this could take all day

October 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Daisy was home from school for a few days with a touch of the flu. This floor puzzle gave us a great quiet activity we could do when she was feeling up for it.

Trip to Trader Joe's. Man, these girls know the free stuff at every store and can't leave TJ's without stickers. Dani likes to put them on herself and declare that she has owies. (cell pic)

Last week we rode the plane after Bible Study, this week we played outside. It was such a nice day. (cell pic)

I haven't scrapbooked in over a year, but this week I got inspired. Here's one of the pages I made. I'm hoping this creative streak sticks around a while.

Darin took the girls to home depot on an errand and it turns out there was a free workshop. They each got to paint a pumpkin! (cell pic)

August roundup

Great stuff this month. Great stuff.

1. I have been bugging everyone I love to read THIS book. If you like a strong female lead, a great narrative voice, a story full of emotion, history, and a love story as strong as Gone With The Wind, you must read this book. Trust me, you'll thank me.

2. THIS may be our new favorite summertime grill recipe. So easy to make (although I couldn't find ground chicken, so we just used turkey) and so delicious. I served these to my family and had one swooning husband. Then we served these to guests at a cookout and they swooned too. Make these before summer is out. Again, you'll thank me!

3. Read-A-Book, Give-A-Book. Great selection of children's books you can read online. And for every book read online, one is given to a charity partner. We have a huge stack of library books at our house all the time, but if I had a smart phone or a tablet device, I would be sure to bookmark this site to pull up in a crisis. Waiting room? Restaurant? Sibling sport practice? Read a book on your computer!

4. Dani, like most kiddos her age, loves buckles. Man, if only I had spotted THIS bear (they have other animals too) before her birthday!

5. On Learning To Go Away. Just confimed my need for a retreat soon. Not for work, not for 4-H, not a family vacation or a spousal reconnection. Just a retreat for me, nature, and God. Mmmm...sounds soul-feeding for sure.

6. Man, I thought my blog-reading life had changed with the invention of google reader. But I missed reading blogs on their actual nicely-designed blog platforms. Plus, I hated having to click to open and comment. I got really bad about actually commenting. Enter google to change my blog reading world once again. Google next. Takes your blogs you have saved in your reader, and lets you read them on their actual nicely-designed blog platforms. All ready for you to read, enjoy, and comment away. LOVE.

7. There are so many cute moms and their cute blogs showing off their cute lunches on the internets these days (like here and here). It's kinda making me excited to pack lunches for my kiddos one of these days. Not yet, though. Daisy was disappointed to learn that our neighbor girl will be having lunch at school, but Daisy only has morning preschool. Sorry kid. You're stuck eating with us at home one more year! Sorry, all that to say I think these lunchboxes are the best I've seen.

8. THIS project, comparing the rooms of children around the world is beautiful and thought provoking.

9. I am so in love with THESE shoes. Aren't they adorable? Um yeah, and not for me. For the girls!

10. Thinking I will need to frame THIS free print and hang it in the girls room once we get it painted and decorated and furnitured and all that.

11. Totally AGREE.

12. I can think of so many organizing and scrapbooking projects to cute-up with THESE labels. 

13. Have I shared with you guys the magic of the half tee yet? I've been talking up these babies quite a bit lately. I have the black and the white tanks and I love them so much. No longer do I worry when I buy a cute lower-cut top. No bulk in layering, or tugging on the tank top to get things just right. Great for me now, and especially great for pregnancy. I think every pregnant woman needs to go out and get herself quite a few of these ladies. How I hated the way my undershirts would roll up as my belly got bigger. And for some reason maternity designers love to design those darn v-neck shirts that you have to layer. 

14. Lastly, one more awesome tune for summer.

Hope your August has been as awesome as mine!

more OPAW updates

Well, there have been lots of projects over the past 5 weeks, but not a lot of scrapbooking. I wanted to make catching up a project for this week, and then I got a commission project for Miss Jen (more on that below) so the scrappy catching-up will be on hold for another week at least!

Here's the only page I've done for the 5 weeks: Sleep Tight

  

I wanted a record of the song I sing to her each night and naptime and this picture was the perfect pairing. Sometimes these simple pages make me the happiest.

OPAW Week 8:
I caught up on my Christmas card album. I have an ongoing album where I store the cards we receive as well as the one we send out. I spent this week organizing our cards as well as creating the 2009 page. I'm a little worried this book won't make it much longer! It's getting pretty thick.

