabs mice from there and will drop them at our feet so we can throw them and he can retrieve them again. The oldest son whips his toys-on-sticks at such a rate that he lies there with the captured toy in his mouth, using his paw to keep a hold of it. Topaz doesn't even respond when I swing them gently past his nose anymore, he has been conditioned to having them whip by in a frenzy.

He gets his meals on my chair, as he prefers tinned food and the others all get Siamese adult vet food, I need to keep him separated from them or they will steal his food.

He is my favourite, undoubtedly and I have the sweet cuddles, purrs and battle scarred hands to prove it.

Chelle has some more journaling tips for you.

Linking you up

2011-10-12T06:00:00.001+02:00

to another blog I found, with some beautiful LO of the ordinary everyday.
I tend to scrap events for my family albums - one per year since 2006; incl Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, (individual birthdays go into that person's album and our wedding anniversaries go into an "us" album) outings, family visits etc.
I have been taking photo of the day for 2 years as well now, those photos go into a seperate photo album. The first year I used the number 1 - 365, this year I have been using Ali Edwards dated overlays and actually prefer that. Most days I have a photo, sometimes I have a couple, if I want an event recorded but not necessarily scrapped.
Here it is: scrapstreet - everyday events

I have to confess that I haven't ever thought of scrapping speeding tickets and the like, see even I can learn from others, maybe you can too.

The Daily Digi has a great blog post about creating word focussed layouts.

It's debatable

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001+02:00

Some of the topics you covered were:

For ~ the sale of human organs (won and got the best speaker)

For ~ Barak Obama deserved to win the Noble Peace Prize (won and got best speaker)

For ~ Re-instating the death penalty in South Africa (at home )

Mrs B was in charge.

Because you made it to the quarter-finals you were invited to take part at Debating Provincials, against the best teams from all the other leagues, your team finished 5^th because you lost on speaker points, having the same amount of wins as the other 3 tops teams. Only one team won all of their debates.

My thanks for:

Kit - A charming party by Dream Big Designs (ScrapMatters)

Template: Tania Deskins _so divided_temp 02

Karen's challenge 113.

2011-10-10T06:00:00.020+02:00

Karen was having trouble with her printer, it only wanted to print yellow.
However I am still delighted that she submitted her layouts and journaling for us.

You can visit her blog and see the full blog post here.

My LO is called c1979 and its about the cartoons I loved as a kid

each tag has a photo and a short description of the cartoon and a seventh tag has some general thoughts

so here is what is on each tag

Bod had the most fantastic theme tune- very bad animation and a frog who lead an animal band and was rewarded with milkshake. Bod had an Aunt Flo and he was completely bald

find him on you tube here here

MR Ben-he's here

Mr Benn lived on his own- everyday ( it seems) he went to a fancy dress shop and when he tried something on he went through a door to an adventure ( until the shopkeeper appeared). Another great theme tune and a fab voiceover-

Ivor the Engine- here

Ivor was a Welsh Engine on the The Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited and was driven by Jones the Steam- he was good friends with a Dragon called Idris who had hatched in his boiler-

Jamie! Jamie!

Jamie and the Magic Torch
.
Down the helter skelter, faster and faster,

Towards Cuckoo Land.

Wordsworth! Wordsworth!

Following hard behind.

Ready for adventure, always there to lend a paw

...or hand!

these were the lyrics to the theme tune!)

Jamie and the Magic torch- here

Noggin the Nog- here

Noggin the Nog was the hero and Nogbad the bad was the villain. These were stories of old norse (ish) mythology, dragons and princesses

Mr men- here

The Mister Men were voiced by Arthur Lowe which was part of the magic of the programme which wasn't much more animated than the pages of the books they came from

last tag

The cartoons I loved most as a child were very gentle, no battling skeletons or fighting warriors. Just very simple quiet stories of steam trains, dragons, and adventures in a clothes shop, animal bands and milkshakes of your choice. The voiceovers and music were also fantastic and bring back so many memories when I search for them on You Tube.

Some dt work of mine...

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000+02:00

First up is My 4 Princesses - her latest "Periplum" available at Divine digital.

I called this one "Beauty" and then journaled
is in th eye of the beholder and while this statue didn't appeal to me at first, when I saw that the artist had signed it on the Achilles, I was struck in wonder at how we, who are created in God's image also bear His signature as having been created by Him.

