I'm here to live outloud!

eek, time is flying by so quick!

Well the adventures on my blog this year have been up and down. The exciting thing is, there is so many positive things going on in my life right now, however, I am lacking in time to do all that I would like to do. So today I am just going to ramble,  a little of this a lot of that. I am thankful. Really thankful.

Now that the pressure for designing projects is over for CHA, I can somewhat relax and get back to this thing called a blog. I love to blog, but man it has been hard to find the time or materials as everything has to be hush hush. The positive thing about being busy though. I am getting paid for my time and work. What a wonderful wonderful change. Consistency is great, a paycheque is fabulous, and it's nice to put money in the bank.

Positives:

• Our Crop & Create events have really taken off. And the best part is now that we are well on our way for doing them across Canada and looks like the U.S. We are able to really fine tune them into elegant escapes for friends to crop, hang out taking classes & make n takes. Saskatoon was fun and was nice to have the first one in my backyard, as it is easy to work through the kinks. And yes we had them: parking and customs. But, I am thankful we had these kinks because we presented the problems to our future hotels and said we want to improve on this. Then we also set a higher precidence for the dessert buffet because we had Canada's #1 dessert chef at the Markham hotel. This created many lines of exciting women wanting to try all the yumminess. We sent the pictures of the dessert off to the next locations and said, THIS is what we expect to serve to our croppers, can you do it? They've all made it their mission to be even better. So that is exciting!!!! And I am proud to say the classes are getting great reviews, we've added to our list of Industry leading instructors, and we are really on top of the quality control. We've chaged up our goodie bags, handpicking what you will receive. They also are full of instructions to make cards, layouts and a mini album-thanks to fantastc ladies; Vicki Boutin, Kelly Goree and BEcky Fleck.

Of course we had our no infamous photo booth. Seriously the most fun you can have at a crop. Again Vicki and I posed for hundreds of pics. SOme ladies sure worked the poses. We had somuch fun, I couldn't stop giggling. This event, I hada sore stomach from laughing so much!!!!

This is Vicki demonstrating the "butterfly" look.

Scrapbook & Card Today's fearless leaders incognito.

• Anothernpositive- I thank God everyday that this fantastic lady was brought into my life. I didn't know that you can have a {real & honest} heart in this industry, you CAN be your own team's biggest supporter, cheerleader versus just a user.  She is a rare gem, and I have seen up close why when we walk into a booth at CHA, she is genuinely loved. I have never seen people stop what they are doing to greet her. This year has been fabulous for me. Thanks to her tremendously.

Now hear's the blooper reel...

(you know it, apparently my tongue is like Gene Simmons. Is that a compliment????? lol)

posing was just fun. Sorry I have so many of myself, I barely took any photos this show as my camera's lighting just really was off. But thanks, lot's sent me pics.

The food...

So with only a full spots open in Winnipeg & Moncton, we can't wait to see you. Our classes ahd sold out so fast that we needed to acquire more room and open up the class sizes to beable to accomodate our waiting lists. What awesome teachers, to prepare a few more. So if you are considering taking classes in either of these locations, please do it fast. we can't add any more room. That's all the hotel has!

• another positive, Jim has started a new contract for our company. It appears to be more lucrative, so thatalways takes the pressure off. Not sure how long he will have it for. They say between 2-10 years. So that is really an unknown, so we are taking it month to month and living life to the fullest.
• negative-he's away quite a bit, but when he's home, it is PERFECT. I am very lucky to have help from so many family members and friends. I could not do it without everyone.
• positive- I'm back to waking up to his voice. love that, and so glad that cell bills allow you to talk whenever you would like. WE talk at least 10-20 times a day. just can't get enough.
• positive-that also means texting. mmmm. love texting with this guy!
• negative: his breakdowns are pretty costly, and sadly often.
• positive- When he has a breakdown it means we get to see him, like today, I saw him for and hour. LOVE. well worth it, would've liked more, but it was perfect. simply perfect.

So this busy life still has me traveling, not as much as in previous years, which is nice. I am home more, and getting paid for what I love to do. fabulous. But this is my familiar sight...

although, flying has it's perks...

• positive-I'm so recognized at our airport and Calgary, they've let me join pre-boarding as a preferred guest. lol. The ticketing agents (men & women) have noticed when I colour my hair and cut it.  One of the stewardesses I've ridden a few flights with her in the last month to different places and she asked this time why I didn't bring her cupcakes. lol. Lately, every Toronto flight I've taken cupcakes to my girls there. Gotta share the Sasha/Cheerio love.
• negative- they've broken another suitcase. It could be worse, they could've lost it. But hey, they gave me a ticket voucher and a free movie voucher for my next flight. So I think I will live. But I havebought more suitcases in the last 8 years. just saying.