  

 
 
 OPAW week 9:
New pictures in the frames around my house! Daisy noticed right away. It took Darin a bit longer.

OPAW week 10:
I made a batch of debriefing cards to use on a 4-H weekend. On one side of each card is a picture cut from a magazine, on the other is a word. The picture and the word don't have to be related. To use them as a debriefing tool just spread them out on the table and ask the participants to choose one. You set the rules: they can pick a picture or a word or either. They can pick one to answer a question or that describes how they're feeling. They were a great tool over the weekend when I asked the State Ambassadors to choose a word or a picture that described how they felt after a long day of leadership training.

  

 
 
 OPAW Week 11:
I had the opportunity to help Dakota design her wedding announcements. On Tuesday she and Sierra met me at Paperzone and we purchased all the supplies to create a batch of wedding announcements. Not invitations, as her wedding is going to be very intimate. Instead, they're gonna send out these announcements to friends and family after the occasion. 

We left a nice spot on each announcement for a photo from her wedding. Did I tell you she asked me to take the photos? Oh well...then we haven't spoken much lately because I'm super stressed about the prospect. The week before her wedding you better believe my project will be reviewing my photography class notes and practicing a ton.

 
 

OPAW Week 12:
My project this week was a commission! Jen emailed and asked if I could create some baby-shower invitations and thank-you's for a party she's throwing for her sister-in-law. Knowing how much I love papercrafts and my dear friend who's too tired to even think about papercrafts, I agreed. These were fun to design and create!

 
 

Some of you have mentioned to me that you've been inspired to do a little OPAW-ing yourself. How's it going for you so far this 2010?

OPAW updates

Started to think I'd forgotten, right? But we're still plugging along with my "One Project A Week" and "One Page A Week" plan.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4 I prepared the girls clothes for consignment (cleaned, ironed, folded, trimmed loose strings) but have yet to make it to the consignment shop. It's hard to lug a box of clothes and two kids by myself. Hoping when Darin's got a comp-day soon I'll get this one checked off my list.

Week 4 page: First S'more

  

"What a great day visiting Gram & Gramps at their campsite in Chehalis. Maya and Macey were there too! We swam, ate good food, played mini golf, competed at ladder golf, and explored an abandoned bees nest. The day capped off with the perfect messy treat: s'mores. You were in heaven."

Week 5 I evaluated all the picture frames in our house, uploaded and ordered a bunch of new shots. I wish that we had endless walls and counter-top space so I'd never have to change out my pictures. I love watching our family age and grow around me. But it isn't the case, so I spent this week agonizing over which ones to change and what to change them too. While I was add it I ordered a bunch more prints to scrapbook as well.

Week 5 page: Family

 

"This is one of my favorite pictures from our time with Dani in the hospital. My sister, Debbie, visiting and holding our newborn. Daisy thrilled to be sharing my hospital bed (and dinner!) while watching a video on the TV. The room was warm and tiny and a mess, but we were all so happy to be together. 7/30/09" 

Week 6 I spent making Miss Andie her own hooded towel.

And the page: Curly Lou

 

"Love, love, love your post-bath beautiful curls! August 8, '09"

Week 7: Fail and Fail. But I did spend a few wonderful days in Idaho Falls and I'm totally thrilled with that accomplishment. And the accomplishment of actually getting home! (The 10 hours in the Boise airport as well as the overnighter in a hotel with a baby and no luggage is a story I'll save for another day.)

But this week I'm back and dreaming up scrapbook pages already!  

OPAW, week 3

Week 3. Didn't think I was gonna make it. Thankfully I had the weekend to catch up.

My project was to organize the girls clothes, and pull out the next set for Dani. Following up, my project this week is to get stuff ready to consign and make an appointment at the shop in town.

And even with the chaos of last week, I managed to get not just one, but two scrapbook pages done! We got a new desk a few weeks ago and I love how much more space I have to scrapbook. Plus, it's really easy to put stuff aside mid-project. Naptimes have suddenly become much more productive and I'm loving it.

Run

  

"It is one of the best things in life to watch you run. You run with such joy, such abandon. Your arms swing happily at your side and the grin that covers your face is enchanting. I could watch you run all day. (Photos, July 2009)"

bringing home baby Dani

 

"Just two nights in the hospital and your Papa convinced our nurses to discharge us. Due to the heat wave, all you needed was an adorable onesie on. You look so tiny in your carseat!" 

