PL2018 - Last Page - NYE

I decided to add one more page to my 2018 album, to complete it.

This is a quick pocket page of our New Year's Eve celebration. 

The last couple of years it's really hit home, that our new years eve's, spent together as a family of four, are dwindling... 

By grade 12, I was no longer hanging out at home...

All good things must come to an end...

I don't know if they 'must', but they do. And that's okay. 

This year, we made the decision to spend NYE at home. Just the four of us. It's the first time, since 2007 that we were alone for new years. [We were home in 2007 because both kids had ear infections. Fun times...] We have always done something on new years. Usually it's been a get together with friends. We spent a few NYE out in Kananaskis in the past, we have never mindfully decided to stay home.

This year, I was looking forward to fun food, a crackling fire, board games and just hanging out with my people.

All was good, until about 5 pm that afternoon. Madelyn saw on the news, that there was a party happening downtown at Olympic Plaza. Suddenly our staying home seemed to come as a total surprise to her, and all she wanted to do was:  Go.  To.  Olympic.  Plaza... 

She finally realized that her begging was futile... I mean,  it wasn't ridiculously cold, like it had been last year [when I believe the Olympic Plaza festivities were cancelled] But we'd already decided to stay home. She ranted quite a bit. More than I'd have cared to listen to. I honestly thought the whole evening was going to be derailed... At one point, I thought maybe she's going to remember this as the NYE she spent in her room... At one point, Mason looked at her and said "You're acting like a toddler..."

Somehow we managed to pull it all together, and have a fun, quiet evening at home. We had favourite snack foods. We played games. [The kids received Ticket to Ride this year, and we've had a lot of fun playing it] We also played Settlers of Catan, which is a crowd fav around here.

We celebrated at midnight with milk and chocolate chip cookies... [that particular toast almost didn't happen, because when I was making the cookies, Madelyn got angry and said, 'to cheers that way was a dumb idea'] At that point, she was still trying to convince us to head down town. I just about said "Fine." And didn't make the cookies... But then I would have been the one acting like a toddler...

One thing I'm working very, very hard at doing is this: not reacting.

And believe me, there is loads of room for improvement here. But I'm trying. I'm conscience of my reactions, and I'm really trying to not react immediately and say things out of hurt feelings. Because that's really what it's about.

The reacting me would have said "Fine, I'm not making cookies". Chances are pretty good there might have been a slight hissy-fit involved on my part. Then come midnight I would have felt guilty, because I'd wanted to do something special for my family but didn't see it through.

Instead, I made the cookies, realizing that she was just frustrated with the circumstances, and it ended up being awesome. I highly recommend toasting in the new year with milk in fancy glasses and chocolate chip cookies. Too bad we haven't done that before.

Who knows, this may have been the last time we celebrate the arrival of a brand new year as our family of 4.

As these kids get older, it just gets more and more fun.

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/chesterfield-kit.html

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

PL2018 - December

I did it! I completed my 2018 project life album.

It feels so great knowing this is yet another year, in the books. 

I haven't yet begun my 2019 album. I'm trying to decide which route to go...  Part of me wants to create digital pages, that I can collect at the end of the year, and put into a book of some sort. 

Part of me wants to continue on with this format, of pocket scrapbooking. The problem is, the pockets, or page protectors seem to be hard to come by. I used to be able to pick them up at Michael's, but they no longer carry them. I can find them on-line, but with shipping, a 60 pack runs upwards of $60.  Eeks... I am sure I can have a photo book printed for cheaper than that...

I have about 20 page protectors remaining. I will probably start out printing and putting individual pictures in pocket pages. I may be able to scrape by with enough this year... 

Anyone reading this, that sees these on sale, in CANADA, please let me know!! 

I'd prefer all 60 to be design A [the one that there are 40 of] But at this point, I'd take whatever I can get my hands on. 

Still plan to document our every day this way even though there have been the following developments: 

1] Madelyn reluctantly holds my hand now, when we're out...

2] Both kids would prefer NOT to be photographed and get a bit pissy about it...