Took some photos this time in the air: usually I fly before the sun gets up and lands well after it sets. So this flight was unusual.

and here is one of Calgary coming in around dusk.

Isn't that pretty?

negative: I spent 19 hrs in the air or in airports to only go 3 1/2 hrs of flight time. Every flight of mine was delayed, BUT the positive, I read 2 fantastic books, caught up with local store owners who were also in the flight and really had one of the best naps on the airport floor. lol. I haven't done that since I flew back from Australia.

So with that being said, CHA was fanastic, but I will talk about that after this weekend. I came home to 9 soccer games over the next 3 days. We are going to be busy.

Nice to be home.

The best feeling in the world to be hugged by my 3 sweetpeas. Absolute love.

 

 

 

 

Echo Park Chritsmas Layout class.

Hi there everyone!

Just a quick note about the class on Dec. 14th. I have 8 spots left at the Scrapbook Studio. If you want to make lot's of layouts regarding Christmas or winter theme, come join us. You will make lot's IN class and have lot's of material leftover to make more layouts or cards, whatever you like. In class we will do a double page and 2 single pages. Each student's kit includes the Echo Park collection kit as well as Epoxy Brads. AWESOME~

The layouts are in store if you would like to see them. Here's some sneak peeks.

Should be fun!!!! see you there!

Leica

 

Crop & Create Winnipeg

The time is so close to start registering for the event in Winnipeg. Woohoo! I can't wait. Such a great time I am going to have with old friends and can't wait to make new ones.  Like I've mentioned before, each event in each city is tailored towards the actual city. We are doing our best to make each one unique, special and fun! 

If you are in the Toronto Greater area, you can still register for the Markham event in January here.

But let's discuss Winnipeg! We have a few new teachers travelling in for this one, and I am sooooo pumped!

Here's the details:

Crop & Create - Winnipeg (click for more details)

We are excited to invite 150 of our closest friends to join us in Winnipeg  for two days of inspiration, education and pure fun! Come crop and create with some of the best teachers in paper crafting. Join Becky Fleck from PageMaps, experts Vicki Boutin, Kelly Goree, Kathy Thompson and join special guest Caroline Lau from Maya Road for fabulous  classes that are full of tips, tricks and techniques for every level. With 24 hours of cropping time, a chocoholic feast, great prizes, special make n’ takes and so much more, this exclusive event promises to be a weekend all about creating with our closest friends…YOU...and one that is not to be missed!  Oh wait, did we mention there will be a marketplace with 6 great stores too?  And did we mention that the Marketplace will be open to the public?  Yes, Crop & Create Winnipeg is going to be a very special Crop & Create event!  We can’t wait to see you there.

March 23-24, 2012

Delta Hotel, Winnipeg
Registration opens December 5th!

Early Bird rate is only $139! 

Our two new teachers are:

Caroline Lau- Owner of Maya Road

This is so cool to have Caroline Lau join us in Winnipeg. She worked with us at Scrapfest in the Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine booth. The lineups to meet her and take her make 'n takes were HUGE! She completely went out of all her demos, and I can vouch for it, they ROCKED!!!! I made myself 3 new luggage tags, a few rockin zipper pins, sadly I missed out on a few others. Lord knows I tried to slip in and quickly make all her demos, but man our booth was SWAMPED! Like never a minute to slip away. So a weekend with Caroline was fun!!! I LOVED looking at her beautiful mini albums! Maya Road ROCKS!!!

Check out the Maya Road blog: (psst, right now is a MASSIVE WAREHOUSE SALE you might want in on. Just sayin')

 

Kathy Thompson- writer for Scrapbook & Cards Today

How exciting is this? Like Canada's rockstar of photography instruction. I think the most sought after photographer known for her distinct eye in detail when taking a photo and timeless style, but then also being able to create show-stopping clean graphic design layouts. It was no wonder that a few years ago American Crafts snapped her up that fast. Now YOU can follow her as well in her regular article “Photography for Today’s Scrapbooker”  in Scrapbook & Cards Today! I can't wait to meet her in person, I have admired her for a very long time!!!!! 

Want to follow her  blog? Here's the link...prepare to be inspired!!!!!

 

 

And the rest of the fabulous educator team (these girls are with us for quite a few shows! Rock on!)

