PL2021 - Week 37 | Sahlin Studio

Week 37 of my project life album.

The pandemic that just keeps going...

• One thing I look forward to in the fall is the cotton candy sunrises and sunsets we get. So pretty. 
• Yet another state of emergency declared because of Covid and the demand on our health system.
• Madelyn's canoe day with her Trex group. 
• Barry and I spent some much needed time in the woods. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

PM See Ya Real Soon - Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-See-Ya-Real-Soon-Elements.html

PM See Ya Real Soon - J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-See-Ya-Real-Soon-Journal-Cards.html

 

PL2021 - Week 36 | Sahlin Studio

Week 36 was a bit heavy. 

It's almost impossible to believe that it's been 20 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre buildings in New York. We watched quite a lot of documentaries this week. Some I'd seen, some I hadn't. Watching that happen again, is like reliving it over again. 

20 years later, it's still hard to remember.

• Madelyn is ever so hopeful this 12 ft skeleton will make it's way with us. [She's talked about it for the past year]
• Flowers in the garden are peaking.
• Enjoying  nights outside.
• Remembering...
• Mad went to the first high school football game with a friend. She is bound and determined to get some 'high school experiences in' in light of how crazy everything is with Covid. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used:

PM Vibes Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Vibes-Elements.html

PM Vibes J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Vibes-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 35 | Sahlin Studio

Week 35 of my project life album. 

This week basically signifies the end of summer, and the start of school.

Even though we had an amazing summer, it's hard to say goodbye to it. The days getting noticeably shorter, the evenings cooling off... 

Here's my page:

• First day of Grade 11. 
• Miss Libby, surveying her space.
• On owl look out.
• A pop and a catch up after work. 
• Still not scared of critters. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Flashback elements - https://the-lilypad.com/store/flashback-kit.html

Flashback J. Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/flashback-journal-cards.html

October [2021] Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

A few weekends ago, Barry and I got out to the woods for a few hours. 

We had to drop Madelyn off at a nearby location, to enjoy a canoe day with her Trex group. 

Rather than head back home, we decided to pack a lunch and make the most of our time before having to pick her up. 

I created a layout, using Sahlin Studio free October template, to record this memory.  The template is available to download, for free, through the whole month. Click here to go check it out and download. 

I also used October's featured product, Autumn Stories for this page. It's on sale for 40% off through the rest of the month. It's perfect to tell any fall stories you might have. To check these products out, links can be found below. 

The day was perfect. It started off rather chilly. We slowly striped layers off as we went. By the time we stopped for lunch, it was t-shirt weather. The colours weren't changing as much as I thought they would have, but it was such a great day. So glad we did it. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Autumn stories Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Autumn-Stories-Kit.html

Autumn stories J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Autumn-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

 

PL2021 - Week 34 | Sahlin Studio

Today is October 1st. September went by in a flash. 

We've been enjoying the loveliest weather. There are even some trees with leaves still on them. Slowly changing colour. We don't take autumn for granted around here. Or the the way the changing leaves beautify everything. Some years it freezes and sadly, the leaves just fall off the trees. 

I still have tomatoes growing on my deck. We haven't even had a killing frost yet. I consider that very lucky. 

Here's week 34 of my project life album:

Mason showing the blanket he made for his sweetheart.

Kids that came into the kitchen wearing band shirts from the same band. 

A trial run on the bus.

Is anyone going to buy Covid stuffies? Please say no...

An outdoor birthday gathering to celebrate August birthdays. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

PM Celebrate Paper: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Celebrate-Papers.html

PM Celebrate Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Celebrate-Elements.html

PL2021 - Week 33 | Sahlin Studio

Each month Sahlin Studio has a featured product for sale. This month it happens to be the Project Mouse Wilderness collection. [Click on link to go to the sale page] 

You can pick up the entire bundle, or pick and choose whatever elements you may want. Whatever tickles your fancy. Being the featured product means it's on sale for 40% off regular price. Prices are in effect until the end of September, don't wait too long! 

