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may take twelve ...

I had the perfect day to take pictures for the Ella Publishing Take 12 challenge this month.  It was the day of Nicholas' Communion, so there were definitely lots of photo opportunities.  Here is the mosaic of the photos I will use for my May layout.

And, I'm getting back on track with LOAD.  My layouts for days 13 and 14 are below.  I still have to create layouts for days 11, 12, 15 and 16.   

  

Don't you just love that pouty face that Rebecca is making!

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll be back soon with more layouts.

crib to bed ...

Earlier this week, I switched Rebecca's crib to a toddler bed.  Now we just have to get her to sleep and stay in it.  She likes to sit in it and play, but getting her to stay in there at night is something we need to work on. 

 

This week's Fast Friday Fact's theme is about numbers.

1. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
2. How many times did you have to take your driver's test before you passed?
3. How many schools did you attend?
4. How many siblings do you have?
5. How many states have you been to?

And my answers.

1. Without actually physically counting them, I would say about 40 pairs.
2. I only had to take my test once.
3. I attended seven schools (from kindergarten through college).
4. I have one brother.
5. I have visited 22 states.  My goal is to visit every state.

Thanks for stopping by ... have a fun-filled weekend!

a project 64 catch up ....

I sadly haven't participated in Project 64 in many, many weeks.  I decided to stop by their website today to see what what was going on.  They had posted their last color a few weeks ago and also kept a few of the previous week's links open too. 

I thought it would be fun to close out the project with them by taking pictures for the last color prompts they gave.

Week 59 - Color Reveal was TAN 

Week 60 - Color Reveal was CORNFLOWER 

Week 61 - Color Reveal was PEACH 

Week 62 - Color Reveal was GRANNY SMITH APPLE 

Week 63 - Color Reveal was VIOLET 

And the final week's color was MAUVELOUS. 

For more entries for each of the colors, visit the link below.

 
Thanks for stopping by!

31 things ...

It looks like Big Picture Classes (and Ali Edwards) have a great workshop starting in May called 31 Things.

Here is a synopsis of the workshop ...

31 Things is an
invitation to "see into the life of things."

31 Things is an
invitation to document your everyday life in a way that includes descriptions and reflections.

31 Things is about capturing life right now, but will be much more in-depth on a single daily subject than the documentation you might be used to with projects like Week in the Life or Project Life.

This is an opportunity to get more specific pieces of your story told with the goal of going more in-depth; get those pieces of your life documented with words.

Writing these 31 stories will be the heart of what we do over the 31 days, but our words will be supported and inspired by a single daily photo and a bit of crafty decoration.

And the prompts ...

Over the course of 31 days in May and June you'll receive a daily email that prompts you to document one story from your everyday life. Each email will include a specific word/theme for the day, a detailed writing prompt with suggestions on how to tell the story, and a photo prompt.

Some people will use the month to gather content and then put the project together at the end of the month. Others will create their layouts as they go each day. My hope is that you take this opportunity to really get down to the business of writing some of these special stories of your everyday life. PLEASE NOTE: What you choose to do is completely up to you and your personal situation. You will continue to have access to the classroom, message board, etc. even after the live class has ended.

And the album ...

Your photos and words will come together in a 12" x 12" album. It will take up sixteen 12" x 12" pages-front and back-in an album. You can also choose to simply take the content you gather throughout
the class to make it into whatever you'd like (maybe collect your content on a blog, Project Life, smaller album, etc.).

The content for each day will fit on a 6" x 12" foundation.

I just love the whole idea of this workshop.  I probably won't make a dedicated album for this project, but will fit the pages into my already "in progress" scrapbooks.  These are the kind of workshops I LOVE because it gets me thinking outside the box.  Won't you join me?

firsts ...

The Fast Friday Facts theme is "firsts" over at the This is Me Challenge Blog.

1. What was your first car?
2. Who was your first crush?
3. Where was your first apartment away from your parents?
4. Where was your first airplane flight to?
5. What was the first school you attended?

And my answers.

1. My first car was a sky-blue Hyundai Excel hatchback.  It was the cutest car and even got me through driving in a blizzard to West Virginia back in 1992.
2. My first crush was Brian, my next door neighbor growing up.  We loved to make mud pies together.
3. My first apartment was in Highbridge, NJ.  I lived on the top floor of a house for a little over a year until I bought a condo.  Living in that apartment was one of the BEST years of my life.
4. My first plane ride was to Disney World in Orlando, FL when I was in the seventh grade.
5. The first school I attended was St. James.  I started Kindergarten when I was only four-years old.

And, yesterday was the 12th of the month, so that means that I had my camera out all day taking pictures for the Take Twelve challenge over at the Ella Publishing Blog.  The pictures that I will be using in my April layout are below.

 

Even though I was at the office yesterday, I was able to capture some pictures highlighting the events of the day.

Thanks for stopping by!

twelves for february and march ...

I completed my layout for February's Take Twelve Challenge, but I forgot to post it.  So, here is my layout from February.

The photos that I will use to create my March layout are highlighted in the mosaic below.