I've been waiting for this to happen for a while. I'm disappointed, not surprised. 

I chose to document December, with a 2 page month at a glance spread, rather than weekly pages, consistent with the rest of my album. I obviously want to have pages for December, to finish off my album. But, in creating a December Daily album, I feel like there would be too much repetition if I did the weekly format.  

[December Daily album is coming along, I just sent a whole bunch of photos to be printed. My goal is to have the album completely finished by the end of January, fingers crossed] I will share it when I'm done. 

For now, I am completed my PL2018 album, here is December:

Both Sides: 

Left Side: 

Right Side:

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Home-for-the-Holidays-Elements.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Home-for-the-Holidays-Journal-Cards-1.html

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Home-for-the-Holidays-Journal-Cards-2.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Christmas-Enamel-Pins.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Christmas-Artsy.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Christmas-Elements.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Christmas-Journal-Cards.html

PL2018 - Weeks 47 & 48

We're finally back into routine around here, with kids back to school and all our extra-curricular activities picking up again. 

I'm always glad to have time off together, but always equally as glad when everyone heads back to school/work. 

It's been delightful to have the house quiet, just as I like it, and back to myself again. 

Here are weeks 47 & 48 of last years project life album. 

Week 47:

• Libby had blood work, and was NOT happy about the bandage on her leg. 
• Participant once again, in the cardboard boat race.
• Huge snowfall, in one 24 hour period. [And it has hardly snowed since]
• Jingle Ring Tournament, which our girls ended up coming away with the bronze!

Week 48:

• Made a ganache for those cookies. And it was delicious. And so were the cookie cups. 
• Celebrating my brothers birthday. [Have you ever noticed in ALL the Hallmark movies, all the characters greet their sibling like this: "Hey big brother." "Long time, no see little Sis." "Why so down little brother?" "It would sure be great to see more of you around the holidays big Sis." Who does that? I guess it just establishes characters right away...]
• Found this gem of a photo of the boy, taken by his 'little sister'.... [Bahaha.... I couldn't resist]
• The elves arrived. Enough said. 
• Putting up lights in the back yard, see, there's hardly any snow in this photo. And that is what our backyard still looks like. 
• I should have a bumper sticker that reads: Will stop for a wood pile

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Week 47:

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

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

Week 48: 

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

For Real Elements - http://the-lilypad.com/store/For-Real-Elements.html

For Real Journal Cards - http://the-lilypad.com/store/For-Real-Journal-Cards.html

PL2018 - Weeks 45 & 46

I have tried really hard for the past few months, to eliminate the word 'busy' from of my vocabulary.

Which is not always easy. Especially at this time of year.

Busy gets way too much recognition. Let's face it, we're all on the go. We have daytime commitments, night time commitments, weekend commitments.  I truly don't believe my kids are over extended, I'm sure some disagree. When you are involved in organized sports such as hockey and ringette, it's a 2 - 4 time a week commitment. Per child. The occasional night at home, is always a welcome treat. 

Last night was the first night, out of the past 10 nights, that we were actually home. 

And I must say, it was heavenly. We had roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, salad for dinner. We watched the Polar Express. Ate snacks, enjoyed a few beverages. Marvelled at our twinkling Christmas tree. We really enjoyed our quiet night, spent together.

There's a lot of talk about self-care and the ability to say no. That's a hard one for me. Choosing what to say yes to and what to say no to.  I tend to say yes a lot. And when I do say no, I feel the need to rationalize, or explain myself. I think it's a tough one for a lot of people, to say no, and give no explanation. It's definitely something I'm working on.

On another subject, here are weeks 45 & 46 of my project life album:

Week 45: 

• Seriously, can not get enough of all the Christmas blankets in the stores right now, and I'm totally drawn to them. 
• Cozy infant of the fire.
• Madelyn has suddenly found 'music'. We downloaded apple music as a 3 month trial, and she has been absolutely delighted. She has her headphones on, the majority of the time these days. 
• Watching the Remembrance Day celebration in Ottawa. Not very many old time veterans remain. So thankful for their service. 