Here is my week 33 project life page, using this collection: 

• Our flowers look so good this year!
• Together Barry and Madelyn painted the bat box they made. 
• A visit in the woods that did my heart good. 
• Finding a lost treasure.
• Watching the storm roll in from the back yard. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

PM Wilderness Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Wilderness-Elements.html

PM Wilderness J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Wilderness-Journal-Cards.html

PM Wilderness - Word Art: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Wilderness-Word-Art.html

PL2021 - Week 32 | Sahlin Studio

Summer is officially winding down for us. Kids have headed back to school. The days are getting shorter. Leaves are beginning to turn colour. As with the spring season, I wish our fall lasted longer. I wish we could stretch it out across several months.  

Fingers crossed we get a nice warm September to enjoy. Maybe even October. Winter will be upon us before we know it. 

For now, here is week 32 of my project life album, still documenting our summer days...

• I've had a little bit of garden success this year. It's been fun enough I'll try again next year.
• Madelyn and Barry finally built the bat box they've been talking about for the past few years. 
• Libby loves to be chased. Mason was a willing chaser.
• The smoke-haze... It seems to be our new regular summer occurrence.
• Enjoying coffee outside in the morning, every chance I get. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Kit.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 31 | Sahlin Studio

I used PM Wilderness collection, to document this weeks project life page. 

You're in luck! Project Mouse: Wilderness happens to be the featured product through September from Sahlin Studio. On sale for 40% off, through the entire month. 

If you happen to be outdoorsy, it's a great collection. I also wanted to show how flexible it can be. Here is week 31 of my project life album. 

• Barry the bird whisperer [and very interested Libby]
• Dropping Mad off at her week long CALM camp. 
• Celebrating Baba's birthday.
• What the mountains looked like for most of the month. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

PM Wilderness Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Wilderness-Elements.html

PM Wilderness J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Wilderness-Journal-Cards.html

September 2021 Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

It's September which means template freebie time! Sahlin Studio just released this months template, free to download through all of September. Check it out.  [download template here]

Last week, with the start of a new school year on the horizon, Madelyn and I did a bus run so she could feel confident getting herself to and from school. 

This is a big deal. 

She took a school bus all through junior high. Last year, when she should have been taking transit, we drove her to and from school every day, due to Covid. This is really her first opportunity to gain some independence. She's in total control of getting up, getting out the door and catching the bus she needs to in order to be at school on time. 

Of course I took the opportunity to document our experience. I put the photos I took into the September template, and here's the result.    

I'm happy with how this turned out. I love adding my own touches to the pages. 

I'm glad I have this story recorded. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

http://sahlinstudio.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-template-sketch-september-21/

Like a Boss Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/like-a-boss-kit.html

Like a Boss J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/like-a-boss-journal-cards.html

PL2021 - Week 30 | Sahlin Studio

A look at my project life spread for week 30.

I used photo journal templates to capture a few words right on the photos. I tend to do that a lot, but this gives specific space for it.  Some times less words make for better stories. 

• Libby loves to be in the yard when we're out there. 
• Quite a bit of owl activity in the neighbourhood this summer. 
• Made some rhubarb scones with white chocolate chips. They tasted better than they looked. 
• Bar works so hard in the yard, which at this time of year shows. 
• A visit with family we haven't seen in over a year.

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

 

Photo Journal No. 3: http://sahlinstudio.com/new-in-the-shop-photo-journal-templates-stamps/

Flashback Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/flashback-elements.html

Flashback J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/flashback-journal-cards.html

PL2021 - Week 29 | Sahlin Studio

Considering how low key our life has been since March 2020, this week was jam packed with fun. 

We saw Black Widow in the theatre. Finally. It was supposed to be released last year, but was of course, pushed back. We easily booked seats on line and were able to secure 4 spots together. The movie was good. I'm already looking forward to watching it again, so I can pick up on the things I missed. 

It's been so much fun watching my little container garden explode with growth. My herbs are growing like crazy, as are my tomatoes. I can't wait until they're ready to eat. I also grew a zucchini plant [so far 2 decent sized zucchinis] and a pumpkin plant which has been winding it's way down the fence. 