Next is Meredith Cardalls Designs
She says they had to create three mini packs with only 8 items in each.

Living in South Africa we really don't experience "fall" or "autumn" as other's do so I had to search a little further for my colours of fall.
You can find these minis here, at 9th and bloom.

Queen of Romance

2011-10-08T07:03:00.000+02:00

One of the reasons I love blogging is that I use it as an electronic diary of sorts.
I was actually looking for Sports day results when I saw that I had blogged this sweet poem he had written for Valentines Day, so I scrapped it instead.

My thanks to:

Kit - A charming party Dream Big Designs (ScrapMatters)

Journaling tag - CariCruise_checkered past tag _01

Template: Tania Deskins _so divided_temp 02

Oink oink

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000+02:00

It took me a little while to realise that I had a pork allergy. I kept thinking that I had a touch of the flu, every few weeks with a general aching body and high temperatures. After I took DS to Melissa’s to celebrate him getting his learners I wondered what it was that I had been exposed to that made me sick but not him. After the roast pork I cooked and ate I was certain. I googled it and I am one of those incredibly rare people who are allergic to pork. Arachnoid acid builds up in the joints making them swollen and incredibly painful. When my ankles were affected I could only hobble around, a few toes were also afflicted, then my hands, wrists so painful I couldn’t lift a pot or pan to cook, my fingers too swollen to wear my wedding ring. The last straw was a very sore jaw, just on the left side, mind you, talk about random!

Things I will miss and take a moment to mourn the loss of:

Bacon, esp Eggs Benedict with bacon, bacon opesies and pork sausages at a braai, viennas, frankfurters, salami, country ham, gammon on Christmas day, deluxe meaty pizza with pepperoni

I used:
Template: Studio Double D Layer works template 104 (Designer Digitals)
Katie Pertiet recipe card _22011 (Designer digitals)
Katie Pertiet clean stitched borders brown 1-1 (Designer Digitals)
Kit: Ellie Lash (was from Gingerscraps) E-I-E-I-O

Colour coded

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000+02:00

I follow Kayleigh Wiles's blog and she issued a colour quiz to Layout challenge.
Go to the Better Homes website and take the colour test, then create a LO with that as the main colour.

I took the quiz and discovered that I am Green.

Your color personality is: Green

It sounds like the hue you most relate to is green -- the color most evocative of nature. Adjectives such as kind, gentle, and contemplative likely describe you. You enjoy being involved with your neighbors and coworkers, but you also require plenty of time to yourself to recharge.You are social yet introverted, and modern but not trendy. Surround yourself with your signature color to create a restful, soothing environment. From sage to hunter, green can work well in virtually every room of your house. Use it generously to create a haven you'll love coming home to.

Now the reason you see no actual journaling on my LO is not because I didn't journal, but because I edit what I put out there in the cyber world.

My (edited) journaling:

I admit that it wasn’t too subtle leaving the brochure hubby’s car as a hint for my birthday. And I could have been subtler when he came bounding in to bless me with it, saying something instead of “Oh, the same gift as last year”, after all it wasn’t his fault that I never actually signed up for the class last year. This year I jumped in with both feet. On our practical outing to a neighbouring town, I learnt many things.

A perfect histogram (the grass) makes for a boring photo, the sky and trees has 2 peaks and all good photos need 2 peaks, one in the light and one in the dark ranges. Next we out on our zoom lenses, worked with the self timers on tripods. Moving inside the greenhouse we played with white balance, from sun to cloud to inside, adding a yellow cast all the while. The fountain shots were a lesson on shutter speed, the slower one (1/5 th sec) giving an ethereal feel with the faster (1/500^th) actually freezing the water droplets. I struggled a little inside the greenhouse, thinking that I’d broken my camera trying to photograph the orchid, turns out I was standing too close for my zoom lens. I crawled around, capturing the insect eating plant. Pansies are my favourite flowers. Next the sign that was in half sun and half shade. A shot we were instructed to avoid at all costs, yet to me, adding context makes it worth while. The ugly statue…we changed the white balance again, and played around. I loved that the artist had signed his creation. It made me think how much more, we who are created in God’s image and bear His fingerprints all over us, showing off his creativity in our bodies. Depth of field was used for the jasmine and wisteria and then we had some coffee and I handed my camera over for my very own portrait – slightly under exposed for the perfect shot.