Week 46:

• Love, love, love watching Mason play hockey. I don't love the body checks and crashes into the boards, but everything else is awesome. 
• Lovely day for a dog walk.
• Barry and I went to see a movie on the 12th of November, the kids had school, but he had the day off work! We went and saw the Bohemiam Rhapsody. 
• Calgary Plebiscite to decide whether or not we should go ahead and put a bid in for the 2026 winter olympics. It was a no.
• Waiting our turn for family photos. There was a lot of complaining this morning. 
• Love, love, love watching Madelyn play ringette. She has gotten so fierce out on the ice. I'm attributing it to all the wrestling her and her brother/Dad have been doing. A noticeable change from last year. 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Week 45: 

Calendar Card Stamps http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Currently Flair: https://the-lilypad.com/store/-currently-flairs.html

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

Week 46:

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Overlays: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Magical-Photo-Overlays.html

Stitching:  https://the-lilypad.com/store/paper-piercing-stitch-holes-basic.html

PL2018 - Weeks 43 & 44

These two weeks take us into November. I'm pretty much caught up with this years Project Life album. Sometimes when it gets to this time of the year, I chose to make monthly layouts rather than weekly. 

I'm not sure what I'll do through December yet... Once I start working on my December Daily album, the stories kind of start to duplicate themselves. Having said that, I include December in my PL book of course, because my mini albums are usually put away for the year. I pull them out at Christmas, but  I still want to remember the stories that happen, but maybe not in as much detail. 

• This was my second stint in exactly a week, as a chip runner for the casino. The week before was an emergency call out, from the Madelyn's school. It was also a 7 pm - 3 am shift... This was a daytime shift, but it was still just as slow. This time, I put my hours in for ringette.
• Such a great day for a walk, not a breath of wind. 
• Yummy treats.
• Doggie snuggles on the couch. 
• Pumpkin carving. 

For week 44, I decided to create a two page spread. This week fell on Halloween, which was the first Halloween, that I've been home by myself, since we had kids. 

Madelyn's class went on a two night, 3 day trip to Drumheller, staying overnight in the Tyrrell Museum, sleeping with the dinosaurs. Such an awesome program, they actually got to be mini palaeontologists for a few days. Madelyn was totally bummed that she would be missing the candy collection portion of Halloween, but reluctantly decided to go on the trip. 

We decorated pumpkins on Sunday, while watching Jurassic World with Chris Pratt. We'd been told beforehand, that the kids would be watching the latest Jurassic Park movie, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, as a special treat, on Halloween. [They weren't given any candy, or even allowed to bring any, and we heard a lot about that atrocity...]

We actually had a Jurassic Park movie marathon, this same weekend, watching all the movies, as Madelyn had never seen any of them before. It was fun to watch them all in order again. When will people learn, dinosaurs and people just don't mix well together. But they keep opening the park...

Here's what the two pages look like together: 

Left side, close up:

• Treats for a Trex Halloween Party.
• Heading into school with 3 days worth of gear on her back.
• Pumpkins...
• The front porch. I didn't decorate inside the house this year but did decorate outside a bit. 
• Filter fun on Snapchat, while I was home alone. 

Right side, close up:

• Madelyn all dolled up for the fashion show. Again, she talked this year about how nervous she was, but she got up on stage and rocked it. 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Halloween-Enamel-Pins.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Halloween-Artsy.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Halloween-Kit.html

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

PL2018 - Weeks 40, 41 & 42

My mum held the fort down at home, while Barry and I spent a week out at the West Coast, in Sooke, celebrating our 20th Anniversary. We had such a nice get away, even the weather cooperated for us. The last time we were out there as a family, we were met with typhoon-like conditions. It was October then too, so we counted ourselves as pretty darn lucky.    

Week 40:

• I don't think I could ever get tired of beach pictures. 
• I also don't think I could ever get tired of beach combing and beach art. 
• There was the excitement of what I'm calling 'SNO-ctober' while we were away. Kids both had a snow day, which was fun for everyone. 
• We celebrated on the beach with some bubbly one night, where we were rewarded with the most magnificent sunset. 

