here's what's new

loving the new job ...

I started my new job on Monday and I'm loving it.  I have to get used to the fact that I have to go into the office everyday now (have worked from home two days a week for YEARS).  My brain is on "training" overload, but I'm learning a lot of great things.  EVERYONE has been great - especially my boss.  Definitely a complete turn around from my last boss.

Everyone was telling me that the drive to/from work was going to be stressful (lots of traffic), but (knock on wood), I haven't experienced that yet.  I've been getting to the office within 45 minutes, which gives me time to myself to wake up and unwind before my day begins.  I just plug in my phone and listen to my music and sing all the way to work.

I have experienced some great restaurants this week, because someone different has taken me to lunch everyday ... even going out tomorrow.

I'm thankful that I found a GREAT job so soon.  I now won't be able to spend as much time with the kids as I did in previous years of working, but I still have the evenings and weekends to be with them.

Last weekend, Nicholas wanted to venture to an Apple store, so we drove to Akron (about 30 minutes away) to the mall.  We went to the Apple store and then for lunch.  After the mall, we took a DREAM trip to Archiver's.  Yes, Miss Christine, I am close to an Archiver's store - you would LOVE it.  And, it is right next door to Hobby Lobby ... another bonus.  I picked up some treasures at Archiver's, but my big find was earlier this week.  There is a Hobby Lobby near work, so I stopped in on my way home the other day. 

Lucky me ... they were just stocking Project Life products.  So, of course I had to pick up the Honey kit. 

I'm so excited to go back again soon to see what else they get in stock.

a new chapter to begin ...

Today is my last day with Xerox.  I didn't want to leave, but others thought it wouldn't work out with me living in Ohio.  His loss!

Anyway, on Monday, I start a new job with a new company and I'm very excited about it.  There will be big changes ... new people .... going into work everyday (I've been working from home at least two days a week for years) ... new systems to learn ... a new set of personalities to work with - I'm jumping in with both feet and looking forward to new experiences and challenges.

Nicholas is only in school for nine more days, and then he is done for the summer - lucky him!  School has been pretty challenging for him.  He is getting more homework than he is used to, and doing homework with him in the evenings has been challenging.  I think he just needs a break and is looking forward to the summer.

Becca is adjusting very well.  She has such a great imagination, so she can be playing with two spoons and have fun.  She enjoys going to the bus stop with me every morning and night seeing Nick off to school and back home.

I've been to several different grocery stores in the area comparing prices.  I've noticed that there are several things that were sold in NJ that I can't find here.

Like:

• Martin's Potato Bread
• La Yogurt brand yogurt
• Ba-Tampte brand pickles

And when I went to the deli to ask for certain lunch meat (imported ham), the person behind the counter looked at me like I had three heads.

We celebrated Rob's birthday the other day.  My nephew's birthday was yesterday, and this weekend is big with Mother's Day and our 12-year anniversary.

Here is Rob, with the help of the kids, blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back soon.

i'm back ...

I can't believe I haven't posted something in almost a month.  So very sorry about that.  As you know, I was busy with the move - lots of packing (and now lots of unpacking).

We left NJ on April 19.  It was very bittersweet leaving our house, family, and friends in NJ.  We are now residents of Ohio ... still can't believe I'm saying that.

Some facts about what life is like right now ...

• We will be renting a home for hopefully no longer than a year.  We are going to start looking for a permanent home as soon as we can.
• We will be unpacking boxes (or at least what we want unpacked) for quite some time.
• Nicholas LOVES his new school. 
• I miss my family and friends.
• I'm liking living in a neighborhood.
• I have been enjoying walking Nicholas to/from the bus stop in the morning.
• There are a lot of restaurants/stores near us.
• I miss scrapbooking - all my stuff is packed up and still in the basement.
• The people around here have already picked up by the way I speak that I am not from here.
• They don't sell pork roll here; and I haven't found Martin's potato rolls either.
• Even though we have the YES channel, most Yankees games have been blacked out (since we are not in the regional viewing area) ... Rob is not happy.
• I have been neglecting playing games on my iPhone ... sorry friends ... I'll get back into a normal routine soon.
• We have a deck and we can't wait to start grilling (that is after we buy a grill).

Here is our home ... for now.

Please keep in touch.  Would love to hear from all of you!

who are your heroes ...

This week's prompt at the This is Me Challenge blog is about "who are your heroes?" 

With time getting close to us moving, so many of my scrapbooking supplies are packed away.  I was still able to create a fast layout for this week though. 

And the journaling.

Who are your heroes?

Stay tuned for upcoming photos from the past few weeks of my Project Life pages. 

happy bunny day ...

Easter is usually at our house, but since our house is a complete disaster and most things are packed, we went to mom and dad's today.

This weekend was filled with egg hunts, coloring eggs, and enjoying family and friends.

There was an egg hunt at our church yesterday, and this morning, friends of ours hid eggs in our yard for the kids to find. So much fun for everyone.