Later this week I'm gonna share a super easy project you can do for your sweetie this valentine's day. 

OPAW, week 2; more scrappy stuff too

Week 2 down.

Email inbox beautiful and manageable again!

And a page made too.

Dani

 

"We treasured our time alone with you in the hospital. Cuddling, smelling, discovering, and of course kissing our brand new baby girl. We were so happy to have you here. Welcome to our family little one. You are loved."

 And a few more layouts I finally got around to finishing and photographing.

Easter Egg Hunt

    

  

"The first 'official' egg hunt for Daisy was held at the Arlington Airport. It was a lot colder than we expected that morning, but a free cookie made the wait a little easier. The 0-3 area was pretty much fenced-off grass with eggs strewn about. We waited about 30 minutes for the hunt to begin and watched as hundreds of people gathered with their babies and toddlers around the fence. The fire engine was our signal to 'go' around 11:08. We knew the eggs would go fast and boy did they ever! Luckily, Daisy had a nice little patch she was able to pick up before there was no more to be  had. When the hunt ended it was time to take stock and open our eggs before we left to make sure none contained a coupon for a special basket. (Honestly, we were pretty glad ours were coupon-free and we could return to the warmth of the car ride home.) As we were examining our winnings, a sweet lady came by and 'dropped' a few more eggs for Daisy to retrieve. We really appreciated her kindness and that of everyone who set up the fun for us that day."

Practice Egg Hunt

 
 
 "Gran had given you this fun set of Easter Eggs and had already filled them with coins and candies. So the day before our official hunt we decided to practice in the yard with these eggs. You caught on to the idea right away and loved picking up each egg and shaking it. You wanted to do it all once you had collected them all, so you waited patiently inside while I 'hid' them a second time. You are so much fun! Easter 2008"
 

Cider Mill

  

"Stacey and Tyler introduced us to this spot last year and we just had to head back in October for the harvest festivities. We had a great time exploring the farm and feeding the very friendly goats. The merry-go-round was broken, but our cute Daisy has a way of convincing people to do things like push it around for her! Ty and Darin found some real 'guy fun' in the apple sling-shot contest. And even though we were too late to find any good pumpkins, we all enjoyed a stroll (and a wheelbarrow ride) out to the pumpkin patch. We are lucky to have such great friends in the Rays! (2008)"

Gram & Gramps

  

"We were so thankful to have my parents come for three weeks this summer. They arrived a few days before Dani was born and got acclimated to Daisy and her routines. They cared for Daisy while we were in the hospital and brought her every day to visit. We enjoyed lots of time in the sun together, relaxing and enjoying our fun toddler and adorable baby. And while Dad did lots of work their trailer Mom helped me a ton with housework. I don't think I did a load of laundry or unloaded a dishwasher for weeks! Too bad Dad was sick their last few days here, but we were thankful to visit them again in Crescent Bar for a few days before they hit the road again."

And a couple pages to start an album for Dani.

ready to meet YOU

  

"A morning belly shot before heading to the hospital, and one of me all ready for surgery. Nervous but excited too. Ready for the chance to hold you in my arms. Heart Mama."

Brand New You

 
 
 
 

OPAW, week 1

Week 1 down.

Gift Card purses finished! Now I just need to confirm my aunt's address and they will be in the mail.

And I made a scrapbook page too!

  

Our Little Boxer

"As a newborn you were always making these fists like a boxer. 'Put 'em up!' we'd all laugh. So adorable! 9/11/09 ps: Gram is holding you here."

And man, her hair was sure dark!

a little Christmas scrappy project

Along with the ornaments we choose for the girls each year, I wanted to have a place to record the "why" for them. Why did we choose this ornament? What makes it so special. So a little scrappy project was born.

I picked up this little set of albums from Target so Daisy has her album, Dani has one, and we've got one extra. (And then I tried to tell Darin that there were 3 albums, which was a definite sign that we weren't done having kids!) 

  

Each album has a title page:

  

  

I'm a fan of super simple, so each page has a shot of the ornament on the right, and a simple design on the left. I cut out 4x6 rectangles from coordinating patterned paper, and then I found this free digital set of recipe cards to use for my journaling. These are safely stored on my computer, and hopefully won't be outdated in 15 years!

Dani's 2009 entries:

 
 
  

 
  
  

Daisy's 2007:

 

2008:

 
   
 and 2009:

  

  

I can't wait to pull these little books out with our Christmas decorations each year, and then add to them as well.

ps: I was totally inspired for this project by miss Simple Scrapbooks herself, Stacy Julian.
 