Weeks 41 & 42 combined:

• A trip to the Rothney Observatory with Trex.
• We took Mason to the open house at SAIT, just so he can be a bit informed. 
• First ringette tourney of the season for Adrenaline, they lost all their games in the Lonnie Krahn, but had a lot of fun doing so.  
• Another marvellous sunset over the foothills and mountains. 
• Family photos, while celebrating Barry's parents 60th Wedding Anniversary. 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Week 40

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Kindred Journal Cards: http://the-lilypad.com/store/Kindred-Journal-Cards.html

Kindred Kit: http://the-lilypad.com/store/Kindred-Kit.html

Weeks 41 & 42

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

4x6 photo templates vol. 1- https://the-lilypad.com/store/4x6-Photo-Templates-Vol-1.html

Everyday Routine Elements:  http://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-elements.html

Everyday Routine - Journal Cards - http://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-journal-cards.html

PL2018 - Week 39

Week 39 really wasn't that long ago. This week was a busy one, lots of running around. At this point Mason had been on the ice for a number of evaluations, but still didn't have any information as to placement. Hoping to hear early into the next week. 

It was also the week that Barry and I were looking forward to our little get away. 

• We celebrated Barry's birthday, by making him BBQ his own steak. He chose steak and he's convinced us all, that he's the only one brave enough to 'cook with fire'. 
• Mason had to get fitted for a new retainer and hockey mouth guard. [I had to leave the room, because the giggles struck...] Giggles and gagging, is not a great match, although hilarious. 
• We left Calgary and the COLD. Arriving in delightful and temperate Kelowna. Though today will be going down in history as the longest. Drive. Ever. 
• Went pub hoping Friday night with some friends, had so much fun trying the 'beer flights'. 
• Saturday, we went to the wedding. The day couldn't have been more perfect for them. So fun. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Calendar Card Stamps: http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

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

PL2018 - Week 32

This summer, we had some hot days. 

Really hot. Above 30 degrees Celsius. 

So not the norm for Calgary. If we get up to 30 degrees, that's usually something worth talking about. But to well surpass 30 degrees, for a number of days in a row, that is highly unusual. 

For another summer, I lay in bed many a night, unable to sleep, wishing we had air conditioning. 

Then, without notice, the weather changed.  I once again find myself bundled up from head to toe in polar fleece... 

8 degrees Celsius seems much warmer, almost tropical, after you've had a winter of negative double digits. 

However, when you're summer has consisted of temperatures in the high 30's, and seemingly overnight you plummet to single digits numbers, it's like you've been thrust into the arctic circle. 

At least I have my photos to go back and look at, to remember exactly how warm it got this summer. 

Week 32: 

• I made pickles. I love that this photo captures the actual 'pickling process' in action. The pickles on the far right in the photo, are already changing colour. They go from being vibrant green little cucs, to well, pickles.
• Today was a hot one. Captured the temp and the mileage in the car. 
• Dill growing on the patio.
• Madelyn and Barry, spent a super hot, not too smoky afternoon at the outdoor pool. 
• The layouts I created for my guest member spot at Paislee Press. 
• Cooling down with our feet in cold water. 
• Capturing an unbelievable day at Bowness Park. The smoke haze makes for some pretty awesome photos. The light is often perfect. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

All About This - Digital stamp -https://the-lilypad.com/store/All-About-This-Digital-Stamps.html

PL2018 - Week 31

Here is the most recent page to my project life album. It's so, so simple, just basically photos and words. 

Sometimes that's all you need.

This week saw another big portion of our plumbing renovation done. After this weekend, we were definitely more than half-way done. 

