PL2020 - December | Sahlin Studio

December was another 2 page spread in my project life album. 

For the past 12 years I've also done a December Daily album in December, it take up most of my focus. You can check out this years completed album here. 

This year was weird. 

Everything else about the year 202 was been weird, so it was not a total surprise. 

The government placed a ban on in-home [and out of home] gatherings on the 10th of December.  That meant, we were having Christmas at home. Alone. 

I'm sure we all kind of saw it coming. At the same time we were hoping that it wasn't. 

December ended up being a very quiet month. No Christmas parties. No hockey. No ringette. I did manage to watch the majority of this years Hallmark Christmas movies. Predictable? Indeed they are, but they're also kind of addicting.

Here are my pages:

• We got a huge dump of snow on the 22nd of the month. 
• I walked out my back door early in December and actually saw Saturn and Jupiter closely together. They were supposed to be at their closest on the 21st, but we had a huge snowstorm and missed it. 
• Madelyn created a wolf mask, had to take a photo of her wearing it, and send it to the art teacher. 
• Projects, projects, projects around the house. It's a bit overwhelming actually. 
• The covid commercials on tv right now, are laugh out loud funny. I'm so glad they went with humour, we could all use a bit of that right now. 
• Snapchat Christmas filters, make me so happy. 

• Big grocery shop before Christmas. Turkey in the cart as well. Things are a bit nuts at the grocery stores again right now...
• Christmas eve day, we made the rounds and dropped things off at the Grandparents. [Aside from these photos, masks were worn] We also had a big Xmas eve zoom call.  
• A couple last minute pick ups at Winner's. Shopping is not enjoyable at all right now. I wonder if it ever will be again. 
• The kids Christmas morning, both [still] excited about getting Lego. 
• Christmas day dinner and video chat. Making the most of this crummy situation. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Holly-Days-Elements.html

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

PL2020 - November | Sahlin Studio

It's that time of year again, when I seem to be playing catch up. 

We're only a couple of days away from the end of 2020. 

Once December hits, I spend the majority of my time working on my December Daily album. 

Here is a two page spread for November. 

November was a bit of mixed bag weather-wise. We started off the month with very mild temperatures. The walking ladies got out for one last walk and park coffee. Mason and I went down to check out the field of crosses along Memorial Drive. The very next day it snowed. Remembrance Day was chilly and snowy this year. 

• Park coffee gathering with the walking ladies. 
• We watched the US election with anticipation. Biden was declared the winner, but Trump will be going out kicking and screaming. He's still, at the end of December, trying to intimidate and sue, for what reason? No one can know for sure. He's like a petulant toddler that's never had the word no said to him before. It's just so embarrassing...
• Lefsa making, one of the only times extended family has gotten together this year. 
• Playing Mason's new game, Pandemic. Because seriously, living it is not enough...  

• Me and the boy, stopping for a selfie. 
• Mad got a haircut this month. 
• New sweatshirts all around.
• Covid numbers are once again creeping up. All team sports was cancelled. Madelyn started at-home school at the end of November. 
• We put our Christmas tree up earlier than ever, to give us a bit more joy. 
• These two, working together on a fleece blanket. 
• Walking through Confederation Park, was really quite nice. Before meeting friends was banned.

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

PL2020 - Week 44 | Sahlin Studio

This week of my project life album zeroed in on Halloween.

Halloween in 2020 landed on a Saturday AND there was a second full moon of the month. The Blue Moon. At the beginning of the year, Madelyn was excited invite friends over to watch scary movies and gorge on candy. In reality, the 4 of us sat at home together, while FOUR kids came to our house trick or treating...

As I have in the past, I make some fun 'spooky' meals leading up to Halloween. I think the kids still get a kick out of it, and I enjoyed doing it. The photos were bad [read blurry] I only have a photo of the cookies Madelyn decorated. 