 

coming to a mailbox near you

 These were sent out on Monday, so hopefully all of you expecting to receive an announcement got one. (And these babies took a while to put together, so I've only got one extra that I'm keeping for Miss Dani.)

And here's the inside. (I made a 4x6 jpeg, uploaded it to Costco, and then trimmed to the 3.5x5 size. Nobody prints that size anymore!)

That is Darin's hand and yes, I did take the shot. I'm pretty proud of it, and my adorable daughter.

 

If anyone would like a copy of just the inside, let me know and I'll be happy to send one your way.

some recent scrappy stuff

I haven't scrapped in a while. Wanna hear some excuses? My pregnant back isn't up to the task of sitting at the desk chair for extended periods of time. I recently reorganized my stuff and I can't bring myself to start messing with all the niceness of everything in its place. Most of the shows I watch on the computer while I scrap are on summer break. And I've really enjoyed relaxing on the couch or bed in the evening with my hubby and my cross-stiching lately.

But about a month ago I did make it to a friends house for a little crop. And while I usually save my journaling (and often the title) for when I get home, I managed to begin these three pages that night.

Christmas Eve

 

"December 24, 2008 Bright & colorful tree. Stockings full. Santa present delivered, the rest all wrapped. Quiet. Ready for the magic of Christmas morning."

Book Lover

 

"and mess maker. You love to pull all the books off your shelf. I think I put them back every day."

Rally in the Valley

 

"My first time competing in Darin's family's annual 'Rally in the Valley' tournament was in 2002. A hot September day in Quincy and a second place finish. We were so sore the next dya, but sure had a lot of fun."

Daisy at 22 months

 

Remember this post from a few months ago? Well, I decided it needed to be made into a mini-album.

 

I dug out one of my favorite special publications (Album Shortcuts) from one of my favorite scrapbook magazines (Simple Scrapbooks, sob, now out of print) and found a "recipe" to use. This book is full of mini album ideas with great instructions on using them as "recipes" to create your own albums.

 

I grabbed some papers and a package of embellishments from my favorite new collection by American crafts (backyard) because the bright colors and fun prints just suit our little Daisy so well. I used Photoshop to print the photos 2x3 and publisher to make journaling blocks. I had to be careful to match the right amount of horizontal blocks with horizontal photos, but it wasn't too hard.

A little corner rounder action and glue stick and this album came together in a flash.

 

Once the pages were underway I went to my local scrapbooking store to find a 6x6 album. I ended up buying the only one they had, which I really like. Unfortunately the interior pages aren't too sturdy and since Daisy loves to look through this album I have to supervise closely. I'll try to remember that in the future!

 

 

And since my little buddy was supervising as I took pictures of pages and albums, I decided to turn the camera on her and practice a little exposure compensation. Man...how the learning process goes so much easier when you have a willing (and immoble) subject!

 

 

 

quick scrappin'

On Sunday during nap I wanted to do some scrappin', but I didn't feel the creativity quite a flowin'. So I pulled out a little mini-book kit I'd been holding on to for a while, lots of summertime photos, and got to work.

So cool to actually get a whole project done in one day!

Sweet Summer Memories

 

Some of the interior pages:

 

 

 

 

And while we're at it, a few pages I'll be adding to my books today.

"hand?"

 

"One of my favorite things lately is when you reach up and ask for my hand, like you did this day on our walk around camp. Melts me..."

big belly

 

"I had no idea just how BIG my belly was until after DAISY was born and i saw hte pictures from our day at Birch Bay. WOW!"

Say Cheese

 

"I was trying to be all sneaky and use my new fancy lens to get some shots of Miss Daisy as she was playing all by herself so sweetly. But she spotted me and my camera and without either of us saying a word, she flashed this cheesy grin in my direction. Oh boy. Already?"

Baby Shower for Daisy!

 

 

"My friends Peggy, Glenda and Sherry threw me an amazing baby shower at church. We played games, had a touching devotional, ate yummy food (just look at that cake-as tasty as it was beautiful-made by our own church member Randy), and of course, I opened a mound of presents. The friends, family members, and wonderful church ladies who came sure know how to make a mom-to-be feel special."

scrapbook shares

I thought I'd share with you some pages I made at my sister's house a while ago. Sometimes when I don't scrap at home I save the journaling for later, and then it's a while later before they're done.

