10.23.2009

Project 365 10.23

A Weekend with a Great Friend
It's finally here, my weekend in the mountains with my friend Dee-Ann. Even though we had some minor setbacks with my van breaking down, we made it here...in a loaner Nissan Versa, surprisingly we fit all our 'stuff' in this little car.

Dee & I have gone on many retreats over the years, but it's been an awful long time since our last one...so this trip was definitely in order! The retreat was held at this resort and put on by these two terrific women (Deb & Diana):
Our rooms were so relaxing!

This scrapbook retreat was called 'Scrappin Mama's'. There were between 60 - 70 women there to crop till they dropped.

Dee, with a pose that says 'this bed is ALL MINE!'
I had the best sleep ever!

10.22.2009

Project 365 10.22

Shopping Day
Today was exactly that on my trip here in Calgary. I visited a few of my favorite stores and then headed to Southcentre Mall with my sis.

Here are a few of my favorite things I found:
This would look amazing our master bedroom!
Cool new shelf at Ikea
Visited the NEW Crate & Barrell!
A shelf for Amber
Love this chair
These would look amazing in my dining room
Am found her dream chair
Met my friend Kim there for some shopping girl time

In heaven at Restoration Hardware
Ran into our good friend & old babysitter Shelby (right) & her friend Sarah at Crave cupcakes. Thought it was a typical photo for seniors in highschool...on their cell phones.
Amber hosted a little party so I could have my girlfriends over for a visit & some wine. Here is my friend Kelly's daughter Tianna...such a cutie
Tianna & her brother Kyran
Charlies Angels: Amber's friends Trina & Lauren...trying to bust into an uncorkable bottle of wine
My friend Kelly & I
My friend Jenny & I

10.21.2009

Project 365 10.21


In the City
Today I travelled to Calgary to spend a few days with my sister Amber before I head to the mountains this weekend for a retreat. Visiting with friends & family, shopping & relaxing are on the agenda for the next few days. I had such a rush when I turned the corner by our old neighborhood, gosh it felt good to be back!

It was a long day: left Oxbow at 6am, service engine light came on in the van around Swift Current, then when I got to the city my van started to stall out. Unsure what to do, I called my old Nissan dealership, luckily they fit me in as an emergency appointment, so hopefully we'll know what's wrong tomorrow. After that was dealt with, Amber gave me a fresh haircut & color. Then we took a drive downtown (that felt good, I really missed it) and I had fun photographing the nightlife.

The {bokeh} photo above is one of my faves from the night, I think I'll order it in a canvas print and hang it in our home to remind me of my citylife!

10.20.2009

Elementary Open House

A question we have ALOT these days is, 'How is Ace liking Kindergarten?' He is truly loving it! The first month (like I was warned) is hard on the students & the family...getting used to the fact that school is now a part of our everyday life, or every second day, was an adjustment. About a month in, we settled into a routine and all is well. Above, Ace is with his teacher, Mrs. Wallace...such a special person in his life, she is the most patient person I have ever met.

Special Moment: Ace showing Nana his 'cubby'...the same location of my cubby when I went to Kindergarten 27 years ago!!!
Scarlett enjoyed the school tour...she hunkered down with a good book in the library and had to be bribed to leave. I don't think we'll have any convincing to send her to Kindergarten in 2 years.
The mini album 'All About Ace' that him & I made a few weeks ago for him to show his friends at school.









Project 365 10.20

'Mommy, Mommy, I found something magical' exclaimed Ace. Fun rainbows!

10.19.2009

Project 365 10.19


Celebrating 7 wonderful years of marriage together!

10.18.2009

Project 365 10.18

Lazy Sunday
Today was filled with some movie watching, napping & playing.


10.17.2009

Project 365 10.17


Kubota Ride with Grandpa
This afternoon, Grandpa was givin' rides in his Kubota to the Grandkids. First the boys, then the girls. They all had a wonderful time!

10.16.2009

Project 365 10.16


Dirty Snowballs

10.15.2009

Project 365 10.15


It's officially SOCK weather, bye-bye toes, see you in a few months!

10.14.2009

Project 365 10.14


Eating Snow...at least it's early in the season & fresh snow :)

10.13.2009

Project 365 10.13


Ummm, this is what I've got for today's 'photo of the day'. No explanation, just found Scarlett dressed up like this...wozza, that's quite the wardrobe.

10.12.2009

Project 365 10.12

My NEW Studio!
My studio has been a work in progress for many months. I am happy to say that after all the organizing, purging, cleaning and searching for the right storage items...this project is complete! Thank you for being patient for this post, I know a few of you have been waiting. I'm glad to be able to share what I have found to work the best for me in this room. Please let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment, I'd be happy to answer them.