Snapchat filters start to become fun around this time, first with creepy halloween themed things. Shortly after that, it introduces festive Christmas filters [my fav]

October 31st also happened to be the premier of Hallmarks Christmas movies. Yes, I recorded and watched the very first one. [Yes, I've recorded and watched movies every weekend since then] Yes, there's a lot of eye rolling and similar story lines. 

After all, we have had our Christmas tree up since mid-november.

These photos are self explanatory. Madelyn ended up wearing her plague doctor costume to school the Friday before Halloween. She got a lot of great feedback. I mean, is there a better year to wear a plague mask?

We decorated pumpkins. We prepared ourselves for 50 trick or treaters, just in case. After all, it was a mild night AND a full moon. Then, we ate copious amounts of mini chocolate bars.

It was the first Halloween, in many years, that we were all home. No hockey, no ringette.

Perhaps we'll be able to get back to hosting our annual Halloween Party some time in the future. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Halloween-BUNDLE.html [j.cards and elements]

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

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

PL2020 - Week 42 | Sahlin Studio

I realized I forgot to add Week 42 of my project life album, so here it is: 

• A shot of downtown, including foliage.
• Mason on the ice. It was so good to get back to something normal again, watching the kids play. Well, sort of normal, with all the signs, restrictions and mask wearing in place. Though watching them play was sadly short lived. 
• An outing with Trex. Being outdoors right now is how girls were meeting. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

All About Me Cards and Word Art: https://the-lilypad.com/store/All-About-Me-Cards-WA.html

PL2020 - Week 43 | Sahlin Studio

December is the featured product this month at Sahlin Studio. On sale through the entire month of December, it's another great product you can use to help tell your December stories. 

Of course, you can use it to tell other stories as well. 

I used it on Week 42 of my project life album, which happened to be in October. You're probably confused because you assumed by the snow photos it was December. 

Nope. 

I just happen to live in Canada, where we're not surprised that it snows. Ever. 

An example that you can use product intended for one thing, for another. 

• Sitting reading, cozy on the couch with Libby. 
• Mason shovelling snow. 
• Don't ask... The plague mask comes out on occasion. 
• Felted bear for a friend. 
• City skyline on our way downtown.
• Family game night, the one where I won...

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Elements and Paper: https://the-lilypad.com/store/December-Kit.html

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

PL2020 - Week 41 | Sahlin Studio

The days have become short.

It was super noticeable during week 41. We dropped Madelyn off at the rink for practice, walked Libby and raced to get back to the rink before it got dark. One positive aspect, the sunsets are amazing.  

Now, in mid-November, it's completely dark by 5:30. Probably even before that. This time of year is hard, that's one reason I've got all my Christmas decorations up. I love turning on the white lights. It just makes me happy. 

Week 41 of my project life album: 

• Checking out this amazing sunset through the trees of Confederation Golf course. 
• How surprised we were to see this rainbow one morning as Madelyn left for school. 
• Bought, thawed and cooked my first ever turkey.
• We had turkey with all the fixings, just the four of us. It felt weird. 
• Grateful for my crew, who all pitched in to get supper on the table. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Photo Journal Templates Magazine: https://the-lilypad.com/store/Photo-Journal-Templates-Magazine.html

PL2020 - Week 40 | Sahlin Studio

Here is week 40 of this years project life album: 

• Waiting in the car at ringette practice, so much waiting...
• The Phantoms are looking pretty sharp with their new practice jerseys. 
• Enjoying each and every day of autumn. The colours are amazing. 
• While madelyn was at the Calgary Farmyard with her ringette group [wrangling chickens] Barry and I found a patio to hang out on. 
• Can't believe we're enjoying a morning coffee on the deck, in October. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

PL2020 - Week 39 | Sahlin Studio

Looking back at these 'fall' photos, I just feel like we were so lucky. 

Of course, I do wish the colours could stick around for longer. It would be lovely if we had mild days right through November. Alas, we live in Canada. The weather shifts and changes crazy fast. 