Becky Fleck: owner & designer of Page Maps, Editor of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine

 

Becky is the master of creating scrapbook & card sketches that are realistic, offering both simple and detailed sketches also offering them in all different ways; double page, single, multi-photo, single photos. They simply are the greatest guide for scrapbookers. Her classes are awesome helping inspire you to interpret sketches in ways that are easy to understand. I LOVED the layouts she taught in Saskatoon, and at Scrapfest. Yummy! I can't wait to see the new layouts she came up with for Winnipeg. Speaking of which, have you seen how Sheri Reguly was inspired by Becky? If you haven't check out THIS post, I think you will be pleasantly inspired to try this sketch, I know I am. (actually I'm almost done it, teehee, hard to stop when you are excited to create!)

where to find Becky: Page Maps blog

Kelly Goree- designer for Basic Grey & regular contributor/writer for Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine

Southern charm is the best way to describe her. Her classes a full of such great tips and ideas. She has a very classic style, and the subtle little tips she teaches add such punch to a layout.

I simply adore Kelly and have had a blast working with her a few times, great giggles, fun times! My favourite part about Kelly is how she gives you such a peak into her own life through her teaching and her blog. She is an amazing football mom, who can take FANTASTIC photos, **envy**, if you don't believe me, check out the fabulous NEW 2012 Calendar that is the perfect gift for yourself or the scrapbooker in your life.  She is one of the designers in it. 

Kelly's blog

 

Vicki Boutin: designs for many industry manufacturers & now Author!

Vicki is one heck of an awesome girl!!!!! I have taken many of her classes, and am lucky to call her a dear friend. Her classes always offer so many details. You will learn a CRAZY amount of stuff, seriously. My house is filled with her home decor classes, and I am constantly getting compliments on them. 

Her layouts too will give you such an insight to what her book will be like. Can't wait till it comes out!!!!!  I really like how her layouts always have a great flow to them. 

 

her blog:

 

Kimber Mc Gray-4 time Best Selling Author & fabby designer over at Jillibean Soup

 

I got to know Kimber more in Saskatoon and boy did she have us laughing!!!! This girl is funny, totally crack me up! (However, she did help pull a practical joke on me, so need some good ideas to return the favour. lol)

Anyways, everyone knows I don't always feel that card making comes naturally to me. I tell you this though, it DOES come natural to her! Her cards are like little miniature works of art that **almost** dance for you. seriously. They move, they pop, they slide they spin. They ROCK!  I LOVE that you walk away with so many realistic ideas and ones that are totally created with practicality in mind; great costs and time spent on them. 

her blog

In Winnipeg we are offering  something a little different. We have a big marketplace, with many vendors in their own ballroom. We are so excited that stores from all over Manitoba will be joining us. This room will be for our crop attendees as well anyone who would like to come and shop the best of Manitoba in one room! Yes we are bringing them to YOU! Cool. come and go as you like, we hope you find something you like.

 

***** Just a tip, if you are even thinking of taking a class, don't hesitate signing up. I was hoping to get a kit from the last crop & create classes and they were all sold out!!!!!

Now that was a long post,so sorry. I just couldn't wait to share, I am PUMPED!!!!!

 

Update on Forrest Television (lol)

Again, our household has a few more changes, Jim starts a new work contract this week for the new BHP mine. Serious work till March. We are STOKED! Of course sad that he is working out of town again, HOWEVER, it is only 1 hr away and we can always zip out to see him. Plus it has benefits. Finding him housing proved to be a little tiresome, however, it did work out. He is boarding at a sweet elderly ladies house who apparently has some good dry humour, she had Jim giggling quite a bit, and of course I had myself a good laugh when she told him her rules. No fornicating or using her stove or he's out. Apparently she had bad experiences with both scenarios with previous houseguests. I told Jim I think we could abstain. lol. Never thought I would hear that line ever again in my life, especially not being married almost 12 years. lol.

**On another note, we went out to the farm to finish the doorway for the igloo...wait for it...the glue gun wouldn't work! EI YI YI!!! Another one apparently bites the dust. It was so warm too. darn! But we did get one row done.

Check back later this week for my Angry Birds invites, they are cute! Sorry I just didn't get them uploaded today, just a huge checklist to complete before Jim leaves again.

On another note, I have some classes coming up at the Scrapbook Studio (343-0550) in the next few weeks. Phone the store if you are interested.