• We watched the NHL hockey draft and we're really sorry to see Gio go...
• Seats and snacks, ready to watch Black Widow.
• We met up with the Wick's to celebrate Xmas Adam in July. I mean, why not? All the furniture and electronic stores are doing it. 
• My vegetable bounty. 
• Mad's trip to Calaway Park. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

You are Here Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-kit.html

You are Here J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-journal-cards.html

PL2021 - Week 28 | Sahlin Studio

Flashback to week 28 of my project life album. 

The first few week of July was super hot and humid. 

Then the hot stayed, but the smoke settled in. We've been luckier some days than others, but it's been relatively hot and smoky. Not an awesome combination. 

• I will never tire of these sweet wild flower bouquets that get brought home to me. I suspect my days for getting them are numbered.
• Floating down the little red deer river, it was just as much fun as promised. Thanks Carrie!
• On the nights we get a sunset, the hazy skies put on a show. Other nights the sun just disappears. 
• Snuck Madelyn in to her first 18+ event. [That is certainly a picture of good parenting] It did help to know a guy in the band... Who in turn knew the event coordinator. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Kit.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 27 | Sahlin Studio

It's been approximately 3 weeks, since we've seen clear skies that are the colour blue.

I know we should consider ourselves very lucky, as British Columbia is fighting so many out of control forest fires. There are places that have been obliterated by fire. It's heart breaking. 

But the weird hot temperatures and grey skies, they're not much fun. Again, we've been fairly lucky because it's smokey, but hasn't smelled really bad, except for a couple of days.

It kind of feels like summer is over. Each hot grey day fades into the next. It's getting darker earlier and earlier, but the last week or so, the sun just kind of disappears behind the clouds/smoke haze. It's been kind of depressing actually. 

Having said that, at least we're not in danger, and so many are. Sending our prayers to all those in places we know and love in BC. 

Here's week 27 of my album: 

• These phones... I both love them and hate them simultaneously. I sometimes wish we'd never had them. They consume so much time and energy. And there are so many fights about their use. Which seems to be all. The. Time. Grrr...
• A very dramatic hair before and after. 
• Rhubarb gin. Enough said. Soooooo good. Barry was skeptical until first sip. Trying to figure how we can make enough to last throughout the winter. Another summer in a cup drink. [Gin and Tonic will likely always be #1 in my heart, but this is a very close 2nd] 
• This dog currently [as in at time of posting this in August] STILL SMELLS LIKE SKUNK.

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Highs and Lows - Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/highs-and-lows-kit.html 

Highs and Low - J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Highs-and-Lows-Journal-Cards.html

August 2021 Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

We're already into August, and that means it's time for another Sahlin Studio template freebie. [to download template, follow this link, free through all of August]

Here's the template: 

And here's how I used it. 

I love the simplicity of adding a few photos, choosing paper and elements. 

This came together quickly, and we now have photo proof of Mason's 19th birthday. [How is that even possible?]

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Template: http://sahlinstudio.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-template-sketch-august-21/

PM No. 2 - Papers: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-No.2-Papers.html

PM No. 2 - Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-No.2-Elements.html

PM No. 2 - Word Art: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-No.2-Word-Bits.html

PL2021 - Week 26 | Sahlin Studio

Week 26 means we've made it halfway through the year. 

Wow, halfway through 2021, which seems crazy. 

Here's week 26, which included a photo to flip open for a little bit more story and journaling. 

We had a crazy heat wave our first week of July. It was stupid hot. I got irritable with the heat. At first we all escaped to the basement to feel cool. Then the basement stopped feeling so cool. If these temperatures get to be a regular thing, it's not looking good for our keeping cool... 

We have spent a lot of time this year sitting with our feet in buckets of cold water. It works really well to help you cool down.  

• Air cast is off, thank goodness. 
• Sitting outside I happened to capture this awesome photo of the rays of sun coming out behind the clouds.
• More talk about the 'heatwave'.
• Libby met nose to nose with a skunk. In our backyard, the meeting did NOT go well. 
• Celebrating Mason's birthday with a legal gathering inside our house. 

The following Shalin Studio products were used: 

PM Vibes Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Vibes-Elements.html

PM Vibes J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Vibes-Cards.html

PM Vibes Word Art: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Vibes-Word-Art.html

PL2021 - Week 25 | Sahlin Studio

We're smack dab in the middle of summer right now, and we just can't seem to catch a break.