My thanks to Kayleigh Wiles for the challenge &

Janet Philips for her template: 2 many photos 89 (sold through the Sweet Shoppe)

and to Elise's Pieces Designs for her kit - All Natural (sold here at ScrapMatters)

and again absolutely nothing to do with this month's challenge but hoping to inspire you just the same.

Inspiration station

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000+02:00

Just because I can I am linking you to another great site that you can use as a resource to jump-start your journaling.
Scrapjazz has some tips and tricks for creating an album all about you.
It is an awesome list and even if you decide not to make an album, maybe you could start with just a page?
choose a topic and just jump in.

10 Things about Me
The Chef in Me (love it or hate it)
Circle of Friends
Crafts & Hobbies
A Day in the Life
Faith & Me
Favorites

Activities
Clothes
Games
Movies
Music
Books

Favorite Foods

Restaurants
Drinks
Snacks
Desserts

Favorite Job
Fears
Growing Up

Where I was born
Where I lived
How many houses I lived in

Hairstyles through the Years
High School Years
Hopes and Dreams
Housework & Me
I am Blessed
I am Grateful
The Last 10 Years (how I have changed over the years)
Making My House a Home
Man of My Dreams
Mom & Me

What we do together
What our similarities are
What our differences are

My Emotions

What makes me happy/sad
What makes me laugh/cry
What makes me angry
What makes me nervous

People That Inspire Me
Pieces of Me
Self Portrait (a personal photo and journaling about the photo)
Uniquely Me (things that make me unique)
Vacation Favorites
My names (maiden, married, nicknames)
My Purse

Favorite purse
What's in it

My quirks

You have to admit there are some really great ideas there....even if which cartoon character would you be isn't featured.

in the olden days, when I was a little girl

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001+02:00

I came upon this blog, here.
and thought to link you up, no it has absolutely nothing to do with our challenge for the month but it inspired me anyway. Made me think about what I wanted to be when I was 10.

You ready?
Then:
I loved horse riding and wanted to be an actress in a western.
I loved reading and dreaming of being a writer - esp Roal Dahl, his books were just great, I loved the twists in the tales/tails.
I dreamed of getting married and having a whole stack of children - more than 2. In my day people only had 2 children, anything more was frowned upon.
I loved colouring in, I felt I couldn't draw my own pictures - they never seemed as good on paper as they were in my head, but colouring in, that I was awesome at, including shading and darker outlining.
Well I remember my Father telling my Mother to throw away my 1000 pg colouring in book, he felt I would never learn to draw while I stayed inside someone else's lines.
I attended extras art lessons and throughly enjoyed being creative, getting my hands dirty.
My Granny taught me to cook and so that was special time spent with her as well, eating "proper" food still takes me back. She created the best stews and bredies. Old fashioned food that filled you up and chatting while gathered around the kitchen table that was comfort and acceptance.

So how does that relate to who I am today and what I do?
Now:
I am married - 23 years to a wonderful family man.
I have three children with another 2 in heaven.
I still love eating, cooking not so much.
I am teaching the children to cook ~~so I can take time off and~~ so they can learn a vital life skill.
I still love writing, but now it is more as a journaler on my scrapbook pages and on my blog.
Keeping track of who said what and capturing those memories of things done and said that will be forgotten without that photo and those few words.
I still can't draw for toffee, but now I can scrapbook digitally.
Let me tell you that it is just like colouring in from my childhood, only better.
I am so blessed to be on design teams, to get access to gorgeous art work and creations from those further along their artistic journey than I could ever hope to be.

And you?

A new month - a new challenge

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000+02:00

Introducing challenge 113.

If you could be a cartoon character who would you be and why?

For instance I love Eyeore and have him all over my studio and daughter's bedroom.

LOL.

But if I were a cartoon character I would love Belle and Mrs Incredible.

List their characteristics, what they can do that you can't and why that would be an amazing ability to have.

First up is Heather:

Journaling: Phineas and Ferb is by far your favorite show at the moment.

You generally choose to "be" Phineas. I think you can relate to how smart and creative and fun he is. It's fun to imagine all the what-ifs of their adventures.

Yes, we're all a bit P+F obsessed... watching the new episodes, even though they come on LONG past your bedtime, and listening to the songs in the car. If only summer lasted forever...!

Some DT work from me.

2011-10-02T19:14:00.000+02:00

Design by Tina has "40 Weeks" - a beautiful and soft kit to scrap all the memories of your pregnancy, that extraordinary time of your life.

