My real addiction

So, everyone knows me knows how much I love Tim Horton's coffee. Oh, and the fruit explosion muffins. There is nothing in the entire world better than the combination of these two; quiet time, sitting outside, enjoying the fresh air, total relaxation and enjoyment, with these two things. But you know, there is something that I love more than that. Take a good look, and you'll see what that is!

'Alter this'

Well, this one was for sure a challenge! I was sent this big plastic blue clothespin and told to "alter" it. I searched and searched for ideas, and couldn't find anything like what I wanted (was going to do a money tree lol!!) As the deadline is near, I opted for a more 'normal' approach, but I'm telling you - I'm going to get another of these and put my money tree idea to work!) I love this though, the colors and the pics. Think this may be hubby's Father's Day gift!

This boy!!

We've had a busy couple days. Our community pool opened, our splashpad is working, and we reconnected with a neighbor that we hadn't seen over the winter. Got hubby off to his job in Colorado, so it's just me and the boys. We've been playing outside and I was getting lots of Benjamin pictures, so I wanted to turn it on Nicholas, who was willing, and being my little poser. I absolutely love this simple layout, and he does too. His personality truly shines through in these pictures, and he looks like Mama's little boy here. I love this kid!

No pics today, but will add some

Celebrated our second Memorial Day weekend - and had a great time. Our community pool opened, so we got to hang out and splash for the first time this season. Went and scrapbooked at a friend's house - Michelle - she is so funny. I don't know if I've ever met anyone who laughs as much as her! Then we had a neighborhood bbq on Monday that was totally awesome! I will add photos when I'm on my own computer (using hubby's laptop at the moment.) We went to the splashpad this morning (well, 12:30) and hung out there for about an hour and a half. Likely not the best time of day - the kids and I are pretty pink. They aren't too bad, but I'm sure I can be seen from space, I have a very distinct pink/red 'glow'. I should know by now - it's almost like a different sun here, more direct, more heat for sure! Maybe I'll even take a picture of my burn... but not tonight. Tonight, I'm going to go and try to get more into my book "Rhett Butler's People." I loved Gone with the Wind and Scarlett, but this one is taking me longer to get into. Maybe because I'm always so tired when I read lol!!! Pics tomorrow... after another visit to the splashpad with friends. And I'll remember the sunblock this time hehehe!!

Making the journalling the star

I got this idea over the weekend when we were hanging out at the train table at Barnes & Noble. The kids were busy, Nicholas looking at Star Wars books, and Benjamin with the trains. I usually enjoy the quiet time, let hubby go look at "Daddy" books, and I sit on the floor and look through scrapbook magazines while keeping an eye on the boys. Anyway, this one British magazine had a layout showing a photograph in the center of the page, and journalling totally surrounding it! I sketched it out on a magazine insert card and brought it home, and this is my version! I love it, and I know (longwinded that I can be!) that I will be doing this style of layout more than just this one time.

Getting the hang of it.

So many layouts are one large photo on a page, with the design flowing around it. I'm into volume scrapping - - I usually put 6 or 8 photos on a page, but I am coming around to it! For a special photograph or memory, I'll be doing this more often. I take so many photographs of my kids, that I am fortunate enough to get some fantastic shots of them both. I'm grateful that they are (usually) willing subjects for Mommy's obsession lol!!

Terrifying new technique (for me!)

So, I have never (ever) used my sewing machine on a page before. One of my CM groups is doing a birthday challenge weekend, and a layout that was given for inspiration had the ribbon bunched up as trim down the length of the page. It took me a couple days to get up the nerve, and today seemed to be the day. Seriously nervous, and a little shaky, I broke out my sewing machine that I have not used in easily two years, dusted it off, and gave it a try. And I love it! Totally adds to the page, and works with what I'm trying to say about my little boy.