First we had heat warnings in place. The end of June and first part of July were sooooo hot. We're just not used to temperatures in the high 30's. 

Now, we have air quality warnings, as there are fires surrounding us in every province and state. It's cloudy/hazy/smoky. It's hot and muggy and no one wants to spend much time outside, breathing in the smoky air.

Here's week 25. In the midst of our heat wave. Without the smoke filled skies:

• As temperatures soar, we've spent a lot of evenings in the yard, trying to stay cool. 
• Nose Hill is so green. It makes my heart happy.
• New phone photos, using the portrait mode. Feeling so, so lucky. 
• This guy turned 19 this week. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

PM Beginnings - Elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Beginning-Elements.html

PM Beginnings - J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Beginning-Journal-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 24 | Sahlin Studio

Week 24 of my project life album was super quick and easy. I used photo template journals for a few of these photos. 

So easy to drag and drop and then add some words. 

Sometimes, the simpler the process is, the better. 

• Morning snuggles is pretty routine.
• Libby came nose to beak with this little magpie fledgling. Part of me wishes they'd become best friends like they do in a Disney movie. But I'm pretty certain that in real life, this little bird wouldn't stand a chance...
• Madelyn dressed up for the ickie awards at school.
• A quick story about the mailbox we've had for 16 years.
• Rain and sunshine. I love it when this happens. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

photo journal template No. 2: http://sahlinstudio.com/photo-journal-no-2-templates/

PM [Essentials] Fasteners: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Essentials-Fasteners.html

PL2021 - Week 23 | Sahlin Studio

Sahlin Studio's featured product for July is Summer Stories. 

Download this collection for 35% off, anytime during the month. It's perfect to use, especially if you have any stories pertaining to summer that you might want to document and remember. I love the colours and whimsy it offers. I know I'll use it multiple times this summer.  

I used on week 23 of my project life album: 

• She is getting around surprisingly well, on one foot. 
• Little fledgling magpie. 
• Celebrating Ama's birthday.
• Mason made a trip to the mountains with friends, they successfully hiked a hike rated difficult. He came home exhausted. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Kit.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/SS-Summer-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

July 2021 Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

Happy July! We're at the start of a new month, and you know what that means?! Sahlin Studio has released the new template freebie for July. 

It's available to download for free, through the entire month, so what are you waiting for? Go download it here!

The release of this template was perfectly timed with Madelyn's recent trip to the hospital. She had to know I would document something as significant as a broken bone.

Here are the other of things I want to remember about this incident:

• How Mad made arrangements after school to work on felting with a friend.
• At some point, she thought she should get up onto a tree branch.
• The call I received at 4:10 pm and upon answering knew immediately, something was wrong. 
• That I was so flustered to get to her, I didn't even ask what it was she'd hurt. 
• Having the discussion on the way to her, if a trip to the hospital was warranted, which hospital would we go to. [Agreed the Children's would be best] 
• Being surprised so see Barry piggyback her to the car, and see how ridiculously swollen her ankle was.  [I'd expected it to be an arm or collarbone]
• Arriving at the children hospital, relieved to see the waiting room not overly full. 
• Getting in and out including an x-ray and 2 doctors visits within 2 1/2  hours. 
• The Dr. telling us she thought it was a sprain, the radiologist would look in the morning and contact us should the need arise. 
• My heart sinking at 8:10 am the next morning as I received a call from the radiologist, telling us we needed to come back in, her ankle was broken. [Barry had already left to take her to school, so they were rerouted mid-route.]
• Picking her up at the end of the first day, totally exhausted with the realization that crutches,  leg in a boot and 3 flights of stairs to navigate daily were going to be very strenuous. 
• Giving her the next day off, as she was so sore, everywhere, and definitely her mental health took a hit. It was the day of many tears.

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Template Freebie - linked above

Ouch Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Ouch-Kit.html

Ouch Digital Stamps: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Ouch-Digital-Stamps.html

 

 

PL2021 - Week 22 | Sahlin Studio

This project is about keeping track of life. 