But since I've been pretty productive lately, I've even got some Christmas pages to share. So I gotta get these ones up!

"Berry Picking"

I made those "branches" on the right with a cricut cartridge I received for my birthday from my sweet hubby.

 

"One of my favorite things as a kid in Port Orchard was picking the delicious and abundant blue huckleberries. Now that we're back Daisy's getting in on the action too. There are lots of berries around camp and she knows just how to get them from the bush and into her mouth. Maybe next year we'll add in a bucket. (10/29/08)"

"READER"

a nice, simple layout

 

"This is a sight often seen around our house. Miss Daisy with a pile of books. She loves to look at the pictures and we often hear her babbling away, doing her own "reading". I hope she will always enjoy reading this much. (Photo 10/10/08)"

"BOY"

another simple one

 

"I tell Darin all the time that we're only having girls. Boys are dirty & rough & smelly. But looking at these pictures of him & Sam, now I'm not so sure..."

"Bowl Heads"

whoops, blurry picture

 

The journaling was taken directly from a blog post: "$1 spot bowls". Love that about this blog!

"Mama Jen"

On this layout I cut the journaling block and just kept writing until I ran our of space. Sometimes I'm more precise about my journaling, but this page didn't call for that.

 

"I was so thrilled when this sweet and deserving girl became a Mom. And it was wonderful to have her visit us in August and watch her as a Mom. Her little Sam was eagerly anticipated, prayed for, and desired. And even though her pregnancy was exhausting it was great to hear her say she is 'enjoying motherhood much more than I thought I would.' I loved watching her love on this little guy while playing, cuddling, and nursing. Mr. Sam is so blessed to have her as his Mama."

"BFFs"

whoops, another blurry one

 

"Our lives have really changed since college--we're all moms now and live way too far apart, we've got husbands and new responsibilities, but we wil Always, Always be best friends. Always. (10/19/08)."

"Learning to Play"

 

"During our trip to Idaho for Amy's baby shower I loved watching Daisy and Noah together. Here they are playing in the fun dirt piles at the Kaufman farm. They are both at the age where they are learning to play with other kids. Noah wasn't so good at sharing, and Daisy was really into the toys he had picked out, so they needed lots of refereeing. But it gives me hope and excitement to watch them together. Someday we'll be able to send these two off (with Noah's sisters and Sam, eventually too) to play while us Moms have some fun times together ourselves. I hope that Daisy can see Jen & Amy's kiddos as her 'cousins' and love visiting them as much as I love visiting their Mamas."

"pumpkin patch"

my first double-pager in a while

 

 

(I think you can read this one!)

Thanks for letting me share.

some scrappy pages

I made these two pages this summer and never shared them with y'all. So I thought while I've got a new stack sitting here to photograph and share, that I'd better get it done.

 

creative weekend

We kept trying to get together with friends this past weekend, but nothing was panning out. So we finally gave in, stayed home, eat good food, watched good movies, and were creative. No pictures were taken, but we had lots of fun.

FRIDAY
Movie: Happy Feet
Verdict: So/So
Penguins are always cute, but the story got old pretty fast. Plus it wasn't nearly as funny as the previews made it out to be. The best parts were when all the penguins were doing some pretty rockin' coreography. We were glad we checked it out from the library for free.
Created: Valentine Sugar Cookies
Verdict: Yummy! The red frosting was great, the white and pink were a little thick. The sprinkles and frosting writers from Target added a lot of fun to the mix.

SATURDAY
Movie: Disturbia
Verdict: Okay
For a remake, it kept us on our toes. A little gory at the end.
Movie: Stardust
Verdict: Fantastic!
We both loved the dead brother commentary the best. Great mix of comedy and drama. And who could resist Robert Dinero in drag?
Created: I finished Daisy's 4 month album and Darin made a card and a bookmark. He dug out some pens and ink that I never knew he had.

SUNDAY
Movie: Meet the Robinsons
Verdict: Great!
We both laughed very very hard. The dinosaur scene showed in previews was even funnier in context. Great story too. And the colors were incredible.
Created: Darin made another card, while I finished the batch of paper with 4 more cards.

Fun weekend for sure! And a great way to use up all our "indoor" time after Daisy went to bed.