Tomorrow's class is all about Tattered Angels. We are going to glimmer mist lot's of different surfaces, learn misting techniques, and make some new flowers I've never taught before. EXCITING! Pretty hands-on, don't wear your best clothes. This class is NOT an advanced class, it is consumer friendly meaning you get out of it what you put in it. I will teach the proper ways to spray, give tips, it will be constant handson techniques, bringing in masks, creating backgrounds. I am there to answer any questions you may have. If you want to step it up and try out some things, please do, I want it fun and can't wait to see what we create! You will also walk away with 2 full size bottles to keep practising and creating at home. SUHWEET!

Here's a few sneaks for the other classes:

Mistletoe Ball: December 4th 1pm

HO! HO! HO!-  An Echo Park Christmas class- In this class we will make 4 layouts. One double page, and 2 single pages. I will also give you the sketch of both single pages in case you want to turn those into double pages... BONUS! PLus, can I share a secret? Everyone in this class is getting the entire Echo Park Collection pack and matching epoxy brad set (and they are GORGEOUS). Limited numbers though!!! So check and see if there is room.

Plus I am sooooo excited about my upcoming classes in the New Year. The Monthly Art Journal one has me REALLY tickled! But you know me, I'm never happy unless I'm creating art, so you will continue seeing layouts, and altered stuff from me.

Well, must go, so many things to keep checking off my list for today!

 

 

 

Snow Day, voting, pottery barn

First off, showed a few of my fave Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L products over on their blog today. Stop by and check out the layout if you would like, features a new Authentique line.

How was everyone's weekend? Ours was GREAT! No traveling, only one sport game, and I am glad too. I wasn't feeling really up to par.  I adore that Jim is back home, he let me sleep in both Sat & Sun am and woke me up for breakfast both days and boy was it nice. Burning the candle at both ends was starting to take it's toll on me. I do feel a little refreshed. Of course until today hits and then the greuling schedule is back on. LOL. I think for kicks I am going to take a pic of my calendar for this month, and show you.  If someone says theirs looks the same I will feel FANTASTIC knowing I am not alone.

Today I only have 2 Tae Kwon Do practices, 1 soccer game, 1 board meeting and 1 scrapbook class teaching meeting.  (oh did I mention those take place too between 5:30-9pm) Toss in there a day where I have the usual running around, a few work phone calls, groceries,a nd picking up photos. Not as bad as a Tuesday, but almost...

Thank God I voted in the advance polls, not sure where I would've fit it in today! Did YOU vote? I hope so. Can't have an opinion unless you vote. I find my stance of politics is this, each politician is out there and going to suit someone's needs and wants. My wish list of wants probably isn't what the next person's looks like, I have no desire to influence anyone nor do I enjoy arguing with anyone. It's kind of like religion, I believe in it, I want to follow a path, I want to be guided, not lied to, but sometimes you have to believe in things you can't always see and hope for the ultimate outcome. In the same aspect, I will not be the one telling you which religiong is right or wrong. Use your heart and head to guide you.

I love the first day of snow, don't you? Especially when it isn't really cold. LOVE LOVE LOVE! We had fun playing in it for the afternoon!

Yes, we eat snow here.

Have I ever shared this layout before? I forget. lol. It's been so long since I blogged, I can't even find my blog schedule.

 I spent a little while uploading photos to Black's. 10 cent 6x8's, uh hello!  but the best part of my day was giggling at facebook. Are you a leader, follower or lemming? fun times just surfing...

but in one quick click of the finger on facebook, and you all of a sudden are on Pottery Barn site. thank you Catherine for introducing me to this fabulous store. It gives me nice eye candy to look at. I was smitten today with the bedding section. little things can please a person in the day.

or this. yummm.

 

seriously, I must get off the computer, get off the computer. is it working yet? lol

 

Igloo pt.2

so if you have been following our igloo building adventure (this post) we are almost done. Only the entrance way archway needs to be complete, but we ran out of daylight.

but we put a light in it and man was it cool! Unbelievably, it was sooo warm, I really truly was putting th insulating foam in the cracks wearing only a tshirt. I am really pumped to see how it holds out for winter.

 

One more day and a few more jugs and we will be finished!Everyone has asked us for instructions, I will write them once we are complete. There are a ew things we would change. Lessons learned. But if you are considering it, start saving jugs now. It tool us almost 2 years to save and that was with LOT'S of family & friends saving for us.

Here's few more Hallowe'en moments I want to share with you guys...

I can't believe how many pumpkins we saw that looked like this. Gave me a giggle, kinda grotesque but funny.

This pumpkin was neat.

Here were a few of our little house decorations IN the house.

I forgot to show you my fave house from Monday. LOVE it!!!!