I actually took both horizontal and vertical pictures this month.  It is very challenging for me to hold the camara vertically, but I went out of my comfort zone this month to get different perspectives.  Don't you just love the mess the kids create in the living room?

This week's Fast Friday's Facts at the This is Me Challenge blog is about "favorites."

1. What is your favorite drink? (and how often do you drink it)
2. What is your favorite team?
3. How do you like your steak?
4. What is your favorite toothpaste?
5. Where is your favorite place to shop?

And my answers:

1. My favorite drink is milk, and the colder the better.  I even put ice cubes in my milk.  Drink it everyday.
2. My favorite team is the NY Yankees.
3. I like my steak cooked medium and I usually use A1 on it, unless it was marinated in something else.
4. My favorite toothpaste is Colgate.
5. My favorite place to shop is Target.

What are some of your favorites?  Would love to know!

And in ending this post today, I just want to ask all of you to keep my grandmother in your thoughts and prayers.  I would appreciate it.

crushes ...

Over at the eighteen25 blog a few weeks ago, they listed their current favorite "crushes."  I thought it would be fun to play along.  I picked some of their topics and came up with what my current "crushes" are.

Main Crushes (my kids)

 Star Crush (Josh Ritter of Parenthood)

TV Show Crush (Celebrity Apprentice) 

Dessert Crush (Applebees Dessert Shooters)

iPhone App Crush (Scramble) 

Food Crush (onion/bacon pizza)

Music Crush (Adele)

 

Ice Cream Crush (New York Super Fudge Chunk)

 So, there you have it, some of my recent favorite crushes.  Do you have any crushes?  Please do tell.

need to get on a schedule ...

I feel like I've been missing out on so many things this past week.  I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in over a week.  Hope you understand.  I even missed Fast Fact Friday #8 at the This is Me Challenge Blog.  So, without further ado, here the questions and my answers.  The theme last week was restaurants.

First of all, I sadly want to say that we do not go out to dinner as much as I would like.  My answers are probably going to be boring to most of you.

What is your favorite?

1. Fast food restaurant? McDonald's (the kids love to go there)
2. Casual dining restaurant? Chili's (love their appetizers and desserts)
3. Expensive restaurant? The Chalet (local restaurant to me)
4. Family-friendly restaurant? Perkins
5. Restaurant that you could go to everyday? TGIF's

What about you?  What restaurants do you like to dine at?

I finally was able to order the page protectors I wanted for my Project Life album, so I need to dedicate some much needed time to start putting that together.  I have been taking a photo a day, which I will place in my album like all other years, but this year, I am going to work a bit different and include other photos that I may have taken on a particular day (i.e., include more than one photo from holidays, birthdays, etc.).  I will also be including memorabilia.

As soon as I get some pages completed, I will share with you my progress.

So, the other day, I went to take a picture with my phone and noticed that there were some new pictures (that I did not take) on my camera roll.  Seems that Rebecca discovered my phone (probably on the couch) and proceeded to take her picture.

Oh those pouty lips ...

Thanks for stopping by!

second attempt ...

I had a post all ready to go for Friday's Fast Fact Friday questions on Friday; however, my computer decided to reboot itself before I had the chance to save the post.  Here are the questions and my answers.

1. Do you collect anything?
2. What is your favorite hobby?
3. What is your style of organization?
4. If you didn't have any limitations, what would you be passionate about?
5. What hobby have you thought about trying, but haven't yet?

And my answers:

1. I think the only thing I currently collect is scrapbooking supplies.  I have gotten a LOT better.  I am concentrating on using what I have and am now only purchasing adhesive when needed.  In the past, I did collect shot glasses, Disney plates, dolphins, and baskets.
2. My favorite hobby is definitely scrapbooking followed close behind by photography.
3. If you are talking about my style of organization when it comes to scrapbooking, I like to organize my supplies by color.  It makes things easier for me to find that way.
4. If I didn't have any limitations, I would be passionate about traveling the US.  There are so many beautiful and historical sites to see in our country ... would love to rent a luxury RV and travel the states with my family.
5. I have always wanted to learn how to crochet.  Both of my grandmothers made many beautiful things over the years.  I would love to learn how to make beautiful blankets.

What would some of your answers be?  Would love to hear from you.

And, I thought I'd share a few pictures from our beautiful weekend here in NJ.  I can't believe it has been in the 50's.  So unbelievable for February weather.

We're just waiting for that snow storm to come ... it just has to hit us one of these weeks.

Thanks for stopping by - enjoy the rest of the day!

love story challenge ...

What a perfect week to do a layout about my love story.  That is the This is Me Challenge prompt this week.  Our story began in the late eighties, but didn't really start until the mid-90's.  This is our story. 

(photos from 1995).  Oh for both of us to be that skinny again.

How was your Valentine's Day?  Did you receive any sweet gifts?  I received candy and a card ... more than I expected.  As I stated last week, I celebrate Valentine's Day for the kids.  They LOVED their little goodie bags they received from us yesterday morning.

Nicholas had a little party in school.  He had to make a box for his valentine cards, so he came home from school with his box full of cards and other goodies from his class.