You will love the soft and feminine colours.

This wonderful kit contains 10 papers and 40 elements. Everything is 100% quality checked, and available now on sale at Digiridoo Scraps.

For my second layout with 40 weeks I also used a template from Jellebelleke's Designs -

This newest set is called "joy of life volume 1" and I chose the 4th template from that set.

I have been wanting to try that cut out look and loved playing with the shadows to make it look correctly dimensional.

Jellebelleke sells at Scrappity doo dah.
You can find them here.

I used Elise's Pieces Designs - her latest kit called Fanciful to showcase our on going pigeon pair.
These pigeons have been trying to raise their babies for over 4 years now. 3 of their offspring were taken out by our cats on their maiden flights. Sometimes the eggs just don't hatch, but this year they raised two and are now sitting on another pair of eggs.
They have been so persistent!
It was a little bittersweet as my oldest was contemplating leaving home for university early next year and I was feeling under prepared for that.
I also used a template offered by ScrapMatters as a freebie for their Tuesday template for the 27th of September.

Fanciful is available at ScrapMatters. 20% off.

Thanks to Leslie for linking us to her LO.

2011-09-27T07:51:00.000+02:00

Her bucket list:

see the red woods
take a vacation - just me and the Sarge
sew a wiggle dress - and rock it (I am a good 30lbs from rockin' any dress right now)
attend a Penn State "white out" game
learn to swing dance

You can visit her blog here.

some inspiration for you

2011-09-24T10:33:00.000+02:00

While surfing the net in my daily blog hopping way I came upon this (new to me) blog.
She has created a layout about her bucket list of things she wants to try on a LO.
Take a look.
http://digiscraptology.com/2011/08/my-digiscrapbook-related-bucket-list.html

Heather's challenge 112.

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000+02:00

Journaling: It's one thing every parent in this part of the country plans for their kids- a trip to Disney World. You two were a great age to run all over the parks and still be amazed at the magic and endless fun!

A new challenge: Introducing challenge 112.

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000+02:00

There is a young lady in my scrapping class that has an album for her bucket list.
She has one, yes a bucket list at her 21 years.
Me, not so much.
So I got to thinking what would I do? What would I include on my list.
Not things like climb Kilimanjaro, (which she did last year with her over 50 year old Mom),
Not bungee jump from the highest bridge in South Africa, swim with dolphins and so on.
As she completes items on her list she scraps them and thinks up new things she wants to do.

So do you have a bucket list?
Things you want to experience before you kick the bucket?
Swim with Dolphins, climb a mountain.
Make a list, add pics from Google and present a LO that captures the places you would still love to travel to and the experiences you feel you still HAVE to do.
Stroll along the Seine, eat a crawfish in New Orleans etc, a cornish pastie in Cornwall etc

So I put the challenge to the team to scrap a LO containing their bucket list - things they had done or still wanted to do before they kicked the bucket.

First up is Karen.

1. go to the Olympics
2. learn sign language
3.learn latin
4. learn the piano
5. tango in Argentina
6. travel in an overnight train
7. take an american road trip
8. visit monument valley
9. go to Tokyo
10. see the Easter Island statues
11. visit the pyramids
12. see the Taj Mahal
13. see the Great wall of China
14. Visit Petra
15. gamble in Las Vegas
16. learn to play bridge
17. keep chickens
18. own a convertible Morris Minor
19. learn to crochet
20. go to CHA
21. get on a scrapbook manufacturers design team
22. own a piece of art ( preferably by Van Gogh)
23. discover my family tree
24. go to the Grand National
25. See the Men’s final at Wimbledon
26. See the FA cup final at Wembley
27. go to the world cup
28. ice skate at the Rockefeller centre
29. be in the audience for Strictly come dancing
30. take a photo a day for a year
31. see St Basil’s cathedral
32. Eat at the Fat Duck or
33. study for a PhD
34. Cross the international date line
35. manage to fold some origami
36. fly in a helicopter
37. see the Northern lights
38. travel on the Orient Express
39. see orang-utans in the wild
40. get published in a scrapbook magazine

assignments

2011-09-17T09:03:00.000+02:00

First up is Lime Ricki from Robyn Pali Designs, sold at Divine Digital.

on sale at the moment 67% off for $1.

then from My 4 Princesses, a family tree kit, also available at Divine Digital.