Well must go get ready for the night. It's family movie night at our school. Can't wait! we are watching Rio. a cute little movie.

 

JoAnn's chains

I recently was asked to be a part of a cool gig this past week. It was to create signage for the chain store JoAnn's that would be in every store. That is AWESOME! 

I was given a few guidelines:

Everything had to be Core'dinations, NO patterned paper, simple, minimal embellishments, no sanding, no distressing,no inking, nothing "extra".

Was it possible? The last few years I wasn't really true to my style, I conformed to meet the needs of the assignments or product given. Because not one, NONE, zilch of my fave, fave fave layouts were ever published I realized that I had to change my style to be liked by others if I wanted to be published. So now lately I've been trying to re-evaluate what is my style???? Do I know it at all? Or do I need to figure out what kind of style I want.I had only submitted 1 project  for publication since March, and I had even forgotten about it till today. I guess Spellbinder's had mentioned to my Editor today how much they liked my card. So I simply will wait on pins & needles to see it in print. It  felt great to have that little skip in my stomach again. Reminded me of about 7 years ago when I was a part of a Baby Book. 

The timing of this assignment was actually soooo appropriate because I have been changing my life for the better. Improve improve improve. To create something with the very basic of tools took me back to the beginning of my scrapbooking. Where there wasn't an abundance of product, embellishments, paper, etc. So I was excited to accept the challenge, but then immediately nervous to see if I actually could create something I'd be happy with.

As it turned out, I enjoyed myself immensely. It was Freeing. I created a handful of samples and THREE were picked up!!!!!! I was elated. I was hoping for one. So once I see the signage I will share with you.

Here were my entries:

I actually think I will toss a challenge out there. DO you think you can figure out which 3 were picked up? I will send out some Fabulous Adhesive prizes. Maybe even Core, if I can find a full pack that I haven't touched!(my fave thing about this assignment was I could use photos I love, they didn't have to be new & unseen. SUHWEET! )

1.Sweet Sarah

(supplies: Core'dination cardstock, Prima flowers, May Arts ribbon, Recollections alphabet, American Crafts Thickers, Bo Bunny brad, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ runner, Fiskars border punch)

2. our kids

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L  EZ Runner)

3. she stole our hearts the minute she was born

(supplies: Core'dinationscardstock, Americna Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Fiskars heart punches- 3 sizes & border punch, scrapbook Adhesives by 3L)

4. grade one

(supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, American Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ runner)

5.Riley: 7 yrs old

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, Fiskars scallop square punch, Chatterbox buttons, the Twinery twine, American Crafts Thickers & slick Writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

6.Taylor

(supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, EK Success punches-border,flowers, Fiskar circle punch, American Crafts thickers, Sakura gel pen, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

7. Beckett (this one just photographed sooo dark, sorry! It is actually grey and navy.

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Remarks stickers & slick writer, Scrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

8. Moves Like Jager

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, Fancy Pants buttons, Ranger Stickles, EK Success border punch, Maya Road die cuts, American Crafts Thickers, Sakura gel pen, Fiskars border punch, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

9.You three make our life ...Colourful

(Core'dinations cardstock, Pink Paislee alph stickers, Fiskars circle punches- 3 sizes, sCrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

10. 9 months old

 

Supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, Fiskars border punch & heart punches, American Crafts Thickers & Slick Writer, Scrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

11. day in the park

(supplies: Core' dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, EK Success border punch & flower punch, Fiskars border punch, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

simple. a refreshing change. although I had fun, I still love how you can spice up a layout with pp. HOWEVER,  Core'dinations cardstock was a fun challenge to use without distressing. lol

Nothing like a good challenge!

 

 

Hello.

Is it me you're looking for?

ok, Sherri, when you put this on facebook today, I giggled and giggled and then realized, Hello, this isn't funny. It's the situation of my blog right now. gone, hidden, disappeared, blah, blah blah.

I almost gave up on blogging, not because I didn't want to blog, but because the lack of technology in our household that prevented me from blogging. Shaw=stone ages for us. Never once could we have internet, tv and phone at the same time for 3 days in a row. So it became frustrating and we came to not rely on anything technology in our house. Yes very silly, why didn't we change right away? Well for a couple of reasons: It is such a pain in my ARSE to move our entire library wall to change back. And finding time in our schedule to accommodate someone being there to even let them in. Next to impossible. Besides throwing in any possible changeover charges. I was willing to give a second chance, third, fourth, apparently hundreds. Well not any more. Our day finally came to change 2 weeks ago and I am beyond happy! Woohoo.