Let me give you the grand tour!
This quote totally suits the room, I think! I placed it on the wall above my Making Memories shelf from Michaels. This shelf holds most of my ribbon & jars of buttons {I love buttons}.
I'm happy to say that my studio is a kid-friendly zone. Ace & Scarlett are at the age now that they understand which tools are Mommy's. They often come in to look at photos on my Macbook.
Corkboard & small bookshelf just as you enter the room. On top of the bookshelf, is where I put all fresh/newly purchased items. The desktop organizer is for papers & the houndstooth basket is for everything else. Below that, a basket of my Marvy Punches & my Library of Memories albums. Cold storage photo boxes on the bottom.
In this corner, I have my punches on the wall hung on bars from Ikea. On top of the rolling drawer unit are 2 SU color caddies (divided by color families), a tray of small punches, courdory buttons & a mini red collander with new ribbons. Next to that are clear box storage for themed products. I have boxes seperated by themes such as: baby girl, baby boy, halloween, fall, winter, Christmas, Starbucks, Photography, etc.
A peek into one of the drawers where I have specific projects separated and ready to go when inspiration strikes.
Workspace table was purchased at Pier 1, I love the storage on each side for my ribbon jars. A few items on top that I can't live without: MM Desktop Carousel, Clip It Up storage, SU self healing mat & OttLite.
The black filing cabinet below my workspace holds 8.5 x 11" cardstock.

Jars separated by ribbon color.
My Happy Place! This cozy spot {often occupied by our dog Piper} makes me smile :) It's where our kids cuddle up while I'm working to look at the mini albums in the basket to the left or they watch a can watch a movie...or I can too. It's where all my favorite scrappy magazines congregate also!
Cube Storage --- this is what was put together this weekend and completed the room. I needed another unit to place my Big Shot & Cricut cutter on. All of the various 'nooks & krannys' are so handy for multiple items. To the right, my favorite calendar.
Another peek inside...
Sparkles drawer & clear embellishment drawer.
This lined up 12 x 12" cardstock delights me! Just an arms reach, no more searching around.

Under my main desk is where scrapbook kits are stored, very handy.
Wall of cabinets, thanks to my husband for installing them for me and building the counter. My favorite part...the 12 foot long countertop!
Pottery Barn chair, well worth spending the $ on a high-quality chair!
TV & DVD player and my diploma sit atop my Library of Memories category drawers. To the right a stack of notebooks I've kept over the years and my 'EASY button'.
Some more ribbon storage, a hand painted bowl for misc stamps, embellishment storage from SH, drawer for mini photos & large photos & my printer at the other end of the countertop.
Another look at this spot.
A few peeks inside the drawers...
Most commonly used items: paper trimmer, all kinds of adhesives, stamp cleaner, sponge daubers, blender pens, eyelet took kit, modge podge, etc.
Chipboard, Stampin Spots & Hodgepodge Hardware mostly fill this one.
Color drawer...well you get it!

I LOVE this room and am so grateful for it! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!

10.11.2009

Project 365 10.11

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks to my sister Christa for taking a few family photos of us today.

10.10.2009

Project 365 10.10

I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful bunch today for Len & Ruth's 60th wedding anniversary celebration! Above is the adorable Colton, thought I would give a shout out to his Mom who visits my blog. Thanks for stopping by Jennifer, it was great to see you & your family! Also a big thank you to Colton's Grandma, Arletta, who booked & organized all the families for their mini-photoshoots.

10.09.2009

Project 365 10.9

First Snowfall of the Season
Yes, we woke up to snow this morning. Just a few photos from our snowy day. I can see a cozy weekend ahead of us!




10.08.2009

Project 365 10.8

New School Update
The construction of the new school here in Oxbow is moving right along!


10.07.2009

Project 365 10.7


Firehall Fundraiser & Demonstration
Even though it was cold tonight, it gave a warm & cozy feeling to go out and support the local fire department at their BBQ and jaws-of-life demonstration. We are so lucky to have such devoted volunteer firefighters in Oxbow.
(camera phone photo)

10.06.2009

Project 365 10.6

Letter Organization
I took the time to create these alphabet drawers in my studio. After years of figuring out my creating style, I thought this best suited me. When I create projects or layouts, I often want different shapes, sizes & fonts for titles...so I think this will work best.
The drawers fit into the cubes, the whole units are from Ikea. I plan on labeling each drawer with the corresponding letter/number (two per drawer) once I get these.

10.05.2009

Project 365 10.5


Turkey Craft
Scarlett had Preschool today---here's the craft she brought home just in time for turkey-day!

10.04.2009

Project 365 10.4

Today I took a ride in my Dad's newly restored 1959 Mercury Monarch HOT PINK car! It's about 80% restored, he even re-did the interior. It floats down the road...an awesome ride!

My Uncle Mike (Dad's youngest brother) did the custom paint job years ago. Uncle Mike followed in his Dad's (my Grandpa Snider) footsteps as an autobody mechanic and he still works for the industry in Weyburn.