Tina (Design by Tina) has released this fabulous, unusually bright fall kit called "magical fall".

available only at Digiridoo scraps.

for my second layout using Design by Tina's - magical Fall I also used a template by Jellebelleke's Designs, called back to school.

available at Scrappity doo dah.

Then lastly, but by no means least my month as a guest designer for Meredith Cardall Designs

allowed me to play with her latest kit available at 9th and bloom, called My Happy Place.

Have a great weekend and if you spend some time shopping - ENJOY that too.

Ready for a travel themed contest?

2011-09-12T18:23:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!!!

Digiridoo Scraps has prepared lots of fun for you - a Layout Contest: Vacation and Travel connected with a 15% of sale. Both run September 9th - 23rd. Make a layout about your favorite past midyear break memory and post it in our special blog contest gallery and we’ll leave you lots of love AND our staff will pick a favorite. Make your layouts with any of the products mentioned below and our staff will pick a favorite also … AND this favorite will win a $10 GC to our store!

You can read more about it here, at Digiridooscraps.com.

Design by Tina's travel kit - Around the world is just one of the featured kits you can use.

Farewell summer

2011-09-09T15:28:00.000+02:00

is a brand new kit being released by Meredith Cardall Designs
(I am very blessed to be guesting for her for the month of September)
this is available on sale at Ninth and Bloom, here.

I created 2 Layouts for this one.
For the first I wanted a look like a high school girl, doodled page, dreaming about her future life.

Journaling says:
I never could have imagined that day when I said" I am just going on a date with him to the Bond movie - it's not like I am going to MARRY him! That my life would turn out the way it did...that we did marry 9 months later.
That we'd move to Stellenbosch, have 2 cats (ok, honestly I did imagine the 2 cats), three children (I dreamed of those as well), settle in the nOrthern suburbs and still be happily married more than 23years later.

This one is called Eighteen already?

It feels like just the other day that you were my little boy, and now look at how much you've grown. Where did the time go?

Heather's challenge 111.

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000+02:00

Journaling:

We have such a rich history in Hanover that we finally just had to take a day to see some of the things we'd never stopped at before... Hanover Courthouse and Old Jail, Hanover Tavern, Polegreen Church, and Beaver Dan Creek Battlefield. We learned that Patrick Henry was even more instrumental in Hanover than we originally thought. YAY for local history!

Some DT work from me.

2011-09-07T08:41:00.000+02:00

We've been doing some repainting at home and I created this LO to showcase the change.

Journaling reads:
Out with the old and in with the new. I was tired of the yellow "coneflower" colour we'd had on the walls for 7 years and so we changed it to an off white colour, called almond white which is simply fabulous. The kitchen walls were changed to a dusky blue colour that I picked out from the tiles. Everything looks happier and brighter and it was all over in under a week. Change is great, my kitchen has a whole new lease on life, I almost want to live there, cooking and baking the whole day, but not quite...

I used a template by Jellebelleke's Designs called simply blue 2 which will be available in Scrappity-doo-dah's store form the 9th of September and a kit calleb "journey of the heart", a collab between Elise's Pieces and Kim Broedelet, which is in store now at ScrapMatters.

The third one is the charm

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000+02:00

Another from Karen, didn't she do a great job?

journalling reads

The guide books don't really recommend a visit to Hilversum- they definitely don't advise you to stay- there isn't really much of note- even the postcards don't have much to put on them. But its been a nive plave to live for nearly three years and every so often I might get a glimpse of it on TV when I'm back in the UK because Hilversum is the home of Dutch TV braodcasting and radio- and when the Eurovision Song contest comes around the results will be announced from Hilversum with a view of this building behind

A second from Karen

2011-09-06T06:00:00.001+02:00

Karen is in the process of moving and she wasn't sure which town to choose...

journalling reads:

Lutterworth doesn't have much of note- even the sign has to resort to "workplace" of instead of birthplace of but it is renowned for being the place where the bible was first translated into English by John Wycliffe and the place where frank Whittle worked while developing the first ever jet engine

Introducing challenge 111.

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000+02:00

Your home town.
Places that you will take visitors too.
Interesting facts that make your home town interesting - that put it on the map as it were.
Signs of interest.
Things you need to record and capture to enhance the experience, sights, sounds, smells etc.

First up is Karen:

1. Where I'm from

journalling reads

you might live in various different places but most people have somewhere they regard as their home town- I grew up in St Albans and the best thing we could think of as kids was a walk round the lake by the abbey and feed the ducks.

