Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

On this, my birthday eve, I guess I am dreaming of a White Birthday. Not that it's convenient to have snow and slush and ice clogging up the thoroughfares of our fine community. But, I will endeavor to perservere. tee hee.

I do love how fresh everything looks under a new coat of snow. The weeds are invisible. The fairly untidy patio is sparkling. At least for a little while, we can pretend that things are perfect underneath the blanket of white.

I love how the tree branches are highlighted with powdery outlines - crystalline and ethereal - like something from Narnia.

And I love how fresh it seems in the eyes of my girls. How snowball fights are just good plain fun and a snowman doesn't have to be perfect to be perfect.

A long December...

when there's reason to believe maybe next year will be better than the last.... I love Counting Crows - such a mournful voice he has in that song. And yet, it fits my mood once in a while. A little introspective. A little hopeful. Definitely reminiscent of things in the past. That's me.

Could have titled this post something cute about SNOW... since we are enjoying our first blanketing of the white stuff today. The kids LOVED it!

Digi is DIVINE!!!

I have been going crazy downloading digi kits and playing with them to create a calendar for the grandparents for Christmas! So much fun! I can not really imagine switching over from paper to purely Digi... but I can definitely see where these tools can come in handy.

And yes... the red dot is supposed to be there... 4 year old humor.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I think I am looking forward to this Thanksgiving more so than any other in the past. Our little family seems to be thriving right now - we're healthy, happy, and having fun together.

Taryn had her first big school program last week for Thanksgiving... she tried so hard to be brave. She stood up on the risers, sang the first few words of the song, and then lost it. But - she did manage to stay up there the entire time instead of running away - PROGRESS!

The kids were so cute in their costumes... and then they served us pie and apple cider. We took T out for ice cream afterwards to celebrate her nice work. She got her report card and we had our first teacher-parent conference - so we have ARRIVED in the wacky world of public school life. It's for *real* now... we're playing for keeps!

Have I got enough pink and green paper?????

It started with MOD. Well, actually, it started with Aunt Gertie's Garden. And then the MOD. And then some random Carolee's, Reminisce, Bo-Bunny, etc.

Well - just when I was about to hold off on the Little Red Scrapbook kit this month - it was the new MM Brooke line - which is - don't hold your breath - *pink and green*. But I couldn't resist - especially the embellishments. The ribbon is gorgeous - and the velvet letters are so fun. *sigh*

The only consolation is that I could actually make Christmas cards out of this stuff... at least for my scrapping friends.

Christmas cards.

Ugh.

We'll see how that goes. I've been so tired this past week - and I've got lots of school volunteer commitments coming up - Cookie Dough distribution is tomorrow. Thanksgiving program on Friday. Parent-Teacher conferences next week. Book Fair next week.

I think I'm still down from going to Char's Memorial Service. It was great to see Kim, Eleanor, Christie, Josy & Matt... but not under those circumstances. I dread going through that with any of our parents. It's just so sad. And draining. Even if you know they'll be in heaven. But the earthly wrap-up just isn't fun at all.

**********ETA: My latest pink and green layout********

I've been tagged...

Yay! I feel like I have *arrived* in the blogging world. Thanks, sara*w!

names you go by
1. cat
2. Mom or mommy

2 parts of your heritage
1. Swedish
2. Irish

2 things that scare you
1. Snakes
2. Hearing noises when I'm home alone

2 of your everyday essentials
1. Shower
2. Hugs from my family

2 things you are wearing right now
1. New moss green pants... still not sure about them
2. New green earrings that I bought for the Pubster dinner - but did not actually wear there

2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
1. Sugar Ray
2. Jeremy Camp (LOVE that voice, dude!)

2 favorite songs (at the moment)
1. Baby, It's Cold Outside (Ella Fitzgerald)
2. Walking on Sunshine (by Aly and AJ - hee, hee... my girls' CD)

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)
1. friendship
2. lively conversation

2 truths
1. I worry that I'm too obsessed with scrapbooking
2. I like TV far too much for my own good and yet don't watch too much because I'm scrapbooking

2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex)
1. great smile
2. sense of humor

2 of your favorite hobbies (besides scrapbooking??)<--- yes, that's the obvious
1. shopping
2. reading

2 things you want really badly
1. to get published in a magazine
2. to be in shape

2 places you want to go on vacation
1. Cayman Islands
2. Maui (with the kids)

2 things you want to do before you die
1. be a grandparent
2. be in shape ;-)

2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick
1. I *heart* pink (<--- copied straight from Hanni's and sara*w)
2. I *heart* shoes

2 things you are thinking about now
1. Christmas shopping
2. Christmas cards

2 stores
1. Target
2. Pottery Barn

I'm off to tag Alissa Fast and Kate Thaete... hee hee...