All of it. 

The big things as well as the little things. 

This week took a turn we didn't expect, that had Barry and I taking Madelyn to the Children's Hospital. The verdict? A broken ankle. So not fun. 

• Mad's first significant injury, resulting in a trip to the hospital. She broke her ankle while trying to climb a tree.
• The weather has been unseasonably warm. I think I heard the farmers almanac give us a hot dry summer... Time will tell. 
• The pollen is out and it is EVERYWHERE.
• Caught this photo of Mason watching our nearby baby robin family. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-journal-cards.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-kit.html

PL2021 - Weeks 20 & 21 | Sahlin Studio

I've lacked mojo this past few weeks.

That seems to happen on occasion, and I just ride it out. 

I hardly had any photos for this two week period, so I just picked the few I did have, and went with it. 

Here are combined weeks 20 & 21 in my project life album: 

• Enjoying the back deck once again. Our happy place. 
• Miss Libby, so patient. 
• The kids got their first Covid vaccine. So happy we're heading towards somewhat normal.
• Me and my girl.
• Loving the feeling of spring. Not loving so much moving plants in and out constantly. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-POP-Elements.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-POP-Journal-Cards.html

Pocket Page PM [Galaxy] 2 | Sahlin Studio

Sahlin Studio just released another add on pack to go with the recently released Project Mouse Galaxy collection. These include Project Mouse [Galaxy] Artsy, enamel pins and an alphabet.

I went through my photos one last time, of our one and only trip to Disneyland, back in 2011. One thing that I remember the most during that trip, was how entertaining waiting in line was. One very important order of business was to get on the Star Tours attraction. It was the ride, that we waited the longest to get on, our very first trip to the park. But it was always interesting. There was always something happening, and the kids were totally thrilled. 

I created this pocket page using these new releases. 

We have got to get back there. I hope our world returns to somewhat normal in the near future. We're dying to check out Galaxy's Edge, and the recently opened Avengers Campus at California Adventure. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/ss_britt_pm_galaxy_artsy.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/ss_britt_pm_galaxy_pins.html

PL2021 - Week 19 | Sahlin Studio

After waiting for what felt like a very long time, this was finally the week Bar & I got our first Covid vaccine. 

This also happened to be the week that Ali Edwards documented a Week in the Life. 

I took a ton of photos, my plan is always to follow along and create some sort of a mini album.

Week in the Life is not something that comes easily to me... 

I have not finished every album every year. In fact, in the 11 or so year I've been doing them, I only have a couple of truly finished albums. The rest of have a sprinkling of finished days. It's only documenting for a week, but for some reason, it's far more daunting to me than December Daily. 

My plan this year, is to create a digital book. Currently, I've finished Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I need to take the next few rainy days and get the remaining days done. 

Wish me luck!

Here is the page for my album:

• She still brings me dandelions... 
• Enjoying our time on Nose Hill. 
• These two...
• Catching a glimpse of a rare woodpecker at Fish Creek Park. 
• First shot has happened!

The following Sahlin Studio products were used:

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Spring-Stories-Kit.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Spring-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

June 2021 Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

Sahlin Studio has just released her free monthly template. Available to download at no cost to you, through the entire month. of June. Click here to download, I'll wait... 

I still love working with templates. It's such a great starting off point to tell a story. I love making the templates my own. Here's what this months template looks like:

And here's what I did with it. 

A certain someone turned 16 years old. It still seems unbelievable to me. 

Celebrating 16, the same way she celebrated 15, during a pandemic. So there was very little fanfare. Restaurants are all closed to in-person dining. So she didn't even get to pick her favourite restaurant to go to. We'll definitely have to make up for that, once they re-open and we feel safe going to them. 

The day consisted of our usual donut tradition. I also made her pancakes for her birthday breakie, since it happened on a weekend. 

For dinner she requested her favourite pasta dish, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta. I have to admit, it is delicious. It's enjoyed by all of us immensely. Mmmmm.... Cream and cheese, how could you go wrong?