Fingers crossed, we are glitch free...

Hallowe'en was AWESOME! Such a warm warm night, and of course we scored unbelievable amount of candy. too much, way too much. Embarassingly to say I threw out an entire cauldron full from last year. Jim bugged me and said we should hand it out. I asked did he want our house egged? The novelty of candy is there for a few weeks then thank heavens it tapers off.

Of course you know I dressed up, I always do. Whether it is to hand out the candy or if it is walking around with the kids door to door. This year our best buds joined us and we had a BLAST!

Somehow I lost time in the day and was left with less than a handful of minutes to focus on my face, but this is where 12 min. got me and dollar store face crayons. Needless to say, I have realized it is time to break out my cosmetic grade face paints. I used to face paint soooo much in previous years, and have taken many classes on face painting, and if you want to do something right  you need the right tools, or at least ones that are worth more than an buck and don't break every second. lol. Before when we used to have crazy adult parties, and reasons to paint our faces...now with kids I see we are going to have many more reasons to do it. 

So here I am a dead witch and my zombie little red riding hood. I told her not to laugh so that she has a serious scary face, but that is hard for our family. we laugh way too much.

Here's more serious,and the blood she added herself.

Riley a good natured samurai.

Jager...wait for it. Spiderman AGAIN!!!!!!!! seriously let's retire the red/blue spiderman, the black spiderman. We've spidey 3 times now!!!!! but this time it was different because he had muscles!!!!!

Our pumpkins were very plain this year. We went to Winnipeg as a family and that didn't leave us much time to spend the day carving. But I was pretty happy.

hmm, so now that I am back blogging, I am going to try and pick up on sharing with you more. Have to get myself back into the routine...

Today 2 blogs have me on them, I'd love for you to go and check them out.

Basically Bare

Vinatge Street Market

Some fun little things from our Halloween.

Check back a little later. I'm working on blog posts for this month. I've got lot's to show. I've been gone awhile. So if you've given up on me...I'm BACK!!!!!

of course, I have news, you know it!

 

 

it all started with a little request from Jager...

when he was in preschool. Mom, can we build an igloo? The Gr.1 class did, and I want an igloo. So I thought, why not, who am I to say no? So we are coming on almost 2 years and we have saved milk jugs FOREVER!!!! My poor parents shed was almost impossible to get into. The process of rinsing the jugs, letting them air out, and then putting the lids back on and putting them in the bags became something all of our family could do in our sleep now.

Well this past Thanksgiving weekend, we started the feat of igloo building. A few tools of course had to be purchased. high intensity glue guns, hundreds of glue sticks, the hunt for the perfect flooring. Afterall we wanted it to last in the weather and the kids not to get slivers.

Then began the long process of hauling all the bags to the "location".

It is nestled in my parents backyard, between beautiful trees and fence. And the best part, we can see into it from the kitchen window. That is called strategic planning. So now, my dad give the kids their first lesson in geometry. creating circles with a marker and a string once they find the middle. Their igloo has a diameter of 8ft. you know roughly the perfect party size to hold all the kids. lol

One other thing I would like to point out, we did have an excellent engineer on site to figure out the figurings!!!! Thank goodness for dads. I happen to think I am very blessed, but when I see him with my kids, man I realize how lucky they are. Imagine, grandparents that wantt o be a part of their ives, ones that watch their sports games, or tae kwon do, ones that come to their birthdays, ones that just well PARTICPATE in our kids lives. THANK you mom & dad. They always say it takes a village to raise a child, well I think my kids are blessed to have you guys in their lives.

Once we drew out our guide right on the panelling. We got out the glue guns and used the hottest setting as possible and away we went and glued the jugs right to the wood. 

Everybody had a job. Jager was the glue man. We went through over 225 glue sticks so far, so having him close by was a necessity. We were changing glue sticks almost every 5 jugs. Riley was actually getting very good at gluing and blowing the jugs up with the air compressor.

but there is always time to be funny...

of course then pipsqueak wants a picture. (during this time you can see how productive I was. lol. I easily get sidetracked.) And of course this is the day our little 3yr old decided she was riding a bike with no training wheels. Woohoo!!! So armed with a helmet and mojo we helped her practice. Such determination. She did pretty good, At least at the farm, the ground seems softer, not like city concrete/pavement. She only has a few bruises.

To keep the kids busy instead of getting bored, we asked them to practice their adding and subtracting. We actually didn't know Jager could count that high. insert HUGe proud parent moment here. We had them arrange the jugs into groups of ten.  Let's just say this is only the first dump of jugs, we made 5 more car loads. lol.

progress is starting to be made. Kids are getting excited!