Would you admit to being one of these people?

So sad that I actually look the best in this shot!

Note to self: If everyone else is holding their children, follow suit.

A life less ordinary...

I found out last night that one of my dear friend's mothers has passed away. We knew it would happen sooner than later - CANCER. I hate how that word strikes fear and loathing into my heart. And I am so sorry for their family's loss.

My earliest memories of Char were from Senior Year in High School. She made lunch for me one day when I came over to their house. She was such a sweet and fun-loving lady. I remember seeing her at the various art festivals around town with her beautiful watercolor paintings. She was so very proud of Matt and all he had accomplished. And she was always so gracious to me when I would visit her home. She will be missed.

Here is a bit from her memorial in the newspaper:

Charlotte Patricia Eldridge died November 4 after a valiant struggle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her firstborn, Katherine Elizabeth. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dean, her three daughters, Wendy, Paula and Terri, son Matt and daughter-in-law Josy, foster daughter Michelle, brother Paul, and sisters Anne and Barbara.

The family is blessed with 11 nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Char was an artist who loved to paint watercolors during the early morning hours. She was a member of the Peninsula Art League and the South Kitsap Art Association

My favorite things... today

Went to a Stamp Camp yesterday at Virginia's house - it was really fun! My favorite project was a crayon-resist... I will definitely have to try that again.

Feeling like Martha lately... I solved my musty closet problem by storing my extra box of Bounce in there... smells FRESH! Cleaned out the laundry room, we took a bunch of stuff to GoodWill... I can now park in the garage again! Yay!! Just in time for the rainy season.

I get to work in T's class today - which is always fun. I love to listen to her participate in class - that is definitely one of my favorite things. And she's reading so well - I can't believe it!! She's reading 2nd grade books and taking the AR quizzes to earn points. Right now - T and R are both playing "Library" in the playroom - with the cash register scanner. When I was little, we used the date stamp to play Library... now they have to *scan* their books to check them out.



My other favorite thing is Gilmore Girls.... of course! I have just found a couple of new friends that love GG, too - so that made my day.

I feel silly being addicted to a TV show - but it could be worse. And tomorrow night - Jess is back! Mmmmmmmmm.... should be interesting. I just hope Rory and Lorelai work things out - and soon. My friend, Jill, assures me that the old mother-daughter closer-than-sisters relationship was unnatural and this is far more realistic. But who wants realistic? If I wanted reality - I could watch any number of contrived reality shows. Give me clever dialogue, simple plot twists in a quaint Connecticut town and I'm SO happy! Guess it goes right along with the fact that the Mitford books by Jan Karon are my favorites, too!

Things are looking pretty good so far for a Monday!

{regarding jane}

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

So begins my FAVORITE novel of all time.

I have never done a book club before. When my neighbor invited me, I was skeptical... I didn't have time to read a whole book... but then I saw the list. And Pride and Prejudice was on that list. The decision was much easier than I thought.

Better and better... I get to host tonight for my beloved Pride and Prejudice! If only I had the right gown. No matter, jeans and my favorite pink t-shirt will be fine with Jane, to be sure. No one says things better than Jane - of that I am utterly convinced. I must love it so because I fancy myself to be rather like Miss Elizabeth Bennett, not the beautiful one, but the quick-witted one with a fierce (but tempered) tongue and a love of the wild, untamed hills. I think I am destined to die a hopeless romantic.

To this question his daughter replied only with a laugh; and as it had been asked without the least suspicion, she was not distressed by his repeating it. Elizabeth had never been more at a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was necessary to laugh, when she would rather have cried. Her father had most cruelly mortified her, by what he said of Mr. Darcy's indifference, and she could do nothing but wonder at such a want of penetration, or fear that perhaps, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much.

I hope we have some lively conversation... I am most certain there will NOT be dancing... but that's okay. I checked out the soundtrack from the library, so there will be period music... and tea and cakes!

Cavities, anyone?

We don't trick-or-treat... but we do hit the Harvest Festival at our church as a Halloween alternative. The girls came away with enough candy to make cavities enough to rot out all of their teeth. We are double-brushing for a little while, just to make sure.