Here's my week 39 layout: 

• Picking Miss Mad up from school. 
• Enjoying the fall colours this year, as much as possible. 
• We grew sunflowers this year, they were a huge success. Will definitely grow them again next year. 
• Celebrating Barry's birthday. Candles can still be blown out, if you serve a cupcake. 
• Waiting... at the rink. Only the athletes and coaches are allowed in. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PL2020 - Week 38 | Sahlin Studio

Enjoying all the time we can spend outside, without having to be bundled up.

In my last few posts, I think I talked about all the snow we were getting. And we got a lot of it. The last few days, we've had chinook winds, and it melted nearly all of it! Hallelujah! We get to start with a clean slate again. I hope the snow holds off now until December.  

Back to week 38 of my project life album.

• Just loving the falls colours this year, we've been so lucky.
• Trying to get lots of dog walks in while Madelyn's at the rink.
• Kitchen corner before and after, not sure what took us so long, it opens the corner up so much. 
• Happy 22nd Anniversary to us. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PL2020 - Week 37 | Sahlin Studio

In my last post, I talked about how when we had a warm summer, lasting through September, I was sometimes ready for the chillier weather....

I want to take that back. 

I lied. 

I'm not ready for boots and sweaters. I'm not ready to bundle up every time I leave the house. I'm not ready for scraping windows and shovelling sidewalks... I want my incredible autumn back. [The one that lasted exactly 3 weeks, according to the calendar]

So guess what. We have snow.  -3 degrees Celsius looks to be our warmest day for the next week. According to the long term forecast. Boots, mittens, toques and heavy coats have come out. I have already forgotten to give myself time to scrape car windows when planning to meet someone. 

Oh winter... Weren't you just here? Sorry to say, I haven't missed you. 

On to week 37 of my project life album. 

• The houses on either side of have gone up for sale... It's hard. You never know what you're going to get move in next door. We've been so lucky with neighbours for the past 15 years.
• First morning coffee, by myself, in a long, long time.
• Best friends.
• Loving the new evening routine of enjoying the sun in the front room for a while. 
• Forest fires in the United States, giving us this hazy sky. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

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

PL2020 - Week 36 | Sahlin Studio

This year, the beginning of September came with much anticipation. 

Kids finally headed back to school. 

And although I say kids, plural, only one of mine headed back to this year. 

It hasn't him me yet. Probably because this year has been so darn weird. We've been home since mid-March. I'm hoping for the best, because I know Madelyn for sure needs this. But to only have one going back, after all these years, is unusual. 

Here's week 36:

• Madelyn sitting in the back yard with her plague mask on. It makes me laugh especially when there's an open houses happening next door.
• First day of grade 10. Not sure how that's possible.
• Libby has been getting into dirt in the backyard.
• This time of year, they evening sky can be amazing.
• Crossing our fingers that the forecast for the abrupt weather change is wrong. [Spoiler alert it was]
• Barry enjoying a day on the golf course.
• Sittiing outside, listening to music with cheeky kids. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

Charmed Kit Sampler: https://the-lilypad.com/store/CHARMED-Kit-Sampler.html

3x4 Photo Templates vol. 1: https://the-lilypad.com/store/3x4-Photo-Templates-Vol-1.html

PL2020 - Week 35 | Sahlin Studio

We have had the most amazing fall. Last year a this time, we broke a record for the amount of snowfall. The leaves have slowly changed over the last month. Leaves are just now dropping off the trees. 

I have felt so fortunate to be able to spend time outside, enjoying each gorgeous day. We all know that winter is around the corner. We also know this winter brings a lot of uncertainty with it. 

Still taking things one day at a time. 

Week 35 fell on our last camping trip of the season. We tried a new place, near Settler, AB on Buffalo Lake. Our site was waterfront, which made for amazing views. The weather was good, we did have a few mini storms blow through. We saw lightning, actually quite a lot of it. Though it skirted around us, we didn't get much rain at all. 