Sorry that I have been missing in action.
I think this is a great idea as a challenge.
I will definitely be creating a LO for my album, but I am having serious 2nd thoughts about putting too much information out there in cyberspace.
Hope you can understand that?

Elise's Pieces new release

2011-09-04T08:03:00.000+02:00

Journey of the heart is a collab between Elise's Pieces and Kim Broedelet, sold exclusively at ScrapMatters.

I also used the double template challenge from ScrapMatters for the 21st of August.

New CU goodies from Design by Tina

2011-08-29T21:34:00.000+02:00

Available in her shop here, today.

And if you "like" her on facebook, you can get this gorgeous freebie too.
Link here.

Summer ends.

2011-08-26T08:25:00.000+02:00

Jellebelleke's Designs still has some awesome sales available.
Please check it out at Scrappity-doo-dah.

The kits I used are from Elise's Pieces - His senior year

and the alpha comes from Whoo loves ya?

Available exclusively at ScrapMatters.

Lemon meringue

2011-08-25T18:24:00.001+02:00

Heather's challenge 110.

2011-08-19T12:54:00.000+02:00

Olivia's Challenge 110.

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000+02:00

I am the baker in our home, especially at Christmas time & my homemade shortbread is always in demand. I enjoy making it & using cute cookie cutters to make traditional shapes. I follow a very simple recipe from my mum's baking book & it has never failed to please.

I used vellum under the word 'Christmas' to resemble baking paper & created a baking tray for the word 'Cookies' from some cardstock. The letters are decorated with Pebeo & the house was 'iced' with DecoArt Snow Writer.

Karen's challenge 110

2011-08-16T06:00:00.000+02:00

title- Dutch recipes (?) to take back home

The question mark is there because one of them is definitely not a recipe and the other two are Dutch favourites but are recipes that they have taken from other lands

for each picture the recipe is written on the back of the tag

Bobotie

from South Africa

fry some minced beef and onion and then add the following

raisins, curry paste, mango chutney, cloves, turmeric,

Put all this in a shallow dish,and top with a mixture of milk and egg

bake for half an hour- serve with yellow rice and salad

Nasi Goreng

from Indonesia

fry some chicken then add a mix of stir fry veg- meanwhile cook the rice

when the rice is cooked add it to the veg and chicken and add the spices ( coriander and ginger)

with soy sauce

in another pan cook some scrambled eggs add these to the top of the Nasi goreng-

serve with ketsup Manis

oorlog

patats met oorlog

my fave topping at the manniquin pis

it consists of mayonnaise, satay sauce and raw onion

Introducing challenge 110

2011-08-15T07:39:00.000+02:00

We all have tp eat (and cook) so create a LO about a favourite dish or recipe. I am making my children their own recipe folders now, with tried and tested recipes, with photos of them cooking and creating. Photos of me, my hands and our kitchen. Stuff that will be important to them in 20 years time.
I want them to know the crunchies recipes comes from Granny. The peppermint crisp tart was the first dish CJ could create all on his own.

Papers from Elise's Pieces, rolling pin and other embellies from Wimpy Chompers and the template from Designer Digitals.

Some dt work of mine...

2011-08-11T16:20:00.000+02:00

First up is Make believe by Robyn Pali Designs - available exclusively at Divine Digital.

Little girl's lives should be filled with pink and dreams of being Princesses.

I also used a template created by Jellebellekes' Template Designs - available at Scrapity-doo-dah.

Her shop opening here on the 15th of August.

next is Cuppycake by Forever Sisters.

I loved this quote : Cupcakes may not be the answer - but they are never the problem.

Forever Sisters is Robyn Pali Designs and My 4 Princesses who also sell at Divine Digital.
These kits will be available from Friday....tomorrow!

Olivia's challenge 109.

2011-08-08T06:00:00.001+02:00

Last December I turned 25 and I thought it would be a fun project to record 25 random things that occurred on the 25th of the month for the course of a year. The first layout for my album features 25 things from Christmas Day. The left hand page is inspired by this layout Ann-Marie Morris made and I created a matching facing page. My album will follow this format through out with a photo page on the left & my list for that day on the right.

For each photo I added these date brushes before I had them printed. They're available over at O'Scraps & are one of the free downloads that they offer.