Getting off the topic of Valentine's Day, I wanted to tell you about a workshop (if you want to call it that) that I will be participating in.  Are you a list maker?  If so, you will want to sign up for 30 Days of Lists which kicks off in March.

It basically explains itself ... you get prompts everyday to create a new list about something.  Sound fun to you? Just click on the link above to find out more.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

we celebrated rebecca ...

Rebecca turned two yesterday.  I think she had a pretty good day despite the little cold that she has.  Nothing stops her for having a good time. 

We hung out together all day, and then mom and dad came over around 4pm.  Mom helped me finish making dinner, while the guys watched football.  Nicholas and Rebecca played before dinner was served.

We had roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh greenbeans (with sauteed onions and bacon).  It was a very yummy dinner if I say so myself.  After a little relaxation from dinner, we had cake.

Here are some pictures from last evening.

 

 

 

 

 

She was one happy little girl.  She loved her two new Zhu Zhu pets (a puppy and a purple hamster) and her other gifts.  She was also thrilled about her rocking doll crib.  Mom and dad found my old (but in excellent condition) baby doll rocking crib, so they brought it over last night.  It didn't take Rebecca long at all to put all of her dolls (and stuffed animals) in it to rock them to sleep.

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!

And, like I promised, below is my layout from the first month of Ella Publishing's Take Twelve challenge.

And if you are wondering ... yes, Rebecca happened to stay in her jammies all day that day.  Sometimes we all need those kind of days.

Thanks for stopping by!

i'll be scrapping tonight ...

This morning I took a quick run to Walmart to pick up the 12 pictures that I submitted online last night to be printed for my first Take Twelve scrapbook layout for this year.

Can I just tell you how excited I am to get this layout created.  I will be following one of the sketch templates that was provided when I purchased the Take Twelve kit.  And, just to let you know, it is NOT too late to join in on the fun.  You can do the Take Twelve challenge several different ways.  For example, you can take 12 pictures on any day of the month (not just 12 pictures on the 12th), or create a layout with 12 of your favorite pictures from the month (not just on one particular day).  The possibilities are endless and so much fun.

Go here to learn more.

i have to sign up for this ...

A few year's back, I participated in a photography challenge by taking 12 pictures on the 12th of each month, and then created a scrapbook layout to display the photos and describe what was going on in each picture.  It was so much fun.  Some of the photos I took during certain months were a little boring since I was in the office on some of those month's on the 12th, but my layouts really captured what was going on that day and it is fun to now look back on what I created.

With this said ... I received an email from Ella Publishing Co. with information on a new eBook they have developed.

This is the same concept of what I did a few years ago, but SO MUCH more.  There is so much inspiration in this eBook.

The write-up on their site ...

In honor of the year 2012, we at Ella Publishing Co. hereby challenge you to take 12 photos on the 12th of each month for the next 12 months starting January 12. (That’s a lot of 12’s!)

The new Take 12 Guided Inspiration Kit will keep you motivated and inspired throughout your journey. Follow along with us and by year’s end, you’ll have 144 memorable, meaningful photos that reflect your everyday existence—and you’ll have them memorialized on scrapbook pages to boot!

In the kit, you’ll find 5 complete products in one, including: photo-taking checklists, 12-photo layout sketches, list-style journaling cards, bonus ideas and alternate approaches, and lots of printable titles and calendar accents. The digital .PNG files are included for digi-savvy scrapbookers!

A companion digital kit is also available to help you complete this year-long challenge. The Take 12 Templates contains 12 digital templates for photo collages or digi pages (for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements). It just takes a few quick commands to replace the colored boxes in these layered templates with your own photos. With easy-to-follow instructions included, these templates are beginner friendly. Advanced users will love the jumpstart to quick and well-designed 12-photo layouts.

When you accept the Take Twelve Challenge, you will receive a lot more goodies and motivational support than what's inside the kits. You'll receive monthly email reminders on the 11th (though you can opt-out at any time), have the opportunity to share your projects and be inspired by others from around the world, and of course you'll also have a chance to win great prizes!

Best of all, by committing to the challenge within the next 12 days, you can buy the Guided Inspiration Kit for only $12.12. You can actually join the challenge at any point in 2012, but this introductory price will end on December 24.

So, who is going to take the challenge with me ... don't wait, because the special price is only available until December 24.

pick a side ...

This week's This is Me Challenge was to list which "sides" (like right-handed or left-brained) you use for certain things. 

I never really thought about the different things I do differently with my hands.  I am right-handed, but do use my left hand to do certain things.  I could have gone on and on with my lists, but most of the things I do are with my right hand.

I created a layout listing some of the activities that I do using my left or right hand.

For more examples, please go here.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

she enjoyed the snow ...

The day after the big storm (btw ... we are still without power ... going on day six), we took Rebecca out in the snow.  It was her first time that she actually got to experience walking in it and touching it.  She had a blast.

She did not want to come in that day.

And since week's color over at Project 64: Out of the Box was turquoise, I thought Rebecca's pants were the perfect match.

The photo of her pants ...

For more entries ... go here.

 
Thanks for stopping by!