2007 highlights

I forgot one of my favorite Christmas traditions when I listed them a few posts below...Our annual scrapbooking! Each year, Mom, Deb, Michelle and I create a double-page spread ("DPS" as we would say in my yearbook days) with highlights from our year. Then we copy the pages and give to each other. This really is the only time Debbie and my Mom scrapbook, so it is a lot of fun for us to gather around and play together.

We missed you Michelle! Hopefully this post will inspire you to get your pages done soon.

Sorry for the quality of the pictures, but I thought I'd share them anyway.

My pages. (Journaling reads: "For 4 years it's been all about us. But not anymore. We spent the first half of the year preparing for her arrival, and the second half totally enamored. This year was all about...DAISY!")

 

Mom's pages. Her highlights include renewing their vows, a new grandbaby, CC dog, and their new home: "Big Sky Montana".

 

Debbie's pages. Her highlights include a trip to New York City, Daisy, family, Mexico, hiking, and joining the cyclocross team.

taking pictures

Last Friday I took a short, 30 min, class at my local scrapbook store (lss).  They were hosting a HUGE crop to benefit the uncompensated fund of Children's Hospital in Seattle.  I couldn't attend the whole thing, so I signed up for the class.  And I am really glad I did.

We made this adorable mini-album that is supposed to feature pictures and journaling of 10 things that make me happy.  The album is done, now I just need pictures.  So, I've been toting my camera around all week to get just the right shots to include in this fun little album about me.  Case in point: last night I made Darin drive around to Target before we had dinner out so I could take a picture of the Target sign, because Target really does make me happy!

You'll have to wait until the album is done to see the pictures and read the stories, but I thought I'd share my ten things list.  Just for fun today, things that make me happy:

Darin
flippies
Target
flowers
scrapbooking
bed
grass
being an aunt/kids
my girls
playing games

Off to AWANA tonight.  Only 5 more club nights this year!  Whoohoo!

baby's a comin soon!

Thought I'd take a break from blogging about our trip to share with you a picture from the baby shower I attended this weekend.  Amy is getting BIG, and can't wait for little Noah to make his appearance.  He's scheduled for April 25, but we'll see if he can wait that long.  I know the Momma is eager to get him out.

The shower was fun, although I only knew a handful of people there.  Mostly it was great catching up with Jen.  It's funny that her life is in exactly the same place as mine right now: up in the air.  They may be moving when her husband finishes his master's degree, moving 8 hours away from their current home (and their families) to Idaho Falls.  Like me, she's finally found some friends in their current town and is uneager to pick it all up and start the process all over again.  I so know EXACTLY where she's at right now.  Funny how life works out that way sometimes. 

Man, though, the tears always flow when we part.  The visit was too short, with both sisters, and I'm excited to say that I'll be getting to see both of them again SOON when Noah arrives.

Some updates for you faithful blog readers:

• I've decided to pull out of Evita.  When we returned from Vacation I was feeling overwhelmed with all the things happening this month, and all the things that I want to do.  And I was worried because Evita was going to suck all my energy and time for 2 months.  Well, that same afternoon I received an email from the Director who wanted to let me know of the work that was in store for me.  Turns out some of the things they tried to schedule around my conflicts just weren't going to work out and besides being already behind, I would miss important rehearsals every week.  She wasn't pushing me out by any means, just being honest.  But I felt like she was giving me a way "out" and I took it.  And I feel a lot better about things.  Happy.  Not stressed.  And I'm not worried about missing this one too much.  Good decision.  A real God thing.
• For those of you who've been dying to find out about Darin and the job thing, for now we're in Bellingham.  He turned down a job possibility at a camp that he loves but is 3 hours plus a ferry ride away from here.  And instead took a great job at a camp just down the road called Lutherwood.  I don't have many details about what he'll be doing but I know he's excited about it.  And I'm excited not to loose my husband for the whole summer.  Keep praying, though, because job offers and decisions will have to be made again as he's looking to graduate this December.
• Haven't scrapbooked in weeks.  Did make a card for little Noah.  Am working on another small project for him too.  But am dying to get out the paper and play.  Just ordered another batch of pictures today.  I just need to kick myself in the butt and GET TO IT!
• I'm up to $13.25 in paying myself for good deeds money. AND I've got a $12 gift certificate to my scrapbook store.  Am dreaming of all the paper I'll be buying soon.
• Last, but not least, I'm looking for a new book to read.  Something not too heavy.  Anyone read anything good lately?

Will continue about the vacation tomorrow.  Until then...