Meatballs

2011-08-07T09:54:00.001+02:00

I am playing along with Scrapping with Liz today.
I downloaded the recipe card and made my entry.

While I love cooking, I thought it prudent to teach my boys a couple of really good meals they could cook too. (I am sure that their wives will thank me one day.) The middle one really makes excellent meatballs and hamburger patties. He sometimes moans when the mince is too cold. I have to also watch that he doesn't over season, as he likes things a lot more spicy than I do!

Papers used are from Elise's Pieces - her 365.

travels

2011-08-04T07:08:00.024+02:00

Design by Tina has a brand new travel themed kit released today and on sale for the weekend at digiridooscraps.

I used a quote for this one's journaling that I tweaked just a little:
Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends but is played over and over in the mind, reminiscing with those travel mates and scrapbooked for prosterity.
I was inspired by a LO I saw in the designer digital gallery.

Journaling:

From Cape Town we have set off and explored the world, cruising around the south pf Australia, touching a kangaroo and koala, looking down on the Sydney Opera House from our cruise ship, and then watching the ship leave that evening again. America, "doing Disney" and getting to pass through the Panama Canal. Visiting some South American countries and having so many memories to treasure. I love that we are able to do it now, having put off our dream of travelling overseas many years ago to buy a house and start a family.

I used a template by Jellebelleke's template Designs.

Heather's challenge 109.

2011-08-03T06:00:00.003+02:00

Journaling:

1. I am a die-hard HOKIE… loved my time at VT and can’t wait until my kids go there.

2. Speaking of kids, my kids are my favorite people in the world.

3. I was a music education major for two years before deciding that if I taught, I would never want kids of my own. I finished my finance major in two years so that I could graduate “on time” by taking several 21+ credit semesters (and I still never turned down the opportunity to go out for a beer).

4. The Melting Pot is my favorite restaurant.

5. I converted to Catholicism in 2001, and I am totally at home in the Church.

6. I miss living in D.C. I still read the Washington Post. And, no, the traffic didn’t bother me that much.

7. I miss working. I love that I decided to take a break to stay home with the kids, but I miss accomplishing goals and getting PAID.

8. I became a Democrat in college largely because my beliefs were more aligned with that party, but also because I didn’t feel, as a woman, that the Republican Party really cared if I was part of it or not.

9. I am addicted to chick-lit books.

10. My favorite drinks are a good Merlot, Mountain Dew, and Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

11. I never learned to swim or ride a bike.

12. I am huge on recycling and try to buy only organic produce. I would love to buy almost all organic foods, but WOW would that be expensive.

13. We are only 13 years away from paying off our house, thanks to a great seller’s market when we left D.C.

14. I’m an optimist, and Joey is a pessimist… makes things interesting!

15. My first car was a wood-paneled station wagon. NO I didn’t buy it; it was the one that my parents allowed me to have almost-exclusive use of.

16. We live in a subdivision down the street from the house I grew up in. If you told me when I was a teenager that I would live in Mechanicsville BY CHOICE as an adult, I would have never believed you.

17. I am a classic oldest child, and I still think my sisters had it easier than I did when we were growing up.

18. I use scrapbooking as a tool to document my family’s life. When I’m no longer here someday, they will have books of not only pictures, but my own love letters to them, to hold onto.

19. I love snow and complain about the heat every day of summer.

20. My least favorite chores are folding laundry and emptying the dishwasher.

21. I often have horrifying dreams about someone breaking into our house and have since I was a child.

22. I sing in the car. Loudly. And not very well.

23. I’ve been pulled over by the police for speeding five times and only received one ticket… on the day that I drove an hour and a half for a wedding dress fitting.

24. I’m a stickler about the kids’ bedtimes so that I can have some much-needed downtime at night. With each minute that goes by without them being ready, my patience wears thinner. As far as my bedtime, I usually am falling asleep by 10pm.

25. I have only my mom left before my in our branch of the family tree, and I think that just sucks.

26. I don’t like dogs. I was scratched on the face by a neighborhood dog when I was 3 and had to have stitches. I don’t remember it, but almost all dogs still terrify me.

27. First memory: riding big wheels on the sidewalk in front of our house with the twins from across the street; Second memory: the day we moved to Mechanicsville from Ohio. I cried because I didn’t want to leave the “my” house, the only one I remembered.