It was fun to see the little ones dressed up. The most creative costume I saw that evening was my friend, Laurie, who had on a bathrobe, messy hair, and a doll fastened to her leg. I think she was actually dressed up like ME... hee hee...

I am in a major creative slump! My house is so messy, I just can't get it all done. But the Book Club is coming for tea tomorrow - we're reading Pride and Prejudice this month - so I have to get the downstairs under control at least.

I may not be the World's Best Mom

But once in awhile, I find that I accomplish something that gives me hope that my kids will still look back and think that I was pretty good. We made 21 of these tonight for T's Kindergarten Scarecrow Party tomorrow... you can find the recipe on www.bettycrocker.com

The *asterisk* girls...

Couldn't have pulled the PUB dinner off without **Rosy**, sara*w, and *karly*!

I'm still glowing and remembering silly things I said that I wished I could take back. I hate saying dumb things. Guess it's all part of my *charm*. I'm lucky that I have a few good pals that stick with me even with my foot in my mouth.

Some reflections on the evening...

- Desiree Swanson is the MOST amazing photographer... I was lucky enough to see some of her GORGEOUS pics... *drool*... - Gina and Renee' are so CUTE... totally identical... it was fun to talk to you girls! AND Congrats to Gina for winning the Scrapworks LO contest! - Kate Teague has the crazy, wild side I didn't know about... she *made* Tia autograph her arm (photos to follow) TIA!! I knew I'd like you... but I didn't know that you'd laugh at my jokes! I *heart* you for that - Kah-Mei is lovely... and her pp is lovely, too Note to LSS... MUST start carrying FontWerks pp immediately!! - Carol (giraffemom) had the coolest Book of Ten... but I'm still steamed at you, sweetie, for not introducing yourself at Cathy's party... stomp, stomp... oh, you know I can't stay mad at you - Rhonda is beautiful and sweet - thank you so much for laughing at my jokes... that was beyond gracious - Rachel and Brookes... you guys are awesome! I am still trying to figure out what Rachel was trying to tell me about zipping all the files... she's my new technical guru! - I love Alissa's mom! And now we've sucked her into the world of scrapbooking. Alissa - I'm totally serious about e-mailing the *minute* you find out someone cool is coming to your store!! - Sue... you ROCK! I love how easy you are to talk to, and you're a darn good TA for rescuing my camera!! - Jane, so glad you came, sorry we didn't visit more! - Kate Thaete... you are unbelievably sweet! I want to come to one of your classes soon. Melissa - you're my new hero. Consider me your stalker from this point forward... Although - you may have some competition in Karen Burniston... I totally loved Karen's class, and I heard that I didn't even take the *best* one that Karen taught... so I am going to try and absorb some of Karen's mojo. My definition of Karen: Grace Under Pressure. My favorite thing Sheila said all weekend was, "I'm not sick, I'm just pregnant." (on me commenting that I was impressed she was at the Convention while being 36 weeks)



Now it's back to reality. I didn't realize how much I missed my little girls until we were all snuggling in bed this morning. THEY are the reason I scrapbook. Not the beautiful paper, not the amazing friends I'm making, not to get published... I want it to all be for them. I love you, T & R!

The obsession continues...

This is a layout I did a couple of weeks ago... I had a few hours to scrap last night, had to work on some DT stuff for ScrapTalk. I am *dying* to get back to working on Riley's baby book! It's a huge mental burden... I MUST finish it - and SOON. *Sigh* So much to scrap, so little time!







Tomorrow, I'm going to my first scrapbooking convention! I'm kind of nervous... I'm not really going with anyone tomorrow. I know I'll probably meet a few people - notably, Cathy Z at her Backstage Party! I'm going to have her autograph a copy of her book for me... I don't feel like too much of a stalker for asking for an autograph in a book - LOL!

I have been working with a scrapbooking mentor, and based on some of her views on the industry trends, I have decided to go back to multiple photo/12x12 layouts. I think those are more suited to my ultimate goal of having meaningful family albums. Of course, that could all change after I see Cathy Z's new stuff. I guess I don't have to pin myself down to one format or another.

Here's hoping I make it through the CK Convention and come away with great new ideas and not spend too much money (yeah, right!). I'm looking forward to meeting some Peas, some Pink Ladies, and other scrapbooking addicts like me!

I *heart* sara*w !!!!