On Saturday night, we colored eggs. We always look forward to this traditional event. Rebecca was able to really enjoy participating this year. She worked on one egg for over 20 minutes. She was using a little droplet to make her egg look tie-dyed - it came out looking really cool.

Today we enjoyed Easter at mom and dad's with my brother and his family. The kids had so much fun hanging out together.

Enjoy the photos.

what kind of mom are you ...

I find myself reading the articles on the Blogher website often.  I came across an article the other day listing seven types of moms ... which one are you?

Check out the list below and determine which mom "personality" you are. 

The Listener: This mom will hear you out about all of your fears, frustrations, and anxiety. She is reassuring and lets you know it really will be okay. Keep her around!

On the Bright Side: This mom will send YouTube videos about parenting that make you laugh until you cry. Emails and messages from this mom are always welcome!

All About Her Kids: This mom cannot help but immediately turn the conversation to her kids. While this is fine from time to time, sometimes it’s annoying because you can’t relate yet. Sometimes you just need to chat or get her opinion on something and being cut off to talk about Junior’s cold (again) is getting old.

Scare the Crap Out of You: This mom only knows how to share birth horror stories and will leave you feeling panicked that you are not nearly prepared enough. You will have anxiety attacks and go home crying to your husband, convinced that you are not capable or ready. Steer clear of this mom when you can.

Call Me: This mom will offer help every time you see her at functions and insists you call her if you need anything. If she cares so much, why doesn’t she call on the regular to see how things are going? While I am sure this person is sincere, the comfort level to call is just not there.

Silent: This mom offers nothing to the conversation. Maybe she figures you will figure it out, but she is no help. Offer her a class in Socializing 101.

Back in My Day: This mom is usually an older female that wants to share her stories about her kids. You have probably heard the story before, and while you may be annoyed, just let her tell it. She enjoys helping out and it’s not hurting anything.

After reading through all the descriptions, I am what they describe as the "listener." 

Thanks for stopping by!

where have i been ...

That is a great question.  Well, if you must know, I have been packing, and packing, and packing.  We are moving soon ... did I tell you that?  Yes, we are moving to Ohio to be closer to Rob's family.  The kids are excited. It will be a big change for us, but I'm looking forward to it.

There is just so much to do though ...

Thought it would be fun today to participate in the This is Me Challenge Blog Fast Fact Friday prompt.

The prompt is all about what you are doing RIGHT NOW.  How appropriate.

1. Listening to ...
2. Thinking about ...
3. Need to work on ...
4. Eating (or just ate) ...
5. Wanting to ...

And my responses are:

1. I'm listening to Rebecca humming at the kitchen table while she is doodling on her whiteboard.
2. I'm thinking about what I'm going to pack next.
3. I need to work on two scrapbook layouts before I start to pack up my scrapbook supplies.
4. I just ate a rice krispie treat.
5. Want to have a nice quiet evening ... with a big bowl of popcorn and catch up on my taped movies on the DVR.  That won't be happening though.

Thanks for visiting!  Stop by again soon ... I love visitors.

is it a talent ...

This week's challenge at the This is Me Challenge blog site was:

What are some of your talents and/or gifts?

This month’s prompt was a hard one for me.  I don’t think of myself as having any “talents” or “gifts.”  Then I got to thinking that I have an incredible memory when it comes to remembering license plates (at least I used to have an incredible memory).  Here is a layout I created explaining this so called “gift” of memory.

Supplies List:  Cardstock – Bazzill; Patterned Paper – Sn@p Simple Stories; Title – AC Thickers; Car Chipboard – Bella Blvd.; Arrows – Studio Calico

30 lists in 30 days ...

I'm participating in the 30 lists in 30 days challenge that started today.

What is 30 days of lists?

30 Days of Lists is our encouragement and challenge to you that you CAN journal just something every day – even something as small as a list.

Every day through the month of March 2013, we will be posting a list prompt – anything from weekend goals to celebrity crushes. At the end of the 30 days you’ll have a collection of entries creating a small snapshot of your life right now.

Only 5-10 minutes per day are really needed. While you’re waiting for someone, or when you’re the passenger in the car.

I even have a little book that I will be jotting all of my lists down in each day.  I think I can handle 5-10 minutes of writing a day ... won't you join me?

So what are everyone's plans for the weekend?  It's going to be another purging weekend for me, and Nicholas has a laser tag birthday party on Sunday afternoon that I will take him too (great opportunity for some great photo taking).

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

weeks 5-8 ...

I finally got a few pictures that I forgot to print for Project Life, so weeks 5-8 are now complete.

First, I want to say that I found a neat app that I have using on a weekly basis to show the weather forecast for my area.  The app is called InstaWeather. You can find out about it here.  See below for the description.

Thanks to InstaWeather Pro you can share the weather report and forecast from the place where your are now – on top of your favourite photo that you have just snapped with your iPhone.