28. I can take on a northern or southern accent depending on who I’m talking to… Born in Lancaster County, PA (no, my parents were not Amish), then lived in Ohio before moving here… wonder anyone can understand me.

29. I could eat strawberries and peaches every meal of the day, but I can’t stand strawberry or peach ice cream.

30. The night of Joey’s and my first official date, I was sick but went anyway.

31. Every big storm that we had when I was growing up in Mechanicsville, we slept in the living room because of a huge dead tree that was in the woods right beside our house (but not on our property; the owners refused to cut it down)

32. I hate that I can’t remember the last time I played my clarinet.

33. I got a black eye when I was 6 or so, sledding with the kids in our area… one of the teenagers sledded right into me.

34. I was seriously not happy when I arrived home from school the day that Kristen was born. My mom’s mom was there, and I wanted my Mommy.

35. Within a month of getting every hair cut, I wish I had let it grow out.

Whoo loves ya?

2011-08-02T20:03:00.000+02:00

Elise's Pieces Designs has moved to ScrapMatters and this is her newest release there.

I also used a template created by Crossbone Cuts at ScrapMatters - Tuesday Template 12/07/11

The template for my second LO is from Jellebelleke's template designs and will available at her new store Scrappity-doo-dah from the 15th of August.

Olivia's challenge 109.

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000+02:00

Challenge 109 from Karen

2011-08-01T08:21:00.000+02:00

Highlight your favourites.
As we get older and life changes, so our list of favourites changes also.
You could do it for a child, or pet, or parent.

23 of my favourite Dutch things

they are listed on the three tags in no particular order

- gevulde koek

- museumkaart

-van Gogh Museum

- trains

-cycling

- mad sauce

- Sinterklaas

- St Maarten ( 11/11)

- Queen's day

- Action

-Verzamelen

- flow magazine

- Roompot

- patats met

- speculaas

-papernoten

-sport een

- Fc Utrecht

- pancakes

- The lakes

habidashery shops

- Bloemenkwartier

- ISH

Winter sun

2011-07-28T16:29:00.000+02:00

Journaling reads:
I was so blessed that the family members came from far and wide to celebrate my birthday with a barbecue. I managed to take photos of the food, but was relying on my cousin to take photos of the people, which she did, but only with her camera. So my memories of the day are full, photos of the day, only the food is featured. It was really great though, if that counts?

For the first one I also used a template by Genia Beana (from ScrapMatters)

Journaling:

July is supposed to be Winter, but we have been having the best weather. We all know that it can't last, we really need the rain to fill the dams or we'll suffer come Summer. But for now, let's just close our eyes and soak up the rays.

I got to create with Meredith Cardall Designs - Ants not invited.

This kit is available at ScrapMatters in their shop.

For your viewing pleasure:

2011-07-23T06:00:00.000+02:00

Our school holidays:

Our school holidays were spent enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, mid 20C’s and just fabulous. The first week I was very sorry for myself, sick with a streaming headcold, which I thoughtfully shared with the oldest and the youngest. There have been many sleepovers, playdates, LAN’s and general kuiering with friends. Topaz has discovered the outside and relishes time spent there with his furry and non-furry family. We have made pancakes, cupcakes, smores faces and so much more. Got furniture from Granny that needed to be sanded and re-painted. Watched tv, played jenga, Hannah got her legs waxed for the first time. Our final Sunday was spent driving around Stellenbosch, going to the Berry Farm for lunch and just reminiscing back to when we lived there.

My thanks to
Scrapping with Liz - template
Mommyish for the acrylic alpha
Everything else is Elise's Pieces Designs.

Sue's challenge 108.

2011-07-22T06:00:00.000+02:00

I know the challenge was for a movie, but we are only occasional movie goers. The TV show NCIS is practically an obsession, so it felt much more authentic to create a page about that. The journaling reads:

"Phil started watching because he like the stories; I got hooked because of the characters. Now we watch the regular episodes on CBS every Tuesday night, the re-runs and marathons on USA, and we own every season on DVD. We can quote Gibbs' rules, always know by the music when the scene is in Abby's lab, and worry at the end of every season that a favorite character will not be back. Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, Kate, Ziva, Abby, Ducky, Palmer - they are all so well-written, we feel like we're peeking in at their lives."

This is Sue's last challenge for us and we thank her for her gorgeous Lo's and spot-on often humerous journaling. Thanks for your faithful participation Sue, we appreciate you and wish you all of the best as your life priorities change.