We saw the stars. 

Ah-mazing. 

• Unobstructed view of the water.
• Mad was also delighted to have water access. 
• She's also become an incredible fire starter, using flint and steel.
• Mason was able to come, which was awesome. 
• The sunset this night, after a mini storm, unbelievable. 
• Barry rented a sheet of ice, the new Covid rules are gross. 

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

PL2020 - Weeks 33 & 34

Here is another layout that I combined weeks. 

Let's be honest, 2020 has been weird. We have kept low key this summer, with nothing but a few camping trips. We were homebound. 

Which isn't the worst thing in the world. But having things to look forward to, is part of life. I'm missing that right now. 

• Summer is a time for barefoot. Which I did a LOT of this year. 
• Madelyn out in the rain, which was warm. Not our usual arctic feeling rain. 
• Mason and a friend made a road trip to visit a friend. 
• Libby, loves to be outside with us.
• View from the golf course. It was our first time eating out, since Mason's birthday. The cook even came to ensure our meals were okay... 
• Mad and I slept in the tent one night. It was so hot. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PL2020 - Week 32 | Sahlin Studio

This week is going back to week 32, the beginning of August. Man we had some weird weather this year. I happened to be home alone when these clouds were building to the north of us. We've had 2 tornado alerts this year, so when the sky starts to look like this, I do feel a bit on edge. 

Thankfully they skirted past the city. 

Week 32 was a week of celebration:

• Crazy clouds.
• Mason and Emelin at their small grad celebration. 
• Masking up, every where we go. Getting more used to it now. 
• The grad celebration was done so well. Loved the table decorations. And that our boy posed with us for a photo or two.
• A few more meme's that make me laugh, every time I see them. Also, words to remember that never felt quite so true as they do now, 6 months after the fact. 
• Celebrating Dad's birthday. 

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

PL2020 - Week 31 | Sahlin Studio

On week 31 we were camping near Pincher Creek. The weather was crazy H O T... We had a great time, we were so thankful that we'd brought along our sunshade, it ended up saving us during the day, we spent a ton of time under it, playing Mason's Risk game. We all breathed a sigh of relief after 9 pm, when the sun finally went behind a hill and the temperature cooled off a smidge.

It was another campground we had never been to before. I'm pretty sure we'd all vote to go back again. The major bonus, it wasn't too far from Pincher Creek, and so a slurpee run wasn't off the table. 

There were a ton of birds, which was awesome. I have to remember to bring out bird book camping with us. We spotted lots of finches, and what I'm pretty sure was an Amercian Goldfinch. We also got serenaded one night, by a group of whooooo-ing owls. It was pretty cool. 

For this week I used Pause Kit from Sahlin Studio, this kit also happens to be the featured product of September. On sale for 40% off throughout the entire month. 

I thought it landed itself perfectly to document this week. 

• A look at our site, and sunshade, and of course, Barry's amazing fire. 
• My little family... My whole heart.
• A photo of the graduates, from our weekend photoshoot. 
• Masks. Our new normal. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

Pause Kit - https://the-lilypad.com/store/pause-kit.html

Pause J. Cards - https://the-lilypad.com/store/pause-journal-cards.html

PL2020 - Week 30 | Sahlin Studio

I find it funny that some weeks I have to scrounge to find pictures, to put a week or two together. And other weeks just come together so easily. 

Such is the case with week 30. I love how this turned out, and I especially love the pops of red throughout. 

• Bike ride with my boy, averaging 11-13 kms a ride. 
• Reading in the park while waiting for vehicle repairs to be completed. 
• ANOTHER tornado alert. WTH?
• Face timing with my girl, while she stayed at Grandma's house.
• These bright yellow canola fields that absolutely stunning this time of year. 
• Watching the skies a lot more these days. 
• Playing a "who am I" game. [I am beyond terrible at this game]

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PM Classic Word Bits - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Classic-Word-Bits.html

PM Photo Tabs - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Photo-Tabs.html

PL2020 - Week 28 | Sahlin Studio

This was one of those times, where in a two week period, I had hardly any pictures. [Gasp] 

I know. But the truth is, sometimes I just don't have much content. 