Picture shared through Instagram, Facebook, tweeted combined with all the important forecast data and place name, gives full view of actual outside conditions!

InstaWeather Pro is full of features:
You can easily choose your favourite skin from over 30 available with various weather data: from current temperature and simple info about the location to very detailed forecast with air pressure, temperature, rain, wind power and direction.

You can also choose the period of the displayed forecast: today, next few days or a whole week.

It works with Celsius & Fahrenheit, kilometres, miles and many others.

You will see that I used this app showing the weather forecast in a few week layouts below.  I will continue to use this on a weekly basis to include every week in my album.

When viewing the photos, make sure to click on them to see a larger view.

Week 5 -  

Week 6 -  

Week 7 -  

Week 7 included two inserts.  One insert held six 4x4 pictures of the kids playing in the snow.  The other insert included all the Valentine cards that Nick received at school, but the valentine's we all gave each other.

Here is full right side of Week 7 since it was hiding behind the inserts. 

Week 8 -  

I have been using Cathy Zielske's Week In Review cards every week (from DesignerDigitals).

I have also been using LOTS of Ali Edwards brushes and stamp sets (from DesignerDigitals).

Many of the 3x4 cards for February were from the February Studio Calio Project Life Kit.

Did I mention that I have been LOVE, LOVE, LOVING this whole process this year!

3x4 prints ...

I'm still keeping up with my Project Life album for this year and have still been loving the process.  One of my favorite things to do is add 3x4 pictures, along with the journaling cards to the mid section of my page protectors.  I'm anxiously awaiting for this device to show up in stores. 

Albums Made Easy 3x4” Card Punch - Made by We R Memory Keepers

Turn any picture or paper of choice into a 3x4” card with ease. The 3x4” Card Punch can be used  anywhere on a project. It’s made with reverse technology to help you see exactly what will be punched, before it’s punched. The 3x4” Card Punch contains two pieces. The bottom piece can be placed anywhere on a project. The top piece is then held in place using strong magnets. It includes a clear covering so you will no longer punch a photo or journaling piece in the wrong place saving you paper, photos, and time. When complete, the final punched piece includes rounded edges. The 3x4” Card Punch works with the Albums Made Easy system. It will be available (MSRP $29.99) in June.

While I'm waiting for that beautiful thing to hit stores in June, if there are pictures that I want printed specifically as a 3x4 print, I have been using Persnickity Prints.  They even have a whole Project Life Line of photo options you can order from. 

And you can choice different print options - either photographic or cardstock.  LOVE IT!

Try them out - you won't be disappointed.

in complete awe ...

In January, I tried to purchase Studio Calico's Project Life Kit ... it was the first kit being offered, but I didn't get in on time and went on their waiting list.  Well, I got on the "LIST" in February, and received the February kit this week.  I am in SO COMPLETE AWE with everything in the kit. 

I have never been happier with a kit that I have purchased online.  It came in this cute little 5x7 box and was FILLED with all of that gorgeous stuff above.  I can't wait to start putting my February Project Life pages together.  If only my darn pictures would arrive in the mail.

I've always been a big fan of Studio Calico, so this just makes me their BIGGEST fan.

Thanks for stopping by - look for my pages in the next copy of weeks.

snow much fun ...

We got some snow over the weekend; not as much as we were expecting, but enough for the kids to go outside and play in it.  Rob took the kids out on Saturday and I went out with them on Sunday.

They attempted to make snow balls and a snowman, but the snow was much too soft.  They did have fun walking around and going down the swingset slide though.

Here are some photos of them during their "snow" filled weekend. 

And, here is my layout from day six of LOAD. 

Thanks for visiting.  Stop back again soon!

chugging along ...

The weatherman is predicting a winter storm for the Northeast this weekend.  It has already started to snow, and I can hear ice hitting the windows too.  Nick's school declared a half day, but I kept him home.  If it's going to get worse as the day goes on, I do not want to go out (even to pick him up at the bus stop).  He and Becca are playing Wii fit right now.  Hopefully they will not get on each other's nerves (or mine for that matter) being in the house all day together.

Below are my LOAD layouts for days four, five, and six. 

I need to work on layouts from yesterday and today.  Hopefully I'll be able to work on them today.

Thanks for stopping by.

first weeks of project life 2013 ...

Thought I would share with you today, the first weeks of my 2013 Project Life album.  I have been using many different journaling cards (including free ones found online), Ali Edward brushes, Cathy Zielske weekly templates, and different sticker embellishments.

Opening page ... 

Week One ... 

Week Two ... 

Week Three (including an award certificate that Nick got in school) ... 

 Week Four (including a few inserts):

•     More photos from Rebecca's birthday
•     Pictures from Nick's class trip
•     A brochure from the crop I atttended

This is the right side of the week.  Some of it was hiding behind the insert pages. 

I have thoroughly been enjoying the process so far this year.  I'm happy that I'm keeping up with journaling on both the journal cards and the weekly review cards.

Thanks for visiting!