4 levels so far, 3 hrs later. we are on a roll. Then the light starts to disappear, we break a glue gun, decided to call it quits. Mom of course has an amazing feast ready for us to eat. I LOVE my MOM. holey camoley the lady can cook! 

Day 2. We are back at it, now with more glue and a new glue gun. Being in use for hours upon hours, really kicked the glue gun in the butt. You can really see progress now. The sides are tilting in more, the door is starting to be formed. However, we did a slight miscalculation, next time make your seventh layer a little more tilted. Otherwise it gets taller . Not a bad thing, you just need WAY more milk jugs.

of course, new day, so that means new photos. lol. Today Jager is Batman. Nothing like a good ole black garbage bag to do the trick. 

Serious, the end is in site??????

little pipsqueak was getting settled right in. Jager now had a new job, making sure all the lids were on. He wanted to be in charge of this so he knew which colours were next to each other. He is thoughtful that way. Just like when he made his birthday guest list, he said he was going to invite a group of girls to play with his fave because he couldn't always be there to play with her. He'd have to entertain everyone.

Speaking of birthdays, man do they suck or what??? First off, what's your policy on inviting the kids that don't invite yours? Recently my kids weren't invited to a party, and maybe we were just forgotten, who knows. always give the benefit of the doubt. However, it SUCKS seeing my kids sad that they didn't go. It is actually the worst feeling ever. So of course, now they don't want those kids at their parties. ei yi yi. the drama starts so early. I can totally understand if you are only having a tiny amount of kids, but really when you had 45 guests???? Anyways, a real eye opener. And so I will abide their wishes and only invite those they want at their party. I thought we should've extended the invitation. However, the kids said, "mom there's no point".  Jager goes, "but we've been invited every year". Riley goes, "yeah probably cause they just wanted gifts from us. "We give good gifts. uggh! HEART BROKE, over and over! Not sure what I'm more upset about, the sadness my kids feel for being left out, or the fact that Riley is becoming "hardened to how some people behave nasty". I want his innocence still.

Anyways, I distinctly remember my husband saying this idea was all mine, and he'd watch us build it. I laughed, knowing full well he was excited to see the outcome and that he'd never sit for a minute. He is that awesome, help always kind of guy. The look of seriousness, probably fixing my mistakes. lol I make lot's.

This would be, my "wife is driving me crazy look". he makes me laugh all the time. More likely I can't repeat what he just said, but of course I was fully smiling.

as you can see, our igloo now stand at approximately 5 ft+ tall. Most likely between 6-7ft upon completion. HOWEVER, we RAN OUT OF milk jugs. Who'd have thought over 500 jugs would not be enough. So I am making a request to any local peeps, please save me you milk jugs, just give them a rinse, save the lids and I will come pick them up!!!! I f you are a scrapbooker maybe I can thank you with supplies! We want to finish it before snowfall, and think we are about 60 jugs short. THANKS SO VERY VERY much!!!!!

I will show the completed igloo when I can. thanks for tuning into our latest family adventure.  We are living the life, experimenting, making mistakes, having fun and living in the moment...are you?

I promise...

one day I will return to faithful blogging. Lol.  Serious, my life has been a whirlwind of change, excitement, travel, kids growing, husband working away from home, and well jsut a gazillion things.

to do a recap of the highlights.

Crop & Create- The first one was held in Saskatoon the last weekend of sept. Of course not without glitches, but at least everyone pitched in, the glitches were dealt with and we had ourselves a crazy fun time! 

Our photo booth definitely was my favourite. I can't believe how sily we all got. But man, I know this album is going to be my favourite one I keep on my desk.  It's not often that you get to surround yourself with fabulous women, teachers of the highest caliber and forget that you are there to work. It just seemed like one heck of a big party.  

(So if you have some of these crazy pics to share, please email me scrap-mommy@hotmail.com, I definitely want them in my collection!)

Here's a few of my faves. we took some "normal ones", then we took some crazy ones. all I know are the giggles didn't stop.

The coolest thing is we are coming to a city NEAR YOU!!!! We are taking the Crop Create show on the road all across Canada (with the possibility of one U.S. city as well...teehee!) and we are sharing the Scrapbook & Cards Today LOVE. Now that one event is under our belt, we are going to be making it bigger and better, and it is exciting!  