Wanting to Scrapbook

I just love it when my scrapbook magazines arrive in the mail.  I want to sit down and devour them immediately.  I get so inspired by the work and ideas of others.  Yesterday the April Scrapbooks Etc. arrived.  I am LOVING their new format.  I especially love the section where one designer makes a page, and then they discuss how two other designers use that page as inspiration for another one.  Way cool.

So, tonight I'm in the mood to create.  We'll see how that works out after grocery shopping, laundry and dinner.  Plus, I'm really trying to finish my 2003 album.  I've made a deal with myself that for every page I finish in that album I get to create a "me" page.  So I've got to finish my birthday concert before I can move on to a layout I'm dreaming of involving my love of flip-flops (which I've recently heard called "flippies" and I may switch to using that term.  Am loving it.)

If I create, I'll share tomorrow. By the way, for those curious about my "paying myself" plan, so far I've earned $7.75, and have spent $4.50 on an adorable package of scrapbook ribbon that I can't wait to use.

I've got a lot to say, I guess

It seems like I’ve got a lot to say, so I guess I’ll just get right to it:

• Last Saturday we drove down to Redmond to see our favorite band of all time: Jars of Clay, along with a couple other great artists: Sara Groves and Derek Webb.  More about that in a minute.  But, on the way down, we stopped in Edmonds to have dinner with Darin’s dad and step-mom.  Darin had invited them to walk-on the ferry and come meet us.  Those of you who know me, know that it is hard for me to spend any extended amounts of time with this set of Darin’s parents.  I just never really feel comfortable.  But on Saturday it was really different.  I think meeting on neutral ground really helped.  As did the fact that we were enjoying an “adult” activity: dinner with wine at a café.  We laughed, eat, had great conversation, and I left with a smile on my face.  It was a really enjoyable way to spend time with them.  We’ll have to do it again sometime.

• Now, on to the concert review.  WOW!!  I know Jars always puts on a spectacular show, but this one was exceptional.  This is the third Jars concert we’ve seen, and all three have been really different.  This was probably the most typical of a concert (rather than the acoustic and fair versions we’ve previously seen).  And I’ve got to say that they picked two fabulous opening acts.  Our seats were farther back than Darin would have liked (blame me and my procrastination on getting back to my sister about tickets and ordering them), so the pictures are a little shaky.

Derek Webb started the show.  For those of you who are Christian music fans, he used to be a lead singer in the band Caedmon’s Call (he did most of their great ballads).  Don’t really know the situation surrounding his going solo, but he is a great singer and writer.  He was the man on the stage with a mic and his guitar.  Let me tell you, this guy doesn’t shy away from some hard-hitting lyrics.  For example,

Wedding Dress

if you could love me as a wife
and for my wedding gift, your life
should that be all i’ll ever need
or is there more i’m looking for

and should i read between the lines
and look for blessings in disguise
to make me handsome, rich, and wise
is that really what you want

(chorus)
i am a whore i do confess
but i put you on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
i’m a prodigal with no way home
but i put you on just like a ring of gold
and i run down the aisle to you

so could you love this bastard child
though i don’t trust you to provide
with one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in your side
i am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers less wild
that i would take a little cash
over your very flesh and blood

(chorus)

because money cannot buy
a husband’s jealous eye
when you have knowingly deceived his wife

Or this one, Rich Young Ruler

(vs. 1)
poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me

(vs. 2)
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me

(bridge)
because what you do to the least of these
my brother’s, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me

Funny, though, the whole time he was on stage I kept seeing our friend Ben in him.  There were some real similarities in their singing styles and in looks too I guess.

Next up was Sara Groves.  When I saw her listed as an opening act I picked up her CD (on sale, nonetheless).  I really liked the CD, but honestly, it has nothing on seeing this amazing woman live.  She played the piano and sang while a guy on bass and her husband on drums played along.  Her voice is pure and angelic and filled the room with such light.  And her songs too—WOW!  I can’t stop playing the CD since the show.

Here’s my current favorite, You are the Sun

You are the sun shining down on everyone
Light of the world giving light to everything I see
Beauty so brilliant I can hardly take it in
And everywhere you are is warmth and light

And I am the moon with no light of my own
Still you have made me to shine
And as I glow in this cold dark night
I know I canít be a light unless I turn my face to you

You are the sun shining down on everyone
Light of the world giving light to everything I see
Beauty so brilliant I can hardly take it in
And everywhere you are is warmth and light

And I am the moon with no light of my own
Still you have made me to shine
And as I glow in this cold dark night
I know I canít be a light unless I turn my face to you

Shine on me with your light
Without you Iím a cold dark stone
Shine on me I have no light of my own
You are the sun, you are the sun, you are the sun
And I am the moon

LOVED when Matt from Jars of Clay joined her on the album’s title track, “Add to the Beauty.”  That song alone should make you go out and buy this work of art.  Sara just really seems like a cool person, someone I’d like to have as a friend. To go out to coffee or walks with and just talk about life, and love, and God.  Too bad she lives in Minnesota!