10.03.2009

Hudson's Baby Shower

I was happy to host a baby shower for Kim & baby Hudson! It was great to visit with Kim's family from this area. Guests arrived for some baby snuggle time and to have lunch together. A lovely time!
Auntie Vanda
Shylee & Kim
Auntie Doreen
Michelle & Shelby
The food...mmm!
Kim having a moment with my Mom, her 'Saskatchewan Mom'.

Baby gifts...
Auntie Grace
Auntie Donna
The kiddos

After the shower we went for a stroll around town.


Supper with our family, Christa & Kyra with Hudson
Mom
Dad & Mom with our special guest
It was a pleasure to have Hudson around...he is such a good baby!

We ended the night by relaxing with some homemade London Fogs,

Project 365 10.3


A Baby in the House!
We loved having Kim & her three-month old Hudson around the house this weekend.

10.02.2009

Wine Club - Chianti

It was so GREAT to get together with these friends on Friday night...I was really cravin' a girls night. Lian was an excellent hostess with the mostess! Thanks girls for kindly accepting my friend Kim {from Calgary} as our special guest for the evening, I think she really enjoyed it and felt special to be a part of our group!
The wine we taste tested tonight...we found that the selection of Chianti in our area is limited.

Wonderful hostess, Lian!
Freshly made bruchetta
Main entree, baked manicotti
Delish...Tuscan Salad with Sweet Peas, Pancetta & Pine Nuts

Balsamic Strawberries with Marscapone Whip Topping...Mmmm!
Already looking forward to the next {meeting}!!!

Project 365 10.2

A Visit from Kim & Hudson
We were ecstatic to have Kim & her son {from Calgary} at our place for the weekend! We picked them up from the airport on Regina. This trip was Hudson's first air plane ride!

10.01.2009

Stella & Dot Trunk Show for Missy & Lachalle

I had a fabulous time with Missy & Lachalle tonight! They hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show complete with homemade saskatoon cheesecake.


Project 365 10.1

Happy October!
We put our new front door wreath up to welcome fall, my favorite season!
I purchased it at a country store in Minot, ND, it's made with real leaves. I hung it with some of this striped ribbon from Stampin' Up!

9.30.2009

Project 365 9.30


Barley Lentil {Vegetarian} Stew

1/4 cup margarine
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
6 cups water
3/4 cup lentils
1 liter canned tomatoes
3/4 cup pearl barley
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Saute the butter, celery and onion in a large pan. Add the water and lentils, cook for 20 minutes, then add the tomatoes, barley & spices. Simmer 45-60 minutes (until lentils are tender). Then add the carrots. Cook for 5 minutes and serve!

This nice warm stew is perfect for a cold fall day! My friend Jenny gave us this recipe a few years ago and it's one of our faves, we make it often.

9.29.2009

Project 365 9.29

Today was Ace's first picture day at school. After school I did a quick little mini-shoot for these two kiddos.





Loved how they turned out!

9.28.2009

Project 365 9.28

A Few Favorite Things --- Ace
For a cool project in Kindergarten, the students were asked to decorate & fill a paper bag and make it all about them. We took photos of Ace's favorite toys (because we didn't want to send them to school) and added to a mini-book I created about him --- forgot to take a photo, whoops. Above is his newest obsession, Bionicles and below is his stuffed doggie he's had since birth.

9.27.2009

project 365 9.27

Chloe's Baby Shower
I was happy to host this baby shower for my good friend and new Mommy Cindy. It was great to have a household full of baby-cuddling women on this Sunday afternoon.
Cupcakes with cream cheese icing made by Lian, they tasted as good as they looked!
Presley was the first to hold baby Chloe at the shower
Kristy & Chloe
Guests were encouraged to bring a package of diapers, those who did were entered into a gift basket draw...a nice way for the new parents to stock up on diapers!
Tissue paper flower decorations (Martha Stewart)
Cindy & her new little lady

New Grandma Glenda
The gift packaging was amazing!


A personalized craft made by my neighbour Trina
Baby advice from guests...
This was my advice for the new parents:
One of the cutest onzies!

9.26.2009

Project 365 9.26

Nick & Chelsie's Wedding
It was a pleasure to be hired as a second-half photographer for this wedding. A close friend of the family shot the first half of the wedding pictures and the Bride & Groom brought me in to capture the reception, speeches & dance. The room was full of happiness & smiles in celebrating the new Mr. & Mrs.

Cheers!
Lots of great laughs!
Lovely green lighting...helped me capture the color theme of their special day.
A beautiful evening!

9.25.2009

Project 365 9.25


Chair Warmer
Today our puppy is sick with a doggie-flu, so she joined me in my office & curled up in my chair all-day. I hope she feels better soon.

9.24.2009

Project 365 9.24


Hard at Work
Cory started the next job on his list this week, the local Town Office. Looking forward to this new building coming together in the next few months.