Then all the fabulous teachers flew home and I was a little sad. It is so nice to be able to hang with fabulous women. We spent a few hours shopping and then a little bonding at night watching Bridesmaids with our popcorn we picked up at the mall. Total fun time. 

Check in tomorrow. I am going to share with you the building of our igloo. We are about 60 milk gallons short of completion, so if you ahve any that are rinsed out with lids, I will so come pick them up from you!!!! Sorry to be that pain that asks for clean ones, but after having to open them to clean them, I did have a few dry heave moments that I don't want to relive. uuggh!

Spellbinders Blog Hop this week!

 

Welcome to the Core'dinations and Spellbinders Blog swap!!

 Are you ready for a week long blog swap filled with loads of inspiration? Well, you came to the right place. Spellbinders and Core'dinations have teamed up and created gorgeous projects just for you. But...a blog swap wouldn't be the same without give-a-ways, right?

Core’dinations will be giving away FOUR paper packs in total!!!

Here is how you can win: 
1. Visit the Core’dinations blog and leave a comment every day, Monday the 26th through Friday the 30th. We will give away two packs to TWO lucky winners.
2. Like us on Facebook and comment to win a paper pack.
3. Visit the Core’dinations Designer’s blogs and leave a comment. We will be linking them up on the Core’dinations blog throughout the week and will choose one random designer’s blog to pick a winner.

Make sure you visit the Spellbinders blog for more details on how to win some of their awesome dies.

Insert your project here and whatever details you can give them about how you created it...the more the better. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the links for Spellbinders to hyperlink on your blog

Website: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx
Blog: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Community/Blog.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Spellbinders

 

Seriously if you aren't leaving your name on all these places, I think you must be crazy. teehee. I love the CORE products, don't you?

So this week I am showing you my little Sarah box. I made one for Ireland earlier thisyear, and had intended to put a mini album in it of her...but it became her little purse. She loves it so much that I don't want to use it for anything else now. But when I received some fabulous pictures of my niece Sarah. I knew that the perfect little mini album was one that would be contained in her own "purse". 

I used Spellbinders products & Core'dinations throughut this entire little mini album. And I LOVE the outcme. Surprisingly, it wasn't colours that are "me", but for sarah's 1 year birthday party last week I made her an album and had lot's leftover, so I created a couple pages and this project. Hope you like it.

I started out by painting the entire outside & inside of the box. Lavendar outside (Kaisercraft paint) white inside. Then I ran the white brush over the outer edges of the box to make it look a little distressed. I did paint some of the metal fixtures lavendar & white, knowing full well some would wear off and some would stay on. I like that weathered look.

I adhered the Core Impressions Basic Grey-Ornate line down on the box with Scrapbook Adhesives- Adhesives sheets.  (super handy sheets I tell you!!!!! I used them for my flowers too and because I did a lot of punching on the edges of paper, these sheets are the most perfect thing for adhering them down!

You can't see, but I did use a spellbinders circle die to create a base for this lacy part. I wanted to stay within the circle and it was a good guideline. The layered rectangle dies are PERFECT for matting photos. I just didn't emboss them cause I knew you wouldn't see it anyways.

  I used these throughout the whole album.  It was perfect since I made up quite a few mini pics.

This purse is so deep that I put all the leftover pics that I made up in the bottom. I made extra mini, 4x6's and 5x7's for future design projects, and my parents album, etc. I am stoked because now when I am looking for a picture of this precious peanut, I just need to look in her purse. 

I found the perfect mini album to build on. It's from 7 Gypsies. You are suppose to use these little mini elastics, however I robbed them last year for a project I did with my dear friend Vicki Boutin in November.  *** for those of you looking for something to do next weekend, don't forget Vicki along with Becky Fleck, Kelly Goree and Kimber McGray are going to be in Saskatoon for the launch of the inaugural Crop & Create. We had space and would love to have you join us! click here for more details.***

As you can see I did incorporate quite a few punches in this album. I didn't have any "edgeabilities" but if I had I would surely have used them to crete the same type of look.

such as...

be still my heart. I adore those.  but I did have fun with the flower dies.

 

I have a little room to do the journaling. That is always important!

Something you may not think of when you create mini albums is to include the photo cd. But with these FANTASTIC Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Photo CD pockets, you will never lose your photos again!

 

 I LOV that you can decorate and personalize them.

(I find that while you may back up your photos on an external harddrive, this is such a handy storage too in case anyone ever asks you to borrow the cd. 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Don't forget to leave a cmment for a chance to win. Also go to these places to for more chances to win...

 

Website: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx
Blog: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Community/Blog.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Spellbinders