Week 31: 

• Always where I find her. Love, love, LOVE her passion for reading. 
• Driving to pick Mason up from work, I glanced up and saw this dragon-looking cloud. I knew Madelyn would think it was awesome. 
• Kitchen sink plumbing.
• Pluming gadgets. All over the house. Literally.
• First tomato of the season, and it was as yummy as it looked.
• More holes in ceilings... Now, onto the basement.
• Celebrating Baba's bday with burgers and cake, all enjoyed outside. 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Photo Rounds -  Routines: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Photo-Rounds-Routines.html

 

PL2018 - Week 30

Today is September 3rd. And it's a miserable day. Cold, grey, rainy. Just yuck. But it seems right in line with the 'mood' around here. 

Tomorrow school starts back. Grade 11 and Grade 8. Eeks! No one seems overly thrilled to get back at it. Though I'm ready to get these kids back into a bit of routine, I'm not looking super forward to 6 am get ups... Gross. 

We had a great summer. Could have definitely done without all the forest fire smoke, that settled over the city in August. But temperature-wise, no complaints here. It was hot enough, that Barry and I wondered yet again, if we should invest in an air conditioner for the house. The upstairs was above 28 degrees Celsius more than it wasn't, this summer. Or so it seemed. So hot to sleep. 

The last week or so, it has cooled off considerably. Leaves on the trees are beginning to change. Which seems earlier than usual. Wondering if it's the cooler temperatures, and perhaps the smoky days that has helped this process along.  It was dark and dreary on a few of those bad smoky days. Perhaps that's all the trees needed, to nudge them towards fall. 

I do hope we get a reprieve. I hope today's grey and chilly morning is just a blip on the screen, and that we have a great September and October. Rumour has it, that we're in for another killer winter... So it only seems fair, that we get a nice fall. Fingers crossed. 

This layout is using Septembers featured product Simplify. I have included the links below. Through September, the kit and journal cards and be picked up for 40% off! Awesome! 

Here is my layout for Week 30, which takes us back to the last week of July. A warmer time for sure! 

• Ama and Madelyn made a trip to the zoo this week. 
• Mason had a friend over and they played a board game, in person... 
• My on-going quest to find glasses to read things. All the things. Everything... Only to find, I already have glasses on. 
• Mad and I went to see Infinity War, have to see it before going to see Ant Man and the Wasp.
• Helping Dad solder some wires.
• Camping trip, which was so much fun. Created a layout about it here
• These kids, and their video game playing... I hate it. Desperately trying to minimize the time spent staring at screens with game controls in their hands. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

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

PL2018 - Weeks 27 and 29

Oopsie!! I just about forgot to post week 27!

These photos took place at the beginning of July.

I can't complain about our summer, it's been pretty awesome. The last few days, it's cooled off considerably. And the leaves are beginning to change. Summer holidays and summer itself,  are coming to an end...

Here is week 27:

• Barry's view at the Kananaskis golf course. He got to play there this season, after it's been rebuilt. It was devastated by the 2013 floods. 
• Little Miss, is trying her hand at sewing this summer. 
• Mason splurged and ordered a Lego for himself. He enjoyed putting it together.
• Our from little porch area, it's so cute!
• A bike ride up Nose Hill
• A favourite new reading place. 

Week 29:

• Putting the tent up to sleep in the back yard. It's been SO HOT. I surprised everyone by volunteering to sleep in the yard. And I have to say, it was definitely cooler, thank goodness. 
• Gardening first thing in the morning, before it gets too hot.
• Madelyn joined the walking girls this week, we did Edworthy Park, the forest side. 
• Bike ride at Fish Creek with Mason and Barry. We went from one side to the other, which was about 30 km in total. Totally awesome. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Week 27 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

Everyday Routine Journal Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-journal-cards.html

Week 29

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

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

PL2018 - Week 28

Here is week 28 from my project life album. 

I can't believe it's nearly the end of August. Looking back at these photos, was at the beginning of summer! 

Summer's been good to us. It's been pretty decent weather. We got out on 3 separate camping trips. We managed to get all our plumbing done. So it's been good. But as usual, the time seems to have slipped by in a heartbeat. 

Anxiously awaiting the start of Grade 11 and Grade 8. Eeks! 

For now, here's the summer photos!