She requested a Brookie as her birthday cake. It's a combination of a brownie and cookie. It was okay, but probably won't rush to make one again. It took such a long time to cook. And when it finally was cooked, was almost a bit over done. Nothing that warming it up and adding a scoop of ice cream couldn't fix. But when the birthday girl only has one piece over a few days, you know you've failed. 

Here's my layout, celebrating our sweet sixteen year old girl child. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Celebrate-Journal-Cards.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Celebrate-Elements.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Celebrate-Papers.html

PL2021 - Week 18 | Sahlin Studio

This week, for the first time, I had a bit of pushback from my youngest, about what pictures I post... 

In the past, I have shared a lot both here and on IG. I guess I'll need to be a little bit more mindful now. I respect that. 

Here's Week 18 of my project life album. This week I used parts of the You Are Here collection. It happens to be Sahlin Studios featured product for June. Through the whole month you can get these different pieces for 35% off. [Products are linked below]

• It's been a delight watching the spring crocus bloom on Nose Hill. 
• We often gather to watch a show, I captured these two on the floor showing each other something. 
• A White Crowned Sparrow and it's friends visited our yard for about 4 days. I'd never seen one before. 
• It looks like vaccines are doing what they're supposed to. Thank goodness we have a bit of good news.
• A Mother's Day photo with these two. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-elements-ss_youarehere_ep.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-journal-cards.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-papers-ss_youarehere_pp.html

PL2021 - Week 17 | Sahlin Studio

Spring has sprung here! Finally! 

I adore this time of year. The green grass. The leaves. The blossoms. I wish the blossoms lasted a little bit longer, but they're all out in their full glory and I'm loving it. 

I plan to do some planting this afternoon. Fingers crossed we've seen our last of the frost. Though, there was frost only a few nights ago. But at some point, you've got to move forward. 

Here is Week 17 of my project life album: 

• Enjoying lots of walks on Nose Hill this spring. Watching it get green is dreamy. 
• Appointments for Covid vaccine #1 have been booked. 
• Miss Madelyn celebrates 16. Sadly, we're still in a pandemic. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Birthday cake elements: https://the-lilypad.com/store/birthday-cake-elements.html

Birthday cake j. cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/birthday-cake-journal-cards.html

PL2021 - Week 16 | Sahlin Studio

It seems kind of ironic to me that I'm posting this layout from Week 16 with photos of snow. Currently, May 20th, it's snowing outside... Oh spring in Canada. You are a delight. 

Thankful I brought the few plants I bought inside last night. They wouldn't be happy right now. 

Here's week 16 of my project life album: 

• Still practicing yoga regularly.
• Snow... What more can be said about that? 
• Miss Libby, our little love bug. 
• Mason headed off to work. 
• Barry getting the front yard ready for [fingers crossed] warmer temps. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Simplify Kit: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Simplify-Kit.html

Simplify J. Cards: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Simplify-Journal-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 15 | Sahlin Studio

Here's week 15 of my project life album. 

Delighted to see the weather changing for the good. 

This was the week Miss Madelyn was quarantined in her bedroom. It's a bit ironic, that for the 4 days she had to be up there, she was miserable. And now, when we're looking for her, guess where she is? In her room... 

Not as much fun I guess, when you're told to stay in your room. 

• Madelyn 'taking her meals' in her room.
• Libby loves walks on Nose Hill.
• Love this silhouette of Madelyn. 
• It seems weird that Mason is the only one who leaves the house every day right now. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Rough Times Kit -  https://the-lilypad.com/store/Rough-Times-Kit.html

Rough Times J. Cards -  https://the-lilypad.com/store/Rough-Times-Journal-Cards.html

PL2021 - Week 14 | Sahlin Studio

In Week 14 we found out late in the week, that Madelyn had been exposed to someone at school who was Covid positive.  By late in the week, I mean 9:30 on Saturday night.

The protocol when receiving this dreaded email from the school, is to book a covid test and get a bunch of information from AHS.

Which we did. In the mean time, after receiving this email, we were instructed that she should 'quarantine' herself in her bedroom. I found this a bit ironic, as she'd been in close contact with a covid positive case on Tuesday, but we didn't get the email telling us that, until Saturday. Saturday night. Saturday night at 9:30 pm. We'd shared meals and spent time together from Tuesday until Saturday night. 