This page covers a two week period. 

I'm okay with it. I feel I have enough content in my day-to-day stuff, that if I have a week or two with no much, it's okay. 

Besides, let's face it. I have become a major homebody since the Pandemic started. More so now, than ever before. And sometimes, I just don't have pictures to take. Every day is the same thing. It's a little bit reminiscent of Ground Hog Day...

Here are combined weeks 28 & 29:

• So enjoyed watching the baby robins in our yard. There's been more than usual this year, or so it seems. Love to capture them in pictures. 
• Made edible cookie dough with Madelyn. Then she insisted on eating it in an ice-cream cone. 
• Miss Libby, still looking good after her grooming appointment. 
• Love, love, love these little flowers, my Grama referred to them as Johny Jump Ups.

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PL2020 - Week 27 | Sahlin Studio

Back to the week of Canada Day, which unlike in past years, was very quiet. No fireworks to celebrate this year.  

I'm trying to get outside more this summer. To both get fresh air, and clear my head. I've been on my bike more this year than I have in the past 5 years all together. It feels really good. 

Here is week 27:

• Madelyn sorting through Pokemon cards with Lucas. 
• The kids at Big Hill Springs, it was alarmingly busy there. Us and most of northwest Calgary had the same idea. And the Mosquitos were BRUTAL... The kids made me climb up a section that seemed to be straight up...  I made it, but thought my heart might explode.
• Madelyn was invited to Cooper's the day after Hamilton started streaming on Disney+, her smile says it all, and she said it was even better than she'd hoped for.
• Our first camping trip to Sibbald Lake. It was both hot and chilly. We missed Mason this trip.

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

PL2020 - Week 26 | Sahlin Studio

It's officially summer now. 

Though I woke up to my furnace turning on, a mere week ago, we're now in the high 20 to low 30 degrees celsius. 

We're guaranteed to have at least a few sleepless nights, when the temperature on the main floor of the house shows 26 degrees, and as we head to bed, it just gets hotter with each step up.

We're just back from a few days camping as well, the average temperature for 3 days was 31 degrees. The only time it was cool was after 10 pm. And 10 pm was such welcome relief.  

Days like this [all 5 of them a year] make me wonder, if air conditioning is worth it...

Here is my layout for week 26, the same week Mason had a big birthday. 

• Picking up our little trailer. 
• Love that Madelyn took this shot of an army man in the grass, near a growing mushroom.
• Little dog, surveying her yard. 
• Planted an echinacea plant this year. Hope it thrives. 
• Celebrating 18 years of Mason!

The following Sahlin Studio products were used:

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

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

PL2020 - Week 25 | Sahlin Studio

Week 25 was good. 

We had a few things to be excited about.  

One of Mason's friends, organized a backyard BBQ for the graduates, their girlfriends, and and their parents. It was so great to get together, socially distanced of course, and celebrate our grads. 

Madelyn too, got together with her group of friends, to celebrate the finishing of Grade 9 over Peter's milkshakes. 

As I wrote in my journaling below, things are slowing opening up here little by little, but I'm in no way ready to get out and about into the world. I'm feeling quite safe in my small little bubble. 

• Celebrating the graduating class of 2020, in a way we couldn't force in September 2019.
• Trip to the eye doctor for little miss, was the result we were hoping to hear. 
• A few funny screen shots, shared with friends. 
• The park by our home is now 'open for business'
• Mad's crew celebrating the end of the school year with milkshakes. 

The following Sahlin Studio products were used: 

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

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

PM Classic Word Bits - https://the-lilypad.com/store/Project-Mouse-Classic-Word-Bits.html

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