Let me tell you a little about Sara... I met her through our mutual friend, Karly. I liked her when I first met her - she was a teacher - a hero to be sure. This Spring, when I finally signed on to Two Peas In A Bucket... I found out that Sara was a Pea, too!

Then, I saw her designs. I was BLOWN away! She is amazingly talented. Then Karly sent me to Sara's blog... it was so CUTE. Sara started showing me a whole new world - filled with Ali, Cathy Z, Tara W... I was hooked.

Sara was chosen as Pubster Of The Day last summer... and Impearia was so impressed when I told her that I knew Sara IRL (in real life). I felt pretty cool.

Now, I am so glad that I have gotten to share in the project of planning the Pub dinner with Sara. She's been with us every step of the way... cheering us along in our collection of vendor items, contacting local scrapbook stores, and designing a logo to use with some promo items at the dinner. Two Peas has this amazing power to connect people... even those who are already connected in other ways. I feel like I have made a tremendous discovery in Sara*W! Thanks, girl, I *heart* you!!

Results may vary...

I'm not really sure what I expected when I decided to plan a Pubster dinner for the CK Convention. I'm sure that I didn't expect our goodie bags to look like this. It just kind of happened.

I remembered that Jennifer Donnelly had done similar goodie bags for CHA last summer. That's where the idea came from. But I had no idea where to start. Then, Rosy contacted someone who had helped with the CHA party and got some contact names. When the initial answers were "YES" - that got me excited and thinking about how easy it was to request donations. So - I just made a list and started sending inquiries. And there were a lot of companies willing to help out.

Hey! That was easy and fun. That doesn't happen too often in my life right now. It was like a fudge-covered Oreo kind of high... but without the calories. You have to LIKE that.

So - here we are - Rosy and I - stuffing the goodie bags - and talking 2Peas gossip... when it hits us. These are INCREDIBLE. And then... where are we actually going to put these new things??? That's a good problem to have. Like having too many cute shoes to choose from.

A big thanks to all of our sponsors!!

Ben Franklin of Bonney Lake, WA
Cathy Zielske
Colorbok
Creative Imaginations/Scrapperware

Fiber Scraps

FontWerks
Gin-X/Imagination Project
Heidi Grace
Karen Foster
Li'l Davis
Maya Road
MoBe' Stamps

MyLifeInAScrapbook.com
Pressed Petals
SEI

Simply Cardstock.com

Two Peas In A Bucket (store)

Under the Autumn Sun...

You would never know it was late October on the Oregon Coast... sunshine and warmer temperatures brought out the bikini-clad girls of summer that I thought had gone to sleep for a season of sweatshirts and jeans.

As always, we had a fabulous time with our friends Mike, Jeannie, Craig, Karly, Tori, Aaron and all the kiddos. It's a great time to be a kid - sand castles, waves, rocks to climb... these are the times they will remember most!

Riley's favorite thing about the beach was "Seeing Ben and Caleb".

Taryn's favorite thing about the trip was "Playing at the beach with Ben and Caleb."

Obviously, these are very popular boys! The kids all got along so well, let's keep our fingers crossed it continues to be so easy and fun for us all to meet in October. This is definitely a tradition worth preserving.

Pumpkins!

We had such a great time on Saturday at the Pumpkin Patch! The girls loved tromping through the maze of vines and trying to pick up the enormous pumpkins. It was a perfect Fall day - sunny and crisp - and Grandma was able to join us, so it was extra special!

Sites To See...

My ScrapTalk Gallery: http://scraptalkphotos.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2939

My Two Peas Gallery: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=194623

October Guest Designer Spot: http://www.mylifeinascrapbook.com/

Here I Am! Now what?

I've been wanting to start a blog for a while now... just because so many of my scrapping friends do and it seems fun. Now, I actually have more reasons to do it, I've got info to share!

October is going to be The Month Of Cat. I'm proclaiming it so because I have so many fun things going on! We get to go on a small trip with friends to the Oregon Coast - LOVE that! I am the Guest Designer for MyLifeInAScrapbook.com - SO fun!

AND... it's the month of...........................................................

CREATING KEEPSAKES CONVENTION OCT 28-29!!!

And mostly the Pubster Dinner on October 29 at 5:30 pm at Azteca in Bellevue! Woohoo!!

I can't wait to meet some other Peas... including some really {hot} designers and a genuine Garden Girl! Can life be any better than this?

Well... yes. We could stop having all these horrible natural disasters. But, I can't do much about that besides pray.