She reluctantly went to her room. She was there, quarantined alone, through much of the next week. Taking meals and being made to stay in her room, she soon learned, was not as much fun as just choosing to be in her room. And let's face it, choosing to be there, is her favourite thing. #teenagers

I was truly hoping she'd be the anomaly who ended up going to school all year, without having to quarantine. Making it to April before this happened, was a good run. Many of her school friends have already had to stay home and quarantine, some on more than one occasion. 

That being said, Friday April 9th was the last time Madelyn was physically present in school.

• Mornings are hard for everyone. 
• Kitchen is starting to look really good. It's nearly finished. 
• We were sorry to hear about the passing of Prince Philip.
• Buffalo Chicken Poutine, enough said. Pub grub at home, yummy. 
• Making a real effort to walk more. So far, so good. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Gather J. Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/gather-journal-cards.html

Gather Digi stamps - https://the-lilypad.com/store/gather-digital-stamps.html

May 2021 Template Freebie | Sahlin Studio

Sahlin Studio just released the May template. Free to download through the whole month, to do that now, follow this link. 

As soon as I saw the template for May, I knew exactly what picture I wanted to use. 

First, a little back story. 

We are basically back in lockdown again. Mandatory provincial restrictions were announced last night, and effective immediately. Once again, we're back to the 'only go out if you need to' scenario. All salons, barbers, nail salons etc, are being shut down again. Restaurant patios too. The number of people you can gather with has dwindled down to 5. Outside only. All grades in schools are back to on-line learning until at least May 25th. We've shifted back to Step 0 restrictions. 

Covid numbers are sky rocketing.  There is concern our health system won't be able to take it. 

This has been a tough go. It just keeps going. Like the energizer bunny. With no end in sight. 

Still taking things day by day... 

Back to the layout I created using this months template. 

This picture was taken in March. When we were seeing other people sporadically. On this particular day, Madelyn, Mum and I ended up going to the thrift store. I had a few boxes to drop off, and we were all itching to get out and see some new scenery.

It was a delightful afternoon, that actually felt almost normal. Well, aside from mask wearing. 

The template can be downloaded for free through May. I also used digital product Spring Stories which happens to be Sahlin Studio's featured product for the entire month as well. Available for 35% off through May. Links below. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Template: http://sahlinstudio.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-template-sketch-may-21/

Spring Stories Kit - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Spring-Stories-Kit.html

Spring Stories J. Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Spring-Stories-Journal-Cards.html

Project Mouse [Galaxy] | Sahlin Studio

You guys...

Sahlin Studio in collaboration with Brittish Designs, just released another epic Project Mouse collection, Galaxy.  It's Star Wars themed!  Eeks! 

When I first saw this bundle, I was so excited. 

We've had Star Wars fever around my house basically since Mason was old enough to talk. Star Wars movies, Star Wars figurines, Star Wars Lego, Star Wars Birthdays, and even a Star Wars decorated bedroom. 

One of our greatest wishes as a family, is to get to Disneyland to experience the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge portion of the park. Our initial plan, for our 2019 Road Trip, was to drive all the way to Disneyland. That was the spring/summer Galaxy's Edge opened. The website wasn't sure how busy the park would be, but anticipated it being VERY busy. When it first opened they expected the waits to be multiple hours long. They were even expecting that the park may reach capacity, and they'd have to stop allowing guests in. 

Barry and I decided that it was just too long a drive, to get there and potentially be turned away. 

Then the pandemic hit. Disneyland has been closed for over a year. In fact, it only opened again on Friday, April 30th, 2021. 

That seems unbelievable to me. 

Aside from the fact that we can't travel right now, even within our own provinces, I suspect visiting Disneyland is still quite a ways off. 

I enjoyed looking through old photos and created a few layouts using this newly released bundle. 

It was so fun to go back through these photos of our last trip and create these pages. I can't wait until we can get back there now, our little ones not so little anymore. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Galaxy-Elements.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Galaxy-Elements.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Galaxy-Word-Art.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Galaxy-Papers.html