• Barry's view at Kananaskis golf course. It has just re-opened after the floods of 2013. He was thrilled to be playing there. The weather wasn't great... Lots of rain. But the scenery is spectacular. 
• Madelyn has a few sewing projects on the horizon this summer
• Mason putting Lego together in his room.
• Love our little porch area.
• Bike ride up Nose Hill with Mason.
• Reading in her swing. One of her favourite new places. 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

Everyday Routine Journal Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/the-everyday-routine-journal-cards.html

PL2018 - Weeks 24 & 25

There is currently a fine layer of drywall dust everywhere in my house.

Not from putting up walls. From tearing down walls and ceilings. 

We're more than halfway through our "Replace ALL the Water Lines in our House" project. The reason for that is the dreaded Poly B... Tubing that was used for the water lines in all the houses in my area. Tubing that as it turns out, has a life span.  

We know that from first hand experience. We've had 7 separate water 'events' in 11 years. They've ranged from pinprick water leaks, to an actual burst pipe. That one, was the messiest and most shocking. It was on a holiday and required an emergency trip from a plumber. Thank goodness we were home when it happened. 

I can't stress this enough: Know where the main water shut off valve is in your home. 

That has come in handy for us. On multiple occasions.  

We have two more ceiling sections to open up. To replace old Poly B with Pex. This is something that had to happen. We've planned our summer around it.  We're nearly done. And although the aftermath of what a mess we have to deal with, hasn't quite hit yet, we're feeling pretty good about the pipe replacing. 

This morning there's a certified plumber in our basement, welding/soldering what Barry can't handle. He's checked our work, and given us a thumbs up. [insert huge sigh of relief here...]

I am so grateful for family and friends that have helped us with this gigantic task. I'm also so grateful for my handy husband, who had taken this on, and done a pretty successful job at it. Saving us thousands of dollars that was quoted to us several years ago to do this very job.

Looking forward to getting ceiling back up.

It's been a while coming...

Here is my layout for combined weeks 24 & 25 of my project life album:

This layout was created consisting mostly of Paislee Press product, the product links are below: 

Memory Keeper - Elements - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Memory-Keeper-Elements-by-paislee-press.html

Memory Keeper - Papers - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Memory-Keeper-Papers-by-paislee-press.html

Paislee Press Layered 4x6 templates - Vol. 6 [couldn't find a link]

I also used the following Sahlin Studio product: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Weekend Camping & PL2018 - Week 23

We just got back home from an impromptu camping trip. 

Since we've had our little trailer, we've booked or reserved sites on-line. Most campgrounds we've been to, are full to capacity. Not a chance of getting in. If you haven't planned in advance, forget about it.

25 years ago, you could decide you wanted to go camping on a wednesday for an upcoming weekend. You could head out after work on Friday and have no problem finding a spot. Those days seem to be far behind us. If you've driven on any highway and watched the steady stream of RV's driving by, you see what I'm talking about.  

So, for us to decide to camp last minute, and then have it work out, was most pleasant. 

For the most part, we had great weather, three of us and the dog got caught in a down pour, but we all lived to tell the tale. 

This little campground had no services, and only outhouses. We camped with my parents and my brother, who all have RV's larger than ours. M&D were kind enough to let us use their RV for the occasional bathroom break. A hot mug of coffee handed to me first thing each morning, was awesome. 

I think my other favourite thing about the weekend was there was no cell service. So we were completely unplugged for 3 days. That doesn't happen very often these days. I'm surprised at how nice it was to get away from everything for a few days. 

Here are a few photos from the weekend: 

On to week 23 of my project life album: 

• We may have underestimated how long it would take us to get the girl to school, but she asked if she could do, 'Ride your Bike to School Day' and I said yes. 15 km for her, and 30 for me...
• Field trip downtown. Such a nice day. [Though I did misplace my group of kids for a bit... Much less stressful when they're grade 7 and not seven years old]
• Mad was part of the choir that sung a few songs for volunteer appreciation night. 
• We're seeing so many little baby goslings on our thursday walks. The baby's are cute, the parents are pretty cranky.  