And what can I possibly say to express my joy at hearing the Jars boys again?!  Their songs make my heart soar, and their harmonies touch a place deep inside me.  They truly have a gift and are using it to do amazing things.  I sung along with most the songs, and was thrilled (along with my shouting husband) to hear they’re working on a new album. (It’s hard knowing we have to wait until September!)  Found myself in a place of worship and wonder of my creator, a place that I haven’t seen in a long time.  And for that, I am very grateful. 

And a couple got engaged at the show!  The guy goes to the church where the concert was at, and pulled in some serious strings and favors to get invited on stage by lead singer Dan and handed the mic.  Proposed, she cried and said yes, and then Jars serenaded with one of my all-time favorite love-songs, Only Alive.

i'm a fair-weather friend

i'm a colorless view

but i'm willin' to make a deal

if you think you can make some faith here inside

i'll drive off and marry you

Chorus:

i'm only alive with you

i can't get by and i won't get through

so put me in the river and let me say i do

i'm only alive with you

you're a sight for sore eyes

and a newborn cry

in a year where there are so few

if you throw me a line, i'll show you in time

i'm fallin' in love with you

[CHORUS]

though my heart has been torn

the loves i have worn

and i'm tempted by them ever still

i tremble inside when you walk in the room

you hold my affections and will

[CHORUS x 2]

And can I just say, any band that has a member who can rock out on the accordion has got to be cool!  Here's us at the show.  (I kept teasing Darin cuz he was looking at the screen rather than the camera :)

• Saturday night we got home late, so after a full morning at work, we just relaxed at home on Sunday afternoon.  I even finished a scrapbook page!  This one is just for me though.

• Monday night I did a page while watching the Olympics.  Remember those Christmas pictures I was eager to scrap?  Finally got one page done.  How do you like it?

• Last night we had some friends over for dinner.  Ben (remember the Derek Webb look-a-like, that’s him) and Tina and their adorable daughter Chloe.  It’s fun having them over since for the past year plus we’ve always been hanging out at their house (we’re the ones without a tag-a-long).  Darin cooked up an amazing roast in the slow cooker and we enjoyed visiting and eating while Chloe played with the stickers I had culled from my scrapping stuff.  Happy to see these friends again.  Also happy because Tina and I set up a regular walk date on Fridays.  I’m really looking forward to having a regular date with this friend.

A couple cute pictures I got last night.

   

   

• And finally, wanted to share with you great blog-readers my new better-health strategy.  I need to motivate myself to work out and it’s just not happening.  I thought seriously about joining the gym near our house when they had a sale, but was worried I still wouldn’t go.  So, I came up with a new theory.  I will pay myself when I work out!  That’s right, folks, cold hard quarters for working out.  $1.00 per hour.  Isn’t much, but for a girl who loves her little packages of doo-dads and what-nots for scrapbooking, this is perfect.  So far, I’m doing well. Also decided to pay myself for a couple other habits I need to start: brushing, flossing and rinsing ($.25 every time I do all three) and washing off my makeup before bed ($.25 each time).  This is working!  Yipee!  Good habits for me and new scrap supplies.

That’s all for now.  Hope you enjoyed reading.

let's see if Amy reads this blog!

My dear friend (and ex-roomie) Amy has got to be one of the coolest and craziest people I know!  She is a second-year med student and soon-to-be Mommy who lives with her equally nutty husband in Seattle.  (And she's brave enough to post pictures of her beautiful belly on the WWW for all to see!) I LOVE these two and can't wait to catch up when they come for a visit next weekend, a visit induced by the completion of their wedding scrapbook.  I think I mentioned earlier how proud I am of this little sucker.

Darin and I took pictures of the pages on Saturday, just in case (heaven forbid), anything were to happen to the album.  So, for a little preview, here's my favorite and Darin's favorite pages:

So, there's a hint of the color scheme and some of the design.  Can't wait to show them.