The following Sahlin Studio products were used:

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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

You Are Here Journal Cards - http://the-lilypad.com/store/you-are-here-journal-cards.html

PL2018 - Week 22

I tried something different with this layout, do you notice it? I don't know if I like it or not.

I didn't put borders around the photos... The 3x4 sizes have a bit of a border, but not the usual ones I do. I sometimes see other layouts, with photos the whole 6x4 width, and I think I like that. So I tried it for week 22.

But the jury is out... I kind of like the white border. It just finishes things off for me...

Will probably go right back to it after week 22. But that's okay, we need to try new things!! 

Here's week 22:

• These boys of mine, and their wrestling... Drives me crazy, it's constant, and of course the dog always wants in on the action.
• The sky as we drove Mad to her first ever hike in camp. It had POURED rain, right up until noon, so we were feeling pretty lucky. 
• Trying on the back pack we rented from the U of C. We had to fill it up and and see that everything fit. 
• I made confetti donuts for national donut day, the kids were delighted. 
• Our sneak-peak of downtown while we took Libby for a walk.
• Picking up our exhausted, but happy camping girl Sunday morning. She had a blast! 

The following Sahlin Studio product was used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Photo Journal No. 3 - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Photo-Journal-No.-3-Templates-and-Stamps.html

PL2018 - Week 21

For the past few years, I have condensed my project life album down to one 12x12 spread.  I almost always have more than enough pictures to fill the pockets. Once in awhile though, I struggle to have enough pictures. When that's the case, and it often isn't, I fill my pockets with elements from the kits I'm using. 

So was the case for this week, I only had few photos. I get mad at myself when I do that, because this was the week Madelyn was at school camp. We hung out a bit with the boy. Just the 3 of us, and believe it or not, I didn't get any pictures of it. He's thankful, long past my taking photos of everything. But I just like to catch all the bits and pieces. 

Here's how I put week 21 together, with minimal photos:

• We had to drive the girl to school with all her gear for her week long camp. She was SO excited. The smile speaks volumes.
• These were flowers that were on our walk this morning, along the river. So pretty.
• I have been using a photo underneath my 'title' or calendar cards lately. 
• Chris and I, texting our Mum and Dad while they're away. We were all laughing at these silly selfies.
• Loving my new word board. My goal is to take photos of the different quotes I share, and keep track of them in some form. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used:

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

Templates - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Photo-Journal-No-2-Templates.html

Flashback Journal Cards: http://the-lilypad.com/store/flashback-journal-cards.html

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

PL2018 - Week 20

I've been scrapbooking/memory keeping/story telling since our wedding. Nearly 20 years. Even before my awesome  wedding album, I documented and kept things in a book. I think it's safe to say, that I'll love this forever.

I don't get tired of it. I have all these albums documenting my kids growth. We still look over them, and I still can't imagine this being a huge part of my life. This hobby that I love.

Michael's has stopped selling my refill pages, which is a huge bummer. Because of course I only bought them when I could a 40% off coupon. I have half a box of 60 left, and after that, I guess I'll have to order them on-line from somewhere. Which totally sucks. 

Or, maybe we'll have to make a road trip to the states... Route out a few craft stores that might carry what I'm looking for. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world... Perhaps I'll have to figure out a different format for next years album, though I do like the way it looks now, using 12x12 sized page protectors... I just get discouraged when something that used to be readily available, becomes hard to get my hands on. 

I'm okay for the time being, so here's week 20:

• First trip to the driving range. I've had a 'shoulder thing' going on for the past few months, hitting balls wasn't too painful, but I was sore the next day. 
• Girls night out, met these ladies for beer and wings to catch up.
• Mason asked for a photo... So obviously I obliged.
• Mad and her friend at their booth at the schools Entrepreneurial fair. 
• Walking ladies, in the pouring rain.
• Harry and Meghan's wedding... [sigh]
• Bring your own cup day at 7-11

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Calendar Card Stamps - http://the-lilypad.com/store/2018-Calendar-Cards-Stamps.html

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